Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johanna Palcu, Martin Schreier, Chris Janiszewski
Summary: This paper proposes a strategy of personalizing facial masks to encourage people to wear them, and three studies show that this approach increases mask wearing intentions and the percentage of individuals who wear facial masks.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan Baxter-King, Jacob R. Brown, Ryan D. Enos, Arash Naeim, Lynn Vavreck
Summary: The adoption of prosocial behavior, specifically mask-wearing, is influenced by the local partisan composition, with Republicans being less likely to wear masks in public as the share of Republicans in their zip codes increases. However, this partisan context does not affect Democratic mask-wearing. These effects are distinct from other contextual factors and do not extend to non-politicized behaviors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ankush Asri, Viola Asri, Baiba Renerte, Franziska Foellmi-Heusi, Joerg D. Leuppi, Juergen Muser, Reto Nueesch, Dominik Schuler, Urs Fischbacher
Summary: Human behavior, such as mask wearing during the pandemic, can have impacts on oneself and others. Research shows that motivations for mask wearing vary with age, with older individuals being driven by self-regarding risk preferences while younger individuals are also influenced by other-regarding concerns. The findings have implications for effectively communicating public-health recommendations to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Woodcock, P. Wesley Schultz
Summary: A study in fall 2020 found that only 50% of individuals were correctly wearing masks in public, and this behavior was influenced by the mask-wearing behavior of others nearby. It was discussed how social normative information could be utilized to increase mask-wearing behavior.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Witold Wiecek, Amrita Ahuja, Esha Chaudhuri, Michael Kremer, Alexandre Simoes Gomes, Christopher M. Snyder, Alex Tabarrok, Brandon Joel Tan
Summary: Due to the high economic, health, and social costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in multiple approaches to accelerate vaccination can lead to significant social returns. Lowering the dosage of some COVID-19 vaccines may generate high levels of protection and potentially expand vaccine supply. Even if fractional doses are less effective than standard doses, vaccinating more people faster could substantially reduce total infections and deaths. Governments should consider providing public investment to support research and evaluation on fractional dosing.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura C. Rosella, Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb, Sonia Sennik, Janice Stein
Summary: This study reports the establishment of a workplace frequent rapid antigen test (RAT) program in Canada, which effectively mitigated COVID-19 transmission in workplaces and received high ratings from employers.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Seung Eun Cha, Xyle Ku, Incheol Choi
Summary: With the emergence of the post-COVID era, wearing face masks has become a personal choice. This article examines the role of self-perceived facial attractiveness in predicting mask-wearing intention and its mechanism. The findings suggest that individuals with higher self-perceived attractiveness are less willing to wear a mask due to a weaker belief in the enhancement of their attractiveness through mask-wearing. Additionally, the study reveals that this relationship is stronger in situations where the need to make a favorable impression is high.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rong Chen, Bih-Jen Fwu, Tong-Rong Yang, Yi-Kai Chen, Quang-Anh Ngo Tran
Summary: This research challenges three myths about mask-wearing and reveals a significant positive correlation between mask-wearing and other preventive behaviors. It also finds that knowledge of COVID-19 and trust in government significantly predict mask-wearing behavior.
Article
Immunology
Rebecca Earnest, Christine Chen, Chrispin Chaguza, Anne M. Hahn, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Madeline S. Wilson
Summary: We evaluated daily rapid antigen test data from COVID-19-positive university students in Connecticut, USA, during the Omicron-dominant period. The study found that the positivity rate decreased by approximately half each subsequent day for less-frequent screeners. Testing negative more than 10 days before diagnosis and prior infection more than 90 days were associated with shorter RAT positivity duration, while symptoms before or at diagnosis and receipt of 3 vaccine doses were associated with prolonged positivity. Exit RATs allowed a significant number of students to leave isolation early, although a percentage remained positive beyond the recommended isolation period.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jonas T. Kaplan, Anthony Vaccaro, Max Henning, Leonardo Christov-Moore
Summary: When communicating political issues, resonating with the moral values of the receiver can be effective, known as moral reframing. This study tested the relationship between moral values and mask-wearing in liberals, conservatives, and moderates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anti-mask attitudes were stronger in conservatives and were associated with concerns for in-group loyalty, national identity, and personal liberty. Messages framed in terms of loyalty were effective in reducing anti-mask beliefs among conservatives, and participants who saw these messages reported wearing masks more frequently in the subsequent week.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Luca Padua, Letizia Castelli, Dario M. Gatto, Keichii Hokkoku, Giuseppe Reale, Roberta Pastorino, Claudia Loreti, Silvia Giovannini
Summary: This study aims to investigate the occurrence of neuropathic pain related to facemask use. It found that wearing facemasks intensively can worsen pre-existing headaches and trigger new headaches. The study used a questionnaire to collect information on the type of facemasks, wearing time and manner, side effects, and symptoms of neuropathic pain.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Jwen Fai Low, Benjamin C. M. Fung, Farkhund Iqbal
Summary: COVID-19 presents an opportunity to examine public acceptance of universal masking, a healthcare intervention that is unfamiliar to many in the Anglosphere. Through the analysis of over two million tweets, we observed the strategies used by supporters and opponents of masking, as well as the key themes driving the discussion. Initially, pro-mask tweets dominated Twitter, but they were later challenged by anti-mask tweets. Engagement metrics favored pro-mask tweets at first, but gradually shifted towards anti-mask tweets. Furthermore, our analysis suggests the possibility of platform owners suppressing certain aspects of the mask-wearing debate.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wanwisa Deenin, Abdulhadee Yakoh, Umaporn Pimpitak, Ekawat Pasomsub, Sirirat Rengpipat, Gaston A. Crespo, Sudkate Chaiyo
Summary: In this study, a new highly sensitive and selective COVID-19 diagnostic device was developed by combining the principle of ATKs with electrochemical detection, allowing quantification using a smartphone. The device utilized a screen-printed electrode inside a lateral flow device to exploit the binding affinity between SARS-CoV-2 antigen and ACE2. Electrochemical assay signal intensity on smartphones increased proportionally to the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antigen. The sensor demonstrated excellent performance in assessing and screening COVID-19 and can be used to accurately verify diagnostic data while remaining rapid, simple, and inexpensive.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zeting Liu, Huixuan Zhou, Ningxin Ding, Jihua Jia, Xinhua Su, Hong Ren, Xiao Hou, Wei Zhang, Chenzhe Liu
Summary: This study used the generalized SEIR model and the Wells-Riley model to estimate the effects of vaccination, nucleic acid testing, and face mask wearing on audience infection control during the 2021 Chinese Football Association Super League. The results showed that the combined use of these three strategies could effectively reduce the risk of audience infection and provide a balance between audience experiences and COVID-19 infection control during sports events.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Monica Biggio, Ambra Bisio, Valentina Bruno, Francesca Garbarini, Marco Bove
Summary: In this study, it was found through experimental testing of comfort distance that interpersonal space is greater when wearing a mask. The increase in interpersonal space without a mask is related to anxiety traits, rather than transient factors related to the pandemic. Additionally, contextual adaptation of interpersonal space occurs when elements related to the actual pandemic situation are present.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Victor Moreno-Torres, Carmen de Mendoza, Maria Martinez-Urbistondo, Patricia Mills, Ana Trevino, Sara de la Fuente, Alberto Diaz de Santiago, Jorge Calderon-Parra, Ilduara Pintos-Pascual, Manuel Corpas, Vicente Soriano
Summary: HIV-infected patients hospitalized in Spain with COVID-19 during 2020 had lower mortality rate compared to HIV-negatives, likely due to younger age and lower rate of comorbidities. However, advanced liver disease was a major predictor of death in HIV-infected patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
QJM-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ana Trevino, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: It has been ten years since the identification of NTCP as the cell surface receptor for HBV and HDV entry into hepatocytes. Bulevirtide (BLV) has been developed as a potential inhibitor of NTCP-HBV/HDV binding and has shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. Combination therapies with BLV and other anti-HBV/HDV agents are expected to lead to a cure for hepatitis delta in the near future.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Carmen De Mendoza, Octavio Corral, Pablo Barreiro
Summary: Coinfection with hepatitis viruses A to E is frequent and causes significant morbidity and mortality in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Hepatitis A and E mainly produce acute self-limited episodes in poor income regions and non-vaccinated travelers. Chronic hepatitis B, C, and D are frequent in PLWH in highly endemic regions and globally in persons who inject drugs and men having sex with men. Rating: 8 out of 10.
News Item
Immunology
Pablo Barreiro, Victor Moreno-Torres, Vicente Soriano
Article
Immunology
Victor Moreno-Torres, Vicente Soriano, Jorge Calderon-Parra, Maria Martinez-Urbistondo, Ana Trevino, Zayrho de San Vicente, Carmen de Mendoza, Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
Summary: A retrospective nationwide observational analysis in Spain found an increased incidence of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) and associated stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. The study compared hospital admissions for GCA between pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) years. The incidence of GCA and GCA-associated stroke was higher during the pandemic years, particularly during the third wave of COVID-19 and the third dose vaccination in patients older than 70. The findings suggest a potential link between COVID-19 and mRNA-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with an increased risk of GCA and stroke.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ana Trevino, Pablo Barreiro, Fernando de Jesus, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: HCV and HIV are highly prevalent infections worldwide. Oral antivirals can cure HCV and slow down disease progression in HIV patients. However, dual therapy for HCV and HIV presents challenges such as drug-related side effects, hepatitis B reactivation, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndromes (IRIS), and drug-drug interactions (DDI).
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Carla T. Toro, Agatha Payne, Tabitha Jackson, Sean Russell, Guy Daly, Glenn Waller, Caroline Meyer
Summary: CBT-T is a brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for non-underweight eating disorders. This report describes the findings from a feasibility trial of online CBT-T in the workplace as an alternative to health service settings. The trial showed high feasibility and acceptability with positive impacts on eating pathology, anxiety, depression, and work outcomes. Rating: 8/10
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Javier Arranz-Herrero, Jesus Presa, Sergio Rius-Rocabert, Alberto Utrero-Rico, Jose Angel Arranz-Arija, Antonio Lalueza, Maria M. Escribese, Jordi Ochando, Vicente Soriano, Estanislao Nistal-Villan
Summary: The clinical burden of influenza is increasing worldwide, with bacterial infections being the main cause of complications and poor clinical outcomes. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common microorganisms causing bacterial infections in patients with influenza. Early diagnosis and use of antibiotics can improve outcomes in this population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Vicente Soriano, Antonio Aguilera, Rafael Benito, Rocio Gonzalez-Diez, Elisenda Miro, Paloma Liendo, Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, Teresa Cabezas, Alberto Richart, Jose Manuel Ramos, Luisa Barea, Carmen Alvarez, Ana Trevino, Felix Gomez-Gallego, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: In Spain, the proportion of adults vaccinated against hepatitis B is still low, with approximately 60% of adults at risk for hepatitis B. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct HBV serological testing and administer HBV vaccines or boosters to all adults.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
V Moreno-Torres, V Soriano
QJM-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Carmen de Mendoza, Ariadna Rando, Elisenda Miro, Maria Jose Pena, Iciar Rodriguez-Avial, Diego Ortega, Alejandro Gonzalez-Praetorius, Gabriel Reina, Ilduara Pintos, Maria Jose Pozuelo, Vicente Soriano
Summary: The rate of ATLL is very low in Spain and mostly associated with migrants from HTLV-1 endemic regions. ATLL patients have a poor clinical outcome, with most of them dying within one year. In Spain, HTLV-1 testing should be performed on migrants from HTLV-1 endemic countries and natives who have lived in or had sex partners from such regions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Jose Manuel Ramos-Rincon, Hector Pinargote-Celorio, Carmen de Mendoza, Clara Ramos-Belinchon, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ana Trevino, Pablo Barreiro, Octavio Corral, Vicente Soriano
Summary: Hospitalizations due to viral hepatitis significantly declined in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients admitted with viral hepatitis experienced a greater mortality during the pandemic period. Deaths were more pronounced when co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 despite having advanced liver disease less frequently.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manuel Corpas, Carmen de Mendoza, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ilduara Pintos, Pedro Seoane, James R. Perkins, Juan A. G. Ranea, Segun Fatumo, Tamas Korcsmaros, Jose Manuel Martin-Villa, Pablo Barreiro, Octavio Corral, Vicente Soriano
Summary: Characterization of host genetic factors contributing to COVID-19 severity reveals a possible role of T cell response dysfunction, as indicated by the identification of variants in the T cell receptor beta locus associated with severe COVID-19.
Article
Immunology
Oskar Ayerdi, Rafael Benito, Diego Ortega, Antonio Aguilera, Natalia Montiel, Ilduara Pintos, Alberto Diaz de Santiago, Begona Baza, Vicente Soriano, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: The prevalence of HTLV infection among individuals with STIs in Spain is 0.5%, higher than in the general population. These results suggest the need for universal HTLV screening in individuals attending clinics for STIs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Carmen de-Mendoza, Leire Perez, Ariadna Rando, Gabriel Reina, Antonio Aguilera, Rafael Benito, Jose Maria Eiros, Itziar Rodriguez-Avial, Diego Ortega, Maria Jose Pozuelo, Maria Jose Pena, Vicente Soriano
Summary: HAM is the most common clinical manifestation of HTLV-1 infection in Spain, and it mainly affects middle-aged women migrants from Latin America. Despite the use of antiretroviral therapy, two thirds of HAM patients end up in a wheelchair.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
