Healthcare Staff Perceptions Following Inoculation with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust.

Background: COVID-19 vaccination programmes offer hope for a potential end to the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present perceptions following from a cohort of healthcare staff at the UK NHS hospital, which first initiated the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 ("Pfizer") vaccination program. Methods: A paper-based survey regarding perceptions on the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was distributed to all healthcare workers at the University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust following receipt of the first vaccine dose. Results: 535 healthcare workers completed the survey, with a 40.9% response rate. Staff felt privileged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Staff reported that they had minimised contact with patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Reported changes to activity following vaccination both at work and outside work were guarded. Statistically significant differences were noted between information sources used by staff groups and between groups of different ethnic backgrounds to inform decisions to receive vaccination. Conclusions: NHS staff felt privileged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and felt that their actions would promote uptake in the wider population. Concerns regarding risks and side effects existed, but were minimal. This research can be used to help inform strategies driving wider vaccine uptake amongst healthcare staff and the public.

Diagnostic value of vena contracta area in the quantification of mitral regurgitation severity by color Doppler 3D echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Accurate quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) is important for patient treatment and prognosis. Three-dimensional echocardiography allows for the direct measure of the regurgitant orifice area (ROA) by 3D-guided planimetry of the vena contracta area (VCA). We aimed to (1) establish 3D VCA ranges and cutoff values for MR grading, using the American Society of Echocardiography-recommended 2D integrative method as a reference, and (2) compare 2D and 3D methods of ROA to establish a common calibration for MR grading. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-three patients with at least mild MR underwent 2D and 3D echocardiography. Direct planimetry of VCA was performed by 3D echocardiography. Two-dimensional quantification of MR included 2D ROA by proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method, vena contracta width, and ratio of jet area to left atrial area. There were significant differences in 3D VCA among patients with different MR grades. As assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis, 3D VCA at a best cutoff value of 0.41 cm(2) yielded 97% of sensitivity and 82% of specificity to differentiate moderate from severe MR. There was significant difference between 2D ROA and 3D VCA in patients with functional MR, resulting in an underestimation of ROA by 2D PISA method by 27% as compared with 3D VCA. Multivariable regression analysis showed functional MR as etiology was the only predictor of underestimation of ROA by the 2D PISA method. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional VCA provides a single, directly visualized, and reliable measurement of ROA, which classifies MR severity comparable to current clinical practice using the American Society of Echocardiography-recommended 2D integrative method. The 3D VCA method improves accuracy of MR grading compared with the 2D PISA method by eliminating geometric and flow assumptions, allowing for uniform clinical grading cutoffs and ranges that apply regardless of etiology and orifice shape.

A worthwhile investment: research-council scientists speak out.

This article looks at the work of two of the UK's research councils and the way their funding contributes to science at large, and to the scientists themselves. Nina Morgan talks to three scientists from the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and three from the Natural Environment Research Council about their interests and enthusiasms.