Response of PM2.5 chemical composition to the emission reduction and meteorological variation during the COVID-19 lockdown.

PM2.5 is a main atmospheric pollutant with various sources and complex chemical compositions, which are influenced by various factors, such as anthropogenic emissions (AE) and meteorological conditions (MC). MC have a significant impacts on variations in atmospheric pollutant; therefore, emission reduction policies and ambient air quality are non-linearly correlated, which hinders the accurate assessment of the effectiveness of control measures. In this study, we conducted online observations of PM2.5 and its chemical composition in Hohhot, China, from December 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020, to investigate how the chemical compositions of PM2.5 respond to the variations in AE and MC. Moreover, the random forest (RF) model was used to quantify the contributions of AE and MC to PM2.5 and its chemical composition during severe hazes and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. During the clean period, MC reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 124%, while MC incresed PM2.5 concentrations by 49% during severe pollution episode. Inorganic aerosols (SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+) showed the strongest response to MC. MC significantly contributed to PM2.5 (36%), SO42- (32%), NO3- (29%), NH4+ (28%), OC (22%), and SOC (17%) levels during pollution episodes. From the pre-lockdown to lockdown period, AE (MC) contributed 52% (48%), 81% (19%), 48% (52%), 68% (32%), 59% (41%), and 288% (-188%) to the PM2.5, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, OC, and SOC reductions, respectively. The variations in MC (especially the increase in relative humidity) rapidly generated meteorologically sensitive species (SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+), which led to severe winter pollution. This study provides a reference for assessing the net benefits of emission reduction measures for PM2.5 and its chemical compositions.

What has a year of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced oral parafunctional habits and temporomandibular disorders? A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies investigated the influence of oral parafunctional habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since some studies have demonstrated that signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), as well as psychological alterations, increased during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the aim of this study was to investigate whether social isolation is a situation that increases the prevalence of oral parafunctional habits. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study. An online survey with questions about TMD symptoms (Diagnostic Criteria Symptom Questionnaire) and oral parafunctional habits (Oral Behaviours Checklist [OBC]) was administered to Brazilian residents at two different times (2020 and 2021). The participants were divided according to social isolation practices into study groups (GI: 2020, n = 507; GIII: 2021, n = 282) and control groups (GII: 2020, n = 98; GIV: 2021, n = 202). RESULT: In each group, we evaluated the association of the frequency of oral parafunctional habits with the symptoms of TMD, and we observed that individuals with a greater presence of painful TMD present a greater number of oral parafunctional habits. Despite the literature showing that individuals who practiced social isolation developed more oral parafunctional habits, when analysing the association of the OBC questions in Groups GI × GII and GIII × GIV, only 'sustained talking' (p = .0022) and 'hold telephone between your hand and shoulders' (p = .0124) showed a significant difference in GI × GII. Kendall's coefficient of concordance revealed that there was a very strong concordance (GI × GII 0.9515 (p = .0087) and GIII × GIV 0.9655 (p = .0074)) between the ranks of the analysed oral parafunctional habits in all groups. CONCLUSION: We can state that Individuals who practiced social isolation did not present more oral parafunctional habits than individuals who did not.

Burnout, Engagement, and Resilience During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Keys to a Model for Teachers' Self-Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation measures by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted teaching work. In an "Emergency Remote Teaching" (ERT) context, it is relevant to investigate the factors that affect teachers' self-efficacy. METHODS: A total of 289 teachers from schools in southern Spain have participated in this study. They have been asked about their levels of burnout, engagement, and resilience. Comparisons were made by groups in accordance with sex, type of center they belonged to, school social context, and educational level in which the teacher taught. Using a Structural Equations Model, the multivariate relationships between the variables related to burnout, engagement, and resilience were described. RESULTS: During the ERT, teachers' self-efficacy was influenced by the 3 factors: burnout-exhaustion and cynicism-engagement, and resilience. During the ERT, the teachers in semi-private and private centers showed greater self-efficacy. In turn, the teachers in childhood and primary education showed a significantly higher level of work engagement than the teachers in compulsory and post-compulsory secondary education. CONCLUSIONS: The results in relation to ERT are discussed in the context of the exceptionality and universal globality of the pandemic phenomenon and the complex self-perception of the social value of the teaching function.

Psychometric properties of anxiety sensitivity Index-3 among Chinese college students and its preliminary application among this population experiencing campus lockdown.

PURPOSE: Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to fear of anxiety-related sensory arousal and has been revealed to be associated with increased psychological distress and mental problems. Although Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) has been confirmed to be effective in evaluating this construct, whether it is consistently applicable in college students is still elusive. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of Chinese version of ASI-3 (C-ASI-3) among college students experiencing campus lockdown due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: A total of 1532 Chinese college students (397, 25.9% males) aged between 16 and 25 were included in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to verify the factor structure of C-ASI-3. Multi-group CFA was conducted for analysis of measurement invariance with regard to gender. McDonald's omega values were computed for examination of scale reliability. For criterion, convergent, and divergent validity, average variance extracted (AVE) values for C-ASI-3 subscales, difference between square root of AVE for each factor and inter-factor correlation, as well as pearson correlation and partial correlation between the C-ASI-3 and other three scales, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19 S) were evaluated. RESULTS: The C-ASI-3 presented a three-factor scale structure with fit indices being as follows: χ2/df = 11.590, CFI = 0.938, RMSEA = 0.083, SRMR = 0.042. Strict measurement invariance was reached across gender. Regarding convergent validity, the C-ASI-3 had a high correlation with the DASS-21 (r = 0.597, p < 0.01) and the STAI (r = 0.504, p < 0.01). All AVE values for C-ASI-3 subscales were above 0.5. In terms of divergent validity, the C-ASI-3 had medium correlation with the FCV-19 S (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). Square of root of AVE for each factor was higher that inter-factor correlation. McDonald's omega values of the three dimensions ranged from 0.898 ~ 0.958. CONCLUSION: The C-ASI-3 has acceptable psychometric properties among college students. College students with different gender have consistent understanding on the scale construct.

The determinants of mental health inequalities between Chinese migrants and non-migrants during the Shanghai 2022 lockdown: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition.

BACKGROUND: The mental health inequality between migrants and non-migrants was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying key determinants of this inequality is essential in promoting health equity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited Shanghai residents by purposive sampling during the city-wide lockdown (from April 29 to June 1, 2022) using an online questionnaire. Migration statuses (non-migrants, permanent migrants, and temporary migrants) were identified by migration experience and by household registration in Shanghai. Mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, loneliness, and problematic anger) were assessed by self-report scales. The nonlinear Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition was used to quantify mental health inequality (i.e., differences in predicted probabilities between migration groups) and the contribution of expected correlates (i.e., change in predicted probability associated with variation in the correlate divided by the group difference). RESULTS: The study included 2738 participants (771 [28.2%] non-migrants; 389 [14.2%] permanent migrants; 1578 [57.6%] temporary migrants). We found inequalities in depression (7.1%) and problematic anger (7.8%) between permanent migrants and non-migrants, and inequalities in anxiety (7.3%) and loneliness (11.3%) between temporary migrants and non-migrants. When comparing permanent migrants and non-migrants, age and social capital explained 12.7% and 17.1% of the inequality in depression, and 13.3% and 21.4% of the inequality in problematic anger. Between temporary migrants and non-migrants, age and social capital also significantly contributed to anxiety inequality (23.0% and 18.2%) and loneliness inequality (26.5% and 16.3%), while monthly household income (20.4%) and loss of monthly household income (34.0%) contributed the most to anxiety inequality. CONCLUSIONS: Significant inequalities in depression and problematic anger among permanent migrants and inequalities in anxiety and loneliness among temporary migrants were observed. Strengthening social capital and economic security can aid in public health emergency preparedness and promote mental health equity among migrant populations.

Sleep, Mental Health, and the Need for Physical and Real-Life Social Contact with (Non-)Family Members during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bayesian Network Analysis.

Background/Objectives: The forced social isolation implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus was accompanied by a worsening of mental health, an increase in insomnia symptoms, and the emergence of 'skin hunger'-an increased longing for personal touch. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the interconnection between sleep, mental health, and the need for physical (NPC) and real-life social contact (NRL-SC). Methods: A total of 2827 adults participated in an online survey during the second COVID-19 lockdown. A Bayesian Gaussian copula graphical model (BGCGM) and a Bayesian-directed acyclic graph (DAG) were estimated, and mixed ANOVAs were carried out. Results: NPC with non-family members (t(2091) = 12.55, p < 0.001, d = 0.27) and relational lifestyle satisfaction (t(2089) = 13.62, p < 0.001, d = 0.30) were lower during the second lockdown than before the pandemic. In our BGCGM, there were weak positive edges between the need for PC and RL-SC on one hand and sleep and mental health on the other. Conclusions: During the second lockdown, people craved less physical contact with non-family members and were less satisfied with their relational lifestyle than before the pandemic. Individuals with a greater need for PC and RL-SC reported poorer mental health (i.e., worry, depression, and mental fatigue).

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Emergency Medical Service Utilisation, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Volume-An Australian Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volume declined during periods of COVID-19 lockdown internationally in 2020. The effect of lockdown on emergency medical service (EMS) utilisation, and PCI volume during the initial phase of the pandemic in Australia has not been well described. METHOD: We analysed data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR), a state-wide PCI registry, linked with the Ambulance Victoria EMS registry. PCI volume, 30-day major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, unplanned revascularisation, and stroke), and EMS utilisation were compared over four time periods: lockdown (26 Mar 2020-12 May 2020); pre-lockdown (26 Feb 2020-25 Mar 2020); post-lockdown (13 May 2020-10 Jul 2020); and the year prior (26 Mar 2019-12 May 2019). Interrupted time series analysis was performed to assess PCI trends within and between consecutive periods. RESULTS: The EMS utilisation for ACS during lockdown was higher compared with other periods: lockdown 39.4% vs pre-lockdown 29.7%; vs post-lockdown 33.6%; vs year prior 27.1%; all p<0.01. Median daily PCI cases were similar: 31 (IQR 10, 38) during lockdown; 39 (15, 49) pre-lockdown; 39.5 (11, 44) post-lockdown; and, 42 (10, 49) the year prior; all p>0.05. Median door-to-procedure time for ACS indication during lockdown was shorter at 3 hours (1.2, 20.6) vs pre-lockdown 3.9 (1.7, 21); vs post-lockdown 3.5 (1.5, 21.26); and, the year prior 3.5 (1.5, 23.7); all p<0.05. Lockdown period was associated with lower odds for 30-day MACCE compared to pre-lockdown (odds ratio [OR] 0.55 [0.33-0.93]; p=0.026); post-lockdown (OR 0.66; [0.40-1.06]; p=0.087); and the year prior (OR 0.55 [0.33-0.93]; p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to international trends, EMS utilisation for ACS increased during lockdown but PCI volumes remained similar throughout the initial stages of the pandemic in Victoria, with no observed adverse effect on 30-day MACCE during lockdown. These data suggest that the public health response in Victoria was not associated with poorer quality cardiovascular care in patients receiving PCI.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on Body Mass Index: a three-year follow up study in 6,156 Chinese college students.

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 as the most pervasive and consequential pandemic in recent years, has exerted significant impacts on human health, including aspects related to body weight. Objectives: This study aims to assess the influence of the lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese college students' Body Mass Index (BMI) through a three-year cohort study. Methods: We recruited 6156 college students (n = 4,248, 69% male, and n = 1,908, 31% female, with an average age of 18.68 ± 0.86 yr.) from a University in China to participate in this three-year cohort study. All of the subjects took the same physical fitness tests from 2019 to 2021 (pre-lockdown, during lockdown and post-lockdown). Participants' height and weight data were objectively measured by Tongfang Health Fitness Testing Products 5000 series. A paired t-test was performed in the analysis. Results: During the lockdown, there is 4.2% increase of BMI among the college student (p<0.001). Moreover, males had a greater overall mean BMI rate increase of 4.74% (p<0.001) than females (2.86%, p<0.001). After the lockdown, there is 0.94% increase of BMI among the college student (p<0.001). However, females had a greater overall mean BMI rate increase of 1.49% (p<0.001) than males (0.72%, p<0.001). During this period, the obese and overweight group's growth rate from 2019 to 2020 was smaller than the normal and underweight group, which were 2.94% (p<0.001), 3.90% (p<0.001), 4.44% (p<0.001) and 5.25% (p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: BMI increased both during and post-lockdown periods among Chinese college students. However, during the lockdown, participants with higher BMI groups appeared to have a diminished BMI growth rate compared to those with lower BMI. After the lockdown, participants with higher BMI levels appeared to have an augmented BMI growth rate. Public policy action is needed to increase the level of physical activity of Chinese college students and take action to improve students' physical fitness performance after the lockdown.

Associations of insulin sensitivity and immune inflammatory responses with child blood lead (Pb) and PM2.5 exposure at an e-waste recycling area during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Fine particular matter (PM2.5) and lead (Pb) exposure can induce insulin resistance, elevating the likelihood of diabetes onset. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. Consequently, we assessed the association of PM2.5 and Pb exposure with insulin resistance and inflammation biomarkers in children. A total of 235 children aged 3-7 years in a kindergarten in e-waste recycling areas were enrolled before and during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Daily PM2.5 data was collected and used to calculate the individual PM2.5 daily exposure dose (DED-PM2.5). Concentrations of whole blood Pb, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in serum were measured. Compared with that before COVID-19, the COVID-19 lockdown group had lower DED-PM2.5 and blood Pb, higher serum HMGB1, and lower blood glucose and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Decreased DED-PM2.5 and blood Pb levels were linked to decreased levels of fasting blood glucose and increased serum HMGB1 in all children. Increased serum HMGB1 levels were linked to reduced levels of blood glucose and HOMA-IR. Due to the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures, e-waste dismantling activities and exposure levels of PM2.5 and Pb declined, which probably reduced the association of PM2.5 and Pb on insulin sensitivity and diabetes risk, but a high level of risk of chronic low-grade inflammation remained. Our findings add new evidence for the associations among PM2.5 and Pb exposure, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which could be a possible explanation for diabetes related to environmental exposure.

Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Training in the Pandemic Era: Feasibility, Satisfaction, and the Road Ahead.

INTRODUCTION: Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are essential assessments for evaluating the clinical competencies of medical students. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant disruption in medical education, prompting institutions to adopt virtual formats for academic activities. This study analyzes the feasibility, satisfaction, and experiences of pediatric board candidates and faculty during virtual or electronic OSCE (e-OSCE) training sessions using Zoom video communication (Zoom Video Communications, Inc., San Jose, USA). METHODS: This is a post-event survey assessing the perceptions of faculty and candidates and the perceived advantages and obstacles of e-OSCE. RESULTS: A total of 142 participants were invited to complete a post-event survey, and 105 (73.9%) completed the survey. There was equal gender representation. More than half of the participants were examiners. The overall satisfaction with the virtual e-OSCE was high, with a mean score of 4.7±0.67 out of 5. Most participants were likely to recommend e-OSCE to a friend or colleague (mean score 8.84±1.51/10). More faculty (66.1%) than candidates (40.8%) preferred e-OSCE (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Transitioning to virtual OSCE training during the pandemic proved feasible, with high satisfaction rates. Further research on virtual training for OSCE in medical education is recommended to optimize its implementation and outcomes.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of COVID-19 Pandemic City Lockdown: Insights From Nighttime Light Remote Sensing.

The global COVID-19 outbreak severely hampered the growth of the global economy, prompting the implementation of the strictest prevention policies in China. Establishing a significant relationship between changes in nighttime light and COVID-19 lockdowns from a geospatial perspective is essential. In light of nighttime light remote sensing, we evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamic effects of COVID-19 city lockdowns on human activity intensity in the Zhengzhou region. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, nighttime light in the Zhengzhou region maintained a significant growth trend, even under regular control measures. However, following the October 2022 COVID-19 lockdown, nighttime light experienced a substantial decrease. In the central area of Zhengzhou, nighttime light decreased by at least 18% compared to pre-lockdown levels, while in the sub-center, the decrease was around 14%. The areas where nighttime light decreased the most in the central region were primarily within a 15 km radius, while in the sub-center, the decrease was concentrated within a 5 km radius. These changes in both statistical data and nighttime light underscored the significant impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on economic activities in the Zhengzhou region.

A longitudinal study of child adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic: the protective role of the parent-child relationship in middle childhood.

This longitudinal study assessed how parent-child relationship quality during the first COVID-19 lockdown was related to changes in internalizing, externalizing, and sleep problems during the first months of the pandemic: during lockdown, partial deconfinement, and total deconfinement. Participants included 167 children (9-12 year) and their parents recruited in the province of Quebec, Canada. Child behavior problems decreased between lockdown and the two deconfinement assessments, but more sleep and behavior problems were associated with lower levels of relationship quality (more conflict, less closeness, and more insecure attachment). Significant interaction effects showed that changes in externalizing and sleep problems varied as a function of parent-child relationship. Results support the critical importance of the parent-child relationship with regard to child adjustment in middle childhood in times of crisis such as a pandemic. They also highlight resilience in children aged 9 to 12, with a decrease in problems over time.

Substance Use Disorder Admission Rates Before and After the Lockdown in a Large Addiction Center in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the potential changes in substance use disorder (SUD) admission rates before and after the lockdown in a major addiction center in Saudi Arabia. Method: This retrospective cohort study extracted data from Al-Amal Hospital Electronic Health Record in the city of Dammam, Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 2,426 cases included in the analysis for patients who received services from the SUD treatment programs from 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2021. Results: Before the pandemic, there was a consistent increase in the admission rates for patients with substance use disorder. The highest proportion of increase were among unemployed, young, newly admitted patients. During lockdown, there was nearly a 70% reduction in SUDs-related admission rate. The age group 18-25 was seven-times more likely to be admitted for SUD after the lockdown. Amphetamine-related admissions were two times more likely to be admitted after the lockdown (Odds ratio (OR) 2.04; confidence interval (CI) 95%[1.64, 2.54]). Conclusions: There was nearly 70% reduction in SUDs admission rates during the lockdown. After the lockdown, a significant proportional increase in amphetamine use disorder admissions was observed mostly among the patients age group 18-24 with a history of a previous admissions. Determining populations at risk for high health care utilization is crucial in building a comprehensive and effective prevention strategy. Therefore, the need to adopt coordinated strategies and innovative, comprehensive approaches to benefit individuals with SUD is imperative to face the increased rate of SUD related admissions.

Agent-based modeling to estimate the impact of lockdown scenarios and events on a pandemic exemplified on SARS-CoV-2.

In actual pandemic situations like COVID-19, it is important to understand the influence of single mitigation measures as well as combinations to create most dynamic impact for lockdown scenarios. Therefore we created an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in an abstract city model with several types of places and agents. In comparison to infection numbers in Germany our ABM could be shown to behave similarly during the first wave. In our model, we implemented the possibility to test the effectiveness of mitigation measures and lockdown scenarios on the course of the pandemic. In this context, we focused on parameters of local events as possible mitigation measures and ran simulations, including varying size, duration, frequency and the proportion of events. The majority of changes to single event parameters, with the exception of frequency, showed only a small influence on the overall course of the pandemic. By applying different lockdown scenarios in our simulations, we could observe drastic changes in the number of infections per day. Depending on the lockdown strategy, we even observed a delayed peak in infection numbers of the second wave. As an advantage of the developed ABM, it is possible to analyze the individual risk of single agents during the pandemic. In contrast to standard or adjusted ODEs, we observed a 21% (with masks) / 48% (without masks) increased risk for single reappearing participants on local events, with a linearly increasing risk based on the length of the events.

Automated local lockdowns for SARS-CoV-2 epidemic control-assessment of effect by controlled interrupted time series analysis.

Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, broad non-pharmaceutical interventions such as national lockdowns were effective but had significant drawbacks, prompting targeted approaches, such as Denmark's localized lockdowns, based on specific epidemiological criteria. This study evaluates the effect of Denmark's automated local lockdown strategy on epidemic control to inform future response. Methods: This was a register-based controlled interrupted time series analysis, examining SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in Danish parishes from March to September 2021. The matching of control parishes was based on location, time, and pre-lockdown infection trends, with the lockdown's start defined as the day after a parish exceeded the lockdown criteria. Follow-up included 3-week pre-lockdown and 2-week post-lockdown. Results: A total of 30 parishes were mandated to lockdown, approximately 3.5% of the population of Denmark. A total of 94 control parishes were used as 109 controls. The decrease in the incidence during the 2-week follow-up period after the initiation of the lockdown was 13% points higher in case parishes: in case parishes, the incidence was reduced by 78% compared with 65% in control parishes. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that local lockdowns did have a positive effect in mitigating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, making them valuable in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and an important alternative to national lockdowns.

A Metric of Societal Burden Based on Virus Succession to Determine Economic Losses and Health Benefits of China's Lockdown Policies: Model Development and Validation.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the global health system and economic structure. Although the implementation of lockdown measures achieved notable success in curbing the spread of the pandemic, it concurrently incurred substantial socioeconomic costs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to delineate an equilibrium between the economic losses and health benefits of lockdown measures, with the aim of identifying the optimal boundary conditions for implementing these measures at various pandemic phases. METHODS: This study used a model to estimate the half-lives of the observed case fatality rates of different strains. It was based on global infection and death data collected by the World Health Organization and strain sequence time series data provided by Nextstrain. The connection between the health benefits and economic losses brought by lockdown measures was established through the calculation of disability-adjusted life years. Taking China's city lockdowns as an example, this study determined the cost-benefit boundary of various lockdown measures during the evolution of COVID-19. RESULTS: The study reveals a direct proportionality between economic losses due to lockdowns and the observed case fatality rates of virus strains, a relationship that holds true irrespective of population size or per capita economic output. As SARS-CoV-2 strains evolve and population immunity shifts, there has been a notable decrease in the observed case fatality rate over time, exhibiting a half-life of roughly 8 months. This decline in fatality rates may offset the health benefits of maintaining unchanged lockdown measures, given that the resultant economic losses might exceed the health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: The initial enforcement of lockdown in Wuhan led to significant health benefits. However, with the decline in the observed case fatality rate of the virus strains, the economic losses increasingly outweighed the health benefits. Consequently, it is essential to consistently refine and enhance lockdown strategies in accordance with the evolving fatality and infection rates of different virus strains, thereby optimizing outcomes in anticipation of future pandemics.

Comparison of BMI and HbA1c changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in type 1 diabetes: a longitudinal population-based study.

Purpose: To compare the changes in body weight and glycemic control before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: In 47,065 individuals with T1D from the German Diabetes Prospective Follow-up Registry (DPV), we compared the adjusted mean changes in BMI-Z-scores and HbA1c as well as the distribution of individual changes between four periods from March 2018 to February 2022, by sex and age group (4- < 11, 11- < 16, 16-50 years). Results: At population level, the only significant pandemic effects were a slight increase in BMI Z-score in prepubertal children (girls: + 0.03 in the first COVID year vs. before, P < 0.01; boys: + 0.04, P < 0.01) as well as a stabilization of HbA1c in all subgroups or even improvement in women (- 0.08%, P < 0.01). At individual level, however, heterogeneity increased significantly (p < 0.01), especially in children. More prepubertal children gained weight (girls: 45% vs. 35% before COVID; boys: 39% vs. 33%). More pubertal girls lost weight (30% vs. 21%) and fewer gained weight (43% vs. 54%). More children had a decreasing HbA1c (prepubertal group: 29% vs. 22%; pubertal girls: 33% vs. 28%; pubertal boys: 32% vs. 25%) and fewer had increasing values. More women had stable HbA1c and fewer had increasing values (30% vs. 37%). In men, no significant changes were observed. Conclusion: This real-world analysis shows no detrimental consequences of the two first COVID years on weight and HbA1c in T1D on average, but reveals, beyond the mean trends, a greater variability at the individual level.

Use of a toll-free call center for COVID-19 response and continuity of essential services during the lockdown, Greater Kampala, Uganda, 2020: a descriptive study.

Introduction: on March 21, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Uganda. A total lockdown was initiated on March 30 which was gradually lifted May 5-June 30. On March 25, a toll-free call center was organized at the Kampala Capital City Authority to respond to public concerns about COVID-19 and the lockdown. We documented the set-up and use of the call center and analyzed key concerns raised by the public. Methods: two hotlines were established and disseminated through media platforms in Greater Kampala. The call center was open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We abstracted data on incoming calls from March 25 to June 30, 2020. We summarized call data into categories and conducted descriptive analyses of public concerns raised during the lockdown. Results: among 10,167 calls, two-thirds (6,578; 64.7%) involved access to health services, 1,565 (15.4%) were about social services, and 1,375 (13.5%) involved COVID-19-related issues. Approximately one-third (2,152; 32.7%) of calls about access to health services were requests for ambulances for patients with non-COVID-19-related emergencies. About three-quarters of calls about social services were requests for food and relief items (1,184; 75.7%). Half of the calls about COVID-19 (730; 53.1%) sought disease-related information. Conclusion: the toll-free call center was used by the public during the COVID-19 lockdown in Kampala. Callers were more concerned about access to essential health services, non-related to COVID-19 disease. It is important to plan for continuity of essential services before a public health emergency-related lockdown.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sexual Lives of Polish Young Adults.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to daily life in Poland, with restrictions affecting various sectors, including entertainment, education, and travel. The pandemic's impact extended to intimate aspects of life. This study aimed to compare the sexual functioning of young adults in Poland before and during the pandemic, using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14). Methods: The research involved an online survey with demographic questions, the CSFQ-14 for pre-pandemic sexual functioning, and modified CSFQ-14 questions for the pandemic period. Sexual dysfunction was determined using predefined cutoff scores. Results: Overall, the study found no significant difference in the sexual functioning of young Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. However, there were gender-specific trends. Women reported enhanced pleasure, satisfaction, and orgasm during lockdown, while men faced challenges with erection and ejaculation. A higher proportion of women experienced overall sexual dysfunction compared to men, both before and during the pandemic. This research provides insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual lives of young Poles. While overall sexual functioning remained relatively stable, specific aspects varied by gender. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to consider demographic factors, such as age and gender, when assessing the effects of external stressors like a pandemic on sexual health. Further research is essential to fully grasp these complexities and their potential long-term consequences.

Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Rectal Cancer.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have resulted in delayed diagnoses across various tumor entities, including rectal cancer. Our hypothesis was based on the expectation of a reduced number of primary operations due to higher tumor stages compared to the control group. Methods: In a single-center retrospective study conducted from 1 March 2018 to 1 March 2022, we analyzed 120 patients with an initial diagnosis of rectal cancer. Among them, 65 patients were part of the control group (pre-COVID-19), while 55 patients were included in the study group (during the COVID-19 pandemic). We compared tumor stages, treatment methods, and complications, presenting data as absolute numbers or mean values. Results: Fewer primary tumor resections during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.010), as well as a significantly lower overall number of tumor resections (p = 0.025) were seen compared to the control group. Twenty percent of patients in the COVID-19 group received their diagnosis during lockdown periods. These patients presented significantly higher tumor stages (T4b: 27.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.025) compared to the control group prior to the pandemic. In addition, more patients with angiolymphatic invasion (ALI) were identified in the COVID-19 group following neoadjuvant treatment compared to the control group (p = 0.027). No differences were noted between the groups regarding complications, stoma placement, or conversion rates. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during lockdown, appears to have contributed to delayed diagnoses, resulting in higher tumor stages and a decreased number of surgeries. The quality of rectal cancer treatment can be maintained under pandemic conditions.