Search

Aims: Longitudinal data on the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in healthcare workers is limited. We estimated prevalence, incidence and persistence of probable mental disorders in a cohort of Spanish healthcare workers (Covid-19 waves 1 and 2) -and identified associated risk factors. Methods: 8996 healthcare workers evaluated on 5 May–7 September 2020 (baseline) were invited to a second web-based survey (October–December 2020). Major depressive disorder (PHQ-8 ≥ 10), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7 ≥ 10), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-5 ≥ 7), and alcohol use disorder (CAGE-AID ≥ 2) were assessed. Distal (pre-pandemic) and proximal (pandemic) risk factors were included. We estimated the incidence of probable mental disorders (among those without disorders at baseline) and persistence (among those with disorders at baseline). Logistic regression of individual-level [odds ratios (OR)] and population-level (population attributable risk proportions) associations were estimated, adjusting by all distal risk factors, health care centre and time of baseline interview. Results: 4809 healthcare workers participated at four months follow-up (cooperation rate = 65.7%; mean = 120 days s.d. = 22 days from baseline assessment). Follow-up prevalence of any disorder was 41.5%, (v. 45.4% at baseline, p < 0.001); incidence, 19.7% (s.e. = 1.6) and persistence, 67.7% (s.e. = 2.3). Proximal factors showing significant bivariate-adjusted associations with incidence included: work-related factors [prioritising Covid-19 patients (OR = 1.62)], stress factors [personal health-related stress (OR = 1.61)], interpersonal stress (OR = 1.53) and financial factors [significant income loss (OR = 1.37)]. Risk factors associated with persistence were largely similar. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the prevalence of probable mental disorders among Spanish healthcare workers during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was similarly high to that after the first wave. This was in good part due to the persistence of mental disorders detected at the baseline, but with a relevant incidence of about 1 in 5 of HCWs without mental disorders during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Health-related factors, work-related factors and interpersonal stress are important risks of persistence of mental disorders and of incidence of mental disorders. Adequately addressing these factors might have prevented a considerable amount of mental health impact of the pandemic among this vulnerable population. Addressing health-related stress, work-related factors and interpersonal stress might reduce the prevalence of these disorders substantially. Study registration number: NCT04556565 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persulfate salts have been identified as a cause of occupational asthma (OA). The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic testing results, and follow-up of eight patients with OA that was triggered by these chemical compounds.Methods: Eight patients with OA due to exposure to persulfate salts were studied. Immunologic, lung function, and specific bronchial challenge tests (SBCTs) were performed in all patients. Once their condition had been diagnosed, the patients were seen every 1, 3, and 6 months for a mean duration of 18 months.Results: The mean time of exposure to persulfate salts up to diagnosis was 15 years (range, 3 to 27 years), and mean time that had elapsed between symptom onset and diagnosis was 38 months (range, 3 to 120 months). Three patients were smokers, six patients presented with rhinitis prior to asthma in relation to persulfate exposure, and three presented with dermatitis. The results of total IgE tests were positive in six patients, and the results of skin-prick tests for detection of persulfate salts were positive in five of these patients. The results of a SBCT was positive in the seven patients in whom it was performed. Symptoms persisted in all but one patient and required medical treatment.Conclusions: The results suggest that the reliable diagnosis of OA due to persulfate salts must be based on the specific challenge test until further experience has been acquired. Despite avoiding exposure, patients continued with symptoms and required treatment for the control of symptoms. Finally, a dependent IgE mechanism appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of OA due to exposure to persulfate salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) are increasingly being used as two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates and three-dimensional (3D) matrices due to their tunable properties and biomimicry of native tissues. Despite these advantages, SAPHs often represent an end-point in cell culture, as isolating cells from them leads to low yields and disruption of cells, limiting their use and post-culture analyses. Here, we report on a protocol designed to easily and effectively disassemble peptide amphiphile (PA) SAPHs to retrieve 3D encapsulated cells with high viability and minimal disruption. Due to the pivotal role played by salt ions in SAPH gelation, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na 4 EDTA) was used as metal chelator to sequester ions participating in PA self-assembly and induce a rapid, efficient, clean, and gentle gel-to-sol transition. We characterise PA disassembly from the nano- to the macro-scale, provide mechanistic and practical insights into the PA disassembly mechanism, and assess the potential use of the process. As proof-of-concept, we isolated different cell types from cell-laden PA hydrogels and demonstrated the possibility to perform downstream biological analyses including cell re-plating, gene analysis, and flow cytometry with high reproducibility and no material interference. Our work offers new opportunities for the use of SAPHs in cell culture and the potential use of cells cultured on SAPHs, in applications such as cell expansion, analysis of in vitro models, cell therapies, and regenerative medicine.

Little is known about healthcare workers' (HCW) use of healthcare services for mental disorders. This study presents data from a 16-month prospective cohort study of Spanish HCW (n = 4,809), recruited shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic onset, and assessed at four timepoints using web-based surveys. Use of health services among HCW with mental health conditions (i.e., those having a positive screen for mental disorders and/or suicidal thoughts and behaviours [STB]) was initially low (i.e., 18.2 %) but increased to 29.6 % at 16-month follow-up. Service use was positively associated with pre-pandemic mental health treatment (OR=1.99), a positive screen for major depressive disorder (OR=1.50), panic attacks (OR=1.74), suicidal thoughts and behaviours (OR=1.22), and experiencing severe role impairment (OR=1.33), and negatively associated with being female (OR = 0.69) and a higher daily number of work hours (OR=0.95). Around 30 % of HCW with mental health conditions used anxiolytics (benzodiazepines), especially medical doctors. Four out of ten HCW (39.0 %) with mental health conditions indicated a need for (additional) help, with most important barriers for service use being too ashamed, long waiting lists, and professional treatment not being available. Our findings delineate a clear mental health treatment gap among Spanish HCW., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Enric Aragonès reports personal fees from Lündbeck and Esteve. Eduard Vieta reports personal fees from Abbott, Allergan, Angelini, Lundbeck, Sage and Sanofi, grants from Novartis and Ferrer, and grants and personal fees from Janssen, outside the submitted work. José María Pelayo-Terán reports personal fees from Angelini, Janssen and Lunbeck, and grants from Janssen, outside the submitted work. In the past 3 years, Ronald C. Kessler was a consultant for Cambridge Health Alliance, Canandaigua VA Medical Centre, Holmusk, Partners Healthcare, Inc., RallyPoint Networks, Inc., and Sage Therapeutics. He has stock options in Cerebral Inc., Mirah, PYM (Prepare Your Mind), and Roga Sciences. Ana González-Pinto has received grants and served as consultant, advisor or CME speaker for the following entities: Janssen-Cilag, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, Alter, Angelini, Exeltis, Novartis, Rovi, Takeda, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CIBERSAM), the Ministry of Science (Carlos III Institute), the Basque Government, and the European Framework Program of Research. All other authors reported no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the occurrence of traumatic stress symptoms (TSS) among healthcare workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic and to obtain insight as to which pandemic-related stressful experiences are associated with onset and persistence of traumatic stress., Methods: This is a multicenter prospective cohort study. Spanish healthcare workers ( N  = 4,809) participated at an initial assessment (i.e., just after the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic) and at a 4-month follow-up assessment using web-based surveys. Logistic regression investigated associations of 19 pandemic-related stressful experiences across four domains (infection-related, work-related, health-related and financial) with TSS prevalence, incidence and persistence, including simulations of population attributable risk proportions (PARP)., Results: Thirty-day TSS prevalence at T1 was 22.1%. Four-month incidence and persistence were 11.6% and 54.2%, respectively. Auxiliary nurses had highest rates of TSS prevalence (35.1%) and incidence (16.1%). All 19 pandemic-related stressful experiences under study were associated with TSS prevalence or incidence, especially experiences from the domains of health-related (PARP range 88.4-95.6%) and work-related stressful experiences (PARP range 76.8-86.5%). Nine stressful experiences were also associated with TSS persistence, of which having patient(s) in care who died from COVID-19 had the strongest association. This association remained significant after adjusting for co-occurring depression and anxiety., Conclusions: TSSs among Spanish healthcare workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic are common and associated with various pandemic-related stressful experiences. Future research should investigate if these stressful experiences represent truly traumatic experiences and carry risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Three-dimensional (3D) culture models are more physiologically relevant than two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. 2D approaches cannot reproduce the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and are less able to translate biological insights; and drug response studies have many limitations to be extrapolated to the clinics. Here, we use the Caco-2 colon cancer cell line, which is an immortalized human epithelial cell line that under specific conditions can polarize and differentiate into a villus-like phenotype. We describe cell differentiation and cell growth in both 2D and 3D culture conditions, concluding that cell morphology, polarity, proliferation and differentiation are highly dependent on the type of cell culture system., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared with no treatment in healthcare workers with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection., Methods: Prospective, non-randomized study. All health professionals with confirmed COVID-19 between April 7 and May 6, 2020, non-requiring initial hospitalization were asked to participate. Patients who accepted treatment were given HCQ for five days (loading dose of 400mg q12h the first day followed by200mg q12h). Control group included patients with contraindications for HCQ or who rejected treatment. Study outcomes were negative conversion and viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, symptoms duration and disease progression., Result: Overall, 142 patients were enrolled: 87 in treatment group and 55 in control group. The median age was 37 years and 75% were female, with few comorbidities. There were no significant differences in time to negative conversion of PCR between both groups. The only significant difference in the probability of negative conversion of PCR was observed at day 21 (18.7%, 95%CI 2.0-35.4). The decrease of SARS-CoV-2 viral load during follow-up was similar in both groups. A non significant reduction in duration of some symptoms in HCQ group was observed. Two patients with HCQ and 4 without treatment developed pneumonia. No patients required admission to the Intensive Care Unit or died. About 50% of patients presented mild side effects of HCQ, mainly diarrhea., Conclusions: Our study failed to show a substantial benefit of HCQ in viral dynamics and in resolution of clinical symptoms in health care workers with mild COVID-19., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Background: Healthcare workers are a key occupational group at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). We investigated the prevalence and correlates of STB among hospital workers during the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 outbreak (March-July 2020)., Methods: Data come from the baseline assessment of a cohort of Spanish hospital workers (n = 5450), recruited from 10 hospitals just after the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak (May 5-July 23, 2020). Web-based self-report surveys assessed 30-day STB, individual characteristics, and potentially modifiable contextual factors related to hospital workers' work and financial situation., Results: Thirty-day STB prevalence was estimated at 8.4% (4.9% passive ideation only, 3.5% active ideation with or without a plan or attempt). A total of n = 6 professionals attempted suicide in the past 30 days. In adjusted models, 30-day STB remained significantly associated with pre-pandemic lifetime mood (odds ratio [OR] = 2.92) and anxiety disorder (OR = 1.90). Significant modifiable factors included a perceived lack of coordination, communication, personnel, or supervision at work (population-attributable risk proportion [PARP] = 50.5%), and financial stress (PARP = 44.1%)., Conclusions and Relevance: Thirty-day STB among hospital workers during the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 outbreak was high. Hospital preparedness for virus outbreaks should be increased, and strong governmental policy response is needed to increase financial security among hospital workers., (© 2020 The Authors. Depression and Anxiety Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Healthcare workers are vulnerable to adverse mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed prevalence of mental disorders and associated factors during the first wave of the pandemic among healthcare professionals in Spain., Methods: All workers in 18 healthcare institutions (6 AACC) in Spain were invited to web-based surveys assessing individual characteristics, COVID-19 infection status and exposure, and mental health status (May 5 - September 7, 2020). We report: probable current mental disorders (Major Depressive Disorder-MDD- [PHQ-8≥10], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-GAD- [GAD-7≥10], Panic attacks, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -PTSD- [PCL-5≥7]; and Substance Use Disorder -SUD-[CAGE-AID≥2]. Severe disability assessed by the Sheehan Disability Scale was used to identify probable "disabling" current mental disorders., Results: 9,138 healthcare workers participated. Prevalence of screen-positive disorder: 28.1% MDD; 22.5% GAD, 24.0% Panic; 22.2% PTSD; and 6.2% SUD. Overall 45.7% presented any current and 14.5% any disabling current mental disorder. Workers with pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders had almost twice the prevalence than those without. Adjusting for all other variables, odds of any disabling mental disorder were: prior lifetime disorders (TUS: OR=5.74; 95%CI 2.53-13.03; Mood: OR=3.23; 95%CI:2.27-4.60; Anxiety: OR=3.03; 95%CI:2.53-3.62); age category 18-29 years (OR=1.36; 95%CI:1.02-1.82), caring "all of the time" for COVID-19 patients (OR=5.19; 95%CI: 3.61-7.46), female gender (OR=1.58; 95%CI: 1.27-1.96) and having being in quarantine or isolated (OR= 1.60; 95CI:1.31-1.95)., Conclusions: One in seven Spanish healthcare workers screened positive for a disabling mental disorder during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers reporting pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders, those frequently exposed to COVID-19 patients, infected or quarantined/isolated, female workers, and auxiliary nurses should be considered groups in need of mental health monitoring and support., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared with no treatment in healthcare workers with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection., Methods: Prospective, non-randomized study. All health professionals with confirmed COVID-19 between April 7 and May 6, 2020, non-requiring initial hospitalization were asked to participate. Patients who accepted treatment were given HCQ for five days (loading dose of 400mg q12h the first day followed by200mg q12h). Control group included patients with contraindications for HCQ or who rejected treatment. Study outcomes were negative conversion and viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, symptoms duration and disease progression., Result: Overall, 142 patients were enrolled: 87 in treatment group and 55 in control group. The median age was 37 years and 75% were female, with few comorbidities. There were no significant differences in time to negative conversion of PCR between both groups. The only significant difference in the probability of negative conversion of PCR was observed at day 21 (18.7%, 95%CI 2.0-35.4). The decrease of SARS-CoV-2 viral load during follow-up was similar in both groups. A non significant reduction in duration of some symptoms in HCQ group was observed. Two patients with HCQ and 4 without treatment developed pneumonia. No patients required admission to the Intensive Care Unit or died. About 50% of patients presented mild side effects of HCQ, mainly diarrhea., Conclusions: Our study failed to show a substantial benefit of HCQ in viral dynamics and in resolution of clinical symptoms in health care workers with mild COVID-19., (Copyright © 2020. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Introduction: To estimate the susceptibility to measles and varicella (chickenpox) in healthcare workers in a public tertiary level teaching hospital, in Catalonia., Methods: A prevalence study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2008 on 2,752 workers who had serology performed for the determination of measles or varicella by ELISA test during a health examination. Data were analysed by, sex, age, professional category and work unit., Results: A total of 153 healthcare workers were susceptible to measles and 187 to varicella. The susceptibility of healthcare workers to measles was 6.04% (95% CI: 5.78 to 6.30), and to varicella it was 7.45% (95% CI: 7.14 to 7.75). The highest susceptibility to measles was in resident physicians with 14% (95% CI: 10.8 to 18.5). In high-risk services, where highly immunocompromised patients are attended, the susceptibility of workers was slightly higher than the rest to measles (6.32% vs 5.93%) and varicella (8.34% vs 7.09%). Healthcare workers born after 1980 were 20 times (95% CI: 11.0 to 37.2) more likely to be susceptible to measles, and 2 times (95% CI: 1.2 to 3.2) more likely to be susceptible to varicella than those those born before 1965., Conclusions: The susceptibility to measles in healthcare workers in our centre is higher in younger cohorts, with values higher than expected in a community with high vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) in the paediatric population for many years., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To identify potential risk factors of occupational needlestick injuries that were not prevented despite adherence to standard precautions., Patients and Method: Multicentre case control study. Cases were defined as any workers who reported a needlestick injury despite documented use of standard precautions. Controls were workers of the same hospital who had performed procedures similar to matched cases and who reported a needlestick injury without correct use of standard precautions (control 1) or who did not report a needlestick injury during the previous 6 months (control 2)., Results: A total of 512 injuries were included (256 cases and 256 controls 1), and 256 controls 2. Analyses based on controls 1 showed an increased risk for physicians (ORa 2.22; 95% CI: 1.07-4.60) and those working in the operating theatre (ORa 2.87; 95% CI: 1.26-6.55). Regarding controls 2, increased risks were found for those younger than 25 years (ORa 2.58; 95% CI: 1.20-5.58), physicians (ORa 5.24; 95% CI: 1.50-18.28), those working in operating theatres (ORa 6.00; 95% CI: 2.07-17.36), emergency services, intensive and life-support units (ORa 3.48; 95% CI: 1.37-8.85) and those exposed to poor lighting (ORa 1.67; 95% CI: 1.02-2.82). Education in occupational risk prevention was found to be a protecting factor when controls 1 were analyzed (ORa 0.61; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97)., Conclusions: Despite adherence to standard precautions, working as a physician, in operating theatres, emergency and life-support units, being younger than 25 years, and being exposed to poor visibility and training in occupational risk prevention appear to be independent risk factors for occupational needlestick injuries.

Objective: To find the consumption of alcoholic drinks by Primary Care doctors., Design: A descriptive study using an anonymous questionnaire., Setting: Health base areas located in the Baix Llobregat and in Barcelona city., Measurements and Main Results: Total coverage was 68.7%. In the group which replied, daily consumption along with week-end consumption predominated. Men consumed alcohol more often and in greater quantity than women. The prevalence of excessive drinkers according to the PAPPS criteria was 5.9%. 29% of the doctors exceeded the level of alcohol consumption considered acceptable by their own criteria, no gender differences being appreciated. Similarly, 33% of them accepted consumption above that recommended by the experts., Conclusions: The consumption of alcoholic drinks found among Primary Care doctors was low in comparison with other studies of medical groups or the general population. The Primary Care doctor occupies a privileged position in the prevention of excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks, which implies that their own alcohol consumption and training could have an impact on carrying out preventive activities in this field.