To characterise the information needs and experiences of receiving COVID-19 vaccine information by youth with mental health concerns.

Thematic analysis of semistructured interview transcripts.

Semistructured interviews via WebEx video conferencing or by telephone.

46 youth aged 16-29 with one or more self-reported mental health concerns and six family members of youth.

Our analysis generated four main themes: (1) information content and characteristics; (2) critical appraisal; (3) modulators of information-seeking behaviour; and (4) unmet information needs.

Our findings suggest that youth with mental health concerns have unique information needs and processing patterns influenced by their environments and experiences with mental health concerns. Participants identified barriers to receiving reliable health information and suggested ways to improve this process.

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections was a serious disease that spread rapidly around the world and led to a state of global health emergency. During the pandemic, millions of deaths were notified as result of the progression of the disease to a serious condition. Research into the development of diagnostic tests was very important for the identification and control of new cases.

In this work a label-free electrochemical platform was developed for sensing of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein.

The S- antibodies (IgY type) from egg yolk were immobilised though stable bonding onto screen-printed gold electrodes surface, which was previously modified with self-assembled monolayers of cysteamine (Cys). The analytical performance of the devices was followed by differential pulse voltammetry after incubation in various concentrations of S-protein.

The electrical response exhibited a linear behaviour from 10 to 1000 ng mL-1 [with limit of detection (LOD) of 6.2 ng mL-1]. Also, we confirmed that our method is more sensitive than an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), which was conducted with the same molecules (antibody and antigen) (500-4000 ng mL-1, with LOD = 235 ng mL-1). The immunosensor was selective for S-protein detection, and no significative changes were registered by differential pulse voltammetry in presence of SARS-CoV-2 N-protein. Tests on saliva samples recorded similar results to S protein standards.

The developed immunosensor showed good performance and selectivity, therefore, it can be an alternative method for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) detecting in saliva samples.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose significant challenges in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes, malignancies, HIV, COVID-19, or prolonged corticosteroid use. Invasive infections due to Aspergillus and Mucorales, alone or in combination, are increasingly recognized, often with atypical presentations. These fungal infections can mimic bacterial or tubercular diseases and pose significant therapeutic challenges, as their management requires tailored antifungal regimens, particularly in cases of co-infections. We present three cases of diverse presentations of Aspergillus and Mucorales infections in immunocompromised patients. Case 1: A 65-year-old male with renal and bladder carcinoma developed a cavitary pulmonary lesion; bronchoalveolar lavage grew Aspergillus niger, and a concurrent urinary tract infection with Enterococcus faecium was identified. Case 2: A 58-year-old diabetic male presented with right-sided rhinosinusitis and visual loss; surgical biopsy demonstrated Rhizopus arrhizus and Aspergillus flavus. Case 3: A 70-year-old diabetic male with respiratory distress was found to have a hepatic abscess with pleuro-peritoneal extension due to Rhizopus pusillus; sputum cultures additionally yielded Aspergillus fumigatus. These cases underscore the evolving clinical spectrum of Aspergillus and Mucorales infections. High clinical suspicion, timely imaging, and microbiological confirmation are critical for early diagnosis. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical intervention, targeted antifungal therapy, and control of underlying risk factors. Reporting such rare and atypical presentations contributes to improved awareness and evidence-based strategies in managing these life-threatening infections.

Many older adults encounter barriers to participating in physical activity programs, often due to cost, accessibility, and transportation challenges. Implementing feasible and effective remote support strategies may enhance their physical activity participation. This mixed-methods study examines exercise providers' use of remote supports for physical activity among older adults, their perceived effectiveness, and barriers and facilitators to adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Exercise providers (≥18 years) completed a web-based survey (June-September 2020), and optional semi-structured interviews (September-December 2020), guided by the COM-B model. Participant characteristics, uptake and perceived effectiveness of remote supports, and presence and severity of barriers were explored and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis.

Fifty-one exercise providers (age 36.3 ± 12.3 years, 38 female) completed the survey; 86% provided remote support for physical activity, including provision of copy materials (63%) and delivery of real-time virtual programs (59%), with the latter rated the most effective (88%). Key barriers included older adults' limited technical skills (78%) and access to technology (82%). Interviews (n = 12, age 40.5 ± 15 years, 11 female), yielded five themes: (1) Capacity, Collaboration, and Adaptability Supported Successful Transition to Remote Supports; (2) Tailoring Remote Supports to Needs and Abilities Promoted Safety; (3) Real-time Virtual Programs Fostered Social Support and Engagement; (4) Accessible Technology and Ongoing Support Facilitated Virtual Delivery; and (5) A Hybrid Approach Balances Convenience and Social Benefits.

During the transition to virtual exercise programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, exercise providers widely used remote supports, favoring real-time virtual programs for socialization and supervision. While there were challenges including safety concerns, technological barriers, and engagement, these challenges were met with innovative solutions. A hybrid approach may be the most sustainable model, balancing the accessibility of virtual programs with the social and motivational benefits of in-person exercise.

The Hem-O-Lok clip is frequently used as a surgical consumable for the occlusion of blood vessels and bronchi during Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). However, there is limited available literature addressing the potential complications associated with its clinical application.

This article reports a patient with bronchiectasis who underwent VATS for treatment of hemoptysis on August 12, 2021. During the postoperative follow-up, chest CT scan accidentally revealed a displaced Hem-O-Lok clip located within the tracheal lumem on April 12, 2024. After the Hem-O-Lok clip successfully retrieved via bronchoscopy, the patient's condition significantly improved.

This case suggests a potential risk of Hem-O-Lok clip detachment after VATS, underscoring the importance of maintaining clinical vigilance and controlling chronic infection in postoperative patient management.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), particularly in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation or those experiencing recurrent thromboembolism. Although rare, filter migration to the heart or pulmonary arteries, although rare, can result in life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias, valvular dysfunction, or perforation. Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and its coexistence with a migrated IVC filter presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report a case of an IVC filter migrating to the right ventricular outflow tract and right pulmonary artery in a patient with significant left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis.

A 65-year-old woman with a history of tongue carcinoma and pulmonary embolism managed with an IVC filter presented with atypical chest pain and exertional dyspnea. Imaging tests were ordered after an ECG and echocardiography revealed right heart strain. The mid-segment of the LAD has 80% stenosis, according to coronary angiography. A migrating IVC filter in the right pulmonary artery and RVOT was discovered by fluoroscopy. Given the risks associated with the filter's location and the need for coronary revascularization, a multidisciplinary decision was made to perform surgical retrieval of the IVC filter alongside coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The surgery was successful, and the patient recovered well with no residual complications.

IVC filter migration is a rare but serious complication that requires prompt recognition and intervention. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cardiovascular conditions, particularly when surgical intervention is necessary for coexisting pathologies such as significant CAD.

 Similar to countries worldwide, Israel suffers from the effects of a modern lifestyle, with high rates of obesity, lack of healthy nutrition and insufficient physical activity. Global health organizations recommend national systemic programs to address this problem. The Israel National Program for Active and Healthy Living-Efsharibari was launched at the end of 2011 via government resolution, to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life for the diverse population. It is a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Health, Culture and Sport, and Education.

 Development and monitoring of a comprehensive set of indicators to assess process, outputs and outcomes in relation to program objectives. Qualitative and quantitative retrospective review of legislation, standards and health-promoting environments. Review of national data and surveys related to key activity domains - policy, supportive environments and social marketing - and a study of related behavioral and morbidity indicators.

 Over a decade, notable changes were observed for indicators in key activity domains, aligning with the programs' initial objectives. Improvements were found for 13 of 18 planned nutrition policies and 7 of 8 physical-activity policies. Changes to the nutritional environment included enhanced nutritional labeling and reductions in the amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat in commercial food products. An increase in national and local health promotion infrastructures included adoption of the "healthy city" protocol in 77 local authorities and implementation of the "health-promoting school" plan in 1,698 schools across the country. Behavior and morbidity indicators display mixed findings: reported behaviors in the field of nutrition have improved and physical activity among adults 65 + has increased. However, fewer children, youth, and adults are achieving the global recommended levels of reported physical activity and there are negative trends in breastfeeding behaviors. In terms of morbidity, a decrease in mortality from heart disease and diabetes was found, along with modest fluctuations in obesity trends.

 Consistent and ongoing efforts of the national plan to promote health in all policies, enable healthy choices, and promote systematic change have impacted Israeli society over time. In spite of changes of government and a lack of funds, Efsharibari has allowed for continuous cooperation between policymakers, professionals and additional partners, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional efforts are necessary to reduce health disparities, enhance healthy behaviors and improve morbidity indicators. Amidst ongoing international dialogue to improve and expand health promotion, Israel's practical experience, including both successes and challenges serves to inform the international community.

This study evaluated the morphology of level 3 surgical masks before and after aerosols' passage using a simulation model of dental care with human breathing system to evaluate the aerosol filtering efficacy, as close as possible to the reality of a dental clinical setting.

Eight groups of level 3 surgical masks were selected. The model used for analysis consisted of a human head prototype, a respirator system (artificial trachea, pneumatic plunger, and spirometry syringe), and a dummy head with artificial dental arch. Masks were exposed to 5 min of aerosol generation and the number of specimens with aerosol passage and total areas of aerosol pigmentation were evaluated. The microscopic analysis of masks using optical microscopy, helium ion microscopy and scanning electron microscope were performed before and after aerosols' passage.

All groups presented aerosols passage (55-88%). The areas of aerosol passage revealed differences between groups (p < 0.05). In microscopy analysis, the inner and outer layers of masks showed a spunbond processing technique; the middle layer differed among groups of masks showing spunbond or meltblown processes, confirming what was reported by manufactures.

The inner and outer layers of masks are morphologically similar, different to the middle layer. All level 3 surgical masks presented high levels of aerosols passage.

This study highlights the need for more effective surgical masks in dental care settings. Understanding the morphological differences between mask layers can inform improvements in mask design for better protection for healthcare professionals.

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a treatment option for patients with severe asthma. Despite demonstrated sustained symptomatic benefits, its mechanism of action remains unclear, with emerging evidence suggesting a reduction in ventilation heterogeneity.

This study aims to determine if BT reduces ventilation heterogeneity as measured by phase-resolved function lung magnetic resonance imaging (PREFUL MRI).

Twenty-one patients with severe asthma and 14 healthy volunteers (HV) were recruited. Patients were assessed at baseline and 6-months after BT. Data collected included asthma control questionnaire (ACQ-5), exacerbation frequency, and short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) and oral corticosteroid (OCS) use. Both HV and patients also underwent lung function tests and PREFUL MRI. Ventilation heterogeneity was assessed using ventilation defect percentage (VDP) of static regional ventilation (RVent) and dynamic flow-volume loop cross-correlation metric (FVL-CM), and interquartile distance (IQD) of the ventilation distribution.

At baseline, patients had a significantly higher RVent VDP (20.0 ± 14.5 vs 3.8 ± 2.2%, p < 0.001), FVL-CM VDP (23.7 ± 17.8 vs 2.4 ± 2.3%, p < 0.001), and IQD (0.61 ± 0.27 vs 0.32 ± 0.05, p < 0.001) than HV. Post BT, significant reductions in RVent VDP (15.5 ± 11.7 vs 20.0 ± 14.5%, p < 0.001), FVL-CM VDP (18.7 ± 13.9 vs 23.7 ± 17.8%, p < 0.001), and IQD (0.53 ± 0.22 vs 0.61 ± 0.27, p < 0.001) were observed in patients, along with significant improvements in ACQ-5, exacerbation frequency, SABA and OCS use. No change in lung function was seen. Significant correlations were observed between ΔACQ and ΔRVent VDP (ρ = 0.50, p = 0.02), ΔFVL-CM VDP (ρ = 0.51, p = 0.02), and ΔIQD (ρ = 0.45, p = 0.04).

Clinical benefits post BT are accompanied by a reduction in ventilation heterogeneity that are undetected by lung function test. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of action of BT and highlight the complementary role of functional lung imaging in the study of pulmonary diseases for which traditional lung function tests may be insensitive at detecting therapeutic response.

There are known maternal and obstetrical risks following SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, but the impact on offspring is not well known. The objective of this study was to examine offspring risks of hospitalization and emergency department visits in the first year of life following SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy.

This was a retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada of infants born from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 using health administrative databases. The exposure group was defined by a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test in pregnancy, while the comparator group included pregnancies without a positive test recorded. The primary outcomes included all-cause offspring hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits in the first year of life. Poisson regression was used to adjust for maternal sociodemographic factors, medical and obstetrical history, and health behaviours. The main secondary outcome was risk of infections (including respiratory, gastrointestinal and otitis media infections) in the first year of life. A sensitivity analysis was conducted in which individuals with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test served as the comparator group.

There were 222,448 live births during the study period; following matching 45,958 pregnancies were included. Cases were matched on maternal age, geography, and last menstrual period date in a 10:1 ratio. The exposed group included 5,291 pregnancies and the comparator group included 40,667 pregnancies. There was no significant difference observed between groups in risk of hospitalization (aRR (95% CI): 1.10 (0.99-1.22)). Small increases in risk of both ED visits (aRR 1.12 (1.06-1.17)), and infections (aHR 1.16 (1.11-1.21) were observed in the exposed group. When the comparator group was limited to pregnancies with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test, there was no difference in risk of ED visits, but the increased risk of infections persisted.

A positive SARS-CoV-2 test in pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization in the offspring's first year, which may be reassuring to parents and healthcare providers. However, there may be a small increased risk of offspring infections.