Articles: pandemics.
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Background and Objectives: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon sunlight exposure, showing variations with season and latitude. We aimed to investigate the influence of age, sex, and season on vitamin D status in a large pediatric cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the corresponding pre-pandemic period. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data concerning subjects aged < 18 years were extracted anonymously from the large database of a reference laboratory hospital (Sassari, Northern Sardinia, Italy). ⋯ Similarly, 25(OH)D values did not differ significantly between males and females in both periods. Marked seasonal variations were observed in males and females across all age groups. Conclusions: Serum vitamin D levels and their season-related variations were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in a large cohort of Italian children and adolescents.
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With the emergence of Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Taiwan has encountered the greatest coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since 2022 spring. We analyzed the characteristics, vaccinations, and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients quarantined in a dedicated ward. This retrospective study enrolled hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the dedicated wards of a district hospital in southern Taiwan from May 2022 to July 2022. ⋯ Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were recognized as strong prognostic indicators for mortality in multivariable analysis. Vaccination demonstrated significant lower odds of death among relatively young populations in subgroup analysis. COVID-19 vaccination had significant efficacy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the relatively young group, and the effect may decline among individuals with advanced age and multiple comorbidities.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, junior students who had recently entered university may have experienced particular difficulties. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of anxiety, depression, and sleep status among junior college students during school closure. Junior college students from 3colleges in Anhui Province participated in this study from 6th to 20th April, 2022. ⋯ Notably, medical specialty was an independent risk factor for depression and anxiety (anxiety: OR 1.367, 95% CI 1.078-1.734; depression: OR 1.289, 95% CI 1.148-1.448). Moreover, being a freshman was a risk factor for increased depression and insomnia (depression: OR 1.036,95% CI 0.931-1.153; insomnia: (OR 1.157,95% CI 0.961-1.394). The findings indicate that a considerable portion of junior college students experienced psychological problems due to lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.