Safety of COVID‐19 vaccines Al Khames Aga, Qutaiba A.; Alkhaffaf, Waseem H.; Hatem, Tagreed H. ...
Journal of medical virology,
December 2021, Letnik:
93, Številka:
12
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
This study is aimed to identify the adverse effects associated with three types of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines. Approximately 1736 individuals agreed to participate in this study. The ...participants involved in the study were individuals who had received the first dose or full course (two doses) of the vaccine at least 30 days before the survey. A direct and interactive web‐based system interview with a paper and electronic version of the questionnaire was used for all participants. A total of 1736 randomized individuals were identified. The reactogenicity of the vaccines including pain, redness, urticaria, and swelling at the site of the injection was reported in 34.56% of the participants. Local site reaction was reported in more individuals who had Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines than those who received the Sinopharm vaccine. The systemic events were more common with AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines, symptoms reported were fatigue, body pain, headache, muscle pain, fever, and gastrointestinal side effects. There were no correlations between age or gender, and the duration of the adverse effects for the three vaccines. Swelling and severe allergic reaction of the eyelids, severe hypotension, generalized body aches, shortness of breath, weakness and numbness on the injected arm, acute hyperglycemia, severe chest pain, and fever more than 39°C were among the unusual signs and symptoms reported by the participants. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm vaccines were found to be safe and Sinopharm vaccine showed a lower prevalence of adverse effects compared with the other vaccines. The duration and severity of adverse effects were not affected by age or gender. Unusual side effects should be closely monitored to establish determine they are linked to the immunization.
•Among blood donors in May 2020, the overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 1.4%.•Non-citizens had higher prevalence compared to citizens (OR 13.6, p = 0.001).•There was geographic ...variation in seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within Saudi Arabia.
Serologic testing provides better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and its transmission. This study was an investigation of the prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Saudi Arabia.
To estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors in Saudi Arabia during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Serology results and epidemiological data were analyzed for 837 adult blood donors, with no confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, in Saudi Arabia from 20th to 25th May 2020. Seroprevalence was determined using electrochemical immunoassay to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 1.4% (12/837). Non-citizens had higher seroprevalence compared with citizens (OR 13.6, p = 0.001). Secondary education was significantly associated with higher seroprevalence compared with higher education (OR 6.8, p = 0.005). The data showed that the highest seroprevalence was in Makkah (8.1%). Uisng Makkah seroprevalence as the reference, the seroprevalence in other areas was: Madinah 4.1% (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.12−1.94), Jeddah 2.3% (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.31−2.25), and Qassim 2.9 % (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.04−2.89) and these were not statistically different from seroprevalence in the Makkah region.
At the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia, the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors was low, but was higher among non-citizens. These findings may indicate that non-citizens and less educated individuals may be less attentive to preventive measures. Monitoring seroprevalence trends over time require repeated sampling.
Algae provide an alternative, sustainable, and environmentally beneficial method of dyetreatment. In this study, algae were successfully used to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The ...effects of several parameters, such as initial concentration of MB (5–25 mg L−1), algae dosage (0.02–0.1 g mL−1), temperature (4, 20, and 30 °C), and contact time (24, 48, 72 and 84 h), on MB removal were investigated. In addition, the characterization of MB before and after treatment was achieved using UV-spectrophotometer and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The experimental data were applied to three kinetic models, namely pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elvoich. Moreover, Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Raduskevich (D–R), and Temkin isotherm models were tested. The maximum removal efficiency of MB (~96%) was accomplished at optimum conditions at the initial concentration of MB (15 mg L−1), temperature (30 °C), and algae dosage (0.06 g mL−1) after 60 min of contact time. The removal of MB follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 > 0.999), and the experimental data is best fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.9300).
Organic compounds have enhanced different industrial outputs, but many related environmental challenges, such as groundwater and surface water pollution related to these compounds, have piqued ...governments' and citizens' interest worldwide. Photocatalysis has recently been proven to be an effective method of eliminating these pollutants. This study investigated the photocatalytic degradation of 1-naphthyl methylcarbamate (carbaryl pesticide) and methyl orange (dye) using an efficient SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst. A straightforward solid-state technique created a mesoporous SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst with various SnO2 NP concentrations. Various analytical approaches were used to characterize the SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The degradation of carbaryl, as a model pesticide and methyl orange as a model dye, under visible light was tested to determine the photocatalytic activity of the SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite with various mass percentages of SnO2 NPs. The results showed that SnO2 NPs successfully improved the photoactivity of g-C3N4. The photocatalytic activity showed that the carbaryl photodegradation rate increased from 32% by g-C3N4 to 85% and 96% for methyl orange by SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst (20%), indicating that SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite is a promising photocatalyst for pesticides and dyes. The enhanced photodegradation effectiveness of SnO2 NPs@g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst was related to increased surface area and improved illumination radiation ability by successfully separating charge carriers.
Purpose
Glaucoma, a disease characterized by optic nerve damage and associated visual field defects, is the main cause of irreversible loss of vision, both globally and locally. Appropriate ...management of glaucoma involves early diagnosis in addition to early and continuous control of the disease to protect the optic nerve from further damage. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards glaucoma among patients making their first visit to the glaucoma clinics, at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, and their first-degree relatives.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used self-administered questionnaires. Informed consent was obtained prior to questionnaire distribution. The questionnaire included four sections on sociodemographic data, and awareness, and KAP towards glaucoma.
Results
Overall, 120 participants were included in our study: 70 (58.3%) were glaucoma patients and 50 (41.7%) were first-degree relatives. Forty-four (62.9%) participants in the patient group and 39 (78%) in the relative group were men. Thirty-four (48.6%) patients were aged 41–65 years, whereas 41 (82%) relatives were aged 18–40 years. Thirty-six patients (52.2%) and 35 relatives (70%) had heard of the term ‘glaucoma’. The correct definition of glaucoma was selected by only 12 participants (17.1%) in the patient group and 4 (8.2%) in the relative group. Living outside the central region of Saudi Arabia and having a negative systemic medical history were associated with poorer knowledge of glaucoma definition (p < 0.05). Although 84.8% of patients believed that compliance with anti-glaucoma medications helps in disease control, only 22.7% reported good compliance. The correct method of instilling eye drops was stated by 43.9% of the patients, and good hospital visit habits were reported by 53.03%. Eighty percent of glaucoma patients strongly recommended that their first-degree relatives be screened for glaucoma.
Conclusion
Knowledge about glaucoma is still limited, and awareness programs need to be further activated to spread correct knowledge about the nature of glaucoma, the importance of compliance with treatment, the correct method of instilling eye drops, and the significance of screening at-risk individuals. Patient families should also be involved in educational programs.
This study aims to assess the ability of old, immobilized fresh, and free fresh green microalgae (a Bracteacoccus sp.) to remove methyl orange (MO) dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of four ...factors, including initial MO concentration (5–25 mg L−1), adsorbent dose (0.02–0.10 g mL−1), temperature (4–36 °C), and contact time (5–95 min), were examined. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to determine the number of required experiments and the optimal conditions expected to provide the highest removal percentage of MO dye from aqueous solutions. The experimental data were applied to four isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), and Temkin isotherm models) and three kinetic models (pseudo–first–order, pseudo–second–order, and Elovich kinetic models). The results indicate that the highest removal of MO (97%) could be obtained in optimal conditions consisting of an initial MO concentration of 10.0 mg L−1, an adsorbent dose of 0.10 g mL−1, a temperature of 20 °C, and a contact time of 75 min. Moreover, the experimental data were best fitted by the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models and followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The interaction between MO and the Bracteacoccus sp. was confirmed by UV and ESI/MS analyses, indicating that MO removal occurred via both sorption and degradation processes.
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•Metal oxides (MxOy = TiO2, V2O5) were used to modify multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)•MxOy/MWCNTs were promoted to decontaminate kerosene from contaminated water.•Excellent ...kerosene removal efficiency (up to 84%) was obtained over TiO2/MWCNTs.
To date, numerous oily contaminants have posed a significant risk of severe pollution to the environment. In this study, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were impregnated with 2 wt% metal oxides (MxOy = TiO2, V2O5), respectively. The modified MWCNTs were successfully studied and characterized to determine the structure and chemical nature. This preparation was used to remove kerosene, which was one of the biggest petroleum pollutants, from contaminated water. We found that excellent adsorption efficiencies for kerosene removal (up to 84%) from water were obtained over TiO2/MWCNTs, among other candidates. This could be due to the functionalization of MWCNTs with strong acids, followed by modification with TiO2 nanoparticles, which increased the surface area of MWCNTs. In conclusion, MxOy/MWCNTs have attracted its future application to decontaminate environmental petroleum pollutants.
The prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is a significant technique for determining the quantities of a variety of elements in natural materials, whether online or in situ, regardless ...of their chemical compounds. This study focused on evaluating the performance of a portable PGNAA setup based on a Genie 16 DD neutron generator to determine the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of nickel in soil samples. Two separate reaction mechanisms were used to activate the samples. A CeBr3 detector was used to detect nickel gamma rays at 1331 and 1454 keV caused by neutron inelastic scattering, as well as those at 8553 and 8998 keV emitted following thermal neutron capture activations. The obtained MDC values for both reaction channels have improved as a result of the research.
•Genie 16 DD PGNAA setup.•Detection nickel in soil samples.•Thermal neutron capture reaction.•Neutron inelastic Scattering.•Determine the MDC.
The percentage of Saudi older adults (SOA) is increasing over time. With advanced age, the prevalence of chronic diseases and multiple disabilities are increasing. This leads to increase utilization ...of multiple medications. The objectives of this study were to describe medication utilization, determine the prevalence of polypharmacy (PP) and factors associated with it among SOA.
This cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling SOA aged ≥ 60 years old using the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH). The survey was conducted between 2006 and 2007 by the Ministry of Health on a nationally representative sample of SOA. The data included demographics, socioeconomic and health information such as diseases and medications. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of medications from ≥ 5 therapeutic classes. A modified Poisson multivariable regression was used to study factors associated with PP controlling for confounders. All analyses were done using STATA 14.
The study included 2,946 SOA; 50.4% were males, 60.9% were 60–70 years old, and 69.6% were illiterate. The most common medications used among SOA were: Paracetamol (67%), joint pain medications and NSAIDs (50% each), anti-diabetic and multivitamins and minerals (47% each). PP was identified in (51.5%) of participants. The most medication associated with PP were: Paracetamol (79.9%), multivitamins and minerals (71.6%), steroid and DMARDs (70.1%), NSAIDs (66.4%), anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive (61.3%). Higher risk of PP was associated with diabetes (RR: 1.863; 95% CI: 1.686–2.059), hypertension (RR: 1.829; 95% CI: 1.624–2.060), having pain (RR: 2.282; 95% CI: 1.918–2.713), urinary incontinence (RR: 1.389; 95% CI: 1.238–1.560; ref: no urinary incontinence) or suggestive depression (RR: 1.379; 95% CI: 1.259–1.512). Similarly, compared to low income (<2500 SAR), higher incomes were more likely to have PP. On the other hand, compared to the central region, southern and northern regions were less likely to have PP (RR = 0.741; 95% CI: 0.652–0.843 and RR: 0.736; 95% CI: 0.596–0.908, respectively).Severe cognitive impairment was associated with a lower risk of PP (RR: 0.708; 95% CI: 0.501–1.000).
The prevalence of PP among a nationally representative SOA was very high, i.e., 51.5%. Higher risk of PP was associated with many factors such as region, income, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, urinary incontinence, and depression. PP leads to many negative implications such as drug interactions, combined side effects, hospitalization, and death. Therefore, raising the knowledge of health care providers on the consequences of PP and providing medication therapy management services may help decrease the negative consequences of PP and improve therapy outcomes.
To Describe the Saudi older adult (SOA) characteristics and Introduce the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH).
The SNSEH, a population-based nationally-representative survey, was used. ...Subjects were included in 2006–2007, using random-cluster sampling utilizing probability proportional to size approach, and followed-up to determine their vital status until June 2015. In the analyses, survey weights were incorporated. Parametric, non-parametric and logistic regression were used. Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to determine gender effects on mortality.
We included 2,946 SOA. The mean age was 70.1(SD = 0.3). Around, 70% were illiterate. Almost 50% had monthly income of 2500 (2007-Saudi-Riyals). The most reported diseases were hypertension, diabetes and joints pain. The most reported medications were over the counter, antidiabetics and antihypertensive. The nine-years age-adjusted death hazard was 42% higher in SOA males.
This is an introductory paper for a series of papers that describe SOA health. These efforts will help in guiding the development of a national healthcare model for SOA, evidence-based health policies and public intervention programs that address SOA health-related issues.
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