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The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany may represent the sum of a large number of local but independent epidemics each initiated by individuals aged 10-19 years, middle-aged males, or elderly individuals.

ABSTRACT: Many epidemiological aspects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemics, particularly those affecting children, are still sparsely elucidated. Data on the first pandemic phase during the year 2020 indicated that children might serve as a virus reservoir. We now analyzed data on more than 530 000 SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 12 503 anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests performed in the west of Germany until Week 4 of 2021. We show that children of at least 10 years of age may play a prominent role in the pandemic showing highest PCR-positive rates in the first (Weeks 28-35), second (Weeks 42-48), and third wave (Week 50 of 2020-Week 2 2021) of the second pandemic phase, although the waves were not mainly initiated by children. The waves' kinetics differed even in nearby cities. Low PCR-positive rates were confined to areas of lower population density. PCR-positive rates were higher among middle-aged males compared with women and among very old females compared with males. From Week 25, seroprevalence rates slowly increased to 50%, indicating ongoing virus activity. In conclusion, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics is characterized by many local but interacting epidemics, initiated and driven by different social groups. Children may not be the main initiators of virus spreading but older children may significantly affect the course of the pandemic. High population density is associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 incidence.

SUBMITTER: Hausler M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9088573 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundOsteoporosis (OP) in the elderly is accompanied by reduced muscle mass and reduced muscle strength, also known as sarcopenia. This results in functional limitations and a high risk of falls and injuries. The determination of physical performance parameters such as grip strength and trunk strength on the one hand, and balance abilities on the other, provide information about the individual's general neuromuscular condition and serve as an indicator of physical performance in the elderly. The extent to which previous osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs) restrict an individual's physical performance has not been adequately investigated yet.Material and methodsIn total, 118 persons, with a mean age of 71.5 ± 9 years, participated in the clinical trial (ethics committee approval number A2020-0041). Patients were divided into an OP group (58 patients) and a control group (CG; 60 patients). OP patients with (VFs) and without vertebral fractures (0VFs) were viewed separately in the subgroup analysis. Data concerning physical status, including hand grip strength (HGS), the chair-rising test (CRT), tandem stance (TS), tandem gait (TG), and single-leg stance (SLS) were available for all patients. All data were analyzed using SPSS, Version 23.0.ResultsNo significant difference (p > 0.05) was registered between the OP and CG groups with regard of HGS, CRT, TG, TS, and SLS. In the subgroup analysis, OP patients with VFs had a lower HGS than OP patients without 0 VFx (VFs 24.3 ± 10.2 kg vs. 0 VFs 29.7 ± 9.5 kg, p = 0.026). TS was maintained longer by OP patients 0 VFs (VFs 7.8 ± 3.2 s vs. 0 VFs 9.5 ± 1.8 s, p = 0.008). The latter were also able to maintain their balance in TG over more numerous steps (VFs 4.8 ± 3.0 vs. 0 VFs 6.7 ± 2.4, p = 0.011). In a regression analysis, body size, gender, and age were shown to be independent factors influencing HGS (p < 0.001).ConclusionPatient age, constitution, and gender have a relevant influence on HGS, with baseline conditions after diagnosed OP at comparable levels in this age group. In a subgroup of OP patients with VFs, there is a close relationship between bone and muscle with an increasing deterioration of the musculoskeletal system. For prophylaxis of osteosarcopenia, early training seems reasonable.

Project description:BackgroundThere is growing evidence that the internet has beneficial effects on the mental health of middle-aged and older people (≥45 years), but the evidence is inconclusive, and the underlying mechanisms are less known.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the relationship between multidimensional (devices, frequency, and purpose) internet use and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the mediating effect of social participation. Moreover, this study will explore the moderating effect of the regional informatization development level (RIDL) on the relationships between individual internet use, social participation, and depression.MethodsData on 17,676 participants aged 45 years or older were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 data set. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to identify the presence of depression. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between each dimension of internet use and depression. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the mediating effect of social participation and the moderating effect of the RIDL.ResultsThe results showed that 28.33% (5008/17,676) of the total population had depression. In terms of regional subgroups, respondents living in the western region exhibited the highest proportion of depression (2041/5884, 34.69%). Internet use was negatively associated with depression (odds ratio 0.613, 95% CI 0.542-0.692; P<.001). Various dimensions of internet use positively contributed to individual social participation and reduced individual depression (devices: β=-.170, 95% CI -0.209 to -0.127; frequency: β=-.065, 95% CI -0.081 to -0.047; and purpose: β=-.043, 95% CI -0.053 to -0.031). In addition, the RIDL weakened the relationship between individual-level internet use and social participation (internet use: F74.12,9.82=7.55, P<.001; devices: F51.65/9.88=5.23, P=.005; frequency: F66.74/10.08=6.62, P=.001; and purpose: F66.52/9.78=6.80, P=.001), and negatively moderated the relationship between the frequency of internet use and depression (frequency: F662.67/188.79=3.51, P=.03).ConclusionsThis study found that different dimensions of internet use are associated with lower levels of depression. Social participation partially mediates the association between multidimensional internet use and depression in the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. Additionally, the RIDL helps individuals further their internet use and social participation, reducing the impact of depression. However, this effect weakens sequentially from the western region to the central region and then to the eastern region.

Dataset Information

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany may represent the sum of a large number of local but independent epidemics each initiated by individuals aged 10-19 years, middle-aged males, or elderly individuals.

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