Objective: To evaluate the performance of new lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) suitable for use in a national COVID-19 seroprevalence programme (REACT2). Design: Laboratory sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for seven LFIAs on a minimum of 200 sera from individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 500 pre-pandemic sera res...
Continuing ibrutinib in patients with COVID-19 may be advantageous given its immunomodulatory properties and withdrawal of ibrutinib therapy may be detrimental. Further evidence is required to explore the potential therapeutic impact of BTKis and other immunomodulatory agents on the clinical course of COVID-19 as is currently being carried out in a...
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed enormous strain on intensive care units (ICUs) in Europe. Ensuring access to care, irrespective of COVID-19 status, in winter 2020/21 is essential. Methods: An integrated model of hospital capacity planning and epidemiological projections of COVID-19 patients is used to estimat...
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic indirectly impacts HIV epidemiology in Central/West Africa. We estimated the potential impact of COVID-19-related disruptions to HIV prevention/treatment services and sexual partnerships on HIV incidence and HIV-related deaths among key populations including female sex workers (FSW), their clients, men who have sex...
Background. South Asia has become a major epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding South Asians’ awareness, attitudes and experiences of early measures for the prevention of COVID-19 is key to improving the effectiveness and mitigating the social and economic impacts of pandemic responses at a critical time for the Region. Methods. We asse...
Background The use of face masks remains contentious, with international variation in practice. Their prevalence in the UK, is likely to increase due to new legislation. Clear information regarding the appropriate use of masks is needed, to ensure compliance with policies to reduce transmission of COVID-19. We aimed to assess the impact of visual r...
Background: Most studies of severe/fatal COVID-19 risk have used routine/hospitalisation data without detailed pre-morbid characterisation. Using the community-based UK Biobank ohort, we investigate risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in comparison withnon-COVID-19mortality.MethodsWe investigated demographic, social (education, income, housing, emp...
Background: Team dynamics influence infection prevention and management practices and implementation of antibiotic stewardship (AS). Using an innovative visual mapping approach, alongside traditional qualitative methods, we aimed to study team dynamics and flow of communication (who gets to speak, and whose voice is heard) during surgical ward roun...
Introduction: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common lifelong condition affecting up to 50% of those suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). PTS compromises function and quality of life with subsequent venous ulceration in up to 29% of those affected. Areas covered: A literature review of surgical and non-surgical approaches in the preventio...
