How have worldwide physical activity trends changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread mortality and morbidity over the globe. Public health interventions that limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission could result in unintended consequences that affect long-term health outcomes. Hence, it is essential to understand the long-term effects of the pandemic on physical activity, which is an important marker of health, to guide policy making. About the study In the present study, researchers examined the trends in physical activity worldwide regarding step count estimates since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team employed deidentified individual-level data from 1 January 2019 to 17 February 2022 from a health-wellness smartphone app called Azumio Argus. The number of daily steps was estimated using smartphone accelerometers and Android or Apple algorithms for counting steps. User location was determined via the smartphone IP address. The team estimated the mean steps before the pandemic determined in every region using data between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. Furthermore, the number of COVID-19 cases in every region was obtained. Finally, the team estimated the differences between mean step counts for the periods assessed. Results Related Stories SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 replicates more efficiently than BA.2 or BA.5 sub-variants The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on antibody and B-cell responses to a third dose of mRNA vaccination Can SARS-CoV-2 transmission occur from an infected dead body? The study results showed that 1,40,424,429 daily step counts were obtained from 12,55,811 unique users from over 200 countries and regions. Almost 92% and 8% of the measurements obtained were from iOS and Android smartphones. The team noted that physical activity was estimated at 5323 steps before the pandemic. However, 90 days before the end of the study period between November 2021 and February 2022, the mean step count declined significantly for all the continents compared to the period between November 2019 and February 2020. Moreover, the 90-day period between November 2020 and February 2021 also had a significantly lower mean step count for all the continents than before the pandemic. Notably, the period between May and November 2021 displayed the highest recovery in step count since the onset of the pandemic, with almost 4997 steps recorded per day, while the step count was still 10% less than before the pandemic. In comparison to 2019, the highest step count recovery recorded between May and November 2021 was in North America, followed by Europe, South America, and Asia. Particularly, in the USA, the team noted that the step count recovered to 97% between May and November 2019. Furthermore, the low point of the step counts in all the continents was less severe during the surge in COVID-19 cases in January 2022 than in January 2021. Compared to the mid-pandemic period in 2020-21, the mean step counts noted in the 90 days before the study period were considerably higher in Europe and North America and lower in Asia. Moreover, there were no notable differences between Africa, South America, and Oceania. Conclusion The study findings showed that mean step counts across the globe have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels since the beginning of COVID-19 infections. Step counts in North America and Europe have shown the most recovery, but they remained lower than those before the pandemic. The researchers believe that the speed of recovery of the mean step count could reflect the availability and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines across different regions.

White House Asks Congress for More Money for COVID, Monkeypox

The Biden administration is asking Congress for $47 billion to fund response efforts for "four critical needs" — COVID-19, monkeypox, natural disaster recovery and Ukraine support, according to ABC News. The White House request is tied to the next government funding bill, which would keep federal operations running after Sept. 30

Natural Justice: A Legal Thriller (Tex Hunter Legal Thriller Series Book 6) Kindle Edition

https://amzn.to/3RnOQnn Small towns keep the darkest secrets… In Southern Illinois, defense attorney Tex Hunter agrees to defend a young man against a murder charge. With an entire city against him, Hunter realizes there’s more to the case than he’s been told. To discover the truth, Hunter must fight against corrupt police, power-hungry politicians, dishonest judges, and small-town secrets. Digging deep into the mysteries of the area, Hunter uncovers information that will shock everyone. But if Hunter can't expose the truth in court, an innocent man might be punished... while the real killer watches his every move. Natural Justice is the sixth book in this high-stakes legal thriller series. It can be read as a standalone novel or part of the heart-pounding Tex Hunter Legal Thriller series. Read less

The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place Paperback – January 4, 2022

https://amzn.to/3BgYBOz 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane Imported Tie closure Machine Wash Staples by The Drop Models are 5'10" wearing a size S and XXL. Danielle is 5'8"/173 cm and wearing a size S. This dress measures 37"/94 cm long Show more https://amzn.to/3TNeZ0e Great on Kindle Great Experience. Great Value. Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories. A complete, step-by-step manual for safely sheltering-in-place at home so you are prepared for any disaster or disease. If a disaster forces you to shelter in place, do you think you have everything you need to safely and comfortably stay put in your home? If the answer is no, The Disaster-Ready Home will help you create a safe, well-stocked place to weather out any emergency. Survival expert and bestselling author Creek Stewart gives you a step-by-step emergency preparedness plan to meet your food, water, heat, and sanitation needs during any disaster. Including detailed lists, photographs, and complete instructions to make the plan easy to follow, this book is the only resource you need for a disaster. You’ll learn how to: -Create an emergency pantry stocked with enough food for the timeframe of your choice—from two weeks to three months to a full year -Select and store food that fits your taste, diet, and budget -Easily rotate and use your emergency food supply, so nothing goes to waste -Set up long-term water storage and renewable water sources -Cook food and boil water when your kitchen appliances aren’t working -Safely heat and light your home when the power is out -Effectively manage sanitation issues if running water is unavailable -And much more! With daily headlines dominated by disease and disasters, the need to be prepared has never been more evident. This practical, field-tested guide will help you protect and provide for your family when any situation arises.

What are the organs of the body?

Organs and their functions Vital organs Non-vital organs Organ systems Summary In the human body, there are five vital organs that people need to stay alive. These are also a number of other organs that work together with these vital organs to ensure that the body is functioning well. Keep reading to learn more about the organs of the body, the various organ systems, and some guidelines on how to maintain optimum health. Organs of the body and their functions The interactive body map below shows the organs of the body and which systems they play a role in. Click on the map to learn more. Vital organs The vital organs are those that a person needs to survive. A problem with any of these organs can quickly become life threatening. It is not possible to live without these organs. That said, in the case of the paired kidneys and lungs, a person can live without one of the pair. The sections below will look at the five vital organs in more detail. Brain The brain is the body’s control center. It forms the core of the central nervous system by creating, sending, and processing nerve impulses, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and more. The skull encloses the brain, protecting it from injury. Neurologists are doctors who study the nervous system. Over time, they have identified numerous parts of the brain, including systems within the brain that function similarly to independent organs. The brain is made up of three main subparts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. Within these areas, there are several key components of the brain that, together with the spinal cord, comprise the central nervous system. The major areas of the central nervous system include: The medulla: This is the lowest part of the brainstem. It helps control heart and lung function. The pons: Located above the medulla in the brainstem, this area helps control eye and facial movement. The spinal cord: Extended from the base of the brain and down the center of the back, the spinal cord helps with many automatic functions, such as reflexes. It also sends messages to and from the brain. The parietal lobe: Situated in the middle of the brain, the parietal lobe supports the identification of objects and spatial reasoning. It also plays a role in interpreting pain and touch signals. The frontal lobe: The frontal lobe, which is located in the front of the head, is the largest section of the brain. It plays a role in many conscious functions, including personality and movement. It also helps the brain interpret smells. The occipital lobes: Positioned near the back of the brain, the occipital lobe primarily interprets vision signals. The temporal lobes: Located on either side of the brain, the temporal lobes play a role in numerous functions, including speech, scent recognition, and short-term memory. The brain’s two halves are called the right and left hemispheres. The corpus callosum connects these two hemispheres. Heart The heartTrusted Source is the most important organ of the circulatory system, which helps deliver blood to the body. It works with the lungs to add oxygen to blood and pump this freshly oxygenated blood through the blood vessels and around the body. The heart also has an electrical system within. Electrical impulses within the heart help ensure that it beats with a consistent rhythm and proper rate. The heart rate increases when the body needs more blood, such as during intense exercise. It decreases during times of rest. The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria, and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. Blood flows into the right atrium from the veins of the heart and body (except the lungs), then it flows into the right ventricle. From there, it flows into the pulmonary artery, which has branches that reach the lungs. The lungs then oxygenate the blood. This oxygenated blood travels from the lungs, through pulmonary veins that lead back and join together, to the left atrium, and then through the left ventricle. From there, the heart pumps the blood through an artery that branches to distribute blood to itself and other body parts (except the lungs). The heart has four valves that ensure that blood flows in the right direction. The heart valves are: the tricuspid valve the pulmonary valve the mitral valve the aortic valve Learn more about the heart here. Lungs The lungs work with the heart to oxygenate blood. They do this by filtering the air a person breathes, then removing excess carbon dioxide in exchange for oxygen. Several parts of the lungs help the body take in air, filter it, and then oxygenate the blood. These are: The left and right bronchi: The trachea splits into these tubes, which extend into the lungs and have branches. These smaller bronchi split into even smaller tubes called bronchioles. The alveoli: The alveoli are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles. They work like balloons, expanding when a person inhales and contracting when they exhale. The blood vessels: There are numerous blood vessels in the lungs for carrying blood to and from the heart. With extensive medical care, a person can live without one lung, but they cannot survive with no lungs. The diaphragm, which is a thick band of muscle directly under the lungs, helps the lungs expand and contract when a person breathes. Learn more about the lungs here. Liver The liver is the most important organ of the metabolic system. It helps convert nutrients into usable substances, detoxifies certain substances, and filters blood coming from the digestive tract through a vein before it joins venous blood flow from other parts of the body. Oxygenated blood reaches the liver via an artery. The majority of liver mass is in the upper right side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. The liver plays many roles in digestion and filtering the blood, including: producing bile helping the body filter out toxic substances, including alcohol, drugs, and harmful metabolites regulating blood levels of various important chemicals, including amino acids making cholesterol removing some bacteria from the blood making some immune factors clearing bilirubin from the blood regulating the process of blood clotting, so that a person does not bleed too much and does not develop dangerous blood clots The liver partners with the gallbladder to deliver bile to the small intestine. The liver pours bile into the gallbladder, which then stores and later releases the bile when the body needs it to help with digestion. A person can live without portions of their liver, but the liver itself is vital for life. Learn more about the liver here. Kidneys The kidneys are a pair of bean shaped organs, and each is about the size of a fist. They are located on either side of the back, protected inside of the lower part of the rib cage. They help filter blood and remove waste from the body. Blood flows from the renal artery into the kidneys. Each kidney contains about a millionTrusted Source tiny units for filtration known as nephrons. They help filter waste to the urine and then return the filtered blood to the body through the renal vein. The kidneys also produce urine when they remove waste from the blood. Urine flows out of the kidneys through the ureters, then down to the urinary bladder. A person can live with just one kidney. When a person is experiencing severe kidney failure, dialysis can filter the blood until they get a kidney transplant or their kidney recovers some function. Some people need to undergo hemodialysis long term. Learn more about the kidneys here. Non-vital organs Non-vital organs are those that a person can survive without. However, this does not mean that conditions affecting these organs are never life threatening or dangerous. Many infections and cancers in non-vital organs are life threatening, especially without prompt treatment. Injuries to non-vital organs may also affect vital organs, such as when a gallstone undermines liver function. The sections below will outline the body’s non-vital organs in more detail. Gallbladder Small and pear shaped, the gallbladder sits in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just under the liver. It contains cholesterol, bile salts, bile, and bilirubin. In a healthy person, the liver releases bile into the gallbladder, which the gallbladder stores and then releases to travel down the common bile duct into the small intestine to aid digestion. However, some people develop gallstones that block the gallbladder or biliary tree, causing intense pain and interfering with digestion. Also, this can sometimes interfere with liver or pancreas function. Learn about some potential gallbladder issues here. Pancreas Located in the upper left portion of the abdomen, the pancreas has two important roles: It functions as both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland. As an exocrine gland, the pancreas produces enzymes a person needs to help digest their food and convert it into energy. Those enzymes include amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. In its role as an endocrine gland, the pancreas also produces and releases insulin, which helps the body remove glucose from the blood and convert it into energy. Problems with insulin can lead to a dangerously high level of blood glucose and the onset of diabetes. The pancreas also produces and releases glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels. The main pancreatic duct connects to the common bile duct, which flows from the liver and gallbladder. Therefore, problems within the biliary tree, liver, or gallbladder may also affect the pancreas. Learn more about the pancreas here. Stomach The stomach is a J shaped organ near the top of the abdomen. Food begins its journey to the stomach soon after a person swallows. The food moves down from the throat and into the esophagus. The stomach is located at the end of the esophagus. The muscles of the stomach help it break down and digest food. Within its lumen lining, certain regions of the stomach also produce enzymes that help digest food. The enzyme pepsin, for example, breaks down proteins so that they can become amino acids. The stomach also helps store chyme until it moves to the intestines. Chyme refers to food that has mixed with stomach secretions. Anatomists usually divide the stomach into five subparts. These are: The cardia: Located just beneath the esophagus, this portion of the stomach includes the cardiac sphincter. The sphincter prevents food from flowing back up the esophagus or into the mouth. The fundus: This is situated to the left of the cardia and underneath the diaphragm. The body: Food begins breaking down in the body, which is also the largest part of the stomach. The antrum: This is the lower part of the stomach. It contains partially digested food before it flows to the small intestine. The pylorus: This portion of the stomach connects to the small intestine. It includes a muscle called the pyloric sphincter, which controls when and how much stomach content flows into the small intestine. Intestines The intestines are a group of tubes that help filter out waste, absorb water and certain electrolytes, and digest food. Partially digested food first travels through the small intestine, which comprises three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileumTrusted Source. Most digestion and absorption of food happens here. Food then becomes feces as it travels within and through the large intestine. This begins with the cecum, extends to the rest of colon, and ends with the rectum. The rectum is the last stop for feces before expulsion occurs from the anus. Organ systems Doctors usually list dozens of organs, though the definition of an organ varies from expert to expert. Most organs play a role in organ systems, which work together to perform specific functions. The sections below will outline the body’s organ systems in more detail. Nervous system The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system, which works to process and send nerve signals, interpret information, and produce conscious thought. The portion of nervous system that communicates with the central nervous system is called the peripheral nervous system. Overall, the peripheral and central nervous systems also include an extensive network of neurons. Located throughout the body, these fibrous bundles send information about sensation, temperature, and pain. The nervous system helps the body regulate every function, including every other organ system. For instance, the stomach releases the hormone ghrelin, which signals to the brain that it is time to eat. This causes feelings of hunger and encourages a person to eat, which leads to the beginning of the process of digestion. The nervous system integrates with virtually every other part of the body. For example, nerve fibers in the hand tell the brain when there is an injury in that area. Meanwhile, nerves in the skin relay information about external temperature. This may cause the brain to initiate involuntary responses that control body temperature, such as sweating or shivering. Also, other nerves interact with muscle, which helps coordinate movement. Learn more about the central nervous system here. Reproductive system The reproductive system includes the organs that enable a person to reproduce and experience sexual pleasure. In females, the reproductive system also supports the growth of a fetus. The reproductive system works closely with other organs and organ systems. For example, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland help regulate the production and release of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. The male reproductive system organsTrusted Source include: the testes the epididymis the vas deferens the ejaculatory ducts the prostate gland the seminal vesicles the penis the bulbourethral glands The female reproductive system organsTrusted Source include: the mammary glands in the breasts the ovaries the fallopian tubes the uterus the vagina the vulva the clitoris a system of various glands, such as the Bartholin glands, which help lubricate the vagina the cervix Skin The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is part of the integumentary system, which includes skin, hair, nails, and fat. The integumentary system helps regulate body temperature, protect the body from dangerous pathogens, make vitamin D from sunlight, and provide sensory input. The skin comprises three layers: The epidermis: This is the outer layer of skin. It contains three types of cells. Squamous cells are the outer layer of skin, which the body constantly sheds. Basal cells are the next layer, located under the squamous cells. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is skin pigment. The more melanin the melanocytes produce, the darker a person’s skin is. The dermis: This is the middle layer of skin, located under the epidermis. It contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, nerves, sebaceous glands, and fibroblasts. A flexible protein called collagen holds the dermis together. The subcutaneous fat layer: This is the deepest layer of the skin. It helps keep the body warm and reduces the risk of injury by absorbing heavy blows. Muscular system The muscular system includes a vast network of muscles. There are three types of muscles: Skeletal muscles: These are voluntary muscles, which means that a person can decide when to move them. The biceps and triceps are examples of skeletal muscles. Cardiac muscles: These are involuntary muscles that help the heart pump blood. Smooth muscles: These are also involuntary muscles. Smooth muscles line the bladder, intestines, and stomach. Endocrine system The endocrine system is a network of glands throughout the body. These glands release important chemicals called hormones, which help regulate the function of virtually every organ and organ system in the body. For example, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and plays an important role in sustaining a pregnancy. The endocrine system includes several major glands, including: the pancreas the thyroid the adrenal glands the pituitary the parathyroid the thyroid the hypothalamus the pineal gland the ovaries the testes Immune system The immune system helps the body prevent infections and fights them off when they do occur. Many organs play a role in the immune system. For example, the skin prevents dangerous pathogens from entering the body, and the salivary glands release saliva that can help break down some dangerous sources of infection in food. The lymphatic system plays a key role in the immune system by releasing lymphocytes that fight disease. There are many lymph nodes throughout the body. Some people notice that their lymph nodes enlarge when they get sick. Digestive system The digestive systemTrusted Source is the group of organs that digest food, as well as the various structures within that release substances to aid digestion and absorption. It includes: the mouth the esophagus the salivary glands the gallbladder the liver the pancreas the stomach the small and large intestines the appendix the rectum the anus Circulatory system The circulatory system includes the many blood vessels that circulate blood throughout the body. It includes veins, arteries, capillaries, venules, and arterioles. The lymphatic system is also part of the circulatory system. It helps maintain the body’s balance of fluid by collecting excess fluid and other particles from the blood. Lymph nodes are present within this system. Summary Each organ in the body is its own complex system, made up of numerous smaller parts. Many organs also depend on several other body parts. For example, to properly breathe, the lungs must work with the nose, mouth, throat, windpipe, and sinuses. This complexity of each organ and organ system means that some doctors choose to specialize in a single organ or organ system. For example, cardiologists treat heart issues, while pulmonologists study the lungs. Anyone who thinks that they have a problem with one of their organs or organ systems should see a specialist or ask a healthcare provider for a referral.

Respiratory diseases affect females and males differently, study says

The impact of breathing diesel exhaust fumes may be more severe for females than males, according to new research that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Researchers looked for changes in people's blood brought about by exposure to diesel exhaust. In both females and males, they found changes in components of the blood related to inflammation, infection and cardiovascular disease, but they found more changes in females than males. The research was presented by Dr Hemshekhar Mahadevappa, from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada and was a collaboration between two research groups led by Professor Neeloffer Mookherjee at the University of Manitoba and Professor Chris Carlsten at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. We already know that there are sex differences in lung diseases such as asthma and respiratory infections. Our previous research showed that breathing diesel exhaust creates inflammation in the lungs and has an impact on how the body deals with respiratory infections. In this study, we wanted to look for any effects in the blood and how these differ in females and males." Dr Hemshekhar Mahadevappa, University of Manitoba The study involved ten volunteers, five female and five male, who were all healthy non-smokers. Each volunteer spent four hours breathing filtered air and four hours breathing air containing diesel exhaust fumes at three different concentrations – 20, 50 and 150 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic meter – with a four-week break in between each exposure. The current European Union annual limit value for PM2.5 is 25 micrograms per cubic meter, but much higher peaks are common in many cities. Volunteers donated blood samples 24 hours after each exposure and the researchers made detailed examinations of the volunteers' blood plasma. Plasma is the liquid component of the blood that carries blood cells as well as hundreds of proteins and other molecules around the body. Using a well-established analysis technology called liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, the researchers looked for changes in the levels of different proteins following exposure to diesel exhaust and compared the changes in females and males. Related Stories Researchers examine the effect of cumulative exposure to air pollutants with lung cancer diagnosis Research shows a correlation between air pollution and heart attacks in non-smokers Men exposed to industrial air pollution exhibit sperm mitochondrial DNA deletions Comparing the plasma samples, the researchers found levels of 90 proteins that were distinctly different between female and male volunteers following exposure to diesel exhaust. Among the proteins that differed between females and males, were some that are known to play a role in inflammation, damage repair, blood clotting, cardiovascular disease and the immune system. Some of these differences became clearer when volunteers were exposed to the higher levels of diesel exhaust. Professor Mookherjee explained: "These are preliminary findings, however they show that exposure to diesel exhaust has different effects in female bodies compared to male and that could indicate that air pollution is more dangerous for females than males. "This is important as respiratory diseases such as asthma are known to effect females and males differently, with females more likely to suffer severe asthma that does not respond to treatments. Therefore, we need to know a lot more about how females and males respond to air pollution and what this means for preventing, diagnosing and treating their respiratory disease." The researchers plan to continue studying the functions of these proteins to better understand their role in the difference between female and male immune responses. Professor Zorana Andersen from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, is Chair of the European Respiratory Society Environment and Health Committee and was not involved in the research. She said: "We know that exposure to air pollution, especially diesel exhaust, is a major risk factor in diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is very little we can do as individuals to avoid beathing polluted air, so we need governments to set and enforce limits on air pollutants. "We also need to understand how and why air pollution contributes to poor health. This study offers some important insight into how the body reacts to diesel exhaust and how that may differ between females and males." Source: European Lung Foundation

Dolutegravir-based regimen more effective for treating pregnant people with HIV-1

Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapies (ART) for HIV-1 are more effective for pregnant people than some other ART regimens commonly used in the U.S. and Europe, according to a study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers. The study, published online in NEJM on September 1, 2022, showed that pregnant people who took dolutegravir-based regimens had a high probability of being virally suppressed at delivery. There were no observed differences in the risks of adverse birth outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, or neonatal death) between dolutegravir-based regimens and the other contemporary regimens. Globally, a dolutegravir-based regimen is currently recommended for treating HIV, and this is the first study to directly compare regimens including dolutegravir to other antiretroviral regimens, such as raltegravir-based regimens, that are also listed as 'Preferred' in U.S. perinatal guidelines." Kunjal Patel, senior research scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard Chan School and lead author of the study Related Stories How is the COVID pandemic affecting perinatal mental health? Case report describes clinical manifestation of monkeypox, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV coinfection Genetic screening before pregnancy detects the risk in 44% of couples Dolutegravir, a more recently approved antiretroviral drug, is part of a once-a-day regimen that has been shown to be more effective, easier to tolerate, and less likely to create new drug resistance in people with HIV-1 compared with other antiretroviral drugs. However, limited data have been available about its effectiveness and safety in pregnancy compared with regimens that commonly have been used during pregnancy in the U.S. and Europe. In the current observational study, the researchers compared dolutegravir use in pregnancy with atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, and raltegravir antiviral regimens that are currently classified as "Preferred" for use in pregnancy in the U.S. About half of the participants started ART before conception. At delivery, 96.7% of pregnancies of participants who received dolutegravir were virally suppressed, whereas those of participants who took atazanavir/ritonavir or raltegravir had viral suppression of 84.0% and 89.2%, respectively. "We think the observed differences are due to dolutegravir's ability to rapidly decrease viral loads and its ease of use as part of a once-daily regimen that's available as a fixed-dose combination," said Patel. "Our results highlight the continual need for systematic studies that compare new antiretroviral regimens with those already in clinical practice to help inform the evolution of guidelines and clinical practice over time."