Infection due to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is dramatically widespread around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic could increase public concern to prevent infectious disease. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the COVID-19 epidemic and the potential decrease in seasonal influenza cases. Methods: This study was performed to show trends in seasonal influenza cases from the 2014-2015 season to the 2019-2020 season in 11 countries and regions, and evaluate whether the trends in the 2019-2020 season were different before and after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous seasons using a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference design. Results: In East Asia, the number of seasonal influenza cases in the 2019-20 season was lower after the COVID-19 transmission compared to previous years. However, this was not the case in American countries or in European countries. Conclusion:The COVID-19 epidemic might have altered health behaviors, resulting in an unexpected reduction of seasonal influenza cases.

The present work was aimed at clarifying the stress-shielding effect caused by hip-joint implantation into a femur by using a human cadaver with a cementless hip implant. In particular, bone quality was assessed from the standpoint of preferential c-axis orientation of biological apatite (BAp). Comparing the implanted side to the non-implanted side, a finite element analysis (FEA) indicated that artificial hip-joint implantation had a significant stress-shielding effect on the femur. The results also showed a marked decrease in the degree of preferential BAp orientation as well as bone loss in the medial-proximal femur. This is the first report showing a reduction in the degree of preferential BAp orientation due to a stress-shielding effect after artificial hip-joint implantation. Since preferential BAp orientation is an important index for determining bone mechanical function, these findings should be taken into account in future artificial hip-joint designs, especially those involving the stem component.

We have developed an assessment model for identifying patients with a high possibility of being discharged to their homes after an acute stroke. This model would be useful for health professionals to adequately plan patients' discharge soon after their admission.

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