ABSTRACT
The new coronavirus was first reported in 2019 (China) and officially announced by the World Health Organization as a pandemic in March 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coro-navirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pneumonia-associated illnesses and shares structural homology with the related Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV--1). One of the mechanisms for SARS-Cov-1 and-2 infection is mediated by the angiotensin-con-verting enzyme-2 (ACE2) cell receptor, enabling the virus to enter the host cells. ACE2 is an iso-form of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE). The actions of ACE2 counterbalance the clas-sic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) axis through the production of Ang 1-7, which promotes car-diovascular, renal, and lung-protective effects. The ACE2 is not the only route for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cells. However, due to its roles in the RAS and its participation in the SARS-CoV-2 virulence, ACE2 has gained attention regarding viral mechanisms of pathogenesis, effects of drugs that interfere with the RAS, and as a potential target for therapeutic strategies for the damages caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among other tissues, ACE2 gene expression seems to be in-creased in the lungs upon SARS-CoV-2 infection;however, amid other variables, expression and/or activity of ACE2 is shown as a disease, sex, and age-dependent. The present review covers critical aspects for a comprehensive understanding of ACE2 and its current involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study is to systematically review and analyze the contributions of scientific articles related to information and communication technologies in times of pandemic in teachers and students of higher education in the countries of Europe and America covering the years 2020 to 2021. There is a need to continue the use of strategies in teaching and learning in times of COVID-19. As for the methodology used, the guidelines of the PRISMA guide were followed. The results obtained, took into account database articles from Scopus, SciELO, ProQuest, Web of Science, the search was done between the months of November to December 2021 and the first weeks of January 2022 and the findings found were referred to three categories digital competences, didactic tools and emotional aspects. The conclusion was that ICT in the teaching-learning process at the higher level was one of the most important means to develop the sessions, teachers used various strategies, students developed virtual classes and research, where the use of technology was not covered 100% due to the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic and many students did not have connectivity.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The CoVIDA project is a public-private collaboration led by Universidad de los Andes that contributed to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in Bogotá and nearby municipalities. We aimed to describe the development and performance of the Drive/Walk-through free RT- PCR for SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy implemented by CoVIDA. Material and method: We performed a descriptive analysis of the characteristics and performance of the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers. The model and the process indicators to assess the model’s performance were based on international experiences and scientific literature. Two screening centers were implemented in shopping centers in the north and south of Bogotá. We reported the number of tests taken, the number of positive tests, and the number of participants that used the model by the type of occupations. Results: In total, 36,689 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed with a 5.75% cumulative positivity. Process indicators showed an excellent performance and an important contribution in reducing barriers to access to testing. Conclusions: the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers supported the epidemiological surveillance in asymptomatic or mild-symptomatic population in Bogotá. Low and middle-income countries can use this model as a cost-effective and innovative solution strategy to intensify testing and help mitigate the pandemic.