Compliance with Home Confinement to M itigate the Spread of SARS-CoV-2: Analysisfor Latin American Countries

This research evaluated some factors that could affect compliance with home confinement during the covid-19 pandemic by citizens of Latin American countries. Data from 229 days was used counted from the first confirmed infection in the region related to mobility, the interest of people in learning about issues related to the new coronavirus, the rigor of the policies that restricted the movement of people, the trust of citizens towards their governments, unemployment and deaths from covid-19. He estimated a model with panel data for twelve Latin American countries from them. The main results suggest that a greater rigor of governments, a good level of trust towards them, and an increase in unemployment were associated with greater compliance with home confinement to mitigate the pandemic's effects.

What Do We Long For? Refllections on Feminist Movements for Social Justice

In this collective essay, we contemplate tipping points including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and gendered and racialized forms of state violence through our reflections on shifting meanings of and movements for social justice, shaped by our own lived experiences. Inspired by the writings of feminist scholars and activists including Grace Lee Boggs, adrienne maree brown, Dean Spade, bell hooks, and others, we grapple with the meanings of social justice in contemporary contexts.

COVID-19 screening in asymptomatic patients scheduled for surgery. What is the role of rt-PCR in elective procedures during the pandemic?

Background: COVID-19 has changed medical practice nowadays. One of the biggest concerns has been establishing when invasive procedures such as surgery, GI endoscopy or bone marrow transplant are safe;and if it is necessary to consider screening for asymptomatic patients. Method(s): We identified asymptomatic patients that were scheduled for invasive procedures from May 2020 to April 2021 at Clinica de Marly. Patients were asked to fill a questionnaire about GI and upper respiratory symptoms and contact with possible/confirmed cases of COVID- 19 in the last 15 days. Patients taken to emergency procedures, who had symptoms or contact with probable/confirmed cases in the last 15 days were excluded. rt-PCR was performed to screen COVID-19. Result(s): A total of 1837 patients were included. 104 rt-PCRs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, leading to a 5.66% of identified asymptomatic patients. Patients were followed-up on the 30th day after the procedure. 1733 negative patients responded to our follow-up, in which only 1 death and 2 complications were detected. 102 positive patients were followed-up and no complications or deaths were reported. Conclusion(s): We found the presence of 5.66% of asymptomatic patients with positive rt-PCR for COVID-19. Safe screening will decide if these invasive interventions can be postponed, or, if the benefit outweighs the risks.Copyright © 2022 Asociacion Colombiana de Infectologia. All rights reserved.

Admission Hemoglobin as a Prognostic Factor for Major Adverse Kidney Events in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 and Acute Kidney Injury

Introduction: AlthoughCOVID-19 and anemia are associated with higher risk for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), to the best of our knowledge no studies have analyzed the association of admission hemoglobin with Major Adverse Kidney Events (MAKE) in patients with COVID-19 and AKI. Method(s): Retrospective cohort study of 412 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. MAKE was defined as a composite of 28-day mortality, progression to AKI stage 3, and renal replacement therapy. A COX regression analysis was used to determine the independent association of hemoglobin level with risk of MAKE. Result(s): The mean age of the 412 patients was 55+/-15 years, 35.9% were male, had a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28.2+/-5.5 kg/m2, and median in-hospital stay was 10 (6-17) days. Overall, patients had a mean hemoglobin level of 12.8+/-2.8g/dL, and 62.1%, 23.8%, 8.7%, and 5.3% presented a 24-hour hemoglobin >13g/dL, 10-13g/dL, 9.9-8g/dL, and < 8g/dL, respectively. Likewise, the 28-day mortality was 20.4%, 22.3% progressed to AKI stage 3 and 9.5% required RRT. The univariate analysis showed that a 24-hour hemoglobin >13 g/dL had a lower risk for 28-day mortality (HR=0.634 [0.503-0.800]), AKI at any stage (0.457 [0.304-687]), progression to AKI stage 3 (0.666 [0.527-0.841]) and RRT requirement (0.626 [0.489-0.801]). After COX regression analysis, a hemoglobin >13g/dL was associated with lower risk to present MAKE (0.541 [0.338-0.866]), independently of age, sex, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, mechanical ventilation, and proinflammatory markers. Conclusion(s):A hemoglobin >13 g/dL level was independently associated with lower risk to present MAKE in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. [Formula presented] Conclusion(s): A hemoglobin >13 g/dL level was independently associated with lower risk to present MAKE in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023

Evaluation of the Food Services of a Public University in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the emergence of COVID-19, Food Services (FS) needed to adapt to the protocols established by health agencies to avoid the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although there is no evidence of transmission of the virus through food, contagion can occur between food handlers and customers. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the measures implemented in a university FS in order to prevent the transmission and contagion of COVID-19. The methodology used was descriptive and quantitative. Data collection took place from July to October 2021, through the application of a checklist based on health standards for the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. The results showed that the FS demonstrated non-conformities in some items (28.9%), even though the changes made were in accordance with the guidelines of health agencies. The changes mainly refer to the recommendations of health protocols for the prevention of COVID-19 such as natural ventilation, reinforced cleaning, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - mask, informative posters, and physical distancing. It is concluded that it is necessary to put into practice the current regulations and correct the possible flaws so that the FS reach all the requirements required by the legislation in the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19. © 2022 Centro Universitario Sao Camilo. All rights reserved.

Risk factors for loneliness in family caregivers of people with dementia and enduring mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness has increased in the general population due to government measures to contain the spread of the disease. In Latin America (LA), caregiving is most often delivered informally by family members Family caregivers often face mental health challenges linked to their caregiving role and their social context. Pandemic-related social restrictions have been especially detrimental for older people with dementia or other brain health challenges, as well as their family caregivers. We aimed to investigate the associations of loneliness, social isolation and care burden in these family caregivers. Method(s): We undertook a cross-sectional survey of over 300 informal caregivers of people with dementia or enduring mental health problems living in 4 Latin American countries, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. We categorized loneliness into 3 groups 'low', 'moderate' and 'severe loneliness'. Here, we analyzed factors related to changes in the prevalence of moderate and severe loneliness before and during the pandemic using a longitudinal multinomial logistic regression model. Result(s): During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in loneliness prevalence (p<.001) among caregivers in Latin America, with more people having moderate (6.25% pre-pandemic;17.67% mid-pandemic) and severe loneliness (2.78% pre-pandemic;15.19% mid-pandemic). Gender differences in the prevalence of loneliness or higher levels of loneliness among dementia caregivers compared to caregivers of other conditions were not seen. The regression model revealed that the increment in risk for moderate loneliness during the pandemic was related to caregivers' age, level of education, and social contact/isolation. Increased risk for severe loneliness was related to caregivers' social contact during the pandemic and perceived mental health. Conclusion(s): Public health interventions regarding COVID-19 pandemic should consider increased loneliness in Latin-American caregivers. This population will need both, short and long-term mental health and practical support. Next steps include gathering more evidence on specific risk factors for loneliness and its impact on caregivers' physical and mental health. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.

Integrating Task-Based Learning and Pragmatics: Some practical ideas

Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT), or Ensino de Línguas Baseado em Tarefas, in Portuguese, requires pragmatic skills from its students because it privileges authentic communicative interactions. However, very little has been written about how to combine TBLT with pragmatics in teaching contexts. This article offers two lesson plans that consider both TBLT and a specific pragmatic aspect, speech acts, with the purpose of providing ideas to be adapted to different contexts. The target audience contemplated in the article was native Portuguese speaking first graders, from a bilingual public school, that adopts Context and Integrated Language Learning (CLIL). The subject is Science, and the class is taught in English. Both lessons are an adapted version of an asynchronous online lesson planned and taught by me in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. © 2022 The authors.

Radical collaboration during a global health emergency: Development of the RDA COVID-19 data sharing recommendations and guidelines

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic required a rapid and effective response. This included ethical and legally appropriate sharing of data. The European Commission (EC) called upon the Research Data Alliance (RDA) to recruit experts worldwide to quickly develop recommendations and guidelines for COVID-related data sharing. Purpose: The purpose of the present work was to explore how the RDA succeeded in engaging the participation of its community of scientists in a rapid response to the EC request. Methods: A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among RDA COVID-19 work group members. A mixed-methods approach was used for analysis of the survey data. Results: The three constructs of radical collaboration (inclusiveness, distributed digital practices, productive and sustainable collaboration) were found to be well supported in both the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the survey data. Other social factors, such as motivation and group identity were also found to be important to the success of this extreme collaborative effort. Conclusions: Recommendations and suggestions for future work were formulated for consideration by the RDA to strengthen effective expert collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts. © 2021 Pickering B et al.

Obesity Aggravates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI)-Induced AKI in Mice

Background: Obesity, which is becoming increasingly common worldwide, is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease and progression of chronic kidney disease, due to inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Many angiotensin II effects are dependent on AT1 stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In COVID-19 patients, overweight and obesity are associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome and AKI. Although obesity increases oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, its effect on IRI-induced AKI is unknown. We hypothesized that obesity would aggravate renal IRI in mice. Method(s): We fed mice a high-fat or standard diet (45 and 10 kcal% fat, respectively) for 8 weeks. Some then underwent bilateral 30-min clamping of the kidney hila and subsequent reperfusion (groups: obese, normal, obese+IRI and normal+IRI). All studies were performed 48 h after IRI. Data are mean+/-SEM. Result(s): Body weight (g) was 33+/-1.7, 32+/-0.7, 27+/-1.4 and 26+/-0.9 in the obese, obese+IRI, normal and normal+IRI groups, respectively (P<0.001). Mortality was 42% and 25% in the obese+IRI and normal+IRI groups, respectively (P <0.05);there were no deaths in the non-IRI groups. Serum glucose and cholesterol did not differ among the groups. Creatinine clearance (mL/min/100g BW) was 0.20+/-0.05 and 0.20+/-0.07 in the obese+IRI and normal+IRI groups, respectively, vs. 0.34+/-0.06 and 0.40+/-0.08 in the obese and normal groups, respectively. Renal p65 protein expression (%) was 127+/-4.8 in the obese+IRI group, vs. 100+/-4.1, 92.5+/-4.8 and 107+/-3.7, respectively, in the normal, obese and normal+IRI groups (P<0.05). Conclusion(s): In obese individuals with AKI, ROS could be a therapeutic target (FAPESP, NWO).

Virtual education during the pandemic from the perspective of Peruvian teachers in rural schools

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire educational system migrated to the virtual modality, bringing with it social, technological, psychological challenges, etc. In this context, rural schools, which had various shortcomings since before the pandemic, became a scenario where the teaching work and, consequently, student learning was harmed in various aspects. Therefore, this research sought to collect the experiences of secondary school teachers on virtual education that was implemented in rural areas of Peru due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology was qualitative, phenomenological and interviews were conducted with 23 teachers. The initial impact of the school closures drastically changed the educational dynamic, leading to great uncertainty;in response, teachers went out in search of their students despite the geographical and technological difficulties. Likewise, the digital gap worsened, teachers did not receive help from some authorities, family support was diverse and educational programs were reduced, affecting learning opportunities. Everything would indicate that the pre-existing educational, social and technological gaps in rural areas have worsened and it is expected that the new public policies will address this problem as soon as possible.

Perception of affectation attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombian parents

Objetive. To describe the perceptions associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on coexistence, living conditions and possible parental burnout with parents living in the Colombian territory. Methodology. A sociodemographic record was applied, an Ad Hoc instrument to establish how the pandemic affected coexistence and the obtaining of resources, and the Latin American version of the 'Parental Burnout Assessment' was applied with a convenience sample of 390 parents. Results. Personal, economic, family relationships, parental burnout and mental health deterioration were evidenced in a significant proportion of participants. Conclusion. Coping with situations derived from COVID-19, added to the associated confinement, led to a significant deterioration in the living conditions of Colombian parents, which should be taken into account for the development of programs aimed at the preventive and therapeutic approach of the identified variables.

Clinical and severity characterization of hospitalized adults with COVID-19

A quantitative, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional investigation was carried out in adults admitted to the Alfredo Noboa Montenegro General Hospital, in Guaranda, Ecuador, from the 1st. from July to September 30, 2020. A clinical and severity characterization of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 was carried out. It was found that in the case of presenting cardiometabolic disease, the probability of presenting severity indicators is increased (p < 0.05). Presenting other associated diseases (not cardiometabolic) also increased the probability of presenting severity indicators with a significance level of 5%, as well as suffering from bronchial asthma (p < 0.05 for both characteristics);In the case of smoking, only the increase in the probability of hospital admission, pneumonia and death was statistically significant (p < 0.05 for the three variables). The results of this study can be used to identify risk factors associated with a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 in Ecuador and help develop preventive measures to reduce the burden of the disease and devise strategies for case management.

Strategy-structure relationship in organizational and business model innovation from digital transformation in the context of COVID-19

The theoretical debate on the strategy-structure relationship has at least three explanatory currents. However, this relationship has neither been studied in a context of crisis such as that of COVID-19, nor in higher education institutions (HEIs). Looking at the strategy from the perspective of the business model, and its relationship with organizational innovation, institutional development plans were analyzed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Connectivity Humanness and Empathy (CHE) model at 11 HEIs in Colombia. The results show that HEIs did not change their business model but managed to implement a strategy projected for several years in few weeks, by presenting organizational innovations that guide them towards digital transformation. © 2022, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. All rights reserved.

BETWEEN SCREENS AND KEYS: INTERVENTION RESEARCH WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN PANDEMIC

The article aims at understanding the challenges and risks that arise for remote research-intervention with children and adolescents as digital devices during the Covid-19 pandemic are used. The method consisted of interviews by means of cell phones and computers with 18 children and adolescents during the months of March to September 2020. The results indicate that the relationship established between the researcher and the child is affected, above all, by the limitations due to face-to-face contact. On the other hand, it was noted that both researcher and child were highly committed to develop a relationship of trust. As conclusion, it is highlighted the expansion of the use of two digital devices, above all, of video and voice calls. © 2022, Centro de Estudos Educacao e Sociedade - CEDES. All rights reserved.

COMPARAÇÃO DOS GASTOS EM SAÚDE POR LINFOMA NÃO-HODGKIN ANTES E DURANTE A PANDEMIA DO COVID-19

Objetivos: Analisar comparativamente as características relativas aos gastos dispensados em saúde para tratamento de pacientes internados por Linfoma não-Hodgkin antes e durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Material e métodos: Este estudo possui caráter transversal, descritivo e retrospectivo. Os dados utilizados foram obtidos mediante o Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), em que foi analisado o perfil de internações ocasionadas por Linfoma não-hodgkin, bem como os gastos empreendidos com tais pacientes no período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2020, por região no país. Resultados: Durante a pandemia, houve redução de 9,84% no número de internações (17.443 em 2019 e 15.725 em 2020) e de 9,46% no valor total gasto com pacientes portadores de Linfoma não-hodgkin (R$ 35.083.926,83 em 2019 e R$ 31.761.600,24 em 2020). Em contrapartida, houve um aumento de 0,42% no valor médio gasto por paciente (R$2.011,35 em 2019 e R$2.019,82 em 2020). A média de permanência em 2019 foi de 7,6 dias, enquanto que no período de pandemia reduziu para 7 dias. A taxa de mortalidade também obteve queda de 1,01% quando comparado ao ano anterior da pandemia de Covid-19 (8,82% em 2019 e 7,87% em 2020). Discussão: Diante de tais resultados, observa-se que há uma redução significativa no número de internações relacionadas ao Linfoma não-hodgkin, contrastando, com o relatório de 2020 do INCA, no qual, o estado o Rio de Janeiro apresentou uma queda na quantidade de internações por causas oncológicas (13.438 em 2019 e 10.384 em 2020). Tal fato, relaciona-se com a separação de leitos para pacientes com suspeita ou contaminados por Covid-19, o que acarretou na diminuição da disponibilidade de leitos para internação. Ademais, o mesmo relatório apresentou uma redução na quantidade de consultas médicas, quimioterapias, transplante de medula óssea, consultas multiprofissionais e outros, pela implantação de uma política de cancelamento das consultas de acompanhamento dos pacientes, uma vez que o risco relacionado ao deslocamento e à eventual contaminação por Covid-19 trariam maiores prejuízos para esses pacientes, tal feito, pode ter corroborado para redução do valor total gasto. Além disso, notou-se aumento dos gastos por paciente, concordando com outros estudos, onde notou-se o aumento dos custos por baixa produtividade de medicamentos, equipamentos, entre outros. Todavia, a diferença entre a média de permanência dos pacientes analisados neste estudo, difere do relatório do INCA, haja vista, que o tempo médio de permanência dos pacientes oncológicos do relatório, manteve-se estável, em cerca de 7,63 dias e do estudo reduziu para 7 dias. Sobre a redução da taxa de morte, pode-se relacionar-se também a redução do número de internações. É válido salientar também, que estes resultados podem denotar uma redução da assistência à saúde. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que durante o período avaliado na pesquisa, houve redução significativa no número de internações de pacientes portadores de Linfoma não-Hodgkin. No entanto, ocorreu discreto aumento nos gastos com esses pacientes, o que pode-se inferir relação com a realocação de leitos em hospitais, para destinação exclusiva para pacientes com Covid-19. Ademais, observou-se redução na média de tempo de permanência e também na taxa de mortalidade.

Portuguese museums in pandemic times: change and adaptation through heritage-based artist-inresidence programming

Commissioned by the Portuguese Government, the November 2020 field report, Museus no Futuro ("Museums in the Future"), mentions the programming of co-curated artist-in-residence programmes as one of the recommendations for engaging local publics, particularly younger visitors. This recommendation seems of special relevance in the aftermath of extensive lockdowns due to the COVD-19 pandemic, and in the face of an increasingly bleak scenario concerning the recovery of international tourism. Drawing on the analysis of the preliminary results derived from the doctoral project "(Re)creating Heritage", an inquiry into heritage-based artist-in-residence programming practices in Portugal over the last decade, the article at hand will specifically focus on three artist-in-residence programmes hosted by Portuguese museums located in some of the regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. By doing so, we aim to promote the discussion of the potential of artist-in-residence programmes for improving resilience and participation at a local level in (post-) pandemic times.