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Online and blended learning are teaching modalities that have become very popular and widespread all over the world. Applying these modalities requires specific knowledge as well as an appropriate technological infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an important online migration in most educational institutions. In this regard, existing literature covers issues such as the impact, the challenges, the tools, the problems, etc. What could also be interesting is to understand students', teachers' and administrative staff's perspectives about how blended and online learning were developed and how it is going to be applied in the future. With this in mind, the ILEDA project team has carried out an exploratory study, which takes into account these three collectives in four different European universities. From the study, it is possible to see that the institutions and their lecturers and staff were probably not prepared for the online migration and the possibilities they had were quite different from students' expectations. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
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Background: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of persistent symptoms of COVID in hospitalized pediatric population one year after admission compared to a control group. Method(s): Prospective observational study conducted in 2 hospitals. We included patients aged 0-18 years hospitalized for acute COVID-19 more than a year ago and controls, matched by age and sex, hospitalized for causes other than COVID-19, and who had never COVID-19 at recruitment or during the follow-up. Families were contacted and a standardized survey was conducted. Persistent COVID/disease was defined as the presence of symptoms with onset in the first 3 months after COVID-19 and with persistence for more than 2 months. Result(s): 50 cases and 46 controls were analyzed, 58.3% male, 36% <5 years. Families were interviewed a median of 1.89 years (interquartile range;1.25-2.07) after hospitalization. The definition of persistent COVID-19/disease was met in 34% of cases vs. 37% of controls (p=0.767). Symptoms persisted >=11 months in 24% (12/50) of cases vs. 13% (6/46) of controls (p=0.182), with no differences by age group. The most frequent symptoms at 1 year in cases were fatigue (8%), headache (6%), poor appetite (6%), abdominal pain (6%) and variations in heart rate (6%). In controls, persistent symptoms were mostly abdominal pain (6%) and poor appetite (6%). The number of readmissions was 11/50 (22%) and 6/46 (13%) (p=0.267), respectively. On emotional/behavioral items, 16/50 (32%) of cases reported that their emotional state was worse or much worse than before admission, compared to 16/46 (34.7%). No risk factors associated with the development of persistent symptoms were found, except the length of hospital admission (p=0.043). Conclusion(s): In this study, the prevalence of persistent symptoms was not different in patients with and without COVID-19. 1-year persistence was higher in COVID-19 cases but did not reach significance. Persistence correlated with length of hospitalization.
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Background: The mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility remain poorly understood, especially the factors determining why a subset of unvaccinated individuals remain uninfected despite high-risk exposures. Method(s): We studied an exceptional group of unvaccinated healthcare workers heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 ('nonsusceptible') from April to June 2020, who were compared against 'susceptible' individuals to SARS-CoV-2, including uninfected subjects who became infected during the follow-up, and hospitalized patients with different disease severity providing samples at early disease stages. We analyzed plasma samples using different mass spectrometry technique and obtained metabolites and lipids profiles. Result(s): We found that the metabolite profiles were predictive of the selected study groups and identified lipids profiles and metabolites linked to SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 severity. More importantly, we showed that non-susceptible individuals exhibited unique metabolomics and lipidomic patterns characterized by upregulation of most lipids -especially ceramides and sphingomyelin-and amino acids related to tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial metabolism, which could be interpreted as markers of low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lipids and metabolites pathways analysis revealed that metabolites related to energy production, mitochondrial and tissue dysfunction, and lipids involved in membrane structure and virus infectivity were key markers of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Conclusion(s): Lipid and metabolic profiles differ in 'nonsusceptible' compared to individuals susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Our study suggests that lipid profiles are relevant actors during SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and highlight certain lipids relevant to understand SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. (Figure Presented).
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Introduction: The results are presented of a research carried out in students from the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey who were involved in the active COVID-19 screening in eight health areas of Camagüey Municipality. Objective: To determine the influence of active COVID-19 screening on the formation of values in students from the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey. Methods: A survey was elaborated and applied to 416 intentionally selected students of medical sciences. The experience obtained in the active COVID-19 screening was assessed, as well as its influence in the students' performance as future health professionals, the human values strengthened in the task and the main tendencies that influenced such values formation. Results: In the sample studied, the female sex and the medical school were more representative. 82 % percent of the surveyed students recognized the importance of active screening for their performance as future health professionals. Responsibility was the value that was most strengthened, while the acquisition of new knowledge and skills was the tendency to stand out in more than 45 % of the respondents. Conclusions: Values formation from active COVID-19 screening has represented an effective experience in the comprehensive development of medical sciences students in Camagüey, since it has made it possible to confront the epidemic;in addition, it has allowed them to develop skills, as well as human and professional values of great importance for their future. © 2022, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
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Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the surgical world. Proctology has been severely affected by the reorganisation of healthcare systems over the last year. We present the COVID-19 infection screening protocol that we have carried out in our Major Ambulatory Surgery (MAS) unit for proctological procedures. Method(s): Analysis of the cases operated between April-20 and February-21 in the MAS unit following the protocol established for screening against COVID-19 for both, patients and staff, system alerts and solutions to outbreaks. Screening of patients is carried out by PCR test 48h prior to the intervention, outside the unit and extracted by trained staff. If positive, the intervention is postponed for 40-60 days or until a negative PCR is obtained. Screening of all staff is carried out weekly with a PCR test and 24-48 hours before any professional enters in the unit. If a positive case is detected, it is isolated for a week until negative PCR is obtained and all contagions are tested on days 0, 4 and 8. If an outbreak of less than 3 professionals is detected, they are isolated and follow-up continues. In case of 4 or more, activity in the unit is stopped until PCR is negative. Result(s): 2068 procedures were performed in the MAS unit of which 202 were proctological interventions: 38.6% perianal fistulas, 20.8% haemorrhoids, 12.9% anal dysplasia, 9.4% fissures and 18.32% other pathologies. 48 positive cases of patients were detected and the intervention was postponed without prejudice to the patients. Five alerts were detected in the staff screening, with a maximum of 3 professionals infected in one outbreak. The affected cases were removed from the unit until a negative PCR test was obtained. At no time did the MAS unit have to be closed due to infection. Conclusion(s): Our COVID-19 screening for patients and professionals has been effective and has allowed us to continue our healthcare practice during the pandemic, without the need to close the unit due to outbreaks.
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Background and importanceIn 2019, the National Health System (NHS) approved funding for the indication of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) as an strategy to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-risk populations. The hospital pharmacy (HP), together with the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) centre, has created an interdisciplinary circuit where these individuals are closely monitored.Aim and objectivesTo characterise the user population of the HIV PrEP programme and assess the adequacy of the circuit, as well as the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Material and methodsRetrospective observational study of the PrEP programme from November 2019 to April 2021 carried out in the provincial STI treatment centre and the HP.The following were assessed: compliance with inclusion criteria, adherence to treatment and causes of discontinuation, toxicity, acquisition of STIs and interactions. Also variations during confinement and degree of involvement by COVID.Results169 males, aged 39.6±10.0 (range 19–64) years, all met at least one inclusion criterion in the last year: 75.7% (n=128) men who have sex with men (MSM) with more than 10 different sexual partners, 71.6% (n=121) MSM anal sex without condoms, 17.1% (n=29) MSM drug use, 10.7% (n=18) MSM with multiple PreP, 74.0% (n=125) MSM with at least one STI and one engaged in prostitution.30 clients discontinued medication: 33.3% (n=10) stopped risky practices, 20.0% (n=6) digestive toxicity (main adverse effect), 3.3% (n=1) poor adherence, 16.7% (n=5) client choice and 26.7% (n=8) drop out of follow-up. Mean adherence was 94.5±11.4.No patients acquired HIV during treatment, but other STIs were found (several users reported reduced of condom use): 36.7% (n=11) Treponema pallidum, 56.7% (n=17) Chlamydia trachomatis, 63.3% (n=19) Neisseria gonorrhoeae and 36.7% (n=11) Mycoplasma genitalum.This was a young population that does a lot of physical exercise and after the clinical interview it was discovered they were abusing protein shakes and anabolic steroids, therefore they were warned about it.During the confinement, 41 users were in treatment. Of the 37 who continued, 4 suffered from COVID.Conclusion and relevanceThe programme meets the requirements of the NHS, with high adherence to treatment and a good safety profile.Patients continued with PreP during confinement and there was a significant number affected by COVID.Clinical pharmaceutical follow-up has allowed preventive and corrective interventions, but more emphasis should be placed on the use of condoms and avoiding anabolic steroids given the possible renal repercussions.References and/or acknowledgementsConflict of interestNo conflict of interest
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The eighth edition of TEEM held last year in Salamanca was marked by the effects of COVID-19. This situation meant that the edition was held entirely online, and also focused the theme of most of the papers presented. The improvement of the situation has allowed this year's edition to be held in a hybrid manner, allowing authors to present their contributions both virtually and in person. This gradual normalization of the situation has also been reflected in the content of the papers presented, in which the effects of the pandemic on the evaluation process occupy a marginal place. The national and international contributions received this year address different assessment-related topics such as the effects of game-based learning, the use of expert judgement as an assessment tool or the impact of COVID-19 on teachers' wellbeing. This paper presents an overview of the papers submitted to the track. © 2021 Owner/Author.
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In recent years and after the strong impact of the last global health emergency (COVID-19) information and communication technologies have had a great impact on society but particular in the teaching-learning process. Education has been impacted at all its levels. Therefore, education models have been to be adapted to this new challenging paradigm by using different tools such as videoconferences, simulations, on-line interactive applications, virtual and remote laboratories, robots, etc.The objective of this work is to elaborate a systematic mapping to know what scientific from its beginning to 2020, identifying the most literature exists regarding simulators, remote and virtual laboratories focused on STEM/STEAM skills development in the educational context. To do so, bibliographical data gathered of four of the most popular and complete electronic databases (ACM, IEEE, Scopus and Web of Science). At the begging we selected 1232 articles after applying the acceptance criteria defined as part of the search and select strategy, we had 61 articles that help us to answer some questions like what are the most popular virtual and remote labs? or what are the current trends and issues of these tools? and the future ones? © 2021 IEEE.
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Purpose: After declaration of international health alert for COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosis of non-viral diseases has decreased. ''Stay at home'' advice and the risk of coronavirus infection makes the patient afraid to approach hospital emergency department. Here is presented a rare complication related to gallbladder perforation with fistula to abdominal wall. A consequence of a subacute cholecystitis which the pacient did not came earlier to hospital because of the risk of virus infection. Methods: A 64-year-old woman developed an asymptomatic abdominal tumour located in the right hypochondrium, measuring 20 centimetres, which had been present for 3 weeks. A CT scan was performed showing an intermuscular cystic tumour in abdominal wall and hepatic subcapsular region. They were identified a perforation of the gallbladder fundus with a fistulous trajectory towards the abdominal wall and a dilatation of the left intrahepatic bile duct, secondary to extrinsic compression. [Formula presented] Subsequently, percutaneous drainage of the collection was performed. Followed by scheduled cholecystectomy, which revealed a perforated and inflammated gallbladder and a large cavity with a pyogenic capsule. The anatomical pathology of the specimen was described as chronic cholecystitis. The patient evolved satisfactorily after operation and was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. Results: After the start of quarantine, there has been a decrease in the number of visits to the emergency department. Acute pathologies such as cholecystitis present at diagnosis with more advanced and severe degrees of evolution compared to those diagnosed before the pandemic. Gallbladder perforation occurs in 12% of acute cholecystitis, with a mortality rate of 16%. In our case, according to Neimeier's classification, it is a subacute perforation type II (frequency 45.9%) with a pericholecystic collection and fistulization towards the abdominal wall, an unusual presentation. Conclusion: The new global epidemiological situation causes fear of infectious-contagious state to prevail over the appearance of new symptoms. This favours a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pathologies, which then manifest in the patient in more advanced stages and require more complex treatments.
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This work analyzes the goverment communication and media competence of the presidents of spanish-speaking countries prior to the declaration of a coronavirus pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the WHO. A statement unprecedented in history, but that the media from the previous weeks were already reporting on their Twitter accounts. The general objective was to analyze the government communication and media competence that the presidents of the spanish-speaking countries had the week prior to the declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic, and for this we chose a quantitative research, since this allowed us to analyze data with a method flexible. By mining with advanced data search algorithms on Twitter, we analyzed 7650 tweets from the accounts of the 22 presidents and 21 media outlets, establishing six measurement parameters of the dimensions of media competence: Flesch-Kincaid index, engagement, audiovisual support, link-hashtag index, authenticity index and the building agenda. Despite the WHO and media indicators, we concluded that many of the presidents did not have acceptable political communication and media competence commensurate with the problem addressed.
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The new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is the main global health crisis of our time and the greatest threat we have faced in this century. According to the National Health Security Agency (ANSS), which is the national body responsible for managing epidemics and pandemics, 1927 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, 11 deaths with more than 4000 contact subjects. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital at the Conakry University Hospital. This was a descriptive retrospective study from January 2020 to April 2020, focusing on consultation and hospitalisation activities in the cardiology department of Ignace Deen National Hospital at Conakry University Hospital. The study consisted of assessing the impact of the pandemic on patient use of the service during the first weeks of the pandemic. We recorded the frequency of consultations and hospitalisations from March to April 2020, which we compared to the frequency of consultations and hospitalisations in January and February 2020. During this study from March to April 2020, we identified 130 patients in consultation against 450 patients for the two months preceding the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea, a drop of 71.1% (320 patients). The same remark was made in hospitalisation with a drop of 75% (35 patients against 140 for the two months preceding the pandemic). At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea, it is clear that there has been a rapid and significant drop in the effective use of the cardiology service.
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COVID-19 , Cardiology/organization & administration , Hospital Departments/organization & administration , Hospitals, University/organization & administration , Guinea , Humans , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
In the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, online education has been the only approach of most educational institutions. It is necessary to have tools to assess students in online education, even when they carry out activities that are most common in face to face contexts such as teamwork. In order to do so, different methodologies and learning analytics tools can be employed. However, in a complete online context the students not only interact with the asynchronous tools that educational platforms provide but they also use instant messaging tools. This paper describes a Learning Analytics tool that facilitates teachers the evaluation of students' interactions in Telegram Instant Messaging Tool. It has been employed in the context of the evaluation of the individual acquisition of teamwork competence. The tool has been tested in a computer science course. It had associated an improvement on students' grades and they show their preference in using instant messaging tools because by using them conversations are more natural. © 2020 ACM.
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COVID pandemic has changed the way in which we carry out our daily life and also have affected educational processes. Teaching and learning have changed from a most common face to face context to a blended or online context. This implies changes in the way to carry out the activates and have an impact in research projects such as RoboSTEAM. Such project, that applies Challenge Based Learning methodologies with application of Robotics and Mechatronics, requires to change its approach to show how it is possible to succeed in the new situation. This paper describes how the project has evolved, how it has been affected by COVID and the possible changes to carry out. Regarding this last issue remote labs and online tools are presented as solutions to support changes in the application of challenge-based learning methodology. © 2020 ACM.
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In this article, the chairs of the track on Learning Analytics within the 2020 International Conference Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality (TEEM'20) introduce the main topics and objectives of the track and the session that was celebrated in the online conference. The introductory article also details the review process followed for submission of contributions and gives an overview of the accepted submissions. The document reflects about current issues in research on learning analytics, including both the authors' views and experience as track chairs in previous editions, as well as those issues and topics raised in the roundtable session. © 2020 ACM.
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Last year, the "Evaluation in Education and Guidance"track was celebrated in León during the seventh edition of TEEM. This year, the conference returns to Salamanca with a new format;an online conference consisting of different activities such as keynote speakers, round tables and debates. As in previous editions, the papers presented to the Evaluation in Education and Guidance track have reflected on the current challenges of educational assessment, revolving mainly around two topics: student assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic and competence assessment in higher education. The authors explained the main findings and conclusions of their papers through publicly available video presentations, and the Chairs organized a Delphi-based debate activity in order to collectively reflect on the two aforementioned topics. To that end, the Chairs prepared an open-ended questionnaire consisting of nine questions so that the authors could express their opinions. Then, a live session ensued in which the Chairs explained the different points of view on each issue and the authors debated them. This paper presents an overview of the papers submitted to the track, as well as a summary of the main conclusions that emerged from the questionnaire and the live session. © 2020 ACM.
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Aim: In Brazil, COVID-19 remains one of the epicenters of the pandemic, thus, presential educational activities are suspended. The study aimed to describe the approach of flipped classroom performed to provide social distancing and to maintain teaching activities during COVID-19-pandemic. Methods: Flipped Classroom was chosen to be associated with the role-play technique as a central methodology. To bring students closer to activities performed in the non-pandemic period, some actions and assessments were also role-played by Professor simulating patients in virtual meetings. Results: Although the changes in the format of the lessons, our approaches stimulated the students maintained the high frequency of students in the activities (almost 100%) providing continuity activities. Conclusions: This report can reinforce that meaningful learning can be taught by using a virtual/remote approach. However, the potential positive results observed cannot be used as an excuse to maintain remote teaching activities with the objective of cost-cutting by the institutions. © 2022. Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences.All Rights Reserved.