Astrophysics as a Service: Turning radio astronomy as an opportunity to impact society and businesses (preprint)

For more than 25 years, the Instituto Argentino de Radioastronom\'ia has been directing efforts from basic research and radio astronomy development to technology transfer projects around Argentina's National Space Plan and to Small and Medium Enterprises. With the surge of COVID-19, our organization's transformation accelerated, bringing new opportunities and challenges which can be applied to impact health, education, processes and businesses. In this article, we explore our efforts to bridge the gap between basic science and the needs of our society.

Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies amongst Undergraduate Students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

Introduction: Undergraduate students are at a high risk for food insecurity and knowledge on relevant coping strategies is the key issue in dealing with food insecurity. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the food insecurity status, coping strategies, and the factors associated with food insecurity and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 383 undergraduate students from health-related courses at the International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan campus. The participants were selected by convenience sampling. The instrument used for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire consisting of three parts: socio-demographic background, food insecurity, and coping strategies. The data were analysed as descriptive and inferential analyses, such as Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis. Results: It was found that 21.41% of the participants reported experiencing food insecurity. There were significant associations between parents' income (p<0.001), financial status (p<0.001), academic performance (p = 0.04) and working part-time (p = 0.01) with food insecurity. It was also discovered that there were significant associations between working part-time (p<0.001), faculty of study (p<0.001), academic year (p<0.001), financial status (p<0.001), academic cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (p<0.001) and monthly expenses (p = 0.01) with Malaysian Coping Strategies Instruments (MCSI) score. A significant association between food insecurity and MCSI score (p<0.001) was also found in this study. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity was consistent with previous studies, which is considered high in Malaysia. The findings could assist university authorities to identify the characteristics of the students that are related to food insecurity. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.

Innovation in Smaller Hotels in Argentina before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The study aims to explore the pre-COVID-19 innovative behaviour of smaller hotels located in an urban centre of Argentina and to recognize whether the current pandemic operates as an innovation-inducing factor in these hotels. The contribution and main motivation lies in the lower number of studies on hotel innovation in South American destinations and the need to identify the strategies adopted by smaller hotels in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. The methodology followed is a multiple case study composed of six small and medium-sized hotels located in Bahía Blanca city (Argentina). The primary information was collected by surveys sent to hotel managers. The study shows a pre-COVID-19 innovative profile oriented to the acquisition of embedded technology, staff training and obtaining incremental innovations. Internal factors and external factors influence the innovative profile described. The COVID-19 pandemic is not an inducing factor, but rather an obstacle to innovation. © 2022 University of Primorska. All rights reserved.

Students' Learning Interests During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period of Google Meet Application Implementation

This research explores the impact of the Google Meet application on learners' motivation to participate in the institution using two parallel classrooms: one for experimental treatments and the other as a control class. Both courses are identical in every way except for the use of Google Meet. The experimental class studied via the Google Meet program and differed dramatically from the control class, which was taught straight from the internet (face to face). There is an average gap of 101.79 between the experimental class's 100 and 92 interest scores, which is the widest and the narrowest. For the control group, the highest score was 95 (88.65) and the lowest score was 70. According to these findings, using Google Meet as a learning tool has a significant influence on students' motivation to study. Since it is so simple to set up, it may be used whenever and wherever a student needs it to be. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Predictors of post-stroke depression in the acute phase of ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional study

Background and aims: Ischemic stroke is a remarkable cause of death and disability worldwide. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric disturbance after stroke. Despite PSD being a potentially treatable condition, it still requires approaches to improve the early diagnosis. The present study aims to investigate the predictors and correlated variables associated with PSD during hospitalization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a specialized center of neurology situated at Santa Catarina, Brazil. 148 patients with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized between January 2020 and February 2021 were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and radiological variables were assessed during hospitalization. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied, as well as the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Predictors factors were investigated through binary logistic regression and continuous variables through correlation tests. Results: The prevalence of PSD during hospitalization was 31.1%. Predictors of PSD in the acute phase of the stroke were female sex (OR: 2.6;CI 95%: 1.3 to 5.4;p<0.01) and post-stroke anxiety during hospitalization (OR: 4.9;CI 95%: 2.3 to 10.3;p<0.01). The variables NIHSS, mRS, and stroke area were positively correlated with HADS - depression values. Conclusion: This research evidenced a high prevalence of PSD in the acute phase of stroke. Despite the study being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the data found is similar to the non-pandemic periods. The research provided clues to identify and early treat patients at greater risk of developing PSD during hospitalization.

ULTRASOUND (US) AFTER ELECTIVE JJ STENT REMOVAL (EJJR) IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Introduction: Transplantation (KTx) is considered the best renal replacement therapy and improving its outcomes remains a primary challenge. KTx ureteral JJ stenting has been used to prevent urological complications, but there is no consensus about EJJR timing and literature regarding routine US imaging after EJJR to detect complications is lacking. Aim: Define the incidence of urological complications diagnosed by routine US after EJJR in KTx, determine US utility and best time interval to perform it. Methods: We retrospectively analysed all routine KTx US performed in our Unit from 2016 until 2020 by an experienced interventional nephrologist. US post EJJR findings were compared with previous patient US. KTx characteristics, treatment and outcomes were recorded. Results: - 345 KTx were done, 62.9% were male receptors, 81.7% had a first KTx and 91.5% were from a deceased donor. No routine US post EJJR was done in 20.9% due to the COVID pandemic. - Mean timing to elective JJ stent removal was 36.4 ± 25 days (SD). - Mean time from EJJR to US was 16.3 ± 28.8 days (SD). - Urinary tract (UT) ectasia (19.7%) and grade I UT dilatation (3.6%) were not considered pathological. - 47.3% (129) had a complication detected: 88.4% (114) had a collection, 8.5% (11) had UTD: 5.4% grade II and 3.1% grade III. 3% had other complications. Conclusion: Routine US after EJJR allowed a timely diagnosis and early treatment of urological complications, a key factor for successful transplantation. KTx US is a cost - effective and reproducible test that provides crucial information to guide clinical decisions, being most efficient when performed 10 days post removal. Interventional nephrologists could do this examination promptly.

Reconstruction of a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iceland informs vaccination strategies.

OBJECTIVES: The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on several factors, both biological and behavioural. The effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions can be attributed largely to changes in human behaviour, but quantifying this effect remains challenging. Reconstructing the transmission tree of the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Iceland using contact tracing and viral sequence data from 2522 cases enables us to directly compare the infectiousness of distinct groups of persons. METHODS: The transmission tree enables us to model the effect that a given population prevalence of vaccination would have had on the third wave had one of three different vaccination strategies been implemented before that time. This allows us to compare the effectiveness of the strategies in terms of minimizing the number of cases, deaths, critical cases, and severe cases. RESULTS: We found that people diagnosed outside of quarantine (Rˆ=1.31) were 89% more infectious than those diagnosed while in quarantine (Rˆ=0.70) and that infectiousness decreased as a function of time spent in quarantine before diagnosis, with people diagnosed outside of quarantine being 144% more infectious than those diagnosed after ≥3 days in quarantine (Rˆ=0.54). People of working age, 16 to 66 years (Rˆ=1.08), were 46% more infectious than those outside of that age range (Rˆ=0.74). DISCUSSION: We found that vaccinating the population in order of ascending age or uniformly at random would have prevented more infections per vaccination than vaccinating in order of descending age, without significantly affecting the expected number of deaths, critical cases, or severe cases.

Risk Factors for Infection and Health Impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in People With Autoimmune Diseases.

BACKGROUND: People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions taking immunomodulatory/suppressive medications may have higher risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chronic disease care has also changed for many patients, with uncertain downstream consequences. METHODS: We included participants with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions followed by specialists at Johns Hopkins. Participants completed periodic surveys querying comorbidities, disease-modifying medications, exposures, COVID-19 testing and outcomes, social behaviors, and disruptions to healthcare. We assessed whether COVID-19 risk is higher among those on immunomodulating or suppressive agents and characterized pandemic-associated changes to care and mental health. RESULTS: In total, 265 (5.6%) developed COVID-19 over 9 months of follow-up (April-December 2020). Patient characteristics (age, race, comorbidity, medications) were associated with differences in social distancing behaviors during the pandemic. Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 in models incorporating behavior and other potential confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.89). Other medication classes were not associated with COVID-19 risk. Diabetes (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.73), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.28), and kidney disease (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.97) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19. Of the 2156 reporting pre-pandemic utilization of infusion, mental health or rehabilitative services, 975 (45.2%) reported disruptions therein, which disproportionately affected individuals experiencing changes to employment or income. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoid exposure may increase risk of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Disruption to healthcare and related services was common. Those with pandemic-related reduced income may be most vulnerable to care disruptions.

BIOLOGICS AND COVID-19 OUTCOMES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS

Introduction Both clinicians and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients remain concernedthat either their disease or medications—namely biologics, may increase the risk ofsevere adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to assess the safety of biologicsin COVID-19 patients with IBD.Methods We performed a systematic review of the databases PubMed/Medline, Embase,Cochrane, Web of Science, LitCOVID-NIH, and WHO COVID-19 from January 1-November3, 2020, to identify relevant articles reporting outcomes in IBD patients with COVID-19.Studies were excluded if they did not report the outcomes of interest (intensive care unit(ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality) or excluded data on IBD medications(biologics). Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model and multivariateregression was applied.Results The initial search yielded a total of 81 articles, of which a total of 12 studies with2,681 patients were finally included. We found the overall prevalence of outcomes for allIBD patients as: need for mechanical ventilation: 5.1% (95% CI: 3.5%–7.4%, I2 = 52.1%),need for ICU admission: 6.1%, (95% CI: 4.2%-8.8%, I2 = 54.8%), and overall mortality:4.5% (95% CI: 2.8%-7.1%, I2 = 68.0) (Figure 1). Use of biologics did not show a moderatingeffect on the need for mechanical ventilation (coefficient: -0.01, 95% CI -0.08 – 0.05, p =0.68), ICU admission (coefficient: 0.03, 95% CI: -0.02 – 0.08, p = 0.27), or mortality(coefficient: 0.03, 95% CI -0.01 – 0.07, p = 0.20) (Figure 2).Discussion We found the overall prevalence of “severe” COVID-19—mechanical ventilation,ICU admission, and mortality, for all IBD patients with COVID-19 to be 5.1%, 6.1%, and4.5%, respectively. This appears to be fairly low given the impact IBD and its medicationsmay have on the immune-system. We also found that the use of biologics did not predict“severe” COVID-19—as shown upon multivariable analysis from our meta-regression model.This finding is important as it advocates for the ongoing and continued IBD therapy (biologics)in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence, severity, and outcomes relatedto COVID-19 in IBD patients needs to be reassessed as data continues to emerge from thepandemic. Additional outcomes data will be required to understand how all classes ofbiologics and/or the use of concomitant immunosuppressants effect COVID-19 outcomesin IBD patients.(Figure Presented)Figure 1. Forrest plot demonstrating the overall prevalence of outcomes—(A) need for mechanical ventilation, (B) need for ICU admission, and (C) overall mortality—in COVID-19 infected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.(Figure Presented)Figure 2. Scatter plots demonstrating the impact of biologics on outcomes;(A) need for mechanical ventilation, (B) need for ICU admission, and (C) overall mortality.

An analysis of contact tracing protocol in an over-dispersed SEIQR Covid-like disease.

The aim of this work is to study an over-dispersed SEIQR infectious disease and obtain optimal methods of contact tracing. A prototypical example of such a disease is that of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In consequence, this study is immediately applicable to the current health crisis. In this paper, we introduce both a discrete and continuous model for various modes of contact tracing. From the continuous model, we derive a basic reproductive number and study the stability of the equilibrium points. We also implement the continuous and discrete models numerically and further analyze the effectiveness of different types of contact tracing and their cost on society. Additionally, through these simulations, we also study the effect that various parameters of the disease have on its evolution.

Atypical presentation of newly diagnosed diffuse large b cell lymphoma

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is caused by inflammation of the pancreas due to the obstruction of pancreatic secretory transport ducts and sequential activation of inflammatory pancreatic enzymes. Both alcohol use and gallstones remain among the leading risks. Pancreatic involvement is frequently report but diffuse large B cell lymphoma presenting as pancreatitis is rare. Case Description/Methods: A 69 y/o male with no PMH presented to the Emergency room complaining of a 3-week history of worsening sharp epigastric pain associated with dysphagia and odynophagia to solid foods. He denied fever, weight loss, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, melena, smoking, alcohol use, recent steroid use, surgery, trauma or autoimmune disease. Physical exam was notable for tenderness in the epigastric region, lower abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds. Laboratory analysis is appreciated in figure A. Lipid panel was unremarkable and Covid was negative. CT abdomen/pelvis showed peripancreatic inflammatory changes with trace fluid along both anterior parietal fasciae. A 21 x 14 mm right sided distal esophageal mass, and an ill-defined 40 x 26 mm bilobed necrotic mass at the inferior margin of gastric pylorus. Also multiple ill-defined enlarged periportal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, appreciated mainly in periportal and infrarenal retrocaval lymph nodes. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with findings of large fungating ulcerating mass that was oozing blood in the cardia, which can be appreciated in figure B. Biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of lymphoid cells strongly positive for CD 45, CD20, CD79a, BCL 6 which suggested diffuse large B cell lymphoma. CEA, CA 19-9 were within normal limits. Patient was treated with Lactate Ringer's solution on day 1 with resolution of pancreatitis within 1 week. He was discharged and lost to follow up for management of DLBCL. Discussion: Although he had no signs of pancreatic metastasis, he presented with features that fulfill diagnostic criteria for pancreatitis. This case report provided key information into the various possibilities that could initially present with abdominal pain, and why it is essential to keep various diagnoses in mind, even when there is one already established.Due to the proximity and small space of the abdominal compartment, many of these can present with overlapping symptoms. A key takeaway from this review is to follow up with each symptom individually and explore all needed diagnosis tests, in order to rule in or out other possible causes..

Reconstruction of a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iceland informs vaccination strategies (preprint)

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on several factors, both biological and behavioral. The effectiveness of various non-pharmaceutical interventions can largely be attributed to changes in human behavior, but quantifying this effect remains challenging. Reconstructing the transmission tree of the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Iceland using contact tracing and viral sequence data from 2522 cases enables us to compare the infectiousness of distinct groups of persons directly. We find that people diagnosed outside of quarantine are 89% more infectious than those diagnosed while in quarantine, and infectiousness decreases as a function of the time spent in quarantine. Furthermore, we find that people of working age, 16-66 years old, are 47% more infectious than those outside that age range. Lastly, the transmission tree enables us to model the effect that given population prevalence of vaccination would have had on the third wave had they been administered before that time using several different strategies. We find that vaccinating in order of ascending age or uniformly at random would have prevented more infections per vaccination than vaccinating in order of descending age.

An Analysis Model for An Integrated Student Activities Management System for Higher Education during RMO/CMCO/PASCA COVID-19 Period in Malaysia

The university is a place where students are taught to be an independent person, especially in decision-making. All activities carried out at a university are different from the secondary and primary levels because all student activities at the university are carried out by the students themselves under the purview of the Student Affairs Division UiTM Melaka Branch (UiTMCM). There are a few processes and problems that students may experience along the way in proposing their activities. In addition, the COVID -19 pandemic situation is aggravating the approval procedures, as the Malaysian government has so far enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO), which started on March 18, 2020. During this period, all citizens must stay at home, and practices of social distancing are constantly enforced. Hence, most of the time was spent on the Internet for their work and some other purposes. These problems can be solved if there is a system developed as a proof of concept derived from standard visualization of analysis model using a common development methodology that can supports approval processes, that does not require physical meetings and standardization of the application format, and that can also provide the information about the availability of dates for reservation for the activity, as well as information management for better utilization of the budget. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

Introductions to the Community: Early-Career Researchers in the Time of COVID-19

COVID-19 has unfortunately halted lab work, conferences, and in-person networking, which is especially detrimental to researchers just starting their labs. Through social media and our reviewer networks, we met some early-career stem cell investigators impacted by the closures. Here, they introduce themselves and their research to our readers.

Risk Factors for Infection and Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in People with Autoimmune Diseases (preprint)

Background: People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions who take immunomodulatory/suppressive medications may have a higher risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chronic disease care has also changed for many patients, with uncertain downstream consequences. Objective: Assess whether COVID-19 risk is higher among those on immunomodulating or suppressive agents and characterize pandemic-associated changes to care. Design: Longitudinal registry study Participants: 4666 individuals with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions followed by specialists in neurology, rheumatology, cardiology, pulmonology or gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins Measurements: Periodic surveys querying comorbidities, disease-modifying medications, exposures, COVID-19 testing and outcomes, social behaviors, and disruptions to healthcare Results: A total of 265 (5.6%) developed COVID-19 over 9 months of follow-up (April-December 2020). Patient characteristics (age, race, comorbidity, medication exposure) were associated with differences in social distancing behaviors during the pandemic. Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 in multivariable models incorporating behavior and other potential confounders (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.89). Other medication classes were not associated with COVID-19 risk. Diabetes (OR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.08, 2.73), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.24, 2.28), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.76; 95%CI: 1.04, 2.97) were each associated with higher odds of COVID-19. Pandemic-related disruption to care was common. Of the 2156 reporting pre-pandemic utilization of infusion, mental health or rehabilitative services, 975 (45.2%) reported disruptions. Individuals experiencing changes to employment or income were at highest odds of care disruption. Limitations: Results may not be generalizable to all patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Information was self-reported. Conclusions: Exposure to glucocorticoids may increase risk of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Disruption to healthcare and related services was common. Those with pandemic-related reduced income may be most vulnerable to care disruptions.

YouTube as a source of information on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine during the COVID-19 pandemic

This research aimed to analyze the quality of the information conveyed through YouTube videos in Portuguese on the use of two medicines suggested for the treatment of COVID-19: chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The 'Brief DISCERN' questionnaire was applied to assess the quality of the video content as well as baseline characteristics, such as length, views, likes and dislikes, in a total of 90 videos with almost 4,5 million views. Traditional media accounted for 58,89% of videos. Misleading information was present in most of the videos (63,5%). Despite the ease of access, the videos showed problems in the quality of information.

Evaluating the Feasibility of Remotely Administered Curriculum-Based Measurement for Students with Autism: A Pilot Study

Students with autism may struggle to develop the academic skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Understanding and improving academic skills performance requires appropriate measurement approaches. One such option that has been minimally studied with students with autism is curriculum-based measurement (CBM). Coinciding with the need to study different approaches to academic skills measurement for students with autism was the global pandemic which forced a shift to remote service delivery with little warning. While some autistic students struggled with this shift, others thrived, raising questions about how to further support students with autism in virtual formats. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using remotely administered CBM for autistic students by studying both the practicality and acceptability of this approach. Five students with autism (Grades 2-5) participated in this pilot study, completing reading, math, and writing CBMs at three time points. Student behavior and assessor fidelity were collected to examine practicality;assessor ratings of usability provided insight regarding the acceptability of the approach. Results indicated that remotely administered CBM is feasible for some students with autism: all participants completed the study tasks with minimal behavioral difficulties, and assessor ratings of acceptability were high.