CANreduce-SP-adding psychological support to web-based adherence-focused guided self-help for cannabis users: study protocol for a three-arm randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most-frequently used illicit drug in Europe. Over the last few years in Spain, treatment demand has increased, yet most cannabis users do not seek treatment despite the related problems. A web-based self-help tool, like CANreduce 2.0, could help these users to control their consumption. METHODS: This study protocol describes a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of three approaches, in terms of reducing cannabis use among problematic cannabis users, the first two treatment arms including the Spanish version of CANreduce 2.0 (an adherence-focused, guidance-enhanced, web-based self-help tool) (1) with and (2) without psychological support; and the third group (3) treatment as usual (TAU). Study hypotheses will be tested concerning the primary outcome: change in the number of days of cannabis use over the previous week, comparing assessments at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months follow-up between groups and against baseline. Secondary outcomes related to cannabis use will be tested similarly. Mental disorders will be explored as predictors of adherence and outcomes. Analyses will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis, then verified by complete case analyses. DISCUSSION: This study will test how effective the Spanish version of CANreduce 2.0 (CANreduce-SP) is at reducing both the frequency and quantity of cannabis use in problematic users and whether adding psychological support increases its effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the Clinical Trials Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) number: NCT04517474 . Registered 18 August 2020, (Archived by archive.is https://archive.is/N1Y64 ). The project commenced in November 2020 and recruitment is anticipated to end by November 2022.

Characterization of DELUX: Ultraviolet light sterilization device for PFF2 / N95 masks against COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health pandemic state due to the trans-mission of the new coronavirus on March 11th, 2020. COVID-19, that is caused by SARS-CoV-2, has a very broad clinical spectrum, with predominantly respiratory symptoms developments. The role of the health professionals in fighting the pandemic requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PFF2 / N95 masks are suitable PPEs for this purpose. Due to the high demand for PFF2 / N95 masks to fight the pandemic, there was a shortage of this PPE world-wide. This work aims to present a characterization of the device called DELUX, utilized for UVC (ultra-violet C light spectra) sterilization of PFF2 / N95 masks, and allowing to extend the time of safe use of this PPE in emergency conditions. The photometric validation of the device resulted in the verification of the emission spectrum of the lamps used in the device, and the measurement of the optical power, demonstrating the adequacy of irradiation with UVC light, with a 15-minute cycle, and safely. Biological validation showed that DELUX is capable of inacti-vating SARS-CoV-2 present on the surface of PFF2 / N95 masks, thus being efficient for their sterilization. The safety offered by the sterilization cycle allows to extend the safe use of those masks. © 2022, Universidad Politecnica Salesiana. All rights reserved.

Super effective antimicrobial silver-sputtered coatings on poly(lactic acid) against bacteria and omicron SARS-CoV-2

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biopolymer with properties potentially suitable for fabricating packaging, medical devices, and healthcare products in a more friendly environmental way because this polymer presents biodegradability, compostability, low carbon footprint, and recyclability. However, PLA does not present intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial materials are highly desirable for manufacturing smart packaging and personal protective equipment to secure food and health professionals against pathogenic microorganisms. In this work, we evaluated the antimicrobial performance of (Ag)-coated PLA against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). PLA was rapidly coated with metallic Ag by pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering (pDCMS) for 5, 10, and 20 s. Atomic force microscopy indicates that the Ag coating grows predominantly on the PLA surface via a bulk diffusion mechanism. According to bactericidal and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, Ag-coated PLA was capable of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation and disrupting the genetic material of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2. X-ray high-resolution photoelectron and nuclear magnetic resonance results suggest no polymer chain scission in the PLA bulk due to plasma thermal stress effects during Ag sputtering. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Main substance of consumption of patients in followup in the Hospital consultation. Have there been changes in the current pandemic context? And what about women?

Introduction: Gender is a factor influencing characteristics of substance use disorders. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a great impact in all areas of society, meaning a context of exceptionality in this population. Usually the male population represents a greater number of patients in general samples, so the descriptive characteristics of a global sample may not be representative in the case of women. Objective(s): - Identify if there are changes in the main substance of psychoactive substance use during the Covid-19 pandemic. - Identify possible divergences in characteristics of the general sample with respect to the sample made up of women. Method(s): It will be used data collected in the database of patients in follow-up with the addiction consultation service in two periods of 6 months, one prior to the pandemic situation due to Covid-19 and another corresponding to same period in 2020. A descriptive analysis is carried out by applying chi-square statistic, performing the analysis by subgroups according to gender. Result(s): 84.8% of total sample are men. Results show that there are no statistically significant differences between periods in main substance of consumption. Despite this, differential trends can be observed in the sample that correspond to women with respect to the global sample and that of men. Conclusion(s): Taking into account the low number of women that make up the sample, the fact that differential trends are observed could indicate possible differences, which in case of increasing the sample size could acquire statistical significance and that this it would be specific to women subgroup.

Antibodies Response in CKD Patients Vaccinated With CoronaVac

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as one of the major risk factors to a worse outcome in COVID19 (C19) patients. Vaccination became the main prevention policy against virus spread among individuals, apart from other measures, like using face masks and social distancing;however, CKD patients are a sensitive population excluded from many trials when eGFR are below 30 mL/min. C19 pandemic as never before, became possible vaccine development in a record time. CoronaVac, a live inactivated virus vaccine, was the main immunizing agent used in Brazil in the first wave of vaccination. Apart its safety and efficacy, there was no specific dose and regimen to immunosuppressed patients and advanced CKD population. The aim of this study was evaluate the SarsCov2 antibodies response after the full dose regimen of CoronaVac immunizing agent in CKD patients. Method(s): It is a cross sectional study conducted in Brazil during C19 second wave. Patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD were included with matched controls. Patients that received a full dosage regimen of CoronaVac, 2 shots of 0.5 mL (600 units of inactivated virus) with a 4 week interval were included. Total Sars-Cov2 antibodies and Spike antibodies were dosed after 12 weeks of the 2 dose CoronaVac regimen received. Siemens ADVIA Centaur essays were used to determine antibodies levels and a cut off superior to 0.05 U/mL was considered positive. Descriptive analysis were made to show data with their central tendency characteristics. Qualitative data were described with their proportions and to non-normality inference, Mann-Whitney was used. The alpha level accepted was 5%. Result(s): The study included 41 individuals in total: 19 patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD and 21 matched controls without renal disease. The mean age in the CKD group was 71,68 years (+/-7,79) and 72,95 years (+/-9,86) in control group. Male and female individuals were equal among groups. Total SarsCov2 antibodies levels were 4,32 U/mL (+/-4,16) in CKD group and 6,21 U/mL (+/-4,51) in controls with no statistical significance (p=0.46). Spike antibodies levels were 10,47 U/mL (+/-32,41) in CKD group and 10,35 U/mL (+/-28,34) in controls with a p=0.09 between groups using Mann-Whitney non parametric test. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, CKD patients developed adequate levels of antibodies against C19 with CoronaVac full dosage regimen in Brazil after a 3 month period.

Cotton Fabrics Decorated with Antimicrobial Ag-Coated TiO2 Nanoparticles Are Unable to Fully and Rapidly Eradicate SARS-CoV-2

The successful development of multifunctional cotton fabrics with antimicrobial and antiviral activities is essential to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and transmission of coronavirus virions today, especially with the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we developed antimicrobial cotton fabrics with Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized via sonochemistry. Here, we show that more than 50% of infectious SARS-CoV-2 remain active after prolonged direct contact self-disinfecting materials capable of inhibiting the proliferation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The findings bring several epidemiologic worries about using silver and TiO2 as self-disinfecting nanostructured agents to prevent coronavirus transmission.

Standardization of the method of concentration and extraction of nucleic acids in wastewater samples: a low-cost tool to be used in epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

Sewage quality surveillance can represent a complementary tool for monitoring infectious diseases and preventing epidemic outbreaks, especially when the capacity for clinical testing is limited. Thus, the present study describes the technical details of a low-cost method for concentrating and extracting nucleic acids from sewage samples, as a preliminary step for the detection of viruses and other pathogens. To validate the proposed methodology, after the concentration and extraction steps, the presence of the SARS coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) in the samples was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The virus' ribonucleic acid was detected in 80% of the sewage samples analyzed, proving the success of the methodological procedure adopted. The early detection of a pathogen associated with the work of multidisciplinary teams allows the practice of epidemiological surveillance, which assists in making decisions about One Health - an inseparable union between animal, human, and environmental health.

Challenges of diversity and inclusion in defence emergency management and preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic

LAY SUMMARY The Canadian military's recent mission in support of long-term-care homes in Ontario, and the alleged abuses reported, demonstrates the urgent need to address challenges associated with diversity and inclusion in defence emergency management and preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reviews the social and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on diverse groups within the Canadian Defence Team and across Canada, with a particular focus on visible minorities, Indigenous people, women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit communities. The review indicates that the pandemic widened the existing physical and mental health disparities and socio-economic inequities affecting these groups. To address these challenges, and to better understand the needs of diverse groups in the pandemic context, several recommendations for the Defence Team are proposed to incorporate into daily encounters with diverse groups and communities affected by COVID-19. The recommendations are designed to enable the Defence Team to establish positive and sustainable relations with diverse communities and to increase community resilience and defence emergency operational readiness. The range of potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, families, and communities emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse perspectives and needs of the Canadian Defence Team and the urgency of developing inclusive approaches for managing these impacts. Whether the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND) are providing support to their own diverse workforce, or responding with humanitarian relief in Canada and abroad, it is essential to understand how the COVID-19 crisis may affect diverse groups across Canada. As a result, this article provides a perspective on COVID-19's potential impacts on diverse groups and communities when examining emergency management and preparedness in the Canadian defence context. The potential challenges that may be experienced by diverse groups across Canada, including members of the Defence Team, are discussed, with a focus on racialized people, women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit communities who reside across the Canadian landscape. The article also includes evidence-based recommendations that are intended to complement existing efforts to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19, and it further contributes to the well-being of the Defence Team and DND-CAF readiness.

Agreement between two diagnostic methods for COVID-19: preliminary data from a Brazilian clinical laboratory

Objective: To investigate possible differences between laboratory profiles of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. There are different of them available for COVID-19 diagnoses and surveillance, so this research was to evaluate the positive agreement the diagnostic methods. Methods: For symptomatic patients swab samples from nasal and oral mucosal were collected between first and second week after symptoms onset, to perform RT-PCR, blood samples were collected 7 days after to perform antibody detection test. For asymptomatic patients, only antibody detection was performed to confirm the infection. We investigated specific humoral immune response for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and also analyzed the positivity index and kappa agreement between immunochromatographic and ELISA assays. Results: Most symptomatic patients presented negative RT-PCR with IgM and IgA detection. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients have presented elevated IgM and IgA immunoglobulins, being this detection higher in symptomatic patients. The positivity index for immunochromatographic was higher than ELISA and there was no kappa agreement between IgM and IgA detection between these two methods. Conclusion: Symptomatic patients presented higher amounts of IgM and IgA than asymptomatic, suggesting a relation between antibody quantity and severity of disease. We verified no agreement between IgM and IgA detection, and observed higher positivity index for IMMUNO when compared to ELISA. The different kinetics may cause a variation in their detection. Also, many different virus proteins can be used as antigens in these methods, being able of altering their sensibility and specificity.

Reduction in prostate cancer hospitalizations in the COVID-19 pandemic epicenter of Latin America

Background: The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted health care systems worldwide since December 2019 causing atypical pneumonia and affecting multiple body organs. In Latin America, COVID19 had its first case in the megacity of São Paulo, Brazil, thus being the starting point and epicenter of this disease. In this context, prostate cancer (PC) is the most common nonskin cancer among men and its preventive healthcare is substantial to public health surveillance. Additionally, PC raises particular interest during COVID-19 outbreak as PC androgen-deprivation therapies have shown to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection, which suggests an association between SARS-CoV-2 and PC cells. Thus, the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on male genital cancers care remain inconclusive and will probably be felt for decades. This study aimed to determine the impact of pandemic on the incidence of hospital admissions (HA) due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the HAs due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs in the city of São Paulo comparing the outbreak period (January-June 2020) and a pre-pandemic corresponding period of the years 2017-2019. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System - Hospital Information System database according to the chapter II of the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD10). Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the incidence of HAs and time (months). Results: A significant reduction in HAs due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs was observed in PC, but not other malignant neoplasms of male genital organs during the outbreak period (JanuaryJune 2020). PC (-19, CI -36 to -1) showed to be remarkably affected while other male genital cancers (-1, CI -5 to 3) did not (Table). Conclusions: Our findings seem to be associated to delayed oncological care delivery to PC during the lockdown and health system disruption. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of the ongoing pandemic in malignant neoplasm of male genital organs, particularly PC, in order to strategically corroborate public health actions for implications of COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in hospitalizations due to brain tumors from the epicenter of Latin America

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health care systems worldwide. In Brazil, the disease had its first case in the city of São Paulo, thus being the starting point and epicenter of this disease in Latin America. Neurological features are currently well recognized in COVID-19 indicating the neurotropic nature of the virus and include anosmia, myalgia, myositis, encephalitis, meningitis, cerebrovascular disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and postinfectious myelitis. CNS tumors though relatively rare (> 2% of all cancers) are a relevant source of cancer-related morbimortality worldwide. Although studies have reported higher COVID-19 severity in cancer patients, the consequences of the pandemic on health care for CNS tumors remain inconclusive and will probably be felt for decades. This study aimed to determine the impact of pandemic on the hospital admissions (HA) due to CNS tumors in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the HAs due to CNS tumors in the city of São Paulo comparing the outbreak period (January-June 2020) and a prepandemic corresponding period of the years 2017-2019. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System - Hospital Information System database according to the chapter II of the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10). Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the incidence of HAs and time (months). Results: A significant reduction in HAs due to CNS tumors was observed during the outbreak period (January-June 2020). Benign neoplasm of brain and other parts of CNS (-2, CI -2 to -1) and malignant neoplasm of brain (-5, CI -7 to -3) showed to be remarkably affected (see table). To our knowledge, this is the first scientific report of significant reduction of HAs due to CNS tumors during COVID-19 era. Conclusions: Our findings seem to be associated to delayed oncological diagnose and care to CNS tumor patients during the lockdown and health system collapse. A rebound helpseeking effect as well as more severe complications may present in the post- pandemic. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the ongoing pandemic in CNS neoplasms in order to strategically corroborate public health actions for short- and long-term implications of COVID-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 and non-traditional diplomacy: The “taiwan can help” campaign in Mexico

The different responses to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world are opening new fields of study in Political Science and International Relations. The need to constantly maintain and enlarge its international space has led Taiwan to develop innovative ways to showcase its response to the pandemic, as well as its willingness to assist other countries. To do that, different instruments associated with types of non-traditional diplomacy have been used. This paper suggests that in the case of Mexico, some features of public and parliamentary diplomacy can be identified in the implementation of the “Taiwan Can Help” Campaign. Through the analysis of the multiple donations of groceries and medical supplies to different communities in Mexico, one of the countries in Latin America with no official diplomatic ties with Taipei, this paper presents how the campaign has been carried through cooperation projects between representatives of the island and lawmakers in the host country. This pattern replicates the strategy followed by Taiwan in nations with mature economies, forging closer ties with parliamentarians in countries with democratic systems, as a way to advance a positive image consisting in shared values and a common future. By focusing on the implementation of this type of public diplomacy during the pandemic, this paper seeks to contribute to a much larger debate around the state of international relations in a post-COVID-19 world. © 2021, Tamkang University. All rights reserved.

Clinical impact of COVID-19 on people with substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND: People with substance use disorders are considered at increased risk of COVID-19 and its more serious complications, however data on the impact of COVID-19 are lacking. The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 on people with substance use disorders. METHODS: an observational study was carried out including patients aged ≥ years with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to an urban hospital during March 12 to June 21,2020. RESULTS: Among 2078 patients admitted, 27 (1.3%) were people with substance use disorders: 23(85.2%) were men with a median age of 56.1 + 10.3 years and. The main SUD were alcohol in 18(66.7%) patients, heroine in 6(22.2%) and cocaine in 3(11.1%) and 24(88.8%) patients were on ongoing substance use disorder treatment. One or more comorbidities associated to COVID-19 risk were observed in 18(66.6%) of patients. During a median length of stay of 10 days (IQR:7-19), severe pneumonia developed in 7(25.9%) patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome in 5 (18.5%) and none died. CONCLUSION: Larger sample sizes and sero-epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the low incidence of severe COVID-19 on patients with SUD.

A química dos saneantes em tempos de covid-19: Você sabe como isso funciona?

THE CHEMISTRY OF SANITIZERS IN COVID-19 TIMES: DO YOU KNOW HOW IT WORKS?. In December 2019, the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19), caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was reported and the disease was declared as a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. As there is no vaccine currently available, the daily hygiene cleaning habits and social distance are the ways to fight COVID-19 indicated by the WHO. Hand and surface hygiene has become essential and the use of 60-90% ethanol is recommended for its effective biocide action. Phenol-based products are effective sanitizers, but they can cause irritation and are not recommended for surfaces that come into contact with food. There are quaternary ammonium salts that present low toxic and are good sanitizers, as they can cause the denaturation of proteins and disruption of viral lipid bilayer. Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most used sanitizers due to its low cost and effective oxidative capacity. In the same direction, peroxides are also used as a biocide, as they cause oxidation of lipids and denaturation of viral proteins. The goal of this paper is to describe the action modes and chemical concepts of the sanitizers recommended by the ANVISA-Brazil to be used against the new coronavirus. © 2020 Sociedade Brasileira de Quimica. All rights reserved.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases: a delayed pandemic? / Influencia de la infección SARS-CoV-2 sobre enfermedades neurodegenerativas y neuropsiquiátricas: ¿una pandemia demorada?

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread across the world. At present, the virus has infected over 1.7 million people and caused over 100 000 deaths worldwide. Research is currently focused on understanding the acute infection and developing effective treatment strategies. In view of the magnitude of the epidemic, we conducted a speculative review of possible medium- and long-term neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases of neuroinflammatory origin, based on the available evidence on neurological symptoms of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. DEVELOPMENT: We systematically reviewed the available evidence about the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the immediate and lasting effects of the cytokine storm on the central nervous system, and the consequences of neuroinflammation for the central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 is a neuroinvasive virus capable of triggering a cytokine storm, with persistent effects in specific populations. Although our hypothesis is highly speculative, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases of neuroinflammatory origin should be regarded as the potential cause of a delayed pandemic that may have a major public health impact in the medium to long term. Cognitive and neuropsychological function should be closely monitored in COVID-19 survivors.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 through pool testing for COVID-19: an integrative review

INTRODUCTION: The pool testing technique optimizes the number of tests performed and reduces the delivery time of results, which is an interesting strategy for the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This integrative review investigated studies in which pool testing was carried out for epidemiological or screening purposes to analyze its clinical or cost effectiveness and assessed the applicability of this method in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. METHODS: This integrative review used primary studies published in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude (LILACS), and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: A total of 435 studies were identified: 35.3% were carried out in Asia, 29.4% in Europe, 29.4% in North America, and 5.9% in Oceania. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that pool testing in the general population may be a useful surveillance strategy to detect new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate the period of immunogenicity and global immunity from vaccines.