Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Cooled Down or Stimulated the Countertendencies of Capital? A Critical Review

This is a critical review of what the Marxist scientific literature presents on the forms of countertendency to falling profit rates carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 33 articles included in this review were studied using a Marxist approach. The following elements of the articles were synthesized and criticized: the analysis matrices, the methodological aspects of the articles, the elements contrary to the law of the tendency of the rate of profit to fall, and the cases studied and their contexts of analysis. The articles reviewed allow us to state that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was intensification in the forms of an increased degree of labour exploitation, cheapening of the elements of constant capital, and increased relative overpopulation and shareholder capital.

The Determining Factors for the Entry of Small Investors into the Brazilian Stock Exchange

This study aims to verify the determining factors for the entry of small investors in the Brazilian Stock Exchange. For this, a questionnaire sent to respondents by electronic means was used. 698 valid responses were obtained. Homogeneity Analysis (HOMALS) was used to identify the association between the profile of investors and the determining factors for investors to enter the Stock Exchange. Through the results, it was found that the most important determining factors are: the possibility of obtaining extra income in the future, the fall in the price of shares, the low yield of savings and the drop in the SELIC rate. The factors that have less influence are: advertisements and encouragement from relatives and friends. In addition, almost half of the respondents agree that they see the Stock Exchange as an option to make quick money. It was identified that people with less knowledge about the market and a moderate risk profile disagree that the Stock Exchange is an opportunity to make quick money and that the more aggressive the investor's profile, the stronger the view that the fall in the price of shares is an opportunity for investments on the Stock Exchange. Differences were identified between the factors that determined the decision to invest in the Stock Exchange of investors who entered before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This study helps to fill the gaps in empirical research on the reasons that make small investors choose to invest in the Stock Exchange. It also contributes to the formulation of investment strategies and commercial strategies for those interested in increasing the number of Individual investors on the Stock Exchange..

Drug allergy impact on anaphylaxis risk accessment in COVID-19 vaccination: Experience of an allergy department

Background: COVID-19 vaccination is essential for the pandemic control. Adverse reactions after vaccination are com-mon, although anaphylaxis is rare. Objective(s): To characterize the immunoallergological reactions responsible for pre--vaccination referral by Primary Care (PC), to analyze the impact of drug allergy on this referral, and to evaluate the vaccination outcome after risk stratification. Method(s): Retrospective observational study including patients referred by PC to the Allergy & Clinical Immunology Department of a tertiary hospital to evaluate the risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) after COVID-19 vaccination, from January to June 2021. Risk stratification was carried out in accordance with the Allergy & Clinical Immunology Department's protocol. Result(s): From a total of 733 patients referred by the CSP, 510 were admitted, 445 of which were evaluated, 369 (83%) females, mean age 66+/-13 years [20-99 years], 122 (27%) atopic. The majority (n=349, 78%) were referred due to previous drug reactions, of whom 69 (15.5%) due to vaccine reactions. Nonste-roidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=97, 51%) and antibiotics (n=70, 36%) were the most reported drugs in suspected/confirmed HSRs. Drug reaction profile differed in low-risk (61% with HSR, 39% anaphylaxis) and intermediate/high risk (92% with HSR, 65% anaphylaxis) patients. After risk assessment, 323 patients were referred for vaccination at the vaccination center, of whom 280 received at least one dose of the vaccine. Two patients had chronic urticaria worsening and one patient had a vasovagal reaction after the vaccine. 122 patients were vaccinated at the hospital, of whom 69 received one dose of the vaccine. Only two patients had mild skin reactions. Conclusion(s): Drug allergy was the main cause for pre-vaccination risk assessment. Most patients were vaccinated at the vaccination center with no HSR. Risk assessment protocol was effective, with no significant reactions or cases of anaphylaxis. Copyright © 2022, Sociedade Portuguesa de Alergologia e Imunologia Clinica. All rights reserved.

Analysis of misinformation in the context of the coronavirus vaccination in Brazil

The misinformation circulating on social media regarding the coronavirus pandemic has been a obstacule in the fight against the disease, directly impacting the advancement of immunization in various parts of the world. This study sought to evaluate possible influences between vaccination rates in Brazil and social media interactions related to posts from questinable sources. Using econometric models, we measured the impact of questionable information about vaccines, considering geographic, political and social issues. The results show a negative impact on vaccination rates, with different variations depending on the political orientation of the posts considered, as well as a geographic inequality in terms of vulnerability to misinformation. © 2022 ACM.

The importance of using the CodeInsights monitoring tool to support teaching programming in the context of a pandemic

This Innovative Practice Full Paper describes the use of a monitoring tool for teachers to assess students' performance and progress, improving their ability to make decisions and interventions in programming classes, in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Considering that learning programming is not an easy task as well as the social, cultural, and educational diversity of the student population, we believe it is crucial that teachers have at their disposal up-to-date information on the learners' progress, skills, and difficulties to properly support them in gaining and maintaining a positive learning momentum. Previously, we suggested the use of this monitoring tool to supplement the information teachers can obtain through direct observation in traditional face-to-face classes. However, in the context of the current pandemic, its use takes on new significance since, in most cases, face-to-face instruction has been suppressed, demanding new strategies to collect assessment data. In this paper, we introduce some features of the system and explain how they can help teachers to support their students. Key findings from a field trial, in which the system was used for about a month and a half to support more than 60 students of an introductory programming course, are also presented. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, classes took place almost exclusively online via Zoom. During this time, the usage of the system enabled the teacher to monitor student progress regardless of when or where they were working. In post-experiment interviews, the teacher who participated in this study stated that using the system was vital to deal with the challenges that distance learning entails. Similarly, student feedback was also very positive. Several students mentioned that they felt more confident while using the system, knowing that the teacher was able to track their work and give them personalized feedback whenever necessary.

Ecosystem restoration job creation potential in Brazil

The central motivation to restore ecosystems at a planetary scale has been to reverse degradation and provide multiple environmental benefits, but key global players like governments may be more interested in social outcomes from undertaking restoration, such as job creation. Assessing the job opportunities stemming from ongoing restoration programmes can leverage additional investments for their implementation and support their long-term maintenance. Here, we aimed to understand and quantify current and potential ecosystem restoration jobs in Brazil, based on a widely distributed online survey performed in 2020 and led by the main restoration networks in the country. We explored the structure, job distribution and outputs of the national restoration supply chain. At the beginning of 2020, 4713 temporary and 3510 permanent jobs were created, nearly 60% of which were generated by organizations specialized in restoration, mainly from the non-profit (48%) and private (37%) sectors. Restoration jobs were concentrated in organizations working in one (58%) or two (28%) biomes, and the vast majority were in the Atlantic Forest (85%). Similarly, most restoration jobs were concentrated in the southeast region (61%), with one-third in the state of Sao Paulo. This geographical distribution was more strongly associated with the states' GDP than with the legal deficit of native vegetation area. Nearly 20% of the restoration jobs were terminated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We estimate that restoration activities can generate 0.42 jobs per hectare undergoing restoration, which could potentially create 1.0-2.5 million direct jobs through the implementation of Brazil's target of restoring 12 million hectares. We conclude by reinforcing the value of ecosystem restoration in promoting economic development and job creation, which can be crucial to promote countries' effective engagement in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. We also highlight the critical role of grassroots organizations to maximize restoration opportunities for socioeconomic development during the post-pandemic economic recovery. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The influence of telework and management controls on the congruence of civil servant objectives

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of telework and management control systems (MCSs) on the congruence of civil servant objectives in the Brazilian justice system. Design/methodology/approach: To this end, the authors have carried out a survey with 468 employees of the Ministério Público Federal (Federal Public Ministry), whose data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings: Among the main results are the perceived efficiency of telework, and the finding that action and personnel controls are positively related to the congruence of objectives. However, the moderating relationship of the MCSs presented individual characteristics. Action controls showed no evidence of moderating the relationship between the perceived efficiency of telework and congruence of objectives. However, personnel controls showed a significant and negative relationship, that is, more intense personnel controls in telework weakened the congruence of individual objectives with those of the organization. Practical implications: This study contributes to practice by identifying barriers and facilitators in organizational telework programs and also spotting how controls can be planned for their activities. Originality/value: The authors’ research evaluates the effect of MCSs on the relationship between the perceived efficiency of telework and the congruence of employee objectives, considering that the telework regime is in its initial phase of implementation in public entities, but this has been intensified by the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. © 2022, Edicreia Andrade Dos Santos, Jonatas Dutra Sallaberry and Alcindo Cipriano Argolo Mendes.

TRAINING FOR THE MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH CLEFT USING INSTRUCTIONAL MANUALS

Background/Purpose: Infants with cleft lip and/or palate require special care from birth in order to adapt to the cleft and overcome insufficient suction, difficulties in breastfeeding, insufficient food intake, and malnutrition. Early nutritional intervention, as well as nutritional care and guidance, are extremely important for them to achieve their potential in terms of growth, development, and preparation for surgery. Mothers should receive training and have access to appropriate feeding assistance to optimize their children's nutrition, health, and survival rate. The purpose is to provide feeding assistance by training mothers, using the manuals prepared by our specialized multidisciplinary team. Methods/Description: Planning, preparation and dissemination of instruction/educational manuals that are accessible and easy to understand, by the team of otolaryngologists, pediatricians, nurses, nutritionists, speech-language therapist, dental professionals, and lactation specialists who prepared straightforward and fun manuals that have been used since May 2021, in treatment centers all over Brazil. Results: Breastfeeding Manual: the importance of breast milk;breast physiology, latching;various breastfeeding positions;expressing breast milk manually or using a pump;best nipple for each cleft, breastfeeding position;burping (eructation);types of milk formulas and dilution, hygiene, and preparation techniques. Manual on Introducing Food and Feeding in the Post-Surgical Feeding and Foods: introducing additional foods, food quality and quantity;techniques to offer food;child positioning;food consistency;care after lip surgery (cheiloplasty) and after palate surgery (palatoplasty), such as: raising the crib;using bracelets to prevent the child from touching his/ her mouth and thus hindering the healing process;when to change the food consistency;weaning from the bottle and pacifier, and the use of glasses and spoons;recipes. Manual Guide to Anthropometric Measurements: teaching mothers to check their children's weight, height, head, thoracic, and brachial circumference and to send this information to nutritionists/pediatricians, for monitoring and interventions, as needed. Conclusions: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to provide training to the parents of patients with cleft has become increasingly evident, so as to provide nutritional care at home needed for the appropriate growth and development of infants, even with less frequent in-person appointments. Considering that cleft babies begin to be submitted to surgical procedures at 3 months old, nutritional care must include growth, development, and preparation for these surgeries. Providing support for the mothers is essential for them to overcome challenges and to adopt best practices in feeding their children. Training them to do that is certainly the best way. This work was supported by Smile Train, Inc.

EVENTOS ADVERSOS À PLAQUETAFÉRESE E PLASMAFÉRESE: UMA AVALIAÇÃO COMPARATIVA

Objetivos: O processo de doação de plaquetas por aférese (PLF) ou de plasma convalescente (PC) pode gerar reações adversas (RA) durante ou após o procedimento. Pela experiência negativa, as reações podem impedir que indivíduos se tornem doadores frequentes. Assim, é importante detectar as RA mais frequentes. Usualmente, se consegue esses dados através da observação antes da liberação pós-doação. Outra possibilidade seria a busca ativa, contatando os doadores pós-procedimento. O estudo objetivou comparar as RA entre doadores de PC (busca ativa) e PLF (observação) no Hemocentro de Goiás (HEMOGO). Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional, prospectivo, sem intervenção realizado no HEMOGO. Foram avaliados 184 PFL de 23/04/2020 a 11/11/2020 e 61 PC entre 30/06/2020 a 11/09/2020. Dados demográficos foram coletados dos prontuários e analisados quanto à distribuição de sexo e idade. Resultados: Foram realizadas 184 PLF e 61 de PC. Para a PLF, 5 RA foram relatadas em indivíduos do sexo feminino, com 80% delas entre 18 a 30 anos. A reação mais comum nesse grupo foi lipotimia. Nenhum doador do sexo masculino reportou RA. Quanto à doação do PC, 14 homens relataram RA na busca ativa. A maioria tinha 31 a 40 anos e a maior parte das queixas foi dor/hematoma no local da punção e fraqueza. Ademais, 8 mulheres relataram reações, com 62,5% entre 18 e 30 anos. Grande parte delas reportou formigamento/hematoma no local da punção e sensação de rubor. A análise estatística mostrou que para PLF o sexo influencia nas RA e a idade não tem influência nesses eventos. Ainda, para PC, as RA não se correlacionaram com o sexo, mas tiveram correlação com a idade. Discussão: RA em aférese são esperadas devido ao tempo de procedimento mais longo, ao volume extracorpóreo ou alterações de fluidos. No estudo observamos um maior número de RA relatadas em doadores de PC em comparação aos de PLF. Outros estudos comparativos também observaram um aumento significativo no número de RA relatadas quando se realiza a busca ativa por RA. Houve diferenças quanto ao tipo de RA experimentada pelos doadores. Enquanto os doadores de PFL relataram sintomas sistêmicos, os de PC relataram sintomas locais. Isso pode estar relacionado ao próprio processo de doação, uma vez que reações vasovagais foram as RA imediatas mais comumente observadas após a doação. Estudos que avaliaram RA reportadas após busca ativa também observaram maior número de sintomas locais como hematoma e dor local. Na análise demográfica, sexo e idade influenciaram nas queixas reportadas por doadores de PFL e PC, respectivamente. Alguns estudos reportam que o sexo feminino e doadores mais jovens reportam mais RA, independente do tipo de doação. Porém devido a critérios de exclusão para doação, havia menos doadores de PC do sexo feminino, o que pode ter uma correlação negativa entre o sexo feminino e RA em PFL. Conclusão: As RA dos doadores de PC e PLF constituem um parâmetro significativo para a avaliação das repercussões desses procedimentos, tendo idade e sexo dos doadores como possíveis fatores preditores. Nesse estudo, a idade foi fator negativo para a RA pós doação de PC, enquanto o sexo foi fator negativo para as RA pós PLF. Destarte, a investigação desses eventos se torna necessária para o aperfeiçoamento da doação de PC e/ou de PLF, haja vista que, com a emergência da pandemia da COVID-19, essas técnicas tornaram-se importantes no cotidiano médico.

COVID-19 vaccination efficacy in cancer patients: An ongoing prospective trial

Background: Cancer patients (pts) have higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. However, observations are based on non-comparative retrospective studies. Evidence regarding vaccination in cancer pts is limited, but there is enough evidence to support COVID-19 vaccination, even under active treatment. Data on humoral and cellular immune response to antiviral vaccination in cancer pts are scarce. In pts receiving immunosuppressive therapies (IST) like chemotherapy and targeted therapies, seroconversion/protection rates are expected to be lower than general population, but not in pts receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Serum antibodies against an infectious agent may be an immunity indicator. Methods: Prospective observational longitudinal study with the intent of evaluating the humoral response of cancer pts to COVID-19 vaccination. The study includes pts diagnosed in any stage, without or under active treatment, or survivors followed in Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca, in partnership with Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência. Pts are divided into 4 arms, independently of the vaccine: A – IST;B – ICI;C –Hormone therapy (HT);D – Cancer survivors. Recruitment started in March 2021, expecting at least 50 pts per arm. IgG, IgA and IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies ELISA determination in 9 timepoints: before 1st dose and at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 15th, 24th, 36th, 48th and 60th weeks post 1st dose. Side effects’ questionnaire will be implemented after 1st and 2nd doses. Results: Recruitment is ongoing and a total of 202 pts were enrolled, of which 178 pts have 3-weeks post 1st dose evaluated: 101 in arm A: 11 in B: 31 in C;and 35 in D.The mean age is 61.6 years, with 53.4% females. Regarding vaccines, 55 pts were submitted to ChAdOx1-S/nCoC-19, 5 to Ad26.COV2.S, 89 to BNT162b2 and 12 to mRNA-1273 vaccines. At 3 weeks, 33/97 pts (34%) in arm A, 2/11 pts (18%) in B, 14/28 pts (50%) in C and 15/35 pts (43%) in D already generated anti-spike IgG. Most common side effects were local inflammatory reaction (47%), generalized muscle pain (17%), fatigue (11%), and chills (10%). Conclusions: Efficacy and safety profiles of vaccines against COVID-19 infection in cancer pts is still unknown.This study hopes to assess differences in immunization between pts’ treatment profiles and duration profiles and safety profiles. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

COVID-19 cancer patients outcomes in an intensive care setting: A case-control study

Background: Cancer patients appear to be a vulnerable group in COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, with and without cancer, admitted to the ICU of “Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto” from 2nd March 2020 to 31st January 2021. Patients were matched according to age, gender and underlying comorbidities. Clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were obtained from medical records. COVID-19 related outcomes of both groups were compared using logistic regression. Results: 29 critical COVID-19 cancer patients (cases) and 29 critical COVID-19 non-cancer patients (controls) were enrolled. Fever, dyspnea and cough were the most common presenting symptoms in both groups. Lymphopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase were the most common laboratory findings in both groups and anemia was observed significantly more often in cancer patients (75.9% vs 44.8%;p=0.031). Ground glass opacities were more frequently seen in controls (100% vs 67%;p=0.018). Univariate regression revealed that invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) need on ICU admission was significantly higher among cancer patients [48% vs 7%;odds ratio (OR)= 12.600, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.517-63.063, p=0.002] but there was no significant impact either on global need of IMV during all-length ICU stay (76% vs 55%;OR= 2.554, 95% CI 0.831-7.842, p=0.102) or on mortality rates (59% vs 38%;OR= 2.318, 95% CI 0.809-6.644, p=0.118). A multivariate model showed an increase in the adjusted risk of IMV need at ICU admission (adjusted OR= 14.036, 95% CI 1.337-153.111, p=0.028). The length of ICU stay, time to death and rate of complications were not impacted by the presence of cancer. Conclusions: In this study critical cancer patients with COVID-19 had an increased risk for IMV need at ICU admission but not for IMV need during all-length ICU stay or mortality rates. Despite evolving more rapidly to respiratory failure (RF) cancer patients did not have significant increase on mortality, stressing the importance of aggressive treatment in this group of patients. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Smartpath^k: a platform for teaching glomerulopathies using machine learning

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), distance learning, especially that mediated by information and digital communication technologies, has been adopted in all areas of knowledge and at all levels, including medical education. Imminently practical areas, such as pathology, have made traditional teaching based on conventional microscopy more flexible through the synergies of computational tools and image digitization, not only to improve teaching-learning but also to offer alternatives to repetitive and exhaustive histopathological analyzes. In this context, machine learning algorithms capable of recognizing histological patterns in kidney biopsy slides have been developed and validated with a view to building computational models capable of accurately identifying renal pathologies. In practice, the use of such algorithms can contribute to the universalization of teaching, allowing quality training even in regions where there is a lack of good nephropathologists. The purpose of this work is to describe and test the functionality of SmartPath^k, a tool to support teaching of glomerulopathies using machine learning. The training for knowledge acquisition was performed automatically by machine learning methods using the J48 algorithm to create a computational model of an appropriate decision tree. RESULTS: An intelligent system, SmartPath^k, was developed as a complementary remote tool in the teaching-learning process for pathology teachers and their students (undergraduate and graduate students), showing 89,47% accuracy using machine learning algorithms based on decision trees. CONCLUSION: This artificial intelligence system can assist in teaching renal pathology to increase the training capacity of new medical professionals in this area.

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks as unique anesthetic technique for total mastectomy in a covid-19 era: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Regional anesthesia techniques were recently introduced to provide analgesia for breast surgery. These techniques are rarely used as the primary anesthesia due to the complexity of breast innervation, with numerous structures that can potentially be disrupted during breast surgery. CASE REPORT: A female patient in her sixties diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on her left breast was scheduled for a simple mastectomy. After anesthetic evaluation, identification of high risk perioperative cardiovascular complications, it was proposed to perform the surgery only with regional anesthesia. A combination of pectoral nerve block (Pecs II), pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) and supraclavicular nerve block ultrasound-guided were successfully performed. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reporting a novel approach in a patient with severe cardiopulmonary disease who underwent breast surgery in a COVID-19 era.

[Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks as unique anesthetic technique for total mastectomy in a covid-19 era: a case report]. / Bloqueos del plano fascial ecoguiados, como única técnica anestésica para mastectomía total en la era de la COVID-19: caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Regional anesthesia techniques were recently introduced to provide analgesia for breast surgery. These techniques are rarely used as the primary anesthesia due to the complexity of breast innervation, with numerous structures that can potentially be disrupted during breast surgery. CASE REPORT: A female patient in her sixties diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on her left breast was scheduled for a simple mastectomy. After anesthetic evaluation, identification of high risk perioperative cardiovascular complications, it was proposed to perform the surgery only with regional anesthesia. A combination of pectoral nerve block (Pecs II), pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) and supraclavicular nerve block ultrasound-guided were successfully performed. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reporting a novel approach in a patient with severe cardiopulmonary disease who underwent breast surgery in a COVID-19 era.

The impact of pandemic crisis on the restaurant business

The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for a health crisis and, at the same time, for a sharp drop in activities of economic sustainability, particularly in tourism management, and has consequences in most countries that are still difficult to measure. The objective of this research is to identify restaurant entrepreneurs’ perceptions about the future, government measures, strategies they will apply, and lessons learned for the future after the mandatory lockdown of restaurants and hospitality establishments related to pandemics. The framework was developed through con-tent analysis with line-by-line coding applied to questionnaires collected online from Portuguese restaurant entrepreneurs. The results reveal the existence of common concerns to all entrepreneurs in the restaurant business for the post-pandemic period, about the measures that the governments should implement, and about the strategies and lessons learned for the future. Resilience in face of the future, fear of a lack of appropriate government measures, strategies designed for markets with greater immediate availability, and the creation of working capital are visible concerns in the restaurant business. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.