PLASMA LIPIDS AND AMINO ACIDS LINKED TO LOW SARS-CoV-2 SUSCEPTIBILITY

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).

Research on loneliness and social support networks in the elderly Persons: a systematic review in Europe

BACKGROUND // During the ageing process the loss of family and social relationships is frequent which conditions loneliness, similarly the current COVID-19 pandemic has generated more social limitations in this age group and has increased the risk factors to trigger feelings of loneliness. This paper aimed to examine how loneliness among older people had been studied in Europe over the last ten years. Specific objectives were: i) to describe the methodological aspects;ii) to identify the scales or questions for the assessment of loneliness;iii) what were the main variables or dimensions that were related to loneliness in old age. METHODS // A total of 1,591 articles were found in WoS and Scopus digital platforms. After initial assessment of titles and s, full text reading and review of the established criteria, 42 scientific articles were finally included in the systematic review. RESULTS // The countries that had carried out the most studies were the Netherlands and Spain. Most of the research was quanti-tative and uses the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The most analysed variables were: marital status, household structure, social support networks, social participation, depression, health problems, co-morbidity and physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS // The scientific interest in studying loneliness, with a focus on social support networks, in older people in Europe and strategically addressing loneliness as a public health problem is confirmed.

Perceived impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on protected area management and conservation outcomes in Mexico

Protected areas are under immense pressure to safeguard much of the remaining global biodiversity and can be strained by unpredicted events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the extent of the effects of the pandemic on protected area management and conservation outcomes is critical for recovery and future planning to buffer against these types of events. We used survey and focus group data to measure the perceived impact of the pandemic on protected areas in Mexico and outline the pathways that led to these conservation outcomes. Across 62 protected areas, we found substantial changes in management capacity, monitoring and tourism, and a slight increase in non-compliant activities. Our findings highlight the need to integrate short-term relief plans to support communities dependent on tourism, who were particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, and to increase access to technology and technical capacity to better sustain management activities during future crises.

Corrigendum: Media representations of official declarations and political actions in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic(Front. Commun., (2021), 6, (646445), 10.3389/fcomm.2021.646445)

In the published article, the reference for de Oliveira, D. L., and de Oliveira, G. A. (2020)”. was incorrectly written as "de Oliveira, D. L., and de Oliveira, G. A. (2020). "Jornalismo cient-fico e sociedade em tempos de COVID-19,” in Brasil Ps-Pandemia: Reflexes e Propostas, eds R. Santosonaldo and M. Porchmann (Embu das Artes: Alexa Cultural), 261–281.” It should be "de Oliveira, D. L., and de Oliveira, G. A. (2020). "Jornalismo Científico e Sociedade em Tempos de COVID-19,”, in Brasil Pós-Pandemia: reflexões e propostas, eds R. Santos andM. Porchmann (Embu das Artes: Alexa Cultural), 261–281.” In the published article, there was an error. The name of the Brazilian Journalist– Monica Bergamo–was misspelled as Monica Begamo. A correction has been made to Results, The Appellate Judge Who Humiliated a Municipal Officer in Santos After Refusing toWear a Face Covering, Paragraph Number 5: "Similarly, Monica Begamo, another digital influencer with a presence in traditional media, drew on the frame criticizing the elites and mandonism. Sharing a post from another journalist, Fabio Pannunzio, Begamo wrote:” The corrected sentence appears below: "Similarly,Monica Bergamo, another digital influencer with a presence in traditional media, drew on the frame criticizing the elites and mandonism. Sharing a post from another journalist, Fabio Pannunzio, Bergamo wrote:” The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated. © 2023 Lopes de Oliveira, Moreno and Lewenstein.

Studying loneliness and social support networks among older people: a systematic review in Europe

OBJECTIVE: During the ageing process the loss of family and social relationships is frequent which conditions loneliness, similarly the current COVID-19 pandemic has generated more social limitations in this age group and has increased the risk factors to trigger feelings of loneliness. This paper aimed to examine how loneliness among older people had been studied in Europe over the last ten years. Specific objectives were: i) to describe the methodological aspects;ii) to identify the scales or questions for the assessment of loneliness;iii) what were the main variables or dimensions that were related to loneliness in old age. METHODS: A total of 1,591 articles were found in WoS and Scopus digital platforms. After initial assessment of titles and s, full text reading and review of the established criteria, 42 scientific articles were finally included in the systematic review. RESULTS: The countries that had carried out the most studies were the Netherlands and Spain. Most of the research was quantitative and uses the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The most analysed variables were: marital status, household structure, social support networks, social participation, depression, health problems, co-morbidity and physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific interest in studying loneliness, with a focus on social support networks, in older people in Europe and strategically addressing loneliness as a public health problem is confirmed. OBJETIVO: Durante el proceso de envejecimiento es frecuente la pérdida de relaciones familiares y sociales, lo cual condiciona la soledad. Además, la actual pandemia de la COVID-19 ha generado más limitaciones en las relaciones sociales de este grupo de edad y ha aumentado los factores de riesgo para desencadenar sentimientos de soledad. Este trabajo tuvo el objetivo de examinar cómo se había estudiado la soledad en las personas mayores en Europa en los últimos diez años. Se propusieron como objetivos específicos: i) describir los aspectos metodológicos;ii) identificar las escalas o preguntas para la valoración de la soledad;iii) cuáles eran las principales variables o dimensiones que se relacionaban con la soledad en la vejez, priorizando el rol de las redes de apoyo social. METODOS: Se encontraron 1.591 artículos en total en las plataformas digitales WoS y Scopus. Tras la valoración inicial de los títulos y resúmenes, lectura de texto completo y revisión de los criterios establecidos, al final se incluyeron en la revisión sistemática 42 artículos científicos. RESULTADOS: Los países que más estudios habían realizado eran Países Bajos y España, en su mayoría las investigaciones eran cuantitativas y utilizaban las escalas De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) y University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Las variables más analizadas fueron: estado civil, estructura del hogar, redes de apoyo social, participación social, depresión, problemas de salud, comorbilidad y funcionalidad física. CONCLUSIONES: Se confirma el interés científico por estudiar la soledad, con un énfasis central en las redes de apoyo social, en las personas mayores en Europa y abordar estratégicamente la soledad como un problema de Salud Pública.

[Studying loneliness and social support networks among older people: a systematic review in Europe.]

OBJECTIVE: During the ageing process the loss of family and social relationships is frequent which conditions loneliness, similarly the current COVID-19 pandemic has generated more social limitations in this age group and has increased the risk factors to trigger feelings of loneliness. This paper aimed to examine how loneliness among older people had been studied in Europe over the last ten years. Specific objectives were: i) to describe the methodological aspects;ii) to identify the scales or questions for the assessment of loneliness;iii) what were the main variables or dimensions that were related to loneliness in old age.

Adverse right ventricular remodeling in severe obstetric patients with COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 has led to an increased incidence of right ventricular remodeling in severe obstetric patients. Objective: To identify the diagnostic elements that influenced the occurrence of right ventricular remodeling in severe obstetric patients with COVID-19.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, single-center study was performed in 53 severe obstetric patients with COVID-19.Results: The most significant average echocardiographic values were TAPSE (15.4mm), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (31.3mm) and RV/LV ratio (0.75). An increase in troponins (39.5 ng/L), CPK (338.4 U/L) and CK-MB (51.3 U/L) was observed on admission to the intensive care units, and greater ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were observed in pregnant women with high dímero D (84.6% and 76.9% respectively). AHT (32.07%) was the predominant obstetric risk factor, while patients with bronchial asthma (77.7%) and obesity (69.2%) presented greater dilatation and ventricular dysfunction, respectively. LV ejection fraction constituted the only factor associated with patient survival (p = 0.01).Conclusions: In severe obstetric patients due to COVID-19 decreased TAPSE values and RV dilatation were the main echocardiographic features found. In addition, there was a considerable increase in troponin, CPK and CK-MB values. Greater right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were recorded in asthmatic and obese women, respectively, with elevated D-dimer values. LV ejection fraction was the only independent factor related to survival in these patients. © 2022, Cuban Society of Cardiology, Cuban Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights reserved.

SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Is a Competitive Inhibitor of Furin Mediated ENaC Activation

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 19). SARS-CoV-2 causes a multisystemic infection, which frequently presents with pulmonary oedema, endothelial damage and electrolytic abnormalities. An essential physiopathological feature of SARSCoV-2 involves cleavage of its S protein by furin or furin-like enzymes. It has been shown by sequence-based evidence that the S protein polybasic aminoacid sequence is identical to the consensus sequence for furin cleavage present in the human alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Furin and furin-like enzymes are also involved in the posttranslational regulation of ENaC in many tissues, including the lung, endothelium, and the kidney, where cleavage is associated with increased activity of the channel. ENaC is involved in the regulation of fluid clearance, Na+, K+ and acid-base homeostasis, and endothelial function. Thus, we hypothesized that the S protein competes with ENaC for furin-mediated cleavage and activation. Method(s): We injected synthetic mRNA encoding WT S protein and mutant S protein lacking the furin consensus sequence (DELTA-Spike) into X. laevis oocytes with alphabetagamma-ENaC subunits. We then performed whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments and protein analysis by western blot. Result(s): We observed an interdependent competitive effect on the cleavage of both the S protein and ENaC when co-expressed, which was partially prevented with the injection of DELTA-Spike. We also found a decrease in the amiloride-sensitive sodium current in oocytes injected with the WT S protein but not with DELTA-Spike. This suggests diminished function of ENaC in the presence of WT S protein that depends on its furin cleavage site. Conclusion(s): These findings show evidence of a competitive interaction between the S protein and ENaC for furin-like enzymes. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair ENaC activity in human epithelia, which gives a plausible explanation to pulmonary oedema, endothelial damage, and electrolyte disturbances in patients with COVID-19.

Gender violence against women in the health sector providing care for COVID-19 in Mexico

This article aims to determine to what extent labor equality, institutional culture, salary equity, co-responsibility of working life, gender stereotypes, labor discrimination and differentiated productivity contributed to a context of violence in women of the health area in the care of COVID-19 disease. The methodology used the application of a multiple linear regression model. One of the conclusions of this research ratifies a positive and significant relationship of gender stereotypes, labor discrimination, differentiated productivity, among others, in labor violence against women in the health area in the care of COVID-19 disease.

Analysis of safety, accessibility and prevention and hygiene measures of sports facilities of the Murcia region during COVID-19

Sports facilities are necessary for the practice of physical activity and these must comply with the minimum accessibility and safety requirements established to guarantee quality standards, as well as compliance with prevention and hygiene measures during the pandemic caused by COVID-19. The aim of this study was to analyse the degree of compliance with regard to the criteria of safety, accessibility and prevention and hygiene measures of sports facilities and equipment during COVID-19 in the Region of Murcia. To this end, a total of 34 sports facilities, 59 complementary spaces and 43 sports equipment were analysed, using a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional methodology. A total of seven ad hoc observation sheets were designed, comprising a total of 410 items and based on the applicable regulations and legislation in force. The results show that flooring is the sub-area with the highest degree of compliance, in toilets and changing rooms (89%) and in sports halls and fitness centres (92.14%). Signage and information show the lowest percentage of compliance in the three areas analysed, sports halls and fitness centres (65%), toilets and changing rooms (37%) and grandstands (42%). The analysis highlights the need to review and remedy the non-compliances detected in order to guarantee the quality of the sports facilities.

Food security and job position in the pandemic context of COVID-19 in Mexico

Food security is a fundamental aspect of the development of individuals, households and societies. However, it is a multidimensional concept among which the employment position determines the financial resources that a person, family or household has to face food insecurity.

Quality of life and persistent symptoms after hospitalization for COVID-19. A prospective observational study comparing ICU with non-ICU Patients⋆ Calidad de vida y síntomas persistentes tras hospitalización por COVID-19. Estudio observacional prospectivo comparando pacientes con o sin ingreso en UCI

Background Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are prone to develop persistent symptoms and to show reduced quality of life following hospital admission. Methods Prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital from March 1 to April 30, 2020. The primary outcome was to compare health related quality of life and persistent symptoms six months after hospital admission, of COVID-19 patients who required ICU admission with those who did not. Results Among the 242 patients hospitalized during the defined period of time, 44 (18.2%) needed ICU admission. Forty (16.5%) patients died during hospital admission. Two hundred and two (83.5%) patients were discharged alive from the hospital. At six months, 183 (75.6%) patients completed the questionnaires (32 ICU patients and 151 non ICU patients). Ninety-six (52.4%) reported decreased quality of life and 143 (78.1%) described persistent symptoms. More ICU patients showed worsening of their quality of life (71.9% vs 43.7%, P = 0.004). There were no differences in the proportion of patients with persistent symptoms between ICU and non ICU patients (87.5% vs 76.2%, P =  0.159). ICU patients showed more frequently dyspnea on exertion (78.1% vs 47.7%, P =  0.02), dyspnea on light exertion (37.5% vs 4.6%, P <  0.001), and asthenia (56.3 vs 29.1, P =  0.003). Conclusions Survivors of COVID-19 needing hospitalization had persistent symptoms and a decline in the quality of life. ICU patients referred a large decrease of their quality of life compared with non ICU patients.

Quality of life and persistent symptoms after hospitalization for COVID-19. A prospective observational study comparing ICU with non-ICU patients.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are prone to develop persistent symptoms and to show reduced quality of life following hospital admission. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital from March 1 to April 30, 2020. The primary outcome was to compare health related quality of life and persistent symptoms six months after hospital admission, of COVID-19 patients who required ICU admission with those who did not. RESULTS: Among the 242 patients hospitalized during the defined period of time, 44 (18.2%) needed ICU admission. Forty (16.5%) patients died during hospital admission. Two hundred and two (83.5%) patients were discharged alive from the hospital. At six months, 183 (75.6%) patients completed the questionnaires (32 ICU patients and 151 non ICU patients). Ninety-six (52.4%) reported decreased quality of life and 143 (78.1%) described persistent symptoms. More ICU patients showed worsening of their quality of life (71.9% vs 43.7%, P=0.004). There were no differences in the proportion of patients with persistent symptoms between ICU and non ICU patients (87.5% vs 76.2%, P=0.159). ICU patients showed more frequently dyspnea on exertion (78.1% vs 47.7%, P=0.02), dyspnea on light exertion (37.5% vs 4.6%, P<0.001), and asthenia (56.3 vs 29.1, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of COVID-19 needing hospitalization had persistent symptoms and a decline in the quality of life. ICU patients referred a large decrease of their quality of life compared with non ICU patients.

TIVURON PROJECT: AN INTERNATIONAL MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY EVALUATING THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

Background/Aims: Digestive symptoms are common in patients with COVID-19. Neverthe-less, the evidence available so far is based on retrospective and observational studies. This prospective multicenter cohort study aimed to describe the frequency, intensity, evolution, and impact of digestive symptoms and complications, during hospitalization and after dis-charge, of patients with COVID-19. Methods: Patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 (posi-tive PCR for SARS-CoV-2) from May to August 2020, were prospectively recruited in 31 centers. Follow-up included the period between admission and 15 days after discharge. Results: 829 patients (mean age 56.7±17.9 years;42% of females) were enrolled in this study. Of these, 7.2% were active smokers and the mean BMI was 29.1±5.7. Proton pump inhibitors were used by 21.5% (n=178). The most prevalent symptoms on admission were diarrhea (39.4%), nausea (27.4%), and abdominal pain (20.7%). Anorexia, a non-specific symptom, was present in 49.8% of hospitalized patients. At discharge and 15 days after discharge, most symptoms resolved, returning to the baseline prevalence of patients (<5%). Digestive complications during admission were infrequent, except for liver injury defined as hypertransaminasemia which was present in 267 patients (32.3%). The mean length of hospital stay was 8 days (5-12) and 13.6% needed ICU admission. Death happened in 5.2%of patients. On multivariate analysis, diarrhea on admission was associated with a shorter hospital stay (<10 days) ORa 0.508 (0.350-0.739) p=0.000. During hospitalization, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal bloating were associated with shorter hospital stay ORa 0.531 (0.298-0.946) p=0.032, ORa 0.384 (0.167-0.885) p=0.025, ORa 0.163 (0.057-0.466) p= 0.00, respectively.Odynophagia and dysphagia during hospitalization were associated with a higher need for ICU admission, ORa 6.518 (2.255-18.835) p=0.001 and ORa 4.035 (1.453-11.204) p=0.007, respectively. Liver injury during hospitalization was associated with a higher hospital stay (>10 days) ORa 1.442 (1.019-2.041) p=0.039. In the linear regression analysis, the set of GI symptoms and complications, along with age, comorbidity, and respiratory symptoms, were able to predict 43% (R2 0.43) of the observed variability in the speed of ICU admission;in this case, digestive symptoms slowed it down (more days until ICU admission). Conclusions: Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 are common in hospitalized patients, while complications are infrequent. Gastrointestinal symptoms seemed to predict a shorter hospital stay and slower speed of ICU admission. These tend to resolve to their baseline prevalence 15 days after discharge, while elevated transaminases were associated with a longer hospital stay. Odynophagia and dysphagia during hospitaliza-tion were associated with an increased need for ICU admission.

[Low transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at school settings: a population-based study in the Basque Country.]

OBJECTIVE: Studies about SARS-CoV-2 transmission at school settings have been outbreaks or schools clusters. There are scarce population-based studies has been studied. We aimed at describing SARS-CoV-2 school-related transmission and its relationship with baseline community cumulative incidence rate in the Basque Country after school reopening in order to inform Public Health decision-making. METHODS: We conducted a scholar surveillance population-based study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from 7 September to 31 October 2020. We calculated percentages of cases in school-age population, secondary attack rates by education level among close contacts and correlation between population's and scholars' incidence rates at municipal level. RESULTS: There were 35,477 SARS-CoV-2 laboratory confirmed cases. Among them, 7.65% happened at school settings. Secondary attack rate at schools ranged from 2.9%, in preschools to 7.1% in high schools;Scholars caused a household and social secondary attack rate from 13% (high scholars) to 23.2% (elementary scholars). We found a low correlation between population's and scholars' incidence rates at municipal level (R2=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Secondary attack rate at school settings increased as educational level did;conversely, to social and family secondary attack rate, that decreased with higher educational level. School attendance, during a SARS-CoV-2 high transmission period showed feasible and did not rise transmission. These findings happened under strict non-pharmaceutical measures at school settings and proper epidemiological surveillance, including tracing of laboratory confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 looking for close contacts, isolation and testing of close contacts during isolation period. The different degree of transmission of the circulating variants in the different periods of the pandemic must also be taken into account.

Developing an AI IoT application with open software on a RISC-V SoC

RISC-V is an emergent architecture that is gaining strength in low-power IoT applications. The stabilization of the architectural extensions and the start of commercialization of RISC-V based SOCs, like the Kendryte K210, raises the question of whether this open standard will facilitate the development of applications in specific markets or not. In this paper we evaluate the development environments, the toolchain, the debugging processes related to the Sipeed MAIX Go development board, as well as the standalone SDK and the Micropython port for the Kendryte K210. The training pipeline for the built-in convolutional neural network accelerator, with support for Tiny YOLO v2, has also been studied. In order to evaluate all the above aspects in depth, two low-cost, low-power, IoT edge applications based on AI have been developed. The first one is capable of recognizing movement in a house and autonomously identify whether it was caused by a human or by a house pet, like for example a dog or a cat. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the second application is capable of labeling whether a pedestrian is wearing a face mask or not, doing real-time object recognition at a mean rate of 13 FPS. Throughout the process, we can conclude that, despite the potential of the hardware and its excellent performance/cost ratio, the documentation for developers is scarce, the development environments are in low maturity levels, and the debugging processes are sometimes nonexistent.

Early attention in covid-19: Self perceptionof professionals regarding teleintervention support

The health emergency situation, SARS-Cov-19, declared by the World Health Organization, prompts Early Care Centers to transform the role of the professional in order to continue with the proper functioning of the service. Down Madrid, a non-profit organization, develops a work protocol in response to the needs generated, redefining the priority functions of application in teleintervention. This study analyzes the assessment of professionals regarding the perceived competence in the transformation of the service, describes the manifest satisfaction regarding teleintervention during confinement and points out the change in the role of the associated family. Furthermore, this research identifies, under the construct Family Centered Planning, the true empowerment of families as the main pillar of treatment. The results allow us to affirm that 100 % of the professionals consider the interaction with the family successful and 83.3 % perceive a greater empowerment in the family members as transforming agents of change. As future lines of research, it is necessary to provide more scientific evidence that allows us to affirm that the symbiosis between professionals and families, in the telematic environment, is a reality. © 2021 University of Salamanca. All rights reserved.