ABSTRACT
This article, authored by Dulclair Sternadt, Juan Pablo Mellado, Gabriela Rivas-Mari..o, and Daniela Moyano, explored the inclusion of gastronomy in School Feeding Programmes (PAE) in Latin America and the Caribbean as a means of enhancing programme efficiency. The article presented case studies from Chile, Colombia, and Guatemala to guide other countries in the region on how to incorporate gastronomy into their own PAE. These inputs, and their outstanding results - increased acceptance of school menus in the three countries and a decrease in food waste of around 20% in Chile and Colombia - are clear evidence for other countries to include gastronomy in their SFP as a powerful strategy capable of contributing to the optimisation of public resources invested in these programmes. Furthermore, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the article also included a food safety guide that outlined practices to ensure the safe delivery of food to students during the reopening of schools. The guide was divided into 3 sections, which covered planning for reopening, implementation of food safety principles to minimize the spread of COVID-19, and monitoring and follow-up during reopening. This article provide valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations to support the continued provision of food to students in the face of the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has provided a platform for sharing and discussing experiences in real time. This rich source of information may also prove useful to researchers for uncovering evolving insights into post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PACS), commonly referred to as Long COVID. In order to leverage social media data, we propose using entity-extraction methods for providing clinical insights prior to defining subsequent downstream tasks. In this work, we address the gap between state-of-the-art entity recognition models and the extraction of clinically relevant entities which may be useful to provide explanations for gaining relevant insights from Twitter data. We then propose an approach to bridge the gap by utilizing existing configurable tools, and datasets to enhance the capabilities of these models. Code for this work is available at: https://github.com/VectorInstitute/ProjectLongCovid-NER. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
ABSTRACT
From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has provided a platform for sharing and discussing experiences in real time. This rich source of information may also prove useful to researchers for uncovering evolving insights into post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PACS), commonly referred to as Long COVID. In order to leverage social media data, we propose using entity-extraction methods for providing clinical insights prior to defining subsequent downstream tasks. In this work, we address the gap between state-of-the-art entity recognition models and the extraction of clinically relevant entities which may be useful to provide explanations for gaining relevant insights from Twitter data. We then propose an approach to bridge the gap by utilizing existing configurable tools, and datasets to enhance the capabilities of these models. Code for this work is available at: https://github.com/VectorInstitute/ProjectLongCovid-NER. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
ABSTRACT
The impact of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 may deepen the situations of malnutrition, where it will be necessary to adapt food programs to this new context. The objective of this work was to present the methodology and the main results of the process of formulating a federal guide based on scientific evidence and adapted to the reality of the child and adolescent population that attend school canteens in the 24 jurisdictions of Argentina. It was observed that the modalities for the implementation of SC during the pandemic were: food modules (the most frequent);food modules delivered at school with regular SC support and, food and/or snacks delivered daily. There was little evidence at the global and regional level on specific recommendations applied to the implementation of SC, although recommendations on hygiene and food handling were found. Based on a participatory process among key actors, specific recommendations were obtained according to the dimensions of food and nutrition security (FNS). It is concluded that it is necessary to increase participatory experiences in the design of recommendations based on evidence, adapted to the territory and that assume a comprehensive approach from the dimensions of FNS. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2020;70(3): 215-234. © 2020 Archivos Latinoamericanos Nutricion. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence obtained through meta-analysis and systematic reviews on nutrition and the prevention of respiratory infections related to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV or influenza, similar in structure to SARS-CoV-2. They are aimed at primary health care personnel and to those who provide essential services to the community and are, consequently, at high risk of COVID-19 infection. These individuals wear personal protective equipment, work long shifts, sometimes under extreme conditions, which can lead to insufficient rest, high stress levels, depression, poor nutrition and dehydration. Together, these factors have a negative impact on the immune system and could result in an increased risk of infection. An adequate intake of micronutrients and other bioactive compounds is essential for optimal immune performance. There is moderate evidence supporting supplementation, individually, with vitamin C (2 000 mg), vitamin D (1 000-2 000 IU) and zinc (=40 mg) for the prevention of respiratory infections in adults. Insufficient evidence was found to support supplementation with vitamin A, niacin, folic acid, B12, omega 3, probiotics and polyphenols;however, the consumption of foods rich in these nutrients is recommended to support immune function. It is recommended that workers follow the recommendation of consuming 400 g/day of fruits and vegetables, remain hydrated and limit caffeine. There is no scientific evidence supporting the consumption of alkaline foods to prevent infections. The aforementioned recommendations are particularly relevant during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 crisis (SARS-CoV-2) might transform into a food catastrophe in Latin America and would increase the number of people suffering from hunger from 135 to 265 million, particularly in Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti and El Salvador, already facing economic and health crises. This manuscript presents the position of a group of Latin American experts in nutrition for establishing the recommendations for consumption and/or supplementation with vitamin A, C, D, zinc, iron, folates and multiple micronutrients, in undernutrition contexts, for vulnerable population of pregnant and lactating women, children under 5 years and the elderly. The recommendations seek to decrease the potential impact that COVID-19 will have on nutritional status during the pandemic. The position arises from the discussion of the experts based on the review of current scientific evidence for these vulnerable groups. It aims to reach stakeholders, public policy makers, health personnel and civil society organizations. Only after breastfeeding and a sufficient diet in terms of quantity and quality, a supplementation with the micronutrients mentioned above can help prevent and treat viral diseases, strengthen the immune system and even reduce complications. Breastfeeding with respiratory hygiene measures, the provision of multiple micronutrients powders for children from 6 moths to 5 years of age and the supply of iron and folates or multiple micronutrients tablets for pregnant women are proven and effective strategies that must continue to be implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. For older adults, supplementation with vitamin C, D and zinc might be indicated.