Is irrigation fit for purpose? A review of the relationships between scheme size and performance of irrigation systems

Irrigation is increasingly being called upon to help stabilize and grow food and water security in the face of multiple crises;these crises include climate change, but also recent global food and energy price crises, including the 2007/08 food and energy price crises, and the more recent crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war on Ukraine. While irrigation development used to focus on public, large-scale, surface- and reservoir-fed systems, over the last several decades, private small-scale investments in groundwater irrigation have grown in importance and are expected to see rapid future growth, particularly in connection with solar-powered pumping systems. But is irrigation 'fit-for-purpose' to support population growth, economic development, and multiple food, energy and climate crises? This paper reviews how fit-for-purpose irrigation is with a focus on economies of scale of surface and groundwater systems, and a particular examination of systems in Sub-Saharan Africa where the need for expansion is largest. The review finds challenges for both larger surface and smaller groundwater systems in the face of growing demand for irrigated agriculture and dwindling and less reliable water supplies. To support resilience of the sector, we propose both a holistic design and management improvement agenda for larger surface systems, and a series of suggestions to improve sustainability concerns of groundwater systems.

Measuring the Impact of Data Augmentation Techniques in Lung Radiograph Classification Using a Fractional Factorial Design: A Covid-19 Case Study

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become dominant in various computer vision tasks, obtaining state-of-the-art results in medical image analysis. Nevertheless, CNNs require large datasets to achieve high performance, which might not always be available in medical settings. Hence, different data augmentation strategies have been proposed to synthetically increase the size and diversity of a dataset. According to the state of the art, the relationship between data augmentation operations and the classification accuracy of a neural network has not been fully explored. In this work, the effect that basic augmentation techniques have in the detection of COVID-19 on chest X-Ray images is analyzed using a 2(7-1) fractional factorial experimental design. The experimental results show that zoom in and height shift operations have a significant positive effect on the accuracy, while horizontal flip operation hinders the performance. Moreover, by applying a cube plot analysis, the data augmentation operations and values that maximize the accuracy of the CNN are found. A 97% accuracy, 93% precision, and 97.7% recall scores are attained on a publicly available COVID-19 dataset using these data augmentation operations. © 2022 IEEE.

Analyzing the Effect of Basic Data Augmentation for COVID-19 Detection through a Fractional Factorial Experimental Design

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a worldwide healthcare crisis. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have recently been used with encouraging results to help detect COVID-19 from chest X-ray images. However, to generalize well to unseen data, CNNs require large labeled datasets. Due to the lack of publicly available COVID-19 datasets, most CNNs apply various data augmentation techniques during training. However, there has not been a thorough statistical analysis of how data augmentation operations affect classification performance for COVID-19 detection. In this study, a fractional factorial experimental design is used to examine the impact of basic augmentation methods on COVID-19 detection. The latter enables identifying which particular data augmentation techniques and interactions have a statistically significant impact on the classification performance, whether positively or negatively. Using the CoroNet architecture and two publicly available COVID-19 datasets, the most common basic augmentation methods in the literature are evaluated. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the methods of zoom, range, and height shift positively impact the model's accuracy in dataset 1. The performance of dataset 2 is unaffected by any of the data augmentation operations. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art performance is achieved on both datasets by training CoroNet with the ideal data augmentation values found using the experimental design. Specifically, in dataset 1, 97% accuracy, 93% precision, and 97.7% recall were attained, while in dataset 2, 97% accuracy, 97% precision, and 97.6% recall were achieved. These results indicate that analyzing the effects of data augmentations on a particular task and dataset is essential for the best performance. © 2023 by the authors. Licensee ESJ, Italy.

STUDY 'aR-CAT INICI': MANAGEMENT of EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS in CATALONIA

Background: Given the progressive change in the management of infammatory diseases,an observational study was conducted on the management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERA) in Catalonia. Objectives: To know the management of ERA in Catalonia, to assess whether the recommendations of the EULAR/ACR guidelines are followed and to study the causes of management variability,to set improvement objectives. Methods: An observational,descriptive,and cross-sectional study was conduct-ed,with data collection from June 15 to 30, 2021.The rheumatologists' partners of the Catalan Society of Rheumatology were the object of study. An online survey was conducted with 304 members on the management of the ERA. Variables related to the characteristics of the respondents,the derivation and variables of the disease including clinical variables,type of treatment and outcomes used for follow-up including the impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic were included. The univariate study was performed using a study of proportions with Pearson's correlation. Results: A total of 105 members (34.5%) responded to the survey.11.6%>60 y, only 7.8% <30y. 99% were in public assistance.The number of rheuma-tologists per service is 7.2[1-17],but 34.2% had< 5 rheumatologists,with a reference population of 200,000-300,000p in 42% of respondents.The number of weekly visits made is 67.5[20-130].42.2% do not have a monographic RA or ERA dispensary and 30.4%not have specialized nursing.Characteristics of ERA:77.5% are derived from primary care(PC),52% have been between 6 weeks,42.1%>3 months.54.9% make a frst visit within 2-4 weeks of PC referral and 14.7%> 8 weeks.100%provide previous analysis,only 47% had had RX performed.98% were previously treated(50.4%NSAIDs + CG,36.1%NSAIDs,12.3% CG).4.3% had GC doses>10 mg/day,11.3%> to 20mg/day.The treatment:DMARDs of choice in 100% is MTX,44.1% start doses of 10mg/week and 3.9%7.5 mg/week.The route of choice is oral(55.9% vs 44.1%).92.2% associate GC and 31.7% have not withdrawn them after 6 m.57.8% consider the maximum of MTX 25mg/W.87.1% use doses<10 mg/day,with the most used dose being 5 mg/day(35.6%).Follow-up after the start of DMARDs is performed 72.5% between 4-6 weeks and 12.7% is performed by nursing.100% use DAS 28 and 53.5% also CDAI.31.4% perform PROs(HAQ 83.3%,RAPID 3 14.3%).The use of systematic ultrasound is collected in 33%, being himself who performs it in 59.9% and an expert rheu-matologist in 46.1%.Finally, when asked about incidence of pandemic in the follow-up,53.3% consider that it is doing the same as before. 46.1% consider that telephone visits are not suitable for the follow-up of the ERAvs14.7% who consider that Yes.When questioning the situations in which they consider them to be appropriate,75.9% that it was adequate in the control after the beginning of the DMARDs.Regarding the treatment of ERA, 66% delayed the onset of biological DMARDs, 72.1% due to difficulty of follow-up and only 8.8% due to an increased risk of infection. When performing the univariate analysis, it is evident that having a monographic dispensary is associated with earlier onset of MTX(p< 0.001)and at doses≥15 mg/W(p = 0.05),greater nursing intervention(p< 0.001),greater use of PROs(p = 0.008)and there is a tendency to a shorter waiting time for frst visits(p = 0.07).It is also associated with not considering telephone visits(p< 0.001), making them in less than 25%(p< 0.0001).Similarly,hospital level is directly proportional to initiation at higher doses of MTX(p< 0.0001),lower use of GC<10mg.Among the rest of the variables, no association has been found. Conclusion: The recommendations of EULAR/ACR in the treatment and follow-up of ERA are consistently followed,although the wide use of MTX orally is striking.It is evident that the variable that most influences the early onset of FAME and at higher doses,is a monographic dispensary,as well as greater presence of nursing and performance of PROs.

High Obstetric Risk Consultation, march 2020-2021, at the Hospital Universitario Jesus Maria Casal Ramos: a necessity during the pandemic

Objective: To evaluate the outpatient activities of high obstetric risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive review of epidemiological, clinical/paraclinical factors and treatment of 102 medical records from the High Obstetric Risk clinic of the Jesus Maria Casal Ramos Araure/Acarigua University Hospital from March 11, 2020 to March 11, 2021. Results: In the year, 346 controls were carried out, 244 successive controls, 23% adolescents, 19% elderly and 58% of reproductive age;77% with some degree of formal education;57% of the municipality of Araure, the most common reason for referral in 25% want not to reproduce and 23% in previous cesarean sections;high blood pressure was the most frequent family and personal history and comorbidity;64% had a lower average gain of 6 Kgs;52% of patients were anemic on their exams, requiring iron supplements or transfusions;betamethasone was the most widely used inducer of lung maturation and amoxicillin/clavulanic antibiotic. 2 patients positive for human immunodeficiency virus, 1 primary syphilis and 2 COVID-19 were monitored and treated on an outpatient basis: 1 mild in the 1st trimester and 1 moderate in the 3rd trimester. There were no maternal deaths in the sample. Conclusion: The high obstetric risk consultation is the most effective form of articulation between the surrogate, the health services and the community that guarantees a healthy pregnancy, the place to give birth, as well as a dignified and respected treatment throughout the process. © 2022 Sociedad de Obstetricia y Ginecologia de Venezuela. All rights reserved.

COVID-19: Clinical presentation in patients admitted to pedro kourí tropical medicine institute

Introduction: Upon appearance of the first COVID-19 cases in Cuba, early identification of patients at risk of developing severe forms of the disease became a necessity. Objective: Describe the clinical behavior of COVID-19 in patients admitted to Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute and identify factors associated to severity. Methods: A presentation was made of the first 73 COVID-19 cases admitted to Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute from 11 March to 5 May 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: severe and mild disease. A comparison was made of clinical, demographic, laboratory and imaging variables at admission, and their possible association to disease severity. Results: Seven patients (9.6%) were critically ill;five died. Age < 60 years, more than one comorbidity, arterial hypertension and bronchial asthma were more common among critical patients. Fever for more than six days (p= 0.00), dyspnea (p= 0.00), presence of humid stertors (p= 0.00), respiratory rate < 24/min (p= 0.00) and lymphocytes < 0.8 x109/l (p= 0.00), ferritin < 500 µg/L (p =0.00), C-reactive protein 10 μg/l (p= 0.01) and LDH 500 U/l (p= 0.01) were related to disease severity. 18.2% of the chest radiographs showed alterations, with a predominance of bilateral foci of inflammatory condensation. The most common complications were respiratory distress, shock, bacterial sepsis and heart disorders. Conclusions: Some clinical and laboratory characteristics identifiable at admission may be associated to disease severity, which makes them useful for risk stratification and the appropriate management of patients.

[Post-covid syndrome after icu admission. Parameters related to a better physical recovery after 4 months.]

OBJECTIVE: Post-COVID syndrome can impact against every sphere of daily live. The objective of this work was to detect the factors correlated with a better or worse physical recovery four months after hospital discharge from a hospitalization in ICU due to COVID-19. METHODS: Prospective descriptive study of 125 patients valued by the Rehabilitation Service during hospitalization in ICU, from March 12th to December 31st, 2020. Data from 76 patients was analysed with clinical follow up after 1, 2 and 4 months of hospital discharge. Variables on personal, hospitalary, functional symptoms/signals and physical recovery were analysed with mean +/- standard deviation, counting (percentage), T-student test and Fisher test. RESULTS: After one month, fatigue was observed in 60 (80%) patients and dyspnoea in 47 (62%). After two months, fatigue in 37 (55%), dyspnoea in 25 (33%), shoulder pain in 33 (43%), average QuickDASH was 22.7 (11.3-50), Sit-to-Stand Test in 30 seconds 11.5 (10-13) and 6-minute walk test 390 meters (326-445). In the fourth month, 25 (53%) had returned to work and had an average of the physical recovery of 79.1%+/-18.3%. There was no correlation between physical recovery >=75% and the first month data, but there certainly was a correlation between some second month variables, such as fatigue (p=0.001), dyspnoea (p=0.035), QuickDASH (p=0.001) and 6-minute walk test (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms (fatigue and dyspnoea) and functional scales (QuickDASH and 6-minute walk test) after 2 months predict a better/worsen physical recovery after 4 months of hospital discharge.

Neurological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary hospital in Bogota, Colombia

Summary Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection is an emerging disease that represents a threat to life globally, with more than 179 million confirmed cases and 3 million deaths. In Colombia, where almost 5 million infections and approximately 127 thousand deaths have been reported, it presents a wide variety of neurological manifestations that range from mild to severe symptoms. Objective: This study describes the characteristics of neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19 in the period March-September 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Bogota. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study. We selected patients by non-probability sampling, including all patients attended by the neurology service at our hospital. We included all patients with infection confirmed by RT-PCR test and neurological disease confirmed by tomography, study of cerebrospinal fluid, and clinical manifestations reported in the medical history. We excluded epileptic patients who presented seizures as the only clinical manifestation. Results: In a total of 58 patients, the mean age was 58 years, with 60.3% of patients being men;65.5% were alert at admission. The main neurological symptom was brain ischaemia, in 36.2%, followed by seizures, in 25.9%. Arterial hypertension was observed in 58.6%. We observed no alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid;the mean hospital stay was 35 days, and 41.4% of patients died. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection not only affects the respiratory system, but can also cause a range of neurological manifestations ranging from mild symptoms such as headache, dysgeusia, and anosmia to severe complications such as seizures, brain ischaemia/haemorrhage, encephalopathy, or death. Resumen Introducción: La infección por SARS-CoV2 es una enfermedad emergente que representa un peligro para la vida a nivel mundial, con más de 179 millones de casos confirmados y 3 millones de muertes. En Colombia, se han reportado casi 5 millones de personas contagiadas y alrededor de 127 mil fallecidos, presenta una amplia variedad de manifestaciones neurológicas que van desde leves a severas. Objetivo: Describir las características de las manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes con infección por coronavirus SARS-CoV2 (Covid19) en el periodo marzo – septiembre de 2020 en un Hospital de 3er nivel en Bogotá. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo tipo corte transversal. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico en el que se incluyeron todos los casos atendidos por el servicio de neurología de la institución seleccionada, se incluyeron todos los pacientes con infección confirmada por prueba de RT-PCR y aquellos con enfermedad neurológica documentada por tomografía, estudio de líquido cefalorraquídeo o manifestaciones clínicas registradas en la historia clínica. Fueron excluidos los pacientes epilépticos quienes presenten convulsiones como única manifestación clínica. Resultados: En un total de 58 pacientes, se encontró media de edad de 58 años, con un 60,3% correspondiente al sexo masculino, 65,5% estuvieron alerta, la principal manifestación neurológica fue la isquemia cerebral en un 36,2%, seguida de convulsiones con un 25,9%. La hipertensión arterial estuvo en el 58,6%. No hubo alteraciones en el LCR, el promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 35 días y el 41,4% fallecieron. Conclusiones: La infección por SARS-CoV2 condiciona no solo una afección al sistema respiratorio, sino que presenta un amplio espectro de manifestaciones neurológicas que van desde las más leves como cefalea, disgeusia y anosmia, hasta las más graves como convulsiones, isquemia/sangrado cerebral, encefalopatía o muerte.

Neurological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary hospital in Bogota, Colombia CARACTERÍSTICAS NEUROLÓGICAS ASOCIADAS A LA INFECCIÓN POR CORONAVIRUS SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) EN UN HOSPITAL DE III NIVEL, BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA

Introducción: La infección por SARS-CoV2 es una enfermedad emergente que representa un peligro para la vida a nivel mundial, con más de 179 millones de casos confirmados y 3 millones de muertes. En Colombia, se han reportado casi 5 millones de personas contagiadas y alrededor de 127 mil fallecidos, presenta una amplia variedad de manifestaciones neurológicas que van desde leves a severas. Objetivo: Describir las características de las manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes con infección por coronavirus SARS-CoV2 (Covid19) en el periodo marzo – septiembre de 2020 en un Hospital de 3er nivel en Bogotá. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo tipo corte transversal. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico en el que se incluyeron todos los casos atendidos por el servicio de neurología de la institución seleccionada, se incluyeron todos los pacientes con infección confirmada por prueba de RT-PCR y aquellos con enfermedad neurológica documentada por tomografía, estudio de líquido cefalorraquídeo o manifestaciones clínicas registradas en la historia clínica. Fueron excluidos los pacientes epilépticos quienes presenten convulsiones como única manifestación clínica. Resultados: En un total de 58 pacientes, se encontró media de edad de 58 años, con un 60,3% correspondiente al sexo masculino, 65,5% estuvieron alerta, la principal manifestación neurológica fue la isquemia cerebral en un 36,2%, seguida de convulsiones con un 25,9%. La hipertensión arterial estuvo en el 58,6%. No hubo alteraciones en el LCR, el promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 35 días y el 41,4% fallecieron. Conclusiones: La infección por SARS-CoV2 condiciona no solo una afección al sistema respiratorio, sino que presenta un amplio espectro de manifestaciones neurológicas que van desde las más leves como cefalea, disgeusia y anosmia, hasta las más graves como convulsiones, isquemia/sangrado cerebral, encefalopatía o muerte.

Quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessment of microvascular involvement in pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-COV-2

Introduction: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (VCP) is an in vivo, noninvasive, rapid, and inexpensive imaging technique that allows quantitative assessment of microcirculation. Pediatric Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) affects small, medium and large vessels. Nailfold capillaroscopy findings as pericapillary edema, meandering capillaries and reduced capillary density has been described in adults patients with COVID-19. Case report shows non specific alterations however quantitative microcirculatory impairment has not been clearly documented in MIS-C. Objectives: To describe qualitative and semi-quantitative and quantitative nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessment in Mexican patients with pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional observational study that analyzed 40 images from 5 patients with Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome according the case definition published by Cattalini et al. VCP was performed by the same examiner (AVT), images were obtained from all fingers except thumbs of both hands using a videocapillaroscope equipped with a 200x optical probe. The images were collected, coded, and stored using OptiPix software (version 1.7.16), 2015 Optilia Instruments. Qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment were realized according Cutolo classification. Quantitative assessment consist in the measurement of the number of capillaries per millimeter, capillary loop length, capillary width in micron (μm). Results: 2 patients had coronary abnormalities, 1 valvular insufficiency, 1 myocarditis all patients received intravenous Immunoglobulin. 40 images of 5 patients with MIS-C (Image 1) were included in this series, all patients with Hispanic ethnicity and 60% male (n=5). The qualitative assessment did no reveal images with normal capillaroscopy pattern, nonspecific alterations were found in 100%, no pictures suggestive of sleroderma pattern-like have been observed. The semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment. Lower capillary density (4.8 capillaries/mm), increased capillary width in all patients 2nd Left medium 24.6μm, moderate edema in 90% (n= 36) of images, altered architecture 75% (n=30), peri-capillary stripping hemosiderin deposits probably due capillary leak 60% (n=24), tortuous capillaries 40%(n=16), bizzare capillaries 40% (n=16), meandering 75%(n=30) and irregular ectasias 90% (n=36). Conclusion: This study found qualitative and quantitative abnormalities in VCP suggesting systemic microvascular damage. Further studies are needed to asses the clinical relevance of VCP and its relationship with cardiac alterations and multisystemic damage in MIS-C.

URBAN GEOTOURISM ROUTE IN SANTIAGO DEL TEIDE (TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN)

In mature tourist destinations for several years the need has been raised to reconvert the tourism. The current crisis caused by Covid-19 has further highlighted this need, which must be oriented towards innovation, sustainability and accessibility both in destination as the tourist products. In this sense, the objective of this work is to propose an urban geotourism itinerary with a geographical theme through Santiago del Teide, in Canary, Spain linked to volcanoes. This type of products are relatively new and touristically exploit the relief present as in cities as natural outcrops and in cultural heritage. For the proposed itinerary, twelve places were selected that host the relationship between society and the volcano through their natural and cultural heritage. This urban geotourism proposal can contribute to diversify the municipal tourist offer, polarized in the tourism of sun and beaches on the coast and on the route of the almond trees in the midlands.

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of pediatric patients admitted to isolation centers of cienfuegos province

Introduction: The pediatric population has not been the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Strict epidemiological surveillance and the strategies taken, allow to identify and perform a clinical-epidemiological analysis in this population. Objective: Characterize from the clinical and epidemiological points of view pediatric patients admitted to isolation centers. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of 316 infants who were suspected cases or contacts of people with COVID-19, in ages from 1 to 18 years and who were admitted to the isolation centers of Cienfuegos province, from March 11 to June 30, 2020. The variables used were: age, sex, suspected cases or contacts, month of admission, clinical symptomatology, and confirmed cases. The data were expressed in absolute and relative values. Results: 36.7% children, and 63.3% contacts were suspected;96.9% were referred from their health areas. Only 5 (1.6%) children were confirmed with the disease and all had favorable evolution. The ages from 5 to 9 and from 15 to 18 years predominated with 24.4% and 24.7%, respectively, without gender difference;64.9% were asymptomatic. The most common clinical symptoms were: cough (56.8%) and fever (55.9%). Only 9 patients (8.1%) had respiratory distress. Conclusions: This disease in the pediatric population of Cienfuegos province is not a health problem because of the low percentage of children confirmed with the COVID-19 in isolation centers. It is confirmed that one of the forms of transmission is person-to-person and isolation is vital for control and diagnosis. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

The impact of digitalization on communicative competence in foreign languages in Higher Education

Communicative competence, both in the mother tongue and in foreign languages, is one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning. The aim of this research is to describe the methodological changes faced by the teacher since the CoVid-19 health crisis;to analyze the way in which the increasing need for digitalization influences the acquisition of communicative competences in foreign languages;and to explore the competences needed by the language teacher for the online teaching. The methodology is of a qualitative and ethnographic type on the teaching experiences of foreign languages in the online environment. The results are obtained from the study and analysis of diaries and interviews with 14 foreign language teachers about their experiences in this context and 137 students. It shows the difficulty of understanding and exercising non-verbal communication, of developing interaction in the classroom which affects the teaching-learning process of foreign languages. The results are similar to studies carried out in Spanish and German universities. It is concluded that there is a lack of digital competence training for teachers and that universities should include it in their curricula. A mixed training model is suggested, alternating face-to-face and virtual teaching.

COVID-19: clinical presentation in patients admitted to Pedro Kouri tropical medicine institute

Introduction: Upon appearance of the first COVID-19 cases in Cuba, early identification of patients at risk of developing severe forms of the disease became a necessity.

Identification of cardioembolic sources and myocardial injury in acute ischemic stroke with delayed-phase, low-dose chest ct by means of a dual-layer spectral ct scanner

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted adaptations in diagnostic algorithms. We explored the feasibility and accuracy of delayed phase (DP) chest computed tomography (CT) performed immediately after brain CT perfusion (CTP) for the identification of thrombotic complications and myocardial fibrosis among patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Since July, we have incorporated the use of low dose chest CT scans using a spectral CT scanner in all patients admitted with AIS, encouraging acquisitions, five min after brain CTP. All scans were non gated and comprised low dose chest CT scans, without additional contrast. Using virtual monochromatic imaging and iodine maps, we evaluated the presence of thrombotic complications, myocardial late enhancement, and myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), as a surrogate of edema and interstitial fibrosis. Results: We included 22 patients. The mean age was 66.2±19.6 years. In 5 patients, a cardioembolic (CE) source was later identified by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), [left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus, n=1], transthoracic echocardiogram with agitated saline injection (patent foramen ovale n=2), or by EKG (atrial fibrillation). Seven patients further underwent either TEE or cardiac CT to identify CE sources. DP non gated chest CT had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% to identify CE sources, 1 LAA thrombus correctly detected. Chest CT identified pulmonary thromboembolism (PE), later confirmed with CT angiography. Chest CT identified myocardial late enhancement in 16 patients (80% in CE vs. 71% in non CE, p=0.68), myocardial fat in 1, and coronary calcification in 77% [with 2.6±2.2 vs 3.8±3.6 coronary calcified segments in CE vs. non CEstrokes, p=0.36). The mean ECV was 35±4% in CE vs 32±6% in non CE strokes (p=0.17). The 2patients with a positive PCR test for COVID-19 showed evidence of myocardial late iodineenhancement, and incremented ECV of the septal wall (38% and 40%, respectively). Conclusions: In this pilot study, DP, non ECG gated, low dose chest CT scan performed 5 min afterbrain CTP with a spectral scanner;enabled straightforward identification of CE sources amongpatients with AIS. This approach allowed detection of PE and myocardial injury.