ABSTRACT
Background: The immune system is highly susceptible to changes of zinc levels and this might imply a different response against infection. Prior evidence suggests some benefit on viral infection prognosis after zinc supplementation. We aim to study the efficacy of zinc supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. Method(s): This is an unicenter prospective, randomized cliinical trial where unvaccinated individuals with moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection without endorgan failure were randomized to standard of care+oral zinc for 15 days (three times per day a tablet of 83mg of Zn acetate equals to 75 mg of Zn element) (zSoC) (n =37) or standard of care alone (SoC) (n = 34). The primary combined outcome was death due to SARS-CoV-2 or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LoS) and time to clinical stability (defined as: oxygen saturation >94% [FiO2 21%], normalized level of consciousness [baseline], HR < 100rpm, systolic BP >90mm Hg,Temperature < 37.2degreeC). Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test generalized Odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for differences in outcomes between SoC and zSoC. A logistic regression model was fitted adjusted by age, sex, severity and comorbidity to compare the primary outcome between SoC and zSoC. Result(s): Seventy-one participants were recruited. No significant differences in terms of age, gender and comorbidities nor in SoC were found between groups (Table 1). 14-day Mortality was 2.90 % (2 participants) in the SoC group and none in zSoC. ICU admission rates were, respectively, 8 (23%) and 1 (2.7%) (OR: .098;95% CI .013-.766). The principal combined outcome occurred in 8 participants (23%) in SoC and in 2 (5.4%) in zSoC (OR: 0.18;95% CI .03-.946). In a logistic regression model adjusting by age, sex, comorbidity and severity the OR for the combined outcome in those in zSoC was 0.091 (95% CI: 0.007-0.913;p=0.045). LoS was shorter in zSoC (6.9 days (SD 6.1) vs 12.7 (SD 11.6);p=0.013) respectively. Time to clinical stability was significantly shorter in zSoC (5 days (SD 6.1)) compared to SoC (11.9(SD 9.1));p=0.005. No significant differences in changes in inflammatory markers were found among groups. No severe adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusion(s): Daily zinc supplementation with 240 mg of zinc acetate for 14 days during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in lower rates of severity (less death and ICU admission) and faster clinical recovery along with shorter hospital stay.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to reveal formative assessments as being a component of the teaching-learning process in the university context in post-COVID-19 times. This study has focused on the qualitative approach through the interpretive phenomenological method. The data gathering tool used was that of a semi-structured interview with seven professors from the education and engineering programs at the Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas, Peru. The methodological procedure involved the organization through the Atlas.ti computer program and the transcription of the information through content analysis, resulting in the emergence of validated categories through the triangulation process reflecting the phenomenological reduction. The results showed there to be three categories: the role of the professor in the formative assessment, socio-emotional bonding, and learning feedback. In conclusion, formative assessment is a fundamental component of teaching and learning in the classroom where the professor, through feedback in the class sessions, promotes socio-emotional bonding, perceives mistakes to offer correction, and recognizes the work well done to encourage reinforcement and reflection of the teaching practice. A new evaluative culture focused on the formation of skills and competencies is required for which the professor has a high commitment and responsibility not only in terms of preparing and training the student but also themselves. © 2022 Society for Research and Knowledge Management. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance and utility of telemedicine in providing a way to connect patients and healthcare professionals when an in-person consultation is not possible in rural areas. A systematic review of Telemedicine and its impact on rural healthcare in times of COVID-19 was carried out from 2016 to 2021. The search strategy identified 1480 papers from digital libraries such as Google Scholar, ACM Digital Library, ProQuest, ARDI, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Libray and Microsoft Academic. Then 71 papers were considered based on exclusion criteria. The results of the systematic review have focused on recent studies of Telemedicine where it highlights the importance in the care of patients in rural areas also provides statistical graphs of the extracted studies to compare by relevance to their settings and situations.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance and utility of telemedicine in providing a way to connect patients and healthcare professionals when an in-person consultation is not possible in rural areas. A systematic review of Telemedicine and its impact on rural healthcare in times of COVID-19 was carried out from 2016 to 2021. The search strategy identified 1480 papers from digital libraries such as Google Scholar, ACM Digital Library, ProQuest, ARDI, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Libray and Microsoft Academic. Then 71 papers were considered based on exclusion criteria. The results of the systematic review have focused on recent studies of Telemedicine where it highlights the importance in the care of patients in rural areas also provides statistical graphs of the extracted studies to compare by relevance to their settings and situations. © 2022 Instituto de Altos Estudios de Salud Publica. All rights reserved.