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The dynamics of all social, economic, trade, health, transportation, hotel, etc. activities. that were developed in all the societies of the world, have had to be reformulated due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Social distancing, restrictions on meetings, contact with other people have affected us all, leading us to an unthinkable situation and therefore we have been forced to use various virtual applications to help us cope with this complicated scenario. In this sense, the educational field at all levels has also had to rethink and adapt the contents to virtuality. The objective of this study was to conceptualize, characterize and describe the importance of virtual education and virtual learning environments in university students in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, based on the review of scientific articles based on the Redalyc, Dialnet and Scielo for the last five years. Made with a descriptive approach, using data collection. Likewise, it was based on the systematic review, using tables for the search, organization and selection of articles, as well as the PRISMA method that may be used by other researchers. The results were 15 articles. In addition, the importance that education and virtual environments have been beneficial for the learning of university students is evident, even more so in times of pandemic. Copyright © 2022, Venezuelan Society of Pharmacology and Clinical and Therapeutic Pharmacology. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic and the cases of shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), the utilization of modified snorkel masks has been documented, seeking to provide respiratory and facial pro-tection against SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. However, there is no report of changes in vital signs that can occur with its use, along with the perception of its wear by health personnel. Method(s): A case series was performed. Equipment: Snorkel mask, 3D adapter, and antimicrobial filter. CO2 level, respiratory rate, oximetry, pulse, and blood pressure were monitored for one hour. During the time of use, activities related to patient care were simulated. At the end, the usage characteristics were evaluated through a survey. Result(s): 14 volunteers were included in the study. After one hour of conti-nuous use, the clinical parameters were predominantly normal. 85% of the participants preferred this modified snorkel mask instead of personal protective equipment established for COVID-19 (goggles, N95 mask and visor). Conclusion(s): The adapted snorkel mask could be an alternative to PPE equipment in situations of scarce resources. This is only considered within the framework of its acceptability by a group of health professionals, in addition to the few effects on the vital signs evaluated in this case series. Further objective evaluations of usability and effectiveness are required. Copyright © 2023 Universidad de Antioquia.
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INTRODUCTION: Since the early pandemic, prone positioning (PP) has been broadly utilized for non-intubated COVID-19 patients, but results from recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are contradictory. We aimed to systematically synthesize the outcomes associated with PP for non-intubated COVID-19 patients. METHOD(S): Two independent groups of researchers searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs of PP in nonintubated adult patients with COVID-19 and published in English from January 1st, 2020 to July 1st, 2022. The same two independent groups extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool individual studies and the GRADE approach to assess certainty/quality of the evidence. The primary outcome was the reported cumulative intubation risk, while secondary outcomes included mortality, need for escalating respiratory support, hospital length of stay, ICU admission, and adverse events. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022343625. RESULT(S): 12 RCTs with 2,886 patients were included. For non-intubated COVID-19 patients, PP significantly reduced the intubation risk (risk ratio [RR] 0.85, 95%CI 0.75 to 0.96), compared to supine position. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in intubation risk among patients supported by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73 to 0.94) but not in patients with conventional oxygen therapy (RR 1.02, 95%CI 0.67 to 1.56). No significant reduction was seen in mortality (RR 0.96, 95%CI 0.82 to 1.13), need for escalating respiratory support (RR 1.03, 95%CI 0.77 to 1.37), hospital length of stay (MD 0.35 days, 95%CI -0.57 to 1.26), ICU admission (RR 0.75, 95%CI 0.51 to 1.10), and adverse events. No obvious risk of bias and publication bias was found for the primary outcome. CONCLUSION(S): In non-intubated COVID-19 patients, PP reduced the need for intubation, in particular among those requiring respiratory support with HFNC or NIV, but did not reduce mortality, need for escalating respiratory support, hospital length of stay, and ICU admission.
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Introduction: An increasing number of musculoskeletal clinical manifestations, the onset of diseases and rheumatological manifestations have been seen in the paediatric population surviving COVID-19, however, the medical literature on the subject is limited. Objective(s): To explore the available evidence on musculoskeletal symptoms and autoimmune diseases in the paediatric population with post-COVID syndrome. Methodology: Scoping systematic review in PubMed and Scopus through search strategies. Observational and experimental studies are included in populations under 21 years of age with and without autoimmune diseases, without time limit in English and Spanish. Result(s): The 28 documents included: case reports (n = 6), cross-sectional studies (n = 5), prospective cohort studies (n = 5), retrospective cohort (n = 6), case series (n = 6), ambidirectional section (n = 1), randomized controlled trial (n = 1), and longitudinal section study (n = 1). The total study population was 56,738 patients. The most frequent symptoms presented in long COVID-19 are myalgias and arthralgias. The evidence showing a relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and autoimmune diseases in the convalescent period is limited. Conclusion(s): Myalgias and arthralgias are the most frequent symptoms in long COVID. patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a history of rheumatic disease who are undergoing immunomodulatory treatment do not have a dangerous risk of developing severe presentations and/or complications of the disease. Copyright © 2022 Asociacion Colombiana de Reumatologia
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Background: Although EM is rapidly expanding in Latin America and the Caribbean, there has been no formal evaluation of the implementation of recently established EM training programs to guide the process in other countries. Study Objectives: We aimed to describe the barriers and facilitators of developing an EM residency training program in Latin American and Caribbean countries to identify and disseminate the relevant "lessons learned." Methods: Study Design: Semi-structured, virtual, individual qualitative interviews with key stakeholders involved in the development of EM residency programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Interviews were in English or Spanish, recorded and transcribed. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the interview and analysis using 5 constructs applied systematically to the varying program implementations: inner setting, outer setting, individuals involved, implementation process, and intervention characteristics. Result(s): Fourteen interviews were completed with physicians from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Haiti, Peru, and Brazil. Inner setting: Major barriers included lack of EM-trained physicians in the teaching faculty, resistance from other specialties, and lack of general support which caused feelings of isolation for the initial EM residents. Facilitators included the formation of national EM associations, cultivation of local EM-trained faculty as residents graduated, adapting curriculum to local needs, and formal feedback processes for program improvement. Outer setting: Barriers included lack of autonomy of the medical schools from the government and limited public and health system awareness of the role of EM. The COVID-19 pandemic was a facilitator as it brought recognition and legitimacy to EM due to the relevant skill sets of Emergency physicians. Financial help and additional educational opportunities from foreign organizations were helpful in some cases. Individuals involved: Key individuals served as champions who advocated for the implementation of the EM specialty and served as the catalyst for the program implementation in their countries. Some non-Emergency physicians were considered a barrier because of discouraging or luring residents away from EM. Implementation process: Barriers included lack of resources (functional equipment, textbooks), lack of program accreditation, and difficulty engaging applicants due to limited exposure of specialty. Facilitators included recognition and program approval from the Ministry of Health and "grandfathering" to establish first local EM faculty. Intervention characteristics: Barriers included the language of the available EM literature and lack of relevant language skills of the volunteer foreign EM faculty. Lack of funding to provide sufficient salary or any salary at all for the initial EM residents was another hurdle. Facilitators included funding from the government or external entities, and a curriculum document outlining EM-specific objectives enabled consistent, targeted training. Conclusion(s): Countries and organizations planning to initiate new EM training programs in Latin American and the Caribbean may benefit from the shared experience, including common barriers and facilitators to program establishment described by key stakeholders of recently developed programs in the region. Dissemination of these findings will avoid institutions "re-inventing the wheel". No, authors do not have interests to disclose Copyright © 2022
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Since the confirmation of the COVID-19 first cases, multiple studies have been published that reflect its high incidence, transmissibility, morbidity and mortality, with great repercussion and severity in the population groups at risk. Pregnancy does not escape this, and the physiological immunosuppression that occurs in this condition makes the pregnant woman more susceptible to infectious diseases. The objective of this review is to describe the main aspects related to the diagnosis and management of pregnant women with COVID-19 and the relevant obstetric behavior in each case. For this, a bibliographic review was carried out between July and September 2021, in the databases: Mediline, SciELO, SCOPUS, Dialnet, Cumed and Lilacs. Of the 35 articles initially obtained, 30 met the inclusion criteria. It was found that the increase in notifications of pregnant women grew exponentially with respect to the beginning of the pandemic outbreak, which brought with it the fatal outcome in women who presented associated comorbidities. Delivery in these circumstances should be attempted vaginally, there is no evidence of mother-to-child vertical transmission, and exclusive breastfeeding is promoted, taking all biosafety measures. Pregnant women are considered to be at increased risk for complications from COVID-19, obstetric morbidity, and perinatal mortality. The therapeutic plan for pregnant women does not differ from that established for the rest of the population groups and is based on compliance with isolation and general measures.
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Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest problems that the healthcare system faces nowadays, with an increasing burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Different alternatives to the current treatments of bacterial infections have been studied far away from the use of traditional antibiotics. One of them is nanotechnology, which proposes a suitable solution without the associated problems. Still, the production of different nanomaterials often shows disadvantages, such as producing toxic by-products or the need for functionalization to deliver a suitable therapeutic effect. The implementation of green nanotechnology in nanomaterials synthesis shows great potential, with specific implementation in metal-based nanomaterials. As such, this chapter revised the state of biogenic or biologically produced metal nanoparticles produced by bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts with antimicrobial applications against antibiotic-resistant strains. The chapter summarizes and discusses some of the newest advances in the field to demonstrate that these nanostructures can become a significant enhancement in the fight towards superbugs. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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The changes generated by COVID-19 have imposed a new scenario for the development of university extension actions that favor health promotion in these times of crisis. The present work aims to present the extension experiences developed by the University Welfare Center from the "Psychohelp Vs COVID-19" project. Based on the work methodology, the results of 11 publications on the subject are presented, 15 self-help newsletters were designed, an application for mobile phones was created, the help line and a WhatsApp group and regular sections on social networks were established. to provide guidance to the public. The expression of the positive experiences of the beneficiaries endorsed the relevance of the professional actions developed. The psychohelp actions developed within the framework of a social innovation project implemented from the use of Telepsychology allowed, from the university extension, to respond to the needs of the population in issues related to mental health care in the confrontation with the COVID-19.
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Objetive: The study aimed to determine the relationship between anger and anxiety in athletes aged 18 to 39 years from Metropolitan Lima and Callao in times of the COVID-19 pan-demic. Materials and methods: The type of research was basic and the cross-sectional non-experimental design under a quantitative and descriptive-correlational level approach. The instruments used were the anger scale (STAXI-2) and the state-trait anxiety questionnaire (STAI). The sample was made up of 200 athletes between the ages of 18 and 39 from Metropolitan Lima and Callao. Results: The results show that the correlation between the anger and ansiety variables was signiticant, of an indirect type and weak magnitude (rho =-. 274 **), very high level of anger in athletes and average level of anxiety in athletes. Conclusion: It os concluded that there is an influence of anger levels on anxiety levels in anegative way, wich the same result for state anxiety.
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Introduction: In late 2019, a new coronavirus was detected in China causing an acute respiratory illness known as COVID-2019. Objective. Evaluate seven commercial systems for the rapid detection of antibodies to determine their sensitivity, specificity and robustness in our conditions to be used by the National Health System. Methods: Seven systems were evaluated for the detection of IgM/IgG antibodies. Evaluation panel with samples from negative individuals, sera from other pathologies prior to the pandemic and from positive patients with the disease were conformed. Results: General sensitivity figures range between 25 and 88%, with the Realy Tech and Deep Blue systems showed the best results. The specificity for both was 100%. The IgM positive rate according to Realy Tech or Deep Blue increased to 94.1 or 81.8% in the late stage of the disease. Conclusions: Realy Tech and Deep Blue systems detected IgM/IgG in serum and in whole blood with adequate sensitivity and specificity. Cross-reactivity does not seem to be a problem. Serology in the case of COVID-19 cannot be used as a diagnostic but it allows epidemiological surveillance to know the immune status of populations. It’s essential to analyze the immune response against the infection to carry out epidemiological characterization and potentially inform individual risk of future disease and the study of potential vaccines. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
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COVID-19 has had severe consequences worldwide. It has been estimated that the contribution of genetic factors to the disease is about 50%. The A16974C polymorphism of the IL-12 p40 gene has been described as being related to resistance or susceptibility to other infectious diseases;therefore, it is likely that it can also be related to COVID-19. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the A16974C polymorphism of the IL12 p40 gene with clinical forms of COVID-19 in Cuban patients. The genotypes of the A16974C polymorphism of gene IL-12 p40 were determined through PCR in 102 persons with a COVID-19 epidemiologic discharge from the hospital. In this research, the CC genotype of this polymorphism was found only in symptomatic cases of this disease;since there are signs of relationship between the A16974C polymorphism of the IL12 p40 gene with clinical forms of COVID-19 in the studied Cuban patients, the variations of this polymorphism may be a predisposing risk factor in the development of COVID-19. © 2022 by the authors.
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Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems, revealing inequalities on a world scale. One of the concerns over this period has been the possible inequality of access for diagnostic tests related to the economic resources of the population. In this study, we analyze the results of tests for COVID-19 detection in Bogotá and their relationship with income levels. Methods. Ecological research with SIVIGILA reports was carried out between March 6 to July 1, 2020, for positive and negative COVID-19 test records. The statistical description of the quantitative and qualitative variables and bivariate analysis were performed. Additionally, the Gini coefficient was calculated based on the Lorenz Curve. Results. The study included 44,300 records. The tests were conducted mainly on men (51.4%) and from the highest strata 4, 5, and 6 (53.5%). Similarly, the Gini Coefficient showed inequality in access by comparing socioeconomic strata. Conclusions. The analysis show inequality in access to the diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, with the highest strata having more access associated with greater purchasing power. © 2021 Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. All rights reserved.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the development of tourism worldwide. This research was developed with the objective of assessing rural tourism and its immediate future in the context of COVID-19 in Cuba. For this purpose, a study of possible futures was carried out, where it was convenient only to arrive at exploratory scenarios based on the probability, importance and date of occurrence of the events, with a panel of five specialists consulted online. The development of the research was based on the results of the situational analysis and summary of the situation, for which both a synchronic and diachronic study was carried out. From this, it was determined that rural tourism in Cuba, as a product, is in the growth stage, having a good image, high demand and excellent market prospects, so that the trend, referential and framing scenarios reflect an optimistic assessment in the face of the possible occurrence of events of a political-legal and management nature, among others. It is valid to point out that it was determined that Cuba has potentialities for the development of rural tourism, however, the available data on its behavior PRE-COVID are almost null and the information on its management is limited, for which reason the managers of the tourism sector and rural spaces are limited in their decision making, even more so in the new context of the pandemic and its immediate future.
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Introduction: COVID-19 confinement has created a challenge in raising schoolers. Objective: Examine the performance of educational actions of the family with the school during the confinement by COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive research, non-probabilistic sampling, 112 families who complied with social isolation in Ramón López Peña community, San Cristobal, Artemisa province in 2020. Instrument used: "Scale of educational actions of the family with school children during confinement by COVID-19", built and validated by researchers with Cronbach´s alpha = 0.970. Results: Educational actions as meeting food and sleep schedules (70.6%), distributing roles in child care (70.6%), emotional support (70.6%), supporting with teleclasses (70.6%) were always carried out by families with favorable performance. Actions like helping to recover from negative emotions (72.7%), keeping the schooler away from household concerns and tensions (72.7%), explaining whether they don't understand the contents or looking for help (72.7%) were almost never made by families with unfavorable performance. Conclusions: Most families had a favorable performance in educational actions. The "Child Care" dimension was the best performed one. Teaching the schoolchildren the hygienic protective measures, provide information to schoolchildren on how to protect themselves, teaching and practicing ways to greet and stay connected with loved ones and friends were the most performed educational actions by both family groups. The complexity of home learning and the child's affective management require special attention. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
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Purpose: To determine the relationship between the genotypes of the TaqI polymorphism of VDR gene and the clinical forms of COVID-19 in Cuban patients. Methods: TaqI polymorphism was determined by the PCR in 104 Cuban patients, who suffered different clinical forms of COVID-19. Results: There was a greater possibility of presenting symptomatic forms [OR = 2.081, 95% CI: 0.243-17.842], even severe [OR = 1.200, 95% CI: 0.217-6.638], related to the tt genotype. Conclusion: There are signs of association between the risk of developing COVID-19 and the genotypes of the TaqI polymorphism of the VDR gene in the studied Cuban patients.
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A review is presented, from the paradigm of Florencia Nightingale, on her theoretical vision about hand hygiene. The main theoretical aspects expressed by her and her relationship with hand hygiene are analyzed, in addition to exposing, through the analysis of her theoretical contributions, her contribution to the development of nursing not only in Cuba but in the world, showing the importance that has this practice to combat a number of infectious diseases and very specifically COVID-19, since one of the most important measures to break its chain of transmission is precisely hand hygiene.
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Introduction/Background*The current COVID 19 pandemic is having a major impact on healthcare systems around the world. Modifications in health resources have been necessary to face this new situation, which have had a direct impact on clinical practice, also affecting the field of gynecology oncology. To date, the evidence of the changes that COVID-19 has implied in the management of patients with gynecological cancer is scarce.The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of patients with gynecological cancer by a nationwide survey to oncogynecologists.MethodologyObservational study that collects data from a national survey sent via email to Spanish oncogynecological surgeons on June 2021. The survey included a total of 35 questions which were divided into 6 sections including assessment of the personal characteristics of responders, questions related to the triage procedures and protective measures adopted in the hospital against COVID-19 and questions related to changes in the management of ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer after COVID-19 outbreak.Result(s)*Overall, 75 participants completed the questionnaire. The results showed that 85% of gynecologic surgeons were not concerned about COVID-19 outbreak and 79.7% of the participants stated that COVID-19 has not significantly modified their everyday practice. All surgeons declared triage method adopted in order to minimise COVID 19 diffusion. 87.5% did not modify surgical approach, although 6.9% decreased laparoscopic use in favor of laparotomic surgery. Only 45.1% of the surgeons adopted specific protection against COVID-19 in robotic or laparoscopic surgery, however 55.6% of the participants adopted it in open surgery. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased in 31.9% in favor of primary cytoreduction in ovarian cancer. 11.3% and 15.5% of patient with cervical and endometrial cancer respectively suffered a delay in cancer treatment during the pandemic.Conclusion*The conclusions of the study showed how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the surgical management of patients with gynecological cancer in different Spanish hospitals.
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Introduction/Background*COVID -19 pandemic has shown a huge impact in health-care systems. In the field of gynecology oncology, we had to postpone routinary tests and check-ups, as well as attend patients that had undergone an oncological process via telephone. Due to their vulnerability, the psychological impact on this patient has been even worse than on other users of the health system. The aim in this study is to evaluate the concerns, global health status and quality of life of patients with gynecological cancer during the pandemic.MethodologyThe GineonCoVID study is a multicenter Spanish study that collect data from a national survey. The anonymous survey consists of 23 questions regarding the personal experience of the patient and modifications in health care during follow up of patient with gynecological malignancies from April to May 2021. The survey has been divided into 3 sections. In this sub-analysis the results of the questions related to anxiety, concerns, quality of life and state of mind of the interviewed patients will be evaluated.Result(s)*376 patients responded to the survey. The median age was 58 years. 43% of the patients were diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 27.3% with ovarian cancer and 24.1% with cervical cancer. 39.6% and 33.6% of patients suffered anxiety and depression respectively during the pandemic. 81% of the patients report having a good quality of life during the last year. Results showed that 54.2% of the respondents are not concerns about viral infection and 67.9% consider that the risk of being infected during follow-up is low. 94% do not perceive changes in follow up, but if they do, 44% believe that clinical health care has experienced a change. 71.4% of the patients are concern about not being able to attend clinical visits.Conclusion*The pandemic could increase anxiety and depression, although it does not appear to worsen the quality of life in patients with gynecological cancer. More than half of the patients consider that they have a low risk of being infected during follow-up but are concerned about not being able to attend clinical visits due to the pandemic.
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Introduction/Background*The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish hospitals over the past year has forced healthcare institutions to make drastic changes in the management of oncology patients. The main objective of this study is to describe the changes in ambulatory attendance of patients with gynecological cancer and the ease of contact with the gynaecological oncology section reported by users.MethodologyThe GineonCoVID study is a multicenter Spanish study that collect data from a national survey. The anonymous survey consists of 23 questions regarding the personal experience of the patient and modifications in health care during follow up of patient with gynecological malignancies from April to May 2021. The survey has been divided into 3 sections. In this sub-analysis, questions regarding follow-up modifications and the perspective of the patients with gynecological cancer about changes were analyzed.Result(s)*376 patients responded to the survey. The median age was 58 years. 43% of the patients were diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 27.3% with ovarian cancer and 24.1% with cervical cancer. 85% of the patients had an appointment that was delayed by the pandemic. 67.7% considered that the situation justified the delay of the appointment. 93.3% who contacted the gynecological oncology unit were able to solve the problem by telephone. Upon entering the consultation, 41.3% were questioned about COVID symptoms or contacts. 97.6% considered that adequate measures were taken to avoid contagion during the medical visit. Regarding how they would value the care received (scale of 1–10), 2.2% scored it with a 7;6.7% with 8;23.2% with 9 and 67.7% with 10.Conclusion*The COVID-19 pandemic and the redistribution of health system resources have forced the development of variations in the assistance and follow-up patients with gynecological cancer in order to decrease the number of hospital visits and minimize the risk of infection. Telephone consultations and delay in routinary tests were very useful tools during this period without compromising the quality of care.