Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of UV-LED light on alginate impressions.

The oral cavity houses a large number of microorganisms that are potential pathogens, such as cytome-galovirus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human immuno-deficiency virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis and currently with the appearance of the SARS COV-2 that causes covid-19, the dental community must take stricter measures in its protection protocols against diseases. To evaluate its germicidal efficacy, ultraviolet light was applied with different exposure times on the alginate dental impressions, immediately after having taken the impression, which when it came into contact with the oral cavity of the patient is contaminated. As a result, a decrease in size and quantity of the bacterial colonies was observed in most of the samples in which the UV LED light was applied at 10 and 15 minutes of exposure. Some samples showed less bacterial growth even after 5 minutes of exposure. All this confirms its germicidal capacity thanks to its 245 nm ultraviolet spectrum that affects the DNA and RNA chain of microorganisms since it is the wavelength of maximum absorption of its molecule, eliminating its reproductive and survival capacity. The advantages it offers such as its small size, easy to handle and install, that it does not require constant maintenance, low acquisition cost;its constant high intensity light that does not generate any increase in temperature, makes it an excellent disinfectant auxiliary that can be incorporated into dental clinics.Copyright © 2023, Ediciones Avances S.L.. All rights reserved.

Remote monitoring of patients with heart failure during the first national lockdown for COVID-19 in France.

Aims: Multiparametric remote monitoring of patients with heart failure (HF) has the potential to mitigate the health risks of lockdowns for COVID-19. We aimed to compare healthcare use, physiological variables, and HF decompensations during 1 month before and during the first month of the first French national lockdown for COVID-19 among patients undergoing remote monitoring. Methods and results: Transmitted vital parameters and data from cardiac implantable electronic devices were analysed in 51 patients. Medical contact was defined as the sum of visits and days of hospitalization. The lockdown was associated with a marked decrease in cardiology medical contact (118 days before vs. 26 days during, -77%, P = 0.003) and overall medical contact (180 days before vs. 79 days during, -58%, P = 0.005). Patient adherence with remote monitoring was 84 ± 21% before and 87 ± 19% during lockdown. The lockdown was not associated with significant changes in various parameters, including physical activity (2 ± 1 to 2 ± 1 h/day), weight (83 ± 16 to 83 ± 16 kg), systolic blood pressure (121 ± 19 to 121 ± 18 mmHg), heart rate (68 ± 10 to 67 ± 10 b.p.m.), heart rate variability (89 ± 44 to 78 ± 46 ms, P = 0.05), atrial fibrillation burden (84 ± 146 vs. 86 ± 146 h/month), or thoracic impedance (66 ± 8 to 66 ± 9 Ω). Seven cases of HF decompensations were observed before lockdown, all but one of which required hospitalization, vs. six during lockdown, all but one of which were managed remotely. Conclusions: The lockdown restrictions caused a marked decrease in healthcare use but no significant change in the clinical status of HF patients under multiparametric remote monitoring.

Use of green areas for physical activity: Descriptive analysis in Chilean schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic

The vegetation of urban centres can provide abundant benefits in the environment and society. In this way, green areas can offer opportunities for the regular practice of physical activity, providing benefits for physical and mental health in the life of the population. Aim: to determine the practice of physical activity and the reasons for non-practice in children aged between 5 to 17 years in green areas of Temuco, Chile. Methods: quantitative approach, cross-sectional and with a non-experimental design and descriptive scope. Instruments: A questionnaire to measure the practice of physical activity in green areas and the reasons for non-practice was applied. Results: Although most of children have green areas near their homes, most of them do not use these areas for physical activities, with the group of girls highlighting in this respect. Regarding the type of activities mainly carried out in green areas were those of recreational nature such as playing, walking and cycling. Conclusion: Spaces for physical activity exist, but children require interest, motivation and mainly family support to practice physical activity in green areas, as well as a greater supply of sports and/or recreational programs related to the practice of physical activity in green areas. © Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF).

A new quantile regression for the COVID-19 mortality rates in the United States

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread worldwide from December 2019, thus characterizing a pandemic. Until August 2020, the United States of America (U.S.) accounted for almost one-fourth of the total deaths by coronavirus. In this paper, a new regression is constructed to identify the variables that affected the first-wave COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S. states. The mortality rates in these states are computed by considering the total of deaths recorded on 30, 90, and 180 days from the 10th recorded case. The proposed regression is compared to the Kumaraswamy and unit-Weibull regressions, which are useful in modeling proportional data. It provides the best goodness-of-fit measures for the mortality rates and explains 76.57% of its variability. The population density, Gini coefficient, hospital beds, and smoking rate explain the median of the COVID-19 mortality rates in these states. We believe that this article's results reveal important points to face pandemic threats by the State Health Departments in the U.S.

Virtual Computational Chemistry Teaching Laboratories - Hands-On at a Distance

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted chemistry teaching practices globally as many courses were forced online, necessitating adaptation to the digital platform. The biggest impact was to the practical component of the chemistry curriculum - the so-called wet lab. Naively, it would be thought that computer-based teaching laboratories would have little problem in making the move. However, this is not the case as there are many unrecognized differences between delivering computer-based teaching in-person and virtually: software issues, technology, and classroom management. Consequently, relatively few "hands-on"computational chemistry teaching laboratories are delivered online. In this paper, we describe these issues in more detail and how they can be addressed, drawing on our experience in delivering a third-year computational chemistry course as well as remote hands-on workshops for the Virtual Winter School on Computational Chemistry and the European BIG-MAP project. © 2021 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.

Impact of COVID-19 on workrelated fatigue and satisfaction among oncology providers in Latin America: An analysis of the HOLA COVID-19 study

Background: The well-being of oncology providers (OP) is in jeopardy with increasing workload, limited resources, and personal challenges that result from the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on work-related (WR) satisfaction and fatigue among OP in Latin America. Methods:We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey of OP practicing in Latin America. The survey was administered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: In August 2020, 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Table outlines baseline characteristics. Higher frequency of WR fatigue (67% vs. 58%, p=0.010) and exhaustion (81% vs. 70%, p=0.001) were reported by OP who cared for patients with COVID-19, compared to OP who cared for patients without COVID-19. Providers that observed delays in referrals to radiation (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.04) reported WR fatigue at higher rates than their counterparts. Higher exhaustion (p=0.016) and dissatisfaction (p=0.046) were reported by OP who lacked access to supportive services, as social work. A significantly higher proportion of women reported WR fatigue (72% vs. 56%, p=0.003) and exhaustion (86% vs. 68%, p=0.001), when compared to men. Women were more likely than men to endorse higher current levels of fatigue when compared to pre-COVID-19 (61% vs. 46%, p=0.0001). To reduce stress, women were more likely than men to cut the time spent watching the news (p=0.002). Both genders declined research collaborations and speaking opportunities. Conclusions: Fatigue and dissatisfaction with work-life were prevalent among OP in Latin America. Higher rates of WR fatigue were seen in women, OP caring for patients with COVID-19, and OP with patients who experienced cancer care delays. Our data imply that OP may be a prime target for psychosocial support, particularly as current challenges will continue for the foreseen future. Baseline characteristics (N=704).

The HOLA COVID-19 study: Evaluating the impact of caring for patients with COVID-19 on cancer care delivery in Latin America

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-cov-2) virus causing COVID19 has brought great challenges to global health services affecting cancer care delivery, outcomes, and increasing the burden in oncology providers (OP). Our study aimed to describe the challenges that OP faced while delivering cancer care in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international crosssectional study using an anonymous online survey in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The questionnaire included 43 multiple choice questions. The sample was stratified by OP who have treated patients with COVID-19 versus those who have not treated patients with COVID-19. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Oncologists represented 46% of respondents, followed by 25% surgicaloncologists. Of the respondents, 56% treated patients with COVID-19. A significant proportion of OP reported newly adopting telemedicine during COVID-19 (14% vs 72%, p=0.001). More than half (58%) of OP reported making changes to the treatments they offered to patients with cancer. As shown in the table, caring for patients with COVID-19 significantly influenced practice patterns of OP. Access to specialty services and procedures was significantly reduced: 40% noted significantly decreased or no access to imaging, 20% significantly decreased or no access to biopsies, 65% reported delays in surgical oncology referrals, and 49% in radiation oncology referrals. A vast majority (82%) reported oncologic surgeries were delayed or cancelled, which was heightened among those treating patients with COVID-19 (87% vs 77%, p=0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way cancer care is delivered in globally. Although changes to healthcare delivery are necessary as a response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and possible undertreatment of patients with cancer in Latin America that results from COVID-19.

Cyber dating violence in college students during pandemic due COVID-19

The present research aims to explore and analyze the factors associated with CDV in a sample of 307 Mexican college students, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In both sexes, a high agreement in secure attachment was found, as well as a high prevalence of Jealousy and Vigilance towards the partner, a bidirectionality in control, as well as a significant correlation between Jealousy and Committed and suffered Control. In females, an association of Anxious attachment was found with Electronic Vigilance Committed Control and Secure Attachment;and finally;in the other hand, males showed a negative correlation between avoidant attachment and suffered control. The findings are discussed in the light of an interactional perspective of violence, pointing out the possible practical implications, as well as the need for future studies that delve into the phenomenon during the pandemic.

Methodological quality of COVID-19 clinical research.

The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 with major health consequences. While a need to disseminate information to the medical community and general public was paramount, concerns have been raised regarding the scientific rigor in published reports. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the methodological quality of currently available COVID-19 studies compared to historical controls. A total of 9895 titles and abstracts were screened and 686 COVID-19 articles were included in the final analysis. Comparative analysis of COVID-19 to historical articles reveals a shorter time to acceptance (13.0[IQR, 5.0-25.0] days vs. 110.0[IQR, 71.0-156.0] days in COVID-19 and control articles, respectively; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, methodological quality scores are lower in COVID-19 articles across all study designs. COVID-19 clinical studies have a shorter time to publication and have lower methodological quality scores than control studies in the same journal. These studies should be revisited with the emergence of stronger evidence.

Cyclosporine A plus low-dose steroid treatment in COVID-19 improves clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe disease: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic causes high global morbidity and mortality and better medical treatments to reduce mortality are needed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the added benefit of cyclosporine A (CsA), to low-dose steroid treatment, in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Open-label, non randomized pilot study of patients with confirmed infection of SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized from April to May 2020 at a single centre in Puebla, Mexico. Patients were assigned to receive either steroids or CsA plus steroids. Pneumonia severity was assessed by clinical, laboratory, and lung tomography. The death rate was evaluated at 28 days. RESULTS: A total of 209 adult patients were studied, 105 received CsA plus steroids (age 55.3 ± 13.3; 69% men), and 104 steroids alone (age 54.06 ± 13.8; 61% men). All patients received clarithromycin, enoxaparin and methylprednisolone or prednisone up to 10 days. Patient's death was associated with hypertension (RR = 3.5) and diabetes (RR = 2.3). Mortality was 22 and 35% for CsA and control groups (P = 0.02), respectively, for all patients, and 24 and 48.5% for patients with moderate to severe disease (P = 0.001). Higher cumulative clinical improvement was seen for the CsA group (Nelson Aalen curve, P = 0.001, log-rank test) in moderate to severe patients. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed the highest HR improvement value of 2.15 (1.39-3.34, 95%CI, P = 0.0005) for CsA treatment in moderate to severe patients, and HR = 1.95 (1.35-2.83, 95%CI, P = 0.0003) for all patients. CONCLUSION: CsA used as an adjuvant to steroid treatment for COVID-19 patients showed to improve outcomes and reduce mortality, mainly in those with moderate to severe disease. Further investigation through controlled clinical trials is warranted.

Measures under COVID-19 and commercial law (part II: Insolvency issues)

The crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced it to take multiple measures of different kinds to mitigate its effects during the Alarm State. These measures include those that have effects on various commercial law institutions, such as those relating to insolvency issues. © 2020 Ibero-American Law Institute. All rights reserved.

PREVALENCE, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF LONG COVID-19

Objective: The objective was to describe the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and associated factors of long COVID-19. Methods: A bibliographic search of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on long COVID-19 was carried out in MEDLINE (via PubMed) up to April 7th, 2022. 37 articles were found and 3 were included. Results: The quality of the evidence was evaluated through AMSTAR 2 criteria. The reported prevalence of long COVID- 19 was 43% (95% CI: 39% - 46%). The main clinical manifestations were weakness (41% [95% CI: 25% - 59%]), malaise (33% [95% CI: 15% - 57%]), fatigue (31% [95% CI: 24% - 39% %]), changes in concentration (26% [95% CI: 21% - 32%]) and shortness of breath (25% [95% CI: 18% - 34%]). Conclusion: Factors associated with long COVID-19 include female gender, the severity of initial symptoms, age, and the presence of comorbidities.