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Bullying is a public health problem widely discussed by both academics and education professionals. It is a permanent behaviour of violence that could be physical, verbal, psychological and even sexual, which discredits the victim and places him/her in a situation of fragility in his/her environment. The objectives of this research were to determine the levels of bulling (and its dimensions);to determine the levels of school coexistence (and its dimensions);and finally to analyse the relationship between bullying and school coexistence (and its dimensions) in an educational institution located in Cajamarca, Peru in the first year back to school after the pandemic caused by COVID-19. The study presented a quantitative approach, with a descriptive and correlational level, and a non-experimental design. According to the literature explored, bullying has 4 dimensions (physical bullying, verbal bullying, sexual bullying and psychological bullying), while school coexistence has 3 dimensions (inclusive coexistence, democratic coexistence and peaceful coexistence). The population consisted of 120 students in the sixth grade of primary education, of both sexes, from a school located in Cajamarca, in northern Peru. Two instruments were used: the school bullying questionnaire (with 56 items) and the school coexistence questionnaire (with 37 items). Both instruments showed validity and reliability after being tested. Among the results, it was observed that most of the schoolchildren presented bullying at low level (57.5%), followed by medium level (22.5%) and high level (20.0%);on the other hand, regarding the school coexistence variable, the low level was 36.0%, the medium level 53.0% and the high level 11.0%. Finally, it was determined that bullying is significantly related to school coexistence (p. < 0.001);as for the intensity of the correlation, it is negative and moderate (r = -0.551), the greater the bullying in school contexts, the lower the school coexistence in this space. © 2023 Ocupa-Cabrera et al.
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Objective: To determine the level of perception of hospitalised patients in a public institution in post-pandemic, Lima-Peru. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental design.280 patients from the medical service. An instrument with characteristics of humanised nursing care was used, which was subjected to validation and reliability. Results: It is evident that the majority of patients perceive humanised care as favourable to moderately favourable. The dimensions that stand out according to their importance are prioritising the cared-for person, nurse characteristics, proactivity and emotional support. It is concluded that humanised care in post-pandemic is key to sustain the work of caring, where the patient in a condition of vulnerability and exhaustion as a result of the disease, needs care with high professional competencies, soft skills and a safe environment, to ensure strengthening the users' perception of the quality of the health services provided. It is evident that nurses have the capacity for resilience in adverse environments;however, training and coaching are essential for them to be able to apply coping strategies and avoid emotional exhaustion in their work. © 2023 Meneses-La-Riva.
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The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had diverse effects on the population and businesses. Due to their low visibility, there is a significant knowledge gap for the scientific community regarding the situation of South American entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this systematic review aims to answer the following research questions: What scientific evidence is available on entrepreneurship in South America during the COVID-19 pandemic? From which countries do the studies originate? What conclusions do they present, and what lessons can be learned from them? The Scopus and Scielo databases were explored in this systematic review. Due to the diversity of languages in which articles from this region are published, searches were conducted in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. In each case, we searched for results containing the words COVID-19 and entrepreneurship (emprendimiento in Spanish, empreendedorismo in Portuguese) in the title, , or keywords. The initial search produced 783 records, which were filtered based on seven criteria, resulting in 15 articles. The final articles identified had corresponding authors affiliated with South American institutions. We conclude that, in South America, some entrepreneurs recognize the importance of maintaining the economic stability of their employees and communities in addition to sustaining their businesses. Their actions serve as case studies of resilience and perseverance in adverse circumstances. © 2023 by the authors.
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Objectives During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Region of Lombardy in Italy and its Regional Emergency Service (AREU) created a dedicated 24/7 free phone service to help the Lombard population. After an invitation from their professional order, local midwives collaborated on the AREU project as volunteers to address the needs of women from antenatal to postnatal periods. The aim of this article was to explore the experiences of midwives who volunteered in the AREU project. Study design A qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenology approach (IPA). Methods The experiences of midwives volunteering in AREU (N = 59) were explored using audio diaries. Written diaries were also offered as an alternative. Data collection took place between March and April 2020. Midwives were provided with semi-structured guidance that indicated the main areas of interest of the study. The diaries were thematically analysed following a temporal criterion;a final conceptual framework was created from emerging themes and subthemes. Results The following five themes were identified: (1) choosing to join the volunteer project;(2) the day-to-day difficulties;(3) strategies to cope with the unexpected;(4) professional relationships;and (5) reflecting on the personal experience. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the experiences of Italian midwives who volunteered in a public health project during a pandemic/epidemic. According to participants, taking part in the volunteer activities was informed by and impacted on both their professional and personal lives. Overall, the experiences of midwives who volunteered in AREU were positive and of humanitarian value. Providing midwifery services within a multidisciplinary team for the benefit of public health represented both a challenge and personal/professional enrichment.
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Background: The hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are an important therapeutic option for older patients (pts) with AML and have become the backbone for combination regimens (eg, with Venetoclax). However, there are very limited real-life prospective studies regarding clinical outcome of these pts, including infectious complications and infection related mortality (IRM) during treatment. Aims: To investigate the infectious complications and clinical outcome in AML patients treated with HMAs± Venetoclax (V) outside of clinical trials. Methods: The recruitment of this prospective multicentric study (CE-Id-study:2908) has been completed on December 31, 2020. We enrolled 230 AML pts with a median age of 75 years (range 25-94);157 pts (68%) had >2 relevant comorbidities. Of the 230 cases, 132 (57%) received a first-line therapy with a combination of HMAs+V while 98 (43%) were treated with HMAs monotherapy (azacitidine or decitabine). A total of 1550 cycles of HMAs have been administered (680/1550 with HMAs+V). Results: The best response achieved, with HMAs treatment, was: CR in 44% of cases (57,6% with HMAs+V and 25,5% with HMAs alone, P=0,0001), PR in 17% and SD in 14% of cases (ORR 61%;72% in HMAS+V and 46% in HMAs alone, P=0,0007). The microbiological or radiological proven infectious complications (almost one) occurred in 160/230 (70%) of pts, mainly pneumonia (in 42% of pts) and/or bacteremia/sepsis (one or more events in 29% of pts). Febrile neutropenia (one or more episodes) occurred in 38% of pts and 14 cases of Covid-19 (6%) were reported. After a median follow-up of 9 months (1-24) from the start of HMAs therapy, 144 (63%) pts died and 86 (37%) were alive. The 1 yr OS probability was 46% with a median OS of 10,3 months (11 months in HMAs+V and 9 months in HMAs alone;P=ns). The primary causes of death were: progression of AML (42%), Infection (26%-37/144), Infection+AML (24%), other causes (8%). The IRM was 26% and 19/144 (13%) pts died of infectious complication while in CR/PR (16 in HMAs+V group and only 3 in HMAs group;P=0,005). Data on antibiotic prophylaxis, hospitalization, drugdoses modulation, are available and analyzed in this study. Summary/Conclusion: The results of this real-life, multicentric, prospective study, confirm a higher CR rate in pts treated with HMAs+V compared to HMAs alone (P=0,0001). However, we found a high rate of infectious complications and IRM (26%) with a higher infection related deaths in patients in CR/PR who were treated with HMAs+V (P=0,005). Findings from this study highlight the critical relevance of infection prevention in reducing infectious mortality, which adversely impacts the OS of this frail AML population.
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Educational policies in the face of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus took an unexpected turn in Latin America. Virtuality constituted a key opportunity for the continuity of basic fundamental services in the citizen's right to education. The objective of this research was to analyze the educational public policies adopted by governments in Latin America in the face of the pandemic. The methodology was an integrative documentary review of the main international organizations whose documents provided relevant information on the actions to be implemented in fourteen Latin American countries. The results obtained show that the priority was to reestablish the continuity of educational services using mass communication resources, such as radio, television, digital platforms, making visible the inequity in the access to the Internet at home. It was also identified a deficiency in the competencies and digital resources of the educational community, dis-crimination and inclusion of people with some type of disability or different languages, especially in urban or rural areas because they do not have technological means. It was concluded that the educational policies in Latin America proposed during the COVID-19 period were designed with-out a real situational diagnosis in each country, to meet the demands of urban and rural areas in an equitable manner with the will of governments, providing budgets and resources that benefit the educational community, as an achievement of state policies.
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The magnetic properties of PM10 daily filters collected in Rome and Latium region during and after the Covid-19 lockdown (9 March-18 May 2020) were compared for outlining the impact of the mobility restrictions on airborne particulate matter. In urban traffic sites, the average PM10 concentration levels did not significantly change after the end of the lockdown, when vehicular traffic returned to its usual levels. Conversely, the average magnetic susceptibility of PM10 daily filters approximately doubled after the lockdown, pinpointing the increase of metallic emissions related to vehicular traffic. The magnetic fraction of PM10 nearurban traffic sites was dominated by magnetite-like minerals mainly arising from brakes emissions.
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Information and communication technologies have generated transformations in the behaviour of digital native university students, which affect the teaching-learning process in the scenario of the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to systematize the scientific evidence on university teaching strategies related to the behaviour of digital natives and the characteristics of their learning. The method employed was a systematic review of scientific articles from the EbscoHost, Scopus, Proquest, Eric and Scielo databases through the Boolean operators AND and OR. Initially, 51 638 records were obtained, of which only 26 met the inclusion criteria (years of publication, language, subject matter, free availability). The results show in the articles that most digital natives actively use social networks on a daily basis, while others conduct research or produce digital content with varying degrees of difficulty, some adapt quickly to new innovations related to technology, and many easily multitask and perform self-regulated learning, while demanding a more flexible teaching where learning is fast and practical. However, the attention of digital natives is dissipated by other interests such as social networks (generating cyber laziness), a situation that can lead to antisocial behaviour and self-exclusion from physical reality (phubbing). In conclusion, digital natives require greater attention from their university teachers, who must innovate in the teaching-learning process using the virtual environment, raising the interest of digital natives, to generate an autonomous learning where they can strengthen their skills and competencies for the achievement of their professional development. © 2022 Vitvitskaya et al.
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Introduction: Healthcare workers are a target category for many vaccinations since they have an increased risk to contract and transmit communicable diseases to patients. The aim was to evaluate intentions to be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 in a population of nursing students and to compare the reasons for or against adherence to these vaccinations. Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among 422 nursing students to collect data on demographic characteristics, vaccine attitudes, and specific reasons for intentions to be vaccinated or not for flu and COVID-19. Results: About 70% and 81% students declared their intention to be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, respectively. The participants’ main reasons for supporting flu vaccination were to protect oneself (87%) and to protect patients (73%), whereas for supporting COVID-19 vaccination the main reasons were to protect family and friends (95%) and to protect oneself (88%). Conversely, among participants who were opposed to receiving the flu vaccine, the main reasons were the opinion that the vaccine has suboptimal protective efficacy (24%) and the lack of information about the vaccination (22%). Considering the COVID-19 vaccine, the main reasons against it were the fear of adverse events (58%) and the lack of information about the vaccination (43%). Conclusions: The lack of information was one of the main reasons for opposing vaccinations. It is fundamental to consider vaccine hesitancy reasons in healthcare students and face it properly, since they will have to provide recommendations to patients and promote adherence to vaccination programs.
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The emergence of the covid-19 virus has prompted governments in several countries to close their international borders, close transportation routes and decree quarantines as a public health measure to prevent the spread of the virus among the population. Globally, essential businesses have continued to operate, while others such as tourism must wait. Ecotourism is a sustainable activity that attracts tourists concerned about the environment and local culture, which generates income for the locals. In order to have a broader picture of how the ecotourism sector is dealing with covid-19, a systematic review was conducted to identify Scopus records detailing such evidence disclosed from 2020 to the first quarter of 2021. As results, records were identified in the five continents, which agree that the pandemic has negatively affected the income of local people, who have been forced to close their businesses and even perform illegal acts;however, there are also encouraging proposals of economic reactivation plans presented by villagers, who expect the opening of this activity to operate keeping all the health safety measures decreed by their governments. © 2021 Sciendo. All rights reserved.
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Genetic and Clinical Background: The clinical outcome of Core Binding Factor Leukemia (CBFL) seems influenced by the mutational status of KIT. In fact, several retrospective studies, in addition to our own, as well as a systematic review, indicate that KIT mutations have a negative prognostic impact in AML with t(8;21) or, to a lesser extent, with inv(16)/t(16;16). In addition, gene expression studies found KIT to be highly expressed in CBFL regardless of its mutational status. Furthermore, recent studies have identified novel recurrent somatic mutations co-occurring with KITmut. In-vitro studies revealed that Midostaurin (Mido) is effective in inhibiting both wild type (WT) and a range of KIT mutants. In addition, it is proven to be effective in KIT-positive malignancies such as Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM), Mast Cell Leukemia (MCL), and SM with Associated Hematological Neoplasm (SM-AHN). With this background, we designed a Phase II trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mido in association with Intensive Chemotherapy (IC), in CBFL regardless of KIT mutational status. Methods: The inclusion criteria were the following: age 18 to 60 years, diagnosis of de-novo CBFL, adequate organ function, signed informed consent. The exclusion criteria were: central nervous system involvement, uncontrolled infections, other active malignancies, a Qtc value greater than 470 ms (according to Bazett formula) at the electrocardiogram, significant uncontrolled or active cardiovascular diseases. Patients received standard induction therapy with an anthracycline containing regimen (“7+3”-like) + Mido, three cycles of post-remission consolidation chemotherapy with high-dose cytarabine + Mido, and 12 months of Mido as Maintenance. The Mido dosage was: 50 mg orally twice a day, on days 8-21, in association with IC, and 50 mg orally twice a day as single agent maintenance. In order to attain a reduction in 2 years Relapse Incidence (RI), from the historical value of 48% to 28% (Primary Objective of the Study), we plan to enrol 39 patients (power 82%, alpha error 4,6%). At diagnosis all patients were studied by a comprehensive NGS panel targeting 40 DNA genes and 29 RNA fusion driver genes. MRD status was assessed by qPCR and high-resolution multicolor flow cytometry at established check-points during consolidation and maintenance therapy. Results: 17 patients were enrolled between December 2018 to April 2020 (table1). Overall, the CR rate was 94.2%. At a median follow-up of 9 months (range 3-19 months), we recorded a RI of 12.5%, an OS of 93.7%, and a DFS of 81.2%. 16 patients continue on study and 14 patients are in 1st CR, MRD-negative by flow cytometry and qPCR. Six patients (35.2 %) experienced 12 Treatment Emergent Adverse Event (TEAE), 10 out of whom were infections, with grade 3-4 neutropenia (Table 2). We only recorded one death from SARS-Cov2 infection (Interstitial Pneumonia) in a patient in MRD-negative complete remission. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion: In patients with CBFL, the regimen consisting of intensive chemotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in association with Mido, followed by Mido maintenance, had an acceptable safety profile and excellent response rates with a significant proportion of patients in MRD-negative complete remission. Trial is continuing to accrue (EudraCT Number 2017-002094-18;ClinicalTrials ID: NCT 03686345). This work was supported by a grant from Fondazione Regionale per la Ricerca Biomedica (FRRB 2015). [Formula presented] Disclosures: Krampera: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Todisco: Jannsen, Abbvie, Jazz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Veronese: Novartis: Other: Travel Expenses;Bayer: Honoraria;AstraZeneca: Other: Travel Expenses;Janssen Cilag: Honoraria. OffLabel Disclosure: Midostaurin for treatment of Core Binding Factor Leukemia. The drug has been used as KIT inhibitor.
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BACKGROUND: In next fall and winter, SARS-CoV-2 could circulate in parallel with seasonal influenza. The dual epidemics will result in considerable morbidity and mortality; therefore, influenza vaccination may be essential. Recent studies found increased risk of coronavirus in individuals receiving influenza vaccination. AIMS: Our aim is to analyse the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 in a population of healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 3520 HCWs at a large hospital in Northern Italy. For each participant, we collected data on flu immunization status for the last five flu seasons. Logistic regression was used to test associations between seasonal flu vaccination status and a positive serology tests for COVID-19. RESULTS: During the last five flu seasons, 2492 vaccinations were administered. Serology tests were negative for 3196 (91%) HCWs and residents and only 21 (1%) people had an equivocal test (12.0-15.0 AU/mL). Only 128 (4%) people received a diagnosis of COVID-19, with a positive swab test. No flu vaccinations for the last five flu seasons were specifically associated with diagnosis of COVID-19 or with positive results of serology tests. CONCLUSIONS: Flu vaccinations did not appear to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Influenza vaccination should continue to be recommended for HCWs and for individuals at increased risk for severe illness from respiratory infection.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , COVID-19/immunology , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Adult , Aged , Attitude of Health Personnel , COVID-19/blood , COVID-19 Testing , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Italy , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The recent epidemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, which originated in China and then spread rapidly, can rightly be defined as the real 'first' epidemic in the social era. In an increasingly globalized world other recent epidemics (but more circumscribed, even if severely more lethal, such as Ebola and Sars) have been experienced with less media and emotional involvement, while the recent epidemic due to the new coronavirus has generated deserving reactions of analysis from an anthropological and social point of view, rather than on a health aspect. In Italy the epidemic event provoked sometimes excessive and irrational psychological reactions (from an unjustified panic to an irresponsible underestimation) and a cognitive distortion on anthropological level (wrong perspective perception of the pathological event). It has also generated disproportionate social repercussions at national level (refusal of stay for subjects coming from the lands in which diseased people are present) and at international level (foreclosure of landing of Italian tourists in some foreign countries). There was also incorrect medical information (confusion between infected - asymptomatic and/or non-hospitalized paucisymptomatic -, real patients with important symptoms - hospitalized - and sometimes in need of intensive care, subjects - the elderly and carriers of other serious diseases - died not for but with the Covid-19 infection) generated and amplified also by the pounding informative role of the mass media and by the news (often inaccurate and generating fake-news) spread in real time through social media. Key messages Irrational reactions must be avoided. Correct medical information are indispensable.