Physical activity and long COVID: findings from the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the longitudinal association between physical activity and the risk of long COVID in patients who recovered from COVID-19 infection. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed longitudinal data of the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health cohort, a prospective cohort study with adults living in Southern Brazil. METHODS: Participants responded to an online, self-administered questionnaire in June 2020 (wave 1) and June 2022 (wave 4). Only participants who self-reported a positive test for COVID-19 were included. Physical activity was assessed before (wave 1, retrospectively) and during the pandemic (wave 1). Long COVID was assessed in wave 4 and defined as any post-COVID-19 symptoms that persisted for at least 3 months after infection. RESULTS: A total of 237 participants (75.1% women; mean age [standard deviation]: 37.1 [12.3]) were included in this study. The prevalence of physical inactivity in baseline was 71.7%, whereas 76.4% were classified with long COVID in wave 4. In the multivariate analysis, physical activity during the pandemic was associated with a reduced likelihood of long COVID (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.99) and a reduced duration of long COVID symptoms (odds ratio: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26-0.75). Participants who remained physically active from before to during the pandemic were less likely to report long COVID (PR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.95), fatigue (PR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-0.76), neurological complications (PR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27-0.80), cough (PR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22-0.71), and loss of sense of smell or taste (PR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21-0.87) as symptom-specific long COVID. CONCLUSION: Physical activity practice was associated with reduced risk of long COVID in adults.

3d Printing of Magnetic Separator: An Affordable Approach to Sample Preparation in the Covid-19 Diagnosis

3D PRINTING OF MAGNETIC SEPARATOR: AN AFFORDABLE APPROACH TO SAMPLE PREPARATION IN THE COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS. This report describes the fabrication of a low-cost magnetic separator holder combining 3D printing and compact neodymium blocks for allowing magnetic extraction and purification of RNA from samples collected by nasopharyngeal swab from patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. The device was designed to contain 24 entrances for plastic microtubes in an arrangement like a commercial device. The proof of concept of the proposed device was successfully demonstrated through the sample extraction and purification of swab samples collected from eight patients suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sample preparation protocol was performed using a commercial kit containing magnetic beads and different solutions. The performance of the printed device was compared to a commercial magnetic separator, usually employed in the golden standard techniques. The fabrication of the 3D printed magnetic separator was completed under optimized printing conditions within 6 h at cost of 4 USD per unit. The RNA extracted from samples using both devices was analyzed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the achieved results have indicated no statistical different at confidence level of 95%. Based on the achievements, the use of 3D printing and neodymium blocks have demonstrated an alternative route to be used in routing analysis associated to COVID-19 diagnosis.

"Fair Work for a Dignified Life": Labour Market Integration from an Intercultural Approach

within the framework of the project "Social Education and COVID-19 in Ibe-ro-America: socio-labor exclusion after the pandemic and good practices for inclusion", this article focuses on intervention practices for labor market insertion from an intercultural perspective. Specifically, it is proposed to assess the interest of identity categories for the mapping of socio-labor intervention and, subsequently, to identify elements that allow the construction of good inclusive practices from the positive recognition of diversity. We have worked with a mixed methodological approach through a questionnaire and an interview, 119 and 17 people respectively, combining the quantitative and qualitative approaches in the anal-ysis. The results reveal the limited usefulness of the proposed categories to describe the target population, except in the case of women, young people and people living in poverty. On the other hand, although the intercultural approach is not explicitly present in the gener-al map of services and centers for socio-labor intervention, there are some very interesting practices that justify the importance of personal and community elements in the intervention processes: self-knowledge, appropriation, work for social justice, cooperation and network building. We propose the necessary continuity of this line of intervention and research

The economic performance of the EU fishing fleet during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent public health interventions have depressed demand and disrupted supply chains for many fishing businesses. This paper provides an analysis of the COVID-19 impacts on the profitability of the EU fishing fleets. Nowcasting techniques were used to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic performance for the EU fishing fleet in 2020 and 2021. Our results show that the economic impact of COVID-19 on this sector was smaller than initially expected and overall profits remained positive. This was in part due to low fuel prices that reduced operating costs of fishing, and the early response from governments to support the sector. The results vary by fishing fleet, revealing that small-scale fleets and the fleets in the Mediterranean and Black seas have been more impacted than large-scale fleets and the fleets in the Northeast Atlantic. © G. Carpenter et al., Published by EDP Sciences 2023.

The Use of ICTs in the Digital Culture for Virtual Learning of University Students Applying an Artificial Neural Network Model

Artificial neural networks are mathematical models of artificial intelligence that intend to reproduce the behavior of the human brain and whose main objective is the construction of systems that are capable of demonstrating certain intelligent behavior. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the influence of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the digital culture in the learning process of university students in Peru and Bolivia in the context of the Coronavirus – COVID 19 sanitary emergency, through the application of artificial neural network models. The investigation has a quantitative focus, the applied type, with a correlational level and a non-experimental design. Data was recollected by means of a digital questionnaire, applied to students of two universities. The population is composed of 3980 students of the Universidad Privada Domingo Savio (UPDS, Tarija, Bolivia) and 1506 of the Universidad Nacional de Moquegua (UNAM, Moquegua, Peru). The sample consists of 496 students. The hypothetical-deductive and the artificial intelligence methods were used. It was determined that the ability to install software and data protection programs, the use of mobile devices for academic purposes and the command of specialized software are the most influential factors in the digital culture of the students at UNAM and UPDS. © 2022, International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications. All Rights Reserved.

Critical COVID-19 and neurological dysfunction - a direct comparative analysis between SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens

Objective: To evaluate whether critical SARS-CoV-2 infection is more frequently associated with signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction and other neurological signs, symptoms, and syndromes, than other infectious pathogens. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study with consecutive inclusion of patients admitted to intensive care units due to primary infectious acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation > 48 hours. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to three investigators for clinical evaluation, which encompassed the examination of signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction. Clinical data, including other neurological complications and possible predictors, were independently obtained from clinical records. Results: We consecutively included 54 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, 27 due to SARS-CoV-2 and 27 due to other infectious pathogens. The groups were comparable in most characteristics. COVID-19 patients presented a significantly higher risk of neurological complications (RR = 1.98;95%CI 1.23 - 3.26). Signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction tended to be more prevalent in COVID-19 patients (RR = 1.62;95%CI 0.72 - 3.44). Conclusion: Our study is the first comparative analysis between SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens, in an intensive care unit setting, assessing neurological dysfunction. We report a significantly higher risk of neurological dysfunction among COVID-19 patients. As such, we suggest systematic screening for neurological complications in severe COVID-19 patients.

There's live today: lexical exchange spread by the internet in Brazilian Portuguese

It is notorious that the word live, originally English, has been used in Brazilian Portuguese. Based on that assumption, in this paper, we aim to observe if this lexical unit has assumed distinct uses and meanings in relation to the English language, especially during the period in which the Brazilians were in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we sought to investigate them guided by the following questions: how is the word live being incorporated in Brazilian Portuguese from a linguistic and cultural viewpoint? Is it a foreignism or is it already possible to recognize it as a neologism? To answer these questions, we are founded on the theoretical assumptions of the lexical studies regarding foreignisms and neologisms, as well as on some considerations about the linguistic and cultural exchange in the virtual environment. Also, methodologically, we use the web as a corpus to carry out and support our analysis.

Causes of unplanned hospitalizations and factors associated with in-hospital mortality among patients receiving chemotherapy treatment

Background: Hospitalizations during cancer treatment are common, can impact quality of life and the progress of the treatment. We aimed to investigate the main causes of hospitalizations and factors associated with in-hospital mortality for patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This retrospective study included patients (pts) with solid tumors, who received outpatient chemotherapy in the 30-day period before unplanned admission to a cancer center in Brazil, from February to December of 2021. Patients with COVID-19 diagnosis were excluded. We retrieved clinical and laboratory data from health records. Logistic regression univariable and multivariable models were performed to analyze the association of the variables and in-hospital mortality as dependent outcome. Results: 784 pts were included, median age at hospitalization was 60 (IQR 49-68), and 57% were female. Most patients had ECOG 0-1 (61%) and nearly 70% had metastatic disease at admission. The most common primary tumors were colorectal (21.6%), breast (20.1%), lung (8.6%), and gastric (8.6%). Over half (56%) received platin-based regimens, usually in association with fluoropyrimidines or taxanes. Pain (33%), nausea (23%) and fever (16%) were the most referred symptoms at admission. The main diagnosis at were infection (32%), followed by disease progression (DP) (29%), and chemotherapy associated toxicity (26%). A total of 174 (22%) pts required intensive care unit support during hospital stay. The in-hospital overall mortality rate was 18%. Univariable analysis revealed poor ECOG-PS, grade 3 anemia, grade 3 thrombocytopenia and DP associated with in-hospital mortality. In the final multivariable model, ECOG ≥ 2 (OR 1.99, CI 95% 1.33 - 2.99, p <0.001), DP (OR 4.62, CI 95% 3.07 - 7.00, p <0.001) and grade 3 anemia (OR 2.38, CI 95% 1.45 - 3.87, p<0.001) remained statistically associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: A substantial percentage of unplanned admissions after chemotherapy treatment are due to toxicity. Poor performance status, progression of disease on admission and severe anemia are associated with worse in-hospital prognosis. Grade 3 anemia on admission was the only toxicity associated with in-hospital mortality. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: R.C. Bonadio: Personal, Expert Testimony: AstraZeneca, Ache;Personal, Research Grant: Novartis;Personal, Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality after unplanned admissions among adults with cancer aged 80 years and older

Background: Patients older than 80 years with cancer are more likely to be late-diagnosed, and less likely to receive optimal cancer treatment, compared to younger geriatric patients. Understanding the factors that influence these patient's outcomes is essential to guide their management and proper choice of assistance. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with solid tumors older than 80 years admitted to a tertiary, publicly-funded, cancer center in Brazil, from February 1st to December 31st, 2021. COVID-19 diagnoses were excluded. We collected data on staging, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, ECOG-PS, symptoms, admission diagnoses, and in-hospital mortality. The age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] was further calculated. We investigated the association between collected variables of interest and in-hospital mortality with uni and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Of 440 patients, the median age was 84 (IQR 81-87) and 58% were men. Prevalent cancer diagnoses were prostate (22%), breast (12%), colon (9.5%), and lung cancer (8.1%). Before admission, 42% of patients had distant metastasis, while 21% had no evidence of disease. Two-thirds of patients had poorer ECOG-PS (≥2), and the median CCI was 10 (IQR 8-11). Comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (29%), chronic renal disease (13%), dementia (9.5%) and COPD (9.1%). Pain (27%), dyspnea (18%), and altered level of consciousness (16%) were the most prevalent complaints. During hospitalization, 35% had an infection diagnosis and 26% had progression of disease. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 25%. Higher CCI (OR 1.24, 95%CI 1.11-1.38), poorer ECOG-PS (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.29-3.77), and progression of disease (OR 2.77, 95%CI 1.62-4.75) were associated with in-hospital mortality after univariable regression and remained all statistically significant in the multivariable model. BMI and age were not associated with poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with cancer aged 80 years and older have a high mortality rate. The Charlson Comorbidity Index, a comorbidity burden score that includes cancer staging, correlates with in-hospital mortality and therefore could guide supportive care decisions for older adults. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: R.C. Bonadio: Financial Interests, Personal, Expert Testimony: AstraZeneca, Ache;Financial Interests, Personal, Research Grant: Novartis;Financial Interests, Personal, Sponsor/Funding: Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Hospitalization and post-discharge survival outcomes of adolescents and young adults with cancer

Background: Cancer incidence has increased among adolescents and young adults (AYA) over the last two decades. Younger patients often present with late diagnosis, aggressive disease, and are more likely to receive chemotherapy during cancer treatment. We investigated admission outcomes and postdischarge survival of AYA who were hospitalized after urgent admission. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with solid tumor diagnosis and age between 18 and 39 years, hospitalized after urgent admission to a tertiary, publicly-funded, cancer hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from February 1st to December 31th 2021. We excluded patients with positive COVID-19 RT-PCR. We collected data on gender, cancer diagnosis, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, chemotherapy infusion either before and during hospitalization;and last-follow up date and status. AYA admissions were compared to older adults (≥ 40 years [non-AYA]) admissions with chi-squared test. Overall survival (OS) after discharge between groups was analyzed with the log-rank test. Results: Of 4011 admissions, 312 were AYA. The median age was 34 (IQR 29-38) and most patients were female (63%). Compared to older adults (N = 3699), a higher proportion of AYA patients had breast cancer (25% vs 15%), central nervous system cancer (8.4% vs 2.6%), cervical cancer (12% vs 2.7%) and germinative cancer (4.5% vs 0.3%). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 4-10). AYA were more likely to be under chemotherapy treatment during (11% versus 4%, p = 0.001) and within 30 days before hospitalization (32% vs 20%, p = 0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was lower among AYA compared to older adults during the same period (12% vs 20%, p = 0.01). However, of those who died, a higher proportion were prescribed chemotherapy infusion before (38% vs 19%, p = 0.004) and during (15% vs 3.3%, p = 0.003) hospitalization;and a higher number of patients deceased on intensive-care unit beds, although the difference was not statistically significant (46% versus 36%, p = 0.2). Despite similar rates of 30-days readmissions (29% versus 26%, p = 0.3), AYA had better prognosis after discharge (mOS 295 days versus 181 days, p = 0.002). Conclusions: AYA patients had better hospitalization outcomes and were more likely to receive aggressive care near the end of life. Despite similar rates of early (≤ 30 days) readmissions, AYA had higher median overall survival after discharge compared to older adults. These finding should be taken into consideration when discussing hospitalization goals during admission of AYA with cancer.

Impact of readmission for patients with cancer in a public health system

Background: Patients with cancer have high mortality during hospitalization and poor prognosis after discharge. However, most evidence comes from developed countries where early diagnosis is common and a higher number of treatment options are available. In addition, socioeconomic disparity is also known to impact on cancer prognosis. We aimed to investigate the impact of hospitalizations, early readmissions, and Human Development Index (HDI) among cancer patients in a public tertiary hospital in Brazil. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including patients admitted at a Brazilian tertiary cancer center from February 1st to November 30th of 2021. Data was collected from patients' electronic health records. COVID-19 diagnosed patients were excluded. We evaluated 7-day and 30-day readmission rate, and post-discharge survival. We retrieved patients' home address region HDI from the latest Brazilian Census and investigated if it would affect hospitalization and post-discharge outcomes. Overall survival (OS) after discharge was compared between groups with log-rank test and categorical variables proportions with chi-square test. Results: A total of 3711 patients were included during the period. The median age was 64 years (IQR 53-72);nearly half were female (51%). The most common cancer diagnosis was breast cancer (538, 15%) followed by prostate (308, 8.4%), colon (298, 8.1%) and lung (269, 7.3%). The median hospitalization length was 6 days (IQR 4-11). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20% (n = 734). Patients initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) had a higher mortality compared to wards (44% vs 17%, p < 0.001). Of those discharged, 9.9% and 28% of the patients were readmitted within 7 and 30 days, respectively. The median overall survival (mOS) of the discharged patients was 182 days (95% CI 160-201 days). Early readmission within 7 and 30 days were associated with poorer overall survival after discharge (Table, p < 0.001). We have not found any association between the HDI and in-hospital mortality, rate of readmissions or overall survival after discharge. Conclusions: Early readmission is an important prognostic factor and should be taken into consideration when discussing post-discharge treatment objectives. HDI does not seem to affect neither hospitalization nor survival outcomes in a publicly funded cancer center.

Perception of Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers about Detergency: From Macroscopic Observations to Symbolic Theoretical Mental models applied to inactivation of SARS-CoV-2

This study deals with an experimental proposal and the elaboration of schemes to address the topic of lipids and the effects of detergents in SARS-CoV-2 at the molecular level. The proposal was applied to undergraduate chemistry students (pre-service chemistry teachers). In addition to conceptual learning, the objectives were: 1) to explore or develop procedural, attitudinal, and cognitive skills of future teachers;and 2) to analyze the ability to correlate experimental observations with real phenomena, such as the theoretical interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by detergents. Data were obtained from individual reports and schemes constructed by students and analyzed using the Content Analysis method. The main results indicated that the development of experimental activity with pre-service chemistry teachers can encourage them to reason scientifically about simple daily phenomena and favor them to develop scientific literacy. However, the students had difficulty in formulating chemical symbolic hypotheses to explain macroscopically observed phenomena and to explain theoretically everyday situations.

Brazilian medical education and the incorporation of technologies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) was intensified. This study aimed to investigate the incorporation of ICT in the teaching-learning process by teachers, undergraduate and graduate Medicine students from Brazilian public and private institutions, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional survey was used to perform this research, with data collection carried out from May to September 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. There were 242 participants: 153 undergraduate students, 19 graduate students, and 70 faculty members. The participants considered that the support provided by their educational institutions in 2020 for the use of ICT was ‘good’ (44.2%, 107/242) or ‘excellent’ (22.3%, 54/242). The technologies most often used in 2020 were virtual learning environments (79.8%, 193/242) and videoconferences (77.7%, 188/242). The majority of respondents prefer the ‘classroom-based’ modality (50.4%, 122/242), followed by those who prefer the occasional use of ICT (22.3%, 54/242). The participants registered 171 perceptions related to the use of ICT as a pedagogical resource and its importance during the pandemic. The respondents recognized the complementary use of ICT in their academic activities and considered that the institutional support was adequate. No financial difficulties were reported, but participants mentioned lack of training and limited use of ICT in practical activities. To overcome such gaps, the use of ICT should take into account preferences and specificities of medical education, for which institutions have to prepare themselves pedagogically. © 2022, Centro Nacional de Informacion de Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

Self-perceived health status in health workers 3 and 6 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19)

Background: After the acute period of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), multi-organ signs and symptoms may remain. This study tried to compare the perception of the state of health and the sequelae in Navarra-Osasunbidea health workers after COVID-19, with the previous situation through the Health Survey.

Direct Costs of COVID-19 Inpatient Admissions in a Portuguese Tertiary Care University Centre

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed greater financial pressure on health systems and institutions that had to respond to the specific needs of COVID-19 patients while ensuring the safety of the diagnosis and treatment of all patients and healthcare professionals. To assess the financial impact of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals, we have characterized the cost of COVID-19 admissions, using inpatient data from a Portuguese Tertiary Care University Centre. Methods: We analysed inpatient data from adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Admissions were eligible if the ICD-10-CM principal diagnosis was coded U07.1. We excluded admissions from patients under 18 years old, admissions with incomplete records, admissions from patients who had been transferred to or from other hospitals or those whose inpatient stay was under 24 h. Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium admissions were also excluded, as well as admissions from patients who had undergone surgery. Results: We identified 223 admissions of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Most were men (64.1%) and aged 45-64 years (30.5%). Around 13.0% of patients were admitted to intensive care units and 9.9% died in hospital. The average length of hospital stay was 12.7 days (SD = 10.2) and the average estimated cost per admission was EUR 8,177 (SD = 11,534), which represents more than triple the inpatient base price (EUR 2,386). Human resources accounted for the highest proportion of the total costs per admission (50.8%). About 92.4% of the admissions were assigned to Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) 723, whose inpatient price is lower than COVID-19 inpatient costs for all degrees of severity. Conclusion: COVID-19 admissions represent a substantial financial burden for the Portuguese NHS. For each COVID-19 hospitalized patient it would have been possible to treat three other hospitalized patients. Also, the price set for DRG 723 is not adjusted to the cost of COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the need for additional financial resources for the health system and, in particular, for hospitals that have treated high volumes of hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel on behalf of NOVA National School of Public Health.

Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons: Cancer Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to summarize the opinions of the surgical oncology leaders from the Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons (GFCS) about the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer surgery. METHODS: A panel session (virtual) was held at the annual Society of Surgical Oncology 2021 International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care to address the impact of COVID-19 on cancer surgery globally. Following the virtual meeting, a questionnaire was sent to all the leaders to gather additional opinions. The input obtained from all the leaders was collated and analyzed to understand how cancer surgeons from across the world adapted in real-time to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The surgical oncology leaders noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care across all domains of clinical care, education, and research. Several new changes/protocols associated with increased costs were implemented to deliver safe care. Leaders also noted that preexisting disparities in care were exacerbated, and the pandemic had a detrimental effect on well-being and financial status. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care globally. Leaders of the GFCS opined that new strategies need to be implemented to prepare for any future catastrophic events based on the lessons learned from the current events. The GFCS will embark on developing such a roadmap to ensure that surgical cancer care is preserved in the future regardless of any catastrophic global events.

NARRATIVES OF HISTORY TEACHING IN THE LEGAL AMAZON IN TIMES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The state of Tocontins composes the Legal Amazon. That is the locus of the study, which aims to narrate the teaching of History in times of the pandemic in the Bask Education in Palmas, during the 2020 school year. The work is underpinned by the Thematic Oral History methodology and the participation of two History teachers, one from Elementary School and the other from High School. The teachers express the difficulties of both educating and learning in times of pandemic, whereas that most students do not have access to media, via the Internet at home. The interviewees emphasize the concern with regard to the Covid-19 spread caused by coronavirus, which recommendation is the continuity of virtual classes, and face-to-face return after the vaccine. It is concluded that, even in times of pandemic, face to all challenges presented, teachers and students perform educational activities.

[Self-perceived health status in health workers 3 and 6 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).]

OBJECTIVE: After the acute period of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), multi-organ signs and symptoms may remain. This study tried to compare the perception of the state of health and the sequelae in Navarra-Osasunbidea health workers after COVID-19, with the previous situation through the Health Survey. METHODS: Through a descriptive cross-sectional study, using a reduced questionnaire from the 2017 National Health Survey sent to health workers from the Navarre-Osasunbidea Health Service COVID-19 cases after 3 and 6 months, from April to July 2021 and compared with 2017. Differences were described through means, percentages and prevalence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of 938 surveys sent, 93 of 3 months (46.3%) and 305 of 6 months (41.4%) were received, 87% of women and 13% of men and 43 years of average age and 64.3% were from nursing and 19.1% from medicine. The percentage that assessed their health status as good or very good was significantly lower at 6 months than health workers and the general population in 2017 (70.2% vs 80.4% and 75.5%), the limitation for the habitual activity (39.8% and 35.1% vs 18.3%), headache 2.7 times more frequent, the days of activity restriction (41.5 and 26.7 vs 7.5) and on bed. Mental health problems, concentration (45.2% and 43.9%), loss of sleep (44.1% and 43.3%) and consumption of tranquilizers and antidepressants (2 and 3 times more) stood out, although not of medical consultations. CONCLUSIONS: Navarre health workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020 and early 2021 refer to the worst assessment of their health status at 3 and 6 months, greater limitation for usual activities, more frequent headaches and mental health problems, compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Segmentation of covid-19 lesions in CT images

The worldwide pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has encouraged the development of multiple computer-aided diagnosis systems to automate daily clinical tasks, such as abnormality detection and classification. Among these tasks, the segmentation of COVID lesions is of high interest to the scientific community, enabling further lesion characterization. Automating the segmentation process can be a useful strategy to provide a fast and accurate second opinion to the physicians, and thus increase the reliability of the diagnosis and disease stratification. The current work explores a CNN-based approach to segment multiple COVID lesions. It includes the implementation of a U-Net structure with a ResNet34 encoder able to deal with the highly imbalanced nature of the problem, as well as the great variability of the COVID lesions, namely in terms of size, shape, and quantity. This approach yields a Dice score of 64.1%, when evaluated on the publicly available COVID-19-20 Lung CT Lesion Segmentation GrandChallenge data set. © 2021 IEEE