Youth without COVID-19 immunization: between individualism and mistrust

The aim of the present work is to analyze the different discourses of the COVID-19 unvaccinated young people in the Community of Madrid, in order to understand the motivations and internal coherences that they express to legitimize non-vaccination. For this purpose, we will carry out a methodological triangulation composed of in-depth interviews, ethnography of urban spaces and social network analysis focused on Telegram groups. Thus, we have analyzed the qualitative materials through Grounded Theory procedures and critical discourse analysis. Finally, the three key discursive dimensions found are presented as a result: the right to individual autonomy, social and political manipulation and distrust towards vaccines on scientific grounds. © 2023 Federacion Espanola de Sociologia. All rights reserved.

JOURNALISTIC COVERAGE OF MIGRATION IN ECUADOR DURING THE 2020 STATES OF EXCEPTION

We must wait for extraordinary catastrophes like the COVID-19 health crisis to appreciate a human rights approach in journalistic information. We set out to study the journalistic coverage of immigration in Ecuador during the state of exception decreed in 2020 with an analytical and comparative method with a mixed approach. On the one hand, we collected all the documentary production to understand the state of affairs;on the other hand, we analyzed the articles on migration and human mobility published in the digital editions of El Comercio and El Universo. The results show neutral referential frameworks, no human rights approaches or inclusive language, and a preference for news headlines and genres. Articles rarely include infographics, statistical data, or transmedia elements. Finally, the analysis showed a general depersonalization of authorship, a predominance of official sources, calls to order -in the face of chaos- and mainly Venezuelan immigrants being signaled as subjects. © 2022 Contratexto. All rights reserved.

The whole pomegranate (Punica granatum. L), biological properties and important findings: A review

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit native to South Asia, and currently can grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including Mexico, which produces approximately seven thousand metric tons per year. Pomegranate stands out for its rich flavor and functional properties, which is why it has gained acceptance in different countries in the marketing of assorted products such as jellies, jams, drinks, and its effectiveness against diseases and pathogenic microorganisms. Scope and approach: This review summarizes information about the bioactive compounds of pomegranate and its nutritional properties as functional food, with emphasis on its by-products (aril, seed, and peel). Punica granatum contains bioactive compounds, the peel has a higher content of these compounds and in vitro biological properties reported by different authors. Key findings and conclusions: Pomegranate and its by-products have functional properties, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral, even against SARS COV-2 virus in vitro studies;activities attributed to punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. It is important to further analyze this fruit's functional and nutritional effects, especially the peel. To study the mechanisms involved, to develop industrial processes for the development of a nutraceutical or functional food product. © 2022

Pandemic populism and permanent campaigning: How Central American presidents build political legitimacy on Facebook

This article examines how Carlos Alvarado and Nayib Bukele, presidents of Costa Rica and El Salvador, respectively, employed Facebook throughout 2020 to communicate about the COVID-19 pandemic. The study draws on content analysis of 1584 posts made by both presidents on Facebook throughout 2020. The article argues that Alvarado and Bukele turned the pandemic into a means to build political legitimacy in their specific political context through two main strategies: populist communication and permanent campaigning. Whereas Alvarado relied on these strategies to demonstrate that he was in control of the country amid mounting backlash, Bukele infused both strategies with a religious imaginary to attack political opponents and perform the role of El Salvador's messiah. This analysis broadens the understanding of the relationship between populist communication and permanent campaigning in two main ways. First, by employing a comparative approach to identify singularities and differences in the ways that presidents built political legitimacy during the pandemic in a largely under-examined region (Central America). Second, by situating findings within a wide temporal perspective that included posts in an entire calendar year and comparisons with Alvarado's and Bukele's presidential campaigns. © The Author(s) 2022.

The whole pomegranate (Punica granatum. L), biological properties and important findings: A review

Background Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit native to South Asia, and currently can grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including Mexico, which produces approximately seven thousand metric tons per year. Pomegranate stands out for its rich flavor and functional properties, which is why it has gained acceptance in different countries in the marketing of assorted products such as jellies, jams, drinks, and its effectiveness against diseases and pathogenic microorganisms. Scope and approach This review summarizes information about the bioactive compounds of pomegranate and its nutritional properties as functional food, with emphasis on its by-products (aril, seed, and peel). Punica granatum contains bioactive compounds, the peel has a higher content of these compounds and in vitro biological properties reported by different authors. Key findings and conclusions Pomegranate and its by-products have functional properties, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral, even against SARS COV-2 virus in vitro studies;activities attributed to punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. It is important to further analyze this fruit's functional and nutritional effects, especially the peel. To study the mechanisms involved, to develop industrial processes for the development of a nutraceutical or functional food product.

COVID Infection Among Kidney Transplant Recipient During the Era of COVID Vaccination: Management Outcomes

Purpose: COVID pandemic has posed a significant challenge among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) due to their immunocompromised state. There is uncertainty on immunosuppression (IS) management among those who have COVID infection. We sought to better understand the clinical course, management, and outcomes of our KTR who developed COVID infection during the period when COVID vaccine was more readily available. We also investigated the impact of vaccination status on COVID infection. Method(s): Single-center experience of COVID infected KTR. Baseline demographics, clinical data, COVID vaccination status, management, and outcomes were obtained by manual chart ion of the EMR. Result(s): 83 KTR had COVID infection. Mean age was 54 years;57% were males and 53% were African American. 47% of the patients were >3 years post-transplant. Interestingly, the proportion of COVID-infected patients who were unvaccinated and vaccinated with 2 doses were similar (42% vs 39%;p=NS) and the proportion of asymptomatic patients who were unvaccinated and vaccinated were also similar (47% vs. 53%;p=NS). Respiratory symptom was the most common manifestation (69%);49 patients (59%) required hospitalization. Mean length of stay was 15 days;19 (23%) required ICU admission and 14 (17%) required mechanical ventilation;26 developed AKI with about half requiring RRT;only 2 (18%) patients requiring RRT had renal recovery. The majority of admitted patients received dexamethasone and antibiotics. For IS management, 53% had MMF held or reduced while only 11% had CNI dose reduced;17 patients (20%) died. In multivariable modeling, only age (OR 1.1, 1.02-1.19;p=0.020) and AA race (OR 5.4, 0.73-40.2;p=0.097) were associated with risk of death. Induction, sex, BMI, and vaccination status were not significant predictors. There were no subsequent acute rejections or graft losses in those who recovered. Conclusion(s): KTR represent a vulnerable patient population for COVID infection. Due to their immunocompromised state and often more severe clinical presentation, with majority requiring hospitalization, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation. In this single center study, COVID vaccination did not seem to have an appreciable impact on the incidence of COVID infection and presentation. It is unclear what impact immunosuppression dose reductions had on the COVID clinical course, but these reductions did not appear to increase risk of rejection or graft loss.

Comparison of Outcomes and Management of COVID Infection Among Kidney Transplant Recipients Between Pre-Vaccination Rollout Era and Post-Vaccination Rollout Era

Purpose: The COVID pandemic has posed a significant challenge among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) due to their immunocompromised states. The effects of COVID vaccination on KTRs are uncertain. We sought to better understand the clinical course, management, and outcomes of KTRs who developed COVID infection during the pre-and post-COVID vaccine rollout periods. We also compared whether there was a difference in patient outcomes or management of COVID infection between the two groups. Method(s): This was a single-center study of KTRs who were infected with COVID. Baseline demographics, clinical parameters, COVID vaccination status, management, and outcomes were obtained by manual chart ion of the electronic medical records. Result(s): We studied a total of 134 KTRs in the pre-vaccination era and 83 KTRs after vaccination rollout who had COVID infections. The mean age of the patients was 54 years in both groups, and there was a greater proportion of African American KTRs in the pre-vaccination rollout era (70% vs. 53%, P=.02). No statistically significant differences were found among sex, BMI, or induction agents. In the pre-vaccination era, KTRs were more likely to present with fever (71% vs. 51%, P<.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the onset of COVID infection after transplant, ICU admission, the requirement of mechanical ventilation therapy, incidence of AKI (acute kidney injury), requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT), or incidence of acute rejection. For COVID infection management, KTRs in the post-vaccination rollout era were more likely to be treated with dexamethasone (47% vs. 32%, P=.035) . No statistically significant difference was found in the proportion of patients who required reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents. In the pre-vaccination era, KTRs were more likely to recover from acute kidney injury (57% vs, 25%, P=.01). No statistically significant difference was found in mortality between groups, but the risk of death was almost twice a high in the post-vaccination rollout era (21% vs. 12%). Conclusion(s): In this single-center case-control study, COVID vaccination rollout did not seem to have an appreciable impact on the incidence of hospitalization, ICU admission, AKI, RRT requirement, or mortality. Mortality risk among KTRs in the post-vaccination rollout era was almost twice as high as it was in the pre-vaccination rollout era, although there was no statistically significant difference, which might be due to low statistical power. The lack of improved outcomes of KTRs in the postvaccination rollout remains unclear. A combination of suboptimal immunogenic response to vaccination and the Delta variant surge could be a possibility.

Am2P: A New Accredited Academic Training Program in Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology Designed for US, Canadian and Caribbean Healthcare Professionals: An International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine related problem. Objective: In November 2021, the North American Society of Pharmacovigilance (NASoP), a Chapter of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP), launched PV courses for the education of North American stakeholders, in collaboration with Eu2P academic institutions. Methods: The Am2P program (Am2P) follows WHO-ISoP Core Elements of a Comprehensive Modular Curriculum and subscribes to the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Education and Training quality standards, jointly developed by Eu2P and other IMI Education and Training projects to foster quality in lifelong learning and continuing professional development. Convenient online education in PV supports the mission of ISoP to foster PV scientifically and educationally and enhance the safe and proper use of medicines worldwide. Am2P was designed by experienced PV experts from multiple institutions within NASoP, in partnership with Eu2P instructors, to comprise North America-focused online courses that benefit from existing Eu2P material, education technology, and academic accreditation. Results: Am2P offers two academic options: the Certificate degree and the Short Course certificate of achievement in PV. Four modular course programs are available on the Am2P website (https://www. am2p-courses.com) providing education on core and specialized PV topics with a focus on North America: Basic Pharmacovigilance (PV) & PV regulations;PV for Biologics;External databases/Real World Data/Real World Evidence;Benefit-Risk assessment. Program approval is ensured by the Eu2P Executive Board including academic representatives of the 6 Eu2P degree-awarding universities. Am2P and Eu2P Certificate Courses hold the same academic value. A regular Certificate course involves 75h student workload over three months, recognized as 3 ECTS (European-Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, equivalent to 1.5 American credits. Am2P Short Courses are bite-sized courses to provide or reinforce solid, current knowledge in PV focused on North America. Conclusion: Am2P is a partnership between NASoP and Eu2P to build a set of North America-focused online courses offered in PV. Am2P offers accredited PV training of the highest standard, focused on North America, as an extension of the Eu2P program. Online PV training addresses needs of new entrants to PV, and seasoned personnel.

Nanoantibodies applications in medicine

Introduction: Nanoantibodies are composed solely of the variable region of the heavy chain and are obtained from some species of camelids and sharks. They have high binding capacity, high specificity, small size, high accessibility, and high tissue penetration, so they could potentially be used to treat, diagnose, and prevent several diseases. Method: A bibliographic review of the medical applications of nanoantibodies was carried out. Scientific articles were examined, published in English and Spanish from 2015 to 2021 in Google Academic, Elsevier, PubMed, Clinical trials, Annual Reviews, and ScienceDirect databases. Studies that showed greater value according to language, information accuracy, and publication date were preferred. Results and discussion: 21 articles were selected to be evaluated and analyzed, of which 20 were preclinical studies and one clinical study. Nanoantibodies stand out as therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive alternatives against cancer, hepatitis C, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diarrhea caused by rotavirus, and COVID-19. Conclusions: Nanoantibodies can be very useful for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different diseases;however, it is necessary to continue developing clinical and preclinical studies that support the safety and efficacy of these drugs.

Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Test Performance in Detecting SARSCoV-2 Infections in a COVID-19 Outbreak among Horse Racetrack Workers

Background. Rapid antigen tests (e.g., Abbott's BinaxNOW) are cheaper and faster than nucleic acid amplification tests (e.g., real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with variable reported sensitivity. A horse racetrack in California experienced a COVID-19 outbreak among staff and used BinaxNOW to supplement RT-PCR. Utility of BinaxNOW in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in a workplace outbreak was assessed. Methods. Between November 25-December 22, 2020, anterior nasal swabs were collected from racetrack staff for six rounds of paired BinaxNOW and RT-PCR tests. BinaxNOW tests were interpreted according to manufacturer instructions. RT-PCR was performed at the state public health lab using the ThermoFisher TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit. Staff with positive results on either test were isolated and removed from subsequent testing. Viral cultures were attempted on specimens with cycle threshold (Ct) < 30. Results. Overall, 769 paired results from 342 staff were analyzed. Most were of Hispanic ethnicity (62.0%) and ages ranged from 18 to 92 years (median 52). BinaxNOW performance compared to RT-PCR (95% CI) was as follows: positive percent agreement (PPA) 43.3% (34.6%-52.4%);negative percent agreement (NPA) 100% (99.4%-100%);positive predictive value (PPV) 100% (93.5%-100%);negative predictive value 89.9% (87.5%-92.0%). Among 127 RT-PCR-positive specimens, those with paired BinaxNOW-positive results (n = 55) had a lower mean Ct value than those with paired BinaxNOW-negative results (n = 72) (17.8 vs. 28.5) (p < 0.001). In dual positive pairs, median time from specimen collected to RT-PCR result reported was 4 days (range 1-6), compared to the 15-minute BinaxNOW reporting time. Of 100 Ct < 30 specimens, 51 resulted in positive virus isolation, 45 (88.2%) of which were BinaxNOW-positive. Conclusion. High NPA and PPV support immediate isolation of BinaxNOWpositive individuals, while low PPA supports confirmatory testing following BinaxNOW-negative results. BinaxNOW performed better in paired specimens with lower Ct value and positive viral cultures, which could suggest that among RT-PCRpositive specimens, those that are BinaxNOW-negative may be less likely to contain infectious virus than those that are BinaxNOW-positive.

Pulmonary and critical care medicine as a single specialty. The mandatory response in the era of respiratory pandemics

Mexico experiences great challenges in public health and its health system. Demographic transition combines the coexistence of infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases. Respiratory diseases are some of the major public health problems and have been aggravated by the advent of respiratory pandemics: Influenza A H1N1 in 2009 and COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 during 2020. In this period, the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), the main training center for specialized human resources in Mexico, like other centers for the specialty of pulmonary medicine, has undergone a profound transformation towards the healthcare integration of respiratory and critical care medicine. Nevertheless, the great lack of specialized human resources in this area has become more evident during the current epidemiological emergency. It confirms that the proposal to integrate pulmonary and critical care medicine into a single specialty may be one of the compelling and effective responses to match some of the greatest challenges of medicine in our country.