ABSTRACT
COVID-19 and its variants have created a global pandemic. In Chile, as of February 28 2022, more than 3 million people have been infected and more than 42 thousand people have died. In this article, a comparative study of different mathematical models used to model and predict the number of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chile is carried out. This research considers the daily records of confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic and therefore, includes those infected by the different variants of the virus (Delta, Gamma and Omicron), these variants have dominated the evolution of daily infections in Chile, being the Omicron variant the one that has shown to have a higher rate of infection at national level. The objective of this study is to provide relevant information on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile through time series models that have been validated in different investigations and to assess their validity with the appearance of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. © 2022, Escuela Politecnica Nacional. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Some disease-modifying therapies used for treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) generate immunosuppression, which according to evidence could increase risk infection by coronavirus (COVID-19) and serious complications. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics in patients with MS or NMOSD, and COVID-19. Methods: Cohort of MS and NMOSD patients, in specialized multicenter health institution of Colombia, who presented COVID-19 between March 2020 - April 2021. Descriptive statistics were performed on demographic and clinical variables stratified by sex. Results: n=1180 MS and NMOSD patients, 65 patients (5.5%) presented COVID-19, with median age of 39 years (Interquartile range IQR: 33-51), 71% women;86% (n=56) had diagnosis of MS (89.3% relapsing remitting, 5.3% secondary progressive, 3.5% isolated clinical syndrome and 1.8% primary progressive) and 14% (n=9) NMOSD. Median disease evolution time was 4.2 years (IQR 2.3-9.2);83% had EDSS <3.0. MS patients 26% received natalizumab, 23.2% between interferons (B1A-B1APegB1A), glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide;23.2% fingolimod, 10.7% rituximab or ocrelizumab, 3.6% alemtuzumab and 1.79% dimethylfumarate. NMOSD patients 66.7% rituximab and 11.1% tocilizumab. Median treatment time was 2.5 years (IQR 1.6-3.7). 48% had comorbidity: 14% hypertension, 12% obesity, 12% lung disease, 11% dyslipidemia, 9.4% diabetes. 91% patients were diagnosed by PCR for COVID-19. 83% had mild symptoms, 11% moderate and 6.15% severe. Most frequent symptoms were: 65% fatigue/adynamia, 40% odynophagia, 40% headache, 28% fever, 20% myalgia, 17% respiratory distress and ageusia/anosmia, 11% were asymptomatic;one patient relapsed during COVID-19. 17% required supplemental oxygen, 14% hospital management and 6.2% intensive care unit. COVID-19 symptoms median duration was 12 days (IQR 10-19) and hospitalization 17 (IQR 9-22). Four patients died, 2 of each disease. No significant differences were found in requirement of hospital management by sex, or rituximab use. There was no difference in mortality incidence rate ratio (IRR) between MS vs NMOSD patients (IRR 0.16;95% CI 0.02-1.14, p-value=0.188). Conclusions: No significant differences were observed by sex and treatment type in prognosis and mortality from COVID-19. However, we suggested to carry out robust sample studies to identify the main complicating factors and severity.
ABSTRACT
Silk is a unique example of heritage where memory, identity, creativity and knowledge can be found in just one piece. It is a multifaceted, living heritage, as it consists of more than the fabrics themselves, but also the techniques associated with them, historical buildings, trades, festivities, etc. Therefore, designers, weavers, painters, sellers and users are involved in it. However, it is also a fragile heritage, alive in the few industries that still weave with historical looms. Additionally, the COVID19 pandemic has put the entire artisanal and small industrial sector of European silk in risk of disappearing. In this, paper we show some results of the SILKNOW project, whose main objective is to improves the understanding, conservation, and dissemination of European silk heritage. To that aim, we provide a variety of interactive tools and computational technologies, which have been designed and developed in close collaboration among experts in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities). We focus the paper in addressing the interdisciplinary work carried out in the project to produce two interactive tools: Virtual Loom and STMaps. Results show that this way of working has been essential to produce such outcomes. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
ABSTRACT
Quality of Life is an indicator that measures the condition in which individuals live according to the degree of satisfaction of their needs related to their health, their environment, and the space in which they become productive. The objective of this research was to identify the presence of Quality of Life (QoL) in the information contained in the infographics published by the Government of Mexico on the site "Todo sobre COVID-19." The methodological design for this work was quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-experimental. The sample was made up of 150 infographics published by the Government of Mexico during the current pandemic generated by the SARCoV-2 virus, on the website. Information retrieval was carried out using an observation guide. The variables of interest were QoL and Infographics. As the main findings, it is appreciated that the infographics socialize information about QoL linked to the pandemic. The area of QoL most addressed is health. However, it is necessary to increase messages on topics such as mental health and the management of work stress during confinement. Regarding infographics as informative units, their structure is organized and aesthetic. However, 40% do not have sources of information, which may cast doubt on the quality of the information they contain. Large issuers such as governments must take special emphasis on the construction of adequate communication pieces to efficiently meet information needs.