The effects of campaign-based logo changes on consumers' attitude and behavior: a case of social distancing messages during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: This research study examines how changing the logo to one that depicts social distancing impacts consumers' attitude toward the brand, attitude toward social distancing guidelines, intention to follow social distancing guidelines, purchase intention, logo evaluation and word of mouth (WOM). Design/methodology/approach: A 2 (logo type: conventional vs. novel) X 2 (product involvement: high vs. low) between-subjects experimental design was employed. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was run on the dependent variables (i.e. attitude toward the brand, attitude toward social distancing guidelines, intention to follow social distancing guidelines, purchase intention, logo evaluation and WOM). Findings: The results indicate a significant moderating effect of product involvement. Individuals who were exposed to a novel logo for a low-involvement product demonstrated improved purchase intentions, attitudes towards the brand, WOM and intentions to follow social distancing guidelines. Practical implications: From a practical perspective, the results suggest that managers at global brands should consider their brand's response to the COVID-19 crisis. For example, Nike chose to frame its consumers' athletic habits as a lifesaving call to action with a new advertising copy that proposed, "If you ever dreamed of playing for millions around the world, now is your chance: play inside, play for the world,” to stress the necessity for people to stay at home. Social implications: From a theoretical perspective, the results of this study add to the emerging literature on CSR and logo changing, and particularly on following social distancing guidelines introduced in response to COVID-19, by exploring the link between COVID-19 advertising in promotional materials (logo changing) and outcomes such as attitude toward the brand, attitude toward social distancing guidelines, intention to follow social distancing guidelines, purchase intention, logo evaluation and WOM. Originality/value: This research study adds to the literature on CSR and logo changing, primarily the contribution is based on the understanding of the impact of social distancing guidelines introduced in response to COVID-19. More specifically, this research study contributes toward the understanding of the link between COVID-19 advertising in promotional materials (e.g. logo changing) and outcomes such as attitude toward the brand, attitude toward social distancing guidelines, intention to follow social distancing guidelines, purchase intention, logo evaluation and WOM. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

COVID-19 pandemic: regular physical activity and respiratory exercises at home as prevention and treatment

The main question in the field of exercise and rehabilitation medicine is whether physical activity and therapeutic exercise are suitable activities for CoVid-19 patients who are recovering at home. There have been few public health guidelines provided about what people can do in relationship with exercise and respiratory care. For this reason, it is necessary that physical therapists give some recommendations concerning safe respiratory and physical exercises that could be executed by people with confirmed, suspected, or probable CoVid-19 who stay at home.Copyright © 2022 University School of Physical Education in WrocAaw. All rights reserved.

Etiologies of medically attended acute respiratory infections among young Ecuadorian children prior to the start of the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Background. Data regarding respiratory pathogen epidemiology in the tropical country of Ecuador are limited. Here, we describe the temporal patterns and etiologies of medically attended acute respiratory infections among Ecuadorean children during the 20-month period preceding the onset of the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods. Children < 5 years old presenting to a designated outpatient clinic with at least 2 new symptoms consistent with an acute respiratory infection are eligible for enrollment. Informed consent is obtained. Demographic and clinical details are collected. A nasopharyngeal sample is collected for diagnostic testing of 22 target pathogen groups using Biofire's Respiratory Panel v1.7 multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Results. Of the 820 subjects enrolled between July 15, 2018 and March 15, 2020, 655 (80%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. The detection of pathogens was more likely from samples collected from children enrolled in Quito (85%) compared to Machala (76%) (p < 0.05). The most frequently detected pathogen groups were rhinovirus/ enterovirus (46%), parainfluenza virus (14%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (12%), and influenza virus (10%). Two or more pathogen groups were codetected in 174 (27%) of the respiratory samples. Pathogen specific seasonal patterns were not observed for rhinovirus/enterovirus, adenovirus, or atypical bacteria at either site. Samples collected in Quito were positive for the detection of RSV spanning a 32-week period between November and June. In contrast, detection of RSV from samples collected in Machala spanned only a 17- week period between February and May. In Quito, influenza viruses were detected between August and February, with influenza A activity preceding that of influenza B. In Machala, the detection of influenza B virus coincided with the dry season, while detection of influenza A virus was clustered in the rainy period between January and March. Conclusion. The specific etiologies and seasonality of acute respiratory tract infections among Ecuadorean children < 5 years of age differ by site of enrollment. Such differences in regional data can be used to optimize regional implementation of existing and soon-to-be available public health prevention measures.

"I've discovered the COVID-19 vaccine". Approach of a bipolar disorder clinical case in the Mental Health Day Hospital of Salamanca during the pandemic

Introduction: A 21-year-old woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder was hospitalized in the Mental Health Day Hospital of Salamanca during the Covid pandemic. The patient engaged with 4 different jobs and a master's degree, beginning with verbose speech, dysphoria, global insomnia, grandiose delusions, extremely high energy and thinking she has the vaccine. She works the following objectives: illness insight, risk factors, psychopathological stabilization, social skills, slowing down of activities and taking responsibilities. Objective(s): The objective is do a follow-up of the patient during her hospitalization in the Mental Health Day Hospital and to carry out a structured search in PubMed and Up-to-Date about psychotherapy and bipolar disorder. Method(s): 3-month follow-up of a 21-year-old woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder during her hospitalization in the Mental Health Day Hospital in Salamanca and a structured search in PubMed and Up-to-Date in April 2021 in English, French and Spanish, including the last 10 years with the keywords "psychotherapy", "psychotherapies" and "bipolar disorder ".77 studies were analyzed: 12 included, 65 excluded. Result(s): Several randomized trials highlight the efficacy of group psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioural therapy in relapse prevention, improving illness insight, medical adherence and less hospitalizations. Therapeutic alliance plays a significant role in the process. Our patient improved her knowledge of her illness and treatment, her social skills and reconnected with her relatives and slowed down her activity. She then was referred to her community mental heath center psychiatrist. Conclusion(s): The insight in bipolar disorder plays an important role in medical adherence and prevention of relapses. Therapeutic alliance improves their insight, their functionality in their daily life and enables close monitoring. Medical treatment should be accompanied by psychotherapy for a complete approach of the treatment.

Evaluation of the degradation of the graphene-polypropylene composites of masks in harsh working conditions.

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has led health authorities to recommend at least the use of surgical masks, most preferably respirators (FFP2 or KN95), to prevent the spread of the virus. Non-woven fabrics have been chosen as the best option to manufacture the face masks, due to their filtration efficiency, low cost, and versatility. Modifying the mask filters with graphene has been of great interest due to its potential use as antibacterial and virucidal properties. Indeed, some companies have commercialized face masks in which graphene is coated and/or embedded. However, the Canadian sanitary authorities advised against using the Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. graphene masks because of the possibility of pulmonary damage produced by graphene inhalation. Thus, we have analyzed the stability of the graphene filter of these masks and compared it with two other commercially available graphene mask filters, evaluating the morphological and spectroscopical change of the fibers, as well as the particles released during the endurance tests. Our work introduces the necessary tools and methodology to evaluate the potential degradation of face masks under extreme working conditions. These methods complement the present standard tests ensuring the security of the new filters based on composites or nanomaterials.

Balancing Career and Caregiving Roles in the Midst of a Global Pandemic: The Narratives of Four Females in Higher Education

This chapter introduces the audience to the world of four females working in higher education during COVID-19. The narratives provide a glimpse into the roles women in the workforce and specifically mothers in academia played and continue to play throughout the global pandemic of 2020 and 2021. In each narrative, the authors discuss the mental, emotional, physical, and relational tolls of striving to balance the many roles faced during the global pandemic. After exploring personal experiences, the authors look to the future and provide recommendations for how universities can strive to advocate for their female employees, specifically women of color and women serving in caregiver roles, in the forthcoming policies and initiatives. © 2021 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.

Safety of the use of methylprednisolone pulses versus dexamethasone in patients with pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection: Preliminary results

Objective: To assess the safety of high-dose bolus methylprednisolone versus intermediate-dose dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients with non-critical respiratory failure (RF). Material and/or methods: Low-intervention, phase IV, open-label, randomized 1:1, low-intervention clinical trial (CT): • Arm 1: Dexamethasone 6 mg/24 h/10 days. • Arm 2: Methylprednisolone boluses 250 mg/24 h/3 days Safety preliminary results are presented for 127 patients. This CT has been approved by the Spanish Medicines Agency and the Medicines Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Area. EudraCT Number: 2020-005026-28. Results: 127 hospitalized patients, diagnosed with acutephase SARS-CoV-2 infection and non-critical RF, were recruited between January and August 2021. The mean age was 59.5 years and 66.14% were male. The 93.70% were in stage 5 disease according to WHO criteria and 6.30% in stage 4. There were 55 serious adverse events (SAEs) (32 patients, 78% men) and 7 of them (12.7%) were considered serious adverse reactions (SARs), all of them expected. Six patients died (three in the methylprednisolone group). Of these seven SARs, two (28.5%) belonged to the methylprednisolone group, all in men (mean age 67.5 years) and none resulted in death. The classification by organ and system (SOC) of the registered 55 AEs and SAEs, was as follows: 5 vascular disorders cases (methylprednisolone arm: 2), 21 respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders cases (methylprednisolone arm: 12), 2 gastrointestinal disorders cases (methylprednisolone arm: 0), 1 nervous system disorders case (methylprednisolone arm), 26 infections and infestations cases (methylprednisolone arm: 13) and 1 cardiac disorders case no related with methylprednisolone. For the seven adverse reactions reported, the classification by SOC was as follows: one infections and infestations case and one gastrointestinal disorders case no related with methylprednisolone and five vascular disorders cases (methylprednisolone arm: 2). Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, there is no evidence of safety risks associated with high-dose methylprednisolone bolus versus intermediate-dose dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 with non-critical respiratory failure.

Usefulness of Active Screening in the Confrontation of COVID-19 for Epidemiological Control and Cultural Formation

Introduction: Active screening in Cuba demonstrated wide usefulness and effectiveness in the confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participation of students and professors from medical universities contributed to greater efficiency. Objective: To describe the usefulness of active research in the confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic, as an epidemiological strategy and a scientific-cultural experience. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe was made up of 140 students of medical science. The sample was composed of twelve students from a screening brigade, two family medicine specialists and two nursing graduates from the family medical offices selected by nonprobabilistic sampling by feasibility, organized in pairs. The actions were structured in four stages: recognition, characterization, rectification-confrontation and consolidation. The data were obtained from the surveys carried out and from the daily data collection model. Results: The procedure used, with dates of history, arts and sciences, as well as field trip to historical sites, was novel for the students and staff of the family medical offices. 83% considered the work carried out as very useful and 75% valued it as mostly different. 100% of the population was studied by screening every week. Conclusions: Active screening is an effective diagnostic action that can be used for contributing to cultural training and strengthening ideological-political work with students. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

Predictive factors of six-week mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2: A multicenter prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality at six weeks, especially by analyzing the role of antivirals and munomodulators. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive multicenter cohort study. SETTING: 26 Intensive care units (ICU) from Andalusian region in Spain. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included from March 8 to May 30. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: Variables analyzed were demographic, severity scores and clinical condition. Support therapy, drug and mortality were analyzed. An univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression with propensity score analysis was applied. RESULTS: 495 patients were enrolled, but 73 of them were excluded for incomplete data. Thus, 422 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age was 63 years and 305 (72.3%) were men. ICU mortality: 144/422 34%; 14 days mortality: 81/422 (19.2%); 28 days mortality: 121/422 (28.7%); 6-week mortality 152/422 36.5%. By multivariable Cox proportional analysis, factors independently associated with 42-day mortality were age, APACHE II score, SOFA score at ICU admission >6, Lactate dehydrogenase at ICU admission >470U/L, Use of vasopressors, extrarenal depuration, %lymphocytes 72h post-ICU admission <6.5%, and thrombocytopenia whereas the use of lopinavir/ritonavir was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Age, APACHE II, SOFA>value of 6 points, along with vasopressor requirements or renal replacement therapy have been identified as predictor factors of mortality at six weeks. Administration of corticosteroids showed no benefits in mortality, as did treatment with tocilizumab. Lopinavir/ritonavir administration is identified as a protective factor.

Predictive factors of six-week mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2: A multicenter prospective study Factores predictivos de la mortalidad a las seis semanas en pacientes críticos con SARS-CoV-2: estudio multicéntrico prospectivo

Objective The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality at six weeks, especially by analyzing the role of antivirals and munomodulators. Design Prospective descriptive multicenter cohort study. Setting 26 Intensive care units (ICU) from Andalusian region in Spain. Patients or participants Consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included from March 8 to May 30. Interventions None. Variables Variables analyzed were demographic, severity scores and clinical condition. Support therapy, drug and mortality were analyzed. An univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression with propensity score analysis was applied. Results 495 patients were enrolled, but 73 of them were excluded for incomplete data. Thus, 422 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age was 63 years and 305 (72.3%) were men. ICU mortality: 144/422 34%;14 days mortality: 81/422 (19.2%);28 days mortality: 121/422 (28.7%);6-week mortality 152/422 36.5%. By multivariable Cox proportional analysis, factors independently associated with 42-day mortality were age, APACHE II score, SOFA score at ICU admission >6, Lactate dehydrogenase at ICU admission >470 U/L, Use of vasopressors, extrarenal depuration, %lymphocytes 72 h post-ICU admission <6.5%, and thrombocytopenia whereas the use of lopinavir/ritonavir was a protective factor. Conclusion Age, APACHE II, SOFA > value of 6 points, along with vasopressor requirements or renal replacement therapy have been identified as predictor factors of mortality at six weeks. Administration of corticosteroids showed no benefits in mortality, as did treatment with tocilizumab. Lopinavir/ritonavir administration is identified as a protective factor.

Comparative Evaluation of Phenotypic Synergy Tests vs. Resist-4 O.K.N.V® and NG Test Carba 5® Lateral Flow Immunoassays for the Detection and Differentiation of Carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background. The spread of carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has had a great impact on morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 pandemic has favoured the selection of these microorganisms because of the excessive and prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the outbreaks related to patient transfer between hospitals and inadequate use of personal protective equipment. Therefore, detection is considered essential for their control. Our aim was to compare conventional phenotypic synergy tests and two lateral flow immunoassays for detecting carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. Methods. We analysed 100 carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolates, 80 Enterobacterales and 20 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (86 isolates producing KPC, NDM, OXA-48, IMP and VIM carbapenemases and 14 non-carbapenemase-producing isolates). We performed a modified Hodge test, boronic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) synergy tests, and two lateral flow immunoassays: RESIST-4 O.K.N.V (Coris BioconceptR) and NG Test Carba 5R (NG BiotechR). Results. In total, 76 KPC, 7 VIM, 1 NDM, 1 OXA-48 and 1 isolate coproducing KPC + NDM enzymes were included. The concordance of different methods estimated by Kappa index was 0.432 (Standard error: 0.117), thus showing a high variability with the synergy tests with boronic acid and EDTA and reporting 16 false negatives that were detected by the two immunochromatographic methods. Co-production was only detected using immunoassays. Conclusion. Conventional phenotypic synergy tests with boronic acid and EDTA used for detecting carbapenemases are suboptimal and their routine use should be reconsidered. They depend on the degree of enzyme expression and the distance between disks. Lateral flow immunoassay tests are a rapid and cost-effective tool to detect and differentiate carbapenemases, improving clinical outcomes through targeted therapy and promoting infection prevention measures.

Evolution and management of the pediatric multi-systemic inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS CoV-2 infection in a pediatric ICU in Lima, Peru

Background: Pediatric Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome (SIMP) associated with SARS CoV2 seriously affects children. Objective: To describe the symptoms, treatment and evolution of SIMP in patients of a reference Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Findings: 18 children were identified with a mean age of 8.76 years, 50% male, all with a positive serological test. The most frequent manifestations were: fever (100%), respiratory distress (94%), abdominal pain (89%), elevated C-reactive protein (average 21.8), thrombocytopenia (50%), pathological chest X-ray (89%) and depressed myocardial contractility (61%). 72% required invasive mechanical ventilation (average 3 days) and catecholamines;89% used corticosteroids plus immunoglobulins. The average stay in the PICU was 5.5 days. One patient died of intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions: SIMP in PICU is characterized by fever, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, elevated inflammatory markers, and myocardial depression. Requiring corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and ventilatory support;presenting intermediate stay and low mortality. © 2021 Medical Body of the Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo National Hospital. All rights reserved.

Uninformative and unuseful: why it is necessary to actively challenge COVID-19 antibody testing postvaccination.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the evidence on the usefulness of postvaccination testing of COVID-19 antibodies. STUDY DESIGN: We used a descriptive analytical approach. METHODS: We synthesized insights of studies on the immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 after natural infection or vaccination and recommendations by regulatory institutions, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. RESULTS: Based on the multiple humoral and cellular responses elicited by either the virus or the vaccines, the high variability of antibodies in blood, and the lack of correlation between the presence of antibodies and active cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2, there has been explicit advice against assessing immunological status postvaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Postvaccination antibody testing is not warranted to assess immunity status for COVID-19. Patients may misinterpret results, leading to the spread of misinformation regarding vaccine efficacy or the need to continue self-protection or the protection of others. Therefore, public health authorities should actively challenge the promotion and commercialization of this type of tests.

Evaluation of hygiene and food handling attitudes and practices during social isolation due to covid-19 in peruvian households: A cross-sectional study

The pandemic has affected almost all areas of people's lives and the way food is prepared is no exception. Food safety has been hit the hardest in the COVID-19 era. The aim of this paper was to investigate the attitudes and hygienic practices and food handling during social isolation by COVID-19 in Peruvian homes. A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 538 participants over 18 years of age from all regions of Peru, administering an online survey of 15 questions. The sample was selected by nonprobability sampling for convenience. The data were analysed using the statistical software IBM SPSS version 24 and the Chi-square test was used. A significance level of 5% was considered. Women represented the highest percentage of the sample (73.0%). 87.7% of the participants considered correct handling of food at home important during social isolation. Whereas 49.7% of the sample reported that they began to emphasize good handling practices when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Hand washing practices were more frequent in participants with a higher level of education (p<0.001). In general, the participants demonstrated a positive attitude and were aware of the role of hygienic practices when handling food.

[Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis]. / Vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: The recent availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has raised concerns in certain patient groups, such as those with multiple sclerosis. However, there are currently few publications that provide information on this issue. We pooled the information available on the safety and efficacy of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis, with and without disease-modifying therapy. DEVELOPMENT: The study consisted in a literature search focused on the types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the current status of their approval, and the data available on the safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis, including the new COVID-19 vaccines. Based on this search, the document has been designed taking into account current evidence and expert recommendations. There are no data on the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, evidence does exist to suggest that messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are as safe in these patients as in other individuals. Some therapies with immunosuppressants might reduce the effectiveness of these vaccines and require the scheduling of their administration, preferably before the start of treatment if possible. CONCLUSION: The data available make it possible to recommend mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis. In patients on fingolimod, cladribine, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab and rituximab, vaccination prior to the initiation of medication administration would be recommendable whenever possible.

TITLE: Vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.Introducción. La reciente disponibilidad de vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2 ha suscitado dudas en determinados colectivos de pacientes, como los que padecen esclerosis múltiple. Sin embargo, en la actualidad hay pocas publicaciones que ofrezcan información en este sentido. Se recopila la información disponible sobre la seguridad y la eficacia de la vacunación contra el SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple, con y sin tratamiento modificador de la enfermedad. Desarrollo. Búsqueda bibliográfica enfocada en los tipos de vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2, la situación actual de su aprobación, y los datos disponibles sobre la eficacia y la seguridad de las vacunas en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple, incluidas las nuevas vacunas frente a la COVID-19. A partir de esta búsqueda, se ha diseñado el documento recogiendo la evidencia actual y las recomendaciones de expertos. No existen datos sobre la seguridad y la eficacia de las vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Sin embargo, los datos disponibles permiten prever que las vacunas de tipo ARN mensajero (ARNm) frente al SARS-CoV-2 son tan seguras en ellos como en el resto de los individuos. Algunos de los tratamientos inmunosupresores podrían reducir la efectividad de las vacunas y requerir la planificación del momento de su administración, preferentemente antes del inicio del tratamiento en caso de ser posible. Conclusión. Los datos disponibles permiten recomendar las vacunas de tipo ARNm frente al SARS-CoV-2 en los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. En los pacientes con fingolimod, cladribina, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab y rituximab, sería recomendable la vacunación previa al inicio de la medicación cuando sea posible.

[Myocarditis and in situ thrombosis in the right ventricle in a COVID-19 patient]. / Miocarditis y trombosis in situ en ventrículo derecho en paciente COVID-19.

Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the respiratory system, its impact on other systems is becoming increasingly evident. Cardiovascular involvement is highly significant in the form of acute myocardial damage (AMD) and thromboembolic complications due to the hypercoagulable state produced by this infection. This clinical case presents the coexistence of several cardiovascular complications in a young patient, with no previous disease and recent COVID-19 infection. It also highlights the need for screening for cardiovascular complications by imaging techniques due to the increase in their incidence.