The Dissemination and Implementation of Recess Guidelines, Policies, and Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: There are limited school physical activity policy dissemination and implementation studies. This is a concern given the adverse mental, physical, and socio-emotional effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and adolescents. This study explored New Jersey school administrators' experiences in disseminating recess guidelines, procedures, and policies as well as implementation strategies in their schools during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 29 elementary school administrators participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed inductively using a conventional approach to qualitative content analysis. Results: In analyzing the data, five themes were identified: (a) adjustments for recess, (b) communications about recess, (c) successes and challenges of recess, (d) health and well-being among children, and (e) recommendations for recess postpandemic. Discussion/Conclusion: When planning, organizing, and implementing a recess in a postpandemic era, school leaders may want to consider establishing cohorts, developing a handbook, creating a rotation schedule (i.e., blacktop, field, playground), developing a recess committee, utilizing the physical education teacher for staff development, assigning recess equipment and bags, offering a variety of activities, and teaching children how to play.

CHALLENGES IN THE PARTICULAR USE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE LEGAL

Vaccines against COVID-19 represent hope and the Peruvian State implemented the national vaccination plan. The objective of the present investigation was to analyze the main legal norms related to the current pandemic and determine the possibility of arguing its particular use. The qualitative approach and the documentary review technique were used. The results were obtained that the particular use is possible from the recognition of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the regulation of the sanitary registration of medicines. The conclusions were that there is non-compliance by the authorities by failing to observe the individual exercise of the right to health, which makes it impossible for the citizen to acquire the afore-mentioned vaccine. © 2023, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.

National Parks in Twitter: A German-speaking perspective

Mining data from social media platforms has become increasingly popular to explore aspects of human behaviour, including attitudes towards the natural environment or visiting protected areas. Most studies and analytical algorithms refer to digital content published in English. However, it is also useful to conduct research in other languages to complement existing international studies. Our main aim was to explore Twitter content on national parks, published between 2006 and July 2021, in German. The study also presents a differentiated analysis for tweets published in 2019 and 2020 on national parks and associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The tweets came from German-speaking countries, but also other countries worldwide. The most frequently mentioned national parks were located mainly in mountain areas, yet terms, hashtags, emojis and topics directly relating to mountains were rare in comparison to other subjects. Tweets most frequently included words such as forest (Wald), holiday (Urlaub) and nature (Natur);messages related not only to the natural heritage and environmental protection but also to natural disasters. The Covid-19 pandemic and national parks were also a subject of discussion on Twitter, often accompanied by photographs or videos. As 85% of all the tweets studied were never retweeted, 92% never received a reply, and 74% were never assigned likes, we conclude that there is potential to improve (social media) communications by users interested in protected areas in mountainous regions.

Effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin in critically ill patients with COVID-19. An observational prospective, multicenter study Eficacia de la tromboprofilaxis con heparina de bajo peso molecular en pacientes críticos con COVID-19: estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico

Introduction COVID-19 induces coagulopathy associated with an increase of thromboembolic events. Due to the lack of agreement on recommendations for thromboprophylactic management, the aim of this study was to study the dosages of LMWH used in critically ill COVID-19 patients assessing the effect on their outcome. Metohds We evaluated data of the Reg-COVID19. According to LMWH dose two groups were analyzed: prophylaxis and treatment. Primary outcome was the relationship of LMWH dosage with mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic and bleeding events, length of ICU stay, invasive mechanical ventilation, and thrombotic and inflammatory parameters. Results Data of 720 patients were analyzed, 258 in the prophylaxis group and 462 in the treatment group. C Reactive Protein, invasive mechanical ventilation, tocilizumab and corticosteroid treatments were related with the choice of LMWH dose. Hemorrhagic events (66/720, 9.2%) and thrombotic complications (69/720, 9.6%) were similar in both groups (p = 0.819 and p = 0.265), as was the time course of the thrombotic events, earlier than hemorrhagic ones (9 [3–18] and 12 [6–19] days respectively). Mortality was lower in prophylaxis group (25.2% versus 35.1%), but once an inverse probability weighting model was applied, we found no effect of LMWH dose. Conclusion We found no benefit or harm with the administration of therapeutic or prophylactic LMWH dose in COVID19 critically ill patients. With a similar rate of hemorrhagic or thrombotic events, the LMWH dose had no influence on mortality. More studies are needed to determine the optimal thromboprophylaxis protocol for critically ill patients.

Effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin in critically ill patients with COVID-19. An observational prospective, multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 induces coagulopathy associated with an increase of thromboembolic events. Due to the lack of agreement on recommendations for thromboprophylactic management, the aim of this study was to study the dosages of LMWH used in critically ill COVID-19 patients assessing the effect on their outcome. METHODS: We evaluated data of the Reg-COVID19. According to LMWH dose two groups were analyzed: prophylaxis and treatment. Primary outcome was the relationship of LMWH dosage with mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic and bleeding events, length of ICU stay, invasive mechanical ventilation, and thrombotic and inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Data of 720 patients were analyzed, 258 in the prophylaxis group and 462 in the treatment group. C Reactive Protein, invasive mechanical ventilation, tocilizumab and corticosteroid treatments were related with the choice of LMWH dose. Hemorrhagic events (66/720, 9.2%) and thrombotic complications (69/720, 9.6%) were similar in both groups (p = .819 and p = .265), as was the time course of the thrombotic events, earlier than hemorrhagic ones (9 [3-18] and 12 [6-19] days respectively). Mortality was lower in prophylaxis group (25.2% versus 35.1%), but once an inverse probability weighting model was applied, we found no effect of LMWH dose. CONCLUSION: We found no benefit or harm with the administration of therapeutic or prophylactic LMWH dose in COVID19 critically ill patients. With a similar rate of hemorrhagic or thrombotic events, the LMWH dose had no influence on mortality. More studies are needed to determine the optimal thromboprophylaxis protocol for critically ill patients.

National Parks in Twitter: A German-speaking perspective

Mining data from social media platforms has become increasingly popular to explore aspects of human behaviour, including attitudes towards the natural environment or visiting protected areas. Most studies and analytical algorithms refer to digital content published in English. However, it is also useful to conduct research in other languages to complement existing international studies. Our main aim was to explore Twitter content on national parks, published between 2006 and July 2021, in German. The study also presents a differentiated analysis for tweets published in 2019 and 2020 on national parks and associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The tweets came from German-speaking countries, but also other countries worldwide. The most frequently mentioned national parks were located mainly in mountain areas, yet terms, hashtags, emojis and topics directly relating to mountains were rare in comparison to other subjects. Tweets most frequently included words such as forest (Wald), holiday (Urlaub) and nature (Natur);messages related not only to the natural heritage and environmental protection but also to natural disasters. The Covid-19 pandemic and national parks were also a subject of discussion on Twitter, often accompanied by photographs or videos. As 85% of all the tweets studied were never retweeted, 92% never received a reply, and 74% were never assigned likes, we conclude that there is potential to improve (social media) communications by users interested in protected areas in mountainous regions. © 2023, Eco.mont. All Rights Reserved.

SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION DID NOT TRIGGER HLH RELAPSE IN A PATIENT WITH CTLA-4 INSUFFICIENCY WHO PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED WITH LEISHMANIA AND EBV INFECTION-INDUCED HLH

Purpose: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) checkpoint pathway may related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH);the association between COVID-19 and HLH is still debated. Our aim is to describe a CTLA-4 deficient patient presenting with leishmania and EBV triggered-HLH, and the clinical and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 generated during her follow-up Methods: NK-cytotoxic function assessed by 51Cr-K562 lytic assay;lymphocyte subsets, perforin expression, NK-cell degranulation and coexpression of CD25 and CD134 on memory T-cells by flow cytometry Whole exome sequencing with Sanger confirmation Results: A 16-year-old female was first admitted in March 2020 with severe thrombopenia and readmitted 3 months later to study polyadenopathy. In October 2020, she suffered a mild COVID-19 mild (ageusia, anosmia) showing positive IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike (694.0 UA/mL) 6 months after the infection. In March 2021 -during her third hospital admission- she fullfilled HLH criteria along with leishmaniasis infection and EBV reactivation. Later on we have found granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). Normal serum immunoglobulins, weakly positive ASMA and anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies were detected. Circulating lymphocytes and HLHoriented studies were all normal. A new, 'de novo' heterozygous missense mutation c.425G>A (p.Gly142Asp) in CTLA-4 was identified affecting a conserved domain of the protein and probably pathogenic according to our in silico results (PolyPhen). Following both the second (June 2021) and third SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine immunization specific IgG>40.000 UA/mL and positive anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike memory CD4+ T-cell responses were detected Conclusion(s): We report a young patient with a new heterozygous germline mutation in CTLA-4 associating HLH induced by common triggers (leishmania, EBV) but no by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This case does not support a relevant role of SARS-Cov-2 as potential etiological trigger of HLH. Our patient has been able to generate robust specific responses against SARS-CoV-2, while other reported insufficient CTLA-4 patients show suboptimal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 probably due to their stronger immunosuppressor therapies.

Status of the ESO's ELT construction

Within a difficult and uncertain environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the global geopolitical and economic situation, the ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is progressing on all fronts of design, product and process qualification, manufacturing, subsystem assembly and the two M1 segment coating plants have just been commissioned in the dedicated ELT Technical Facility building at Paranal. The scientific Instruments are now undergoing their final design reviews while series production for the various components constituting the 39 m diameter segmented primary mirror (M1) is well underway. On Cerro Armazones the raft foundations for the dome and for telescope structure are being poured and the piers start to rise above ground. On the programmatic level, all deferred subsystems (so-called phase 2 items) are now funded, and the budget has been moderately increased to account also for infrastructure upgrade needed to fully and optimally integrate the ELT into the Paranal (VLT) Observatory operation scheme. After a year of complete closure of the construction site and other delays in several contracts due to the pandemic and technical difficulties, the programme schedule has been adjusted and Scientific First Light is planned by the end of 2027. This paper summarises the current status of the ESO's ELT Construction.

[Etiology of bacterial pneumonias in patients with COVID-19]

BACKGROUND: Aggregate bacterial pneumonia plays a fundamental role in mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association of aggregated bacterial pneumonia with mortality in patients at Hospital Especialidades "La Raza". MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study, 252 COVID-19 patients, chest x-ray and culture of bronchial secretion or expectoration. Data taken from the SIOC electronic file and the IZASAlab platform. RESULTS: 252 participants, positive culture, 89 patients, 35.3%, isolation of K. pneumoniae (22.5%), A. baumannii (20.2%), P. aeruginosa (13.5%) and S. aureus (11.2%), antimicrobial resistance 37.1%. 43.7% died, lung damage greater than 50% RMa 2.25 (95% CI 1.01-5.11) p=0.04 against minor lung damage;microorganism in culture RMa 9.04 (95% CI 3.06-26.74) p=0.000;antimicrobial resistance RMa 7.57 (95% CI 1.34-42.79) p=0.02;S. aureus RMa 1.24 (95% CI 0.36-4.23) p=0.73;A. baumannii RMa 3.74 (95% CI 1.41-9.91) p=0.008;K. pneumoniae RMa 4.12 (95% CI 1.55-10.97) p=0.005;and P. aeruginosa RMa 6.89 (95% CI 1.62-17.61) p=0.01. Uncontrolled Diabetes RMa 1.61 (IC95% 1.1-2.9) p=0.018. CONCLUSIONS: The development of added bacterial pneumonia increases the probability of death 2 times more, it amounts to 6 times more if there is antimicrobial resistance, it is observed to a greater extent for A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa.

Impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the student’s academic performance at the School of Engineering-Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá Campus

This paper analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the student’s academic performance in the School of Engineering at Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Bogota Campus. The impact is assessed from a quantitative approach based on (i) student’s grades, (ii) student’s progress in their curriculum and (iii) dropped courses. In addition, results from a faculty survey (qualitative approach) are presented to expand some explanatory perspectives on the main academic changes during the pandemic. Results show a significant increase in the average numerical grade as well as in the probability of a course being dropped during the pandemic conditions. Furthermore, the student’s average curriculum progress per semester grew approximately 18%. A differentiated academic impact, depending on sex and family income was observed which may be included in future post-pandemic programs. The survey reflects a new faculty’s perspective on evaluation tools and methodologies. © The author;licensee Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Characterization of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) fruits from plants irrigated with different regimens and calcium doses

Cape gooseberry fruits have positioned in the world market due to their excellent nutritional characteristics, because they are an ideal food that contributes to raising the defenses of the human body and helps it to face diseases such as COVID-19, they are also a natural source of antioxidants and anticancer agents. In order to avoid the physiopathy of cracking in cape gooseberry fruits, these were characterized at harvest time, coming from greenhouse plants irrigated with different applications of water levels and irrigation frequencies, as well as different calcium doses, in a design of randomized complete blocks with 12 treatments. The blocks were the irrigation frequencies (4, 9 and 14 days), while the treatments were the combination of four irrigation coefficients (0.7, 0.9, 1.1 and 1.3 of the evaporation of the tank class A) and three doses of calcium (0, 50 and 100 kg ha-1). The plants were sown in 20 L pots with peat moss substrate. Fruits were harvested at the color stage 5 and 6 of the calyx, from 19 weeks after transplanting. The different water levels and irrigation frequencies did not significantly affect the firmness of the cape gooseberry fruits, but there was a strong tendency that cracked gooseberry fruits are less firm than healthy fruits. As the irrigation coefficient increased, the total soluble solids (TSS) increased while the total titratable acids (TTA) decreased. Irrigation frequency of 14 days generated fruits with higher TSS and pH values. The calcium doses did not affect the calcium concentration in the fruits or the TSS, TTA and pH values. Therefore, it can be concluded that incremented irrigation coefficients (up to 1.3) increase the quality of cape gooseberry fruits.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in women with breast cancer affected by COVID 19

Background: there are few reported series n women with breast cancer (BC) and COVID-19, a better prognosis has been observed, with a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality than other neoplasms. Methods: We conducted a restrospective, non-experimental, observational, single center, study with a sample of 69 patients with BC who had presented COVID-19, in the period between March 2020 to August 2021. Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with BC were compared between severe and non-severe covid 19 groups, as well as hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. An analysis of possible risk factors associated with severe disease and hospitalization was performed. Results: 69 cases were reported, median age 52y, mean BMI 25.2, ECOG 0-1: 97%. Smoking history in 24%, diabetes and hypertension were the most frequent comorbidities. The most frequent histology was ductal carcinoma in 80.6%, 73.8% showed ER + and 69.3% PR +, HER2 was overexpressed in 9.2%. The early stages predominated, I 22 (31.3%), II 25 (37.3%), III in 12 (17.9%) and IV in 6 (9%). The most frequents symptoms of COVID-19 were fatigue 70.1%, fever 65.7%, cough 59.7%, headache 56.7%, hyposmia 47.8%, dysgeusia 38.8%. A total of 53 (76.8%) mild cases, 14 (20.3) severe cases and 2 (2.9%) critical cases were registered. The 89.9% (62 patients) were treated as an outpatient basis, while 7 (10.1%) required hospitalization. Active treatment (< 45 days) at the time of COVID-19 was hormonal therapy 36 (50.7%), chemotherapy 11 (16.4%), anti-HER2 in 3 (4.5%), immunotherapy in 1.5%, targeted treatment in 4 (6.0%), surgery in 7 (10.4%) and radiotherapy in 1 (1.5%) patient. When comparing the severe and non-severe groups, as well as hospitalized versus nonhospitalized, we observed no difference between the clinicopathological characteristics. Then, we serch for possible risk factors, in wich, surgery in a period of less than 3 months increases the risk of severity OR 1,297 (95% CI 1,112-1,514), the risk of hospitalization increased in the triple negative subgroup OR 1,143 (95% CI, 1,035- 1,262), surgery less than 3 months OR 1,116 (1,014-1,229) and chemotherapy less than 45 days OR 1,217 (95% CI, 1,024-1,447). Conclusions: In patients with BC, the prevalence of severe or critical COVID-19 was 23% and the hospitalizacion rate 10%. No patient died from this infection. The clinical and pathological characteristics of BC do not appear to increase the risk of severe COVID-19 or the rate of hospitalization. Surgery performed in a period of less than 3 months is marginally associated with an increased risk of severe disease. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy do not modify the risk of severe disease;however, higher Ki 67, triple negative subgroup, surgery and chemotherapy showed a slight increase in risk of hospitalization.

SCHOOL AND FAMILY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES STUDENTS AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY OF HIDALGO DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

From a sociocultural and holistic view, it is analyzed how school and family factors influence the teaching-learning processes of Mexican university students during confinement due to pandemics. From a qualitative approach, a case study and focus groups were used. The results show that, in the school context, teachers have little preparation and show difficulties in managing electronic resources. Moreover, it was found that teacher's evaluation criteria do not take into account the social conditions related to the pandemics. Regarding the family factors, the economic conditions and the family and contextual environment of the students, such as the provision of a suitable place and environment, electronic resources and the quality of the internet, could be decisive during their education. Students in their reflections and discussions offer alternative solutions to problems that arise at school and at home as solution.

Weather, mobility and the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic

Purpose The authors investigate the effect of weather and mobility on the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The authors first estimate the effective reproduction number (Rt) as a proxy of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and then study the relationship between the latter and weather and mobility in a panel data framework. The authors use US daily infections data between February and September of 2020 at the county level. Findings The authors find that lower temperatures are associated with a higher Rt, and this effect is greater at temperatures below 0 degrees C. In addition, mobility reductions related to certain types of locations (retail and recreation, transit stations and workplaces) are effective at reducing Rt, but it is an increase in the time spent in parks that most helps reduce the spread of the pandemic. Originality/value The estimates imply that a 20 degrees C fall in temperature from summer to winter would increase Rt by +0.35, which can be the difference between a well-controlled evolution and explosive behavior of the spread of the virus. Applying these coefficients estimated with US county data to aggregate series from other countries helps explain the resurgence of the pandemic in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter of 2020. The results show that mobility reduction and social distance are best policies to cope with the Covid-19 outbreak. This strong policy lesson will help facing similar outbreaks in the future.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Due to Severe Lumbar Spinal Degeneration: A 12-Month, Open-Label, Prospective Controlled Trial

Background: Regenerative medicine interventions are applied to assist in the repair, and to potentially replace or restore damaged tissue through the use of autologous/allogenic biologics and it continues to expand. The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), and investigation into their therapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with severe chronic low back pain, have not been demonstrated in controlled studies. Multiple pain generators have been hypothesized to be responsible in severe spinal degeneration and it is difficult to identify a single pain generator;consequently, resulting in inadequate therapeutic results. Objectives: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow MSCs in the treatment of chronic low back pain due to severe lumbar spinal degeneration with involvement of multiple structures. Study Design: Prospective, open-label, nonrandomized, parallel-controlled, 2-arm exploratory study. Setting: A private, specialized, interventional pain management and regenerative medicine clinic. Methods: The treatment group patients received a one-time bone marrow concentrate injection into spinal structures (i.e., discs, facets, spinal nerves, and sacroiliac joints), along with conventional treatment, whereas, the control group received conventional treatment with nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs, over-the-counter drugs, structured exercise programs, physical therapy, spinal injections and opioids, etc., as indicated. Outcomes Assessment: Outcomes were assessed utilizing multiple instruments, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11), EuroQOL 5-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), Global Mental Health (GMH), and Global Physical Health (GPH). Multiple outcomes were assessed with primary outcomes being minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in ODI scores between the groups and/or a 2-point reduction in pain scores. In the study group, total nucleated cells, colony forming units-fibroblast, CD34-positive cell numbers and platelets were also recorded, along with post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging changes. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Significant improvement was achieved in functional status measured by ODI, pain relief measured by NRS-11, and other parameters measured by EQ-5D-3L, GMH, and GPH, in the study group relative to the control group at all time periods. The results showed significant improvements at 12-month follow-up with 67% of the patients in the study group achieving MCID utilizing ODI when compared to 8% in the control group. Greater than 2-point pain reduction was seen in 74% of the patients at 3 months, 66% of the patients at 6 months, and 56% of the patients at 12 months. Both MCID and pain relief of 2 points were significantly different compared to the control group. Opioid use decreased in the investigational group, whereas, there was a slight increase in the control group. Age, gender, opioid use, and body mass index did not affect the outcomes in the stem cell group. Limitations: Single center, nonrandomized study. Conclusions: The first available controlled study utilizing BM-MSCs in severe degenerative spinal disease with interventions into multiple structures simultaneously, including disc, facet joints, nerve roots, and sacroiliac joint based on symptomatology, showed promising results.

Dental Students' Self-Perception: Health and Academics During COVID-19 Quarantine

The aim of this study was to analyze the self-perceived general health, oral care, stress, academic environment, and harmful habits of Mexican dental students during the COVID-19 quarantine period. This descriptive observational study consisted of a self-perception survey that was sent to dental students undergoing virtual classes. Five sections were analyzed: General Health, Oral Health, Stress, Academic Environment and Habits. For each question, students were asked to rate their perception prior to, and during the contingency, which allowed a comparison to be made between both times for each inquiry. The answers were collected into Microsoft Excel and the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.20. A statistically significant difference was observed between the academic years for the variables: "physical exercise" prior to quarantine, "emotional problems" and "work-load" during quarantine, and "academic efficiency" for both times. A trend towards unfavorable perception in relation to general health, academic environment, and harmful habits was observed among dental students during social isolation derived from the pandemic. It is notable that 1st-year students presented a greater impact on all the variables of interest.

Work in Progress: Flipped classroom as a pedagogical model in virtual education in networking courses with the Moodle Learning Management System against COVID 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the whole world in different areas. Education has also been greatly affected at all educational levels. Peru declared a state of emergency in the first quarter of 2020. Universities in Peru have implemented an adaptation plan for the educational service. Everything seems to indicate that after the pandemic, things will not be the same again and that the virtuality of education is here to stay. Therefore, it is necessary to identify good practices that help to enhance the advantages of remote teaching. For this reason, we decided to apply the flipped classroom pedagogical model with the Moodle Learning Management System platform as an alternative for the virtual teaching of the communication networks course. In this article the preliminary results of the research are presented.