Elevation of blood glucose level predicts worse outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Introduction With intense deficiency of medical resources during COVID-19 pandemic, risk stratification is of strategic importance. Blood glucose level is an important risk factor for the prognosis of infection and critically ill patients. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of blood glucose level in patients with COVID-19.Research design and methods We collected clinical and survival information of 2041 consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from two medical centers in Wuhan. Patients without available blood glucose level were excluded. We performed multivariable Cox regression to calculate HRs of blood glucose-associated indexes for the risk of progression to critical cases/mortality among non-critical cases, as well as in-hospital mortality in critical cases. Sensitivity analysis were conducted in patient without diabetes.Results Elevation of admission blood glucose level was an independent risk factor for progression to critical cases/death among non-critical cases (HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.63, p=0.026). Elevation of initial blood glucose level of critical diagnosis was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in critical cases (HR=1.84, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.98, p=0.013). Higher median glucose level during hospital stay or after critical diagnosis (≥6.1 mmol/L) was independently associated with increased risks of progression to critical cases/death among non-critical cases, as well as in-hospital mortality in critical cases. Above results were consistent in the sensitivity analysis in patients without diabetes.Conclusions Elevation of blood glucose level predicted worse outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Our findings may provide a simple and practical way to risk stratify COVID-19 inpatients for hierarchical management, particularly where medical resources are in severe shortage during the pandemic.
Daya Yang, Han Xiao, Jianfeng Wu, Jianqiang Huang, Guochao Zhu, Qiongya Wang, Qingquan Lv, Xiang Si, Hui Yi, Cuiping Wang, Yihao Liu, Xiangdong Guan, Sui Peng, Joseph Sung
Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
State and prospects of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pandemic, online learning, higher education, e-learning, distance learning technologies, education crisis
Problem and goal. In Russian society, the simultaneous and mass transition to distance learning of educational organizations in March 2020 in connection with a new coronavirus infection caused a sharp discussion about the effectiveness and consequences of this format of training, as well as about the prospects for its use after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the current conditions, the education system is faced with the task of training specialists in the face of the uncertainty of the future and the accelerated digitalization of the economy. The purpose of the research is to analyze the main factors influencing the development and spread of distance learning in the coming years, as well as the possible short and long-term consequences of switching to distance learning in higher education institutions. Methodology. The analysis of the scientific literature and practical activities, as well as experienced teaching, was used in the study. Results. The content and form of education will significantly transform in the long term. Today the necessary digital competencies cannot be acquired within the framework of the traditional educational process (lectures, seminars, exams in oral form), without the systematic use of information technologies in the educational process. Information technologies will be in high demand by graduates and will allow them to be prepared for the practical use of IT in the workplace. In addition, it can significantly improve the effectiveness of training because it allows to implement an individual learning trajectory, personalize training, remove restrictions on the time and place of training, and increase the visibility and interactivity of the educational process. Conclusion. Online education, e-learning using distance learning technologies in the long term will meet the demand of students and society for training in an uncertain future. Thanks to information technologies, conditions are created for active cognitive and educational activities of students, individualization of training is provided, turning the student into an active and equal participant in the educational process, including by refusing to provide ready-made differentiated knowledge, which leads to the formation of the reproductive nature of thinking in students.
RUDN Journal of Informatization in Education
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
• ALIANZA BOLIVARIANA PARA LOS PUEBLOS DE NUESTRA AMERICA- TRATADO DE COMERCIO DE LOS PUEBLOS -ALBA-TCP- XVII Cumbre de Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno del ALBA-TCP. Declaración de La Habana, 14 de diciembre de 2019 • COMUNIDAD ANDINA DE NACIONES –CAN- Declaración de los Ministros de Relaciones Exteriores y de Comercio Exterior de la Comunidad Andina respecto a la propagación del Coronavirus (COVID-19) Presidencia Pro-Tempore de Bolivia. 8 de abril de 2020. • COMUNIDAD DEL CARIBE -CARICOM- Declaración Conjunta de la Organización de Estados Africanos, del Caribe y del Pacifico, la Comunidad del Caribe y la Secretaria del Foro de las Islas del Pacifico sobre la Pandemia COVID-19. 18 de mayo de 2020. • MERCADO COMUN DEL SUR -MERCOSUR- Comunicado conjunto de los Presidentes de los Estados Partes del MERCOSUR y Estados Asociados, en ocasión de la LV Cumbre de Presidentes. República del Brasil, Ciudad de Bento Goncalves, 5 de Diciembre de 2019. • MERCADO COMUN DEL SUR -MERCOSUR- Declaración de los Presidentes de los Estados Partes del MERCOSUR y Estados Asociados sobre Desarrollo Sostenible, en ocasión de la LV Cumbre de Presidentes. República del Brasil, Ciudad de Bento Goncalves, 5 de Diciembre de 2019. • SISTEMA DE INTEGRACION CENTROAMERICANO -SICA- Declaración de los Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá y República Dominicana ante la Pandemia del COVID-19. Presidencia Pro-Tempore de Honduras. 12 de marzo de 2020.
Aportes para la Integración Latinoamericana
Social Sciences, International relations
Envisioning the Future of European Food Systems: Approaches and Research Priorities After COVID-19
food security, SARS-CoV2 pandemic, sustainable food systems, city/region food system, food initiatives
The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the fragility of food sovereignty in cities and confirmed the close connection urban dwellers have with food. Although the pandemic was not responsible for a systemic failure, it suggested how citizens would accept and indeed support a transition toward more localized food production systems. As this attitudinal shift is aligned with the sustainability literature, this work aims to explore the tools and actions needed for a policy framework transformation that recognizes the multiple benefits of food systems, while considering local needs and circumstances. This perspective paper reviews the trends in production and consumption, and systematizes several impacts emerged across European food systems in response to the first wave of pandemic emergency, with the final aim of identifying challenges and future strategies for research and innovation toward the creation of resilient and sustainable city/region food systems. The proposal does not support a return to traditional small-scale economies that might not cope with the growing global population. It instead stands to reconstruct and upscale such connections using a “think globally act locally” mind-set, engaging local communities, and making existing and future citizen-led food system initiatives more sustainable. The work outlines a set of recommended actions for policy-makers: support innovative and localized food production, training and use of information and communication technology for food production and distribution; promote cross-pollination among city/region food systems; empower schools as agents of change in food provision and education about food systems; and support the development of assessment methodologies and the application of policy tools to ensure that the different sustainability dimensions of the food chain are considered.
Matteo Vittuari, Giovanni Bazzocchi, Sonia Blasioli, Francesco Cirone, Albino Maggio, Francesco Orsini, Jerneja Penca, Mara Petruzzelli, Kathrin Specht, Samir Amghar, Aleksandar-Mihail Atanasov, Teresa Bastia, Inti Bertocchi, Antoine Coudard, Andrea Crepaldi, Adam Curtis, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Anca Elena Gheorghica, Agnès Lelièvre, Pere Muñoz, Erwin Nolde, Josè Pascual-Fernández, Giuseppina Pennisi, Bernd Pölling, Lèlia Reynaud-Desmet, Isabella Righini, Youssef Rouphael, Vèronique Saint-Ges, Antonella Samoggia, Shima Shaystej, Macu da Silva, Susana Toboso Chavero, Pietro Tonini, Gorazd Trušnovec, Benjamin L. Vidmar, Gara Villalba, Fabio De Menna
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Food processing and manufacture
COMUNIDAD DEL CARIBE -CARICOM- Declaración final de la VII Cumbre Cuba-CARICOM, celebrada en conmemoración del 48 º aniversario de las relaciones diplomáticas entre los cuatro Estados independientes de CARICOM y Cuba y el 18º aniversario del Día CARICOM-Cuba, Cuba 8 de diciembre 2020 MERCADO COMUN DEL SUR -MERCOSUR- Comunicado conjunto de los presidentes de los estados partes del MERCOSUR, en ocacion de la LVI Cumbre de Presidente, Asunción, 2 de julio de 2020. Comunicado conjunto de presidentes de los estados partes del MERCOSUR y Estados Asociados en ocasión de la LVI Cumbre de Presidentes del MERCOSUR, Asunción el 2 de julio de 2020. Declaración de los presidentes del mercosur sobre coordinacion regional para la contencion y mitigacion del coronavirus y su impacto el marco de una reunión virtual convocada por la Presidencia Pro Témpore paraguaya del MERCOSUR, Asunción 18 de marzo de 2020 EL FORO PARA EL PROGRESO DE AMÉRICA DEL SUR​​ -PROSUR- Declaración presidencial de PROSUR, en le marco de la videoconferencia presidida por Chile, en su carácter de Presidencia Pro Témpore PROSUR, jueves 27 de agosto de 2020
At “half mask” or “nose commando:” A note demonstrating nasal breaths can spread microorganisms when improperly wearing a mask during COVID-19
covid-19, facemask, PPE, bioaerosols, Hygiene behavior, Nasal Breath, microsnot
Many individuals are wearing face masks improperly at ‘half mask’ and potentially breathing out microbes that can contaminate the air as well as anything below the nose. This note provides the first report that bacteria and fungi breathed out during nasal air exhalation are able to be cultured after landing on blood agar plates. The CFU’s are higher after both 10 breaths and extremely significant for 20 breaths compared to the control plates exposed to the air. Implications of this finding are that going ‘nose commando’ may be able to continue the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Minute bioaerosols carrying bacteria may be designated as microsnot.
Formação de professores no período pandêmico
Pandemia da COVID-19, formação de professores, tecnologias da informação e comunicação, Desigualdade regional, Norte do Tocantins
No primeiro semestre de 2020, assistimos à suspensão do calendário de graduação da Universidade Federal do Tocantins devido à pandemia (COVID-19). Nesse contexto, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os desafios, as possibilidades e as dificuldades do curso de licenciatura em Geografia (campus Araguaína) em propor ações formativas e de acolhimento para seus(suas) discentes. Para isso, coletamos informações sobre a situação dos(as) estudantes nos primeiros meses do distanciamento social (com auxílio do formulário do Google) e os relatos destes(as) sobre o I Seminário Online do curso de Geografia da UFT/Araguaína realizado nos dias 8 e 9 de junho de 2020. Os resultados sinalizam as limitações de ordem tecnológica e de um contexto social inédito, culminando mais em impossibilidades do que em possibilidades de ações. O principal desafio encontrado foi o fato de que a maioria dos(as) estudantes não dispõem dos recursos necessários para o acompanhamento de atividades on-line.
Vanessa Lessio Diniz, Roberto Antero da Silva
Docencia universitaria durante la pandemia COVID-19
pandemia COVID-19, Chile, docência universitária
El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar un relato libre sobre una experiencia personal de docencia universitaria durante la pandemia COVID-19 en el contexto del sistema universitario de Chile. Desde el punto de vista metodológico, el trabajo se construyó en base a la articulación de un relato basado en la memoria y experiencia personal del autor, lo que permitió articular una argumentación estructurada en diversas reflexiones abiertas sobre el ser docente universitario en el contexto de emergencia sanitaria. Los resultados de esta reflexión se articularon a través de las categorías de análisis de tiempo, tecnología y relación pedagógica. A modo de conclusión se comparten algunas reflexiones basadas en interrogantes y reflexiones que emergieron a partir de lo narrado y que se presentan como una oportunidad de articulación de nuevas reflexiones posibles.
A fragilidade do sistema de saúde brasileiro e a vulnerabilidade social diante da COVID-19
infecções por coronavírus, pandemias, Vulnerabilidade social
Objetivo: Demonstrar os possíveis impactos da pandemia da COVID-19, a vulnerabilidade social no cenário nacional e as possíveis medidas de contenção diante da nova pandemia. Métodos: Estudo bibliométrico exploratório no qual foram coletados dados dos últimos 10 anos nas seguintes plataformas de dados: Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), Informações em Saúde (TabNet) e Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Além disso, realizou-se uma busca em fontes secundárias (PubMed, Ministério da Saúde, Organização Mundial da Saúde, Periódicos CAPES e SciELO). Os descritores utilizados foram “ética baseada em princípios”, “vulnerabilidade social”, “bioética”, “coronavírus”, “pandemia”. As análises e interpretações ocorreram entre fevereiro e março de 2020. Resultados: No Brasil, no período analisado, 25.262 casos de COVID-19 foram divulgados e 1.532 pessoas foram a óbito. Dados do IBGE de 2019 apontam cerca de 119,3 milhões de brasileiros vivendo em situação de miséria, com renda menor que um salário mínimo por mês. Além disso, segundo o Censo 2010, somente 3,8% da população brasileira tem acesso à água potável, o que pode dificultar medidas de prevenção. Conclusão: Há, diante do cenário da pandemia, a necessidade de uma maior atenção às pessoas que se encontram em vulnerabilidade social no Brasil.
Marcello Henrique Araújo da Silva, Isabella Mendes Procópio
Public aspects of medicine, Medicine (General)
The association between ABO blood group and SARS-CoV-2 infection: A meta-analysis
At present, existing evidence about the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and ABO blood group polymorphism is preliminary and controversial. In this meta-analysis we investigate this association and determine SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals’ odds of having a specific blood group compared to controls. We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE and LitCovid databases for studies published through July 15, 2020. Seven studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, including a total of 13 subgroups of populations (7503 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases and 2962160 controls). We analysed the odds of having each blood group among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients compared with controls. Random-effects models were used to obtain the overall pooled odds ratio (OR). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed in order to explore the source of heterogeneity and results consistency. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals are more likely to have blood group A (pooled OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09–1.40) and less likely to have blood group O (pooled OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.67–0.88). Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms at the basis of this association, which may affect the kinetics of the pandemic according to the blood group distribution within the population.
Davide Golinelli, Erik Boetto, Elisa Maietti, Maria Pia Fantini, Vijayaprakash Suppiah