Shall We All Unmute? A Conversation Analysis of Participation in Online Reflection Sessions for General Practitioners in Training
online education, participation, conversation analysis, Collaborative reflection
The COVID-19 pandemic has induced many changes to education in many contexts. In this study, we describe how general practitioners in training (residents) accomplish participation in collaborative reflection sessions conducted on Zoom. In this online setting, taking part in interactions is understood to be crucial to the creation of educational value. To study forms of participation used on Zoom, we recorded three group reflection sessions and examined them with Conversation Analysis. We focused on how participation is shaped by and is contingent upon the affordances of the online environment. Our analyses show that participants explicitly orient to the interactional accomplishment of participation in frameworks that change in the various phases of case discussion. Participants establish new procedures to deal with both familiar and sometimes new problems of participation introduced by the online environment. We describe these procedures in detail to contribute to the understanding of the accomplishment of participation through situated practices such as embodied talk-in-interaction. The findings can serve training purposes in online education across both medical and non-medical curricula.
Marije van Braak, Mike Huiskes, Sven Schaepkens, Mario Veen
Hydroxychloroquine-induced hyperpigmentation in a 14-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus
covid-19, chloroquine, melanin, Rheumatologic disorders, dermatologic disorders
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced hyperpigmentation is uncommon but is increasingly recognized. To our knowledge, HCQ-induced hyperpigmentation has not been reported in the pediatric age group. Herein, we present the case of a 14-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed hyperpigmentation on her shins and dorsum of the left foot, approximately 3 years after initiating treatment with HCQ. Physicians who treat children with HCQ for reasons such as rheumatologic disorders, dermatologic disorders and, more recently, coronavirus disease-19 should be aware of this less-known side effect of HCQ.
Alexander KC Leung, Tara McMillan, Andrea Human, Joseph M Lam
Children’s Anxiety and Factors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study Using the Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire and the Numerical Rating Scale
Anxiety, Children, covid-19, Pandemic, Social isolation
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s lives deserve attention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety among Brazilian children and its associated factors during social distancing during COVID-19. We used a cross-sectional design with an online survey from April to May 2020 in Brazil. We included children aged 6–12 years and their guardians. The Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ; scores 4–12) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; scores 0–10) were used to measure anxiety. We enrolled 157 girls and 132 boys, with a mean age of 8.84 (±2.05) years; 88.9% of respondents were mothers. Based on CAQ ≥ 9, the prevalence of anxiety was 19.4% (n = 56), and higher among children with parents with essential jobs and those who were social distancing without parents. In logistic regression, the following variables were associated with higher CAQ scores: social distancing without parents; more persons living together in home; and education level of guardians. Based on NRS > 7, the prevalence of anxiety was 21.8% (n = 63); however, no associations with NRS scores were found with the investigated variables. These findings suggest the necessity of implementing public health actions targeting these parents and their children at the population level.
Marla Andréia Garcia de Avila, Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho, Francine Letícia da Silva Jacob, Léia Regina Souza Alcantara, Malin Berghammer, Margaretha Jenholt Nolbris, Patricia Olaya-Contreras, Stefan Nilsson
Hemoperfusion as a Supportive Treatment in a COVID-19 Patient with Late Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Case Report
covid-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism, hemoperfusion
Hazhir Moradi,1 Saeed Abbasi2– 4 1Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; 2Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan, Iran; 3Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan, Iran; 4Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranCorrespondence: Saeed AbbasiAnesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranTel +989131135730Email s_abbasi@med.mui.ac.irAbstract: In late 2019, the world encountered an unexpected new virus, resulting in a highly challenging new pandemic. The case presented here involves a 73-year-old man experiencing fever and respiratory distress, who was ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19. During the course of his hospitalization, the patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), followed by being intubated due to his breathing difficulties. Because of variations in the patient’s clinical features, we decided to perform hemoperfusion to remove cytokines. Afterward, his clinical status improved significantly, and he was discharged in stable condition. However, 26 days later, fever and respiratory distress manifested again. After evaluation, pulmonary thromboembolism was confirmed through computed tomography (ie, CT scan).Keywords: COVID-19, hemoperfusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism
coronavirus, vaccine, covid-19, Pandemic, health care, corruption, Fraud, Adverse selection, moral hazard, Whistleblowers, pharmaceuticals, lotteries, government contracting, beneficial ownership, procurement (government)
The coronavirus pandemic has created incentives for corruption, fraud, and self-dealing that can be explained by the underlying political-economic incentives at work. Three characteristics of the COVID-19 crisis are especially important. First, the rapidly unfolding pandemic and the accompanying economic recession have led to fierce competition for essential resources. Second, governments have rapidly mobilized public funds (for both healthcare and economic stabilization) at an unprecedented scale, creating opportunities for rent-seeking of many kinds, including outright corruption. Third, politicians, bureaucrats and medical professionals exercise substantial discretion in the allocation of resources. A lack of transparency and weak oversight and enforcement have exacerbated the problems of corruption and fraud, and public measures against these offenses have not kept pace with the developing crisis. The paper discusses how these features interact in procurement processes, in government assistance to individuals and businesses, and in the development and licensing of pharmaceuticals. Those who benefit from corruption, be they contractors or individuals, will emerge from the pandemic better off than before it started if governments do not act. Tolerance of malfeasance will be at the expense of long-term government legitimacy and spread the virus to the most vulnerable. The need for a speedy response to the pandemic should not be an excuse for undermining institutions that strengthen governmental integrity.
Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence
Yemen’s Cholera Epidemic Is a One Health Issue
One health, Public health, environment, Yemen, Cholera
Yemen has been faced with the worst cholera epidemic of modern times, with more than 1 million suspected cases and 3000 deaths at the time of writing. This problem is largely due to the longstanding civil war between pro-government forces and the Houthi armed movement, which has severely damaged already vulnerable sanitation and healthcare facilities and systems in the country. It is further compounded by a dire lack of basic amenities, chronic malnutrition, and unfavourable weather conditions. Another contributory component may be aerial transfer by cholera-infected chironomid insects. To contain the spread of cholera in Yemen, a nation-wide armistice should be negotiated, and national and local committees must be convened to coordinate efforts on the ground. Community isolation facilities with proper sanitation, reliable disposal systems, and a clean water supply should be set up to isolate and treat sick patients. The continuity of vaccination programmes should be ensured. Public health campaigns to educate local communities about good hygiene practices and nutrition are also necessary. The One Health paradigm emphasizes a multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary understanding and approach to prevent and mitigate the threat of communicable diseases. This paradigm is highly applicable to the ongoing cholera crisis in Yemen, as it demands a holistic and whole-of-society approach at the local, regional, and national levels. The key stakeholders and warring parties in Yemen must work towards a lasting ceasefire during these trying times, especially given the extra burden from the mounting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak worldwide.
Qin Xiang Ng, Michelle Lee Zhi Qing De Deyn, Wayren Loke, Wee Song Yeo
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
Emotional Wellbeing in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey
Anxiety, Saudi Arabia, covid-19, Depression, emotional well-being
Abbas Al Mutair,1– 3 Mohammed Alhajji,4 Abbas Shamsan5 1Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; 2College of Nursing, Princess Norah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, Australia; 4College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 5Research Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Abbas Al MutairResearch Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, P.O. Box 301578, Dahran St - Alfaisal, Al-Ahsa, Riyadh, 11643, Saudi ArabiaTel +966 11 525 9999 Ext 2975Email Abbas4080@hotmail.comPurpose: This study aims to evaluate the overall emotional wellbeing and emotional predictors of the Saudi population during COVID-19.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed; the data were collected by using the Arabic version of the Mental Health Inventory.Results: A total of 5041 participants were successfully recruited over 1 week. The participants scored moderately on Anxiety, Depression, Loss of Behavioral/Emotional Control, General Positive Affect, Emotional Ties, and Life Satisfaction. The results indicated that age, gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, and having chronic health conditions are major predictors of emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.Conclusion: A rehabilitation program should be initiated to restore the community function and the wellbeing of individuals who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Keywords: emotional wellbeing, anxiety, depression, COVID-19, Saudi Arabia
Acciones educativas para atender la diversidad estudiantil en Estomatología en el contexto de la COVID-19
coronavirus infections, covid-19, education, Dentists, medical
Fundamento: proponer tareas, acciones educativas, para atender la diversidad estudiantil, puede contribuir a la reorganización y calidad del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje en la carrera Estomatología ante el desafío que constituye la COVID-19.Objetivo: diseñar un sistema de acciones educativas para atender la diversidad estudiantil en la carrera Estomatología en el contexto de la pandemia por la COVID-19, en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Las Tunas.Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo, principalmente cualitativa, en la institución antes declarada, desde el 18 de marzo al 1 de junio de 2020. La investigación transcurre en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la carrera en el escenario de la COVID-19, definiendo como campo la diversidad estudiantil. La investigación se ejecutó en tres etapas, dedicadas a: revisar el currículo, documentos y elaborar las acciones.Resultados: se diseñó un sistema de acciones educativas para atender la diversidad estudiantil en Estomatología, ante la COVID-19. El sistema quedó estructurado por un objetivo general, 21 acciones específicas para docentes, que parten del diagnóstico bio-psicosocial y pedagógico integral realizado a cada estudiante y al grupo, y 11 acciones para estudiantes. Todas fundamentadas en diez características generales.Conclusiones: las acciones educativas propuestas pueden favorecer la calidad del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje en la carrera Estomatología ante el contexto actual de la COVID-19.
Taimí Santos-Velázquez, Sara Elena Panizo-Bruzón
Educational networks: a key driving force for school development in a time of crisis and change
covid-19, Public Policy, Teaching and learning, Educational networks
This paper examines the rise of networking in education, paying particular attention to the recent recognition of their importance during the unprecedented challenges that have emerged for schools during the COVID-19 period. The paper begins with an overview of the development of network theory, exploring how the concept has been adopted across a series of disciplines as a mode of organisational and personal development. It is evidentiated that networks are goal driven, rely on good communication, are challenging and seek to provide a way for school communities to uncover and transmit the knowledge that helps them ensure effective teaching and learning. The paper subsequently examines how networking has been adapted for educational settings and has become increasingly seen as a potential answer to many of the challenges facing rapidly changing social and educational contexts. Most notably, networking has a significant impact in the field of organisational leadership. The understanding of leadership as a mode that sees power and authority distributed among school communities as a whole has at its heart an awareness of the necessity to network, communicate and dialogue within schools and, perhaps as importantly, between schools. The paper concludes with a brief introduction to the emerging discourse surrounding the potential of networks to re-imaging educational provision in a Covid-19 context.
O’Hara Joe, Shevlin Patrick, Brown Martin, McNamara Gerry
Phylogenetic analysis of the human receptor of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and its implications for the biology of infection
SARS virus, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, Phylogeny, pandemics, computational biology, Disease reservoirs
Background: angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells and produce infection in humans.Objective: to compare the sequence of the receptor with those of other animal species, in order to extract useful information to better understand and fight the current pandemics.Methods: from a sequence of human ACE2, obtained from UniProtKB, multiple alignments were done with homolog proteins from bats, non-human primates and other vertebrates. CLUSTAL O tool was used, and phylogenetic trees were obtained from UniProt and Ensembl.Results: full phylogenetic conservation of ACE2 residues was found in relation to the recognition of its natural ligands and substrates, in all the species studied. Only among non-human primates there was absolute similarity in the aminoacids that interact with S glycoprotein from SARS-CoV-2: Q24, D30, H34, Y41, Q42, M82, N90, K353 and R357.Conclusions: several primates could serve as hosts for the new coronavirus. New elements are given for the comprehension of the emergence of the new coronavirus as a human pathogen.