The effect of the exit of an insurer, due to government liquidation, on access to health care: evidence from Colombia.

Our study evaluates the liquidation effect of a health insurer from a subsidized scheme, with the largest number of members in Colombia, on restrictions to future access to user care. Based on the information regarding complaints and judicial claims about healthcare, the effect of this government decision is estimated using a dynamic econometric model of differences in differences. Our results suggest that the liquidation of the Health-Promoting Entity (EPS, its acronym in Spanish) CAPRECOM has a negative effect, specifically, it led to an increase of 0.32 and 0.21 in complaints rates per 1,000 members in the receiving EPSs during the first and second quarters after the intervention, respectively. However, this effect does not persist over time and becomes diluted in the following quarters. There is no evidence of a relationship between the magnitude of the effect and the EPSs performance ranking. Additionally, we do not find significant effects on judicial claims. Our results are important concerning the design and implementation of public policies for EPSs liquidation. We demonstrate the necessity of implementing actions to incorporate guidelines and strategic plans during the transition period. Such actions would enable safeguarding the right to health for the affected population in a liquidation insurer case.

Development and validity evidence on the scale of perceived social support for university students (EPSSEU) during the period of social restrictions.

AIM: This study aims to validate a Perceived Social Support Scale for University Students (EPSSEU) during periods of social restrictions, by focusing on family and university support. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate students from a public higher education institution. The college students who participated in the study-1353 at baseline and 378 after 6 months-answered a virtual questionnaire containing questions on: sociodemographic and lifestyle data, items proposed for the EPSSEU, Satisfaction with Social Support Scale (ESSS), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis, as well as discriminant, convergent, and known-group validations were performed. RESULTS: The results showed two factors support from: i) the university and ii) friends and family- which explained 61.82% of the variance in the data. The EPSSEU showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.796) as well as validity, with higher scores among individuals without depression, anxiety, or stress. CONCLUSION: The EPSSEU shows adequate psychometric qualities and may be a useful instrument for assessing university students' social support in pandemics, social distancing, and remote teaching contexts.

Legal abortion requests and outcomes for women when the law is restrictive - experience from a referral centre in south-eastern Brazil.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with review of medical records of women assisted between 2015 and 2020. The variables were socio-demographic and SV characteristics, gestational age, reactions towards pregnancy and outcome. We compared outcome groups using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: We evaluated the medical records of 235 women, of which 153(65%) had undergone to abortion; 17(7.2%) had a spontaneous abortion; 19(8%) remained pregnant; 25(10.6%) had an abortion denied; and 21(8.9%) had been lost to follow-up. Out of the total number of women, 44(18.7%) were adolescents, 152(65.2%) were white and 201(88.5%) had an education ≥9 years. Women who remained pregnant had a known aggressor, disclosed the pregnancy (p < 0.001) and were more ambivalent (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Gestational age was higher in the denied abortion group than in the performed abortion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Feelings related to decision-making about abortion affected all groups, with differences. It is important to give women space to be heard, so they can make their own decisions.

Abortion care is possible in places with restrictive laws; however, women with more vulnerable characteristics did not seek the service. Legal restrictions interfere with women's decision-making about abortion and can promote inequality in gaining access to health services.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health.

Background: Current knowledge regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is constantly evolving, and the long-term functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions have not yet been well established. Objective: to evaluate the impact of post-COVID condition on the human functioning through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with 53 individuals with post-COVID condition at 3 time points: 0 to 3 (baseline), 3 to 6, and 6-12 months (follow-up). Outcomes were organized in dichotomous variable: No impairment (0); presence of impairment (≥1) in body function, structure, activities, and participation domains according to the ICF checklist. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 3 time points, and association with persistent symptoms. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the periods, with greater disabilities at 6-12 than at 0-3 months in mental, sensory, pain, and movement-related functions; cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems. In terms of activity and participation, a greater limitation at 6-12 months was observed than at 0-3 months in learning and applying knowledge, general tasks, and mobility. In the domain of interpersonal interactions and relationships, there was a statistically significant difference between the 6-12 and 3-6 months groups. Associations between COVID-19 symptoms and ICF components at the first follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with weight maintenance, fatigue and irritability with pain, brain fog with watching and listening, walking difficulty with pain, and headache with pain, watching, and listening. At the second follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with energy and drive functions, attention, memory, and emotional functions; dizziness with watching and listening; fatigue with emotional function, pain, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and driving; irritability with energy and drive, emotional function, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; walking difficulty with energy and driving, emotional function, respiration, muscle power, cardiovascular system, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; and headache with emotional function, watching, and listening. Conclusions: Individuals with COVID-19 persistent symptoms showed impairments in structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions during the 1-year follow-up period.

Food taboos and animal conservation: a systematic review on how cultural expressions influence interaction with wildlife species.

BACKGROUND: Human societies have food taboos as social rules that restrict access to a particular animal. Taboos are pointed out as tools for the conservation of animals, considering that the presence of this social rule prevents the consumption of animals. This work consists of a systematic review that aimed to verify how food taboos vary between different animal species, and how this relationship has influenced their conservation. METHODS: For this systematic review, the search for articles by keywords took place in the databases "Science Direct," Scopus," "SciELo" and "Web of Science," associating the term "taboo" with the taxa "amphibians," "birds," "mammals," "fish" and "reptiles." From this search, 3959 titles were found related to the key terms of the research. After the entire screening process carried out by paired reviewers, only 25 articles were included in the search. RESULTS: It was identified that 100 species of animals are related to some type of taboo, and segmental taboos and specific taboos were predominant, with 93 and 31 citations, respectively. In addition, the taxon with the most taboos recorded was fish, followed by mammals. Our findings indicate that the taboo protects 99% of the animal species mentioned, being a crucial tool for the conservation of these species. CONCLUSIONS: The present study covered the status of current knowledge about food taboos associated with wildlife in the world. It is noticeable that taboos have a considerable effect on animal conservation, as the social restrictions imposed by taboos effectively contribute to the local conservation of species.

Contesting views on mobility restrictions in urban green spaces amid COVID-19-Insights from Twitter in Latin America and Spain.

Positive sentiments towards urban green spaces (UGS) unequivocally increased worldwide amid COVID-19. In contrast, this paper documents that views on mobility restrictions applicable to UGS are of a contested nature. That is, while residents unambiguously report positive sentiments towards UGS, they do not share views on how to administer access to UGS-which is a matter of public policy. These contesting views reflect opposite demands that managers of UGS had to balance during the pandemic as they faced the challenge of reducing risk of spread while providing services that support physical and mental health of residents. The empirical analysis in this paper relies on views inferred through a text classification algorithm implemented on Twitter messages posted from January to October 2020, by urban residents in three Latin American countries-Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico-and Spain. The focus on Latin America is motivated by the documented lack of compliance with mobility restrictions; Spain works as a comparison point to learn differences with respect to other regions. Understanding and following in real-time the evolution of contesting views amid a pandemic is useful for managers and city planners to inform adaptation measures-e.g. communication strategies can be tailored to residents with specific views.

Restrição da venda de produtos de tabaco apenas em tabacarias: uma medida necessária para o fortalecimento da Política Nacional de Controle do Tabaco / Restricting the sale of tobacco products only in tobacconists: a necessary measure to strengthen the National Tobacco Control Policy

Resumo Objetivo Investigar e analisar a legislação atual, experiências e cenários existentes sobre a restrição da venda de produtos derivados de tabaco apenas em tabacarias, a fim de elaborar recomendações para o poder público, visando fortalecer a Política Nacional de Controle do Tabaco. Método Revisão de escopo conduzida de acordo com a metodologia Joanna Briggs Institute, com base na estrutura do PRISMA Checklist and Explanation. As bases de dados utilizadas foram Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Epistemonikos, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Sistem (MEDLINE) via Pubmed, Biblioteca eletrônica SCIELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) e Johns Hopkins. Dados coletados em março de 2021, considerando os estudos publicados no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2020. Foram incluídos artigos e pesquisas acadêmicas desenvolvidas no cenário brasileiro e publicadas entre janeiro de 1994 e dezembro de 2020. Resultados Os bairros de baixa renda geralmente têm uma densidade maior de pontos de venda de tabaco e apresentam taxas mais altas de uso do tabaco, levando a iniquidades em saúde. Estudos indicam que as crianças têm maior probabilidade de fumar quando vivem ou vão à escola em bairros com alta densidade de varejistas de tabaco. Conclusão Por meio deste estudo, compreende-se que é preciso instituir a venda de produtos derivados de tabaco exclusivamente em tabacarias no Brasil, mas tais estabelecimentos estariam sujeitos a um novo ordenamento jurídico a ser instituído em âmbito nacional.

Abstract Objective To investigate and analyze current legislation, existing experiences and scenarios regarding the restriction of the sale of tobacco products only in tobacconists, in order to prepare recommendations for the public authorities, aiming to strengthen the National Tobacco Control Policy. Method Scope review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, based on the PRISMA Checklist and Explanation framework. The databases used were the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Epistemonikos, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE) via Pubmed, SCIELO electronic library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) and Johns Hopkins. Data collected in March 2021, considering studies published from January 2005 to December 2020. Articles and academic research developed in the Brazilian scenario and published between January 1994 and December 2020 were included. Results Low-income neighborhoods generally have a higher density of tobacco outlets and have higher rates of tobacco use, leading to health inequities. Studies indicate that children are more likely to smoke when they live or go to school in neighborhoods with a high density of tobacco retailers. Conclusion This study shows that it is necessary to set up the sale of tobacco products exclusively in tobacconists in Brazil, but such establishments would be subject to a new legal order to be instituted at the national level.

Low fertilization optimizes the water use efficiency of an Amazonian canga grass for mineland rehabilitation / Baixa fertilização otimiza a eficiência do uso da água de uma gramínea nativa da canga amazônica para reabilitação de minas

The peculiar characteristics of mining waste substrates represent a significant challenge for environmental rehabilitation. Here, we evaluated the revegetation potential of Paspalum cinerascens on substrates from mining areas of Serra dos Carajás, a region harboring a large mine complex in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Paspalum cinerascens is a native grass widely distributed in the canga ecosystem, a vegetation type covering iron ore reserves. Seeds of P. cinerascens harvested in canga were germinated in sterilized quartzite sand and the seedlings grown in controlled conditions for 90 days. The seedlings were then cultivated in canga topsoil (control, without fertilization) and mining waste substrate with half and complete fertilization currently applied at the beginning of mineland rehabilitation in Serra dos Carajás. Regardless of fertilization, plants grown in the mining waste substrate did not differ in carbon assimilation, tillering rate and root biomass, despite higher leaf nutrient content and lower root: shoot ratio when compared to plants in canga topsoil. Compared to the control, complete fertilization led to significantly taller plants, higher shoot biomass and reduced water use efficiency. Half fertilization led to higher phosphorus and water use efficiency and stomatal density. Our results confirmed that P. cinerascens has adaptive traits to grow and thrive in the harsh environmental conditions of post iron ore mining, and can be used in rehabilitation processes. Moreover, half fertilization led to plants with optimized water loss in exchange for carbon without significant costs to plant growth, an interesting trait for rehabilitation in areas experiencing water restrictions.(AU)

As características peculiares dos substratos de remanescentes da mineração (estéril de mina) representam um desafio para a recuperação ambiental. Neste estudo avaliamos o potencial de uso de Paspalum cinerascens para revegetação de estéril de mina na Serra dos Carajás, Pará (Brasil). Paspalum cinerascens é uma gramínea nativa amplamente distribuída nas cangas, vegetação típica dos campos rupestres que cobrem reservas de minério de ferro. As plantas de P. cinerascens foram cultivadas em topsoil de canga (controle) e em estéril de mina com meio e completo regime de fertilização atualmente empregado para revegetação das áreas mineradas na Serra dos Carajás. Foram utilizadas sementes coletadas nas cangas e as plantas foram cultivadas em condições controladas por 90 dias. Independentemente da fertilização, plantas cultivadas em estéril de mina não apresentaram diferenças significativas na assimilação de carbono, perfilhamento ou biomassa radicular, apesar de valores mais elevados de nutrientes foliares e menor razão raiz: parte aérea quando comparadas às plantas em topsoil de canga. A fertilização completa resultou em plantas mais altas, maior biomassa aérea e menor eficiência no uso da água. Metade da fertilização aumentou a densidade estomática, a eficiência de uso da água e de fósforo. Esses resultados confirmaram que P. cinerascens possui características adaptativas para crescer e prosperar em condições ambientais adversas remanescentes da mineração, sendo indicada para uso em processos de recuperação de áreas degradadas na Serra dos Carajás. Além disso, o uso de metade do regime de fertilização otimiza o uso da água pelas plantas sem perdas significativas de crescimento, uma característica desejável para recuperação de áreas com restrições hídricas.(AU)

Psychosocial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Panama.

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions on mental health is being studied. Objective: To analyze the psychosocial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in adults residing in Panama. Methods: A community sample of 480 adult residents of Panama completed a survey that included sociodemographic questions, COVID-19 related questions (e.g., health concerns regarding the virus, knowledge and behaviors in biosafety) and scales of stress, anxiety, depression, prosocial behavior, resilience, perceived social support, and insomnia. Results: Most of the participants (>60%) reported being negatively affected by the pandemic. Women experienced greater depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms than men, and age was negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Self-perceived health status and self-perceived social support were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Self-perceived social isolation was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Psychiatric illness and insomnia were positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, whereas psychological resilience was negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Discussion: These results corroborate other studies regarding COVID-19 and mental health. This study highlights the need for specific prevention and intervention mechanisms related to the COVID-19 pandemic in different population groups. This is the first report of the psychological impact of COVID-19 in the general Panamanian population and one of the only studies in the Latin American region and, therefore, contributes to research in the Latino population and lower-middle income countries.

Restricting Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities.

In Brazil, the normative landscape around advertising is complex, not the least because of limitations inherent to dispute resolution mechanisms. Focusing on unhealthy food and beverages, this case study identifies some challenges and opportunities around advertising restrictions, including in relation to freedom of speech.

Heterogeneous impacts of mobility restrictions on air quality in the State of Sao Paulo during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air quality in the State of Sao Paulo was evaluated during the first general State plan of mobility restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic (24th March to May 31, 2020). Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations were assessed in cities of the Sao Paulo State with a monitoring station and compared to historical data. Linear regression models were built to investigate the relationship between the isolation of the population - determined using mobile phone monitoring data - and the concentration of each pollutant during the studied period. Although the reduction of pollutants such as NO2, SO2 and PM2.5 is very clear, the economic and climatic characteristics of each region were decisive in the general behaviour of O3 and PM10. It was not possible to establish a correlation between the pollutants and the isolation index, partly due to the lack of data, partly due to the compliance of the population to those measurements, which was variable over time. Another important limitation factor was the absence of data related to the pollutants of interest in many of the stations. However, the isolation measures carried out in the State opened the opportunity to individually assess the air quality measurements in each of the stations, enabling an understanding that will allow in the future the design of air quality policies together with local sanitary policies.

Wastewater-based epidemiological investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) may be successfully used to comprehensively monitor and determine the scale and dynamics of some infections in the community. We monitored severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in raw wastewater samples from Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. The samples were collected and analyzed every week between May 2020 to May 2021. Meanwhile, different social restrictions were applied according to the number of hospitalized patients in the region. Weekly samples were obtained from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), named Navegantes and Serraria. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 RNA titers in wastewater, we performed RT-qPCR analysis targeting the N gene (N1). The highest titer of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed between epidemiological weeks (EWs) 33-37 (August), 42-43 (October), 45-46 (November), 49-51 (December) in 2020, and 1-3 (January), 7-13 (February to March) in 2021, with viral loads ranging from 1 × 106-3 × 106 genomic copies/Liter. An increase in positive confirmed cases followed such high viral loads. Depending on the sampling method used, positive cases increased in 6-7 days and 15 days after the rise of viral RNA titers in wastewater, with composite sampling methods showing a lower time lag and a higher resolution on the analyses. The results showed a direct relation between strict social restrictions and the loads of detected RNA reduction in wastewater, corroborating the number of confirmed cases. Differences in viral loads between different sampling points and methods were observed, as composite samples showed more stable results during the analyzed period. Besides, viral loads obtained from samples collected at Serraria WWTP were consistently higher than the ones obtained at Navegantes WWTP, indicating differences in local dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spread in different regions of Porto Alegre. In conclusion, wastewater sampling to monitor SARS-CoV-2 is a robust tool to evaluate the viral loads contributing to hospitalized patients' data and confirmed cases. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewage may inform and alert the government when there are asymptomatic or non-tested patients.

Operação especial de barreiras sanitárias para enfrentamento do vírus sars-cov-2, Bahia, 2020 / Special operation of sanitary barrier to combat the sars-cov-2 virus, Bahia, 2020 / Operativo especial de barrera sanitaria para combatir el virus sars-cov-2, Bahía, 2020

A pandemia do novo coronavírus se apresenta como um dos maiores desafios sanitários do século 21. O primeiro caso confirmado no Brasil foi registrado no dia 25 de fevereiro de 2020, em São Paulo, e na Bahia, em 6 de março de 2020. Em função da Emergência de Saúde Pública de Importância Internacional (ESPII), a Secretaria da Saúde do Estado da Bahia (Sesab) desenvolveu o Projeto de Operação Especial de Vigilância Sanitária, em articulação com a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), em um período de 90 dias. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever as ações de controle e mitigação da epidemia de Covid-19 no estado da Bahia, mediante a realização de barreiras sanitárias nos principais aeroportos, rodoviárias e nas rodovias intermunicipais de maior fluxo de veículos, com desenvolvimento de atividades de educação e comunicação em saúde para viajantes e trabalhadores. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com uso da técnica da observação participante, cujas atividades foram centradas na avaliação do risco sanitário, visando o controle e a mitigação da epidemia de Covid-19 no estado da Bahia. As barreiras sanitárias nos principais pontos de entrada do estado contribuíram para detecção e notificação de casos suspeitos para Covid-19, bem como para refrear a introdução e disseminação do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em determinados territórios. Considera-se as barreiras sanitárias uma estratégia relevante, visto que podem contribuir na implementação de ações de vigilância relacionadas às pessoas em trânsito (viajantes e trabalhadores), de modo a minimizar e/ou reduzir o avanço da epidemia em sua fase inicial no território baiano.

The pandemic of the new coronavirus is one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century. The first confirmed case in Brazil occurred on February 25, 2020 in the municipality of São Paulo and on March 6, 2020 in the state of Bahia. Due to the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Health Department of the State of Bahia (Sesab) developed the Special Health Surveillance Operation Project, in conjunction with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), for 90 days. This study aims to describe the actions to control and mitigate the Covid-19 epidemic in the state of Bahia, by the implementation of sanitary barriers in the main airports, highways and intercity highways with the highest flow of vehicles, with the development of education and training activities. health communication for travelers and workers. This is a descriptive study, using the technique of participant observation, whose activities were centered on the assessment of health risk, aiming at the control and mitigation of the Covid-19 epidemic in the state of Bahia. Sanitary barriers at the main points of entry of the state contributed to the detection and notification of suspected cases for Covid-19, and to curb the introduction and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in certain territories. Sanitary barriers are considered a relevant strategy, since they can contribute to the implementation of surveillance actions related to people in transit (travelers and workers), to minimize and/or reduce the spread of the epidemic in Bahia, in its phase initial.

La pandemia del nuevo coronavirus se presenta como uno de los mayores desafíos sanitarios del siglo XXI. El primer caso confirmado en Brasil ocurrió el 25 de febrero de 2020 en São Paulo y, en Bahía, el 6 de marzo de 2020. Debido a la Emergencia de Salud Pública de Importancia Internacional (ESPII), la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Bahía (Sesab) desarrolló el Proyecto Operativo Especial de Vigilancia Sanitaria, en conjunto con la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (Anvisa), por un período de 90 días. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir las acciones para controlar y mitigar la epidemia del covid-19 en el estado de Bahía, por medio de la implementación de barreras sanitarias en los principales aeropuertos, carreteras y carreteras interurbanas con mayor flujo de vehículos en el estado, con el desarrollo de actividades formativas y de comunicación sanitaria para viajeros y trabajadores. Este es un estudio descriptivo, utilizando la técnica de observación participante, cuyas actividades se centraron en la evaluación de riesgos para la salud, con el objetivo de controlar y mitigar la epidemia del covid-19 en el estado de Bahía. Las barreras sanitarias en los principales puntos de entrada del estado contribuyeron a la detección y notificación de casos sospechosos del covid-19, así como a frenar la introducción y propagación del virus SARS-CoV-2 en ciertos territorios. Las barreras sanitarias se consideran una estrategia relevante, ya que pueden contribuir a la implementación de acciones de vigilancia relacionadas con las personas en tránsito (viajeros y trabajadores), con el fin de minimizar y/o reducir el avance de la epidemia en ese territorio, en su fase inicial.

Changes in air quality in Mexico City, London and Delhi in response to various stages and levels of lockdowns and easing of restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic.

The impacts of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have provided a valuable global experiment into the extent of improvements in air quality possible with reductions in vehicle movements. Mexico City, London and Delhi all share the problem of air quality failing WHO guideline limits, each with unique situations and influencing factors. We determine, discuss and compare the air quality changes across these cities during the COVID-19, to understand how the findings may support future improvements in their air quality and associated health of citizens. We analysed ground-level PM10, PM2.5, NO2, O3 and CO changes in each city for the period 1st January to August 31, 2020 under different phases of lockdown, with respect to daily average concentrations over the same period for 2017 to 2019. We found major reductions in PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and CO across the three cities for the lockdown phases and increases in O3 in London and Mexico City but not Delhi. The differences were due to the O3 production criteria across the cities, for Delhi production depends on the VOC-limited photochemical regime. Levels of reductions were commensurate with the degree of lockdown. In Mexico City, the greatest reduction in measured concentration was in CO in the initial lockdown phase (40%), in London the greatest decrease was for NO2 in the later part of the lockdown (49%), and in Delhi the greatest decrease was in PM10, and PM2.5 in the initial lockdown phase (61% and 50%, respectively). Reduction in pollutant concentrations agreed with reductions in vehicle movements. In the initial lockdown phase vehicle movements reduced by up to 59% in Mexico City and 63% in London. The cities demonstrated a range of air quality changes in their differing geographical areas and land use types. Local meteorology and pollution events, such as forest fires, also impacted the results.

Compliance with a law to reduce alcoholic beverage sales and service in Zacatecas, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Research on the effects of restricting bar opening hours and alcohol sales in middle-income countries is very limited. We assessed compliance with and possible effects of a law enacted in Zacatecas, Mexico on December 30, 2017 and implemented in 2018 and 2019 that established a 2 AM bar closing time and 10 PM cut-off for alcohol sales by off-premises stores. METHODS: Monthly observations of bars and off-premises stores and alcohol mystery shopping visits from 2018 to early 2020 were conducted to assess compliance with the law. Breath tests were conducted in 2018 and 2019 with samples of pedestrians in the nighttime entertainment districts of Zacatecas and a comparison city (Aguascalientes). Surveys of bar owners/managers and staff, emergency medical personnel (EMP), and police officers were conducted in Zacatecas in 2018 and 2019 to assess awareness and support of the law and possible effects of the law on alcohol-related problems such as violence and injuries. RESULTS: Monthly observations indicated that a substantial percentage of bars and off-premises package stores did not comply with the law. Pedestrian breath tests in 2018 and 2019 indicated significant reductions in blood alcohol concentration and heavy drinking among pedestrians in Zacatecas from 11 PM to 2 AM compared to Aguascalientes, but not after 2 AM. Surveys of bar owners/managers indicated that most were aware and supportive of the law. EMP surveys indicated reductions in incidents of physical fighting and drunk or injured customers during the annual September fair in Zacatecas. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that restricting bar opening hours and alcohol sales may not result in full compliance by bars and off-premises stores, but may help to reduce excessive alcohol use and related harms in a middle-income country. A more rigorous evaluation with pre-intervention data is needed, however, to fully address this latter question.

The Importance of Non-Diffusional Factors in Determining Photosynthesis of Two Contrasting Quinoa Ecotypes (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Subjected to Salinity Conditions.

The broad distribution of quinoa in saline and non-saline environments is reflected in variations in the photosynthesis-associated mechanisms of different ecotypes. The aim of this study was to characterize the photosynthetic response to high salinity (0.4 M NaCl) of two contrasting Chilean genotypes, Amarilla (salt-tolerant, salares ecotype) and Hueque (salt-sensitive, coastal ecotype). Our results show that saline stress induced a significant decrease in the K+/Na+ ratio in roots and an increase in glycine betaine in leaves, particularly in the sensitive genotype (Hueque). Measurement of the photosynthesis-related parameters showed that maximum CO2 assimilation (Amax) in control plants was comparable between genotypes (ca. 9-10 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1). However, salt treatment produced different responses, with Amax values decreasing by 65.1% in the sensitive ecotype and 37.7% in the tolerant one. Although both genotypes maintained mesophyll conductance when stomatal restrictions were removed, the biochemical components of Amarilla were impaired to a lesser extent under salt stress conditions: for example, the maximum rate of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO; Vcmax) was not as affected in Amarilla, revealing that this enzyme has a higher affinity for its substrate in this genotype and, thus, a better carboxylation efficiency. The present results show that the higher salinity tolerance of Amarilla was also due to its ability to control non-diffusional components, indicating its superior photosynthetic capacity compared to Hueque, particularly under salt stress conditions.

Dynamics of epidemics: Impact of easing restrictions and control of infection spread.

During an infectious disease outbreak, mathematical models and computational simulations are essential tools to characterize the epidemic dynamics and aid in design public health policies. Using these tools, we provide an overview of the possible scenarios for the COVID-19 pandemic in the phase of easing restrictions used to reopen the economy and society. To investigate the dynamics of this outbreak, we consider a deterministic compartmental model (SEIR model) with an additional parameter to simulate the restrictions. In general, as a consequence of easing restrictions, we obtain scenarios characterized by high spikes of infections indicating significant acceleration of the spreading disease. Finally, we show how such undesirable scenarios could be avoided by a control strategy of successive partial easing restrictions, namely, we tailor a successive sequence of the additional parameter to prevent spikes in phases of low rate of transmissibility.

Are teachers techno-optimists or techno-pessimists? A pilot comparative among teachers in Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Poland, Turkey, and Uruguay.

The aim of the article is to highlight the key elements related to the implementation of new technologies in education from the perspective of the opinions and experiences of educators in the field in Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Poland, Turkey, and Uruguay. The text compares issues related to attitudes towards the use of new media in education, experiences with different forms of e-learning, and the level of restrictions on the use of smartphones in school. These variables are juxtaposed with the self-assessment of digital competence and how cyberspace is used. The survey was conducted using a standardised survey questionnaire translated into the relevant national languages in the first half of 2019, and involved a sample of 873 teachers representing eight countries. On the basis of the pilot studies it was noted that: 1) Teachers from LAC and EU like to use digital media - this is a constant trend independent of geographical location; 2) Teachers note that new technologies are not always better than analogue didactic aids; 3) Teachers from selected countries (the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Turkey, and Uruguay) have much greater techno-optimism in themselves than teachers from Bolivia, Poland, Finland and Turkey in terms of the impact of ICT on student motivation and engagement; 4) In all countries teachers prefer free online courses (the different forms of e-learning are used most often by those in the Dominican Republic, and the least often in Bolivia and Poland); 5) In each country teachers who highly value their own digital competences and have a positive attitude towards new media use ICT much more actively; 6) There is also a global trend in that the extensive use of cyberspace (typical e-services) appears in combination with the extensive use of various forms of e-learning; 7) Teachers from Ecuador are most likely to want to ban the use of smartphones in schools. The most liberal approach in this respect is taken by the Uruguayans; 8) The knowledge of the conditions related to restricting the use of smartphones goes beyond the analyses related to the style of use and attitude towards new media. This article is the result of pilot studies conducted within the framework of the SMART ECOSYSTEM FOR LEARNING AND INCLUSION project carried out in selected Latin American, Caribbean (LAC) and European (EU) countries.

Good practices for physical restraint in intensive care units: integrative review / Buenas prácticas para restricción física en unidades de cuidados intensivos: revisión integrativa / Boas práticas para restrição física em unidades de terapia intensiva: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the available evidence on indications, complications, care and alternative strategies in the use of physical restraint in adult patients in Intensive Care Units. Methods: an integrative review conducted in the LILACS, Nursing Database, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus and CINAHL databases and the PubMed portal, in the period from June to August 2018. Results: the final selection was of 19 articles, from which the indications, complications, care and alternative strategies were extracted. The studies were conducted between the years 2003 and 2018, with a predominance of the United States; they were mostly classified (58%) in level 6 evidence, being performed by nurses, with multi-professional participation of psychologists, pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. Conclusions: the most common practices regarding physical restriction were described, and the need for the elaboration and implementation of protocols on intervention to support decision making was observed.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir las evidencias disponibles sobre indicaciones, complicaciones, cuidados y estrategias alternativas en el uso de la restricción física en pacientes adultos de Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos: revisión integrativa realizada en las bases LILACS, Base de Datos en Enfermería, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus y CINAHL y en portal PubMed, de junio a agosto de 2018. Resultados: la selección final fue de 19 artículos, de los cuales fueron extraídas las indicaciones, complicaciones, cuidados y estrategias alternativas. Los estudios fueron realizados entre los años de 2003 y 2018, con predominio de Estados Unidos; fueron clasificados en su mayoría (58%) en evidencia nivel 6, siendo realizados por enfermeros, con participación multiprofesional de psicólogos, farmacéuticos, médicos y enfermeros. Conclusiones: describieron las prácticas más comunes cuanto a la restricción física, y se observó la necesidad de elaboración e implementación de protocolos sobre la intervención para embazar la toma de decisión.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever as evidências disponíveis sobre indicações, complicações, cuidados e estratégias alternativas no uso da restrição física em pacientes adultos de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: revisão integrativa realizada nas bases LILACS, Base de Dados em Enfermagem, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus e CINAHL e no portal PubMed, no período de junho a agosto de 2018. Resultados: a seleção final foi de 19 artigos, dos quais foram extraídas as indicações, complicações, cuidados e estratégias alternativas. Os estudos foram realizados entre os anos de 2003 e 2018, com predomínio dos Estados Unidos; foram classificados em sua maioria (58%) em evidência nível 6, sendo realizados por enfermeiros, com participação multiprofissional de psicólogos, farmacêuticos, médicos e enfermeiros. Conclusões: descreveram-se as práticas mais comuns quanto à restrição física, e observou-se a necessidade da elaboração e implementação de protocolos sobre a intervenção para embasar a tomada de decisão.

Good practices for physical restraint in intensive care units: integrative review / Buenas prácticas para restricción física en unidades de cuidados intensivos: revisión integrativa / Boas práticas para restrição física em unidades de terapia intensiva: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the available evidence on indications, complications, care and alternative strategies in the use of physical restraint in adult patients in Intensive Care Units. Methods: an integrative review conducted in the LILACS, Nursing Database, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus and CINAHL databases and the PubMed portal, in the period from June to August 2018. Results: the final selection was of 19 articles, from which the indications, complications, care and alternative strategies were extracted. The studies were conducted between the years 2003 and 2018, with a predominance of the United States; they were mostly classified (58%) in level 6 evidence, being performed by nurses, with multi-professional participation of psychologists, pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. Conclusions: the most common practices regarding physical restriction were described, and the need for the elaboration and implementation of protocols on intervention to support decision making was observed.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir las evidencias disponibles sobre indicaciones, complicaciones, cuidados y estrategias alternativas en el uso de la restricción física en pacientes adultos de Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos: revisión integrativa realizada en las bases LILACS, Base de Datos en Enfermería, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus y CINAHL y en portal PubMed, de junio a agosto de 2018. Resultados: la selección final fue de 19 artículos, de los cuales fueron extraídas las indicaciones, complicaciones, cuidados y estrategias alternativas. Los estudios fueron realizados entre los años de 2003 y 2018, con predominio de Estados Unidos; fueron clasificados en su mayoría (58%) en evidencia nivel 6, siendo realizados por enfermeros, con participación multiprofesional de psicólogos, farmacéuticos, médicos y enfermeros. Conclusiones: describieron las prácticas más comunes cuanto a la restricción física, y se observó la necesidad de elaboración e implementación de protocolos sobre la intervención para embazar la toma de decisión.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever as evidências disponíveis sobre indicações, complicações, cuidados e estratégias alternativas no uso da restrição física em pacientes adultos de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: revisão integrativa realizada nas bases LILACS, Base de Dados em Enfermagem, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Scopus e CINAHL e no portal PubMed, no período de junho a agosto de 2018. Resultados: a seleção final foi de 19 artigos, dos quais foram extraídas as indicações, complicações, cuidados e estratégias alternativas. Os estudos foram realizados entre os anos de 2003 e 2018, com predomínio dos Estados Unidos; foram classificados em sua maioria (58%) em evidência nível 6, sendo realizados por enfermeiros, com participação multiprofissional de psicólogos, farmacêuticos, médicos e enfermeiros. Conclusões: descreveram-se as práticas mais comuns quanto à restrição física, e observou-se a necessidade da elaboração e implementação de protocolos sobre a intervenção para embasar a tomada de decisão.