Kinetics of IL-6, C-reactive Protein and Fibrinogen Levels in COVID-19 Outpatients Who Evolved to Hypoxemia.

Introduction: Despite the efficacy of the COVID-19, the search for improvements in the management of severe/critical cases continues to be important. The aim is to demonstrate the kinetics of 4 serological markers in patients with COVID-19 who evolved in hypoxemia. Methods: From June to December 2020, the Health Secretariat of Rondônia State, Brazil, established a home medical care service team (HMCS) that provided clinical follow-up for health professionals and military personnel with COVID-19. The clinical and laboratory monitoring was individualized at home by a nursing and medical team. In addition to laboratory parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels were periodically taken to monitor the evolution of treatment. Results: Of 218 patients telemonitored, 48 patients needed special care by the HMCS team due to shortness of breath. Chest tomography showed multiple ground-glass shadows and lung parenchymal condensations that was compatible with secondary bacterial infection associated with leukocytosis, for which antibiotics were prescribed. The symptoms were accompanied by increases of CRP and IL-6 levels followed by fibrinogen after a few days, for which an anticoagulant therapy was included. Thirty-three patients evolved to improvements in clinical signs and laboratory results. Between the sixth and eighth day of illness, 15 patients presented signs of hypoxemia with low O2 saturation accompanied with an increase in the respiratory rate, with some of them requiring oxygen therapy. As they did not present signs of clinical severity, but their laboratory markers showed an abrupt IL-6 peak that was higher than the increase in CRP and a new alteration in fibrinogen levels, they received a supplemental dose of anticoagulant and a high dose of corticosteroids, which resulted in clinical improvement. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that monitoring of IL-6 and CRP may identify precocious hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients and prevented the progressive deterioration of the lung injury.

First documented gymnasium cluster of COVID-19 with whole genome sequencing in Australia.

Background: Transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been demonstrated in fitness settings internationally. We report the first documented case of transmission of COVID-19 in a gymnasium in Australia in 2020. Methods: Case finding and case interviews were conducted among attendees in a Western Sydney gymnasium, Australia. Whole genome sequencing using an amplicon-based approach was performed on all SARS CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction positive samples detected through surveillance. Results: We show that five cases of COVID-19 were linked to the gymnasium, with transmission occurring on 7 July 2020, when the index case transmitted the infection to four other gymnasium attendees through the sharing of an enclosed space. Conclusions: There is an ongoing risk of transmission of COVID-19 within gymnasium environments and they are justifiably classified as a 'high-risk' venue. There may be a need to expand ventilation and space requirements to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in such settings in the context of severe COVID-19 variants or to prevent respiratory disease transmission in general.

Pandemic-related health literacy: a systematic review of literature in COVID-19, SARS and MERS pandemics.

Introduction: Health literacy plays an essential role in one's ability to acquire and understand critical medical information in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infodemic and in other pandemics. We aimed to summarise the assessment, levels and determinants of pandemic-related health literacy and its associated clinical outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was performed in Medline®, Embase®, PsycINFO®, CINAHL® and four major preprint servers. Observational and interventional studies that evaluated health literacy related to the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were included. Items used in health literacy instruments were grouped under the themes of knowledge, attitudes and practices. Determinants of health literacy were grouped into five domains: sociodemographic, medical, psychological/psychiatric, health systems-related and others. Results: Of the 2,065 articles screened, 70 articles were included. Of these, 21, 17 and 32 studies evaluated health literacy related to COVID-19, SARS and MERS, respectively. The rates of low pandemic health literacy ranged from 4.3% to 57.9% among medical-related populations and from 4.0% to 82.5% among nonmedical populations. Knowledge about the symptoms and transmission of infection, worry about infection, and practices related to mask usage and hand hygiene were most frequently evaluated. Sociodemographic determinants of health literacy were most frequently studied, among which higher education level, older age and female gender were found to be associated with better health literacy. No studies evaluated the outcomes associated with health literacy. Conclusion: The level of pandemic-related health literacy is suboptimal. Healthcare administrators need to be aware of health literacy determinants when formulating policies in pandemics.

[Post-COVID-19 syndrome]. / Syndrome post-COVID-19.

In the aftermath of acute infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a large number of symptoms persist or appear, constituting a real syndrome called "long COVID-19" or "post-COVID- 19" or "post-acute COVID-19 syndrome". Its incidence is very high, half of patients showing at least one symptom at 4-6 months after Coronarovirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). They can affect many organs. The most common symptom is persistent fatigue, similar to that seen after other viral infections. Radiological pulmonary sequelae are relatively rare and not extensive. On the other hand, functional respiratory symptoms, primarily dyspnoea, are much more frequent. Dysfunctional breathing is a significant cause of dyspnoea. Cognitive disorders and psychological symptoms are also very common, with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms being widely described. On the other hand, cardiac, endocrine, cutaneous, digestive or renal sequelae are rarer. The symptoms generally improve after several months, even if their prevalence at two years remains significant. Most of the symptoms are favored by the severity of the initial illness, and the psychic symptoms by the female sex. The pathophysiology of most symptoms is poorly understood. The influence of the treatments used in the acute phase is also important. Vaccination, on the other hand, seems to reduce their incidence. The sheer number of affected patients makes long-term COVID-19 syndrome a public health challenge.

Dengue grave en fémina con infección previa por SARS-CoV-2 / Serious dengue in a woman with previous infection due to SARS-CoV-2 i: en

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 30 años de edad, con antecedentes de asma bronquial, úlcera gastroduodenal y virus C de la hepatitis, quien fue ingresada en el Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba en 2 ocasiones: primero por presentar infección del virus SARS-CoV-2 y luego, el virus del dengue, con formas graves de la enfermedad en ambos momentos, por lo que se deduce que el daño vascular producido por el SARS-CoV-2 puede ser un factor de riesgo para que se desarrolle un dengue con signos de alarma.

The case report of a 30 years patient with history of bronchial asthma, gastroduodenal ulcer and hepatitis C virus is presented. She was admitted to Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo Clinical-Surgical University Hospital in Santiago de Cuba in 2 occasions: first for presenting SARS-CoV-2 infection and then, dengue virus, with serious forms of the disease in both moments, reason why it is deduced that the vascular damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 can be a risk factor so that dengue with warning signs is developed.

Utilización del equipo de protección personal e infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores del sector salud / Use of Personal Protective Equipment and SARS-Cov-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers

Introducción: Los trabajadores de salud son los primeros en enfrentarse a brotes epidemiológicos, como el causado con el agente infeccioso emergente síndrome agudo respiratorio severo de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). El cumplimiento de las medidas de protección es primordial para evitar el contagio. Para ello se implementó el uso se equipos protección personal (EPP)Método: Difusión de encuesta voluntaria y anónima entre los empleados de centros sanitarios. (Datos obtenidos desde 6 de noviembre 2020 al 6 febrero de 2021). Se recibieron 443 respuestas validas con las que se evaluó la correcta utilización y acceso al EPP, se midió los casos de enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y el efecto de la pandemia en el personal del sector salud. Diseño del estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal Resultados: Mayor percepción de los erro-res cometidos (x2=161,663 con una p=0,000), probabilidad de contagio (x2=81,118 con una p=0,024) y duración síntomas (x2=440,955 con una p=0,001) según la profesión. Existe relación entre la residencia y nacionalidad del trabajador y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 x2=72,630 con una p=0,020 y una x2=61,247 con una p=0,132. Hay relación entre el número de ítems de EPP usado y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (x2=38,373 con una p=0,032). Mayor riesgo de contagio según el departamento: residencias (x2=10,223 con una p=0,006), las unidades de pacientes con problemas respiratorios (x2=6,050 con una p=0,049) y las unida-des de paliativos (x2=7,795 con una p=0,020).Conclusiones: Los sanitarios no han estado debidamente protegidos contra la infección por SARS-CoV-2, sobre todo al principio de la pandemia. (AU)

Background: Frontline healthcare workers are the first to face epidemiological outbreaks, such as the caused by the emerging infectious agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compliance with protective measures is essential to avoid the infection. Therefore, use of personal protection equipment (PPE) was implemented.Method: Dissemination of a voluntary and anon-ymous survey among employees in healthcare centers. (Data obtained from 6th November 2020 to 6th February 2021). 443 valid answers were re-ceived. The correct use and access to PPE was evaluated, cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were measured as well as the effect of the pandemic on healthcare workers.The design of the study is cross-sectional, de-scriptive and prospective.Results: Greater perception of the errors com-mitted (x2=161.663 with a p=0.000), greater probability of contagion (x2= 81.118 with a p=0.024) and longer duration of symptoms (x2= 440.955 with a p= 0.001) according to the pro-fession.Relationship between the residence and nation-ality of the healthcare worker with the infection by SARS-CoV-2 x2=72.630 with a p=0.020 and x2=61.247 with a p=0.132. Relationship between the number of PPE used and SARS-CoV-2 infec-tion (x2= 38.373 with a p= 0.032). Greater risk of contagion according to the workplace: care homes (x2= 10.223 with a p= 0.006), respiratory wards (x2=6.050 with a p= 0.049) and palliative care units (x2= 7.795 with a p=0.020).Conclusions: Healthcare workers have not been adequately protected against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. (AU)

Sentiment Analysis based Emotion Extraction for COVID-19 Using Crawled Tweets and Global Statistics for Mental Health.

The unpredictable and crucial challenges that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic disease have taken a gradual upsurge impacting over 213 countries across the globe. Different countries have taken several measures to get control over it like Lockdown, Curfews, Travel ban, etc. but still the cases were increasing and the situation was getting worse globally during some period of time. The impacts on the financial, social, and physical aspects of several citizens resulted in their psychological and mental health issues. In this work, we have quantitatively analyzed the depression, stress, and suicide cases during the period of COVID-19 globally and especially, in India. The global data including tweets (collected using a Scraper) is used for analysis. The data have been analyzed on Tableau and; sentiment analysis for extracting emotions in tweets has been performed using Python. Tweets are analyzed to extract the emotion of people in terms of Fear, Sadness, Anger, and Happiness. With total collected Tweets of 819678 from Jan 2020 to March 2022, it is found that people are more into Fear and Sadness with 59.3% and 28.9% scores respectively.

Hospitalización a domicilio para pacientes quirúrgicos ante una pandemia por SARS-CoV-2: nuestra experiencia / Hospitalization at home for surgical patients in the face of a SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: our experience

Introducción: La hospitalización a domicilio para pacientes quirúrgicos (HaDQ) es una al-ternativa a la hospitalización convencional para pacientes quirúrgicos estables clínicamente, que precisen procedimientos de enfermería complejos por intensidad, frecuencia o carac-terísticas, y control por especialista quirúrgico en el domicilio.Método: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y retrospectivo de la actividad de la HADQ de nuestro hospital durante los primeros seis me-ses del 2020, para analizar la repercusión de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la unidad. Se distinguen tres periodos: prepandemia (enero-febreo), confinamiento (marzo-abril), poscon-finamiento (mayo-junio). Se diferencian dos grupos: A (HaD convencional) y B (despistaje preoperatorio COVID19). Se recogieron diver-sas variables: mes, tipo, estancia (HaD y hospi-tal), procedimientos, reingresos, domicilio, tipo visitas, COVID+. Se realizó un análisis estadís-tico descriptivo cuantitativo y cualitativo de los resultados obtenidosResultados: Ingresaron 345 pacientes, 225 en el grupo A (fase Pre (34%), fase C (40%), y fase Pos (25%)), y 120 en el B (fase C (75%), fase Pos (25%)). El confinamiento (fase C) fue el pe-ríodo más activo de la HADQ, tanto por número de ingresos (53%), como por la complejidad del grupo A que requería más procedimientos (71%) y más visitas domiciliarias (52%). Tam-bién aumentaron los pacientes de zona de no cobertura (42%), que implicaron visitas médicas y de enfermería en Hospital de Día (HD) (21%), y aumento de consultas telefónicas médicas (36%). En la fase Pos disminuyeron un 37% los ingresos del grupo A.Conclusiones: La HaDQ se reorganizó por la pandemia para atender a más pacientes quirúr-gicos, siendo un recurso asistencial esencial, especialmente durante el confinamiento. (AU)

Introduction: The HaDQ is an alternative to conventional hospitalization for clinically stable surgical patients who require complex nursing procedures due to intensity, frequency or char-acteristics, and control by a surgical specialist at home.Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive and ret-rospective study of the HADQ activity of our hospital during the first six months of 2020, to analyze the impact of the SARSCov2 pandemic in the unit. Three periods are distinguished: pre-pandemic (Jan-Feb), lockdown (Mar-Apr), post-lockdown (May-Jun). Two groups are differen-tiated: A (conventional HaD) and B (COVID19 preoperative screening). Various variables were collected: month, type, stay (HaD and hospi-tal), procedures, readmissions, address, type of visits, covid+. A quantitative and qualitative descriptive statistical analysis of the results ob-tained was carried out.Results: 345 patients were admitted, 225 in group A (phase Pre (34%), Phase C (40%), and phase Post (25%)), and 120 in group B (Phase C (75%), phase Post (25%)). %)). The confinement (phase C) was the most active period of the HADQ, both due to the number of admissions (53%), and the complexity of group A, which re-quired more procedures (71%) and more home visits (52%). There was also an increase in pa-tients from the non-coverage area (42%), which involved medical and nursing visits at the Day Hospital (HD) (21%), and an increase in medi-cal telephone consultations (36%). In the phase Post, the income of group A decreased by 37%.Conclusions: The HaDQ was reorganized due to the pandemic to care for more surgical pa-tients, being an essential care resource, espe-cially during confinement. (AU)

[Cell senescence, a new target for respiratory viral infections: From influenza virus to SARS-CoV-2]. / La sénescence cellulaire, nouvelle cible des infections virales respiratoires : du virus influenza au SARS-CoV-2.

The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues is a key process of aging and age-related diseases, including lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, or cancer. In recent years, the spectrum of respiratory diseases associated with cellular senescence has been broadened, in particular acute viral pulmonary infections, foremost among which is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), which is particularly severe in the elderly or in subjects with comorbidities. Influenza virus infection, which strikes more severely at the extreme ages of life, is also associated with severe pulmonary senescence. Cellular senescence potentially represents an original target for attacking these diseases, although its specific mechanisms remain largely misunderstood. New anti-senescent therapeutic approaches are thus proposed during severe viral pulmonary infections, with the aim of preventing acute effects and/or, in the longer term, pulmonary sequelae.

[French research organization on emerging infectious diseases: From REACTing to ANRS emerging infectious diseases]. / La recherche française face aux maladies infectieuses émergentes : de REACTing à l'ANRS- maladies infectieuses émergentes.

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) can be responsible for epidemics or even pandemics that disrupt societies and cause national and international crises. In our globalized world, anarchic urbanization, ecosystem disruptions (deforestation, creation of dams…), changes in crop and livestock farming conditions, the increasing availability of air transport, population displacement and climate change are all factors that favor the occurrence and spread of emerging or re-emerging pathogens such as SARS-Cov, MERS-CoV, Ebola, Zika, influenza, or more recently SARS-CoV-2 and Monkeypox. States, regional and international organizations, health and research agencies, non-governmental organizations and the pharmaceutical industry are today challenged by the repetition of these crises and their consequences on health, social, economic and political balances. For the past fifteen years, we have clearly been in a new regime of infectious emergence and re-emergence. This new regime calls for new responses, to meet in the urgency the challenges of emergency epidemic crises and to better respond to the issues of crisis management in a context of "One Health". Research is an essential pillar in the response to these epidemics with a double challenge: (i) to improve knowledge on the disease, its prevention, treatment, diagnosis, impact on society. and (ii) to prepare for and understand future emergencies, "anticipate". As epidemics have occurred over the last fifteen years, French research has been organized and has evolved to respond to these crises, from the genesis of REACTing in 2011, to the creation of the ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2021.

[Impact of COVID-19 on public health in sub-Saharan Africa]. / Impact de la COVID-19 sur la santé publique en Afrique subsaharienne.

Objective: This work aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare supply in sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa. Method: A search through PubMed® between April 2020 and August 2022 selected 135 articles. The impact of COVID-19 was assessed on comparisons with the months prior to the onset of COVID-19 or an identical season in previous years. Results: The decline of health services, associated with a reduction in their quality, and the closure of specialized health units have been reported. Many control programs and public health interventions have been interrupted, with the risk of an increase of the corresponding diseases. Social disorganization has generated mental health issues among the population, including health personnel. The impact was heterogeneous in space and time. The main causes were attributed to containment measures (transport restrictions, trade closures) and the lack of human and material resources. The increase in costs, in addition to the impoverishment of the population, and the fear of being contaminated or stigmatized have discouraged patients from going to health centres. The studies mention the gradual return to normal after the first epidemic wave and the resilience of the healthcare system. Conclusion: Several articles make recommendations aimed at reducing the impact of future epidemics: support for community workers, training of health workers and reorganization of services to improve the reception and care of patients, technological innovations (use of telephones, drones, etc.) and better information monitoring.

[Impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of invasive infections (bacteremia) in the hospitals of the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris]. / Impact de la première année de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l'épidémiologie des infections invasives (bactériémies) dans les hôpitaux de l'Assistance Publique­Hôpitaux de Paris.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive influx of patients suffering from severe forms of the disease into hospitals, often requiring intensive care (vascular catheters, ventilation, etc.) which exposes them to high risks of nosocomial infections, particularly invasive infections (bacteremia). Method: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of bacteremia in 2020 was analysed in 25 hospitals of the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP, approximately 14,000 beds, covering the Île-de-France region). Up to a quarter of patients admitted to AP-HP during the March-April period (peak of the 1st wave) were infected with COVID-19. The incidence over 100 admissions of bacteraemia increased overall compared to previous years: by 24% in March 2020 and by 115% in April. Results: The evolution of the incidence of bacteremia was not the same for 2 groups of microorganisms with very different ecologies. For the "hospital" type microorganisms classically responsible for nosocomial infections, the incidence increased significantly in March-April 2020: Klebsiella pneumoniae (×2.3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (×2.4), Staphylococcus aureus (×2.4), enterococci (×3.4), yeasts (×2.7). Two thirds of the bacteremias caused by these microorganisms were considered as acquired during hospitalization. Importantly, there was also a sharp increase in the incidence of bacteremia caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. The antibiotics used as indicators were the 3rd generation cephalosporins (3GCs), major antibiotics in the treatment of serious infections used for monitoring bacterial resistance in Europe. For example, the incidence of bacteremia with 3GC-resistant strains increased threefold in April 2020 for K. pneumoniae. During the same period, the consumption of 3GC increased sharply in the same hospitals (+131% in March and +148% in April). For Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A hemolytic streptococcus), two pathogens responsible for mainly community and respiratory-transmitted infections, the pandemic had the opposite effect. There was a decrease in incidence in 2020 by 34% and 28% respectively for these two species, particularly in the spring when strict containment, physical distancing and mask-wearing measures were in place. A slight re-emergence of infections with these two species occurred in the summer of 2020 after the relaxation of prevention measures. In contrast to what was seen above, 4/5 of the bacteremias caused by these two species were considered as community-acquired. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic which had a strong impact on hospital management and social organization in the general population, had opposite impacts on the incidence of bacteremia depending on the pathogens and their mode of transmission.

[Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in resident physicians]. / Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 en médicos residentes.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world swiftly; there are several diagnostic strategies available. Health workers, especially medical residents (MR), are a high-risk population for acquiring this infection. Objective: To estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and the associated factors in MR of a third level hospital. Material and methods: 330 MR from different specialties were evaluated with a questionnaire and collection of blood samples for analysis by microparticle chemiluminescent immunoassay. The prevalence of previous infection was defined by seropositivity of these antibodies. Descriptive statistics and concordance between the RT-PCR tests and the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG were used. Results: Of 330 MR, 84.5% actively participated in COVID patient care. One out of 3 reported symptoms of COVID-19; in 67.6% the possible site of infection was a hospital setting not associated with the COVID area. Out of 71 symptomatic subjects, 61.9% underwent RT-PCR against SARS-CoV-2; 20 were positive. In 15.8% of the total, the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was determined. Only 1 out of 3 subjects with a positive PCR had antibodies, and 11.3% of the cases, even with a positive RT-PCR test, did not develop humoral immunity. Conclusions: The seroprevalence was lower than that reported at the national level, potentially due to protection measures. The main risk factor was contact with the virus in areas of the hospital not related to COVID, making it imperative to reinforce security protocols in those spaces.

Introducción: la pandemia por COVID-19 se extendió rápidamente a nivel mundial; hay disponibles varias estrategias de diagnóstico. Los trabajadores de la salud, en especial los médicos residentes (MR), son una población de alto riesgo para adquirir dicha infección. Objetivo: estimar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra el SARS-CoV-2 y los factores asociados en los MR de un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: se evaluaron 330 MR de diferentes especialidades con un cuestionario y recolección de muestras de sangre para análisis mediante un inmunoensayo quimioluminiscente de micropartículas. La prevalencia de infección previa se definió por seropositividad de estos anticuerpos. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y concordancia entre las pruebas RT-PCR y presencia de IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Resultados: de los 330 MR, 84.5% participó activamente en atención de pacientes COVID. Uno de cada tres refirió síntomas de COVID-19; 67.6% tuvo posible sitio de contagio en ámbito hospitalario no asociado a Área COVID. De los 71 sujetos sintomáticos, 61.9% se realizaron RT-PCR; 20 fueron positivas. En 15.8% del total se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Solo uno de cada tres sujetos con PCR positiva presentó anticuerpos y 11.3% de los casos, aun con RT-PCR positiva, no desarrolló inmunidad humoral. Conclusiones: la seroprevalencia fue menor que la reportada a nivel nacional, potencialmente por medidas de protección. El principal factor de riesgo fue el contacto con el virus en áreas del hospital no relacionadas a COVID, por lo que es imperativo reforzar los protocolos de seguridad en esos espacios.

Confianza y renuencia ante la vacuna contra la enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) / Vaccine trust and reluctance against SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19)

Introducción: Las vacunas han sido uno de los inventos más relevantes en el ámbito de la salud pública, debido al poder que tienen de erradicar epidemias y prevenir complicaciones y muertes. Sin embargo, la renuencia ha predominado. Objetivo: evaluar la confianza y renuencia ante la vacuna contra el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) por parte de la población de las Salinas de Baní, provincia Peravia. Metodología: Paradigma positivista, de tipo descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y de corte transversal. La población total fue de 708 personas adultas, residentes en la comunidad de las Salinas de Baní, con una muestra aleatoria de 170 pacientes. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante un formulario (anexo #1) aplicado en el período agosto-septiembre 2021. Resultados: El 20.69% de la población confía en la vacuna; el nivel de confianza mayormente atribuido fue el nivel 10 con un 36.45%; el 46.52% de la población está conforme con su acerca de la vacuna; el grupo etario con mayor duda sobre aplicarse la vacuna es el de 21-29 años, y la religión no fue un factor influyente para vacunarse. Conclusiones: A pesar del rápido desarrollo e introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19, la mayoría de la población le atribuyen un alto nivel de confianza.

Background: Vaccines have been one of the most re-levant inventions in the field of public health, due to the power they have to eradicate epidemics and prevent complications and deaths. Despite this, reluctance and hesitation have prevailed. Objective: To evaluate the confidence and reluctance towards the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) by the population of Las Salinas of Baní, Peravia pro-vince. Methodology: This study is a positivist paradigm, des-criptive, observational, prospective, and cross-sectional. The total population was 708 adults, residing in the community of Salinas de Baní, with a random sample of 170 patients. The data were collected using a form (an-nex # 1) applied in the period August-September 2021. Results: 20.69% of the population trust the vaccine; the confidence level most attributed was level 10 with 36.45%; 46.52% of the population is satisfied with the level of knowledge they have about the vaccine; the age group with the greatest hesitancy about using the vac-cine is 21-29 years old, with 12.94% of the population and religion was not an influential factor in getting vac-cinated. Conclusións: Despite the rapid development and in-troduction of COVID-19 vaccines and not having enough information about them, the majority of this population attribute a high level of confidence to it.

Cáncer y COVID-19, un vínculo peligroso / Cancer and COVID-19, a dangerous association

Fundamento: La COVID-19 es una pandemia causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 cuya asociación con el cáncer puede tener efectos adversos. Objetivo: Describir los principales vínculos entre el cáncer y la COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Google Académico, SciELO y PubMed Central con los descriptores SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 y cáncer, consultados en el DeCS. Se seleccionaron artículos a texto completo en español e inglés, principalmente de revistas arbitradas por pares. Resultados: La COVID-19 produce resultados más desfavorables en los pacientes con cáncer. Estos resultados se relacionan con altas tasas de hospitalización, complicaciones y mortalidad. La frecuente asociación de comorbilidades en pacientes con cáncer parece contribuir a este vínculo peligroso. Las vías de señalización comunes al cáncer y a la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 son citocinas proinflamatorias, interferón tipo I, receptor de andrógenos y puntos de control inmune. Este conocimiento tiene aplicación práctica en el empleo de medicamentos para combatir la COVID-19 en pacientes con cáncer. Conclusiones: El cáncer se relaciona con la COVID-19 grave, por lo que esos pacientes son más vulnerables a la infección viral.

Background: COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which relation with cancer may have adverse effects. Objective: To describe the main associations between cancer and COVID-19. Methodology: A literature review was conducted in Google Scholar, SciELO and PubMed Central with the descriptors SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and cancer, consulted in DeCS. Full-text articles in Spanish and English were selected, mainly from peer-reviewed journals. Results: COVID-19 produces more non-favorable outcomes in patients with cancer. These outcomes are related to high hospitalization rates, complications and mortality. Frequent comorbidity relations in patients with cancer seem to contribute to this dangerous association. Signaling pathways common to cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infection are proinflammatory cytokines, type I interferon, androgen receptor, and immune checkpoints. This knowledge has a practical use with drugs against COVID-19 in patients with cancer. Conclusions: Cancer is associated with severe COVID-19, making such patients more vulnerable to viral infection.

Neurological Complications in COVID-19 Patients: Can Analysis of Specific Antibodies and Viral RNA in Paired Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum be Used for Accurate Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Neuroinflammatory Disease? A Case Series.

Background: Neurological complications during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been frequently described. The detection of either SARS-CoV-2 RNA or specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid in the context of concomitant neurological manifestations indicates neuroinfection. Methods and Results: This is a retrospective descriptive analysis of cerebrospinal fluids and serum samples from 2 hospitalized patients and autopsy findings from 2 patients who died at home. Samples were analysed by 3 independent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in cerebrospinal fluids and paired serum in all 4 cases. Levels of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluids were highest in samples from a deceased man with critical progression of COVID-19 and detectable SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in cerebrospinal fluid, serum, 4 brain biopsies and 15 additional tissue samples, though immunohistochemical staining for SARS-CoV-2 in brain tissue did not detect the virus. Conclusion: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid may support the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinflammatory disease in patients with COVID-19 and neurological manifestations.

[Industrial property and basic research in the genesis of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19]. / Propriété industrielle et recherche fondamentale dans la genèse du vaccin ARNm contre la COVID-19.

The extreme speed of the design and provisional approval of the covid-19 mRNA vaccines, as well as the speed of their mass production one year after the start of the pandemic, surprised and contradicted all the experts and big pharmaceutical companies who expected years of development. Their superior efficacy to other vaccines should make mRNA vaccines indispensable, but their diffusion remains low outside developed countries. Several reasons are given, ranging from logistical difficulties to mistrust of populations or the impossibility of producing them locally without lifting patents. Considering that, in these debates, these patents may be challenged because they do not meet the necessary criteria of inventiveness, it appeared necessary to review the history, over more than three decades, of the academic research and entrepreneurial spirit that led to the advent of mRNA platforms, to examine their mutual merits and the role of industrial property for biotechnology companies.

Gain-of-function research.

The term Gain-of-Function (GoF) describes the gain of new functions by organisms through genetic changes, which can naturally occur or by experimental genetic modifications. Gain-of-Function research on viruses is enhancing transmissibility, virus replication, virulence, host range, immune evasion or drug and vaccine resistance to get insights into the viral mechanisms, to create and analyze animal models, to accelerate drug and vaccine development and to improve pandemic preparedness. A subset is the GoF research of concern (GOFROC) on enhanced potentially pandemic pathogens (ePPPs) that could be harmful for humans. A related issue is the military use of research as dual-use research of concern (DURC). Influenza and coronaviruses are main research targets, because they cause pandemics by airborne infections. Two studies on avian influenza viruses initiated a global debate and a temporary GoF pause in the United States which ended with a new regulatory framework in 2017. In the European Union and China, GoF and DURC are mainly covered by the legislation for laboratory safety and genetically modified organisms. After the coronavirus outbreaks, the GoF research made significant advances, including analyses of modified MERS-like and SARS-like viruses and the creation of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 viruses as a platform to generate mutations. The GoF research on viruses will still play an important role in future, but the need to clarify the differences and overlaps between GoF research, GOFROC and DURC and the need for specialized oversight authorities are still debated.

HIV, HSV, SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola Share Long-Term Neuropsychiatric Sequelae.

Long COVID, in which disease-related symptoms persist for months after recovery, has led to a revival of the discussion of whether neuropsychiatric long-term symptoms after viral infections indeed result from virulent activity or are purely psychological phenomena. In this review, we demonstrate that, despite showing differences in structure and targeting, many viruses have highly similar neuropsychiatric effects on the host. Herein, we compare severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), Ebola virus disease (EVD), and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). We provide evidence that the mutual symptoms of acute and long-term anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress among these viral infections are likely to result from primary viral activity, thus suggesting that these viruses share neuroinvasive strategies in common. Moreover, it appears that secondary induced environmental stress can lead to the emergence of psychopathologies and increased susceptibility to viral (re)infection in infected individuals. We hypothesize that a positive feedback loop of virus-environment-reinforced systemic responses exists. It is surmised that this cycle of primary virulent activity and secondary stress-induced reactivation, may be detrimental to infected individuals by maintaining and reinforcing the host's immunocompromised state of chronic inflammation, immunological strain, and maladaptive central-nervous-system activity. We propose that this state can lead to perturbed cognitive processing and promote aversive learning, which may manifest as acute, long-term neuropsychiatric illness.