20th March Research Articles

Demographic and clinical correlates of acute and convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients of a U.S. emergency department.

BackgroundEmergency Departments (EDs) have served as critical surveillance sites for infectious diseases. We sought to determine the prevalence and temporal trends of acute (by PCR) and convalescent (by antibody [Ab]) SARS-CoV-2 infection during the earliest phase of the pandemic among patients in an urban ED in Baltimore City.MethodsWe tested remnant blood samples from 3255 unique ED patients, collected between March 16th and May 31st 2020 for SARS-CoV-2 Ab. PCR for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection from nasopharyngeal swabs was obtained on any patients based on clinical suspicion. Hospital records were abstracted and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed.ResultsOf 3255 ED patients, 8.2% (95%CI: 7.3%, 9.2%) individuals had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection; 155 PCR+, 78 Ab+, and 35 who were both PCR+ and Ab+. Prevalence of disease increased throughout the study period, ranging from 3.2% (95%CI: 1.8%, 5.2%) PCR+ and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.1%, 1.8%) Ab+ in March, to 6.2% (95%CI: 5.1%, 7.4%) PCR+ and 4.2% (95%CI: 3.3%, 5.3%) Ab+ in May. The highest SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was found in Hispanic individuals who made up 8.4% (95%CI: 7.4%, 9.4%) of individuals screened, but 35% (95%CI: 29%, 41%) of infections (PCR and/or Ab+). Demographic and clinical factors independently associated with acute infection included Hispanic ethnicity, loss of smell or taste, subjective fever, cough, muscle ache and fever. Factors independently associated with convalescent infection were Hispanic ethnicity and low oxygen saturation.ConclusionsThe burden of COVID-19 in Baltimore City increased dramatically over the 11-week study period and was disproportionately higher among Hispanic individuals. ED-based surveillance methods are important for identifying both acute and convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infections and provides important information regarding demographic and clinical correlates of disease in the local community.

The treatment effect of intramuscular stimulation on carpal tunnel syndrome: A blinded randomized trial on 75 patients

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disorder with a prevalence of about 5.8% for females and 0.6% for males. This study aims to determine whether intramuscular stimulation (IMS) to the pronator teres muscle subsequently reduces the severity of clinical parameters and the diameter of the median nerve. MethodsSeventy-five individuals with a cross-sectional diameter of the median nerve of more than 2 mm were included in this randomized clinical trial. Thirty-seven individuals received IMS to the pronator teres muscle with a depth of up to 45–50 mm. The 38 individuals in the control group received an acupuncture needle at Li11 with a depth of 4–5 mm. Both groups had 7 treatments within 7 weeks. The primary outcome was the cross-section of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Additionally, Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, VAS for pain intensity, and pincer grip strength were measured. ResultsBoth IMS subjects and controls showed significant reductions in the cross-section of the median nerve from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively). The IMS group had the largest change, but the difference in change between the groups was not significant (p = 0.39). On all clinical tests, IMS subjects showed significant improvement from baseline compared with the control group (largest p = 0.002). ConclusionIn this study we found that IMS to the pronator teres muscle significantly improved all clinical variables measured, compared with the group receiving acupuncture. Furthermore, the cross-section of the median nerve reduced over time for both groups. IMS may be a low-risk alternative while patients are waiting for surgery. Trial registrationClinicaltrials. gov Identifier: NCT01102868. Retrospectively registered: March 29th, 2010.

The value of bone marrow, liver, and spleen imaging in diagnosis, prognostication, and follow-up monitoring of myeloproliferative neoplasms: a systematic review

BackgroundDiagnostic and treatment response criteria for the JAK2/CALR/MPL mutation-related myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are largely based on bone marrow (BM) biopsy results. However, these biopsies have several limitations, such as the risk of sampling error. Also, the prognostic impact of BM abnormalities is largely unclear. Although not currently used in clinical practice, imaging techniques might offer additional information. In this review, we investigated the value of BM, liver, and spleen imaging for diagnosis, prognostication, and response monitoring of the JAK2/CALR/MPL mutation-related MPNs (i.e. essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF)).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed via PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to 2020 March 26th. Of 5505 identified records, 55 publications met the eligibility criteria (i.e. containing original data on the imaging appearance of BM, spleen, or liver in adult ET, PV, or MF patients, published in a peer-reviewed journal, written in English).ResultsMany explorative studies described imaging features, sometimes with comparisons to clinical characteristics. Studies reporting measures of diagnostic accuracy included 1) splenic transient elastography to predict BM fibrosis grade in MF, 2) dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to discern MF patients from ET patients and healthy controls, and 3) 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET to detect residual disease after stem cell transplantation in MF. The diagnostic accuracies of radiography and 99mTc-colloid scintigraphy were derived from several other articles. Except for the study on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, we established substantial concerns regarding risk of bias and applicability across these studies, using the QUADAS-2 tool. Three publications described a correlation between imaging results and prognosis, of which one quantified the effect.ConclusionsBased on current data, MRI (T1-weighted/STIR, Dixon) seems especially promising for the evaluation of BM fat content - and indirectly cellularity/fibrosis - in MF, and possibly for estimating BM cellularity in ET/PV. 18-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18-fluorothymidine PET/CT might be useful for evaluating BM fibrosis, with good reported accuracy of the former for the diagnosis of residual disease. Further research on these and other techniques is warranted to determine their exact value. Future researchers should improve methodology and focus on evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and prognostic implications of results.

COVID-19 in Northeast Bosnia and Herzegovina and patient\u2019s length of hospitalization

BackgroundSince the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, clinical data from various parts of the world have been reported. Up till now, there has been no clinical data with regards to COVID-19 from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim was to report on the first cohort of patients from B&H and to analyze factors that influence COVID-19 patient’s length of hospitalization (LOH).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tuzla University Clinical Center (UKC), B&H. It involved 25 COVID-19 positive patients that needed hospitalisation between March 28th and April 27th 2020. The LOH was measured from the time of admission to discharge. Factors analyzed induced age, BMI, presence of known comorbidities, serum creatinine and O2 saturation upon admission.ResultsThe mean age was 52.92 ± 19.15 years and BMI 28.80 ± 4.22. LOH for patients with BMI < 25 was 9 ± SE2.646 days (CI 95% 3.814–14.816) vs 14.182 ± SE .937 (CI 95% 12.346–16.018 p < 0.05; HR 5.148 CI95% 1.217 to 21.772 p = 0.026) for ≥25 BMI. The mean LOH of patients with normal levels of O2 ≥ 95% was 11.667 ± SE1.202 (CI95% 8.261 to 13.739; p = 0.046), while LOH for patients with < 95% was 14.625 ± SE 1.231 CI95% 12.184 to 16.757 p = 0.042; HR 3.732 CI95%1.137–12.251 p = 0.03). Patients without known comorbidities had a mean LOH of 11.700 ± SE1.075 (CI 95% 9.592–13.808), while those with comorbidities had a mean of 14.8 ± 1.303 (CI 95% 12.247–17.353; p = 0.029) with HR2.552.ConclusionLOH varied among COVID-19 patients and was prolonged when analyzed for BMI ≥25, comorbidities, elevated creatinine, and O2 saturation < 95%. Furthermore, risk factors for COVID-19 patients in B&H do not deviate from those reported in other countries.

Complete remission of metastatic osteosarcoma using combined modality therapy: a retrospective analysis of unselected patients in China

BackgroundComplete surgical remission (CSR) is the best predictor of overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. However, metastasectomy has not been widely implemented in China in the last decade due to various factors, and instead, most physicians choose hypofractionated radiotherapy to treat pulmonary lesions. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of different local treatments for pulmonary lesions and identify the best local therapy strategies for these patients.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical courses of osteosarcoma patients with pulmonary metastases who were initially treated in two sarcoma centres in Beijing, China, from June 1st, 2009, to March 26th, 2020. With a median follow-up of 32.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 30.8, 36.1) months, a total of 127 patients with 605 pulmonary nodules, all of whom had received local therapy and firstly achieved CSR or complete radiated/metabolic remission (CRR), were included in the analysis. A total of 102 patients with 525 nodules were initially diagnosed with resectable lung metastases, while 25 patients had 80 indeterminate nodules at presentation and relapsed with pulmonary metastases within 6 months after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy.ResultsEighty-eight of 127 (69.3%) patients had fewer than 5 nodules at the time of local therapy, with 48 of 127 (37.8%) located in the unilateral pleura. No patient underwent thoracotomy, and 42 of 127 patients (85 nodules) received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In addition, 79 of 127 patients (520 nodules) received hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (RT), such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery or CyberKnife radiosurgery. The twelve-month event-free survival (EFS) (from local therapy to progression) rate of this entire study cohort was 35.6% (95% CI: 26.8, 44.4%), without a significant difference between the two groups (44.7% for VATS vs. 28.4% for RT, P = 0.755). Radiation-induced pneumonitis was observed in 62 of 86 (72.1%) patients, with one patient (1/86, 1.2%) in grade 4.ConclusionsOur past data showed a similar prognosis with the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy and VATS for the treatment of pulmonary metastasis and no inferiority to thoracotomy regarding historical outcomes. Currently, high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) provides sufficient information on nodules, and less invasive modalities can thus be considered for treatment.

Increased 30-day mortality rate in patients admitted with hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

IntroductionHip fractures are the most common traumatic injury in the UK’s elderly population. Patients are often extremely frail with multiple comorbidities and so are at high risk of death should they contract COVID-19. This study aims to quantify the effects of COVID-19 on patients presenting with hip fractures to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).MethodsThis is a single centre, prospective, observational cohort study of patients over the age of sixty admitted with a hip fracture to NNUH between March 24th and April 22nd, 2020 and comparing them retrospectively with controls in April 2019. Patients were followed up for 30 days; data collected includes demographics, COVID-19 PCR results, date/cause of death and other prognostic indicators.Results66 consecutive patients managed for hip fractures were included in the study. 30-day mortality increased from 8.5% in April 2019 to 18.2% in April 2020. The 30-day mortality rate was 80% for those patients who test positive for COVID-19 as an inpatient, and was 13.8% for patients COVID-19 negative and for those who were untested. Those admitted from a healthcare institution were more likely to test positive for COVID-19 and had a higher 30-day mortality (p = 0.04 & p = 0.006, respectively). Suspected COVID-19-positive patients at time of admission had a delayed time to theatre, 46.7 h versus 27.1 h (p = 0.007), however this had no significant effect on mortality (p = 0.7).ConclusionsThe combination of fragility hip fracture and COVID-19 is associated with poor outcomes. COVID-19 has also indirectly increased mortality in this patient group.

Impact of COVID-19 on peoples' willingness to consume wild animals: Empirical insights from China

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presented an unprecedented challenge to public health and food systems. Though the country or region where SARS-CoV-2, originated is uncertain, it is debated in the literature that SARS-CoV-2 accountable for COVID-19 originated from nature, and wildlife colonized in nature are also likely to cause COVID-19 havoc. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of COVID-19 on peoples' willingness to consume and pay for wild animals. Data were gathered online from 1250 household heads of both urban and rural residents of Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong provinces of China from the 19th to March 26th, 2020. The Probit and Tobit models were employed to meet the study objectives, and the results showed that around 39% of residents were willing to consume wild animals (WCWA), and their amount of willingness to pay (AWP) was 134.65 USD/year. The mediating effects of market control & home restriction policies showed strong effects between COVID-19 and peoples' WCWA. In contrast, the results of ecological environment risk and food security risk perceptions showed relatively weaker effects. The overall results of the current study provided acumens for policymakers to raise awareness within the populations concerning the adverse upshots resulting from consuming wild animals.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

[b]BACKGROUND[/b] Since it was first recognized, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, with an estimated 27 million cases and over 800 000 deaths globally. The most common symptoms of the disease are respiratory and constitutional. However, gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain are also common symptoms in COVID-19, reported in up to 33% of patients. Reports of gastrointestinal bleeding in the literature among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients are limited but increasingly being reported, and the potential mechanism is poorly understood. We present here a series of laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 viral illness with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). [b]CASE REPORT[/b] From March 26th, 2020 through May 25th, 2020, we identified 6 patients with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and GI bleeding episodes. These patients were managed at multiple centers and were identified via mandated reporting of cases to the health department. The age range of these patients was 77 to 102 years old, and the majority had multiple comorbid conditions. The most common presentation was coffee-ground emesis and dark stools. Five of the 6 patients presented from nursing homes and 3 of them died as a result of COVID-19. [b]CONCLUSIONS[/b] GI bleeding is an uncommon and under-appreciated presentation of COVID-19, and clinicians should consider this potential presentation of the disease and implement isolation and treatment protocols early in the course of illness. If an association truly exists, the pathogenesis of GIB in SARS-CoV-2 infection is poorly understood.

The Impact of Covid-19 on the Incidence and Pattern of Oculofacial Injuries

Background: Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) has emerged as a global health problem by the end the 2019. In response to this pandemic, a worldwide lockdown was implemented. In Egypt, the lockdown was implemented on March 25th and lasted for about 3 months. In this retrospective study we tried to evaluate the impacts of Covid-19 lockdown on the incidence and pattern of oculofacial injuries the lockdown was effected in Egypt for 2 months in the period from April 1st till the end of May 2020. Patient and methods: We reviewed the files of patients who were presented with oculofacial injuries to the Trauma Unit of Sohag University Hospital during the period from 1 April – 31 May in both 2019 and 2020 years. Demographic data of the patients, mode of trauma, definitive diagnosis and the management provided were collected and analyzed and the data of the two years were compared. Results: A significant decrease in oculofacial injuries by 68.3 percent with a change in the mode of trauma and method of trauma. Males are more commonly the victims before and during the lockdown. The mean age before lockdown was 33.95±16.7, while it was 27.38±18.6 during lockdown. Significant increase in the assault from others in lockdown (P value ≤ 0.001) with a decrease in motor car accidents (MCA) (P value ≤ 0.001), significant increase in lid wounds, avulsed lid rupture globe and orbital fractures (P value ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: Covid-19 lockdown resulted in significant change in the incidence and pattern of oculofacial injuries.

Hyponatremia as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundHyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in cancer patients and has been evaluated as a negative prognostic factor in several cancer types, especially in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the prognostic value of hyponatremia is less studied in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment hyponatremia in NSCLC patients.MethodsThe review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting checklist. The databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on March 26th 2020 without time restrictions. The protocol was submitted to the PROSPERO database (ID 184612). Studies were included if they evaluated sodium level as a prognostic factor in NSCLC patients and contained original data published in English. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) were pooled in a random-effects model.ResultsOf 10,888 identified titles, 14 articles were included in the review including a total of 4,364 NSCLC patients. In 13 of the 14 articles, hyponatremia was found to be significantly correlated to a shorter OS. Ten articles were included in the meta-analysis. Here, patients with hyponatremia had a significantly shorter OS compared with patients with normal sodium level {pooled HR =2.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65–2.47]}. Two out of four studies found hyponatremia to be associated with a reduced progression free survival (PFS). Normalization of the sodium level during treatment was found to be associated with a prolonged PFS and OS in one study.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicates that hyponatremia is a relative common condition in NSCLC patients associated with an increased mortality. Hence, sodium level could be a useful biomarker for stratifying NSCLC patients and thereby for preparing individual treatment plans.

Novel insights into impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic environment of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in southern Jiangsu region

In 2020, a sudden COVID-19 pandemic unprecedentedly weakened anthropogenic activities and as results minified the pollution discharge to aquatic environment. In this study, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic environment of the southern Jiangsu (SJ) segment of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (SJ-BHGC) were explored. Fluorescent component similarity and high-performance size exclusion chromatography analyses indicated that the textile printing and dyeing wastewater might be one of the main pollution sources in SJ-BHGC. The water quality parameters and intensities of fluorescent components (WT-C1(20) and WT-C2(20)) decreased to low level due to the collective shutdown of all industries in SJ region during the Spring Festival holiday and the outbreak of the domestic COVID-19 pandemic in China (January 24th to late February, 2020). Then, they presented a gradual upward trend after the domestic epidemic was under control. In mid-March, the outbreak of the international COVID-19 pandemic hit the garment export trade of China and consequently inhibited the production activities of textile printing and dyeing industry (TPDI) in SJ region. After peaking on March 26th, the intensities of WT-C1(20) and WT-C2(20) decreased again with changed intensity ratio until April 12th. During the study period (135 days), correlation analysis revealed that WT-C1 and WT-C2 possessed homology and their fluorescence intensities were highly positively correlated with conductivity and CODMn. With fluorescence fingerprint (FF) technique, this study not only excavated the characteristics and pollution causes of water body in SJ-BHGC, but also provided novel insights into impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on production activities of TPDI and aquatic environment of SJ-BHGC. The results of this study indicated that FF technique was an effective tool for precise supervision of water environment.

Proteinuria in COVID-19: prevalence, characterization and prognostic role

BackgroundProteinuria has been commonly reported in patients with COVID-19. However, only dipstick tests have been frequently used thus far. Here, the quantification and characterization of proteinuria were investigated and their association with mortality was assessed.MethodsThis retrospective, observational, single center study included 153 patients, hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 28th and April 30th, 2020, in whom total proteinuria and urinary α1-microglobulin (a marker of tubular injury) were measured. Association with mortality was evaluated, with a follow-up until May 7th, 2020.ResultsAccording to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes staging, 14% (n = 21) of the patients had category 1 proteinuria (< 150 mg/g of urine creatinine), 42% (n = 64) had category 2 (between 150 and 500 mg/g) and 44% (n = 68) had category 3 proteinuria (over 500 mg/g). Urine α1-microglobulin concentration was higher than 15 mg/g in 89% of patients. After a median follow-up of 27 [14;30] days, the mortality rate reached 18%. Total proteinuria and urinary α1-microglobulin were associated with mortality in unadjusted and adjusted models. This association was stronger in subgroups of patients with normal renal function and without a urinary catheter.ConclusionsProteinuria is frequent in patients with COVID-19. Its characterization suggests a tubular origin, with increased urinary α1-microglobulin. Tubular proteinuria was associated with mortality in COVID-19 in our restropective, observational study.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in Italians and in immigrants in an area of Northern Italy (Reggio Emilia).

It has been hypothesized that bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the anti-tuberculosis vaccine, can be protective against Covid-19. Using data of performed swabs and RT-PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the Reggio Emilia province (Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy) from March 6th to March 26th, 2020, we computed age, gender, and place of birth (Italy or abroad) specific risk of being tested, prevalence of positive tests, and probability of testing positive given that a swab has been taken during the epidemic peak. We report that immigrants resident in Reggio Emilia province, mostly coming from Countries with high BCG vaccination coverage, and Italians had a similar prevalence of infection (odds ratio - OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.82-1.20) and similar probability of being tested (OR 0.93; 95%CI 0.81-1.10). Our data do not support the hypothesis that immigrants from Countries where BCG vaccination is recommended have a lower risk of Covid-19 infection.

Extreme sea levels at Rapa Nui (Easter Island) during intense atmospheric rivers

In addition to the tsunami hazard posed by distant great earthquakes, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, is exposed to frequent and intense coastal storms. Here, we use sea-level records and field surveys guided by video and photographic footage to show that extreme sea levels at Rapa Nui occur much more frequent than previously thought and thus constitute an unrecognized hazard to the inland’s maritime supply chain. We found that extreme sea-level events, including the two most extreme (March 5th and May 5th, 2020) in our 17-month-long analyzed period (from January 1st, 2019, to May 31st, 2020), resulted from constructive superpositions of seiches on the shelf, storm surges and high tides. By further analyzing time series of atmospheric and wind-generated wave data, we conclude that these extreme sea levels are ultimately driven by the breaking of large waves near the coastline (i.e., wave setup), with lesser contribution of barometric setup and even less of wind setup. We also propose that these large waves were mainly generated from strong, long-lasting, NW winds associated with intense atmospheric rivers (long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport abundant water vapor) passing over Rapa Nui. Given that the intensity of atmospheric rivers and sea level are thought to increase as climate changes, a deeper understanding of the relation between meteorological and oceanographic processes at Rapa Nui is strongly needed.

Carbon balance of biogas production from maize in Latvian conditions

Received: January 31st, 2021 ; Accepted: March 28th, 2021 ; Published: May 19th, 2021 ; Correspondence: jelena.pubule@rtu.lv

HUISGEN AND HIS ADVENTURES IN A PLAYGROUND OF MECHANISMS AND NOVEL REACTIONS

The death of professor Rolf Huisgen (1920-2020) was announced on March 26th 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Huisgen was professor emeritus at the University of Munich in Germany, and studied in detail the mechanism of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, significantly expanding its scope. Even though he did not discover this reaction, it was through his studies that it became important in organic synthesis. Indeed, in honor of his work, the reaction became known as Huisgen’s cycloaddition and it has been consolidated as a useful method for the preparation of five-membered heterocyclic compounds. Considering these facts, in this review we provide an overview on the applications of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions, starting with the seminal examples in the field and further discussing the most recent applications.

Czy warto było? Umowa krakowska z 18 września 1891 r. O przyczynach oraz pokładanych w niej nadziejach i skutkach

Was it worth it? The Krakow Agreement of September 18th, 1891 The history of the Polish Library in Paris does not only mean the history of the Emigration but it also shows what was and still is the idea of shared thinking of history, taking action to preserve Polish institutions in a foreign land. It is the oldest non-French library in Paris, the oldest Polish library abroad. On November 24th 1838, at the request of Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, the Polish Literary Society and its Historical Department and the Department of Statistics together with the Scientific Aid Society decided to combine their collections in order to set a national library. After years of efforts, the festive opening of the Library took place on March 24th 1839, on the anniversary of the oath taken by Tadeusz Kościuszko on the Krakow Main Square. Since 1854, after its relocation to the Île Saint-Louis, the Library has been sharing its collections uninterruptedly. In late 1890s, firstly in the form of non-binding questionnaire, a survey was started regarding the prospect of the Library to be continued in cooperation with a national institution. Talks on possible agreement have been initiated with the Academy of Learning in Krakow. Finally the Krakow Agreement was signed in 1891, under which the custody over the Library, its building and the gathered collections was taken over by the Academy of Learning and a research station was established.

La memoria en tiempos de pandemia. Registro visual del 24 de marzo de 2020 en Argentina.

Este Ensayo Visual propone una reflexión sobre los vínculos entre memoria, imágenes y ciudad, a partir de una selección de imágenes que acompañaron el evento del 24 de marzo de 2020, cuatro días después de que comenzara a regir en Argentina el Aislamiento Social Preventivo y Obligatorio (ASPO). Los organismos de Derechos Humanos tomaron la iniciativa de realizar una campaña para conmemorar a través de otros recursos este aniversario del 24 de marzo teniendo en cuenta las restricciones de circulación. Las ciudades se llenaron ese día de carteles caseros y pequeñas obras artísticas que fueron a su vez retratados por fotógrafos profesionales o amateurs. Entendemos que el formato de Ensayo Visual nos permite combinar un repertorio de imágenes que condensan modos alternativos de ejercitar la memoria, con algunas reflexiones –urgentes, excepcionales, provisorias- que nos despierta la pandemia.&#x0D; Palabras clave: Imágenes. Ciudad. Memoria.

A New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Poorly Detected by RT-PCR on Nasopharyngeal Samples, with High Lethality

Background: In early January 2021, an outbreak of nosocomial cases of COVID-19 emerged in Western France, with RT-PCR tests repeatedly negative on nasopharyngeal samples but positive on lower respiratory tract samples. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a new variant, currently defining a novel SARS-CoV-2 lineage: B.1.616. In March, WHO classified this variant as ‘under investigation’ (VUI). We analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases related to this new variant.Methods: Clinical, virological, and radiological data were retrospectively collected from medical charts in the two hospitals involved. We enrolled patients with at least one of the following: i) positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on a respiratory sample; ii) seroconversion with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM; iii) suggestive symptoms and typical features of COVID-19 on chest CT scan. Cases were categorized as either: i) B.1.616; ii) variant of concern (VOC); iii) unknown.Findings: From January 1st to March 24th, 2021, 114 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: B.1.616 (n=34), VOC (n=32), and unknown (n=48). B.1.616-related cases were older than VOC-related cases (81 years [73-88], vs 73 years [67-82], P Interpretation: We report a nosocomial outbreak of COVID-19 cases related to a new variant, B.1.616, poorly detected by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal samples, with high lethality.Funding Statement: None. SW lab is funded by Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, Santé publique France, Labex IBEID (ANR-10-LABX- 62-IBEID), REACTing (Research & Action Emerging Infectious Diseases), and by the H2020 project 101003589 (RECOVER).Declaration of Interests: SW has patents issued and pending for SARS-associated coronavirus diagnostics. All other authors declare no competing interestsEthics Approval Statement: The French infectious diseases society ethics committee (Comité d’Éthique de la Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CER-MIT) approved the study (N° COVID 2021-06). Written informed consent was waived.

A Descriptive Survey Regarding Impact of Lockdown on School Going Children

Introduction: In India, lockdown for COVID-19 prevention started from March 25th 2020, causing severe disruption to the normal life. All nations’ scientists are still trying to find a solution for it. Beating the virus completely seems to be difficult because of the nature of the virus. In West Bengal, India, schools reopened from February 12th 20218 for class IX-XII only. So school children up to class VIII are still confined at home. In this context, it is important to understand the effects of lockdown on children. Methods: Hundred school students were selected for online (Google form) survey during Oct-Nov 2020 through purposive sampling. After ethics committee approval school children between 6-18 years who were willing to participate were enrolled for the survey. Informed consent was taken from the parents and their children. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of data. Results: 36% children had increased appetite whereas 12% reported a decrease in appetite during COVID-19 lockdown. Few (9%) students reported long sleeping hours (12-14 hours / day) and majority (61%) of the participants expressed spending their leisure time by watching TV. Most of them (89%) missed the school; 53% participants felt loneliness and 74% missed outdoor games. 60% children also reported the concepts to be unclear in online classes. 46% parents reported behavioral changes of their children like irritability (31%), getting angriness (36%) and temper tantrum (13%) during COVID-19 lockdown. Most (98%) of the school children are maintaining their personal hygiene but 82% children are not doing it in time. 99% had basic knowledge on COVID-19 and its preventive behaviors but 37% didn’t want to wear mask, 30% were not maintaining social (physical) distancing and 10% were not washing their hands regularly. Many participants expressed that their quality of life, quality of study, health and mental health condition deteriorated during the lockdown than the pre COVID situation. Conclusion: Parent’s counselling about the developmental needs of the children in various phase of childhood is required so that parent will put their maximum effort to make and follow a consistent routine for study, play, rest and physical activities of the children.