Aims: During the Covid-19 pandemic, adaptation, flexibility and creativity is paramount in conducting Service-Learning courses. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a hybrid mode service-learning in Microbiology course conducted over a semester which involved undergraduate students being strewn all over the country, with highly diversified conditions varying from local movement control laws and availability of facilities such as internet access. Methodology and results: A cohort of undergraduate students conducted the course from the comfort of their own homes to teach underprivileged school students. The undergraduate students engaged school students in the proximity of their location, then conducted STEM activities over the course of a few weeks either via face-to-face, online or hybrid mode. Microbiology activities included microscopy using a Foldscope (paper microscope), isolation and growth of microbes, preparation of microbe-related food and others. Surveys were conducted with school students pre- and postprogramme, parents and the undergraduate students conducting the programme. While the school students benefitted from highly engaging STEM modules, the undergraduate students underwent a steep learning curve, mentoring school students in STEM whilst juggling challenges presented by the pandemic but finally achieved all learning outcomes. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Service-learning for life sciences subjects can be conducted efficiently during a pandemic when flexibility and freedom is given to students to achieve the learning outcomes.
Microbiological Phenomena ; COVID-19--epidemiology

Humans ; COVID-19 ; China/epidemiology*

Humans ; Pandemics ; COVID-19/epidemiology*

Autoantibodies ; COVID-19 ; Humans ; Singapore/epidemiology*

ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) is the prevailing global health issue at this time, spreading rapidly despite various containment efforts. It is first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and the total number of cases has reached 7,064,230 with 404,585 total deaths globally to date (June 7, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 is reported closely related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of cases. However, it can progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), eventually leading to multiple organ dysfunction, the major cause of mortality among affected patients. The primary modes of transmission include droplet and contact infection, and possibly respiratory aerosols in settings where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) occur. Diagnosis mainly relies on detecting the viral RNA in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens, combined with imaging techniques such as chest X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scan. Currently, no empirical therapy or vaccine is available yet for the virus, and supportive measures remain the mainstay of treatment. Information about the virus is being updated every day. This review article summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the outbreak, including epidemiology, virological facts, pathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnostic criteria, and currently available therapeutics and vaccines, with a special emphasis on Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.
SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19--epidemiology

Humans ; COVID-19 ; Vaccination ; Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Background and Objective: Pediatric COVID-19 epidemiology and factors associated with adverse outcomes-mortality, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission, are largely unstudied. We described the clinicodemographic characteristics of Filipino pediatric COVID-19 patients and determined the factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 180 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-confirmed cases 0-18 years old from April 2020 to August 2021 in a tertiary COVID-19 referral hospital in Manila, National Capital Region. Crude associations were determined using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests; and medians were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Factors predictive of mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The survivor functions were depicted in graphs. Results: About 41.67% had mild disease, 58.33% were males, 39.4% aged 0-4 years, and 69.44% had at least one comorbidity. About 9.44% died (adjusted 9.2 persons per 1000 patient-days, 95% CI 5.5%-15.2%), 17.78% needed invasive mechanical ventilation, and 20% needed ICU admission. Independently, severe-critical COVID-19 (HRc 11.51, 95% CI 3.23, 41.06), retractions (HRc 10.30, 95% CI 3.27, 32.47), alar flaring (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.53, 12.58), cyanosis (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.72, 14.11), difficulty of breathing (HRc 7.99, 95% CI 2.25, 28.71), poor suck/appetite (HRc 4.46, 95% CI 1.59, 12.40), ferritin (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), IL-6 (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), aPTT (HRc 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10), IVIg (HRc 4.00, 95% CI 1.07, 14.92) and corticosteroid (HRc 6.01, 95% CI 2.04, 17.67) were significant hazards for mortality. In adjusted Cox analysis, only retractions (HRa 34.96, 95% CI 3.36, 363.79), seizure (HRa 9.98, 95% CI 1.76, 56.55), and corticosteroids (HRa 8.21, 95% CI 1.12, 60.38) were significantly associated with mortality while alar flaring appeared to be protective (HRa 0.10, 95% CI 0.01, 0.95). Several clinical characteristics were consistently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions Majority of hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients were very young, males, had mild disease, and had at least one comorbidity. Mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission were relatively low. Except for alar flaring which appeared to be protective, retractions, seizure, and use of corticosteroids were associated with adverse outcomes.
COVID-19 ; Epidemiology ; Philippines ; Child ; Pediatrics

Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Education, Medical

Humans ; Hong Kong/epidemiology* ; COVID-19

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have increased the rate of presenteeism among front-line physicians. Presenteeism is the term used to describe attendance at work despite ill health that would normally prompt rest or absence from work. This study aimed to examine the associations between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism among physicians. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022. The questionnaires were distributed to 21,737 employed physicians who were members of the Japan Medical Association. Presenteeism was measured by the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism. RESULTS: Overall, 3,968 participants were included in the analysis, and presenteeism was observed in 13.9% of them. The rate of presenteeism significantly increased with both the number of COVID-19 patients treated and the percentage of work time spent treating these patients (both P values for trend < 0.001). In comparison to those not currently engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, presenteeism was significantly higher among front-line (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.53) and second-line physicians supporting those in the front-line (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.78). There was no association between involvement in COVID-19 vaccination services and presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS The burden on front-line and second-line physicians in COVID-19 clinical practice must be minimized. Employed physicians also need to recognize the importance of communicating with their workplaces about presenteeism.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Presenteeism ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Physicians ; Surveys and Questionnaires