Congenital anomalies during Covid-19: artifact of surveillance or a real TORCH?

Infections in the first trimester of pregnancy can be teratogenic, but the possibility that Covid-19 could lead to birth defects is unclear. We examined whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or exposure to pandemic conditions were associated with the risk of congenital anomalies. We carried out a retrospective study of 420,222 neonates born in Quebec, Canada in two time periods: prepandemic (January 1, 2017 to March 12, 2020) vs. pandemic (March 13, 2020 to March 31, 2022). We classified pandemic births as early (first trimester completed before the pandemic) or late (first trimester during the pandemic), and identified patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy. We applied (1) adjusted log-binomial regression models to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and congenital anomalies, and (2) autoregressive interrupted time series regression to analyze temporal trends in the monthly number of defects in all patients regardless of infection. In total, 29,263 newborns (7.0%) had a congenital anomaly. First trimester SARS-CoV-2 infections were not associated with a greater risk of birth defects compared with no infection (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.59-1.95). However, births during the late pandemic period were more likely to be diagnosed with congenital microcephaly compared with prepandemic births (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.21-1.71). Interrupted time series analysis confirmed that the frequency of microcephaly increased during the late pandemic period, whereas other anomalies did not. We conclude that Covid-19 is likely not teratogenic, but enhanced surveillance of anomalies among late pandemic births may have heightened the detection of infants with microcephaly.

Machine learning in predicting severe acute respiratory infection outbreaks / Aprendizado de máquina na previsão de surtos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave / Aprendizaje automático en la predicción de brotes de síndrome respiratorio agudo grave

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) outbreaks occur annually, with seasonal peaks varying among geographic regions. Case notification is important to prepare healthcare networks for patient attendance and hospitalization. Thus, health managers need adequate resource planning tools for SARI seasons. This study aims to predict SARI outbreaks based on models generated with machine learning using SARI hospitalization notification data. In this study, data from the reporting of SARI hospitalization cases in Brazil from 2013 to 2020 were used, excluding SARI cases caused by COVID-19. These data were prepared to feed a neural network configured to generate predictive models for time series. The neural network was implemented with a pipeline tool. Models were generated for the five Brazilian regions and validated for different years of SARI outbreaks. By using neural networks, it was possible to generate predictive models for SARI peaks, volume of cases per season, and for the beginning of the pre-epidemic period, with good weekly incidence correlation (R2 = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.95-0.98, for the 2019 season in the Southeastern Brazil). The predictive models achieved a good prediction of the volume of reported cases of SARI; accordingly, 9,936 cases were observed in 2019 in Southern Brazil, and the prediction made by the models showed a median of 9,405 (95%CI: 9,105-9,738). The identification of the period of occurrence of a SARI outbreak is possible using predictive models generated with neural networks and algorithms that employ time series.

Resumo: Surtos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) ocorrem anualmente, com picos sazonais variando entre regiões geográficas. A notificação dos casos é importante para preparar as redes de atenção à saúde para o atendimento e internação dos pacientes. Portanto, os gestores de saúde precisam ter ferramentas adequadas de planejamento de recursos para as temporadas de SRAG. Este estudo tem como objetivo prever surtos de SRAG com base em modelos gerados com aprendizado de máquina usando dados de internação por SRAG. Foram incluídos dados sobre casos de hospitalização por SRAG no Brasil de 2013 a 2020, excluindo os casos causados pela COVID-19. Estes dados foram preparados para alimentar uma rede neural configurada para gerar modelos preditivos para séries temporais. A rede neural foi implementada com uma ferramenta de pipeline. Os modelos foram gerados para as cinco regiões brasileiras e validados para diferentes anos de surtos de SRAG. Com o uso de redes neurais, foi possível gerar modelos preditivos para picos de SRAG, volume de casos por temporada e para o início do período pré-epidêmico, com boa correlação de incidência semanal (R2 = 0,97; IC95%: 0,95-0,98, para a temporada de 2019 na Região Sudeste). Os modelos preditivos obtiveram uma boa previsão do volume de casos notificados de SRAG; dessa forma, foram observados 9.936 casos em 2019 na Região Sul, e a previsão feita pelos modelos mostrou uma mediana de 9.405 (IC95%: 9.105-9.738). A identificação do período de ocorrência de um surto de SRAG é possível por meio de modelos preditivos gerados com o uso de redes neurais e algoritmos que aplicam séries temporais.

Resumen: Brotes de síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SRAG) ocurren todos los años, con picos estacionales que varían entre regiones geográficas. La notificación de los casos es importante para preparar las redes de atención a la salud para el cuidado y hospitalización de los pacientes. Por lo tanto, los gestores de salud deben tener herramientas adecuadas de planificación de recursos para las temporadas de SRAG. Este estudio tiene el objetivo de predecir brotes de SRAG con base en modelos generados con aprendizaje automático utilizando datos de hospitalización por SRAG. Se incluyeron datos sobre casos de hospitalización por SRAG en Brasil desde 2013 hasta 2020, salvo los casos causados por la COVID-19. Se prepararon estos datos para alimentar una red neural configurada para generar modelos predictivos para series temporales. Se implementó la red neural con una herramienta de canalización. Se generaron los modelos para las cinco regiones brasileñas y se validaron para diferentes años de brotes de SRAG. Con el uso de redes neurales, se pudo generar modelos predictivos para los picos de SRAG, el volumen de casos por temporada y para el inicio del periodo pre-epidémico, con una buena correlación de incidencia semanal (R2 = 0,97; IC95%: 0,95-0,98, para la temporada de 2019 en la Región Sudeste). Los modelos predictivos tuvieron una buena predicción del volumen de casos notificados de SRAG; así, se observaron 9.936 casos en 2019 en la Región Sur, y la predicción de los modelos mostró una mediana de 9.405 (IC95%: 9.105-9.738). La identificación del periodo de ocurrencia de un brote de SRAG es posible a través de modelos predictivos generados con el uso de redes neurales y algoritmos que aplican series temporales.

Retos del Sistema Nacional de Salud en los tiempos pos-COVID / Challenges of the National Health System in post-COVID times

El Sistema Nacional de Salud de Cuba se fundó en el año 1961 y es una entidad dependiente del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba. Este constituye una prioridad nacional, tiene carácter universal, gratuito y se basa en el modelo del médico de familia, con un enfoque clínico, epidemiológico y social de los problemas sanitarios. Se sustenta en siete principios que expresan el derecho del pueblo a la salud, con responsabilidad del Estado, y las prácticas de salud se sostienen sobre una base científica sólida con acciones preventivas. En el año 2019, una epidemia azotó a la mayoría de los países del mundo (la COVID-19), entre ellos, Cuba. Ello conllevó a que los profesionales de la salud asumieran retos importantes ante una situación de salud sin precedentes. Este trabajo se refiere a los retos asumidos, principalmente, después de la COVID-19.

The Cuban National Health System was founded in 1961 and is an entity dependent on the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. This constitutes a national priority, is universal, free and is based on the family doctor model, with a clinical, epidemiological and social approach to health problems. It is supported in seven principles that express the right of the people to health, with responsibility of the State and the health practices are sustained on a solid scientific basis with preventive actions. In 2019, an epidemic hit most of the countries in the world (COVID-19), including Cuba. This led health professionals to assume important challenges in order to face an unprecedented health situation. This work refers to the challenges assumed, mainly, after COVID-19.

Sporadic Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli-Associated Pediatric Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, France, 2012-2021.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-associated pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) remains an important public health risk in France. Cases are primarily sporadic, and geographic heterogeneity has been observed in crude incidence rates. We conducted a retrospective study of 1,255 sporadic pediatric STEC-HUS cases reported during 2012-2021 to describe spatiotemporal dynamics and geographic patterns of higher STEC-HUS risk. Annual case notifications ranged from 109 to 163. Most cases (n = 780 [62%]) were in children <3 years of age. STEC serogroups O26, O80, and O157 accounted for 78% (559/717) of cases with serogroup data. We identified 13 significant space-time clusters and 3 major geographic zones of interest; areas of southeastern France were included in >5 annual space-time clusters. The results of this study have numerous implications for outbreak detection and investigation and research perspectives to improve knowledge of environmental risk factors associated with geographic disparities in STEC-HUS in France.

Waning protection after vaccination and prior infection against COVID-19-related mortality over 18 months.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence on waning patterns in protection from vaccine-induced, infection-induced, and hybrid immunity against death is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the temporal trends in protection against mortality. METHODS: Population-based case-control study nested in the total population of Scania Region, Sweden using individual-level registry data of COVID-19-related deaths (<30 days after positive SARS-CoV-2 test) between 27 December 2020 and 3 June 2022. Controls were matched for age, sex, and index date. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the preventable fraction (PF) from vaccination (PFvac corresponding to vaccine effectiveness; ≥2 vaccine doses vs. 0 doses), prior infection (PFinf), and hybrid immunity (PFhybrid). PF was calculated as one minus odds ratio. Models were adjusted for comorbidities, long-term care facility residence, prior infection (for PFvac), country of birth, socio-economic conditions, and time since last vaccination (for PFinf). RESULTS: In total, 14 936 individuals (1440 COVID-19-related deaths and 13 496 controls) were included in the case-control analyses (45% females, median age: 84 years). PFvac was above 90% during the first month after vaccination, regardless of the number of vaccine doses. After 6 months, PFvac of two doses waned to 34% (95% CI: -30% to 66%). PFinf for people surviving a SARS-CoV-2 infection waned from 88% (-16% to 99%) 3 months after infection to 62% (34-79%) after 9 months. No differences in waning patterns in PFvac were seen between virus variants, gender, and age. DISCUSSION: Given the waning of protection against death, continuous surveillance of population immunity status, particularly among the most vulnerable population groups, could help to further fine-tune vaccination recommendations.

Epidemiologic transition of lung cancer mortality in Italy by sex, province of residence and birth cohort (1920-1929 to 1960-1969).

Space-time analysis of mortality risk is useful to evaluate the epidemiologic transitions at the subnational level. In our study, we analysed the death certificate records for lung cancer in Italy in 1995-2016, obtained from the Italian National Institute of Statistics. Our objective was to investigate the spatial-temporal evolution of lung cancer mortality by sex and province of residence (n = 107) using the birth cohort as relevant time axis. We built Bayesian space-time models with space-time interactions. Among males (n = 554 829), mortality peaked in the 1920-1929 cohort, followed by a generalised decline. Among females (n = 158 619), we found novel original evidence for a peak in the 1955-1964 cohort, equivalent to a 35-year delay, with a downward trend being observed thereafter. Over time, the documented north-south decreasing mortality gradient has been replaced by a west-east decreasing gradient. Naples has become the province at highest risk in Italy, both among males and females. This pattern is consistent with an epidemiologic transition of risk factors for lung cancer to the south-west of the country and raises concern, because 5-year age-standardised net survival from the disease in this geographic area is lower than in northern and central Italy. The variability of mortality rates among provinces has changed over time, with an increasing homogeneity for males and an opposite trend for females in the more recent birth cohorts. These unprecedented observations provide evidence for a profound spatio-temporal transition of lung cancer mortality in Italy.

Hantavirus in Panama: Twenty Years of Epidemiological Surveillance Experience.

Twenty years have passed since the emergence of hantavirus zoonosis in Panama at the beginning of this millennium. We provide an overview of epidemiological surveillance of hantavirus disease (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hantavirus fever) during the period 1999-2019 by including all reported and confirmed cases according to the case definition established by the health authority. Our findings reveal that hantavirus disease is a low-frequency disease, affecting primarily young people, with a relatively low case-fatality rate compared to other hantaviruses in the Americas (e.g., ANDV and SNV). It presents an annual variation with peaks every 4-5 years and an interannual variation influenced by agricultural activities. Hantavirus disease is endemic in about 27% of Panama, which corresponds to agroecological conditions that favor the population dynamics of the rodent host, Oligoryzomys costaricensis and the virus (Choclo orthohantavirus) responsible for hantavirus disease. However, this does not rule out the existence of other endemic areas to be characterized. Undoubtedly, decentralization of the laboratory test and dissemination of evidence-based surveillance guidelines and regulations have standardized and improved diagnosis, notification at the level of the primary care system, and management in intensive care units nationwide.

Epidemiological Surveillance Reveals the Rise and Establishment of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant in Brazil.

The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Brazil has been associated with major impacts on the epidemiological and public health scenario. In this study, 291,571 samples were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 variants from August 2021 to March 2022 (the highest peak of positive cases) in four geographical regions of Brazil. To identify the frequency, introduction, and dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 variants in 12 Brazilian capitals, VOCs defining spike mutations were identified in 35,735 samples through genotyping and viral genome sequencing. Omicron VOC was detected in late November 2021 and replaced the Delta VOC in approximately 3.5 weeks. We estimated viral load differences between SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron through the evaluation of the RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in 77,262 samples. The analysis demonstrated that the Omicron VOC has a lower viral load in infected patients than the Delta VOC. Analyses of clinical outcomes in 17,586 patients across the country indicated that individuals infected with Omicron were less likely to need ventilatory support. The results of our study reinforce the importance of surveillance programs at the national level and showed the introduction and faster dispersion of Omicron over Delta VOC in Brazil without increasing the numbers of severe cases of COVID-19.

Sobre la hepatitis aguda grave de etiología desconocida: la situación en México / About severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology: the situation in Mexico

Introducción: en México, las hepatitis virales son de notificación epidemiológica obligatoria, pero no existe un sistema especial de vigilancia. La información disponible se limita a la distribución por edad y sexo. Ante la alerta de casos de hepatitis aguda grave de etiología desconocida, en la Unión Europea el Consejo Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (CONAVE) alertó al Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) para la atención y vigilancia de estos casos. Desarrollo: la hipótesis más convincente sobre la etiología está relacionada con una respuesta inmunitaria exacerbada que es mediada por superantígenos relacionados con la proteína espiga del SARS-CoV-2, activados por una infección por adenovirus que desencadena una respuesta de linfocitos T que provoca apoptosis de hepatocitos. Con base en la presentación clínica (niños menores de 16 años, con diarrea, dolor abdominal, ictericia, vómito e hipertransaminasemia) se han diseñado definiciones operacionales para su identificación y notificación al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (SINAVE). Hasta junio del 2022, se han identificado 56 casos en México. Conclusiones: este brote de hepatitis representa un reto para el SINAVE. Es necesario incluir la identificación de adenovirus en el algoritmo diagnóstico de enfermedad respiratoria viral, implementar un sistema especial de vigilancia epidemiológica de hepatitis virales y sensibilizar a los profesionales sanitarios en el tema.

Introduction: In Mexico viral hepatitis requires mandatory epidemiological notification, but there is no special surveillance system. Available information is limited to distribution of cases by age and sex. Given the alert of cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in the European Union, the National Council for Epidemiological Surveillance (Consejo Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica) alerted the entire National Health System to care for and monitor these cases in Mexico. Development: The most convincing hypothesis is an exacerbated immune response mediated by superantigens related to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, activated by adenovirus infection that ends in a response of T lymphocytes that causes apoptosis of hepatocytes. Based on clinical presentation (children under 16 years of age, with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting and increase in transaminases) the operational case definitions have been designed for their timely identification and notification to the National System of Epidemiological Surveillance (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica). Until June 2022, 56 cases have been identified in Mexico. Conclusions: This hepatitis outbreak represents a challenge for the National System of Epidemiological Surveillance. It is necessary to include the identification of adenovirus in the diagnostic algorithm for viral respiratory disease, to implement a special epidemiological surveillance system for viral hepatitis, and to sensitize health professionals on this subject.

Caracterización de los focos de mosquitos Aedes aegypti en el municipio de Abreus. 2016-2022

Fundamento el conocimiento acerca de la focalidad por mosquitos motiva a pobladores y decisores a trabajar sobre las cuestiones que inciden en la proliferación de estos vectores; así como a una participación comunitaria eficaz, y el éxito en la prevención y control de las arbovirosis. Objetivo caracterizar los focos de mosquitos Aedes aegypti. Métodos se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, y de corte transversal, acerca de los focos de Aedes aegypti detectados en el municipio de Abreus, provincia de Cienfuegos, en el período 2016-2022. El universo fue de 390 focos, para los cuales se describieron las variables: semana estadística, mes y año de diagnóstico, consejo popular, tipo de depósito, lugar de la vivienda donde se encontró y fase del mosquito al diagnóstico. Se utilizaron datos de las encuestas entomológicas y los registros del laboratorio de Entomología Médica de la Unidad Municipal de Higiene y Epidemiología. Resultados la mediana del número de focos de Aedes aegypti correspondió a la semana estadística 32 de cada año. La mayor cantidad de focos se detectó en los consejos populares de Abreus (165) y Juraguá (102); hallados sobre todo en patios (85,5 %) y tanques bajos (55,5 %). Predominó la fase larvaria en IV estadio (82,3 %). Conclusiones en el municipio de Abreus la focalidad por mosquitos Aedes aegypti se caracterizó por su mayor incidencia en los meses de junio a septiembre, con predominio en el consejo popular de Abreus, sobre todo en tanques bajos y patios. El mayor número fue diagnosticado en la IV fase.

Background knowledge about the mosquito's breeding grounds motivates residents and decision makers to work on the issues that affect the mosquito proliferation; as well as effective community participation, and success in the prevention and control of arboviral diseases. Objective to characterize the Aedes aegypti mosquito's breeding grounds. Methods an observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was carried out on Aedes aegypti's breeding grounds detected in the Abreus municipality, Cienfuegos province, from 2016 to 2022. 390 breeding grounds were the universe, for which the described variables were: statistical week, month and year of diagnosis, neighborhood, type of deposit, place of residence where it was found, and phase of the mosquito at diagnosis. Data from entomological surveys and records from the Municipal Hygiene and Epidemiology Unit's Medical Entomology laboratory were used. Results the median number of Aedes aegypti breeding grounds corresponded to statistical week 32 of each year. The largest number of outbreaks was detected in the Abreus' neighborhood (165) and Juraguá (102); found mainly in yards (85.5 %) and low tanks (55.5 %). The larval phase in IV stage predominated (82.3 %). Conclusions in the municipality of Abreus, the focality of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes was characterized by its highest incidence in the months of June to September, with predominance in the popular council of Abreus, especially in low tanks and yards. The largest number was diagnosed in the IV phase.

Accuracy of yellow fever case definition of epidemiologic surveillance, São Paulo, 2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of yellow fever (YF) suspected case definitions from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as propose and evaluate new definitions of suspected cases, considering confirmed and discarded cases. METHODS The retrospective study was conducted at the Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas (IIER), using the Epidemiologic Surveillance Form of YF cases. From the confirmed and discarded cases of YF, a logistic regression model was developed. The independent variables were used in a proposed definition of a suspected case of YF and its accuracy was evaluated. RESULTS In total, 113 YF suspect cases were reported, with 78 confirmed (69.0%). The definitions by BMH and WHO presented low sensitivity, 59% and 53.8%, and reduced accuracy, 53.1% and 47.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for YF were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevation of transaminases greater than twice normal. The definition including individual with acute onset of fever, followed by elevation of ALT or AST greater than twice the reference value AND leukopenia OR thrombocytopenia presented high sensitivity (88.3%), specificity (62.9%), and the best accuracy (80.4%), as proposed in the model. CONCLUSION The YF suspected case definitions of the BMH and the WHO have low sensitivity. The inclusion of nonspecific laboratory tests increases the accuracy of YF definition.

Improving the Maternity Care Safety Net: Establishing Maternal Mortality Surveillance for Non-Obstetric Providers and Institutions.

The siloed nature of maternity care has been noted as a system-level factor negatively impacting maternal outcomes. Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides multi-specialty healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy but purchases obstetric care from community providers. VA providers may be unaware of perinatal complications, while community-based maternity care providers may be unaware of upstream factors affecting the pregnancy. To optimize maternal outcomes, the VA has initiated a system-level surveillance and review process designed to improve non-obstetric care for veterans experiencing a pregnancy. This quality improvement project aimed to describe the VA-based maternal mortality review process and to report maternal mortality (pregnancy-related death up to 42 days postpartum) and pregnancy-associated mortality (death from any cause up to 1 year postpartum) among veterans who use VA maternity care benefits. Pregnancies and pregnancy-associated deaths between fiscal year (FY) 2011-2020 were identified from national VA databases. All deaths underwent individual chart review and abstraction that focused on multi-specialty care received at the VA in the year prior to pregnancy until the time of death. Thirty-two pregnancy-associated deaths were confirmed among 39,720 pregnancies (PAMR = 80.6 per 100,000 live births). Fifty percent of deaths occurred among individuals who had experienced adverse social determinants of health. Mental health conditions affected 81%. Half (n = 16, 50%) of all deaths occurred in the late postpartum period (43-365 days postpartum) after maternity care had ended. More than half of these late postpartum deaths (n = 9, 56.2%) were related to suicide, homicide, or overdose. Integration of care delivered during the perinatal period (pregnancy through postpartum) from primary, mental health, emergency, and specialty care providers may be enhanced through a system-based approach to pregnancy-associated death surveillance and review. This quality improvement project has implications for all healthcare settings where coordination between obstetric and non-obstetric providers is needed.

Incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos bancos de síndrome gripal, síndrome respiratória aguda grave e mortalidade, Brasil, 2020-2021 / Incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases, Brazil, 2020-2021

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a incompletude da informação sobre profissão/ocupação nas bases de dados de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG), síndrome gripal (SG) e no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no Brasil. Métodos: estudo descritivo utilizando os bancos de dados de SRAG, SG e SIM. Calcularam-se percentuais de incompletude na variável profissão/ocupação segundo sexo, macrorregiões e unidades da federação, em 2020-2021. Resultados: o percentual de incompletude foi de 94,7% no banco de SG; 97,7% no de SRAG; e 17,0% no SIM. Em todas as macrorregiões a incompletude foi superior a 91,0% nos bancos de SG e SRAG; e superior a 13,0% no SIM. Todas as unidades da federação apresentaram percentuais de incompletude acima de 90,0% para SG; de 74,0% para SRAG; e de 6,8% para óbitos. Amapá apresentou maior percentual de incompletude na base de dados de SG (98,1%); Rio Grande do Sul (99,4%) na de SRAG; e Alagoas (45,0%) no SIM. Conclusões: observaram-se elevados percentuais de incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos sistemas de informação estudados. Recomenda-se uma articulação intersetorial, envolvendo representantes dos governos e dos trabalhadores, para formulação de estratégias que contornem a falta de informação sobre ocupação/profissão nas bases de dados relevantes para a vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Objective: to describe the incomplete filling out of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases in Brazil. Methods: descriptive study with secondary data from flu-like syndrome (FLS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and mortality databases (SIM). We calculeted the absolute and relative filling frequencies of the profession/occupation variable according to State, gender, regions, and federative units, for 2020 and 2021. Results: we found a 94.7% incompleteness on the FLS database, 97.7% of missing profession/occupation data on the SARS, and 17.0% on the SIM database. Incompleteness frequency was above 91.0% in all Brazilian regions for FLS and SARS. Incompleteness on the mortality database was over 13.0%. All federative units presented incompleteness above 90.0% for FLS, 74.0% for SARS, and 6.8% for mortality in all genders. Higher levels of missing data were found in the states of Amapá for FLS (98.1%), Rio Grande do Sul for SARS and Alagoas (45.0%) for mortality (99.4%). Conclusions: all databases showed a high incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable. We recommend an articulation between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and workers' representations to solve this lack of data on occupation/profession in public databases.

Identificação e condução de manifestação oftálmica de mpox pela vigilância epidemiológica: relato de experiência / Identification and management of ophthalmic manifestation of mpox by epidemiological surveillance: experience report / Identificación y manejo de la manifestación oftálmica del mpox mediante vigilancia epidemiológica: informe de una experiencia

Objetivo: descrever o processo de condução de um caso com manifestação oftálmica pela mpox, destacando o trabalho da enfermagem na prevenção de complicações da doença. Método: relato de experiência da condução de um caso de mpox ocorrido em setembro de 2022 com manifestação oftálmica. Resultados: a pronta identificação da complicação oftálmica, com a presença de conjuntivite e edema palpebral, apresentada por um paciente com suspeita de mpox pela equipe de enfermagem da vigilância epidemiológica durante as ações de monitoramento, e o envolvimento da equipe com outras equipes de diversos níveis da assistência à saúde permitiram a instituição precoce do tratamento com antiviral recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde, o que contribuiu para um melhor desfecho. Conclusão: é importante que se dissemine o conhecimento sobre as manifestações oftálmicas associadas à mpox para que a equipe de enfermagem, que atua nos diversos níveis de atenção à saúde, esteja atenta para implementar, de forma precoce, medidas de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento adequados.

Objective: to describe the process of conducting a case with ophthalmic manifestation by mpox, highlighting the work of nursing in preventing complications of the disease. Method: experience report of managing a case of mpox that occurred in September 2022 with ophthalmic manifestation. Results: the prompt identification of the ophthalmic complication, with the presence of conjunctivitis and eyelid edema, presented by a patient with suspected mpox by the epidemiological surveillance nursing team during monitoring actions and the team's involvement with other teams from different levels of the health care allowed the early initiation of antiviral treatment recommended by the Ministry of Health, which contributed to a better outcome. Conclusion: it is important to disseminate knowledge about ophthalmic manifestations associated with mpox for the nursing team that works at different levels of health care to be attentive to implement preventive measures, diagnosis and adequate and early treatment.

Objetivo: describir el proceso de manejo de un caso con manifestación of- talmológica por mpox, destacando la labor de enfermería en la prevención de complica- ciones de la enfermedad. Material y método: relato de experiencia de manejo de un caso de mpox ocurrido en septiembre de 2022 con manifestación oftálmica. Resultados: la rápida identificación de la complicación oftálmica, con la presencia de conjuntivitis y edema de párpados, presentada por un paciente con sospecha de mpox por el equipo de enfermería de vigilancia epidemiológica durante las acciones de monitoreo y la partici- pación del equipo con otros equipos de diferentes niveles de la asistencia sanitaria per- mitió el inicio precoz del tratamiento antiviral recomendado por el Ministerio de Salud, lo que contribuyó a un mejor resultado. Conclusión: es importante difundir el conoci- miento sobre las manifestaciones oftálmicas asociadas a la viruela del mono para que el equipo de enfermería que actúa en los diferentes niveles de atención a la salud esté atento a implementar medidas preventivas, diagnósticas y de tratamiento adecuado y precoz.

Infecção do sítio cirúrgico em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias neurológicas e ortopédicas / Infección del sitio quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a cirugía neurológica y ortopédica / Surgical site infection in patients submitted to neurological and orthopedic surgeries abstract

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a incidência das infecções de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias neurológicas e ortopédicas e seus determinantes em um hospital público. Método: estudo de coorte retrospectivo, conduzido entre pacientes submetidos a cirurgias neurológicas e ortopédicas, de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2020. Resultados: dos 3.029 procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados, 1.327 (43,8%) foram neurocirúrgicos; e 1.702 (56,2%), ortopédicos. A incidência da ISC foi 6,7% (89) em neurocirurgias e 3,3% (56) em ortopedias. A taxa global e de óbitos foi 4,8% e 12,4%, respectivamente. Na análise univariada, os fatores de risco associados às ISC em neurocirurgiasenvolveram tempo cirúrgico (>231 minutos), pontuação da American Society of Anesthesiologistsmaior que doise cirurgias emergenciais; para os procedimentos ortopédicos: cirurgias emergenciais, tempo de internação pré-operatório (>quatro dias) e cirúrgico (>149 minutos). Na análise multivariada, permaneceram cirurgias emergenciais e maior tempo cirúrgico como fatores de risco de ISC para ambas as especialidades;e, para as cirurgias ortopédicas e neurológicas, tempo de internação pré-operatório e classificação ASA, respectivamente. Conclusão: a taxa de incidência das ISC e de mortalidade bem como os fatores de risco identificados neste estudo devem ser considerados para elaborar estratégias destinadas a prevenir e controlar essas infecções.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la incidencia de las infecciones de sitio quirúrgico (ISC) en pacientes sometidos a cirugías neurológicas y ortopédicas y sus determinantes en un hospital público. Método: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, realizado entre pacientes sometidos a cirugías neurológicas y ortopédicas, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2020. Resultados: de los 3.029 procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados, 1.327 (43,8%) fueron neuroquirúrgicos; y 1.702 (56,2%), ortopédicos. La incidencia de la ISC fue 6,7% (89) en neurocirugía y 3,3% (56) en ortopedias. La tasa global y de muertes fue 4,8% y 12,4%, respectivamente. En el análisis univariado, los factores de riesgo asociados a las ISC en neurocirugía involucraron tiempo quirúrgico (>231 minutos), puntuación de la American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) mayor que dos y cirugías de emergencia; para los procedimientos ortopédicos: cirugías de emergencia, tiempo de internación preoperatorio (> cuatro días) y quirúrgico (>149 minutos). En el análisis multivariado, permanecieron cirugías de emergencia y mayor tiempo quirúrgico como factores de riesgo de ISC para ambas especialidades; y, para las cirugías ortopédicas y neurológicas, tiempo de internación preoperatorio y clasificación ASA, respectivamente. Conclusión: la tasa de incidencia de las ISC y de mortalidad, así como los factores de riesgo identificados en este estudio, debenser consideradosa la hora de elaborar estrategias para prevenir y controlar estas infecciones.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients submitted to neurological and orthopedic surgeries and their determinants in a public hospital. Method: retrospective cohort study, conducted between patients submitted to neurological and orthopedic surgeries, from January 2015 to December 2020. Results: of the 3,029 surgical procedures performed, 1,327 (43.8%) were neurosurgical; and 1,702 (56.2%) were orthopedic. The incidence of SSI was 6.7% (89) in neurosurgeries and 3.3% (56) in orthopedic surgery. The overall rate and death rates were 4.8% and 12.4%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the risk factors associated with SSI in neurosurgeries involved surgical time (>231 minutes), an American Society of Anesthesiologists score greater than two and emergency surgeries; the risk factors for orthopedic procedures were emergency surgeries, preoperative hospitalization time (> four days), and surgical procedures (>149 minutes). In the multivariate analysis, emergency surgeries and longer surgical time remained as risk factors for SSI for both specialties; the SSI risk factors for orthopedic and neurological surgeries were preoperative hospitalization time and ASA classification, respectively. Conclusion: the incidence rate of SSI and mortality, as well as the risk factors identified in this study, should be considered in order to develop strategies aimed at preventing and controlling these infections.

Leveraging International Influenza Surveillance Systems and Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A network of global respiratory disease surveillance systems and partnerships has been built over decades as a direct response to the persistent threat of seasonal, zoonotic, and pandemic influenza. These efforts have been spearheaded by the World Health Organization, country ministries of health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nongovernmental organizations, academic groups, and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked closely with ministries of health in partner countries and the World Health Organization to leverage influenza surveillance systems and programs to respond to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Countries used existing surveillance systems for severe acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness, respiratory virus laboratory resources, pandemic influenza preparedness plans, and ongoing population-based influenza studies to track, study, and respond to SARS-CoV-2 infections. The incorporation of COVID-19 surveillance into existing influenza sentinel surveillance systems can support continued global surveillance for respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.

Increased Incidence of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease among Children after COVID-19 Pandemic, England.

During July-December 2021, after COVID-19 restrictions were removed in England, invasive pneumococcal disease incidence in children <15 years of age was higher (1.96/100,000 children) than during the same period in 2020 (0.7/100,000 children) and in prepandemic years 2017-2019 (1.43/100,000 children). Childhood vaccine coverage should be maintained to protect the population.

Performance of hospital administrative data for detection of sepsis in Australia: The sepsis coding and documentation (SECOND) study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the world's leading cause of death and its detection from a range of data and coding sources, consistent with consensus clinical definition, is desirable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of three coding definitions (explicit, implicit, and newly proposed synchronous method) for sepsis derived from administrative data compared to a clinical reference standard. METHOD: Extraction of administrative coded data from Australian metropolitan teaching hospital with 25,000 annual overnight admissions compared to clinical review of medical records; 313 (27.9%) randomly selected adult multi-day stay hospital separations from 1,123 separations with acute infection during July 2019. Estimated prevalence and performance metrics, including positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: Clinical prevalence of sepsis was estimated at 10.7 (95% CI = 10.3-11.3) per 100 separations, and mortality rate of 11.6 (95% CI = 10.3-13.0) per 100 sepsis separations. Explicit method for case detection had high PPV (93.2%) but low NPV (55.8%) compared to the standard implicit method (74.1 and 66.3%, respectively) and proposed synchronous method (80.4% and 80.0%) compared to a standard clinical case definition. ROC for each method: 0.618 (95% CI = 0.538-0.654), 0.698 (95% CI = 0.648-0.748), and 0.802 (95% CI = 0.757-0.846), respectively. CONCLUSION: In hospitalised Australian patients with community-onset sepsis, the explicit method for sepsis case detection underestimated prevalence. Implicit methods were consistent with consensus definition for sepsis, and proposed synchronous method had better performance.

Correlates of tobacco product initiation among youth and young adults between waves 1-4 of the population assessment of tobacco and Health (PATH) study (2013-2018).

INTRODUCTION: While risk factors for cigarette smoking among youth and young adults are well-documented, less is known about the correlates of initiation of other tobacco products. This study aims to provide estimates and correlates of initiation among U.S. youth and young adults. METHODS: Data on youth aged 12-17 (n = 10,072) and young adults aged 18-24 (N = 5,727) who provided information on cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigars, pipe, hookah and smokeless tobacco use in Wave 1 (W1: 2013-2014)-Wave 4 (W4: 2016-2018) of the nationally-representative PATH Study were used to calculate ever use initiation and correlates of initiation by W4. RESULTS: Nearly 6 million youth and 2.5 million young adults used tobacco for the first time between W1-W4. Approximately one quarter of youth and young adult ENDS never users initiated ENDS between W1-W4 of the PATH Study. Among youth, use of other tobacco products, ever substance use, and high externalizing problems were associated with initiation of most products. Among young adults, use of other tobacco products and ever substance use were associated with initiation of most products. In both youth and young adults, Hispanics were more likely to initiate hookah use than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. While male sex was a risk factor for most tobacco product initiation across both age groups, it was not associated with hookah initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette and non-cigarette products shared many correlates of initiation, although there are noteworthy demographic differences. Findings can help tailor product specific interventions to reach populations at risk during preliminary stages of use.

Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2 Replacement in Brazil: A National Epidemiologic Surveillance Program.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused immeasurable impacts on the health and socioeconomic system. The real-time identification and characterization of new Variants of Concern (VOCs) are critical to comprehend its emergence and spread worldwide. In this sense, we carried out a national epidemiological surveillance program in Brazil from April to October 2021. Genotyping by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and sequencing were performed to monitor the dynamics and dissemination of VOCs in samples from 15 federative units. Delta VOC was first detected on June 2021 and took sixteen weeks to replace Gamma. To assess the transmissibility potential of Gamma and Delta VOCs, we studied the dynamics of RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in the dominance period of each variant. The data suggest that Delta VOC has a higher transmission rate than Gamma VOC. We also compared relevant symptom patterns in individuals infected with both VOCs. The Delta-infected subjects were less likely to have low oxygen saturation or fatigue, altered results on chest computed tomography, and a propensity for altered X-rays. Altogether, we described the replacement of Gamma by Delta, Delta enhanced transmissibility, and differences in symptom presentation.