Enfoque Rápido en Contexto Comunitario (ERCC): evaluando las medidas preventivas para Hantavirus en la Comarca Andina Patagónica desde la perspectiva de la participación comunitaria / Rapid Approach in Community Context (ERCC): evaluating preventive measures for Hantavirus in the Andean Patagonian Region from the perspective of community participation

Introducción: la creciente preocupación por eventos epidémicos de origen zoonótico generó la necesidad de estrategias integrales que corrigiesen la baja adaptabilidad y tensiones que se generan al implementar acciones de orden jerárquico superior en el contexto comunitario. Con el objeto de explicar un Enfoque Rápido en Contexto Comunitario (ERCC), este trabajo se propone evaluar dentro del contexto de un programa de salud pública la participación comunitaria en la prevención del Hantavirus en la Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42. Metodología: El presente ERCC utilizó visitas y observaciones al sitio, entrevistas cara a cara y grupales, precedidas por una revisión documental de la literatura. La información se recopiló en un corto período de tiempo y el análisis se utilizó para desarrollar recomendaciones informadas para los tomadores de decisiones de salud pública. Resultados: Se observo que cada comunidad enfrenta desafíos más allá del hantavirus y es esencial que epidemiólogos, prestadores de servicios asistenciales y municipalidades trabajen más estrechamente con la población local para prevenir y manejar mejor cualquier brote de enfermedad. Se pudieron identificar 6 recomendaciones que le permitirían a las comunidades un mejor manejo de futuros brotes con un enfoque participativo. Conclusiones: El ERCC es una intervención rápida y discreta que puede ser llevada a cabo por un pequeño equipo con una interferencia mínima en la comunidad. El ERCC también podría ser adaptado por las autoridades de salud pública a muchos contextos diferentes, incluso con grupos vulnerables, para ayudar a que la promoción y la prevención sean más relevantes y efectivas a nivel local (AU)

Introduction: the growing concern for epidemic events of zoonotic origin generated the need for comprehensive strategies that correct the low adaptability and tensions generated when implementing actions of higher hierarchical order in the community context. In order to explain a Rapid Approach in Community Context (ERCC), this paper aims to evaluate within the context of a public health program community participation in the prevention of Hantavirus in the Andean Region of the 42nd Parallel. Methodology: The present ERCC used site visits and observations, face-to-face and group interviews, preceded by a documentary review of the literature. The information was collected over a short period of time and the analysis was used to develop informed recommendations for public health decision makers. Results: It was observed that each community faces challenges beyond hantavirus and it is essential that epidemiologists, care providers and municipalities work more closely with the local population to better prevent and manage any disease outbreak. We were able to identify 6 recommendations that would allow communities to better manage future outbreaks with a participatory approach. Conclusions: The ERCC is a rapid and discreet intervention that can be carried out by a small team with minimal interference in the community. The ERCC could also be adapted by public health authorities to many different contexts, including with vulnerable groups, to help make promotion and prevention more relevant and effective at the local level (AU)

Surgical care and trauma patients capacity in Piura, Perú - Cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Low and medium income countries face challenges in access and delivery of surgical care, resulting in a high number of deaths and disabled individuals. Objective: To estimate the capacity to provide surgical and trauma care in public hospitals in the Piura region, Perú, a middle income country. Methods: A survey was administered in public hospitals in the Peruvian region of Piura, which combined the Spanish versions of the PIPES and INTACT surveys, and the WHO situational analysis tool. The extent of the event was assessed based in the absolute differences between the medians of the scores estimated, and the Mann-Whitney bilateral tests, according to the geographical location and the level of hospital complexity. Results: Seven public hospitals that perform surgeries in the Piura region were assessed. Three provinces (3/8) did not have any complexity healthcare institutions. The average hospital in the peripheral provinces tended to be smaller than in the capital province in INTACT (8.25 vs. 9.5, p = 0.04). Additionally, water supply issues were identified (2/7), lack of incinerator (3/7), lack of uninterrupted availability of a CT-scanner (5/7) and problems with working hours; in other words, the blood banks in two hospitals were not open 24 hours. Conclusions: There is a significant inequality among the provinces in the region in terms of their trauma care capacities and several shortfalls in the public sector healthcare infrastructure. This information is required to conduct future research on capacity measurements in every public and private institution in the Peruvian region of Piura.

Introducción: Los países de ingresos bajos y medianos tienen problemas en el acceso y la provisión de atención quirúrgica, lo cual ocasiona un alto número de fallecimientos y de personas con discapacidad. Objetivo: Estimar la capacidad para la atención quirúrgica y de pacientes traumatizados en los hospitales públicos en la región de Piura, Perú, un país de ingreso mediano. Métodos: En los hospitales públicos de la región peruana de Piura se aplicó una encuesta que combinaba las versiones en español de las encuestas PIPES e INTACT y de la herramienta de análisis situacional de la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se evaluó la magnitud del evento mediante las diferencias absolutas entre las medianas de los puntajes calculados y pruebas bilaterales de Mann-Whitney según la ubicación geográfica y el nivel de complejidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Se evaluaron siete hospitales públicos que realizan cirugía en la región de Piura. Tres provincias (3/8) no contaban con instituciones sanitarias con complejidad de hospital. La mediana de los hospitales de las provincias periféricas tuvo tendencia a ser menor que la de la provincia capital en la INTACT (8,25 vs. 9,5, p = 0,04). Asimismo, se hallaron problemas de abastecimiento de agua (2/7), ausencia de incinerador (3/7), falta de funcionamiento permanente de tomógrafo (5/7) y problemas con el horario de funcionamiento de los bancos de sangre, ya que no funcionaban las 24 horas del día en 2 hospitales (2/7). Conclusiones: Se describe la alta desigualdad entre las provincias de la región en la capacidad de atención de trauma y varias carencias en la infraestructura sanitaria del sector público. Esta información es necesaria para desarrollar futura investigación de medición de capacidades en todos los establecimientos públicos y privados de la región peruana de Piura.

Surgical care and trauma patients capacity in Piura, Peru - Cross-sectional study / Capacidades para la atención quirúrgica y de pacientes traumatizados en la región de Piura, Perú. Estudio de corte transversal

Abstract Introduction: Low and medium income countries face challenges in access and delivery of surgical care, resulting in a high number of deaths and disabled individuals. Objective: To estimate the capacity to provide surgical and trauma care in public hospitals in the Piura region, Perú, a middle income country. Methods: A survey was administered in public hospitals in the Peruvian region of Piura, which combined the Spanish versions of the PIPES and INTACT surveys, and the WHO situational analysis tool. The extent of the event was assessed based in the absolute differences between the medians of the scores estimated, and the Mann-Whitney bilateral tests, according to the geographical location and the level of hospital complexity. Results: Seven public hospitals that perform surgeries in the Piura region were assessed. Three provinces (3/8) did not have any complexity healthcare institutions. The average hospital in the peripheral provinces tended to be smaller than in the capital province in INTACT (8.25 vs. 9.5, p = 0.04). Additionally, water supply issues were identified (2/7), lack of incinerator (3/7), lack of uninterrupted availability of a CT-scanner (5/7) and problems with working hours; in other words, the blood banks in two hospitals were not open 24 hours. Conclusions: There is a significant inequality among the provinces in the region in terms of their trauma care capacities and several shortfalls in the public sector healthcare infrastructure. This information is required to conduct future research on capacity measurements in every public and private institution in the Peruvian region of Piura.

Resumen Introducción: Los países de ingresos bajos y medianos tienen problemas en el acceso y la provisión de atención quirúrgica, lo cual ocasiona un alto número de fallecimientos y de personas con discapacidad. Objetivo: Estimar la capacidad para la atención quirúrgica y de pacientes traumatizados en los hospitales públicos en la región de Piura, Perú, un país de ingreso mediano. Métodos: En los hospitales públicos de la región peruana de Piura se aplicó una encuesta que combinaba las versiones en español de las encuestas PIPES e INTACT y de la herramienta de análisis situacional de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se evaluó la magnitud del evento mediante las diferencias absolutas entre las medianas de los puntajes calculados y pruebas bilaterales de Mann-Whitney según la ubicación geográfica y el nivel de complejidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Se evaluaron siete hospitales públicos que realizan cirugía en la región de Piura. Tres provincias (3/8) no contaban con instituciones sanitarias con complejidad de hospital. La mediana de los hospitales de las provincias periféricas tuvo tendencia a ser menor que la de la provincia capital en la INTACT (8,25 vs. 9,5, p = 0,04). Asimismo, se hallaron problemas de abastecimiento de agua (2/7), ausencia de incinerador (3/7), falta de funcionamiento permanente de tomógrafo (5/7) y problemas con el horario de funcionamiento de los bancos de sangre, ya que no funcionaban las 24 horas del día en 2 hospitales (2/7). Conclusiones: Se describe la alta desigualdad entre las provincias de la región en la capacidad de atención de trauma y varias carencias en la infraestructura sanitaria del sector público. Esta información es necesaria para desarrollar futura investigación de medición de capacidades en todos los establecimientos públicos y privados de la región peruana de Piura.

HLA-DRB1 Alleles are Associated With COPD in a Latin American Admixed Population.

INTRODUCTION: While the molecular mechanisms of COPD pathogenesis remain obscure, there is mounting evidence supporting a key role for autoimmunity. Although human leukocyte antigens (HLA) alleles have been repeatedly associated with autoimmune processes, the relation between HLA and COPD remains largely unexplored, especially in Latin American (LA) populations. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the presence of HLA class I and II alleles in COPD patients and healthy controls in a LA population with admixed ancestry. METHODS: COPD patients (n=214) and age-matched controls (n=193) were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array. The classic HLA alleles were imputed using HLA Genotype Imputation with Attribute Bagging (HIBAG) and the Hispanic reference panel. Finally, the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles was reexamined in 510 randomly recruited unrelated volunteers. RESULTS: CODP patients showed a higher HLA-DRB1*01:02 allele frequency (6.54%) than healthy controls (3.27%, p=0.04, OR=2.07). HLA-DRB1*01:02 was also significantly associated with FEV1 (p=0.04) and oxygen saturation (p=0.02), and the FEV1/FVC ratio was higher in HLA-DRB1*15:01-positive patients (p=9×10-3). CONCLUSION: We report an association among HLA-DRB1 alleles, COPD risk and pulmonary function parameters for the first time in Latin Americans. Since HLA-DRB1 genetic variability relates to the individual autoimmune response, these results support a role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Amerindian Ancestry Influences Genetic Susceptibility to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The contribution of genetic ancestry on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) predisposition remains unclear. To explore this relationship, we analyzed the associations between 754,159 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk of COPD (n = 214 cases, 193 healthy controls) in Talca, Chile, considering the genetic ancestry and established risk factors. The proportion of Mapuche ancestry (PMA) was based on a panel of 45 Mapuche reference individuals. Five PRDM15 SNPs and two PPP1R12B SNPs were associate with COPD risk (p = 0.05 to 5×10-4) in those individuals with lower PMA. Based on linkage disequilibrium and sliding window analyses, an adjacent PRDM15 SNPs were associated with COPD risk in the lower PMA group (p = 10-3 to 3.77×10-8). Our study is the first to report an association between PPP1R12B and COPD risk, as well as effect modification between ethnicity and PRDM15 SNPs in determining COPD risk. Our results are biologically plausible given that PPP1R12B and PRDM15 are involved in immune dysfunction and autoimmunity, providing mechanistic evidence for COPD pathogenesis and highlighting the importance to conduct more genome wide association studies (GWAS) in admixed populations with Amerindian descent.

PRDM15 Is Associated with Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Rural Population in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have accelerated our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, GWAS populations have typically consisted of European descent, with ∼1% of Latin American ancestry. OBJECTIVE: To overcome this limitation, we conducted a GWAS in a rural Chilean population with increased COPD risk to investigate genetic variation of COPD risk in this understudied minority population. METHOD: We carried out a case-control study of 214 COPD patients (defined by the GOLD criteria) and 193 healthy controls in Talca, Chile. DNA was extracted from venous blood and genotyped on the Illumina Global Screening Array (n = 754,159 markers). After exclusion based on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p ≤ 0.001), call rates (<95%), and minor allele frequencies (<0.5%) in controls, 455,564 markers were available for logistic regression. RESULTS: PRDM15 rs1054761 C allele (p = 2.22 × 10-7) was associated with decreased COPD risk. Three PRDM15 SNPs located on chromosome 21 were significantly associated with COPD risk (p < 10-6). Two of these SNPs, rs1054761 and rs4075967, were located on a noncoding transcript variant region of the gene. CONCLUSION: PRDM15 overexpression may play a role in the B-cell dysregulation in COPD pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, the association between PRDM15 and COPD risk was not previously found in GWAS studies in largely European populations, highlighting the importance of investigating novel variants associated with COPD risk among ethnically diverse populations.

[Development of a georeferenced system for the management, mobility and monitoring of primary care in community health]. / Desarrollo de un sistema georreferenciado para la gestión, movilidad y monitoreo de atención primaria de la salud comunitaria.

Community health agents carry out significant actions on the ground to provide prevention and care and bring health services to families. These practices in the field constitute a constant collective mapping process using the knowledge of the territory that the agents possess. Based on intensive fieldwork starting in 2012 in conjunction with local social organizations and health institutions in Brazil and Argentina, the binational project App+Health (App+Salud in Spanish and App+Saúde in Portugués) was initiated. The project's objective was to develop a monitoring and georeferencing system for community health management in the form of an application for cell phones or tablets with internet access, which would take into account the basic conditions of the environment and movement history of users and connect map updating methodologies using social cartography with free collaborative mapping platforms. As a result, the beta version of App+Health was developed, through a heightened process of exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge.

Los agentes de salud comunitaria en terreno practican acciones de fuerte impronta territorial, tanto en relación con prevención y asistencia, como a partir de un acercamiento de los servicios de salud a las familias. Estas prácticas en terreno, construyen un permanente mapeo colectivo basado en el conocimiento que los agentes poseen del territorio de actuación. A partir de un intenso trabajo de campo iniciado en el año 2012, en conjunto con organizaciones sociales locales e instituciones de salud de Brasil y Argentina, se inició el proyecto binacional App+Salud, que tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de un sistema de monitoreo y georreferencia para la gestión de la salud comunitaria, en formato de aplicación, para celular o tablet y acceso web, que considere la condiciones básicas, de ambiente y movilidad histórica de los usuarios, y que vincule metodologías de actualización cartográfica a partir de cartografía social con plataformas de mapeos colaborativos libres. Como resultado, se ha obtenido el desarrollo del sistema App+Salud, en nivel beta, para lo cual se profundizó en un trabajo de intercambio de saberes interdisciplinares.

Correction to: Comparative analysis of COPD associated with tobacco smoking, biomass smoke exposure or both.

In the original publication [1] is an error in table 1. The correct version can be found in this Erratum.

Desarrollo de un sistema georreferenciado para la gestión, movilidad y monitoreo de atención primaria de la salud comunitaria / Development of a georeferenced system for the management, mobility and monitoring of primary care in community health

RESUMEN Los agentes de salud comunitaria en terreno practican acciones de fuerte impronta territorial, tanto en relación con prevención y asistencia, como a partir de un acercamiento de los servicios de salud a las familias. Estas prácticas en terreno, construyen un permanente mapeo colectivo basado en el conocimiento que los agentes poseen del territorio de actuación. A partir de un intenso trabajo de campo iniciado en el año 2012, en conjunto con organizaciones sociales locales e instituciones de salud de Brasil y Argentina, se inició el proyecto binacional App+Salud, que tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de un sistema de monitoreo y georreferencia para la gestión de la salud comunitaria, en formato de aplicación, para celular o tablet y acceso web, que considere la condiciones básicas, de ambiente y movilidad histórica de los usuarios, y que vincule metodologías de actualización cartográfica a partir de cartografía social con plataformas de mapeos colaborativos libres. Como resultado, se ha obtenido el desarrollo del sistema App+Salud, en nivel beta, para lo cual se profundizó en un trabajo de intercambio de saberes interdisciplinares.

ABSTRACT Community health agents carry out significant actions on the ground to provide prevention and care and bring health services to families. These practices in the field constitute a constant collective mapping process using the knowledge of the territory that the agents possess. Based on intensive fieldwork starting in 2012 in conjunction with local social organizations and health institutions in Brazil and Argentina, the binational project App+Health (App+Salud in Spanish and App+Saúde in Portugués) was initiated. The project's objective was to develop a monitoring and georeferencing system for community health management in the form of an application for cell phones or tablets with internet access, which would take into account the basic conditions of the environment and movement history of users and connect map updating methodologies using social cartography with free collaborative mapping platforms. As a result, the beta version of App+Health was developed, through a heightened process of exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge.

Comparative analysis of COPD associated with tobacco smoking, biomass smoke exposure or both.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to noxious gases and particles contained in both tobacco smoking (TS) and biomass smoke (BS) are well recognized environmental risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response, both in the pulmonary and systemic compartments. The differential effects of TS, BS or their combined exposure have not been well characterized yet. This study sought to compare the lung function characteristics and systemic inflammatory response in COPD patients exposed to TS, BS or their combination. METHODS: Sociodemographic, clinical and lung functional parameters were compared across 49 COPD patients with a history of smoking and no BS exposure (TS COPD), 31 never-smoker COPD patients with BS exposure (BS COPD), 46 COPD patients with a combined exposure (TS + BS COPD) and 52 healthy controls (HC) who have never been exposed neither to TS or BS. Blood cell counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were quantified in all four groups. RESULTS: TS + BS COPD patients exhibited significantly lower oxygen saturation than the rest of groups (p < 0.01). Spirometry and diffusing capacity were significantly higher in BS than in TS or TS + BS patients. CRP levels were significantly higher in TS COPD patients than in BS COPD group (p < 0.05), whereas fibrinogen was raised in COPD patients with a history of smoking (TS and TS + BS) when compared to control subjects (p < 0.01). Finally, COPD patients with BS exposure (BS and BS + TS groups) showed higher IgE levels than TS and HC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant physiological and inflammatory differences between COPD patients with TS, BS and TS + BS exposures. The latter had worse blood oxygenation, whereas the raised levels of IgE in BS exposed patients suggests a differential Th2 systemic inflammatory pattern triggered by this pollutant.

Participación social en sistemas de salud fragmentados: ¿una relación virtuosa? / Social Participation in Fragmented Health Systems: a Virtuous Relationship? / Participação social em sistemas de saúde fragmentados: um relacionamento virtuoso?

Los sistemas de salud se enfrentan a diferentes obstáculos que amenazan su correcto desempeño. Uno de ellos es su fragmentación. Como contrapartida, la participación social en salud es mencionada con la misma intensidad como fenómeno integrador. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar un marco más concreto sobre la compleja relación entre ambos emergentes de los sistemas de salud y para ello utilizó diferentes métodos: una revisión de la literatura, un enfoque cualitativo para definir las dimensiones de análisis y, en un tercer momento, técnicas de ensayos clásicos (ensayo expositivo) para argumentar cada dimensión. Como producto final se definieron doce tesis que en conjunto se proponen explicar satisfactoriamente este fenómeno e inferir líneas de trabajo para mejorar de manera efectiva el funcionamiento de los sistemas de salud.

Health systems face different obstacles that threaten their proper performance. One such obstacle is the fragmentation of health systems. In return, the social participation in health is mentioned with the same intensity that integrating phenomenon. This study aimed to provide a more concrete framework on the complex relationship between these factors emerging health systems and for that use different methods: A review of literature, a qualitative approach to define the dimensions of analysis and in a third time a classic technique assay (expository essay) to argue each dimension. The final product 12 theses were defined, and together aim to satisfactorily explain this phenomenon and propose lines of work that effectively improve the performance of health systems.

Os sistemas de saúde enfrentam-se a diferentes obstáculos que ameaçam seu desempenho adequado. Um deles é sua fragmentação. Como contrapartida, a participação social em saúde é mencionada com igual intensidade como fenómeno integrador. Este estudo objetivou fornecer quadro mais concreto sobre o complexo relacionamento entre ambos os emergentes dos sistemas de saúde e para isso utilizou diferentes métodos: uma revisão da literatura, um enfoque qualitativo para definir as dimensões de análise e, em uma terceira vez, técnicas de ensaios clássicos (ensaio expositivo) para argumentar cada dimensão. Como produto final definiram-se doze teses que em conjunto propõem-se explicar satisfatoriamente este fenómeno e inferir linhas de trabalho para melhorar de maneira efetiva o funcionamento dos sistemas de saúde.

Aportes para un mejor mejorar el desempeño de un programa de cribado de cáncer de cuello uterino en la Provincia de Chubut: un abordaje cualitativo desde el equipo de salud / Contributions to a better performance of a screening program for cervical cancer in Chubut Province: a qualitative approach from the health team

OBJETIVOS: Enumerar las dificultades en la implementación de un programa de detección precoz de cáncer de cuello uterino y las potenciales líneas de acción desde la perspectiva de diferentes actores del sistema público de salud de la provincia del Chubut. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La metodología que se utilizó para la recolección de datos fue la discusión en grupos. Se realizó un muestreo por conveniencia que incluían los siguientes sectores: Trabajadores Comunitarios de salud, Centros de Atención Primaria, residentes de medicina general y profesionales del 2° nivel de atención. RESULTADOS: se detectaron diversas dificultades en la implementación actual del programa: dificultades relacionadas a recursos humanos, falta de información a la comunidad y en la oferta de horarios adecuados, demoras en las entregas de resultados, barreras de género, dificultades en la continuidad de la atención, problemas de motivación y escasa concentración de actividades en grupos vulnerables. Posteriormente se identificaron los elementos esenciales que deberían ser parte del programa de cribado y propuestas de mejora. CONCLUSIONES: El trabajo enriqueció la información existente sobre los programas de abordaje precoz de cáncer de cuello de útero y nos permitió identificar "nuevas" variables a tener en cuenta.

OBJECTIVES: listing the difficulties in implementing a program for early detectionof cervical cancer and potential courses of action from the perspective of severalactors in the public health system in the province of Chubut. METHODS: The methodology used for data collection was the group discussion.We performed a convenience sample that included the following areas: communityhealth workers, primary care centers, residents of general medicine and professionals in the 2nd level of care. RESULTS: We identified several difficulties in the current implementation of thepro-gram: difficulties related to human resources, lack of information to the community and adequate schedules, delays in the delivery of results, genderbarriers, difficulties in continuity of care, lack of motivation and a sparse concentrationon vulnerable groups. Subsequent studies identified the essential elementsthat should be part of the screening program and suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The work enriched the existing information on programs addressingearly cervical cancer and allowed us to identify "new" variables to consider.