Robotic-assisted ectopic mediastinal parathyroidectomy: a single institution experience and operative review for the thoracic surgeon.

Background: Parathyroidectomy remains the only definitive cure for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). In rare cases, ectopic hyperfunctioning glands are located in the mediastinum, necessitating a thoracic surgical approach. The objective of this project was to review a single high-volume institutional experience of this presentation, with specific attention to the use of a robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) approach. Methods: This was a single-center, 5-year retrospective cohort study. All patients who underwent RATS mediastinal mass resection (MMR) for PHPT at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus were targeted for inclusion. Patient cases were reviewed for demographics, history, operative data, laboratory values, and postoperative course. Results: Eight patients underwent RATS-MMR for PHPT between 2018-2023. Median [interquartile range] operative time was 178 [138-213] minutes, and length of stay was 2.0 [1.5-2.0] days. One patient experienced post-operative chylothorax requiring dietary modification. There were no other 30-day complications or readmissions. Final pathology confirmed intrathymic parathyroid tissue in all patients. All patients achieved cure of PHPT. Conclusions: The robotic-assisted approach has low morbidity and associated hospital length of stay and can be safely used to cure PHPT. As this is a rare pathology with an infrequently utilized surgical approach, it is important to critically discuss the diagnostic evaluation and operative course, aimed at educating the thoracic surgeon who may encounter and assist in the management of these patients.

Description of BCG and Tuberculosis Disease in a Cohort of 79 Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency caused by pathogenic variants of genes encoding the enzyme complex NADPH oxidase. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic and the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is routinely administered, mycobacteria are major disease-causing pathogens in CGD. However, information on the clinical evolution and treatment of mycobacterial diseases in patients with CGD is limited. The present study describes the adverse reactions to BCG and TB in Mexican patients with CGD. METHODS: Patients with CGD who were evaluated at the Immunodeficiency Laboratory of the National Institute of Pediatrics between 2013 and 2024 were included. Medical records were reviewed to determine the clinical course and treatment of adverse reactions to BCG and TB disease. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients with CGD were included in this study. Adverse reactions to BCG were reported in 55 (72%) of 76 patients who received the vaccine. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 19 (24%) patients. Relapse was documented in three (10%) of 31 patients with BGC-osis and six (32%) of 19 patients with TB, despite antituberculosis treatment. There was no difference in the frequency of BCG and TB disease between patients with pathogenic variants of the X-linked CYBB gene versus recessive variants. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the importance of considering TB in endemic areas and BCG complications in children with CGD to enable appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of relapse.

Endocrine Shades of Silicone Fillers: A Case of Calcitriol-mediated Hypercalcemia.

Background: The inflammatory reaction of foreign body granulomas (FBG) may be so vast that it leads to severe systemic effects. Case report: A 42-year-old woman was referred to the ED with severe recurrent symptomatic hypercalcemia associated with worsening kidney function. She had presented multiple times with similar complaints. Severe hypercalcemia (13.8 mg/dL) was noted, with appropriately low PTH, elevated PTHrP, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. She admitted having significant subcutaneous silicone filler injections in the hips six years prior. Admission workup revealed a normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but a marked elevation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (138 pg/mL). Whole-body PET-CT demonstrated moderate 2-18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake within the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the lateral aspects of the gluteal regions. She was diagnosed with silicone filler injection-induced hypercalcemia, secondary to granulomatous inflammation. Her calcium level normalized a month after the initiation of prednisone. Discussion: FBG may occur years after filler injection. In rare cases, a significant granulomatous immune response leads to uncontrolled production of calcitriol. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can also upregulate PTHrP expression in macrophages, further contributing to hypercalcemia. Treatment focuses on general hypercalcemia management and FBG remission, most effectively achieved with anti-inflammatory corticosteroid doses. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term treatment efficacy. Conclusion: Granulomatous inflammation from silicone filler injection can cause hypercalcemia by uncontrolled production of calcitriol and increased PTHrP production by macrophages and giant cells.

Transformers meets neoantigen detection: a systematic literature review.

Cancer immunology offers a new alternative to traditional cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. One notable alternative is the development of personalized vaccines based on cancer neoantigens. Moreover, Transformers are considered a revolutionary development in artificial intelligence with a significant impact on natural language processing (NLP) tasks and have been utilized in proteomics studies in recent years. In this context, we conducted a systematic literature review to investigate how Transformers are applied in each stage of the neoantigen detection process. Additionally, we mapped current pipelines and examined the results of clinical trials involving cancer vaccines.

The Impact of the Reduction in Environmental Pollution during COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthy Individuals.

The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to determine and compare the oxidative stress biomarkers Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines in healthy individuals first during lockdown and then six months after the easing of the restrictions on mobility. A prospective study of a representative sample of 58 healthy, non-smoking adults was carried out. During lockdown and six months post-easing of restrictions, blood samples were drawn to measure the percentage of eosinophils, levels of Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines assessed by a multiplex assay (BioRad Laboratories S.A., Marnes-la-Coquette, France), and levels of 8-isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase activity, and myeloperoxidase (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA), to assess their value as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Six months after easing mobility restrictions, increases in the levels of 8-isoprostane (p < 0.0001), IL-1ß (p = 0.0013), IL-1ra (p = 0.0110), IL-4 (p < 0.0001), IL-13 (p < 0.0001), G-CSF (p = 0.0007), and CCL3 (p < 0.0001) were recorded, along with reductions in glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.0001), IFN-γ (p = 0.0145), TNFα (p < 0.0001), IP-10 (p < 0.0001), IL-2 (p < 0.0001), IL-7 (p < 0.0001), basic FGF (p < 0.0001), CCL4 (p < 0.0001), and CCL5 (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rest of the biomarkers analyzed. The reduction in environmental pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly lowered the levels of oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and Th2-related cytokines in healthy people.

Clinical, Radiographic, and Histological Changes in Enamel and Dentin, According to Caries Care International™ Evaluation, In Permanent Posterior Teeth: An Observational Study / Cambios Clínicos, Radiográficos e Histológicos en Esmalte y Dentina, Según Evaluación de Caries Care International™, en Dientes Posteriores Permanentes: Un Estudio Observacional

SUMMARY: CariesCare International ™ practical guide is a tool for the comprehensive assessment and treatment of caries that synthesizes clinical and radiographic diagnosis and risk factors, classifying the severity, progression, and activity of lesions. The objective of this study was to analyze the validity and prediction characteristics of the proposed dental caries classification in the CariesCare International ™ practical guide as a reference through clinical and radiographic evaluation versus histological evaluation. Ninety-seven permanent posterior teeth were evaluated, and clinical and radiographic diagnoses were determined according to parameters defined in the CariesCare International™ guide as a reference. Subsequently, histological evaluation was performed to compare each stage of dental caries progression, and statistical analysis was applied. When comparing the validity and prediction values between radiographic and clinical diagnoses in relation to histological evaluation, a low sensitivity and high specificity relationship was found. The sensitivity and specificity percentages between the clinical and radiographic methods show that the clinical method has a lower number of false negatives. Histological changes in dental tissue were evident from the earliest stages of lesions, even in those not related to the caries process, indicating that the dentist should be careful when deciding on a treatment plan and take into account all variables involved in the caries process, as proposed by the CariesCare International ™ guide.

La guía práctica CariesCare International™ es una herramienta para la evaluación y tratamiento integral de la caries que sintetiza el diagnóstico clínico y radiográfico y los factores de riesgo, clasificando la gravedad, progresión y actividad de las lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la validez y características de predicción de la clasificación de caries dental propuesta en la guía práctica CariesCare International™ como referencia a través de la evaluación clínica y radiográfica versus la evaluación histológica. Se evaluaron noventa y siete dientes posteriores permanentes y se determinaron diagnósticos clínicos y radiográficos según parámetros definidos en la guía CariesCare International™ como referencia. Posteriormente se realizó una evaluación histológica para comparar cada etapa de progresión de la caries dental y se aplicó análisis estadístico. Al comparar los valores de validez y predicción entre los diagnósticos radiológicos y clínicos en relación con la evaluación histológica, se encontró una relación de baja sensibilidad y alta especificidad. Los porcentajes de sensibilidad y especificidad entre el método clínico y radiográfico muestran que el método clínico tiene un menor número de falsos negativos. Los cambios histológicos en el tejido dental fueron evidentes desde las primeras etapas de las lesiones, incluso en aquellas no relacionadas con el proceso de caries, lo que indica que el odontólogo debe tener cuidado al decidir un plan de tratamiento y tener en cuenta todas las variables involucradas en el proceso de caries, tal como propone la guía CariesCare International™.

The dispersant Corexit 9500 and (dispersed) oil are lethal to coral endosymbionts.

Endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) play a vital role in the health of corals. Seawater pollution can harm these endosymbionts and dispersants used during oil spill cleanup can be extremely toxic to these organisms. Here, we examined the impact of oil and a specific dispersant, Corexit-9500, on two representative endosymbionts - Symbiodinium and Cladocopium - from the Southwestern endemic coral Mussismilia braziliensis. The survival and photosynthetic potential of the endosymbionts decreased dramatically after exposure to the dispersant and oil by ~25 % after 2 h and ~50 % after 7 days. Low concentrations of dispersant (0.005 ml/l) and dispersed oil (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, 1132 µg/l; Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, 595 µg/l) proved highly toxic to both Symbiodinium and Cladocopium. These levels triggered a reduction in growth rate, cell size, and cell wall thickness. After a few hours of exposure, cellular organelles were damaged or destroyed. These acute toxic effects underline the fragile nature of coral endosymbionts.

Acquired tracheomalacia due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies mentioned parenchymal findings after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but few studies have mentioned alterations in the airways. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tracheomalacia and to analyse the clinical characteristics in a cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted a hospital serving a population of 500 000 inhabitants. Patients were visited between 2 and 6 months after hospital discharge. In this visit, all patients were subjected to an exhaustive clinical questionnaire and underwent clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and chest CT. RESULTS: From February 2020 to August 2021, 1920 patients were included in the cohort and tracheomalacia was observed in 15 (0.8%) on expiratory HRCT imaging. All patients with tracheomalacia also presented ground glass opacities in the CT scan and 12 patients had airway sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheomalacia is an exceptional sequela of SARS-CoV-2 survivors.

Position statement on infection screening, prophylaxis, and vaccination of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and immunosuppressive therapies, part 3: precautions in situations of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections.

The objective of this study is to provide practical recommendations on the management of pediatric patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. The recommendations specifically address the cases of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections (varicella, herpes-zoster, tuberculosis, invasive fungal disease). A qualitative approach was applied. A narrative literature review was performed via Medline. Primary searches were conducted using MeSH terms and free text to identify publications on infections and vaccinations in pediatric patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. The results were presented and discussed in a nominal group meeting, comprising a committee of 12 pediatric rheumatologists from the Infection Prevention and Treatment Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rheumatology. Several recommendations were generated. A consensus procedure was implemented via a Delphi process; this was extended to members of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rheumatology and Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics. Participants produced a score ranging from 0 (totally disagree) to 10 (totally agree). Agreement was defined as a vote ≥ 7 by at least 70% of participants. The literature review included more than 400 articles. Overall, 63 recommendations (19 on surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections) were generated and voted by 59 pediatric rheumatologists and other pediatric specialists. Agreement was reached for all 63 recommendations. The recommendations on special situations cover management in cases of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections (varicella, herpes-zoster, tuberculosis, and invasive fungal disease).  Conclusions: Hereby, we provided consensus and updated of recommendations about the management of special situations such as surgery, fever, and opportunistic in children with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Several of the recommendations depend largely on clinical judgement and specific balance between risk and benefit for each individual and situation. To assess this risk, the clinician should have knowledge of the drugs, the patient's previous situation as well as the current infectious disease, in addition to experience. What is Known: • Infectious diseases and related complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. • Information on how to manage the treatment in situations of fever, opportunistic infections, and surgery in children is limited, and guidelines for action are often extrapolated from adults. What is New: • In the absence of strong evidence, a literature review and a Delphi survey were conducted to establish a series of expert recommendations that could support the clinical practice, providing a practical and simple day-to-day approach to be used by pediatric rheumatologists.

Real-time changes in rib cage expansion and use of abdominal mechanical stimulation in newborns: a quasi-experimental study / Mudanças na expansibilidade torácica com o uso de estímulo mecânico na região abdominal em recém-nascidos: um estudo quase-experimental

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns using an abdominal stabilization band. Methods: The study included 32 newborns of both genders, with gestational age between 35 and 41 weeks. The abdominal stabilization band was used for 15 minutes between the xiphoid process and the anterosuperior iliac crest, with an abdominal contention 0.5cm smaller than the abdominal circumference. The rib cage expansion was evaluated by a breathing transducer (Pneumotrace II™) three minutes before using the band, during the use (15 minutes), and ten minutes after removing the band. The Shapiro-Wilk test verified data normality, and the Wilcoxon test compared the variables considering rib cage expansion and respiratory rate. Significance was set to p<0.05. Results: There was an increase in respiratory rate when comparing before and ten minutes after removing (p=0.008) the abdominal stabilization band, as well as when comparing during its use and ten minutes after its removal (p=0.001). There was also an increase in rib cage expansion when comparing before and during the use of the abdominal stabilization band (p=0.005). Conclusions: The use of the abdominal stabilization band promoted an increase in the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in the assessed newborns and may be a viable option to improve the respiratory kinematics of this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a expansibilidade torácica e a frequência respiratória em recém-nascidos que fizeram uso de uma faixa de estabilização abdominal. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 32 recém-nascidos de ambos os sexos, com idade gestacional entre 35 e 41 semanas. A faixa de estabilização abdominal foi mantida por 15 minutos entre o processo xifoide e a espinha ilíaca anterossuperior, com contenção abdominal 0,5 cm menor do que a circunferência abdominal. A expansibilidade torácica foi avaliada por um transdutor piezoelétrico (Pneumotrace II™) 3 minutos antes do uso da faixa, durante 15 minutos, e 10 minutos após sua retirada. A normalidade das variáveis foi testada pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk e a análise comparativa da expansibilidade torácica e da frequência respiratória foi realizada por meio do teste t pareado, considerando-se p<0,05. Resultados: Houve aumento da frequência respiratória quando comparados os tempos antes do uso da faixa e 10 minutos após a retirada (p=0,008), bem como quando comparados os tempos durante o uso e 10 minutos após a retirada da faixa (p=0,001). Houve aumento da expansibilidade torácica quando comparados os tempos antes e durante o uso da faixa (p=0,005). Conclusões: O uso da faixa de estabilização abdominal conferiu aumento da expansibilidade torácica e da frequência respiratória nos recém-nascidos estudados, podendo ser uma opção viável para a melhora da cinemática respiratória dessa população.

Prevention and control of infection related to peripheral arterial catheter management / Prevención y control de infecciones relacionadas con el manejo del catéter arterial periférico / Prevenção e controle de infecção relacionada ao manejo de cateter arterial periférico

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe scientific evidence on good practices for peripheral arterial catheter management. Method: this is an integrative review, carried out through a search in the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Virtual Health Nursing Library, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus TopCited and Web of Science databases in March 2021. Articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish, without time limits in the search, were included. Results: forty-nine articles were found. At insertion, measures involved hand hygiene, skin preparation, no-touch technique, aseptic technique and protective barrier, sterile components and transducers, peripheral arterial catheter insertion, insertion attempts, ultrasound and comfort measure use. During maintenance, issues regarding insertion site, invasive blood pressure circuit, connectors, dressing and stabilization were identified, and, during removal, aspects such as local and systemic complications after peripheral arterial catheter removal. Conclusion: the study provides crucial information for the effective management of peripheral arterial catheters, contributing to the reduction of complications and improvement of clinical results. By updating their practices, healthcare professionals can ensure greater safety and well-being for patients, always seeking to provide excellent care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la evidencia científica sobre buenas prácticas para el manejo de catéteres arteriales periféricos. Método: revisión integradora, realizada a través de una búsqueda en las bases de datos Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud, Biblioteca Virtual en Enfermería en Salud, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus TopCited y Web of Science en marzo de 2021. Se incluyeron artículos en portugués, inglés y español, sin límite de tiempo en la búsqueda. Resultados: se encontraron 49 artículos. En la inserción, las medidas incluyeron higiene de manos, preparación de la piel, técnica de no contacto, técnica aséptica y barrera protectora, componentes y transductores estériles, Inserción de catéter arterial periférico, intentos de inserción, uso de ultrasonido y medidas de comodidad. Durante el mantenimiento se identificaron problemas relacionados con el sitio de inserción, circuito de presión arterial invasiva, conectores, vendaje y estabilización y, durante el retiro, aspectos como complicaciones locales y sistémicas, luego del retiro del catéter arterial periférico. Conclusión: el estudio proporciona información crucial para el manejo eficaz de los catéteres arteriales periféricos, contribuyendo a la reducción de complicaciones y mejora de los resultados clínicos. Al actualizar sus prácticas, los profesionales de la salud pueden garantizar una mayor seguridad y bienestar a los pacientes, buscando siempre brindar una excelente atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as evidências científicas sobre as boas práticas para o manejo de cateter arterial periférico. Método: revisão integrativa, realizada por meio de busca nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde Enfermagem, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus TopCited e Web of Science em março de 2021. Foram incluídos artigos em português, inglês e espanhol, sem delimitação de tempo na busca. Resultados: foram encontrados 49 artigos. Na inserção, as medidas envolveram higienização das mãos, preparo da pele, técnica no touch, técnica asséptica e barreira de proteção, componentes estéreis e transdutores, inserção do cateter arterial periférico, tentativas de inserção, uso do ultrassom e medidas de conforto. Na manutenção, questões sobre o sítio de inserção, circuito da pressão arterial invasiva, conectores, curativo e estabilização foram identificadas e, na retirada, aspectos como complicações locais e sistêmicas, após retirada do cateter arterial periférico. Conclusão: o estudo fornece informações cruciais para o eficaz manejo do cateter arterial periférico, contribuindo para a redução de complicações e aprimoramento dos resultados clínicos. Ao atualizar suas práticas, os profissionais de saúde podem assegurar maior segurança e bem-estar aos pacientes, buscando sempre oferecer um atendimento de excelência.

Sistema de acciones dirigido al proceso docente en contingencias epidemiológicas: experiencia en Guantánamo / System of actions aimed at the teaching process in epidemiological contingencies: experience in Guantánamo / System of actions aimed at the teaching process in epidemiological contingencies: experience in Guantánamo / Sistema de ações voltadas ao processo de ensino em contingências epidemiológicas: experiência em Guantánamo

Introducción: La pasada contingencia epidemiológica causada por el SARS-CoV-2, representó una grave situación sanitaria que impactó todas las esferas de la vida con consecuencias negativas, incluida la educación. Objetivo: Proponer un sistema de acciones diseñado para garantizar los resultados académicos del año terminal de la carrera de Medicina (curso 2020-2021) durante el rebrote de COVID-19 como propuesta metodológica ante contingencias epidemiológicas. Método: Se partió de los resultados de una Investigación-acción participativa como estudio cualitativo previo, utilizada como mecanismo para generar ideas y como método principal de recolección de datos, donde, mediante modalidades de muestreo intencional fueron seleccionados informantes clave entre estudiantes y docentes a los que le fueron aplicadas como técnicas la observación participante y la entrevista abierta activa previamente concebida. Los datos obtenidos en el trabajo de campo, fueron exhaustivamente analizados, codificados. La confección del informe final permitió el diseño de las acciones. Resultados: La puesta en marcha del sistema de acciones diseñado, amparada por los documentos normativos, permitió efectuar la descentralización del 6to. año de la carrera de Medicina hacia sus municipios de residencia, con garantías para el afianzamiento de conocimientos y habilidades, confirmado por los resultados obtenidos en los exámenes estatales. Conclusiones: Se propone la utilización, como herramienta metodológica, del sistema de acciones, el cual contribuyó de manera eficaz a sistematizar conocimientos y habilidades por los estudiantes durante el curso 2020-2021, demostrado por sus resultados académicos, lo cual avala su pertinencia en contingencias epidemiológicas.(AU)

Introduction: The past epidemiological contingency caused by SARS-CoV-2 represented a serious health situation that impacted all spheres of life with negative consequences, including education. Objective: Propose a system of actions designed to guarantee the academic results of the final year of the Medicine degree (2020-2021 academic year) during the outbreak of COVID-19 as a methodological proposal in the face of epidemiological contingencies. Method: We started from the results of a participatory action research as a previous qualitative study, used as a mechanism to generate ideas and as the main method of data collection, where, through intentional sampling modalities, key informants were selected among students and teachers to whom that participant observation and the previously conceived active open interview were applied as techniques. The data obtained in the field work were exhaustively analyzed and coded. The preparation of the final report allowed the design of the actions. Results: The implementation of the designed system of actions, supported by the regulatory documents, allowed the decentralization of the 6th. year of the Medicine degree towards their municipalities of residence, with guarantees for the strengthening of knowledge and skills, confirmed by the results obtained in the state exams. Conclusions: A system of actions is presented that effectively contributed to systematizing knowledge and skills by students during the 2020-2021 academic year, demonstrated by their academic results, which supports its relevance in epidemiological contingencies.(AU)

Introdução: A contingência epidemiológica passada causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 representou uma grave situação de saúde que impactou todas as esferas da vida com consequências negativas, incluindo a educação. Objetivo: Propor um sistema de ações destinadas a garantir os resultados acadêmicos do último ano do curso de Medicina (ano letivo 2020-2021) durante o surto de COVID-19 como proposta metodológica diante das contingências epidemiológicas. Método: Partimos dos resultados de uma pesquisa-ação participante como um estudo qualitativo prévio, utilizado como mecanismo de geração de ideias e como principal método de coleta de dados, onde, por meio de modalidades de amostragem intencional, foram selecionados informantes-chave entre alunos e professores para a quem foram aplicadas como técnicas a observação participante e a entrevista aberta ativa previamente concebida. Os dados obtidos no trabalho de campo foram exaustivamente analisados e codificados. A elaboração do relatório final permitiu o desenho das ações. Resultados: A implementação do sistema de ações desenhado, apoiado nos documentos normativos, permitiu a descentralização do 6º. ano do curso de Medicina para os seus municípios de residência, com garantias de fortalecimento de conhecimentos e competências, confirmadas pelos resultados obtidos nos exames estaduais. Conclusões: Apresenta-se um sistema de ações que contribuiu efetivamente para a sistematização de conhecimentos e competências dos estudantes durante o ano letivo 2020-2021, demonstrado pelos seus resultados académicos, o que sustenta a sua relevância em contingências epidemiológicas.(AU)

A snapshot of a representative Brazilian state of illegal mining in indigenous areas during the era of malaria elimination / Um retrato de um estado brasileiro representativo do garimpo ilegal em áreas indígenas durante a campanha de erradicação da malária / Un retrato de un estado brasileño representativo de la minería ilegal en zonas indígenas durante la campaña de erradicación de la malaria

Abstract: Malaria is a public health problem and the cases diagnosed in the capital of Roraima, Brazil, show potential to characterize the burden of the disease in the state. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of malaria cases diagnosed in Boa Vista. For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two health units in the city, with individuals diagnosed and who agreed to respond the questionnaire. Of the total of 206 participants, characterized as men, mixed-race, and young, 96% (198) reported participating in illegal mining activity. Among the group of miners, 66% (131) came from other states of Brazil or other countries. The mines were mainly located in the Yanomami territory in Roraima. Plasmodium vivax infection occurred in 74% (153) of participants. In the miner's group, hospitalizations for severe malaria, previous malaria attacks, and delays in treatment after the onset of symptoms were reported. Although 73% (145) of miners reported knowing how malaria was transmitted, only 54% (107) used mosquito nets or repellents. The use of Artecom and chloroquine by miners is not for the complete treatment but only to relieve symptoms for returning to gold mines, highlighting the importance of molecular surveillance to antimalarial resistance. Indigenous peoples are considered vulnerable to malaria and miners promotes the increase of malaria in Roraima Indigenous Lands. Therefore, access to diagnosis and treatment in Indigenous areas invaded by miners is imperative to confront this disease that ravages Indigenous communities and threatens public health on a large scale to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria in the state.

Resumo: A malária é um problema de saúde pública e os casos diagnosticados na capital de Roraima, Brasil, têm potencial para caracterizar a carga da doença em todo o estado. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais dos casos de malária diagnosticados em Boa Vista. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal em duas unidades de saúde do município, com indivíduos diagnosticados com malária e que concordaram em responder ao questionário. De 206 participantes, caracterizados como homens, pardos e jovens, 96% (198) relataram atividade de garimpo ilegal. Entre garimpeiros, 66% (131) vieram de outros estados do Brasil ou de outros países. As minas estavam localizadas principalmente no território Yanomami, em Roraima. A infecção por Plasmodium vivax ocorreu em 74% (153) dos participantes. Entre garimpeiros, houve relatos de internações por malária grave, ataques prévios de malária e atrasos no tratamento após o início dos sintomas. Embora 73% (145) dos garimpeiros tenham relatado saber como a malária era transmitida, apenas 54% (107) usavam mosquiteiros ou repelentes. O uso de Artecom e cloroquina pelos garimpeiros não se destina ao tratamento completo, mas apenas ao alívio dos sintomas, permitindo o retorno às minas de ouro. Isso ressalta a importância da vigilância molecular para detectar a resistência antimalárica. Os indígenas são considerados uma população vulnerável à malária, e os garimpeiros promovem o aumento da malária nas Terras Indígenas de Roraima. Portanto, o acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento em áreas indígenas invadidas por garimpeiros é imperativo para o enfrentamento dessa doença que assola as comunidades indígenas e ameaça a saúde pública em larga escala na meta de erradicar a malária no estado.

Resumen: La malaria es un problema de salud pública y los casos diagnosticados en la capital de Roraima, Brasil, tienen el potencial de caracterizar la carga de la enfermedad en todo el estado. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio de los casos de malaria diagnosticados en Boa Vista. Para ello, se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en dos unidades de salud del municipio, con personas diagnosticadas con malaria y que aceptaron responder el cuestionario. De 206 participantes, caracterizados como hombres, pardos y jóvenes, el 96% (198) reportó actividad minera ilegal. Entre los mineros, el 66% (131) procedían de otros estados de Brasil o de otros países. Las minas estaban ubicadas principalmente en el territorio Yanomami, en Roraima. La infección por Plasmodium vivax se produjo en el 74% (153) de los participantes. Entre los mineros, hubo relatos de hospitalizaciones por malaria grave, ataques previos de malaria y retrasos en el tratamiento tras de la aparición de los síntomas. Aunque el 73% (145) de los mineros informó saber cómo se transmitía la malaria, solo el 54% (107) usaba mosquiteros o repelentes. El uso de Artecom y cloroquina por parte de los mineros no está destinado a un tratamiento completo, sino al alivio de los síntomas para permitir el regreso a las minas de oro. Esto resalta la importancia de la vigilancia molecular para detectar la resistencia a los antipalúdicos. Los indígenas son considerados una población vulnerable a la malaria, y los mineros promueven el aumento de la malaria en las Tierras Indígenas de Roraima. Por lo tanto, el acceso al diagnóstico y tratamiento en zonas indígenas invadidas por mineros es imperativo para combatir esta enfermedad que asola a las comunidades indígenas y amenaza la salud pública a gran escala en el objetivo de erradicar la malaria en el estado.

Magnetic Chitosan Bionanocomposite Films as a Versatile Platform for Biomedical Hyperthermia.

Responsive magnetic nanomaterials offer significant advantages for innovative therapies, for instance, in cancer treatments that exploit on-demand delivery on alternating magnetic field (AMF) stimulus. In this work, biocompatible magnetic bionanocomposite films are fabricated from chitosan by film casting with incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) produced by facile one pot synthesis. The influence of synthesis conditions and MNP concentration on the films' heating efficiency and heat dissipation are evaluated through spatio-temporal mapping of the surface temperature changes by video-thermography. The cast films have a thickness below 100 µm, and upon exposure to AMF (663 kHz, 12.8 kA m-1 ), induce exceptionally strong heating, reaching a maximum temperature increase of 82 °C within 270 s irradiation. Further, it is demonstrated that the films can serve as substrates that supply heat for multiple hyperthermia scenarios, including: i) non-contact automated heating of cell culture medium, ii) heating of gelatine-based hydrogels of different shapes, and iii) killing of cancerous melanoma cells. The films are versatile components for non-contact stimulus with translational potential in multiple biomedical applications.

Maltrato a estudiantes de medicina del Paraguay en 2022: encuesta multicéntrica

Introducción: los estudiantes de medicina son propensos a recibir maltratos de sus colegas, personal administrativo y pacientes. Objetivo: determinar las características del maltrato a estudiantes de medicina del Paraguay en 2022. Metodología: se aplicó un diseño observacional, de corte transversal. Se incluyó a estudiantes de medicina, de ambos sexos, que aceptaban participar de la encuesta telemática. El muestreo fue por conveniencia. Se midieron variables demográficas. La percepción del maltrato fue evaluada según cuatro componentes (psicológico, físico, académico y sexual) utilizando el cuestionario de Munayco-Guillén F et al, previamente validado. El estudio contó con la aprobación del Comité de ética de la Universidad Privada del Este, Paraguay. Resultados: el cuestionario fue contestado por 214 estudiantes, siendo 146 mujeres (edad media 24 ± 3 años) y 68 varones (edad media 25 ± 5 años). La mayoría reside en Asunción (29,4%) y asiste a universidades privadas (92%). La media ± DE del maltrato psicológico fue 1,89 ± 1,02, la del físico fue 1,64 ± 0,89, la del académico fue 2,01 ± 1,11 y la del sexual fue 1,4 ± 0,83. Aplicando puntos de corte en los percentiles 60 y 70, el maltrato fue leve en 126 estudiantes (58,9%), moderado en 24 (11,2%) y grave en 64 (29,9%). El motivo principal para no denunciarlo fue el miedo a ser señalado por los demás o recibir represalias (17,3%). Discusión: se detectó maltrato leve en 58,9%, moderado en 11,2% y grave en 29,9% de los estudiantes de medicina. Se requiere aplicar medidas de prevención y contención de los maltratos.

Introduction: medical students are prone to mistreatment from their colleagues, administrative staff, and patients. Objective: to determine the characteristics of the mistreatment of medical students in Paraguay in 2022. Method: an observational, cross-sectional design was applied. Medical students of both sexes who agreed to participate in the online survey were included. Sampling was for convenience. Demographic variables were measured. The perception of abuse was evaluated according to four components (psychological, physical, academic, and sexual) using the previously validated questionnaire by Munayco-Guillén F et al. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Privada del Este, Paraguay. Results: the questionnaire was answered by 214 students, 146 being women (mean age 24 ± 3 years) and 68 men (mean age 25 ± 5 years). The majority reside in Asunción (29.4%) and attend private universities (92%). The mean ± SD of psychological abuse was 1.89 ± 1.02, physical abuse was 1.64 ± 0.89, academic abuse was 2.01 ± 1.11, and sexual abuse was 1.4 ± 0. 83. Applying cut-off points at the 60th and 70th percentiles, the abuse was mild in 126 students (58.9%), moderate in 24 (11.2%), and severe in 64 (29.9%). The main reason for not reporting it was fear of being singled out by others or receiving reprisals (17.3%). Discussion: mild abuse was detected in 58.9%, moderate in 11.2%, and severe in 29.9% of medical students. It is necessary to apply measures to prevent and contain abuse.

Análisis molecular y filogenético del genotipo F de Chlamydia trachomatis aislados en México en 2011 / Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the F genotype of Chlamydia trachomatis isolated in Mexico in 2011

Resumen Antecedentes: Chlamydia trachomatis es la bacteria que se detecta con mayor frecuencia en las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Se han identificado 20 genotipos de C. trachomatis mediante el gen ompA y varias genovariantes mediante el análisis de polimorfismo de un solo nucleótido (SNP). En México, el genotipo F es el más frecuente. Objetivo: Identificar la existencia de subtipos del genotipo F. Método: Se analizaron siete cepas del genotipo F de C. trachomatis aisladas en 2011, mediante secuenciación de nucleótidos y mapeo con enzimas de restricción. Resultados: El análisis de SNP mostró dos cepas con el mismo SNP en el nucleótido 288 (C288T), mientras que con enzimas de restricción se identificó una variante con diferente RFLP (polimorfismo de la longitud de fragmentos de restricción) cuando se tratan con la mezcla de enzimas HinfI y TaqI. Conclusión: En México se encuentran dos subtipos del genotipo F y solo las enzimas de restricción HinfI y TaqI pueden identificar la existencia de uno de estos genotipos F.

Abstract Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequently identified bacterium in sexually transmitted infections. Twenty C. trachomatis genotypes have been determined using the ompA gene and several genovariants by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. In Mexico, the F genotype is the most frequent. Objective: To identify subtypes of the F genotype. Method: Seven C. trachomatis genotype F strains isolated in 2011 were analyzed by nucleotide sequencing and restriction enzyme mapping. Results: SNP analysis showed two strains with the same SNP at nucleotide 288 (C288T), while with res-triction enzymes, a variant with different RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) was identified when treated with the mixture of HinfI and TaqI enzymes. Conclusion: In Mexico, there are two subtypes of F, and only with restriction enzymes HinfI and TaqI can identify one of the genovariants of the F genotype.

Mortalidade por covid-19 na região nordeste do brasil entre 2020 e 2021: um estudo ecológico / Mortality from COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil between 2020 and 2021: an ecological study / Mortalidad por COVID-19 en la región Nordeste de Brasil entre 2020 y 2021: un estudio ecológico

Introdução:A pandemia do COVID-19 foi responsável por um número significativo de mortes em todo o mundo. No Brasil, o país atingiu o terceiro lugar no ranking mundial em número de casos, em um curto período de tempo. A região nordeste por sua vez apresenta altas taxas de incidência e mortalidade. Objetivo:Analisar a mortalidade por COVID-19 na região Nordeste do Brasil entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando dados secundários, disponíveis no Portal de Transparência do Registro Civil, considerando os registros das Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). Foram incluídas as variáveis: quantidade de óbitos, sexo, faixa etária, estados e semana epidemiológica. Resultados:Observou-se a ocorrência de dois picos acentuados de óbito durante as SE 18ª e 30ª e 7ª e 25, nos anos de 2020 e 2021, respectivamente. O estado do Ceará manteve os maiores índices nas duas curvas, seguido da Paraíba e Sergipe. Quanto a faixa etária, a população idosa foi mais acometida e prevaleceu os óbitos entre sexo masculino. Conclusões:Os dados mostraram a magnitude da pandemia na região nordeste, fornecendo informações para subsidiar possíveis medidas sanitárias pelas autoridades competentes (AU).

Introduction:The pandemic of COVID-19 was responsible for a significant number of deaths worldwide. In Brazil, the country reached the third place in the world ranking in number of cases in a short period of time. The northeast region in turn has high incidence and mortality rates. Objective:To analyze the mortality from COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil between the years 2020 and 2021. Methodology:This is an ecological, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, using secondary data available at the Civil Registry Transparency Portal, considering the records of the Epidemiological Weeks (SE). The variables were included: quantity of deaths, sex, age group, states and epidemiological week. Results: It was observed the occurrence of two sharp peaks of deaths during the SE 18th and 30th and 7th and 25th, in the years 2020 and 2021, respectively. The state of Cearamaintained the highest rates in the two curves, followed by Paraiba and Sergipe. As for the age bracket, the elderly population was more affected and male deaths prevailed.Conclusions:The data showed the magnitude of the pandemic in the northeast region, providing information to support possible health measures by the competent authorities (AU).

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 fue responsable de un importante número de muertes en todo el mundo. En Brasil, el país alcanzó el tercer puesto del ranking mundial en número de casos en un corto periodo de tiempo. A su vez, la región del noreste presenta altas tasas de incidencia y mortalidad.Objetivo: Analizar la mortalidad por COVID-19 en la región Nordeste de Brasil entre los años 2020 y 2021. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, retrospectivo con abordaje cuantitativo, utilizando datos secundarios, disponibles en el Portal de Transparencia del Registro Civil, considerando los registros de las Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). Se incluyeron las variables: cantidad de muertes, género, grupo de edad, estados y semana epidemiológica. Resultados: Se observó la ocurrencia de dos picos agudos de muertes durante los días 18 y 30 y 7 y 25 de la SE, en los años 2020 y 2021, respectivamente. El estado de Ceará mantuvo las tasas más altas en las curvas, seguido de Paraíba y Sergipe. En cuanto al grupo de edad, la población anciana estaba más afectada y predominaban las muertes de hombres. Conclusiones: Los datos mostraron la magnitud de la pandemia en la región noreste, proporcionando información paraapoyar posibles medidas sanitarias por parte de las autoridades competentes (AU).

Anti-Hla Donor-Specific Antibodies Are Associated to Infection and Not to the Engraftment Rate in Outpatient Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Background: Recipients of a related haploidentical stem cell transplant (haplo-SCT) can have preformed antibodies to HLA donor's antigens. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the engraftment rate and major clinical associations of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) at two mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) thresholds in recipients of an outpatient haplo-SCT. Methods: Seventy haplo-HCT recipients were analyzed. A virtual crossmatch was performed using the donor HLA typing and the recipient's anti-HLA DSA test results. Data for anti-HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DR were analyzed. Recipients with DSA ≥ 500 MFI were considered positive, and those with < 500 were considered negative; the same was adopted for MFI ≥ 1000. Results: Post-transplant infection was higher in recipients with DSA ≥ 500 MFI (84.6%, p = 0.041). First-year mortality was higher in DSA-positive patients ≥ 500 MFI, p = 0.004, and DSA ≥ 1000 MFI, p = 0.022, than in DSA-negative recipients. Graft failure in the first 100 days was not associated with DSA ≥ 500 or ≥ 1000 MFI. There was no difference in acute (a-GVHD) or chronic (c-GVHD) graft versus host disease between DSA-positive and negative patients. Conclusions: There was no association of anti-HLA DSA at MFI ≥ 500 and ≥ 1000 with graft failure, however, increased infection and 1st-year mortality were documented in related haplo-HCT at the MFI cutoffs studied.

Effect of Ferulago lutea (Poir.) Grande Essential Oil on Molecular Hallmarks of Skin Aging.

With the increase in global life expectancy, maintaining health into old age becomes a challenge, and research has thus concentrated on various strategies which aimed to mitigate the effects of skin aging. Aromatic plants stand out as promising sources of anti-aging compounds due to their secondary metabolites, particularly essential oils (EOs). The aim of this study was to ascribe to Ferulago lutea EO several biological activities that could be useful in the context of skin aging. The EO was obtained using hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The effect on cell migration was disclosed using scratch wound assay. Lipogenesis was induced using T0901317, hyperpigmentation with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (IBMX) and senescence with etoposide. Our results show that the EO was characterized mainly by α-pinene and limonene. The EO was able to decrease nitric oxide (NO) release as well as iNOS and pro-IL-1ß protein levels. The EO promoted wound healing while decreasing lipogenesis and having depigmenting effects. The EO also reduced senescence-associated ß-galactosidase, p21/p53 protein levels and the nuclear accumulation of γH2AX. Overall, our study highlights the properties of F. lutea EO that make it a compelling candidate for dermocosmetics applications.