Feasibility of automated surveillance of implantable devices in orthopaedics via clinical data warehouse: the Studio study.

BACKGROUND: Total hip, knee and shoulder arthroplasties (THKSA) are increasing due to expanding demands in ageing population. Material surveillance is important to prevent severe complications involving implantable medical devices (IMD) by taking appropriate preventive measures. Automating the analysis of patient and IMD features could benefit physicians and public health policies, allowing early issue detection and decision support. The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of automated cohorting of patients with a first arthroplasty in two hospital data warehouses (HDW) in France. METHODS: The study included adult patients with an arthroplasty between 2010 and 2019 identified by 2 data sources: hospital discharge and pharmacy. Selection was based on the health insurance thesaurus of IMDs in the pharmacy database: 1,523 distinct IMD references for primary THSKA. In the hospital discharge database, 22 distinct procedures for native joint replacement allowing a matching between IMD and surgical procedure of each patient selected. A program to automate information extraction was implemented in the 1st hospital data warehouse using natural language processing (NLP) on pharmacy labels, then it was then applied to the 2nd hospital. RESULTS: The e-cohort was built with a first arthroplasty for THKSA performed in 7,587 patients with a mean age of 67.4 years, and a sex ratio of 0.75. The cohort involved 4,113 hip, 2,630 knee and 844 shoulder surgical patients. Obesity, cardio-vascular diseases and hypertension were the most frequent medical conditions. DISCUSSION: The implementation of an e-cohort for material surveillance will be easily workable over HDWs France wild. Using NLP as no international IMD mapping exists to study IMD, our approach aims to close the gap between conventional epidemiological cohorting tools and bigdata approach. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of an e-cohort of orthopaedic devices using clinical data warehouses. The IMD and patient features could be studied with intra-hospital follow-up and will help analysing the infectious and unsealing complications.

Improving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Outcomes in Patients with Cirrhosis after Hepatitis C Cure: A Modelling Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge, particularly among individuals with liver cirrhosis, with hepatitis C (HCV) a major cause. In people with HCV-related cirrhosis, an increased risk of HCC remains after cure. HCC surveillance with six monthly ultrasounds has been shown to improve survival. However, adherence to biannual screening is currently suboptimal. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increased HCC surveillance uptake and improved ultrasound sensitivity on mortality among people with HCV-related cirrhosis post HCV cure. METHODS: This study utilized mathematical modelling to assess HCC progression, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment among individuals with cirrhosis who had successfully been treated for HCV. The deterministic compartmental model incorporated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages to simulate disease progression and diagnosis probabilities in 100 people with cirrhosis who had successfully been treated for hepatitis C over 10 years. Four interventions were modelled to assess their potential for improving life expectancy: realistic improvements to surveillance adherence, optimistic improvements to surveillance adherence, diagnosis sensitivity enhancements, and improved treatment efficacy Results: Realistic adherence improvements resulted in 9.8 (95% CI 7.9, 11.6) life years gained per cohort of 100 over a 10-year intervention period; 17.2 (13.9, 20.3) life years were achieved in optimistic adherence improvements. Diagnosis sensitivity improvements led to a 7.0 (3.6, 13.8) year gain in life years, and treatment improvements improved life years by 9.0 (7.5, 10.3) years. CONCLUSIONS: Regular HCC ultrasound surveillance remains crucial to reduce mortality among people with cured hepatitis C and cirrhosis. Our study highlights that even minor enhancements to adherence to ultrasound surveillance can significantly boost life expectancy across populations more effectively than strategies that increase surveillance sensitivity or treatment efficacy.

Artificial intelligence applications in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections.

The diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in the medical and public health field in the 21st century remain significantly challenging. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful new tool in diagnosing and treating bacterial infections. AI is rapidly revolutionizing epidemiological studies of infectious diseases, providing effective early warning, prevention, and control of outbreaks. Machine learning models provide a highly flexible way to simulate and predict the complex mechanisms of pathogen-host interactions, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the nature of diseases. Machine learning-based pathogen identification technology and antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing break through the limitations of traditional methods, significantly shorten the time from sample collection to the determination of result, and greatly improve the speed and accuracy of laboratory testing. In addition, AI technology application in treating bacterial infections, particularly in the research and development of drugs and vaccines, and the application of innovative therapies such as bacteriophage, provides new strategies for improving therapy and curbing bacterial resistance. Although AI has a broad application prospect in diagnosing and treating bacterial infections, significant challenges remain in data quality and quantity, model interpretability, clinical integration, and patient privacy protection. To overcome these challenges and, realize widespread application in clinical practice, interdisciplinary cooperation, technology innovation, and policy support are essential components of the joint efforts required. In summary, with continuous advancements and in-depth application of AI technology, AI will enable doctors to more effectivelyaddress the challenge of bacterial infection, promoting the development of medical practice toward precision, efficiency, and personalization; optimizing the best nursing and treatment plans for patients; and providing strong support for public health safety.

Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.: Impacts on fatality in a NICU in Brazil - confronting the perfect storm.

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the incidence, risk factors, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and fatality in neonates infected with oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (ORS). METHODS: In this retrospective observational descriptive cohort study, the medical records of neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from January 2015 to June 2022 were analysed. Participants were monitored daily through the National Healthcare Safety Network. RESULTS: Among the 1610 neonates, 193 (12 %) developed ORS infections, primarily in the bloodstream (96.8 %). The incidence of these infections/patient-days decreased by 51.8 % between 2016 (8.3) and 2022 (4). The median age of affected neonates was 17.5 days (IQR:12-28.7). Pre-emptive prescription of fourth-generation cephalosporins (OR=14.36; P<0.01) emerged as a risk factor in the multivariate analysis. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent species (60.1 %), with one isolate showing a "susceptible, increased exposure" profile to vancomycin. Additionally, 2 % of pathogens were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). ORS infections were associated with prolonged hospital stays (from 10 to 46 days) and increased mortality (from 10.2 % to 19.2 %). The median time between infection and the fatal outcome was 15 days (IQR:8-40), and Staphylococcus capitis was the most lethal species (26.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of ORS infections was linked to extended hospitalisation and increased mortality, highlighting the complexity of this situation - a "perfect storm." This underscores the urgency of implementing effective interventions for managing and preventing ORS infections in the NICU.

RIPS (rapid intuitive pathogen surveillance): a tool for surveillance of genome sequence data from foodborne bacterial pathogens.

Monitoring data submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information's Pathogen Detection whole-genome sequence database, which includes the foodborne bacterial pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli, has proven effective for detecting emerging outbreaks. As part of the submission process, new sequence data are typed using a whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing scheme and clustered with sequences already in the database. Publicly available text files contain the results of these analyses. However, contextualizing and interpreting this information is complex. We present the Rapid Intuitive Pathogen Surveillance (RIPS) tool, which shows the results of the NCBI Rapid Reports, along with appropriate metadata, in a graphical, interactive dashboard. RIPS makes the information in the Rapid Reports useful for real-time surveillance of genome sequence databases.

Cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de la OMS para la notificación de COVID-19 en Argentina

Introducción : La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) efectuó recomendaciones en relación con la recopilación y notificación de datos agregados semanales de COVID-19. Objetivo : Investigar el grado de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones elaboradas por la OMS para la notificación de casos y muertes de COVID-19 en la Argentina durante el año 2020 a 2022, y comparar la notificación de muertes con el número de defunciones por COVID-19 consolidadas en el registro de estadísticas vitales del país. Materiales y métodos : Estudio cuantitativo descriptivo, basado en revisión documental y en fuentes de datos secundarias. Se utilizó los reportes diarios de información epidemiológica y la base de datos Dataset, COVID-19 casos registrados en la República Argentina. Adicionalmente, para estimar la omisión en los registros epidemiológicos de fallecimientos por COVID-19 en los años 2020 y 2021, se cotejaron los resultados de las bases de datos Dataset COVID-19 con la base de las Estadísticas vitales de mortalidad por causa de defunción, proporcionadas por la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información en Salud (DEIS). Se analizaron las variables recomendadas por la OMS para la notificación de casos y muertes por COVID-19. En cuanto a las consideraciones éticas relacionadas con el uso de la información utilizada en este trabajo, las bases de datos cumplen con lo estipulado por la Ley Nacional N° 17.622 de Resguardo del Secreto Estadístico, garantizando que la información mantiene el carácter confidencial y reservado del informante. Resultados: Del análisis de los reportes diarios, durante 2020 se observó que, de los 13 indicadores recomendados, 9 presentan datos algunos meses y los 4 restantes no se relevaron; en 2021 solo 7 indicadores presentaron datos algunos meses, y en 2022 solo 3 indicadores se continuaron informando. Respecto al análisis de la base de datos Dataset COVID-19, la mayoría fueron captadas. Respecto a la comparación de los valores de las defunciones registradas por el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica y por la DEIS para los años 2020 y 2021, las muertes registradas fueron superiores en el registro de la DEIS (9,6% y 14,2%). Conclusiones : El Estado argentino cumplió con gran parte de las recomendaciones que establece la OMS para la notificación de los casos de COVID-19. Estudios posteriores deberían analizar otros componentes de la calidad de los datos, así como la oportunidad de los registros de defunciones, característica necesaria para la toma de decisiones en salud pública.

Introduction : The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes recommendations regarding the collection and reporting of weekly aggregated data on COVID-19. Objective : To investigate the degree of compliance with the recommendations made by the WHO for the reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Argentina during the years 2020 to 2022, and to compare death notifications with the number of COVID-19 deaths recorded in the country's vital statistics registry. Materials and methods : Descriptive quantitative study, based on a documentary review and secondary data sources. Daily reports of epidemiological information and the Dataset database containing registered COVID-19 cases in the Argentine Republic were used. Additionally, to estimate the omission in the epidemiological records of COVID-19 deaths in the years 2020 and 2021, the results of the Dataset COVID-19 databases were compared with the vital statistics death registry on cause of death, provided by the Directorate of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS, by its acronym in Spanish). The variables recommended by the WHO for the reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths were analyzed. As for the ethical considerations related to the use of the information in this study, the databases comply with the provisions of National Law 17,622 on the Protection of Statistical Secrecy, ensuring that the information remains confidential and reserved for the informant. Results : From the analysis of daily reports, it was observed that in 2020, out of the 13 recommended indicators, 9 had data for some months, and the remaining 4 were not reported. In 2021 only 7 indicators had data for some months, and in 2022 only 3 indicators continued to be reported. Regarding the analysis of the Dataset COVID-19 database, most data were captured. In comparing the values of deaths recorded by the epidemiological surveillance system and by the DEIS for the years 2020 and 2021, the deaths recorded were higher in the DEIS registry (9.6% and 14.2%). Conclusions : The Argentine state largely complied with the recommendations established by the WHO for the reporting of COVID-19 cases. Subsequent studies should analyze other components of data quality, as well as the timeliness of death records, a necessary characteristic for public health decision-making.

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.

The implementation of a cancer surveillance technical group based on health advocacy / La implementación de un grupo técnico de vigilancia del cáncer anclado en la advocacy en salud / A implementação de um grupo técnico de vigilância do câncer ancorado no advocacy em saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the process of implementing a cancer surveillance technical group based on the health advocacy framework. Method: Convergent Care Research addressing 11 representatives of the support and governance system of the healthcare network in a town in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were collected from June 2020 to July 2021 in online meetings called convergence groups. The analysis followed the apprehension, synthesis, theorization, and transference steps. Results: The motivations for creating the group included the town's cancer epidemiological context, the need to meet the annual health program, and the professionals' duties in this context. Based on the advocacy framework, the group associated the implementation process with concepts such as integrality, humanization, and professional practice in health. Along this path, strategies were acknowledged and supported the group, such as the establishment and appropriation of philosophical and theoretical bases, in addition to actions such as creating a statute, planning activities, developing instruments, and identifying priorities to implement tasks effectively. Conclusion: Knowledge was exchanged, and a process for providing integral and equitable healthcare in cancer surveillance was developed collectively. Hence, advocacy proved to be a theoretical pillar for the political action of the technical group's members, translating practice into patient rights advocacy.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el proceso de implementación de un grupo técnico de vigilancia del cáncer, fundamentado en el referencial de advocacy en salud. Métodos: Investigación Convergente Asistencial realizada con 11 profesionales, representantes de puntos de atención y del sistema de apoyo y gobernanza de la red de atención a la salud de un municipio de Santa Catarina, en Brasil. La recolección fue desarrollada de junio/2020 a julio/2021 en reuniones online denominadas grupos de convergencia. El análisis siguió las etapas de comprensión, síntesis, teorización y transferencia. Resultados: el grupo evidenció como motivaciones para su creación el escenario epidemiológico del cáncer en el municipio, la necesidad de atender la programación anual de salud, y los compromisos profesionales en este contexto. En su proceso de implementación, y a partir del referencial de advocacy en salud, el grupo lo asoció a otros conceptos como la integralidad, la humanización, y el ejercicio profesional en el área de la salud. En este recorrido, fueron reconocidas estrategias iniciales, como la definición y la apropiación de bases filosóficas y teóricas para anclar el grupo, así como estrategias de acciones desde la elaboración de un regimiento, planificación de actividades del grupo, construcción de instrumentos, e identificación de prioridades para implementación efectiva de los trabajos. Conclusión: hubo promoción e intercambio de conocimientos y, colectivamente, se estructuró un proceso para atención integral y ecuánime en la vigilancia del cáncer. Se confirmó el advocacy como pilar teórico para acción política de los profesionales en el grupo técnico, y sus prácticas se traducen en acciones de defesa de los derechos de los usuarios.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o processo de implementação de um grupo técnico de vigilância do câncer fundamentado no referencial de advocacy em saúde. Métodos: Pesquisa Convergente Assistencial realizada com 11 profissionais representantes de pontos de atenção e do sistema de apoio e governança da rede de atenção à saúde de um município de Santa Catarina, Brasil. A coleta foi desenvolvida de junho/2020 a julho/2021 em reuniões online denominadas grupos de convergência. A análise seguiu as etapas de apreensão, síntese, teorização e transferência. Resultados: o grupo evidenciou como motivações para sua criação o cenário epidemiológico do câncer no município, a necessidade de atender a programação anual de saúde, e os compromissos profissionais neste contexto. Em seu processo de implementação, e a partir do referencial do advocacy em saúde, o grupo o associou a outros conceitos como a integralidade, a humanização, e o exercício profissional na área da saúde. Neste percurso, foram reconhecidas estratégias iniciais como a definição e a apropriação de bases filosóficas e teóricas para ancorar o grupo, bem como estratégias de ações desde a elaboração de um regimento, planejamento de atividade do grupo, construção de instrumentos, e identificação de prioridades para implementação efetiva dos trabalhos. Conclusão: houve promoção e compartilhamentos de conhecimentos e, coletivamente, estruturou-se um processo para atenção integral e equânime na vigilância do câncer. Confirmou-se o advocacy como pilar teórico para ação política dos profissionais no grupo técnico, e suas práticas traduzem-se em ações de defesa dos direitos dos usuários.

Usefulness of minimally invasive autopsy in the diagnosis of arboviruses to increase the sensitivity of the Epidemiological Surveillance System in Ceará, Brazil / Utilidad de la autopsia mínimamente invasiva en el diagnóstico de arbovirus para aumentar la sensibilidad del Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica en Brasil: experiencia de Ceará, Brasil / Utilidade da autópsia minimamente invasiva no diagnóstico das arboviroses para ampliação da sensibilidade do Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica no Brasil: experiência do Ceará

Abstract Objective: To create a protocol for performing minimally invasive autopsies (MIA) in detecting deaths from arboviruses and report preliminary data from its application in Ceará state, Brazil. Methods: Training was provided to medical pathologists on MIA. Results: A protocol was established for performing MIA, defining criteria for sample collection, storage methods, and diagnoses to be carried out according to the type of biological sample; 43 MIAs were performed in three months. Of these, 21 (48.8%) arrived at the Death Verification Service (SVO) with arboviruses as a diagnostic hypothesis, and seven (16.3%) were confirmed (six chikungunya cases and one dengue case); cases of COVID-19 (n = 9), tuberculosis (n = 5), meningitis (n = 4), cryptococcosis (n = 1), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (n = 1), breast cancer (n = 1), and human rabies (n = 1) were also confirmed. Conclusion: The protocol implemented enabled identification of a larger number of suspected arbovirus-related deaths, as well as confirmation of other diseases of interest for surveillance.

Resumen Objetivo: Estabelecer un protocolo utilizado para la realización de autopsias mínimamente invasivas (AMI) para la detección de muertes por arbovirus y presentar datos preliminares de este protocolo en Ceará, Brasil. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo la capacitación de médicos patólogos en AMI. Resultados: Se estableció un protocolo para la realización de AMI, que define los criterios para la toma de muestras, métodos de almacenamiento y diagnóstico; en tres meses se realizaron 43 AMI; de estas, 21 (48,8%) llegaron al Servicio de Verificación de Óbito (SVO) con una hipótesis diagnóstica de alguna arbovirosis y siete (16,3%) fueron confirmadas (seis casos de chikungunya y uno de dengue); también se confirmaron casos de Covid-19 (n = 9), tuberculosis (n = 5), meningitis (n = 4), criptococosis (n = 1), enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob (n = 1), neoplasia de mama (n = 1) y rabia humana (n = 1). Conclusión: El protocolo implementado permitió la identificación de un mayor número de muertes sospechosas de arbovirus, además de la confirmación de otras patologías de interés.

Resumo Objetivo: Estabelecer protocolo para realização de autópsias minimamente invasivas (AMIs) na detecção de óbitos por arboviroses e relatar dados preliminares desse protocolo no Ceará, Brasil. Métodos: Médicos patologistas foram treinados em AMI. Resultados: Estabeleceu-se protocolo para AMI, definindo-se critérios para amostras a serem coletadas, suas formas de armazenamento e diagnóstico, segundo o tipo de amostra biológica; em três meses, foram realizadas 43 AMIs, das quais 21 (48,8%) chegaram ao Serviço de Verificação de Óbito (SVO) com hipótese diagnóstica de alguma arbovirose e sete (16,3%) foram confirmados (seis de chikungunya; uma de dengue); também foram confirmados casos de covid-19 (n = 9), tuberculose (n = 5), meningite (n = 4), criptococose (n = 1), doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob (n = 1), neoplasia de mama (n = 1) e raiva humana (n = 1). Conclusão: O protocolo implantado permitiu a captação de um maior número de óbitos suspeitos de arboviroses, além da confirmação de outras patologias de interesse da vigilância.

Nueve años de tendencia en la resistencia a ciprofloxacina por Escherichia coli: estudio transversal en un hospital de Colombia / Nine-year trend in Escherichia coli resistance to ciprofloxacin: cross-sectional study in a hospital in Colombia / Tendência de nove anos na resistência da Escherichia coli à ciprofloxacina: um estudo transversal em um hospital na Colômbia

Resumen: La ciprofloxacina es un antibiótico de importancia crítica para la salud humana. El aumento de la resistencia de Escherichia coli a ciprofloxacina es un problema de salud pública global por su importancia en el tratamiento de infecciones urinarias complicadas y otras infecciones graves; sin embargo, su prescripción es alta en el caribe colombiano. El objetivo fue determinar la tendencia de resistencia de E. coli a ciprofloxacina en un hospital colombiano de alta complejidad. A partir de reportes de antibiogramas, los aislados fueron categorizados según los criterios del Instituto de Normas Clínicas y de Laboratorio de los Estados Unidos para cada año estudiado; se calcularon proporciones y se exploraron diferencias en la sensibilidad con pruebas χ2. Se utilizó la prueba de Cochran-Armitage para evaluar la tendencia de la resistencia. Valores de p ≤ 0,05 se consideraron significativos. Se analizaron 6.848 aislados, encontrándose una resistencia de 49,31%. Según el origen, la resistencia más alta fue en muestras comunitarias (51,96% - IC95%: 50,51; 53,41), y por tipo de muestra, en piel y tejidos (61,76% - IC95%: 56,96; 66,35) y orina (48,97% - IC95%: 47,71; 50,23). Se halló una tendencia al aumento en la resistencia por año (p < 0,0001), en muestras comunitarias (p = 0,0002) y en orina (p < 0,0001). La resistencia a ciprofloxacina es alta y tiende al aumento en comunidad y en orina, superando el límite establecido para su uso a nivel ambulatorio, lo que es preocupante por la alta prescripción de fluoroquinolonas en la localidad.

Abstract: Ciprofloxacin is a critically important antibiotic for human health. The increase of Escherichia coli resistance to ciprofloxacin is a global public health problem due to its importance in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and other serious infections; however, its prescription is high in the Colombian Caribbean. The objective was to determine the resistance trend of E. coli to ciprofloxacin in a Colombian hospital of high complexity. From antibiogram reports, isolates were categorized according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria for each year studied; proportions were calculated and differences in sensitivity were explored using the χ2 test. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to evaluate the resistance trend. Significance was considered when p-value ≤ 0.05. In total, 6,848 isolates were analyzed, and 49.31% resistance was found. According to origin, the highest resistance was in community samples (51.96% - 95%CI: 50.51; 53.41), and by type of sample, in skin and tissues (61.76% - 95%CI: 56.96; 66.35) and urine (48.97% - 95%CI: 47.71; 50.23). Increasing trends were observed for resistance per year (p < 0.0001), community samples (p = 0.0002) and urine (p < 0.0001). Resistance to ciprofloxacin is high and tends to increase in the community and in urine, exceeding the limit established for its use at the ambulatory level, which is of concern due to the high prescription of fluoroquinolones in the locality.

Resumo: A ciprofloxacina é um antibiótico extremamente importante para a saúde humana. O aumento da resistência da Escherichia coli à ciprofloxacina é um problema de saúde pública global devido à sua importância no tratamento de infecções complicadas do trato urinário e outras infecções graves; no entanto, sua prescrição é alta no caribe colombiano. O objetivo foi determinar a tendência de resistência da E. coli à ciprofloxacina em um hospital colombiano de alta complexidade. A partir de relatórios de antibiogramas, os isolados foram categorizados de acordo com os critérios do Instituto de Padrões Clínicos e Laboratoriais dos Estados Unidos para cada ano estudado; as proporções foram calculadas e as diferenças de sensibilidade foram exploradas com os testes χ2. O teste de Cochran-Armitage foi usado para avaliar a tendência de resistência. Os valores de p ≤ 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Um total de 6.848 isolados foi testado e foi encontrada uma taxa de resistência de 49,31%. Por origem, a resistência foi mais alta em amostras comunitárias (51,96% - IC95%: 50,51; 53,41) e, por tipo de amostra, em pele e tecidos (61,76% - IC95%: 56,96; 66,35) e urina (48,97% - IC95%: 47,71; 50,23). Foi encontrada uma tendência de aumento na resistência por ano (p < 0,0001), em amostras da comunidade (p = 0,0002) e na urina (p < 0,0001). A resistência à ciprofloxacina é alta e tende a aumentar na comunidade e na urina, excedendo o limite estabelecido para uso ambulatorial, o que é preocupante, dada a alta prescrição de fluoroquinolonas na localidade.

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.

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.