Study of peripheral domains in structure-function of isocitrate lyase (ICL) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The capacity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to assimilate nutrients is essential for niche colonization and contributes to its pathogenicity. Isocitrate lyase (ICL), the first enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle, redirects isocitrate from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to render glyoxylate and succinate. P. aeruginosa ICL (PaICL) is regarded as a virulence factor due to its role in carbon assimilation during infection. The AceA/ICL protein family shares the catalytic domain I, triosephosphate isomerase barrel (TIM-barrel). The carboxyl terminus of domain I is essential for Escherichia coli ICL (EcICL) of subfamily 1. PaICL, which belongs to subfamily 3, has domain II inserted at the periphery of domain I, which is believed to participate in enzyme oligomerization. In addition, PaICL has the α13-loop-α14 (extended motif), which protrudes from the enzyme core, being of unknown function. This study investigates the role of domain II, the extended motif, and the carboxyl-terminus (C-ICL) and amino-terminus (N-ICL) regions in the function of the PaICL enzyme, also as their involvement in the virulence of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Deletion of domain II and the extended motif results in enzyme inactivation and structural instability of the enzyme. The His6-tag fusion at the C-ICL protein produced a less efficient enzyme than fusion at the N-ICL, but without affecting the acetate assimilation or virulence. The PaICL homotetrameric structure of the enzyme was more stable in the N-His6-ICL than in the C-His6-ICL, suggesting that the C-terminus is critical for the ICL quaternary conformation. The ICL-mutant A39 complemented with the recombinant proteins N-His6-ICL or C-His6-ICL were more virulent than the WT PAO1 strain. The findings indicate that the domain II and the extended motif are essential for the ICL structure/function, and the C-terminus is involved in its quaternary structure conformation, confirming that in P. aeruginosa, the ICL is essential for acetate assimilation and virulence.

Comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de los tumores periampulares malignos diagnosticados en Gastroenterología

Introducción: Los tumores malignos ubicados en la región periampular pueden ser: ampular, biliar, pancreático o duodenal, y constituyen un problema de salud por su alta mortalidad. En su etiopatogenia se involucran múltiples factores de riesgo, cuyo comportamiento clínico y epidemiológico se desconoce en la población matancera. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento clínico y epidemiológico de los tumores periampulares malignos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo en 34 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumores periampulares malignos, atendidos en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas, de enero a diciembre de 2021. Se estudiaron variables como: grupos de edad, sexo, factores de riesgo y antecedentes patológicos personales, tiempo de evolución de los síntomas y localización del tumor. Los resultados fueron recogidos en una planilla de recolección de datos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino y el grupo de 50 a 69 años. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron el consumo de café, tabaquismo y diabetes mellitus. El íctero fue el síntoma más frecuente. La mayoría de los pacientes iniciaron los síntomas de 1 a 3 meses antes del diagnóstico. El cáncer de páncreas fue el más frecuente. Conclusiones: Los tumores periampulares predominaron en la población mayor de 50 años. Los hábitos tóxicos fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes. El cáncer de páncreas tuvo mayor incidencia. El comportamiento clínico estuvo relacionado con la localización de la lesión, el tiempo de evolución de los síntomas, y los factores de riesgo que predominaron.

Introduction: Malignant tumors located in the periampullary region can be ampullary, biliary, pancreatic or duodenal and are a health problem due to their high mortality. Their etio-pathogenesis involves many risk factors, whose clinic and epidemiological behavior is unknown by the population of Matanzas. Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological behavior of malignant periampullary tumors. Materials and methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted in 34 patients with diagnosis of malignant periampullary tumors, treated in the Gastroenterology Service of the Clinical-Surgery University Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas, from January to December 2021. Variables such as age group, sex, risk factors and personal pathological history, time of evolution of symptoms and tumor location were studied. The results were collected in a data collection form. Results: Male sex and the 50-69 years age group predominated. The most frequent risk factors were coffee consumption, smoking and diabetes mellitus. Jaundice was the most frequent symptom. Most of the patients started symptoms one to three months before the diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer was the most frequent. Conclusions: Periampullary tumors predominated in the population older than 50 years. Toxic habits were the most common risk factors. Pancreatic cancer had a higher incidence. Clinical behavior was related to the location of the lesion, the time of evolution of the symptoms, and the risk factors that predominated.

Manejo de los tumores periampulares malignos en pacientes evaluados en consulta multidisciplinaria

Introducción: Los tumores malignos ubicados en la región periampular pueden ser: ampular (carcinoma ampular), biliar (colangiocarcinoma), pancreático (tumores de la cabeza del páncreas) o duodenal (cáncer de la segunda porción duodenal), y constituyen un problema de salud por su alta mortalidad, y un motivo frecuente de consulta multidisciplinaria por oncología digestiva. Objetivo: Describir los procederes diagnósticos y resultados histopatológicos asociados al manejo de tumores periampulares en pacientes atendidos en consulta multidisciplinaria. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo en 34 pacientes con diagnóstico de estas neoplasias, en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández. La fecha comprende de enero a diciembre del año 2021. Se estudiaron variables como: grupos de edad, sexo, resultados imagenológicos, endoscópicos e histológicos, vía para la realización de la biopsia y tratamiento definitivo. Los resultados fueron recogidos en una planilla de recolección de datos. Resultados: Predominaron el sexo masculino y el grupo de 50 a 69 años. La tomografía axial computarizada abdominal mostró mayor sensibilidad en el diagnóstico respecto al ultrasonido. La colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrograda fue el método diagnóstico y terapéutico más utilizado, seguido del tratamiento quirúrgico paliativo. Conclusiones: El manejo de los tumores, al igual que su tratamiento definitivo, estuvo relacionado con su localización. Como todos no pudieron ser estadificados, fue necesario el estudio histológico.

Introduction: Malignant tumors located in the periampullary region may be: ampullary (ampullary carcinoma), biliary (chollangiocarcinoma), pancreatic (tumors of the pancreas head) or duodenal (cancer of the second duodenal portion). They constitute a health problem due to their high mortality and a reason of frequent multidisciplinary consultation by digestive oncology. Objective: To describe the diagnostic procedures and the histopathological results associated to the management of periampullary tumors in patients treated in multidisciplinary consultations. Materials and methods: A descriptive and prospective study was conducted in 34 patients diagnosed with these neoplasms at the Clinical-Surgical University Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez. The date ranges from January to December 2021. Variables such as age groups, sex, imaging, endoscopic and histological results, pathway for biopsy and definitive treatment were studied. The results were collected in a data collection form. Results: Male sex and the age group from 50 to 69 years predominated. Abdominal computed axial tomography showed higher sensitivity in the diagnosis than ultrasound. Retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography was the most widely used diagnostic and therapeutic method, followed by palliative surgical treatment Conclusions: The management of the tumors, as well as their definitive treatment, was related to their location. Since all of them could not be staged, histological study was necessary.

Diarrea en pacientes con COVID-19 y en el síndrome pos-COVID

La COVID-19, actual pandemia global, es causada por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, capaz de provocar un síndrome respiratorio agudo grave. Esta enfermedad es multisistémica y heterogénea, y no siempre se relaciona con la gravedad de la enfermedad pulmonar. De hecho, hasta un tercio de los pacientes puede presentar síntomas gastrointestinales como la diarrea -que se ha reportado como uno de los de mayor impacto-, tanto a consecuencia de la infección aguda como del síndrome pos-COVID-19. Además, los diversos esquemas de tratamientos que se indican pueden tener efectos sobre la diarrea, lo que la convierte en un motivo frecuente de consulta en la especialidad de gastroenterología. Los pacientes con enfermedades intestinales previas podrían ser más susceptibles a esta manifestación. Debido a esto, se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de artículos sobre el tema, publicados en revistas científicas de alta visibilidad, cubanas y extranjeras, con el objetivo de exponer las causas y características de la diarrea que se presenta en pacientes infectados con SARS-CoV-2. Se recopilaron 168 artículos, de los cuales 30 fueron utilizados en la presente revisión, que permitirá documentar a los médicos de asistencia, para un mejor manejo de la diarrea en pacientes en las fases mencionadas.

COVID-19, the current global pandemic, is produced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, capable of causing a severe acute respiratory syndrome. This disease is multi-systemic and heterogeneous, and is not always related to the severity of the lung disease. In fact, up to a third of the patients can show gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea-which has been reported as one of the most impactful-both as a consequence of the acute infection and of the post-COVID-19 syndrome. In addition, the various treatment schemes indicated may have effects on diarrhea, what makes them a frequent reason for consultation in the specialty of gastroenterology. Patients with previous intestinal diseases could be more susceptible to this manifestation. Due to this, an exhaustive search of articles on the theme, published in Cuban and foreign journals of high visibility, was carried out, with the aim of exposing the causes and characteristics of the diarrhea that occurs in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. 168 articles were compiled, of which 30 were used in the current review, which will allow documenting the attending physician for a better management of diarrhea in patients in the mentioned phases.

Continuous Ketamine Infusion as a Treatment for Refractory Facial Pain.

Complex orofacial pain disorders, such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and atypical facial pain (AFP), can be excruciating and debilitating during attacks. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, is a powerful analgesic that has been used to treat various chronic pain conditions, but its role in treating complex facial pain has only been recently explored. In this retrospective case series, we reviewed the efficacy of continuous ketamine infusion for 12 patients with facial pain refractory to medical treatment. Patients who presented with a diagnosis of TN were more likely to have significant and sustained pain relief after receiving ketamine infusion. By contrast, those who did not respond to the treatment were more likely to have a diagnosis of AFP. The current report suggests a fundamental difference between these two facial pain disorders in their respective underlying pathophysiology and supports the use of continuous ketamine infusion for refractory TN, but not AFP.

Prevention of COVID-19 superspreading events in buses boarded by presymptomatic cases.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 superspreader events have occurred when symptomatic individuals without wearing face masks boarded buses. OBJECTIVE: To report the risk of superspreader events when presymptomatic individuals boarded buses to-gether with unvaccinated passengers, but with non-pharmacological preventive interventions being maintained. METHODS: Prospec-tive study of health personnel transported in buses to a COVID-19 vaccination center for two weeks. Open windows, correct use of face masks and exclusion of symptomatic individuals were mandatory. Prospective surveillance identified workers with COVID-19 within 14 days after vaccination. Each asymptomatic passenger of buses where cases were identified was monitored for a similar time period. Voluntary screening results were available for workers who were tested in the month before or after vaccination. RESULTS: 1,879 workers boarded 65 buses. On-board time ranged from three to eight hours. Twenty-nine cases of COVID-19 and four asymptomatic cases were identified among 613 passengers of 21 buses. Median time between vaccina-tion and COVID-19 symptoms onset was six days. One case of suspected transmission on a bus was identi-fied. CONCLUSIONS: Strict nonpharmacological preventive interventions substantially reduced the risk of COVID-19 super-spreader events in buses boarded by presymptomatic individuals.

ANTECEDENTES: Ha ocurrido superpropagación de COVID-19 cuando individuos sintomáticos sin uso de cubrebocas abordaron autobuses. OBJETIVO: Reportar el riesgo de superpropagación cuando individuos presintomáticos abordaron autobuses junto con pasajeros no vacunados pero se mantuvieron intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospec­tivo de personal de salud transportado durante dos semanas en autobuses a un centro de vacunación contra COVID-19. Fue obligatorio llevar ventanas abiertas, uso correcto de cubrebocas y exclusión de personas con síntomas. La vigilancia prospectiva identificó a trabajadores con COVID-19 los 14 días siguientes a la vacunación. Cada pasajero asintomático de autobuses donde se detectaron casos fue vigilado durante un periodo de tiempo similar. Los resultados de tamizaje voluntario estuvieron disponibles para los trabajadores que se realizaron prueba el mes previo o el siguiente a la vacunación. RESULTADOS: 1879 trabajadores abordaron 65 autobuses. El tiempo a bordo varió de tres a ocho horas. Veintinueve casos de COVID-19 y 4 casos asintomáticos fueron identificados entre 613 pasajeros de 21 autobuses. La mediana de tiempo entre la vacunación y el inicio de síntomas en casos de COVID-19 fue de seis días. Fue identificado un caso de transmisión sospechada en autobús. CONCLUSIONES: Las intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas estrictas redujeron sustancialmente el riesgo de superpropagación de COVID-19 en autobuses ocupados por individuos presintomáticos.

Prevención de eventos de superpropagación de COVID-19 en autobuses que transportaron pacientes presintomáticos / Prevention of COVID-19 superspreader events in buses boarded by presymptomatic patients

Resumen Introducción: Ha ocurrido superpropagación de COVID-19 cuando individuos sintomáticos sin uso de cubrebocas abordaron autobuses. Objetivo: Reportar el riesgo de superpropagación cuando individuos presintomáticos abordaron autobuses junto con pasajeros no vacunados, pero se mantuvieron intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de personal de salud transportado durante dos semanas en autobuses a un centro de vacunación contra COVID-19. Fue obligatorio llevar ventanas abiertas, uso correcto de cubrebocas y exclusión de personas con síntomas. La vigilancia prospectiva identificó a trabajadores con COVID-19 los 14 días siguientes a la vacunación. Cada pasajero asintomático de autobuses donde se detectaron casos fue vigilado durante un periodo similar. Los resultados de tamizaje voluntario estuvieron disponibles para los trabajadores que se realizaron prueba el mes previo o el siguiente a la vacunación. Resultados: 1879 trabajadores abordaron 65 autobuses. El tiempo a bordo varió de tres a ocho horas. Veintinueve casos de COVID-19 y cuatro casos asintomáticos fueron identificados entre 613 pasajeros de 21 autobuses. La mediana de tiempo entre la vacunación y el inicio de síntomas de COVID-19 fue de seis días. Fue identificado un caso de transmisión sospechada en autobús. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas estrictas redujeron sustancialmente el riesgo de superpropagación de COVID-19 en autobuses ocupados por individuos presintomáticos.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 superspreader events have occurred when symptomatic individuals without wearing face masks boarded buses. Objective: To report the risk of superspreader events when presymptomatic individuals boarded buses together with unvaccinated passengers, but with non-pharmacological preventive interventions being maintained. Methods: Prospective study of health personnel transported in buses to a COVID-19 vaccination center for two weeks. Open windows, correct use of face masks and exclusion of symptomatic individuals were mandatory. Prospective surveillance identified workers with COVID-19 within 14 days after vaccination. Each asymptomatic passenger of buses where cases were identified was monitored for a similar time period. Voluntary screening results were available for workers who were tested in the month before or after vaccination. Results: 1,879 workers boarded 65 buses. On-board time ranged from three to eight hours. Twenty-nine cases of COVID-19 and four asymptomatic cases were identified among 613 passengers of 21 buses. Median time between vaccination and COVID-19 symptoms onset was six days. One case of suspected transmission on a bus was identified. Conclusions: Strict nonpharmacological preventive interventions substantially reduced the risk of COVID-19 superspreader events in buses boarded by presymptomatic individuals.

Patient-level factors influencing adherence to follow-up imaging recommendations.

PURPOSE: To determine which, if any, patient-level factors were associated with differences in completion of follow-up imaging recommendations at a tertiary academic medical center. METHODS: In this IRB-approved, retrospective cohort study, approximately one month of imaging recommendations were reviewed from 2017 at a single academic institution that contained key words recommending follow-up imaging. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, smoking history, primary language, BMI, and home address were recorded via chart extraction. Home addresses were geocoded to Census Block Groups and assigned to a quintile of neighborhood socioeconomic status. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate each predictor variable with significance set to p = 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 13,421 imaging reports that included additional follow-up recommendations were identified. Of the 1013 included reports that recommended follow-up, 350 recommended additional imaging and were analyzed. Three hundred eight (88.00%) had corresponding follow-up imaging present and the insurance payor was known for 266 (86.36%) patients: 146 (47.40%) had commercial insurance, 35 (11.36%) had Medicaid, and 85 (27.60%) had Medicare. Patients with Medicaid had over four times lower odds of completing follow-up imaging compared to patients with commercial insurance (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.88, p = 0.032). Age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking history, primary language, BMI, and neighborhood socioeconomic status were not independently associated with differences in follow-up imaging completion. CONCLUSION: Patients with Medicaid had decreased odds of completing follow-up imaging recommendations compared to patients with commercial insurance.

Caracterización clínico-patológica de pacientes con cáncer esofágico avanzado en el Hospital Princess Marina, Botsuana / Clinicopathological characterization of patients with advanced esophageal cancer at Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana / Caracterização clínico-patológica de pacientes com câncer de esôfago avançado no Hospital Princess Marina, Botswana

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de esófago avanzado es una de las neoplasias más agresivas con una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Botsuana ocupa el duodécimo cuarto puesto mundial con respecto a las muertes ocasionadas por esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico-patológicas de los pacientes con cáncer esofágico avanzado en el Hospital Princess Marina de Gaborone, Botsuana. Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo-descriptivo donde se caracterizó clínica y patológicamente a 45 pacientes con el diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico de cáncer de esófago avanzado en el periodo de enero a septiembre de 2019. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (86,7 %) y los pacientes mayores de 60 años (60,0 %). La disfagia, la anorexia y la pérdida de peso fueron los síntomas más frecuentes y prevalecieron los pacientes con un tiempo entre la aparición de los síntomas y el diagnóstico-endoscópico entre tres y seis meses; la dieta inadecuada, el etilismo crónico y el hábito de fumar fueron los factores de riesgo predominantes. La localización anatómica más frecuente fue el tercio medio (51,1 %), el tipo endoscópico predominante fue el vegetante (46,7 %) y la mayoría de los pacientes presentó el tipo histológico carcinoma epidermoide (95,6 %) bien diferenciado (84,4 %). Conclusiones: El estudio de las características clínico-patológicas de los pacientes con cáncer esofágico avanzado permite su correcta estadificación, siendo una herramienta útil en la valoración multidisciplinaria del tratamiento debido a su complejo manejo clínico e institucional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Advanced esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality. Botswana ranks 14th in the world for deaths from this disease. Objective: To determine the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with advanced esophageal cancer at the Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Method: A prospective-descriptive study was carried out, where 45 patients with endoscopic and histological diagnosis of advanced esophageal cancer were characterized clinically and pathologically, from January to September 2019. Results: Males predominated (86.7%), and also patients older than 60 years (60.0%). Dysphagia, anorexia and weight loss were the most frequent symptoms, and prevailed patients with three to six months between the appearance of symptoms and endoscopic diagnosis; inadequate diet, chronic alcoholism, and smoking were the predominant risk factors. The most frequent anatomical location was the middle third (51.1%), the predominant endoscopic type was the vegetative (46.7%) and most of the patients presented the histological type squamous cell carcinoma (95.6%) well differentiated (84.4%). Conclusions: The study of the clinical-pathological characteristics of patients with advanced esophageal cancer allows its correct staging, being a useful tool in the multidisciplinary assessment of treatment due to its complex clinical and institutional management.

RESUMO Introdução: O câncer de esôfago avançado é uma das neoplasias mais agressivas com alta morbimortalidade. Botswana ocupa o 14º lugar no mundo em mortes por esta doença. Objetivo: determinar as características clínico-patológicas de pacientes com câncer de esôfago avançado no Hospital Princesa Marina em Gaborone, Botsuana. Método: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo-descritivo em que 45 pacientes com diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico de câncer de esôfago avançado foram caracterizados clínica e patologicamente de janeiro a setembro de 2019. Resultados: Predominou o sexo masculino (86,7%) e pacientes com mais de 60 anos ( 60,0%). Disfagia, anorexia e perda de peso foram os sintomas mais frequentes e prevaleceram os pacientes com tempo entre o aparecimento dos sintomas e o diagnóstico endoscópico entre três e seis meses; dieta inadequada, alcoolismo crônico e tabagismo foram os fatores de risco predominantes. A localização anatômica mais frequente foi o terço médio (51,1%), o tipo endoscópico predominante foi o vegetativo (46,7%) e a maioria dos pacientes apresentou o tipo histológico carcinoma espinocelular (95,6%) bem diferenciado (84,4%). Conclusões: O estudo das características clínico-patológicas dos pacientes com câncer de esôfago avançado permite seu correto estadiamento, sendo uma ferramenta útil na avaliação multidisciplinar do tratamento devido ao seu complexo manejo clínico e institucional.

Covid-19 en Cuba: educación médica y competencias profesionales / COVID-19 in Cuba: medical education and professional competences

RESUMEN La pandemia de covid-19, producida por el SARS-Cov-2, ha traído como consecuencia la necesidad de tomar medidas que impliquen el distanciamiento social para evitar su rápida propagación. El Ministerio de Salud Pública cubano ha optado por nuevas formas de enseñanza -como la educación a distancia- y ha priorizado nuevas tareas propias del enfrentamiento a la pandemia, en las que se involucran estudiantes y docentes. El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de reflexionar sobre la educación médica en este nuevo contexto y sobre la formación de competencias profesionales en el sector de la salud. La covid-19 y los cambios y adecuaciones docentes en las diferentes carreras médicas del pregrado y el posgrado, han contribuido a elevar el nivel de competencias profesionales de todo el personal. Nada volverá a ser igual luego de esta pandemia, y lo peor que podría ocurrir sería regresar a las mismas formas de enseñanza sin tomar lo positivo de estos tiempos (AU).

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has brought as a consequence the necessity of taking measures implying social restraining to avoid its fast spread. The Ministry of Public Health has chosen new forms of teaching -like distance education- and has given priority to new tasks that are proper to pandemic facing, in which the students and teaching staff are involved. The current work was accomplished with the objective of reflecting on medical education in this new context and on professional competences training in the field of health care. COVID-19 and the teaching changes and adaptations in the different medical pre-grade and post-grade curriculums have contributed to raise the level of all the staff professional competences. Nothing is going to be the same after this pandemic, and the worst that could occur would be to return to the same teaching forms without taking advantage of the positive things made in these times (AU).

Apuntes históricos sobre la Gastroenterología en el mundo, Cuba y Matanzas / Historical notes on Gastroenterology. Its development in the World, Cuba and Matanzas

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de resumir algunos aspectos destacados de la historia de la Gastroenterología en el mundo, en Cuba y especialmente en Matanzas, se expusieron cronológicamente hechos relacionados con el tema, y se destacó el aporte y el papel desempeñado por diferentes médicos en la especialidad (AU).

ABSTRACT With the objective of summarizing several significant aspects of the history of Gastroenterology in the world, in Cuba and especially in Matanzas, facts related with the theme were chronologically exposed, and the contribution and role played by different personalities in the specialty were highlighted (AU).

Surge in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias and Bloodstream Infections in An Academic Referral Center Converted to Treat COVID-19 Patients

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important adverse events that must be prevented. Objective: The objective of the study was to report and study possible changes in HAI rates as well as their causes after the COVID-19 hospital surge capacity response (HSCR) in an academic referral center. Methods: This was a before-after observational study. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program (prospective surveillance, prevention bundles, antibiotic stewardship, continuing education, and feedback) was transiently disrupted after the start of HSCR (March 2020). HAI rates were compared before (January 2019-February 2020) and after (April-July 2020) HSCR, and plausible predisposing factors in affected patients were compared. Results: An increase in the HAI rate from 6.2 to 11.8 cases/1000 patient-days was noted between periods due to increases in ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. More critically ill patients were admitted during HSCR, and use of invasive devices increased. Prone positioning and infusion of muscle relaxants became commonplace. The nurse-to-patient ratio in the intensive care unit decreased, and 4 h shifts were introduced to avoid fatigue. The BSI rate decreased after the IPC program with additional measures was reintroduced in May 2020. Conclusions: The strain on the workforce and modifications to the IPC program very possibly underlay the findings. IPC programs continue to be essential during the pandemic.

Surge in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias and Bloodstream Infections in An Academic Referral Center Converted to Treat COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important adverse events that must be prevented. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to report and study possible changes in HAI rates as well as their causes after the COVID-19 hospital surge capacity response (HSCR) in an academic referral center. METHODS: This was a before-after observational study. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program (prospective surveillance, prevention bundles, antibiotic stewardship, continuing education, and feedback) was transiently disrupted after the start of HSCR (March 2020). HAI rates were compared before (January 2019-February 2020) and after (April-July 2020) HSCR, and plausible predisposing factors in affected patients were compared. RESULTS: An increase in the HAI rate from 6.2 to 11.8 cases/1000 patient-days was noted between periods due to increases in ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. More critically ill patients were admitted during HSCR, and use of invasive devices increased. Prone positioning and infusion of muscle relaxants became commonplace. The nurse-to-patient ratio in the intensive care unit decreased, and 4 h shifts were introduced to avoid fatigue. The BSI rate decreased after the IPC program with additional measures was reintroduced in May 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The strain on the workforce and modifications to the IPC program very possibly underlay the findings. IPC programs continue to be essential during the pandemic.

Monitoreo del impacto en la formación de especialistas en Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias en Matanzas / Monitoring the impact in the formation of specialist in intensive medicine and emergencies, Matanzas

Introducción: la evaluación y acreditación de la calidad en la formación de las especialidades médicas en Cuba, conceptualiza el monitoreo del impacto como el proceso dirigido a evaluar la correspondencia entre los objetivos del programa y los resultados alcanzados por sus participantes en el entorno social donde se desarrollan profesionalmente. Objetivo: aplicar la metodología diseñada para el monitoreo del impacto en la formación de las especialidades médicas en el Programa de Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte pedagógico donde se aplicó la metodología diseñada en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas, para monitorear el impacto en la formación de la especialidad de Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias, desarrollado en el Hospital Universitario Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández. Participaron 6 egresados, 11 profesores, 8 tutores y 4 directivos de la última edición concluida (octubre de 2016 a noviembre de 2019). Resultados: se observó un alto impacto en la institución y mediano en el individuo, con contraste entre el diagnóstico inicial y durante la formación: de excelencia en el 100 % de los residentes, pero un diagnóstico final con 33,3 % excelente y 66,6 % bien. No se evaluó la etapa de transferencia o impacto en la sociedad, por el corto de tiempo de experiencia laboral de los egresados. Conclusiones:la metodología aplicada permitió conocer un mediano impacto en la formación de los egresados de Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias, por contrastación entre el diagnóstico inicial y durante la formación, de excelente con un diagnóstico final de bien (AU).

Introduction: the evaluation of the quality in the formation of the medical specialties in Cuba, conceptualize the monitored of the impact like the process directed to evaluate the correspondence among the objectives of the program and the results reached by their participants in the social environment where they are developed professionally, guaranteeing the relevancy of the program. Objective: to apply the methodology designed for the monitored of the impact in the formation of the medical specialties in the program of intensive Medicine and emergencies. Materials and methods: carried out a study of pedagogic court where the methodology was applied designed in the Medical University of Matanzas, for the monitored of the impact in the formation of the specialty of intensive Medicine and emergencies, developed in the university hospital "Faustino Pérez Hernández." They participated six graduate, four directives, 11 professors and tutors of the last concluded edition, from October of the 2016 to November of the one 2019. Results: a high impact was observed in the institution and medium in the individual, with a contrast among the initial diagnosis and during for formation of excellence in 100% of the residents, with a final diagnosis of 33,3% excellent and 66,6% well. It was not evaluated the transfer stage or impact in the society, for the short of time of labor experience of the graduate. Conclusions: the applied methodology allowed to know the medium impact in the formation of graduate in Intensive Medicine and Emergencies in Matanzas, for a contrast among the initial diagnosis and during the formation of excellent with the final diagnosis of well (AU).

Factors associated with influenza vaccination acceptance in Mexican healthcare workers: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Adherence of healthcare workers (HCWs) to influenza vaccination is far from optimal despite its being the most effective intervention for preventing influenza. In order to evaluate factors associated with influenza vaccination acceptance among Mexican HCWs during the 2017-2018 influenza season, a multicenter cross-sectional study spanning public and private hospitals was conducted. Participants were consecutively invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 1513 out of 1553 questionnaires were evaluated. The median age of the participants was 32 (26-44) years and 65.8% were women. Nurses and physicians comprised 53.0% of the surveyed population. Total self-reported adherence to influenza vaccination among HCWs during the 2017-2018 season was 63.5% and varied across participating hospitals (P < 0.001). Factors positively associated with influenza vaccination were incremental doses of influenza vaccine received within the last 5 years (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.78-2.10), City 3 (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.19-2.20) and City 1 (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.02-1.91), whereas factors negatively associated were lack of a previous dose of influenza vaccine (aOR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01-0.08) and unawareness of the vaccination campaign (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.44-0.72). Lack of information and poor communication were barriers identified by both vaccinated and unvaccinated personnel. This study concluded that adherence to influenza vaccination in Mexican HCWs is suboptimal and that the factors associated with receipt of influenza vaccine are similar to those reported in other studies.

Desarrollo histórico de la evaluación del impacto de la formación de especialidades médicas en Cuba / Develop historical of the evaluation of the impact in the formation of the medical specialties in Cuba

RESUMEN La evaluación en la formación surgió en el siglo XVII, buscando dar juicios de valor a las acciones y actitudes de los estudiantes, a la determinación sistemática del mérito, valor y significado del aspecto a evaluar en función de criterios y normas establecidas en aquella época. Su evolución desde lo conceptual y lo procesual tuvo la influencia de los paradigmas investigativos. Muchos han sido los modelos propuestos en el ámbito internacional para perfeccionar el proceso de evaluación de la calidad en la educación. Actualmente, se asocia el término "evaluación" con el término "impacto", usado con frecuencia como expresión del efecto de una acción determinada, con cambios o transformaciones generadas en las personas, organizaciones, procesos o productos. En Cuba, este proceso ha tenido diferentes etapas, pero no es hasta el siglo XXI que comienza a implementarse en el Sistema Universitario de Programas de Acreditación, actual Sistema de Evaluación y Acreditación de la Educación Superior, con el objetivo de lograr una mejora continua en la formación, acorde a los principios y exigencias de la sociedad socialista. Dentro del mismo, el Sistema de Evaluación y Acreditación de Especialidades de Posgrado desempeña un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de dicha figura del posgrado, teniendo una repercusión notable en el desarrollo de las ciencias médicas. Este artículo expone la evolución histórica de la evaluación de la calidad y su impacto en el proceso de formación de especialidades médicas en el país, como referente para futuras investigaciones (AU).

ABSTRACT Training assessment emerged in the 17 century, in search for giving value judgment to the students' actions and behavior, for systematic determining the worth, value and significance of the aspect to assess according to criteria and norms established at that time. Its evolution, from the point of view of the conceptual and process, received the influence of research paradigms. Many models have been proposed around the world to improve the process of quality assessing in the educational field. Currently, the term 'assessment' is associated to the term 'impact', frequently used as an expression of a determinate action's effect on changes or transformations in people, organizations, processes or products. This process has had different stages in Cuba, but only in the 21 century, the University System of Accreditation Programs (SUPRA by its acronym in Spanish) -currently known as Accreditation and Assessment System of High Education (SEAES by its acronym in Spanish)- has begun to be implemented, with the objective of achieving a better continuous training, according to the principles and demands of the socialist society. Among it, the Accreditation and Assessment System of Post-grade Specialties (SEA-EP by its acronym in Spanish), play an important role in the development of the post-grade figure, having a remarkable repercussion in the medical sciences. This article exposes the historical evolution of the quality assessment and its impact in the medical sciences training process in the country as a referent for subsequent researches (AU).

Dolor abdominal crónico en un niño con Blastocystis hominis: a propósito de un caso / Chronic abdominal pain in a child with Blastocystis hominis: case report

RESUMEN El Blastocystis sp. es un parásito frecuente en el humano, identificado por el laboratorio en muestras de heces fecales. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 5 años atendido en consulta de Gastroenterología en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente Provincial Eliseo Noel Caamaño, de Matanzas, por presentar dolor abdominal, heces pastosas, náuseas y vómitos desde hacía un año. Llevó tratamiento con ranitidina, omeprazol y domperidona, sin mejoría clínica. Se realizó estudio coproparasitológico en muestras de heces fecales seriadas, con la presencia del Blastocystis hominis. Se indicó tratamiento con metronidazol, sin mejoría clínica, y posteriormente se indicó como alternativa la nitazoxanida. Se evaluó a los 15 días, sin sintomatología y con negativización de las heces fecales seriadas. Resulta frecuente el desconocimiento y la poca importancia que los profesionales sanitarios muestran ante esta infestación, aunque cada vez más se confirma la participación del parásito en manifestaciones clínicas (AU).

ABSTRACT Blastocystis sp. is a frequent parasite in humans, identified in the laboratory in samples of fecal feces. The case of a 5-year-old patient is presented; he assisted the consultation of Gastroenterology in the Provincial Teaching Pediatric Hospital Eliseo Noel Caamaño in Matanzas, suffering abdominal pain, mash feces, nauseas and vomits for one year, and was treated with ranitidine, omeprazole and domperidone without clinical improvement. A coproparasitological study was carried out in serial fecal feces samples with the presence of Blastocystis hominis. Treatment with metronidazole was indicated without clinical improvement and them, as an alternative, nitazoxanide was indicated. He was evaluated at 15 days without symptoms and with negative serial fecal feces. The ignorance and the little importance that health professionals show towards this infestation are frequent, although more and more frequently it is confirmed the participation of the parasite in clinical manifestations (AU).

Substantial reduction of healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) rates after conversion of a hospital for exclusive treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection rates substantially dropped in a Mexican hospital after its conversion to a full COVID-19 setting, despite heavy contamination of the environment the previous year. Better adherence to hand hygiene and contact precautions may help explain this finding.

Comportamiento clínico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico diagnosticado en el Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy" / Histological, endoscopic and clinical behavior of gastric cancer diagnosed in the Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy"

RESUMEN Introducción: en los últimos años, se aprecia a nivel global un aumento del cáncer gástrico. La mayoría de los tumores gástricos primarios son malignos. En Matanzas, existe un incremento de esta patología. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento clínico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico diagnosticado. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en el Departamento de Gastroenterología del Hospital "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy", de la ciudad de Matanzas, en el período de enero del 2017 a octubre del 2019. El universo fue 25 pacientes que presentaron cáncer gástrico por diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico. Resultados: el grupo de edad más afectado correspondió a los pacientes entre 61 y 70 años, (44 %). El sexo masculino predominó en un 68 %. Los factores de riesgo de mayor incidencia, fueron la dieta inadecuada y el hábito de fumar. Las manifestaciones clínicas más relevantes fueron: epigastralgia, plenitud gástrica y pérdida de peso. La variedad hística que predominó fue el adenocarcinoma difuso y la localización el antro. Conclusiones: el cáncer gástrico constituye un problema de salud que, al actuar sobre los factores de riesgo se puede disminuir su incidencia; con un diagnóstico precoz se logrará disminuir la mortalidad (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: an increase of gastric cancer is appreciated in the world in the last years. Most of the primary gastric tumors are malignant. There is an increase of this disease also in Matanzas. Objective: to determine the histological, endoscopic and clinical behavior of the diagnosed gastric cancer. Materials and methods: a prospective, descriptive and observational study was carried out in the Department of Gastroenterology of the Hospital "Mario Munoz Monroy, of Matanzas, in the period from January 2017 to October 2019. The universe were 25 patients presenting gastric cancer by histologic and endoscopic diagnosis. Results: The most affected age group was the one of patients among 61 and 70 years old (44 %). Male sex predominated in 68 %. The risk factors having higher incidence were an inadequate diet and smoking. The more relevant clinical manifestation were epigastralgia, gastric fullness and weight loss. The predominating tissue variety was the diffuse adenocarcinoma and antrum location. Conclusions: gastric cancer is a health problem the incidence of which could be reduced when acting on its risk factors; with a precocious diagnosis mortality will be reduced (AU).

Caracterización clínica, endoscópica e histológica de los pólipos colorrectales en pacientes de edades pediátricas. Matanzas / Clinical, endoscopic and pathological characterization of colorectal polyps in pediatric patients, Matanzas

Resumen Introducción: los pólipos del colon son los tumores más comunes del tracto gastrointestinal. Se presentan relativamente frecuentes en niños. El método eficaz para su diagnóstico es la colonoscopia que permite su tratamiento mediante la polipectomía. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas, endoscópicas e histológicas de los pólipos colorrectales, diagnosticados en niños atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial "Eliseo Noel Caamaño", de la ciudad de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo en niños diagnosticados con pólipos colorrectales y atendidos en el hospital. En el período comprendido del 2010 al 2018. Se estudiaron 141 pacientes menores de 18 años, con diagnóstico de pólipos por colonoscopia confirmado en el estudio histológico. Se excluyeron los pacientes con diagnósticos diferentes a pólipos y aquellos que no se pudieron estudiar histológicamente. Resultados: se observó mayor frecuencia de pacientes con pólipos en las edades entre 1 y 10 años (37,6 %), del sexo masculino (57,4 %). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron el sangramiento digestivo bajo, (96,3 %) y prolapso de masa T por el recto, (27 %). Los pólipos estudiados se localizaron con mayor frecuencia en rectosigmoide (73, 4 %), predominando los pólipos únicos (78 %), pediculados (56,2 %), de 1-2 cm de tamaño (53,2 %). Histológicamente predominaron los pólipos juveniles, (62,1 %) seguidos de los inflamatorios (33 %). Conclusiones: los pólipos fueron más frecuentes en las edades de 1 y 10 años y en el sexo masculino. Se demostró la importancia de la colonoscopia en el diagnóstico precoz de estas lesiones (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: colon polyps are the most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. They are found relatively frequently in children. The efficacious method for their treatment is the colonoscopy, allowing their treatment through polypectomy. Objective: to determine the histological, endoscopic and clinical characteristics of colorectal polyps diagnosed in children who attended the Pediatric Provincial Hospital "Eliseo Noel Caamaño", of Matanzas. Materials and methods: a retrospective, descriptive study was carried out in children diagnosed with colorectal polyps in the hospital in the period from 2010 to 2018. 141 patients under 18 years-old were studied, all with diagnosis of polyps by colonoscopy confirmed in the histological study. The patients with different diagnosis but polyps were excluded, and also those who could not be histologically studied. Results: the highest frequency of patients with polyps was found in ages between 1 and 10 years (37,6 %), and the male sex (57.4 %). The most frequent symptoms were low digestive bleeding (96.3 %) and Mass T prolapse through the rectum (27 %). The studied polyps were more frequently located in the rectosigmoid (73.4 %). The single polyps predominated (78 %)m and the pedunculated ones (56.2 %) of 1-2 cm size (53.2 %). Histologically predominated young polyps (62.1 %), followed by the inflammatory ones (33 %). Conclusions: polyps were more frequent at the ages from 1 to 10 years and in the male sex. The authors showed the importance of colonoscopy in the precocious diagnosis of these lesions (AU).