Assessing the impact of the Gamma variant on COVID-19 patient admissions in a southern Brazilian tertiary hospital-A comparison of dual pandemic phases.

Since the first case of COVID-19, Brazil has undergone infection waves with distinct characteristics. The description of new variants has alerted the emergence of more contagious or virulent viruses. The variant of concern Gamma emerged in Brazil and caused an epidemic wave, but its spread outside the country was limited. We report the clinical-epidemiological profile of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 by comparing two periods. A retrospective cohort study was performed. The primary outcome was to assess individuals with COVID-19 admitted in wards and intensive care units at the academic hospital of the Federal University of Parana (CHC-UFPR) between March 2020 and July 2021, correlating demographic, clinical-epidemiologic, and survival data with the most prevalent viral variant found in each period. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate the probability of survival and ROC curves to evaluate laboratory tests to find a cutoff point for poor outcomes. Data from 2,887 individuals were analyzed, 1,495 and 1,392 from the first and second periods, respectively. Hospitalization predominated among males in both periods, and the median age was significantly lower in the second one. The frequency of comorbidities was similar. Various demographic factors, clinical assessments, and laboratory tests were examined in relation to greater severity. When comparing the two periods, we observed predominance of the Wild virus during the first wave and the Gamma variant during the second, with no significant difference in outcomes. The findings suggest that despite the association of many factors with increased severity, the temporal variation between the two periods did not result in a notable divergence in the measured outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for a long time, with periods marked by peaks of cases, often caused by the emergence of viral variants, resulting in higher infection rates and rapid dissemination but, for variant Gamma, no apparent greater virulence.

Respiratory syncytial virus: host genetic susceptibility and factors associated with disease severity in a cohort of pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are the leading cause of hospitalization in young children. We assessed the epidemiology, severity, clinical characteristics, molecular profile and genetic factors of RSV infections compared to acute respiratory illness (ARI) caused by other respiratory viruses. METHODS: Prospective cohort study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 with children under 2 years old hospitalized with ARI. Detection of respiratory viruses was carried out using RT-PCR. RSVs were genotyped via nucleotide sequencing, and host interleukin 28B (IL28B) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined using SNP TaqMan® Genotyping Assays. RESULTS: A total of 468 children were included; 288 (61.5%) had an infection by a single virus: 202 (70.1%) cases by RSV followed by rhinovirus 36 (12.5%) and influenza 16 (5.6%). Of the RSV cases, 36% were genotyped with a higher prevalence of RSV B (62.1%). The RSV group presented median age of 2.7 months (1.6-6.8), higher frequency in: intensive care unit admission (p = 0.004), mechanical ventilation use (p = 0.018), wheezing (p < 0.001), antimicrobial use (p < 0.001) and low oxygen saturation (p < 0.001). Prematurity (27.2%) was the most frequent comorbidity. RSV patients without comorbidities demonstrated a higher frequency in the combination of IL28B rs12979860 CT/IL28B rs8099917 TG and IL28B rs12979860 TT/IL28B rs8099917 TT genotypes. Viral coinfection was detected in 27 (5.7%) children, with the most frequent being RSV and rhinovirus (14.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the burden of RSV infection in children under 2 years of age, without comorbidities, with a higher need for pediatric ICU admission. Some IL28B allele combinations had a significant association with RSV frequency of infections.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary public hospital in Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Upper respiratory samples from 1077 HCWs were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from June 16, 2020 to December 9, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 32.7% of HCWs were infected. The positivity rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs were 39.2% and 15.9%, respectively. Hospital departments categorized as high-risk for exposure had the highest number of infected HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and isolation of infected HCWs remain key in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission because HCWs in close contact with COVID-19 patients are more likely to be infected than those who are not.

The association of breastfeeding and other factors on respiratory virus positivity and severity in hospitalized children.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most prevalent diseases in children under 5 years old, and viruses are the leading cause. ARIs arise due to numerous factors, including age, contact with siblings or other children in daycare centers, and environmental pollution. Breastfeeding reportedly confers protection against ARIs through bioactive components related to mucous epithelial immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and severity of viral ARIs in hospitalized children, together with the status and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and other associated factors. It comprised an epidemiological surveillance study to investigate respiratory viruses in hospitalized children, in which demographic and clinical data were collected. Overall, 279 patients were included, 190 (68%) had positive viral results, and 132 (47%) were exclusively breastfed. In an adjusted analysis, it was observed that older children, the parents' educational level, and the presence of chronic disease were significantly related to EBF for more than 6 months. No significant differences were observed in viral positivity and disease severity concerning EBF. Whereas the EBF status was associated with a positive rate of virus detection, the significance did not remain after adjustment, and it was not considered a protective factor against ARIs. On the other hand, young age and exposure to tobacco were confirmed as risk factors of frequency and severity, respectively. Such confounding factors can impact the analysis and should be considered in future studies.

Inserção do Teste de Progresso num curso de Medicina paulista: relato de uma experiência bem-sucedida / Insertion of the Progress Test in a São Paulo Medicine course: report of a successful experience

Resumo: Introdução: O Teste de Progresso no curso de Medicina (TPMed) tem sido utilizado pelas escolas médicas que implantaram mudanças curriculares, com currículos baseados/orientados na comunidade, aprendizagem baseada em problemas e currículos orientados por competências, entre outros, além de alguns programas de pós-graduação ou disciplinas isoladas. Baseado nessa premissa, o presente relato se propõe a descrever a experiência no processo de implantação do TPMed em nossa instituição e a participação estudantil nele. Relato de experiência: Dada a importância do TPMed, o curso de Medicina da Universidade Santo Amaro (Unisa) se filiou ao Consórcio São Paulo I (SP1), composto pelas seguintes escolas de Medicina: ABC, Jundiaí, Catanduva, PUC Sorocaba, PUC Goiás e Unoeste, iniciando nossa experiência em 2018. A inserção da Unisa no TPMed foi estimulada a partir da participação no Congresso Brasileiro de Educação Médica (Cobem), com a subsequente associação ao Consórcio SP1. Inúmeras iniciativas de sensibilização do corpo docente e do corpo discente da instituição, com a colaboração da diretoria da Regional São Paulo da Associação Brasileira de Educação Médica (Abem), resultaram em 96,74% de participação discente no TPMed em 2018, 97,12% em 2019, 98,85%, em 2020 e 86,10% em 2021. Em relação ao desempenho dos estudantes, encontramos um aumento progressivo de acertos ao longo dos seis anos de graduação: 32,63% como média de acerto no primeiro semestre, e 62,87%, no 12º semestre. Discussão: A influência positiva do TPMed na aprendizagem do aluno foi a motivação da Unisa para vencer os desafios e mobilizar os estudantes no primeiro ano em que aplicamos a prova, corroborando a grande participação deles. Houve uma queda da adesão ao Teste de Progresso Nacional da Abem - 2021 dos alunos da Unisa, tendo como possível causa os problemas técnicos ocorridos na aplicação dele, que foi on-line. Conclusão: O efeito positivo do TPMed foi observado de forma clara na Unisa. O trabalho direcionado, enfatizando a relevância do TPMed, faz-se mister no seu reconhecimento, resultando em uma forte adesão dos nossos acadêmicos a essa avaliação.

Abstract: Introduction: The Medical Course Progress Test (TPMed) has been used by medical schools that have implemented curricular changes, with, for example, community-based/oriented curricula, problem-based learning and competency-oriented curricula, in addition to some graduate programs or isolated disciplines. Based on this premise, the present report proposes to describe the experience in the TPMed implementation process in our Institution and student participation in it. Experience report: Given the importance of the TPMed, the Medicine course at Universidade Santo Amaro (UNISA) joined the SP1 Consortium, with our experience beginning in 2018. The inclusion of UNISA in the TPMed was driven by the school's participation in the Brazilian Congress of Medical Education (COBEM), and its subsequent association with the Consortium (SP1). Numerous initiatives to raise awareness of the institution's faculty and students, with the collaboration of the São Paulo Regional Board of the Brazilian Association of Medical Education (ABEM) resulted in 96.74% student participating in the TPMed in 2018, 97.12% in 2019, 98.85% in 2020 and 86.10% in 2021. Regarding student performance, we found a progressive increase in correct answers over the six years of the undergraduate course, 32.63% as an average score in the first semester and 62.87% in the twelfth semester. Discussion: The positive influence of the TPMed on student learning was UNISA's motivation to overcome the challenges and mobilize the students in the first year in which the test was applied, corroborating their substantial participation. There was a drop in adherence to the ABEM National Progress Test - 2021 by UNISA students, possibly due to technical problems that occurred in its online application. Conclusion: The positive effect of the TPMed was clearly observed in UNISA. This directed work, which emphasized the relevance of the TPMed, is essential for its recognition, and resulted in a strong adhesion of our academics in this evaluation.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary public hospital in Curitiba, Brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Upper respiratory samples from 1077 HCWs were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from June 16, 2020 to December 9, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 32.7% of HCWs were infected. The positivity rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs were 39.2% and 15.9%, respectively. Hospital departments categorized as high-risk for exposure had the highest number of infected HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and isolation of infected HCWs remain key in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission because HCWs in close contact with COVID-19 patients are more likely to be infected than those who are not.

Estágio em psicologia escolar e educacional e prevenção à criminalidade: ampliando perspectivas de atuação / Internship in school and educational psychology and crime prevention: expanding work perspectives

Este relato apresenta uma experiência de Estágio Básico em Psicologia Escolar e Educacional desenvolvida junto ao Programa Central de Acompanhamento de Penas e Medidas Alternativas (CEAPA), do Governo de Minas Gerais. Buscou-se relatar a complexidade dessa experiência a partir de três perspectivas: docentes, profissionais da instituição e uma estagiária. O Estágio, fundamentado na parceria entre instituição e universidade, foi importante desencadeador tanto de reflexões sobre o trabalho quanto de articulações teórico-práticas, além de aproximar os estagiários de possíveis campos de atuação - sobretudo aqueles que transcendem a estrutura da escola formal - e de desafios que se apresentam no cotidiano profissional.

This report presents a Basic Internship experience in School and Educational Psychology developed with the Central Program for the Monitoring of Penalties and Alternative Measures (CEAPA), of the Government of Minas Gerais. We sought to report the complexity of this experience from three perspectives: teachers, professionals at the institution and a female intern. The internship, based on the partnership between the institution and the university, was an important trigger for both reflections on work and theoretical and practical articulations, in addition to bringing trainees closer to possible fields of activity - especially those that transcend the structure of the formal school - and to challenges that present themselves in professional daily life.

Semi-field assessment of the Gravid Aedes Trap (GAT) with the aim of controlling Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti populations.

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the main vector of arboviroses and current approaches to control this vector are not sufficiently effective. Adult traps, such as the BG-Sentinel (BGS), have been successfully used for mosquito surveillance and can also suppress vector populations. A new "passive" trap for gravid Ae. aegypti (Gravid Aedes Trap-GAT) has been shown efficient for Aedes collection and suppress Ae. albopictus populations using mass trapping techniques. Here the GAT was evaluated for the first time as a new tool to control Ae. aegypti in semi-field conditions using simulated outdoor environments (SOE). Two identical large screened chambers inside of a SOE containing different numbers and sizes of artificial breeding sites were used to assess the trapping efficiency of the GAT. One hundred mosquitoes were released into the chambers, and recapture rates evaluated after 48h. The parity status of the captured mosquitoes was also recorded. The number of eggs laid, and breeding productivity were also monitored when using different numbers and sizes of breeding sites. The BGS trap was used here as a control (gold standard) trap to compare capture rates to those of the GAT. The GAT recaptured between 50-65% of the mosquitoes independent of the number and sizes of the breeding sites in the SOEs, whereas the BGS recaptured 60-82% of the females. Both traps showed similar results regarding to the parity status of recaptured mosquitoes. Our results confirmed the effectiveness of GAT for the capture of adult female Ae. aegypti in simulated field environments. The BGS trap recaptured gravid Ae. aegypti before egg-laying in different sizes and number of breading sites, whereas the oviposition activity occurred prior to recapture mosquitoes in the GAT. Based on the results, we believe that GAT is a promising candidate for mass-trapping intervention in urban settings, but a source reduction intervention should be made prior trap deployment. Therefore, we suggest future field studies to confirm the use of GAT as a complementary tool in vector control activities.

Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2: Diagnostic Performance of 4 Commercial Assays.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of lateral flow immunochromatographic assays (LFAs) of 4 different manufacturers to identify SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM, IgG, or total), comparing them with the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or the clinical defined test (definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively). METHODS: One hundred nineteen serum samples were randomly selected by convenience and distributed in the following groups: (1) group with SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 82; RT-qPCR positive [definite, n = 70] and probable [n = 12]); (2) other diseases (n = 27; other viruses identified [n = 8] and SARS of other etiologies [n = 19]); and (3) healthy control group (n = 10). LFAs of 4 manufacturers were compared: MedTest Coronavirus (COVID-19) IgG/IgM (MedLevensohn, Brazil); COVID-19 IgG/IgM ECO Test (Ecodiagnóstica, Brazil); Camtech COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test Kit (Camtech Diagnostics Pte Ltd, Singapore); and 1-Step COVID-19 Test for total antibodies (Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co., China). RESULTS: The 4 tests studied showed high diagnostic performance characteristics for the diagnoses of definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. The best measures were for the Wondfo test: sensitivity (86.59%; 95% CI: 77.26-93.11%), specificity (100%; 90.51-100%), DOR (257; 60-1,008), LR+ (33.43; 4.82-231.85), LR- (0.13; 0.08-0.23), accuracy (90.76%; 84.06-95.29%), and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) 0.82. Although considering only the probable SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR-) cases, all the kits studied showed limited values. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the excellent performance of LFA for the diagnoses of definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was substantial heterogeneity in sensitivities of IgM and IgG antibodies among the different kits. LFA tests cannot replace molecular diagnostics but should be used as an additional screening tool.

Avaliação da síndrome metabólica em agentes comunitários de saúde em município do norte de Minas Gerais / Evaluation of metabolic syndrome in community health agents in a northern Minas Gerais municipality / Evaluación del síndrome metabólico de los trabajadores de salud comunitários em el município norteño de Minas Gerais

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica se relaciona a doenças crônicas, possui prevalência crescente no Brasil e leva riscos cardiovasculares à população. Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica em agentes comunitários de saúde em município do Norte de Minas Gerais segundo diferentes critérios diagnósticos. Métodos: Foi realizada coleta de dados de 675 profissionais que compunham as variáveis dos critérios diagnósticos propostos pela Internacional Diabetes Federation e National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Resultados: Segundo critérios da Internacional Diabetes Federation, diagnosticou-se 42,2% de indivíduos com síndrome metabólica e 33,6% segundo National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Há aumento diretamente proporcional ao avançar da idade (p=0,000 para ambos os critérios) e relação intrínseca à dislipidemia e pressão arterial elevada. Conclusão: Pôde-se concluir que a síndrome metabólica tem prevalência muito relevante no público estudado. Em relação às variáveis analisadas, encontrou-se similaridade entre critérios. Assim, nota-se que essas informações são importantes para realização de um diagnóstico precoce e manutenção da saúde dos agentes comunitários de saúde.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is related to chronic diseases, has an increasing prevalence in Brazil and takes cardiovascular risks to the population. Objectives: To compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community health workers in a municipality in the North of Minas Gerais according to the different diagnostic criteria. Methods: Data were collected from 675 professionals who comprised the variables of the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation and National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Results: According to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, 42.2% of individuals with Metabolic Syndrome and 33.6% were diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. There is a directly proportional increase with advancing age (p=0.000 for both criteria) and an intrinsic relationship to dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. Conclusion: It was concluded that the metabolic syndrome has a very relevant prevalence in the studied public. Regarding the analyzed variables, similarity was found between criteria. Thus, it is noted that this information is important for making an early diagnosis and maintaining the health of community health workers.

Introducción: El Síndrome Metabólico está relacionado con enfermedades crónicas, tiene una prevalencia creciente em Brasil y conlleva riesgos cardiovasculares para la población. Objetivo: Comparar la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en trabajadores comunitarios de salud de un municipio del norte de Minas Gerais según los diferentes criterios diagnósticos. Métodos: Se recolectaron datos de 675 profesionales que comprendieron las variables de los criterios de diagnóstico propuestos por la Federación International de Diabetes y el Panel III de Tratamiento de Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación sobre el Colesterol. Resultados: Según los criterios de la Federación Internacional de Diabetes, el 42,2% de las personas con Síndrome Metabólico y el 33,6% fueron diagnosticados de acuerdo con el Panel III de Tratamiento de Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación sobre el Colesterol. Hay un aumento directamente proporcional con la edad avanzada (p = 0,000 para ambos criterios) y una relación intrínseca con la dislipidemia y la presión arterial alta. Conclusión: Se concluyó que el Síndrome Metabólico tiene una prevalencia muy relevante em el público estudiado. En cuanto a las variables analizadas, se encontró similitud entre los criterios. Por lo tanto, se observa que esta información es importante para hacer un diagnóstico temprano y mantener la salud de los agentes de salud de la comunidad.

Influenza Sentinel Surveillance and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in a Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We report the results of the active surveillance of influenza infections in hospitalized patients and the evaluation of the seasonality and correlation with temperature and rainfall data. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, 775 patients were tested for 15 respiratory viruses (RVs). RESULTS: Most of the 57% of (n=444) virus-positive samples were human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, 10.4% (n=46) were influenza virus (80% FluA; 20% FluB). Age and SARI were significantly associated with influenza. FluB circulation was higher is 2013. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-epidemic period, influenza remains an important cause of hospitalization in SARI patients.

Influenza Sentinel Surveillance and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in a Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: We report the results of the active surveillance of influenza infections in hospitalized patients and the evaluation of the seasonality and correlation with temperature and rainfall data. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, 775 patients were tested for 15 respiratory viruses (RVs). RESULTS: Most of the 57% of (n=444) virus-positive samples were human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, 10.4% (n=46) were influenza virus (80% FluA; 20% FluB). Age and SARI were significantly associated with influenza. FluB circulation was higher is 2013. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-epidemic period, influenza remains an important cause of hospitalization in SARI patients.

Detection and quantification of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus in cadaveric tissue donors using different molecular tests.

BACKGROUND: Tissues from cadaveric donors are used in several clinical circumstances, and the transmission of infectious diseases has been reported. Cadaveric donor (CD) blood sample analysis is challenging due to its poor quality. However, studies have demonstrated the usefulness of molecular based methods, and the lack of studies using available commercial molecular tests was reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of different commercial molecular tests for HIV and HCV detection and quantification in CD through spiked samples. STUDY DESIGN: 20 CD and 20 blood donor samples were tested using 1,000 copies/mL and 1,000 IU/mL of lyophilized standards of HIV and HCV, respectively. Samples were analyzed by different molecular kits: XPERT HCV Viral Load and HIV-1 (Cepheid), COBAS® TaqMan® HIV-1 and COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test, v2.0 (Roche), and artus® HI Virus-1 QS-RGQ and artus® HCV RG RT-PCR Kit (Qiagen). RESULTS: HIV and HCV in CD were detected by RT-PCR-based quantitative kits. The tests performed by the Cepheid and the Roche kits showed the most accurate, sensitive and specific results, however, a wide variability between the assays and kits was observed. The Qiagen kits did not demonstrate satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: CD evaluation showed great variability. The Cepheid and Roche kits were more sensitive for detecting HIV on CD and Cepheid was the most efficient kit for HCV quantification in CD. The Roche and Cepheid kits can be used to screen tissue donors for HIV and HCV.

Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, Albumin, and Blood Cultures as Early Markers of Sepsis Diagnosis or Predictors of Outcome: A Prospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: Sepsis is a condition with high mortality rates and its diagnosis remains a challenge. We assessed epidemiological, clinical data, multiple biomarker profiles, and blood culture with respect to sepsis diagnosis and predictors of outcome. METHODS: In total, 183 patients who were suspected of having sepsis and underwent blood culture collection were followed up for 7 days. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were calculated daily; biomarkers and blood culture test results were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 78 (43%) had sepsis, 50 (27%) had septic shock, and 55 (30%) had no sepsis. Blood culture was positive in 28% and 42% of the sepsis and septic shock groups, respectively (P < .001). Regarding clinical profiles and biomarker values, there were no differences between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, but significant differences were observed in the septic shock group. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that age, serum albumin level, APACHE II, and SOFA 1st day scores were the independent variables for death. CONCLUSIONS: The challenge in the diagnosis of sepsis continues as clinical and laboratory differences found between the groups were due to septic shock. Older aged patients with lower albumin levels and higher APACHE II and SOFA 1st day scores have a greater probability of mortality.

Human adenovirus meningoencephalitis: a 3-years' overview.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been recognized as a significant viral pathogen implicated in neurological diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients. However, its involvement in meningoencephalitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate HAdV and other viral co-infections in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suspected of having either meningoencephalitis or encephalitis. A total of 373 CSF samples from patients under clinical suspicion of neurological viral infection were included in this study. HAdV was investigated by conventional or multiplex real-time PCR, for different time periods. The frequency of HAdV central nervous system (CNS) infection was 1.08%, predominating in female patients with a predisposing condition, and presented with HAdV encephalitis. HAdV CNS infection was found to occur during the months of autumn and winter. The frequency of HAdV detected in CSF positive samples increased after the change in the diagnostic method from conventional to multiplex real-time PCR. There were no specific NMRI or EEG characteristics and two CSF samples with HAdV encephalitis had normal CSF WBC count. There were two cases of co-infection with HIV; no other co-infections with enterovirus or herpes family viruses were detected. All patients had good outcome. Although HAdV is rarely observable in CNS infectious syndromes, it must be investigated particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Development and validation of a real-time RT-PCR assay for the quantification of rabies virus as quality control of inactivated rabies vaccines.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease, characterized as a neglected zoonosis, responsible for nearly 60,000 deaths annually. The virus is transmitted mainly by dogs in Africa and Asia, and wildlife in Europe and the Americas, to all mammals' species, causing severe encephalitis almost always fatal after the onset of neurological symptoms. Human rabies can be prevented through extensive vaccination of dogs and pre/post-prophylaxis treatments in humans with inactivated rabies vaccines. The vaccine manufacture involves a series of quality control assays using laboratory animals, which are mandatory to exclude the presence of viable residual virus. The quality controls must be carried out in various steps during the vaccine production, which demands the use of a large number of animals. In this study, we standardized a real-time quantitative RT-PCR duplex assay to be used during intermediate stages of the vaccine production. This assay was done for the quantification of vaccine strain rabies virus, targeting rabies nucleoprotein, and ß-actin mRNA of BHK-21 cells as an internal endogenous control. The results showed specific amplification, with the analytical sensitivity ranged from 101 to 106 TCID50/mL with high repeatability rate for the quantification of rabies virus in inactivated vaccine samples. Global organizations are engaged to develop new approaches to determine viable residual virus, and this assay can be applied in combination with traditional in vitro methods for the release of intermediate batches of vaccines during the production process, keeping the in vivo tests only for final release.

Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with and without sepsis in intensive care units of a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with and without sepsis at critical care units of a public hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2012 to April 2013. Clinical and laboratory data of patients with and without sepsis in the intensive care units were reviewed of medical records. RESULTS: We evaluated 466 patients, 58% were men, median age was 40 years, and 146 (31%) of them were diagnosed with sepsis. The overall mortality was 20% being significantly higher for patients with sepsis (39%). The factors associated with intensive care unit mortality were the presence of sepsis (OR: 6.1, 95%CI: 3.7-10.5), age (OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.4-7.2), and length of hospital stay (OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.98). Pulmonary (49%) and intra-abdominal (20%) infections were most commonly identified sites, and coagulase-negative staphylococci and enteric Gram negative bacilli the most frequent (66%) pathogens isolated. CONCLUSION: Although the impact of sepsis on mortality is related to patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics, a critical evaluation of these data is important since they will allow the direct implementation of local policies for managing this serious public health problem.

Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with and without sepsis in intensive care units of a tertiary hospital / Avaliação das características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com e sem sepse nas unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital terciário

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with and without sepsis at critical care units of a public hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2012 to April 2013. Clinical and laboratory data of patients with and without sepsis in the intensive care units were reviewed of medical records. Results We evaluated 466 patients, 58% were men, median age was 40 years, and 146 (31%) of them were diagnosed with sepsis. The overall mortality was 20% being significantly higher for patients with sepsis (39%). The factors associated with intensive care unit mortality were the presence of sepsis (OR: 6.1, 95%CI: 3.7-10.5), age (OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.4-7.2), and length of hospital stay (OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.98). Pulmonary (49%) and intra-abdominal (20%) infections were most commonly identified sites, and coagulase-negative staphylococci and enteric Gram negative bacilli the most frequent (66%) pathogens isolated. Conclusion Although the impact of sepsis on mortality is related to patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics, a critical evaluation of these data is important since they will allow the direct implementation of local policies for managing this serious public health problem.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com sepse e sem sepse em unidades de cuidados intensivos de um hospital público. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado de maio de 2012 a abril de 2013. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais de pacientes com sepse e sem sepse das unidades de terapia intensiva foram revisados a partir dos prontuários médicos. Resultados Avaliamos 466 pacientes, 58% homens, mediana de idade 40 anos; sendo 146 (31%) diagnosticados com sepse. A mortalidade global foi 20%, e significativamente maior para pacientes com sepse (39%). Os fatores associados à mortalidade em unidade de terapia intensiva foram a presença de sepse (OR: 6,1, IC95%: 3,7-10,5), idade (OR: 3,6, IC95%: 1,4-7,2) e tempo de internação (OR: 0,96, IC95%: 0,94-0,98). As infecções pulmonares (49%) e intra-abdominais (20%) foram os focos mais comumente identificados, e os estafilococos coagulase-negativa e bacilos entéricos Gram-negativos foram os patógenos isolados mais frequentes (66%). Conclusão Embora o impacto da sepse sobre a mortalidade esteja relacionado às características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes, uma avaliação crítica desses dados é importante, pois permitirá a implementação direta de políticas locais para gerenciar este grave problema de saúde pública.

Características da constipação funcional em crianças de zero a doze anos atendidas em um ambulatório de gastroenterologia pediátrica / Characteristics of functional constipation in children from zero to twelve years old attended in a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic / Características del estreñimiento funcional en niños de cero a doce años atendidos en ambulatorio de gastroenterología pediátrica

Justificativa e Objetivos: A caracterização da constipação orienta uma abordagem preventiva. O estudo tem por objetivo conhecer as características da constipação nas crianças atendidas em ambulatório especializado. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, quantitativo e descritivo, com aplicação de questionário durante o primeiro atendimento ambulatorial de gastroenterologia pediátrica, entre agosto de 2014 a outubro de 2015. Na seleção dos pacientes utilizou-se os critérios de ROMA IV e relato de hematoquezia e disquezia. Realizou-se um perfil clínico-epidemiológico das crianças, prevalência dos principais sintomas, comorbidades e tratamentos prévios. Na história alimentar incluiu-se questões sobre satisfação dos pais/responsáveis quanto a ingestão de alimentos e líquidos pela criança. A análise e o processamento dos dados foram realizados com o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 22.0. Resultados: Queixas de constipação ocorreram em 29% dos novos pacientes. Média de 4,3 anos com início dos sintomas, majoritariamente no primeiro ano de vida (71,0%). A principal comorbidade foi alergia alimentar e 77,6% já realizavam tratamento. Amamentação exclusiva não ocorreu em 19,4%. A média da idade de introdução da fórmula foi 4,89 meses. A introdução de leite de vaca na dieta foi em média aos 9 meses. A ingestão de frutas e legumes, considerada satisfatória em 25,8% e de água em 57%. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou que crianças com constipação intestinal de um ambulatório especializado apresentam elevada prevalência de início já no primeiro ano de vida. O estímulo ao aleitamento materno e adequada orientação alimentar no desmame ainda é considerada a melhor forma de prevenção.(AU)

Background and Objectives: The characterization of constipation leads a preventive approach. The study has as its objective to know the characteristics of constipation in children attended in a specialized outpatient clinic. Methods: It is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study, with questionnaire application during the first outpatient care of pediatric gastroenterology, between August 2014 and October 2015. In the selection of patients, the criteria of ROMA IV and the report of hematochezia and dyschezia were used. A clinical-epidemiological profile of the children, prevalence of the main symptoms, comorbidities and previous treatments was carried out. In the food history, it was included questions about parent / caregiver satisfaction regarding the child's intake of food and fluids. Data analysis and processing were performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 22.0. Results: Constipation complaints occurred in 29% of the new patients. Mean of 4.3 years with onset of symptoms, mostly in the first year of life (71.0%). The main comorbidity was food allergy and 77.6% were already undergoing treatment. Exclusive breastfeeding did not occur in 19.4%. The mean age of introduction of the formula was 4.89 months. The introduction of cow's milk in the diet was on average at 9 months. The intake of fruits and vegetables, considered satisfactory in 25.8% and of water in 57%. Conclusion: The study showed that children with intestinal constipation from a specialized outpatient clinic have a high prevalence of onset in the first year of life. Encouraging breastfeeding and proper feeding guidelines at weaning are still considered the best form of prevention.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La caracterización de la constipación orienta un enfoque preventivo. El estudio tiene por objetivo conocer las características de la constipación en los niños atendidos en ambulatorio especializado. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, cuantitativo y descriptivo, con aplicación de cuestionario durante la primera atención ambulatoria de gastroenterología pediátrica, entre agosto de 2014 a octubre de 2015. En la selección de los pacientes se utilizaron los criterios de ROMA IV y relato de hematomasia y disquezia. Se realizó un perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los niños, prevalencia de los principales síntomas, comorbilidades y tratamientos previos. En la historia alimentaria se incluyeron cuestiones sobre satisfacción de los padres / responsables en cuanto a la ingesta de alimentos y líquidos por el niño. El análisis y el procesamiento de los datos se realizaron con el programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versión 22.0. Resultados: Las quejas de constipación ocurrieron en el 29% de los nuevos pacientes. Media de 4,3 años con inicio de los síntomas, mayoritariamente en el primer año de vida (71,0%). La principal comorbilidad fue alergia alimentaria y el 77,6% ya realizaba tratamiento. La lactancia exclusiva no ocurrió en el 19,4%. La media de la edad de introducción de la fórmula fue de 4,89 meses. La introducción de leche de vaca en la dieta fue en promedio a los 9 meses. La ingestión de frutas y verduras, considerada satisfactoria en un 25,8% y de agua en un 57%. Conclusión: El estudio mostró que los niños con constipación intestinal de un ambulatorio especializado presentan una elevada prevalencia de inicio ya en el primer año de vida. El estímulo a la lactancia materna y adecuada orientación alimentaria en el destete todavía se considera la mejor forma de prevención.(AU)

Chronic hepatothorax due to right diaphragmatic rupture: an anesthetic challenge in a rare case / Hepatotórax crônico devido à ruptura do diafragma direito: um desafio anestésico em um caso raro

Abstract Background: Diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon condition, with 90% of ruptures occurring on the left side. However, its incidence on the right side is increasing along with the increase in traffic accidents. Liver herniation may become progressive causing severe atelectasis of the right lung, resulting in impaired respiratory status and hemodynamic changes. Case report: We report the case of a 40 years old female, ASA III, scheduled for hepatothorax repair that evolved from right diaphragmatic hernia after a car accident when she was 8 years old. Clinically, she had severe restrictive respiratory syndrome caused by the hepatothorax. The anesthetic evaluation was normal, except for the chest X-ray showing elevation of the dome of the right hemidiaphragm without tracheal deviation. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan. After liver replacement in the abdominal cavity, a transient increase in central venous pressure, stroke volume index and flow time corrected (35%), and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance were observed. After complete hemodynamic and hepatosplenic stabilization, as well as ventilation, the patient was transferred intubated, under controlled ventilation and monitored, to the liver transplant unit. Conclusions: Hepatothorax is a rare condition and its repair may represent an anesthetic challenge. After liver replacement in the abdominal cavity during corrective surgery under general anesthesia complications may occur, particularly associated with pulmonary re-expansion. Effective teamwork and careful planning of surgery, between the surgical and anesthetic teams, are the key to success.

Resumo Justificativa: A ruptura diafragmática é uma condição incomum e ocorre em 90% no lado esquerdo. No entanto, a incidência de ruptura à direita tem vindo a aumentar junto com o aumento dos acidentes automobilísticos. A herniação do fígado pode tornar-se progressiva, causar atelectasia grave do pulmão direito, resultar num débil estado respiratório e alterações hemodinâmicas. Relato de caso: Mulher de 40 anos, estado físico ASA 3, marcada para reparação de hepatotórax que evoluiu de hérnia diafragmática direita, adquirida aos 8 anos, após um acidente automobilístico. Clinicamente apresentava síndrome respiratória restritiva grave, causada pelo hepatotórax. A avaliação anestésica era normal, com exceção da radiografia do tórax, que evidenciava elevação da hemicúpula diafragmática direita, sem desvio traqueal. Diagnóstico foi confirmado por tomografia computadorizada. Depois da recolocação do fígado na cavidade abdominal foram observados um aumento transitório da pressão venosa central, do Stroke Volume Index e Flow Time Corrected (35%) e uma diminuição da resistência vascular sistêmica. Uma vez alcançada a estabilização hemodinâmica geral e hepatoesplênica, bem como da ventilação, a paciente foi transferida entubada, sob ventilação controlada e monitorada para a Unidade de Transplantação Hepática. Conclusões: O hepatotórax é uma condição rara e a sua correção pode representar um desafio anestésico. Após a recolocação abdominal do fígado, durante uma cirurgia corretiva, sob anestesia geral, podem ocorrer complicações, principalmente as associadas à reexpansão pulmonar. Um trabalho em equipe eficaz e o planejamento cuidadoso da cirurgia, entre as equipes cirúrgica e anestésica, são a chave para o sucesso.