Relative incidence of interstitial lung diseases in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative frequency of incident cases of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective survey of new cases of ILD in six referral centers between January of 2013 and January of 2020. The diagnosis of ILD followed the criteria suggested by international bodies or was made through multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). The condition was characterized as unclassifiable ILD when there was no specific final diagnosis following MDD or when there was disagreement between clinical, radiological, or histological data. RESULTS: The sample comprised 1,406 patients (mean age = 61 ± 14 years), and 764 (54%) were female. Of the 747 cases exposed to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-related antigens, 327 (44%) had a final diagnosis of HP. A family history of ILD was reported in 8% of cases. HRCT findings were indicative of fibrosis in 74% of cases, including honeycombing, in 21%. Relevant autoantibodies were detected in 33% of cases. Transbronchial biopsy was performed in 23% of patients, and surgical lung biopsy, in 17%. The final diagnoses were: connective tissue disease-associated ILD (in 27%), HP (in 23%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (in 14%), unclassifiable ILD (in 10%), and sarcoidosis (in 6%). Diagnoses varied significantly among centers (c2 = 312.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that connective tissue disease-associated ILD is the most common ILD in Brazil, followed by HP. These results highlight the need for close collaboration between pulmonologists and rheumatologists, the importance of detailed questioning of patients in regard with potential exposure to antigens, and the need for public health campaigns to stress the importance of avoiding such exposure.

Development and validation of a predictive tool for adverse drug reactions in neonates under intensive care.

AIMS: Neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) commonly experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a tool for predicting ADRs in neonates hospitalized in NICUs. METHODS: A nested case-control study in an open cohort with neonates admitted to the NICU of a maternity hospital in Natal, Brazil was conducted from January 2019 to January 2022 [Correction added on 4 December 2023, after first online publication: 2023 has been changed to 2019 in the preceding sentence.]. Neonates with ADR were randomly paired with 2 controls. For the development of the tool, a multivariate logistic regression was applied on 2/3 of the sample (cases with respective controls). The model's fit was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for calibration and the Brier score for performance assessment. Validation of the tool was performed by determining the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with bootstrap adjusted c-statistics. RESULTS: In all, 450 neonates (150 cases and 300 controls) were included in the study. We identified 5 independent risk factors for ADR, 4 related to the neonate (current mechanical ventilation, heart rate ≥178 beats/min, intravenous medications, ≥5 prescription medications) and 1 to the mother (gestational hypertension). The tool had a classification cut-off point of ≥15, and its total score ranged from 0 to 34. In validation, the tool had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.81) with sensitivity of 52.02% (95% CI 47.40-56.64) and specificity of 81.35% (95% CI 77.75-84.95). CONCLUSION: The tool demonstrated adequate discriminative ability and utilized 5 commonly monitored variables in the NICU.

Relative incidence of interstitial lung diseases in Brazil / Incidência relativa de doenças pulmonares intersticiais no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relative frequency of incident cases of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective survey of new cases of ILD in six referral centers between January of 2013 and January of 2020. The diagnosis of ILD followed the criteria suggested by international bodies or was made through multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). The condition was characterized as unclassifiable ILD when there was no specific final diagnosis following MDD or when there was disagreement between clinical, radiological, or histological data. Results: The sample comprised 1,406 patients (mean age = 61 ± 14 years), and 764 (54%) were female. Of the 747 cases exposed to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-related antigens, 327 (44%) had a final diagnosis of HP. A family history of ILD was reported in 8% of cases. HRCT findings were indicative of fibrosis in 74% of cases, including honeycombing, in 21%. Relevant autoantibodies were detected in 33% of cases. Transbronchial biopsy was performed in 23% of patients, and surgical lung biopsy, in 17%. The final diagnoses were: connective tissue disease-associated ILD (in 27%), HP (in 23%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (in 14%), unclassifiable ILD (in 10%), and sarcoidosis (in 6%). Diagnoses varied significantly among centers (c2 = 312.4; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that connective tissue disease-associated ILD is the most common ILD in Brazil, followed by HP. These results highlight the need for close collaboration between pulmonologists and rheumatologists, the importance of detailed questioning of patients in regard with potential exposure to antigens, and the need for public health campaigns to stress the importance of avoiding such exposure.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência relativa de casos incidentes de doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPI) no Brasil. Métodos: Levantamento retrospectivo de casos novos de DPI em seis centros de referência entre janeiro de 2013 e janeiro de 2020. O diagnóstico de DPI seguiu os critérios sugeridos por órgãos internacionais ou foi feito por meio de discussão multidisciplinar (DMD). A condição foi caracterizada como DPI não classificável quando não houve um diagnóstico final específico após a DMD ou houve discordância entre dados clínicos, radiológicos ou histológicos. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 1.406 pacientes (média de idade = 61 ± 14 anos), sendo 764 (54%) do sexo feminino. Dos 747 casos expostos a antígenos para pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (PH), 327 (44%) tiveram diagnóstico final de PH. Houve relato de história familiar de DPI em 8% dos casos. Os achados de TCAR foram indicativos de fibrose em 74% dos casos, incluindo faveolamento, em 21%. Autoanticorpos relevantes foram detectados em 33% dos casos. Biópsia transbrônquica foi realizada em 23% dos pacientes, e biópsia pulmonar cirúrgica, em 17%. Os diagnósticos finais foram: DPI associada à doença do tecido conjuntivo (em 27%), PH (em 23%), fibrose pulmonar idiopática (em 14%), DPI não classificável (em 10%) e sarcoidose (em 6%). Os diagnósticos variaram significativamente entre os centros (c2 = 312,4; p < 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados mostram que DPI associada à doença do tecido conjuntivo é a DPI mais comum no Brasil, seguida pela PH. Esses resultados destacam a necessidade de uma estreita colaboração entre pneumologistas e reumatologistas, a importância de fazer perguntas detalhadas aos pacientes a respeito da potencial exposição a antígenos e a necessidade de campanhas de saúde pública destinadas a enfatizar a importância de evitar essa exposição.

Temporal profile of adverse drug reactions and associated clinical factors: a prospective observational study in a neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Although adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are quite common in hospitalised neonates, pharmacovigilance activities in this public are still incipient. This study aims to characterise ADRs in neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), identifying causative drugs, temporal profile and associated factors. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: NICU of a public maternity hospital in Natal/Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: All neonates admitted to the NICU for more than 24 hours and using at least one medication were followed up during the time of hospitalisation. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence rate and risk factors for ADRs. The ADRs were detected by an active search in electronic medical records and analysis of spontaneous reports in the hospital pharmacovigilance system. RESULTS: Six hundred neonates were included in the study, where 118 neonates had a total of 186 ADRs. The prevalence of ADRs at the NICU was 19.7% (95% CI 16.7% to 23.0%). The most common ADRs were tachycardia (30.6%), polyuria (9.1%) and hypokalaemia (8.6%). Tachycardia (peak incidence rate: 57.1 ADR/1000 neonates) and hyperthermia (19.1 ADR/1000 neonates) predominated during the first 5 days of hospitalisation. The incidence rate of polyuria and hypokalaemia increased markedly after the 20th day, with both reaching a peak of 120.0 ADR/1000 neonates. Longer hospitalisation time (OR 0.018, 95% CI 0.007 to 0.029; p<0.01) and number of prescribed drugs (OR 0.127, 95% CI 0.075 to 0.178; p<0.01) were factors associated with ADRs. CONCLUSION: ADRs are very common in NICU, with tachycardia and hyperthermia predominant in the first week of hospitalisation and polyuria and hypokalaemia from the third week onwards.

Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients With Bacterial Infections: Frequency, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Relevance.

Background/Objectives: Bacterial infections (BIs) are well-recognized precipitants of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data in patients with HE associated with BI. Our aim was to describe clinical characteristics, recurrence, and prognosis of HE in patients with BI. Methods: A prospective study with inclusion of hospitalized cirrhotic patients with BI, followed until discharge, death, or liver transplantation. Results: 172 patients (age 57 ± 13, model of end-stage liver disease [MELD]-sodium 22 ± 8) were included. Infections were more commonly due to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and cellulitis (22% and 23%), non-nosocomial (70%), and associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and septic shock in 40% and 9%, respectively. HE was diagnosed in 66 patients (grade ≥2 in 58%). In multivariate analysis, MELD-sodium, albumin, and prior HE were associated with HE at diagnosis of BI. Recurrence of HE was diagnosed in 30 patients (median 13 [interquartile range 5-22] days), more commonly manifested as overt HE (90% vs. 60% at first episode, P = 0.012) and more frequently in patients with hyponatremia (54% vs. 27% for patients without, P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 34% and was more common for patients with HE (51% vs. 22%, P < 0.001), irrespective of grade, and for those with recurrence (63% vs. 42%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, HE at diagnosis of infection and MELD-sodium were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: HE is frequent in cirrhotic patients with BI and is associated with severity of liver disease, but not with infection. These patients are at increased risk of short-term HE recurrence, especially those with hyponatremia. The presence and recurrence of HE, independent of severity, are associated with in-hospital mortality.

Genetic Ancestry, Race, and Severity of Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis in Latin America.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Genetic ancestry or racial differences in health outcomes exist in diseases associated with systemic inflammation (eg, COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the association of genetic ancestry and race with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is characterized by acute systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure, and high risk of short-term death. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analyzed a comprehensive set of data, including genetic ancestry and race among several others, in 1274 patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis who were nonelectively admitted to 44 hospitals from 7 Latin American countries. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-five patients (31.0%) had ACLF of any grade at enrollment. Patients with ACLF had a higher median percentage of Native American genetic ancestry and lower median percentage of European ancestry than patients without ACLF (22.6% vs 12.9% and 53.4% vs 59.6%, respectively). The median percentage of African genetic ancestry was low among patients with ACLF and among those without ACLF. In terms of race, a higher percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were Native American and a lower percentage of patients with ACLF than patients without ACLF were European American or African American. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the odds ratio for ACLF at enrollment was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.03-1.13) with Native American genetic ancestry and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.84-3.58) for Native American race vs European American race CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of Latin American patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, increasing percentages of Native American ancestry and Native American race were factors independently associated with ACLF at enrollment.

Caracterização do processo de doação de órgãos em uma região do nordeste brasileiro / Caracterización del proceso de donación de órganos en una región de Brasil / Caracterization of the organ donation process in a region of northeast Brazil

Introdução: O processo de doação de órgãos e tecidos é definido por ações a fim de transformar um Potencial Doador (PD) em doador efetivo e inicia-se com o diagnóstico de morte encefálica. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico e sociodemográfico dos potenciais doadores de órgãos, como também os fatores que influenciam na doação de órgãos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, transversal, retrospectiva e analítica realizada através da coleta de dados de 455 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de Morte Encefálica, de uma Região do Nordeste brasileiro, utilizando formulário estruturado. Posteriormente realizaram-se análises descritivas e nas associações entre as variáveis independentes e dependente, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson Resultados: As faixas etárias de maior incidência foram entre 21 a 40 anos e 41 a 60 anos, com 33,8% cada, prevalecendo o sexo masculino (64,1%). Em relação à causa da morte, predominou o Trauma Cranioencefálico com 36,5%. Foram entrevistados 83,3% dos familiares e desses, 53,5% autorizaram a doação. Quanto à relação das respostas das entrevistas com os familiares e o sexo dos PD o sexo masculino se destacou com 59,01% das entrevistas positivas, quanto a entrevista e faixa etária, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas. Correlacionando o resultado das entrevistas familiares e a causa da morte, 40,63% destas tinham como causa o trauma cranioencefálico, e desse total, 63,63% tiveram a doação autorizada. Conclusão: A maioria dos doadores efetivos foram jovens e do sexo masculino, com prevalência do trauma craneoencefálico como causa da morte encefálica e da aceitação familiar para a doação.

Introducción: El proceso de donación de órganos y tejidos se define por las acciones encaminadas a transformar a una persona donante potencial (DP) en donante efectiva. Este proceso comienza con el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica. Objetivo: Analizar el perfil clínico y sociodemográfico de potenciales donantes de órganos, así como los factores que influyen en la donación de órganos. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación cuantitativa, transversal, retrospectiva y analítica realizada a partir de la recopilación de datos de 455 prontuarios de pacientes con diagnóstico de muerte encefálica, en una región del Nordeste de Brasil, utilizando un formulario estructurado. Posteriormente, se realizaron análisis descriptivos y, en las asociaciones entre las variables independiente y dependiente, se utilizó la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson Resultados: Los grupos de edad con mayor incidencia fueron de 21 a 40 años y de 41 a 60 años, con un 33.8 % cada uno, con predominio del sexo masculino (64.1 %). En cuanto a la causa de muerte, predominó el trauma craneoencefálico con un 36.5 %. Se entrevistó al 83.3 % de familiares y, de este grupo, el 53.5 % autorizó la donación. En cuanto a la relación entre las respuestas de las entrevistas a familiares y el sexo del TP, se destacó el sexo masculino con un 59.01 % de las entrevistas positivas; en cuanto a la entrevista y grupo de edad no se encontraron diferencias significativas. Correlacionando los resultados de las entrevistas familiares y la causa de muerte, el 40.63 % fue por trauma craneoencefálico y, de ese total, el 63.63 % tenía autorizada la donación. Conclusión: Los donantes más efectivos fueron jóvenes y varones, con predominio del traumatismo craneoencefálico como causa de muerte encefálica y aceptación familiar de la donación.

Introduction: The process of organ and tissue donation is defined by actions to transform a Potential Donor (PD) into an effective donor and begins with the diagnosis of brain death. Objective: To analyze the clinical and sociodemographic profile of potential organ donors, as well as the factors that influence organ donation. Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical research carried out in a region of Northeast Brazil by collecting data from 455 medical records of patients with brain death, who were diagnosed using a structured form. Subsequently, descriptive analyzes were carried out and for the associations between the independent and dependent variables, the Pearson's chi-square test was used. Results: The age groups with the highest incidence were between 21 to 40 years old and 41 to 60 years old, with a 33.8 % each, with a predominance of males (64.1%). Regarding the cause of death, traumatic brain injury was the most common with a 36.5% of the sample. From the 83.3% of the family members that were interviewed, 53.5% of them authorized the donation. Male potential donors constituted the 59.01% of the authorized donations (positive interviews). There was no relationship between the interview results and the age group of the PD. When correlating the results of family interviews and the cause of death, 40.63% of them were caused by traumatic brain injury and, out of this total, 63.63% had the donation authorized. Conclusion: The most effective donors were young and male whose cause of brain death was traumatic brain injury and whose families allowed the donation.

Causality assessment of adverse drug reactions in neonates: a comparative study between Naranjo's algorithm and Du's tool.

BACKGROUND: Algorithms for causality assessment of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are important in the management of adverse events, however, it is inconclusive which tool best suits pharmacovigilance in neonates. AIM: To compare the performance of the algorithms of Du and Naranjo in determining causality in cases of ADRs in neonates in a NICU. METHOD: This observational and prospective study was conducted in a NICU of a Brazilian maternity school between January 2019 and December 2020. Independently, three clinical pharmacists used the algorithms of Naranjo and Du in 79 cases of ADRs in 57 neonates. The algorithms were evaluated for inter-rater and inter-tool agreement using Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). RESULTS: The Du algorithm showed greater ability to identify definite ADRs (≈ 60%), but had low reproducibility (overall k = 0.108; 95% CI 0.064-0.149). In contrast, the Naranjo algorithm showed a lower proportion of definite ADRs (< 4%), but had good reproducibility (overall k = 0.402; 95% CI 0.379-0.429). The tools showed no significant correlation regarding ADR causality classification (overall k = - 0.031; 95% CI - 0.049 to 0.065). CONCLUSION: Although the Du algorithm has a lower reproducibility compared to the Naranjo, this tool showed good sensitivity for classifying ADRs as definite, proving to be a more suitable tool for neonatal clinical routine.

Accuracy and concordance of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography using transient elastography as the reference in chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the accuracy and agreement of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) LOGIQ-S8 with transient elastography in patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHOD: This retrospective study compared liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) using transient elastography (M and XL probes) and 2D-SWE GE-LOGIQ-S8 performed by a single experienced operator on the same day in 348 consecutive individuals with viral hepatitis or HIV infection. Suggestive and highly suggestive compensated-advanced chronic liver disease (c-ACLD) were defined by transient elastography-LSM ≥10 kPa and ≥15 kPa, respectively. Agreement between techniques and accuracy of 2D-SWE using transient elastography-M probe as the reference was assessed. Optimal cut-offs for 2D-SWE were identified using the maximal Youden index. RESULTS: Three hundred five patients [61.3% male, median age = 51 [interquartile range (IQR), 42-62] years, 24% with hepatitis C virus (HCV) ± HIV; 17% with hepatitis B virus (HBV) ± HIV; 31% were HIV mono-infected and 28% had HCV ± HIV post-sustained virological response] were included. The overall correlation (Spearman's ρ ) was moderate between 2D-SWE and transient elastography-M ( ρ = 0.639) and weak between 2D-SWE and transient elastography-XL ( ρ = 0.566). Agreements were strong ( ρ > 0.800) in people with HCV or HBV mono-infection, and poor in HIV mono-infected ( ρ > 0.400). Accuracy of 2D-SWE for transient elastography-M ≥ 10 kPa [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) = 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.96); optimal cut-off = 6.4 kPa, sensitivity = 84% (95% CI, 72-92), specificity = 89% (95% CI, 84-92)] and for transient elastography-M ≥ 15 kPa [AUROC = 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88-0.98); optimal cut-off = 7.1 kPa; sensitivity = 91% (95% CI, 75-98), specificity = 89% (95% CI, 85-93)] were excellent. CONCLUSION: 2D-SWE LOGIQ-S8 system had a good agreement with transient elastography and an excellent accuracy to identify individuals at high risk for c-ACLD.

Natural History of Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis (HSS) Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension (NCPH): Influence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Decompensation in Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) is a peculiar form of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Although HSS patients present normal hepatic function, some evolve signs of hepatocellular failure and features of decompensated cirrhosis. The natural history of HSS-NCPH is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that evaluated patients who fulfilled clinical-laboratorial criteria for HSS. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were included. Eleven patients already presented with decompensated disease and had lower transplant-free survival at 5 years than those without (61% vs. 95%, p = 0.015). Among 94 patients without prior decompensation, the median follow-up was 62 months and 44% of them had varicose bleeding (two or more episodes in 27%). Twenty-one patients presented at least one episode of decompensation (10-year probability 38%). Upon multivariate analysis, varicose bleeding and higher bilirubin levels were associated with decompensation. The 10-year probability of survival was 87%. Development of decompensation and age were predictive of mortality. CONCLUSION: HSS is characterized by multiple episodes of GI bleeding, a high probability of decompensation and reduced survival at the end of the first decade. Decompensation is more common in patients with varicose esophageal bleeding and is associated with lower survival.

Situações de vulnerabilidade vivenciadas por pessoas transexuais / Situaciones de vulnerabilidad que viven las personas transgénero / Situations of vulnerability experienced by transgender people

OBJETIVO: Analisar a percepção de pessoas transexuais sobre as situações preconceituosas vivenciadas no seu cotidiano. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado presencialmente entre os meses de junho e dezembro de 2018, com 25 pessoas transexuais dos municípios de Petrolina/PE e Juazeiro/BA. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, que foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra e esses dados analisados por meio da Análise de Conteúdo temática. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que as pessoas transexuais percebem a ocorrência de situações de violência em seu cotidiano, evidenciada de diversas formas. Ao indagar sobre a violência e o preconceito sofrido, foi mencionado o medo, a visão diferente e preconceituosa das pessoas, as dificuldades no uso de banheiros públicos e a falta de informação quanto à diferenciação dos subgrupos da sigla LGBTQIA+. Quanto às dificuldades enfrentadas, foram citadas as barreiras de acesso à saúde, educação, inserção no mercado de trabalho e relacionamento familiar. CONCLUSÃO: Assim, considerando a complexidade dessa problemática na região estudada e no país como um todo, torna-se fundamental a participação política desses indivíduos em movimentações sociais da diversidade sexual e de gênero, de forma a se buscar a conscientização da sociedade a respeito dessa diversidade e, a partir disso, propor o planejamento e execução de ações que visem diminuir as dificuldades de pessoas transexuais em relação à garantia dos direitos fundamentais.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of transgender people about the prejudiced situations they experience in their daily lives. METHOD: Descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in person between June and December 2018, with 25 transgender people from the municipalities of Petrolina/PE and Juazeiro/BA. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed in full and these data were analyzed using thematic Content Analysis. RESULTS: It was found that transgender people perceive the occurrence of situations of violence in their daily lives, evidenced in different ways. When inquiring about the violence and prejudice suffered, fear, the different and prejudiced view of people, the difficulties in using public restrooms and the lack of information regarding the differentiation of subgroups of the acronym LGBTQIA+ were mentioned. As for the difficulties faced, barriers to access to health, education, insertion in the labor market and family relationships were cited. CONCLUSION: Thus, considering the complexity of this problem in the region studied and in the country as a whole, the political participation of these individuals in social movements of sexual and gender diversity becomes essential, in order to seek society's awareness of this diversity and, from this, propose the planning and execution of actions that aim to reduce the difficulties of transgender people in relation to the guarantee of fundamental rights.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la percepción de las personas transgénero sobre las situaciones de prejuicio que viven en su vida cotidiana. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, realizado de forma presencial entre junio y diciembre de 2018, con 25 personas transgénero de los municipios de Petrolina/PE y Juazeiro/BA. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, que fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad y estos datos fueron analizados mediante el Análisis de Contenido temático. RESULTADOS: Se constató que las personas trans perciben la ocurrencia de situaciones de violencia en su cotidiano, evidenciado de diferentes formas. Al indagar sobre la violencia y los prejuicios sufridos, se mencionó el miedo, la mirada diferente y prejuiciosa de las personas, las dificultades para utilizar los baños públicos y la falta de información respecto a la diferenciación de subgrupos de las siglas LGBTQIA+. En cuanto a las dificultades enfrentadas, se mencionaron las barreras de acceso a la salud, la educación, la inserción en el mercado laboral y las relaciones familiares. CONCLUSIÓN: Así, considerando la complejidad de esta problemática en la región estudiada y en el país en su conjunto, la participación política de estas personas en los movimientos sociales de la diversidad sexual y de género se vuelve fundamental, con el fin de buscar la conciencia de la sociedad sobre esta diversidad y, a partir de ello, proponer la planificación y ejecución de acciones que apunten a reducir las dificultades de las personas transgénero en relación a la garantía de los derechos fundamentales.

Prevalência e fatores associados aos óbitos pela COVID-19: estudo transversal / Prevalence and factors associated with deaths caused by COVID-19: cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos óbitos pela COVID-19 em Pernambuco. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com a utilização de bases dos dados referente ao acompanhamento das notificações por COVID-19 em Pernambuco. RESULTADOS: Prevalência do sexo masculino (54,1%), não idoso (53,0%) com alguma comorbidade (55,6%). Prevaleceram os sintomas gripais (82,5%) e dispneia (80,2%). Entre os fatores associados com a mortalidade, prevaleceram os idosos (OR 3,57; p-valor=0,000), a presença de doenças hepáticas (OR 4,81; p-valor=0,000), doenças renais (OR 2,94; p-valor=0,000) e sobrepeso ou obesidade (OR 2,38; p-valor=0,000), sintomas como dispneia (OR 1,31; p-valor=0,000) e saturação de O2 <95% (OR 1,42; p=valor=0,000). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência foi de homens, não idosos e com comorbidades. Os principais fatores associados aos óbitos foram a presença de comorbidades e ser idoso.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with deaths due to covid-19 in Pernambuco. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with the use of databases related to the monitoring of COVID-19 notifications in Pernambuco. RESULTS: Prevalence of male sex (54.1%), non-elderly (53.0%) with some comorbidity (55.6%). The flu symptoms prevailed (82.5%) and dyspnea (80.2%). Among the factors associated with mortality, the following prevailed: elderly (OR 3.57; p-value=0.000), presence of hepatic diseases (OR 4.81; p-value=0.000), kidney diseases (OR 2.94; p-value=0.000) and overweight or obesity (OR 2.38; p-value=0.000), symptoms like dyspnea (OR 1.31; p-value=0.000) and O2 saturation <95% (OR 1.42; p=value=0.000). CONCLUSION: The prevalence was men, non-elderly and with comorbidities. The main factors associated with deaths were the presence of the elderly and being elderly.

Violência letal ocorrida no domicílio: análise segundo grupo etário, sexo e meio de perpetração / Lethal violence in the home: analysis by age group, sex and means used / Violencia letal ocurrida en el hogar: análisis por grupo de edad, sexo y medios de perpetración

Objetivo: analisar os óbitos por agressões ocorridos no domicílio segundo o grupo etário, sexo e meio de perpetração da violência. Métodos: estudo transversal, com população foi composta pelos óbitos por agressão no domicílio. Foram incluídos os óbitos por agressões, cujo o local da ocorrência foi o domicílio no ano de 2018 em Pernambuco em ambos os sexos e em todas as faixas etárias. O período de coleta foi realizado entre outubro e novembro de 2022. Foi aplicada a análise não paramétrica por meio dos testes Mann Whitney e Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: evidenciou-se que os homens tiveram maior taxa mediana (0,28/100.000; p-valor = 0,001), sendo os objetos cortantes o principal meio utilizado para realizar o homicídio (0,39/100.000; p-valor = 0,006). Conclusão: deve-se haver um maior financiamento por parte do Estado e dos Municípios, além da formulação de políticas públicas de enfrentamento que promovam sociedades pacíficas.

Objective: to examine deaths from aggression in the home, by age group, sex, and means of violence used. Methods: the population of this cross-sectional study comprised deaths by aggression at home, in 2018, in Pernambuco, in both sexes and in all age groups. Data were collected from October to November 2022 and subjected to nonparametric analysis using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: men returned a higher median rate (0.28/100,000; p-value = 0.001), and sharp objects were the main means used to carry out the homicide (0.39/100,000; p-value = 0.006). Conclusion: there should be more state and municipal funding and policymaking to promote peaceful societies.

Objetivo: analizar las muertes por agresión ocurridas en el hogar según el grupo de edad, el género y el medio de perpetración de la violencia. Métodos: Estudio transversal junto a población compuesta por muertes por agresión en el propio hogar. Se incluyeron las muertes por agresiones, cuyo lugar de ocurrencia fue el hogar, en 2018, en Pernambuco, en ambos sexos y en todos los grupos de edad. El periodo de recolección se llevó a cabo entre octubre y noviembre de 2022. Se aplicó un análisis no paramétrico mediante las pruebas de Mann Whitney y Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: Se puso de manifiesto que los hombres tenían una tasa media más alta (0,28/100.000; valor p = 0,001), siendo los objetos punzantes el principal medio utilizado para matar (0,39/100.000; valor p = 0,006). Conclusión: Debe haber una mayor financiación por parte del Estado y los municipios, además de una formulación de políticas públicas que promuevan sociedades pacíficas.

Results of interferon-free treatment for HCV-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis from a Brazilian real-life cohort.

Real-life data on the HCV treatment with direct-acting agents in patients with decompensated cirrhosis are scarce. Study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir-containing regimens in a prospective cohort of patients with HCV decompensated cirrhosis. A total of 150 patients were enrolled (64% male, 84% genotype 1 with a mean age of 61 ± 9 years). The median MELD was 12, and 79% were Child-PughB. Most patients were treated with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir (98%) with ribavirin in 27%. The overall intention to treat SVR12 was 91% (137/150). The most frequent adverse event was anemia (17%), 73% associated with ribavirin. Twenty-one (14%) patients experienced renal dysfunction, 81% AKI I, and 1 discontinued treatment. Thirty-five (23%) patients presented at least 1 infectious episode, mainly respiratory tract infection (29%). Thirty-three patients (22%) had at least 1 episode of cirrhosis decompensation throughout treatment, particularly worsening of previous ascites in 19%. Nine patients died, and among those, 7 patients died from sepsis. The probability of decompensation in 28, 90 and 180 days was 4%, 19% and 25%. During treatment, infection (OR 2.24; 95 CI 1.09-4.61; P = .03) was a predictor of cirrhosis decompensation, and baseline MELD and CHILD ≥ B8 were both associated with infection. In decompensated cirrhosis, the overall virological response was high with mild adverse events. However, this population had a high frequency of liver-associated decompensation and infections.

Long-term survival and clinical outcomes following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in HCV decompensated cirrhosis in Brazil: a real-world study.

INTRODUCTION: The outcomes regarding portal hypertension-related complications and infections after HCV cure in decompensated cirrhosis are scarcely reported. We aimed to identify the predictors of survival and to evaluate the frequency of decompensation events of cirrhosis, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), portal hypertension complications and infections in a cohort of decompensated cirrhotic with sustained virological response (SVR) in a real-world scenario. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study in consecutive HCV-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis who achieved SVR after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. At baseline, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Patients were followed until development of outcomes regarding further decompensation, death, or liver transplant. A Cox-regression analysis was performed and survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan Mayer method. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients (age 60 ± 9 years, 64% female, 70% genotype 1) were included and followed-up through three years. SVR was associated with a lower prevalence of ascites and an improvement in Child-Pugh and MELD scores. One and three-year probability of transplant-free survival was 93% and 66%, respectively. Variables related to three-years survival were MELD < 11 (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13-1.37) and absence of ascites (HR 2.03, 95% CI 0.99-4.13) after the end of treatment (91% versus 37% in patients with ascites and a higher MELD, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decompensated cirrhotics with SVR and a low MELD without ascites have an excellent long-term prognosis. On the contrary, those with higher MELD and ascites have a low probability of survival even in the short term and might be evaluated for liver transplantation.

Current Ethanol Production Requirements for the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

An increase in global energy demand has caused oil prices to reach record levels in recent times. High oil prices together with concerns over CO2 emissions have resulted in renewed interest in renewable energy. Nowadays, ethanol is the principal renewable biofuel. However, the industrial need for increased productivity, wider substrate range utilization, and the production of novel compounds leads to renewed interest in further extending the use of current industrial strains by exploiting the immense, and still unknown, potential of natural yeast strains. This review seeks to answer the following questions: (a) which characteristics should S. cerevisiae have for the current production of first- and second-generation ethanol? (b) Why are alcohol-tolerance and thermo-tolerance characteristics required? (c) Which genes are related to these characteristics? (d) What are the advances that can be achieved with the isolation of new organisms from the environment?

Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs) Kinetics during Rituximab Chemotherapy and Performance of Hepatitis B Vaccine before Immunosuppression: Two Prospective Studies.

Rituximab promotes strong immunosuppression leading to a high risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBV-R) and chronic infection. Current recommendations on HBV-R prevention are expensive and poorly individualized. In resolved hepatitis B patients, previous studies suggest that anti-HBs titers before immunosuppression can predict HBV-R risk. However, guidelines claim that additional data are necessary before recommending spare drug prophylaxis in patients with high anti-HBs titers. On the other hand, in patients with no previous contact with HBV, guidelines recommend vaccine before immunosuppression despite minimal evidence available. To shed light on these knowledge gaps, two prospective studies were conducted to evaluate anti-HBs in hematological cancer patients treated with rituximab. In the first study, anti-HBs-positive patients were referred for following up antibody titers before and during immunosuppression. Patients with anti-HBs ≥ 100 mIU/mL before immunosuppression had no negative seroconversion (anti-HBs loss), in contrast to 18% of those with anti-HBs < 100 mIU/mL. In the second study, patients with no previous contact with HBV were invited to receive HBV vaccine before rituximab chemotherapy. None seroconverted with anti-HBs. In conclusion, both studies reinforce the need to review concepts about HBV prevention during immunosuppression on current guidelines. Narrowing the use of drug prophylaxis and improving vaccine indications are recommended.