Antigen specificity shapes antibody functions in tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the number one infectious disease cause of death worldwide in part due to an incomplete understanding of immunity. Emerging data highlight antibody functions as correlates of protection and disease across human TB. However, little is known about how antibody functions impact Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) , the causative agent. Here, we use antigen specificity to understand how antibodies mediate host- Mtb interactions. We focus on Mtb cell wall and ESAT-6 & CFP-10, critical bacterial structural and secreted virulence proteins. In polyclonal IgG from TB patients, we observe that antigen specificity alters IgG subclass and glycosylation that drives Fc receptor binding and effector functions. Through in vitro models of Mtb macrophage infection we find that Mtb cell wall IgG3, sialic acid, and fucose increase opsonophagocytosis of extracellular Mtb and bacterial burden, suggesting that some polyclonal IgG enhance disease. In contrast, ESAT-6 & CFP-10 IgG1 inhibits intracellular Mtb , suggesting that antibodies targeting secreted virulence factors are protective. We test this hypothesis by generating a mAb that reacts to ESAT-6 & CFP-10 and show that it alone inhibits intracellular Mtb . Understanding which antigens elicit antibody mediated disease enhancement and or protection will be critical in appreciating the many roles for antibodies in TB.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and resistance in Gram-negative bacilli and antimicrobial consumption in the Intensive Care Units of a referral hospital in Buenos Aires.

An increase in the antimicrobial consumption in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by an increase of infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has been reported. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective time series study from Intensive Care Units, to address changes in antibiotic consumption (DDD/1000 patients/day), the incidence of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and the mechanism of resistance. Antibiotics were categorised in group 1 (agents against multi-drug resistant MDR GNB) and group 2 (agents against non-MDR infections). Bacteriological samples included respiratory samples and blood cultures. Periods were divided into pre-pandemic (July 2019 to March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020 to March 2022). Correlation coefficients (r) were analyzed and Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare both periods. RESULTS: During the study period, GNB incidence, group 1 antibiotics consumption and resistance mechanisms increased, whereas group 2 antibiotics decreased. A significant positive correlation was observed between the consumption of antibiotics in group 1 and the incidence of GNB (r=0,63; p<0.001) and resistance (r=0,52; p=0.002). Significant differences were found between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods regarding the medians of group 1 consumption (520 [408-570] vs 753 [495-851] DDD/1000 patients/day; p=0.029); incidence of GNB (12 [10-13] vs 43 [25-52.5] cases/month; p<0.001) and resistance mechanisms (5 [4-8] vs 17 [10-25] cases/month; p<0.001), ESBL (2 [1-2] vs 6 [3-8] cases/month; p<0.001) and MBL (0 [0-0] vs 6 [1.75-8.5] cases/month; p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the rise of GNB incidence and in the amount of resistance mechanisms significantly correlated with the increase in consumption of agents against MDR strains.

Interaction between type 2 diabetes and past COVID-19 on active tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The global setback in tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and mortality in the post-COVID-19 era have been partially attributed to pandemic-related disruptions in healthcare systems. The additional biological contribution of COVID-19 to TB is less clear. The goal of this study was to determine if there is an association between COVID-19 in the past 18 months and a new TB episode, and the role played by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity in this relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 new active TB patients and 373 non-TB controls, identified between June 2020 and November 2021 in communities along the Mexican border with Texas. Past COVID-19 was based on self-report or positive serology. Bivariable/multivariable analysis were used to evaluate the odds of new TB in hosts with past COVID-19 and/or DM status. RESULTS: The odds of new TB were higher among past COVID-19 cases vs. controls, but only significant among DM patients (aOR 2.3). The odds of TB given DM was 2.7-fold among participants without past COVID-19 and increased to 7.9-fold among those with past COVID-19. CONCLUSION: DM interacts with past COVID-19 synergistically to magnify the risk of TB. Latent TB screening and prophylactic treatment, if positive, is recommended in this COVID-19/DM/latent TB high-risk group.

Bioaccessibility of chlorogenic acid and curcumin co-encapsulated in double emulsions with the inner interface stabilized by functionalized silica nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of chlorogenic acid (CA) and curcumin co-encapsulated in Pickering double emulsions (DEs) with the inner interface stabilized by hydrophobically modified silica nanoparticles with myristic acid (SNPs-C14) or tocopherol succinate (SNPs-TS). Both SNPs-C14 and SNPs-TS showed contact angles > 90°. Pickering W1/O emulsions were formulated with 4 % of both types of SNPs. Pickering DEs showed higher creaming stability (5-7 %, day 42) and higher CA encapsulation efficiency (EE; 80 %) than control DE. The EE of curcumin was > 98 % in all the DEs. CA was steadily released from Pickering DEs during digestion, achieving bioaccessibility values of 58-60 %. Curcumin was released during the intestinal phase (∼80 % bioaccessibility in all DEs). Co-loaded DEs showed similar bioaccessibility for CA and curcumin than single-loaded. SNPs-C14 and SNPs-TS were suitable to stabilize the W1:O interface of DEs as co-delivery systems of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties.

Tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in older Hispanic adults from Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Older people are at high risk of developing and dying from pulmonary infections like tuberculosis (TB), but there are few studies among them, particularly in Hispanics. To address these gaps, we sought to identify host factors associated with TB and adverse treatment outcomes in older Hispanics by conducting a cross-sectional study of TB surveillance data from Tamaulipas, Mexico (2006-2013; n = 8381). Multivariable logistic regressions were assessed for older adults (OA ≥65 years) when compared to young (YA, 18-39 years) and middle-aged adults (40-64 years). We found that the OA had features associated with a less complicated TB (e.g., lower prevalence of extra-pulmonary TB and less likely to abandon treatment or have drug resistant TB), and yet, were more likely to die during TB treatment (adj-OR 3.9, 95% 2.5, 5.25). Among the OA, excess alcohol use and low body mass index increased their odds of death during TB treatment, while a higher number of reported contacts (social support) was protective. Diabetes was not associated with adverse outcomes in OA. Although older age is a predictor of death during TB disease, OA are not prioritized by the World Health Organization for latent TB infection screening and treatment during contact investigations. With safer, short-course latent TB infection treatment available, we propose the inclusion of OA as a high-risk group in latent TB management guidelines.

Automated coding and selection of causes of death in Peru: a descriptive study, 2016-2019.

MAIN RESULTS: It could be seen good performance of the software for the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death, increasing from 69.6% in 2016 to 78.8% in 2019. There was a correlation between this result and the use of online death certificates by physicians. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Automatic coding and selection of causes of death improve productivity and timeliness of information, contributing to the quality of the country's information system. PERSPECTIVES: It is necessary to analyze the agreement between the medical terms in the software dictionaries used in South American countries in order to improve standardization and comparability of information on causes of death. OBJECTIVE: to describe software performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death in Peru, between 2016 and 2019. METHODS: this was a descriptive study on the software performance in the automated selection of the underlying cause of death over the years (chi-square test for trend) and the correlation between the type of death certificate and software performance (correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination). RESULTS: a total of 446,217 death certificates were analyzed; the proportion of death certificates with the underlying cause of death increased from 69.6% in 2016 to 78.8% in 2019 (p-value < 0.001); it could be seen a direct linear correlation between electronic death certificates and software performance (correlation coefficient = 0.95; R2 = 0.89). CONCLUSION: the software showed good performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death, with a significant increase between 2016 and 2019.

Calidad de frutos de pitahaya (Selenicereus mega/anthus Haw.) sometidos a diferentes recubrimientos durante el almacenamiento

R E S U M E N La pitahaya amarilla es susceptible a los daños mecánicos durante la vida en anaquel, lo que genera pérdidas económicas considerables, las cuales se pueden mitigar a través de la aplicación de ceras. Por lo anterior se evaluó el efecto de recubrimientos comestibles en la calidad poscosecha de frutos de pitahaya amarilla con el fin de mantener la calidad por más tiempo. Se empleó un diseño de tres tratamientos completamente aleatorizados (cerabrix, cera natural y testigo sin aplicación). Las aplicaciones de ceras en los frutos de pitahaya disminuyeron la pérdida de masa (PM) en promedio en un 21% durante el almacenamiento, especialmente el recubrimiento con cerabrix. La firmeza de los frutos disminuyó drásticamente a partir de los seis días después de cosecha (ddc), al pasar de 5I,2 a 7,3 N. Durante la poscosecha, los frutos de pitahaya mostraron un aumento en la intensidad respiratoria (IR) al pasar de 10,48 a 26,35 mg.kg-I.hI de CO2, además, el pH aumentó de 4,I3 a 5,I7, mientras que los los sólidos solubles totales (SST), la acidez total titulable (ATT) y la relación de madurez (RM) disminuyeron, no obstante, la aplicación de cerabrix mantuvo los valores más bajos de sólidos solubles totales (SST). Los frutos con aplicación de recubrimiento comestible presentaron al final del almacenamiento menores valores de luminosidad (L* = 62,6) con una tonalidad más oscura que los frutos sin aplicación (L*= 66,4), los cuales mantuvieron el color amarillo característico de la pitahaya. La aplicación de recubrimientos comestibles no afectó las características organolépticas de los frutos de pitahaya.

Yellow pitahaya is very susceptible to mechanical damage during shelf life, which generates considerable economic losses, which can be mitigated through the application of coats. Therefore, the effect of edible coatings on the postharvest quality of yellow pitahaya fruits was evaluated in order to maintain quality for longer. A completely randomized three-treatment design was used (cerabrix, natural wax and control without application) was used. Wax applications in pitahaya fruits decreased PM by an average of 2I% during storage, especially the cerabrix coating. The firmness of the fruits decreased drastically from six days after harvest, when going from 5I.2 to 7.3 N. During the postharvest, the pitahaya fruits showed an increase in IR when going from I0.48 to 26.35 mg.kg-I.hI of CO2, in addition, the pH increased from 4.I3 to 5.I7, while the TSS, TTA and MI decreased, however, the application of cerabrix maintained the lowest values of TSS. Fruits with edible coating application showed lower luminosity values at the end of storage (L* = 62.6) with a darker hue than fruits without application (L*= 66.4), which maintained the characteristic yellow color of the pitahaya. The application of edible coatings did not affect the organoleptic characteristics of pitahaya fruits.

A pitaia amarela é muito suscetível a danos mecânicos durante a vida de prateleira, o que gera perdas econômicas consideráveis, que podem ser mitigadas com a aplicação de demãos. Portanto, avaliou-se o efeito de revestimentos comestíveis na qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de pitaia amarela, a fim de manter a qualidade por mais tempo. Um desenho de três tratamentos completamente randomizado foi usado. (cerabrix, cera natural e controle sem aplicação). A aplicação de cera em frutos de pitaia reduziu o PM em média 21% durante o armazenamento, principalmente o revestimento de cerabrix. A firmeza dos frutos diminuiu drasticamente após seis dias após a colheita, ao passar de 5I,2 para 7,3 N. Durante a pós-colheita, os frutos de pitaia apresentaram aumento da IR ao passar de I0,48 para 26,35 mg.kg-I.hI de CO2, além disso, o pH aumentou de 4,I3 para 5,I7, enquanto o TSS, TTA e MI diminuíram, porém, a aplicação de cerabrix manteve os menores valores de TSS. Frutos com aplicação de revestimento comestível apresentaram menores valores de luminosidade ao final do armazenamento (L* = 62,6) com tonalidade mais escura do que frutos sem aplicação (L*= 66,4), que mantiveram a coloração amarela característica da pitaia. A aplicação de coberturas comestíveis não afetou as características organolépticas dos frutos de pitaiaia.

Aislamiento enzimático de protoplastos a partir del mesófilo de vitroplantas de Gynerium sagittatum Aubl. Beauv. cv. "Criolla"

Gynerium sagittatum es una gramínea ampliamente utilizada en la costa Caribe colombiana como fuente de fibra natural para la elaboración de artesanías, particularmente por la comunidad Zenú. En la presente investigación se evaluó el efecto de diferentes concentraciones de enzimas: celulasa y macerozima a diferentes tiempos de incubación y sus interacciones en el aislamiento de protoplastos. Los protoplastos se obtuvieron del mesófilo foliar de vitroplantas de G. sagittatum expuesto a combinaciones enzimáticas de celulasa (1.5 y 2.0%), con macerozima (0.3, 0.6 y 0.9%), durante 3, 6 y 9 horas de incubación, para un total de 18 tratamientos con 5 réplicas cada uno. Los mayores números de protoplastos aislados correspondieron a T18 (2.0% celulasa, 0.9% macerozima), T12 (2.0% de celulasa, 0.3% macerozima), T3 (1.5% de celulasa, 0.3% de macerozima) y T6 (1.5% de celulasa, 0.6% de macerozima) por 9 horas de incubación cada uno, con valores de 88.625, 83.000, 75.000 y 53.375 protoplastos/mL respectivamente. El tiempo de incubación fue significativo en el aislamiento de los protoplastos (p<0.05). Las predicciones entre factores mostraron que una interacción de 2.0% de celulasa y 0.9% de macerozima permite obtener 44.302 protoplastos/mL, mientras que las interaciciones tiempo de incubación-celulasa y tiempo de incubación-macerozima mostraron que es posible obtener 72.073 y 71.212 protoplastos/mL con 2.0% de celulasa y 0.9% macerozima por 9 horas de incubación cada una respectivamente. Los resultados indican que la aplicación de estas enzimas permite obtener cantidades considerables de protoplastos de G. sagittatum a partir de explantes cultivados in vitro.

Gynerium sagittatum is a graminaceous plant widely used in the Caribbean coast of Colombia as a natural fiber source for the elaboration of handicrafts, particularly by the Zenú community. In the present investigation, the effect of different concentrations of cellulase and macerozyme enzymes at different incubation times and their interaction in the isolation of protoplasts was evaluated. Protoplasts were obtained from leaf mesophyll of G. sagittatum vitroplants exposed to enzymatic combinations of cellulase (1.5 and 2.0%), with macerozyme (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9%), for 3, 6 and 9 hours of incubation, for a total of 18 treatments with 5 replicates each. The highest numbers of isolated protoplasts corresponded to T18 (2.0% cellulase, 0.9% macerozyme), T12 (2.0% cellulase, 0.3% macerozyme), T3 (1.5% cellulase, 0.3% macerozyme) and T6 (1.5% cellulase, 0.6% macerozyme); at 9 hours incubation. The protoplast number for these treatments were: 88.625, 83.000, 75.000 and 53.375 protoplasts/mL respectively. Incubation time was significant in the isolation of protoplasts (p<0.05). The predictions between the factors showed that with an interaction of 2.0% cellulase and 0.9% macerozyme it is possible to obtain 44.302 protoplasts/mL, likewise, the incubation time-cellulase and incubation time-macerozyme interactions showed that it is possible to obtain 72.073 and 71.212 protoplasts/mL with 2.0% cellulase and 0.9% macerozyme for 9 hours of incubation respectively. The results indicate that the use of these enzymes and time, allows the isolation of of protoplasts from G. sagittatum in vitro plants.

Estimating Excess Mortality Due to Prostate, Breast, and Uterus Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru: A Time Series Analysis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the deaths in Peru were related to COVID-19; however, cancer deaths have also been exacerbated in the first months of the pandemic. Despite this, excess mortalities of prostate, breast, and uterus cancer are not available by age group and region from January to December 2020. Therefore, we estimated the excess deaths and excess death rates (per 100,000 habitants) due to prostate, breast, and uterus cancer in 25 Peruvian regions. We did a time series analysis. Prostate, breast, and uterus cancer death data for 25 Peruvian regions were retrieved during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as data for up to 3 years prior (2017-2019) from the Sistema Informatico Nacional de Defunciones at the Ministry of Health of Peru. Deaths in 2020 were defined as observed deaths. The expected deaths (in 2020) were estimated using the average deaths over 3 preceding years (2017, 2018 and 2019). Excess mortality was calculated as the difference between observed mortality and expected mortality in 2020. We estimated that the number of excess deaths and the excess death rates due to prostate, breast, and uterus cancer were 610 deaths (55%; 12.8 deaths per 100,000 men), 443 deaths (43%; 6 deaths per 100,000 women), and 154 deaths (25%; 2 deaths per 100,000 women), respectively. Excess numbers of deaths and excess death rates due to prostate and breast cancer increased with age. These excess deaths were higher in men aged ≥ 80 years (596 deaths (64%) and 150 deaths per 100,000 men) and women aged 70-79 years (229 deaths (58%) and 15 deaths per 100,000 women), respectively. In summary, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were excess prostate and breast cancer mortalities in 2020 in Peru, while excess uterus cancer mortalities were low. Age-stratified excess death rates for prostate cancer and breast cancer were higher in men ≥ 80 years and in women ≥ 70 years, respectively.

Automated coding and selection of causes of death in Peru: a descriptive study, 2016-2019 / Automatización de la codificación y selección de causas de muerte en Perú: estudio descriptivo, 2016-2019 / Automatização da codificação e seleção das causas de óbitos no Peru: estudo descritivo, 2016-2019

Abstract Objective: to describe software performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death in Peru, between 2016 and 2019. Methods: this was a descriptive study on the software performance in the automated selection of the underlying cause of death over the years (chi-square test for trend) and the correlation between the type of death certificate and software performance (correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination). Results: a total of 446,217 death certificates were analyzed; the proportion of death certificates with the underlying cause of death increased from 69.6% in 2016 to 78.8% in 2019 (p-value < 0.001); it could be seen a direct linear correlation between electronic death certificates and software performance (correlation coefficient = 0.95; R2 = 0.89). Conclusion: the software showed good performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death, with a significant increase between 2016 and 2019.

Resumen Objetivo: describir el desempeño de un software en la selección automática de la causa básica de muerte en Perú, entre 2016 y 2019. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de la tendencia del desempeño de un software para seleccionar la causa básica de muerte a través de los años (chi cuadrado de tendencia) y la correlación entre los certificados de defunción electrónicos y el desempeño del software (coeficientes de correlación y determinación). Resultados: se analizaron 446.217 certificados; la proporción de certificados con causa básica de muerte aumentó de 69,6% en 2016 a 78,8% en 2019 (p-valor < 0,001); se observó una correlación lineal directa entre certificados electrónicos y el desempeño del software (coeficiente de correlación = 0,95; R2 = 0,89). Conclusión: el software presentó un buen desempeño en la selección de la causa básica de muerte y aumentó significativamente entre 2016 y 2019.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever o desempenho de um software na seleção automática da causa básica de morte no Peru, entre 2016 e 2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo do desempenho de um software na seleção automatizada da causa básica de morte ao longo dos anos (teste qui-quadrado de tendência) e da correlação entre a forma de declaração de óbito e o desempenho do software (coeficientes de correlação e determinação). Resultados: foram analisadas 446.217 declarações de óbito; a proporção de declarações com causa básica de morte aumentou de 69,6%, em 2016, para 78,8%, em 2019 (p-valor < 0,001); observou-se correlação linear direta entre as declarações eletrônicas de óbito e o desempenho do software (coeficiente de correlação = 0,95; R2 = 0,89). Conclusão: o software apresentou bom desempenho na seleção automática da causa básica de morte, com aumento significativo entre 2016 e 2019.

Co-infections, comorbidities, and alcohol or other substances abuses in chronic hepatitis C-related hospitalisations in Spain / Coinfecciones, comorbilidades y abuso de alcohol u otras sustancias en las hospitalizaciones por hepatitis C crónica en España

Background: The Strategic Plan for Tackling Hepatitis C launched in 2015 in Spain has led to an important nationwide decrease in hepatitis C related hospitalisation rates. However, patients’ infection progression during decades could increase their health status complexity and challenge patient's prognosis after hepatitis C eradication. Methods: We carried out an observational retrospective study evaluating the prevalence of the main co-infections, comorbidities (risk factors and extrahepatic manifestations), and alcohol or other substances abuses in chronic hepatitis C related hospitalised patients in Spain. Data were obtained from the National Hospitalisation Registry discharges from January 1st of 2012 to December 31st of 2019. Results: Between 2012 and 2019 there were 356,197 chronic hepatitis C-related hospitalisations. In-hospital deaths occurred in 11,558 (4.6%) non-advanced liver disease and in 10,873 (10.4%) advanced liver disease-related hospitalisations. Compared to 2012–2015, in 2016–2019 the proportion of hospitalisations related to non-advanced liver disease increased from 69.4% to 72.4%, while the advanced disease-related hospitalisations decreased from 30.6% to 27.6% (P<.001). In spite of the decrease in severe cases among hospitalisations, all comorbidities evaluated, and alcohol abuse increased in 2016–2019 compared to 2012–2015, while co-infections and other substances abuses decreased in the same period.In the latest period (2016–2019): 28,679 (18.3%) of the hospitalised patients had a HIV, 6928 (4.4%) a hepatitis B, and 972 (.6%) a tuberculosis co-infection. Most frequent comorbidities were diabetes (N=33,622; 21.5%); moderate to severe renal disease (N=28,042; 17.9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (N=25,559; 16.3%), and malignant neoplasms (excluding hepatocellular carcinoma) (N=19,873; 12.7%).(AU)

Antecedentes: El Plan Estratégico para el Abordaje de la Hepatitis C lanzado en España en 2015ha supuesto una importante disminución a nivel nacional de las tasas de hospitalización relacionadas con la hepatitis C. Sin embargo, la progresión de la infección en los pacientes durante décadas podría aumentar la complejidad de su estado de salud y desafiar el pronóstico del paciente después de la erradicación de la hepatitis C. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo evaluando la prevalencia de las principales coinfecciones, comorbilidades (factores de riesgo y manifestaciones extrahepáticas) y abuso de alcohol u otras sustancias en pacientes hospitalizados relacionados con hepatitis C crónica en España. Los datos se obtuvieron del Registro de altas hospitalarias entre el 1 de enero de 2012 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Resultados: Entre 2012 y 2019 hubo 356.197 hospitalizaciones relacionadas con hepatitis C crónica y se registraron 11.558 (4,6%) muertes intrahospitalarias relacionadas con hospitalizaciones por enfermedad hepática no avanzada y 10.873 (10,4%) por enfermedad hepática avanzada. En comparación con 2012-2015, en 2016-2019 la proporción de hospitalizaciones relacionadas con enfermedad no avanzada aumentó del 69,4% al 72,4%, mientras que las relacionadas con enfermedad avanzada disminuyeron del 30,6% al 27,6% (P <0,001). A pesar de la disminución de casos graves entre las hospitalizaciones, todas las comorbilidades evaluadas y el abuso de alcohol aumentaron en 2016-2019 en comparación con 2012-2015, mientras que las coinfecciones y el abuso de otras sustancias disminuyeron en el mismo período. En el último período (2016-2019): 28.679 (18,3%) de los pacientes hospitalizados tenían VIH, 6928 (4,4%) hepatitis B y 972 (0,6%) coinfección tuberculosa. (AU)

Physicians' Perceptions as Predictors of the Future Use of the National Death Information System in Peru: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A computer application called the National Death Information System (SINADEF) was implemented in Peru so that physicians can prepare death certificates in electronic format and the information is available online. In 2018, only half of the estimated deaths in Peru were certified using SINADEF. When a death is certified in paper format, the probability being entered in the mortality database decreases. It is important to know, from the user's perspective, the factors that can influence the successful implementation of SINADEF. SINADEF can only be successfully implemented if it is known whether physicians believe that it is useful and easy to operate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions of physicians and other factors as predictors of their behavioral intention to use SINADEF to certify a death. METHODS: This study had an observational, cross-sectional design. A survey was provided to physicians working in Peru, who used SINADEF to certify a death for a period of 12 months, starting in November 2019. A questionnaire was adapted based on the Technology Acceptance Model. The questions measured the dimensions of subjective norm, image, job relevance, output quality, demonstrability of results, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention to use. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used in the analysis, and a confidence level of 95% was chosen to support a significant association. RESULTS: In this study, 272 physicians responded to the survey; 184 (67.6%) were men and the average age was 45.3 (SD 10.1) years. The age range was 24 to 73 years. In the bivariate analysis, the intention to use SINADEF was found to be associated with (1) perceived usefulness, expressed as "using SINADEF avoids falsifying a death certificate" (P<.001), "using SINADEF reduces the risk of errors" (P<.001), and "using SINADEF allows for filling out a certificate in less time" (P<.001); and (2) perceived ease of use, expressed as "I think SINADEF is easy to use" (P<.001). In the logistic regression, perceived usefulness (odds ratio [OR] 8.5, 95% CI 2.2-32.3; P=.002), perceived ease of use (OR 10.1, 95% CI 2.4-41.8; P=.001), and training in filling out death certificates (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.6-42.8; P=.01) were found to be predictors of the behavioral intention to use SINADEF. CONCLUSIONS: The behavioral intention to use SINADEF was related to the perception that it is an easy-to-use system, the belief that it improves the performance of physicians in carrying out the task at hand, and with training in filling out death certificates.

Exposure assessment of 170 pesticide ingredients and derivative metabolites in people from the Central Andes of Peru.

The Central Andes of Peru are a region of great concern regarding pesticide risk to the health of local communities. Therefore, we conducted an observational study to assess the level of pesticide contamination among Andean people. Analytical chemistry methods were used to measure the concentrations of 170 pesticide-related compounds in hair samples from 50 adult Andean subjects living in rural and urban areas. As part of the study, a questionnaire was administered to the subjects to collect information regarding factors that increase the risk of pesticide exposure. Our results indicate that Andean people are strongly exposed to agrochemicals, being contaminated with a wide array of pesticide-related compounds at high concentration levels. Multivariate analyses and geostatistical modeling identified sociodemographic factors associated with rurality and food origin that increase pesticide exposure risk. The present study represents the first comprehensive investigation of pesticide-related compounds detected in body samples collected from people living in the Central Andes of Peru. Our findings pinpoint an alarming environmental situation that threatens human health in the region and provide a rationale for improving public policies to protect local communities.

Variación estacional de la hemorragia digestiva alta / Seasonal variation of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Introducción: La hemorragia digestiva alta representa una de las causas más frecuentes de morbilidad y mortalidad en los servicios de cirugía general y específicamente es la primera causa de mortalidad en el servicio, por lo que constituye una emergencia médico-quirúrgica. Objetivo: Identificar la existencia de un patrón estacional en la incidencia de hemorragia digestiva alta en época invernal y estimar la frecuencia de algunos factores de riesgo de esta enfermedad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de series temporales, de pacientes afectados por esa enfermedad que acudieron al Hospital Dr. Miguel Enríquez en el periodo comprendido entre diciembre de 2017 y enero de 2020. La muestra quedó conformada por 151 pacientes que presentaron como diagnóstico de ingreso hemorragia digestiva alta. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino y los mayores de 60 años. La temporada de mayor incidencia de esta complicación digestiva fue la invernal (diciembre, enero y febrero). Los factores de riesgo que predominaron fueron los hábitos tóxicos y la ingestión de AINES y ASA. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la melena y la principal etiología la úlcera péptica duodenal. Conclusiones: Los casos con hemorragia digestiva alta predominaron en la temporada invernal y los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron los hábitos tóxicos y el uso de AINES en relación con el periodo estacional(AU)

Introduction: The High Digestive Hemorrhage represents one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in the General Surgery Services and it is specifically the first cause of mortality in our service. It constitutes a very frequent medical-surgical emergency. Objective: To determine the existence of a seasonal pattern in the incidence of HDA in winter and its relationship with risk factors. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out with a longitudinal design in which patients affected by HDA were studied. These patients were assisted at "Dr. Miguel Enriquez Hospital" between December 2017 and January 2020. The study group was composed of all the patients who came to our emergency services with manifestations of bleeding from the upper digestive tract. The sample was made up of 151 patients who presented a diagnosis of HDA at the time of their admission. Results: The predominant sex was male and the age over 60 years old. The season with the highest incidence of this digestive complication was winter (December, January and February). The risk factors that predominated in our study were toxic habits and ingestion of AINES, ASA. The predominant form of presentation of the HDA were tarry stools, being the Duodenal Peptic Ulcer the main etiology. Conclusions: Cases with Upper Digestive Bleeding predominated in the winter season and the most frequent risk factors were toxic habits and the use of NSAIDs in relation to the seasonal period(AU)

La cobertura de muertes con certificación médica en el Perú, 2012-2019 / Coverage of deaths with medical certification in Peru, 2012-2019

RESUMEN El fortalecimiento de los sistemas de registro civil y estadísticas vitales (RCEV) es indispensable para evaluar el impacto de las intervenciones sanitarias y los efectos de las emergencias sanitarias. El Perú enfrentó la pandemia de la COVID-19, en pleno proceso de fortalecimiento del sistema de RCEV, en el que destacó la implementación de SINADEF, lo que le permitió mejorar la calidad y la cobertura de la información sobre la mortalidad. Se realizó una recopilación de información de diversas fuentes de información pública para calcular la cobertura de la mortalidad en el Perú para el periodo 2012 a 2019. La cobertura de las muertes con certificación médica ascendió de 57,65% en 2016 a 71,6% en 2019 y mejoró en todas las regiones del Perú a nivel nacional, adicionalmente, la certificación en línea de las defunciones ascendió de 29% en 2017 a 86% en 2020. El SINADEF ha permitido implementar un sistema de vigilancia rápida de la mortalidad y medir el exceso de la mortalidad que se viene produciendo en el contexto de la pandemia.

ABSTRACT The strengthening of civil registration and vital statistics (RCEV) systems is essential to assess the impact of health interventions and the effects of health emergencies. Peru faced the COVID-19 pandemic, in the process of strengthening the RCEV system, in which the implementation of SINADEF stood out, which allowed it to improve the quality and coverage of information on mortality. A compilation of information from various public information sources was carried out to calculate the coverage of mortality in Peru for the period 2012 to 2019. The coverage of deaths with medical certification rose from 57.65% in 2016 to 71.6% in 2019 and improved in all regions of Peru at the national level, additionally, online certification of deaths rose from 29% in 2017 to 86% in 2020. The SINADEF has made it possible to implement a rapid mortality surveillance system and measure the excess mortality that is occurring in the context of the pandemic.

Co-infections, comorbidities, and alcohol or other substances abuses in chronic hepatitis C-related hospitalisations in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The Strategic Plan for Tackling Hepatitis C launched in 2015 in Spain has led to an important nationwide decrease in hepatitis C related hospitalisation rates. However, patients' infection progression during decades could increase their health status complexity and challenge patient's prognosis after hepatitis C eradication. METHODS: We carried out an observational retrospective study evaluating the prevalence of the main co-infections, comorbidities (risk factors and extrahepatic manifestations), and alcohol or other substances abuses in chronic hepatitis C related hospitalised patients in Spain. Data were obtained from the National Hospitalisation Registry discharges from January 1st of 2012 to December 31st of 2019. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2019 there were 356,197 chronic hepatitis C-related hospitalisations. In-hospital deaths occurred in 11,558 (4.6%) non-advanced liver disease and in 10,873 (10.4%) advanced liver disease-related hospitalisations. Compared to 2012-2015, in 2016-2019 the proportion of hospitalisations related to non-advanced liver disease increased from 69.4% to 72.4%, while the advanced disease-related hospitalisations decreased from 30.6% to 27.6% (P<.001). In spite of the decrease in severe cases among hospitalisations, all comorbidities evaluated, and alcohol abuse increased in 2016-2019 compared to 2012-2015, while co-infections and other substances abuses decreased in the same period. In the latest period (2016-2019): 28,679 (18.3%) of the hospitalised patients had a HIV, 6928 (4.4%) a hepatitis B, and 972 (.6%) a tuberculosis co-infection. Most frequent comorbidities were diabetes (N=33,622; 21.5%); moderate to severe renal disease (N=28,042; 17.9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (N=25,559; 16.3%), and malignant neoplasms (excluding hepatocellular carcinoma) (N=19,873; 12.7%). Alcohol or substances abuse was reported in 48,506 (31.0%) hospitalisations: 30,782 (19.7%) with alcohol; 29,388 (18.8%) with other substances; and 11,664 (7.5%) with both, alcohol and other substances, abuses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the reduction in advanced liver disease hepatitis C-related hospitalisations due to prioritisation of treatment to the more severe cases, high and increasing prevalence of comorbidities and risks factors among hepatitis C-related hospitalisations have been found.

The Need to Address Fragmentation and Silos in Mortality Information Systems: The Case of Ghana and Peru.

Objectives: We aimed to understand the information architecture and degree of integration of mortality surveillance systems in Ghana and Peru. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a combination of document review and unstructured interviews to describe and analyse the sub-systems collecting mortality data. Results: We identified 18 and 16 information subsystems with independent databases capturing death events in Peru and Ghana respectively. The mortality information architecture was highly fragmented with a multiplicity of unconnected data silos and with formal and informal data collection systems. Conclusion: Reliable and timely information about who dies where and from what underlying cause is essential to reporting progress on Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring policies are responding to population health dynamics, and understanding the impact of threats and events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating systems hosted in different parts of government remains a challenge for countries and limits the ability of statistics systems to produce accurate and timely information. Our study exposes multiple opportunities to improve the design of mortality surveillance systems by integrating existing subsystems currently operating in silos.

Use of Smartphones for the Detection of Uterine Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Little is known regarding the usefulness of the smartphone in the detection of uterine cervical lesions or uterine cervical cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of the smartphone in the detection of uterine cervical lesions and measured its diagnostic accuracy by comparing its findings with histological findings. We conducted a systematic review to identify studies on the usefulness of the smartphone in detecting uterine cervical lesions indexed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, OVID, Web of Science, and SciELO until November 2020. The risk of bias and applicability was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. A total of 16 studies that evaluated the usefulness of the smartphone in the detection of uterine cervical lesions based on the images clicked after visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Lugol's iodine (VILI), or VIA/VILI combination were included in the study. Five studies estimated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, nine described diagnostic concordance, and five described the usefulness of mobile technology. Among the five first studies, the sensitivity ranged between 66.7% (95% confidence interval (CI); 30.0-90.3%) and 94.1% (95% CI; 81.6-98.3%), and the specificity ranged between 24.0% (95% CI; 9.0-45.0%) and 85.7% (95% CI; 76.7-91.6%). The risk of bias was low (20%), and the applicability was high. In conclusion, the smartphone images clicked after a VIA were found to be more sensitive than those following the VILI method or the VIA/VILI combination and naked-eye techniques in detecting uterine cervical lesions. Thus, a smartphone may be useful in the detection of uterine cervical lesions; however, its sensitivity and specificity are still limited.