Post-traumatic stress disorder, food insecurity, and social capital after the 2017 coastal El Niño flooding among mothers from Piura, Peru: A mixed method study.

In order to understand the impacts in the post-disaster scenario of the 2017 El Niño events in the Piura region-Peru, we examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), food insecurity (FI), and social capital (SC) across three-time points in mothers in highly affected areas. In the Piura, Castilla, and Catacaos districts, we studied mothers combining mixed-method assessments at three (June-July 2017), eight and 12 months after the flooding. Each outcome was measured with the PTSD-Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C), the Household-Food-Insecurity-Access-Scale (HFIAS), the Adapted-Social-Capital-Assessment-Tool (SASCAT) surveys. In-depth interviews at the first evaluation were also conducted. At the first evaluation, 38.1% (n = 21) of 179 mothers reported PTSD; eight months and one year after the flooding, it dropped to 1.9% and virtually zero, respectively. Severe FI also declined over time, from 90.0% three months after the flooding to 31.8% eight months after, to 13.1% one year after. Conversely, high-cognitive SC was increased three months after the flooding (42.1%) and much greater levels at eight and 12 months after (86.7% and 77.7%, respectively). High levels of PTSD and severe FI three months after the flooding consistently decreased to nearly zero one-year post-disaster. High levels of high-cognitive SC may have helped mothers to recover from PTSD and FI in Piura.

Targeted indoor residual insecticide applications shift Aedes aegypti age structure and arbovirus transmission potential.

While residual insecticide applications have the potential to decrease pathogen transmission by reducing the density of vectors and shifting the age structure of the adult mosquito population towards younger stages of development, this double entomological impact has not been documented for Aedes aegypti. Aedes collected from households enrolled in a cluster-randomized trial evaluating the epidemiological impact of targeted indoor residual spraying (TIRS) in Merida, Mexico, were dissected and their age structure characterized by the Polovodova combined with Christopher's ovariole growth methods. In total, 813 females were dissected to characterize age structure at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months post-TIRS. Significant differences in the proportion of nulliparous Ae. aegypti females between the treatment groups was found at one-month post-TIRS (control: 35% vs. intervention: 59%), three months (20% vs. 49%) but not at six or nine months post-TIRS. TIRS significantly shiftted Ae. aegypti age structure towards younger stages and led to a non-linear reduction in survivorship compared to the control arm. Reduced survivorship also reduced the number of arbovirus transmitting females (those who survived the extrinsic incubation period). Our findings provide strong evidence of the full entomological impact of TIRS, with important implications for quantifying the epidemiological impact of vector control methods.

Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test delivery for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women: study protocol for a hybrid cluster-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but uptake remains low in Africa, especially among young women who are a priority population for HIV prevention services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proven to increase HIV testing in diverse populations but has been underutilized to support linkage to HIV prevention services. Most young women who initiate PrEP in Africa do so through informal peer referral. We wanted to test a model of formalized peer referral enhanced with HIVST delivery among young Kenyan women. METHODS: The Peer PrEP Trial is a two-arm hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial being conducted in central Kenya. Eligible participants (i.e., peer providers, n = 80) are women (≥ 16-24 years) refilling or initiating PrEP at public healthcare clinics who can identify at least four peers who could benefit from PrEP and not enrolled in another HIV study. Peer providers will be 1:1 randomized to (1) formal peer PrEP referral + HIVST delivery, where they will be encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., peer clients, ≥ 16-24 years) using educational materials and HIVST kits (two per peer client), or (2) informal peer PrEP referral, where they are encouraged to refer four peer clients using informal word-of-mouth referral. In both arms, peer providers will deliver a standard PrEP referral card with information on nearby public clinics delivering PrEP services. Peer providers will complete surveys at baseline and 3 months; peer clients will complete surveys at 3 months. Our primary outcome is PrEP initiation among peer clients, as reported by peer providers at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include PrEP continuation (any refilling), HIV testing (past 3 months), sexual behaviors (past month), and PrEP adherence (past month) among peer clients, as reported by both peer providers and clients at 3 months. Implementation outcomes will include participants' perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention as well assessments of the intervention's fidelity and cost. DISCUSSION: Evidence from this trial will help us understand how HIVST could support health systems by facilitating linkage to PrEP services among young women who could benefit in Kenya and similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982250. Registered on July 29, 2021.

Contributing factors for self-reported HIV in male Peruvian inmates: results of the 2016 prison census.

Introduction: Worldwide, prisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV. There is a need to understand the health conditions of prisoners to improve and implement timely strategies for HIV diagnosis and control. Hence, we aimed to identify factors associated with self-reported HIV (srHIV) among Peruvian inmates. Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the First Peruvian Prison Census conducted in 2016. We estimated the prevalence of srHIV in prisoners who were male at birth and the association of srHIV with other social conditions, criminal records, and prevalent health conditions. Nested models identified a multivariable parsimonious model for factors associated with srHIV and yielding prevalence ratios adjusted by the included parameters. Results: The census surveyed 71,087 male inmates of whom 0.4% reported srHIV (n = 305), and 82% of whom were receiving antiretroviral treatment (n = 220). In our final multivariable model, srHIV was independently associated with age between 36 and 55 years old vs. >55 years old [parsimonious prevalence ratio (pPR) = 1.98, 95% CI, 0.96-4.08], having a stable partner out of prison (pPR = 1.64, 95% CI, 1.24-2.19), being homosexual (pPR = 4.16, 95% CI, 2.50-6.90), self-report of prevalent tuberculosis co-infection (pPR = 2.55, 95% CI, 1.82-3.58), self-report of prevalent sexually transmitted infections (pPR = 34.49, 95% CI, 24.94-47.70), and self-report of prevalent illicit drug use 30 days before the survey (pPR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.43-2.56). Conclusion: Self-reported HIV is associated with multiple social, health and prison risks among Peruvian inmates. Deeply understanding these factors would help to design HIV prevention and control strategies in Peruvian prisons.

Estimating mortality and disability in Peru before the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of the Disease Study 2019.

Background: Estimating and analyzing trends and patterns of health loss are essential to promote efficient resource allocation and improve Peru's healthcare system performance. Methods: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (2019), we assessed mortality and disability in Peru from 1990 to 2019. We report demographic and epidemiologic trends in terms of population, life expectancy at birth (LE), mortality, incidence, prevalence, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) caused by the major diseases and risk factors in Peru. Finally, we compared Peru with 16 countries in the Latin American (LA) region. Results: The Peruvian population reached 33.9 million inhabitants (49.9% women) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, LE at birth increased from 69.2 (95% uncertainty interval 67.8-70.3) to 80.3 (77.2-83.2) years. This increase was driven by the decline in under-5 mortality (-80.7%) and mortality from infectious diseases in older age groups (+60 years old). The number of DALYs in 1990 was 9.2 million (8.5-10.1) and reached 7.5 million (6.1-9.0) in 2019. The proportion of DALYs due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased from 38.2% in 1990 to 67.9% in 2019. The all-ages and age-standardized DALYs rates and YLLs rates decreased, but YLDs rates remained constant. In 2019, the leading causes of DALYs were neonatal disorders, lower respiratory infections (LRIs), ischemic heart disease, road injuries, and low back pain. The leading risk factors associated with DALYs in 2019 were undernutrition, high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose, and air pollution. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Peru experienced one of the highest LRIs-DALYs rates in the LA region. Conclusion: In the last three decades, Peru experienced significant improvements in LE and child survival and an increase in the burden of NCDs and associated disability. The Peruvian healthcare system must be redesigned to respond to this epidemiological transition. The new design should aim to reduce premature deaths and maintain healthy longevity, focusing on effective coverage and treatment of NCDs and reducing and managing the related disability.

Impairment in Working Memory and Executive Function Associated with Mercury Exposure in Indigenous Populations in Upper Amazonian Peru.

The Matsigenka people living traditional lifestyles in remote areas of the Amazon rely on a fish-based diet that exposes them to methylmercury (MeHg) at levels that have been associated with decreased IQ scores. In this study, the association between Hg levels and working memory was explored using the framework of the Multicomponent Model. Working memory tasks were modified to fit the culture and language of the Matsigenka when needed and included measures for verbal storage (Word Span) visuospatial storage (Corsi Block Task) and a measure of executive functions, the Self-Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT). An innovation of the Trail Making Tests A & B (TMT A & B) was pilot tested as another potential measure of executive functions. The mean hair Hg levels of 30 participants, ages 12 to 55 years, from three different communities (Maizal, Cacaotal and Yomibato) was 7.0 ppm (sd = 2.40), well above the World Health Organization (WHO) limit for hair of 2.0 ppm and ranged from 1.8 to 14.2 ppm, with 98% of a broader sample of 152 individuals exceeding the WHO limit. Hair Hg levels showed significant associations with cognitive performance, but the degree varied in magnitude according to the type of task. Hg levels were negatively associated with executive functioning performance (SOPT errors), while Hg levels and years of education predicted visuospatial performance (Corsi Block accuracy). Education was the only predictor of Word Span accuracy. The results show that Hg exposure is negatively associated with working memory performance when there is an increased reliance on executive functioning. Based on our findings and the review of the experimental research, we suggest that the SOPT and the Corsi Block have the potential to be alternatives to general intelligence tests when studying remote groups with extensive cultural differences.

High Prevalence of Chemical and Microbiological Drinking Water Contaminants in Households with Infants Enrolled in a Birth Cohort-Piura, Peru, 2016.

Chemical and microbiological drinking water contaminants pose risks to child health but are not often evaluated concurrently. At two consecutive visits to 96 households in Piura, Peru, we collected drinking water samples, administered health and exposure questionnaires, and collected infant stool samples. Standard methods were used to quantify heavy metals/metalloids, pesticides, and Escherichia coli concentrations in water samples. Stool samples were assayed for bacterial, viral, and parasitic enteropathogens. The primary drinking water source was indoor piped water for 70 of 96 households (73%); 36 households (38%) stored drinking water from the primary source in containers in the home. We found high prevalence of chemical and microbiological contaminants in household drinking water samples: arsenic was detected in 50% of 96 samples, ≥ 1 pesticide was detected in 65% of 92 samples, and E. coli was detected in 37% of 319 samples. Drinking water samples that had been stored in containers had higher odds of E. coli detection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.50; 95% CI: 2.04-9.95) and pesticide detection (OR: 6.55; 95% CI: 2.05-21.0) compared with samples collected directly from a tap. Most infants (68%) had ≥ 1 enteropathogen detected in their stool. Higher odds of enteropathogen infection at the second visit were observed among infants from households where pesticides were detected in drinking water at the first visit (aOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.13-7.61). Results show concurrent risks of exposure to microbiological and chemical contaminants in drinking water in a low-income setting, despite high access to piped drinking water.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in a pediatric cohort of unvaccinated children in Mérida, Yucatán, México.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in children during the global COVID-19 pandemic has been underestimated due to lack of testing and the relatively mild symptoms in adolescents. Understanding the exposure rates in the pediatric population is essential as children are the last to receive vaccines and can act as a source for SARS-CoV-2 mutants that may threaten vaccine escape. This cross-sectional study aims to quantify the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies in children in a major city in México in the Spring of 2021 and determine if there are any demographic or socioeconomic correlating factors. We obtained socioeconomic information and blood samples from 1,005 children from 50 neighborhood clusters in Mérida, Yucatán, México. We then tested the sera of these participants for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies using lateral flow immunochromatography. We found that 25.5% of children in our cohort were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and there was no correlation between age and antibody prevalence. Children that lived with large families were statistically more likely to have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Spatial analyses identified two hotspots of high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the west of the city. These results indicate that a large urban population of unvaccinated children has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and that a major correlating factor was the number of people within the child's household with a minor correlation with particular geographical hotspots. There is also a larger population of children that may be susceptible to future infection upon easing of social distancing measures. These findings suggest that in future pandemic scenarios, limited public health resources can be best utilized on children living in large households in urban areas.

Burden of disease due to hip, knee, and unspecified osteoarthritis in the Peruvian social health insurance system (EsSalud), 2016.

Introduction: Since its introduction by the World Health Organization (WHO), the concept of burden of disease has been evolving. The current method uses life expectancy projected to 2050 and does not consider age-weighting and time-discounting. Our aim is to estimate the burden of disease due to hip, knee, and unspecified osteoarthritis using this new method in the Peruvian Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud) during 2016. Methods: We followed the original 1994 WHO study and the current 2015 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methods to estimate disability adjusted life years (DALY) due to osteoarthritis, categorized by sex, age, osteoarthritis type, and geographical area. We used disability weights employed by the Peruvian Ministry of Health, and the last update issued by WHO. Results: Overall, EsSalud reported 17.9 new cases of osteoarthritis per 1000 patients per year. Annual incidence was 23.7/1000 among women, and 72.6/1000 in people above 60 years old. Incidence was 5.6/1000 for knee osteoarthritis and 1.1/1000 for hip. According to the 1994 WHO method, there were 399,884 DALYs or 36.6 DALYs/1000 patients per year due to osteoarthritis. 12.4 and 2.2 DALYs/1000 patients per-year were estimated for knee and hip osteoarthritis, respectively. Using the 2015 GBD method, there were 1,037,865 DALYs or 94.9 DALYs/1000 patients per year. 31.4 and 5.3 DALYs/1000 patients per year were calculated for knee and hip osteoarthritis, respectively. Conclusions: In the Peruvian social health insurance subsystem, hip, knee, and unspecified osteoarthritis produced a high burden of disease, especially among women and patients over 60. The 2015 GBD methodology yields values almost three times higher than the original recommendations.

Nivel de conocimientos de higiene de manos en enfermeras y médicos de tres hospitales nacionales del seguro social de salud, 2018 / Knowledge of hand hygiene among nurses and physicians in three national hospitals of the Peruvian social health insurance, 2018

Introducción: Las manos de los trabajadores de la salud son los más frecuentes medios portadores de los microorganismos responsables de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos de lavado de manos de tres hospitales nacionales del seguro social de salud en Lima metropolitana, 2018. Material y Métodos: Durante abril-agosto 2018, entrevistamos a enfermeras y médicos de tres hospitales nacionales con un cuestionario administrado en tres secciones y evaluado en escala vigesimal: generalidades, razones de la higiene de manos durante atención en salud y situaciones para realizar la higiene de manos. Resultados: La mediana del nivel de conocimientos de enfermeras y médicos sobre higiene de manos fue de 13,41. El nivel de conocimientos es diferente entre enfermeras y médicos (13,3 vs. 13,6). Asimismo, se encontraron menor frecuencia de acierto en los ítems: desinfección de manos dura 20 a 30 segundos (54,1%, n=276), desinfección de manos tiene 8 pasos (52,9%, n=270), eliminar los microorganismos transitorios de la piel (47,1%, n=240), cuando existe un diagnóstico infeccioso (34,7%, n=177). Conclusión: El nivel de conocimientos de las enfermeras y médicos fue bajo y existe diferencia entre subgrupos profesionales. Se recomienda implementar entrenamientos continuos siguiendo las estrategias multimodulares de la OMS

Introduction: The hands of health care workers are the most common means of carrying the microorganisms responsible for healthcare-associated infections. The objective of our study was to evaluate the level of handwashing knowledge in three national social health insurance hospitals in metropolitan Lima, 2018. Material and Methods: During April-August 2018, we interviewed nurses and physicians from three national hospitals with a three-sections questionnaire to evaluate on a twenty-first scale the following domains: generalities, reasons for hand hygiene during health care, and situations to perform hand hygiene. Results: The median knowledge of nurses and physicians about hand hygiene was 13.41. The knowledge differs between nurses and physicians (13.3 vs. 13.6). Also, there was a lower frequency of success in the following items: hand disinfection lasts 20 to 30 seconds (54.1%, n=276), hand disinfection has 8 steps (52.9%, n=270), elimination of transitory skin microorganisms (47.1%, n=240), when there is an infectious diagnosis (34.7%, n=177). Conclusion:The knowledge of nurses and physicians was low and there is a difference between professional subgroups. It is recommended to implement continuous training following the WHO multimodular strategies

Proceso de definición de prioridades institucionales de investigación en el Seguro Social de Salud del Perú, 2020-2022 / Process of defining institutional priorities for research in the Peruvian Social Health Insurance, 2020-2022

Introducción: La definición de prioridades de investigación en salud dirige los esfuerzos de investigación para promover ciencia, tecnología e innovación en salud. Material y Métodos: La definición de estas en el Seguro Social de Salud peruano para el periodo 2020-2022 se realizó en cuatro etapas y de forma sistemática, estructurada, participativa y secuencial. Resultados: Primero, se evaluó el avance de investigación en las prioridades del periodo 2017-2019. En la segunda etapa, se consultó diversas fuentes y se identificó necesidades de investigación orientadas a enfermedades y se estableció el marco para prioridades orientadas a sistemas de salud e intervenciones sanitarias. La tercera etapa consistió en una consulta ampliada para seleccionar los temas prioritarios orientados a enfermedades. Finalmente, se desarrolló un taller participativo y multidisciplinario para seleccionar temas, subtemas y áreas prioritarias de investigación. Conclusión: El producto final fue la definición de 11 temas prioritarios, siete para enfermedades y cuatro para sistemas de salud e intervenciones sanitarias.

Introduction: Health research priorities definition address research efforts to the promotion of health science, technology, and innovation. Material and Methods: Health research priorities in the Peruvian Social Security for the period 2020-2022 was carried out in four stages using a systematic, structured, participatory and sequential process. Results: First, the progress of the research in the priorities of the period 2017-2019 was evaluated. In the second stage, various sources were consulted to identify disease-oriented research needs and the framework for priorities oriented to health systems and health interventions. The third stage consisted of an expanded consultation to select priority disease-oriented topics. Finally, a participatory and multidisciplinary workshop was developed to select themes, subtopics, and priority areas for research. Conclusion: The final product was the definition of 11 priority themes, seven for diseases and four for health systems and health interventions

Presencia de nidos y frutos asociados a Lutzomyia en la Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu - Parque Nacional Manu, Madre de Dios, 2018 / Presence of nests and fruits associated with Lutzomyia in the Cocha Cashu Biological Station - Manu National Park, Madre de Dios, 2018

Introducción: La Leishmaniasis es una enfermedad parasitaria zoonótica de alta prevalencia en regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. En la selva peruana aún no se ha podido establecer con claridad los hospederos. Para poder entender la dinámica de la enfermedad es necesario conocer la dinámica de Lutzomyia silvestre y antropofílicas, sus hábitos y comportamiento. En este escenario, el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue observar la presencia de Lutzomyia sp asociados a nidos y frutos en la Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal donde se evaluó la asociación entre la presencia de adultos de Lutzomyia y la presencia de nidos y frutos disponibles en el suelo en la Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu (EBCC) durante noviembre 2018. La evaluación de la presencia de Lutzomyia se realizó cada 25m de trocha recorrida iniciando desde los edificios de la EBCC en el horario de 8:00-13:00 horas. Además, se realizaron capturas de mosquitos con un único aspirador manual y se identificaron con claves taxonómicas. Resultados: Se utilizó un aspirador manual con el cual se realizaron 955 inspecciones en las cuales se encontró Lutzomyia en el 14,8% (n = 141), estando presente 125% más veces en trochas con nidos (PR: 2,25, IC95%: 1,59 - 3,19) y 70% en trochas con frutos (PR: 1,7, IC95%: 1,21 ­ 2,39). Conclusiones: Durante noviembre 2018, la presencia de Lutzomyia en las trochas de la Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu (EBCC) fue de 14,8% (n=141). Asimismo, la presencia de nidos y frutos incrementan las probabilidades de hallar Lutzomyia en las trochas de la EBCC.

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease of high prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the Peruvian jungle, hosts have not yet been clearly established. In order to understand the dynamics of the disease it is necessary to know the dynamics of wild and anthropophilic Lutzomyia, their habits and behavior. The objective of our study was to determine if the presence of Lutzomyia sp was associated with nests and fruits at the Cocha Cashu Biological Station. Material and Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the association between the presence of Lutzomyia adults and the presence of nests and fruits available on the ground at Cocha Cashu Biological Station (EBCC) during November 2018. The evaluation of the presence of Lutzomyiawascarriedoutevery25mofwalking distance starting from the EBCC buildings at 8:00-13:00 hours. In addition, mosquitoes were captured with a single manual aspirator and identified with taxonomic keys. Results: Amanual aspirator was used to perform 955 inspections in which Lutzomyia was found in 14.8% (n = 141), being present 125% more times in trails with nests (PR: 2.25, IC95%: 1.59 - 3.19) and 70% in trails with fruits (PR: 1.7, IC95%: 1.21 - 2.39). Conclusions: During November 2018, the presence of Lutzomyia on the trails of the Cocha Cashu Biological Station (EBCC) was 14.8% (n=141). Likewise, the presence of nests and fruits increases the probability of finding Lutzomyia in the trails of the EBCC.

Factors associated with producing a scientific publication during medical training: evidence from a cross-sectional study of 40 medical schools in Latin America.

Background: Scientific publication during medical training is key to promoting enduring cutting-edge knowledge. The promotion of science among medical students in Latin America is a multisectoral issue that is hampered by the lack of governmental knowledge to invest in national research, as well as by the lack of support from local universities. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the production of a scientific publication during medical training among Latin American medical students of local scientific societies. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 that assessed the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among medical students from 40 local scientific societies of medical students affiliated with FELSOCEM. Teams from each local scientific society surveyed self-reported scientific publications and explored their association with socioeconomic, academic, and research training conditions. We applied nested models to identify the covariates associated with self-reported scientific publication, obtaining a parsimonious mixed-effects multilevel model grouped by medical scientific society. Results: Of 11,587 participants, the prevalence of scientific publications increased in 36% among medical students affiliated to a Scientific Society of Medical Students [parsimonious prevalence ratio (pPR)=1.36, 95%CI=1.16-1.59], 51% among medical students with advanced English proficiency [pPR=1.51, 95%CI=1.21 - 1.87], 85% among medical students who attended a scientific writing skills course [pPR=1.85, 95%CI=1.59-2.15], 81% among medical students who use Sci-Hub [pPR=1.81, 95%CI=1.50-2.20], and 108% among medical students who have access to a pirated academic account [pPR=2.08, 95%CI=1.83-2.36]. Conclusions: Producing a scientific publication among medical students is associated with being affiliated to a scientific society of medical students, English proficiency, training in scientific writing, use of Sci-Hub, and pirated academic accounts. The results will help clinical educators and medical programs improve resources for training students in high-quality research.

Dengue with Hemorrhagic Manifestations and Acute Pancreatitis: Case Report and Review.

Dengue fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by arthropods, which has become a major public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. We found 17 reported cases of dengue complicated with pancreatitis in the world literature, 13 cases were found in Asia, one in Europe, and two in Latin America. This is the first and an unusual case of dengue with hemorrhagic manifestations complicated with acute pancreatitis in Panama. A 37-year-old woman with an unknown past medical history presented to Santo Tomas Hospital (Panama City, Panama) with sudden abdominal pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, described as a burning-like pain radiating towards the back. Five days before the admission, the patient had fever, chills, headache, retro-orbital pain, dizziness, arthralgia, loss of appetite, and fatigue. In the emergency room, a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and the patient was hospitalized. Physical examination showed bleeding gums, and laboratory tests show leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which suggested an infection caused by the dengue virus. The dengue infection was confirmed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patient received supportive treatment and the symptoms resolved. She was discharged on the ninth day of hospitalization without any sequela. The final diagnosis was hemorrhagic dengue complicated by acute pancreatitis.

Research trends in Carrion's disease in the last 60 years. A bibliometric assessment of Latin American scientific production.

Carrion's disease is a major re-emerging and occupational health disease. This bibliometric study aimed to evaluate scientific production on this disease both globally and in Latin America. SCI-E, MEDLINE/GoPubMed, SCOPUS, ScIELO, and LILACS databases were searched for Carrion's disease-related articles. They were classified according to publication year, type, city and institution of origin, international cooperation, scientific journal, impact factor, publication language, author(s), and H-index. There were 170 articles in SCI-E. The USA was the largest contributor (42.9%), followed by Peru (24.1%) and Spain (12.4%). Latin American publications were cited 811 times (regional H-index=18). There were 335 articles in SCOPUS: 25.9%, 11.6%, and 8.3% were published by the USA, Peru, and Spain, respectively. Latin American publications were cited 613 times (H-index=12): Peru, Colombia, and Brazil received the most citations (n=395, H-index=10; n=61, H-index=1; and n=54, H-index=4, respectively). The most scientifically productive American institution was the University of Montana (2.9% of American production). In Peru, it was the Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt of Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia (6.5% of Peruvian scientific production). There were 3,802 articles in Medline (1.2% were Peruvian), 35 in SciELO (94.3% were from Peru), and 168 in LILACS (11% were published in 2010-2014; only one article was published in 2015). Scientific production worldwide is led by the USA, and, in Latin America, by Peru and Brazil. However, Latin American scientific production in bibliographic databases is much lower than in other regions, despite being an endemic area for Carrion's disease.

Mapping the residual incidence of taeniasis and cysticercosis in Colombia, 2009-2013, using geographical information systems: Implications for public health and travel medicine.

BACKGROUND: In Colombia, taeniasis and cysticercosis have been significantly reduced over the past decades, however still reported with implications for public health and travel medicine. METHODS: An observational, retrospective study, in which the incidence of taeniasis and cysticercosis (ICD-10 codes B68s/B69s) in Colombia, 2009-2013, was estimated based on data extracted from the Individual Health Records System (Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios, RIPS) was performed. The Geographic Information System (GIS) generated national maps showing the distribution of taeniasis and cysticercosis by department by year. RESULTS: During the period, 3626 cases were reported (median 796/year), for a cumulative crude national rate of 7.7 cases/100,000pop; 58.2% corresponded to male; 57% were <40 year-old (10.2% < 9.9 year-old). Cases were 57.6% neurocysticercosis, the rest were taeniasis due to T. solium, T. saginata, ocular cysticercosis and cysticerci in other organs. Bolivar, a touristic department, had the highest cumulated incidence rate (16.17 cases/100,000pop), as also evident across the map series developed in this study. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study, data presented provide recent estimates of national taeniasis and cysticercosis incidence in the country useful in public health and for travel medicine practitioners, as some highly touristic areas presented higher disease incidence. Improved control, particularly of taeniasis, should be an attainable goal, which among other strategies would require improved sanitation and health education to prevent transmission, but also enhanced surveillance.

Massive open online courses in health sciences from Latin American institutions: A need for improvement?

Background: Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have undergone exponential growth over the past few years, offering free and worldwide access to high-quality education. We identified the characteristics of MOOCs in the health sciences offered by Latin American institutions (LAIs). Methods: We screened the eight leading MOOCs platforms to gather their list of offerings. The MOOCs were classified by region and subject. Then, we obtained the following information: Scopus H-index for each institution and course instructor, QS World University Ranking® 2015/16 of LAI, and official language of the course. Results: Our search identified 4170 MOOCs worldwide. From them, 205 MOOCs were offered by LAIs, and six MOOCs were health sciences related. Most of these courses (n = 115) were offered through Coursera. One health science MOOC was taught by three instructors, of which only one was registered in Scopus (H-index = 0). The remaining five health science MOOCs had solely one instructor (H-index = 4 [0-17]). The Latin American country with the highest participation was Brazil (n = 11). Conclusion: The contribution of LAI to MOOCs in the health sciences is low.

Where are we after 60 years of paragonimiasis research? A bibliometric assessment.

Paragonimiasis is highly prevalent endemic food-borne disease in Southeast Asia and Latin America, and constitutes a major public health concern. A bibliometric analysis was performed about the worldwide scientific production of paragonimiasis. We browsed in the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) (1957-2015), Scopus (1976-2015), Medline/PubMed/GoPubMed® (1970-2015), ScIELO (1981-2014) and LILACS (1985-2011). All types of articles were included and categorized by year of publication, number, type of scientific article, city and institution of origin, international cooperation, scientific journal, impact factor, language of publication, authors and H index. In SCI-E, 1,028 manuscripts were recovered, while Japan (21.9%) and the USA (17.7%) were the countries with highest scientific production. In this database, Asian region studies received 5,454 citations (H index=32). In Scopus 2161 items were recovered, corresponding to 45.8% of Asian countries. Japan (18.2%) was the first with the University of Miyazaki (11.7% of the country); South Korea (9.5%) was second with the Seoul National University (11.2% of the country). In SciELO 29 items were found, with no contributions from the Asian region. In LILACS 1487 articles were found (22.9% covering Asia). Among the databases, the Journal of Parasitology (Impact factor=1.227) showed the highest number of manuscripts and "Agatsuma T", from Japan, was the author with most records. Japan and South Korea lead global scientific production on paragonimiasis. By contrast, in Latin America, production has been extremely low especially in the last five years.

Bibliometric analysis of Oropouche research: impact on the surveillance of emerging arboviruses in Latin America.

Given the emergence and reemergence of viral diseases, particularly in Latin America, we would like to provide an analysis of the patterns of research and publication on Oropouche virus (OROV). We also discuss the implications of recent epidemics in certain areas of South America, and how more clinical and epidemiological information regarding OROV is urgently needed.