Recent molecular evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F in Latin America.

The evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F (HBV-F) in Latin America is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular evolution of HBV-F in Latin America by comparing 224 whole-genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor. Four main clades were found, dating from between 1245 and 1730. In addition, four subclades were identified, dating to between 1705 and 1801. The overall effective population size of HBV-F grew in the 18th century and showed an initial expansion outward from Venezuela to other countries from Latin America. Although HBV-F originated thousands of years ago, circulating strains of HBV-F appear to have spread in recent centuries, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The new molecular data provide valuable information for characterizing the evolution of Native American HBV-F in recent centuries.

Incidência e fatores de risco associados à falha na ventilação não invasiva em pacientes pediátricos / Incidence and risk factors associated with noninvasive ventilation failure in pediatric patients

Introdução: O suporte ventilatório é usado para o tratamento de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRpA) ou crônica agudizada. A ventilação não-invasiva (VNI) na IRpA pediátrica é amplamente usada em bebês prematuros e crianças, porém até a data atual os estudos têm sido escassos. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os fatores de risco associados à falha na VNI em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica.Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva a partir de prontuários de pacientes admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) Pediátrica de um Hospital de Caxias do Sul, entre maio de 2017 e outubro de 2019, que utilizaram VNI.Resultados: A incidência de falha na VNI foi de 33%. Asma (RR = 1,36; IC95% = 1,08-1,72), uso de VNI em pacientes pós-extubação (RR = 1,97; IC95% = 1,17-3,29), uso contínuo da VNI (RR = 2,44; IC95% = 1,18-5,05), encerramento à noite (RR = 2,52; IC95% = 1,53-4,14), modalidade final ventilação mandatória intermitente sincronizada (SIMV) (RR = 4,20; IC95% = 2,20-7,90), pressão expiratória positiva final (PEEP) no início da ventilação (6,8 ± 1,1; p < 0,01) e fração inspiratória de O2 (FIO2) final (53,10 ± 18,50; p < 0,01) foram associados à falha. Adicionalmente, a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) inicial (118,68 ± 18,68 mmHg; p = 0,02), a frequência respiratória inicial (FR) (47,69 ± 14,76; p = 0,28) e final (47,54 ± 14,76; p < 0,01) foram associados a falha.Conclusão: A modalidade ventilatória final SIMV, demostra ser o melhor preditor de risco de falha, seguido do turno em que a VNI é finalizada, onde à noite existe maior risco de falha. Além disso, foram preditores de falha, porém com menor robustez, a pressão positiva inspiratória (PIP) final e a FR final.

Introduction: Ventilatory support is used for the treatment of patients with acutely chronic or acute respiratory failure (ARF). Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in pediatric ARF is widely used in preterm infants and children, but studies to date have been limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors associated with NIV failure in a pediatric intensive care unit.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was based on medical records of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a hospital in Caxias do Sul, southern Brazil, between May 2017 and October 2019, who used NIV.Results: The incidence of NIV failure was 33%. Asthma (relative risk [RR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.72), post-extubation use of NIV (RR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.17-3.29), continuous use of NIV (RR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.18-5.05), completion at night (RR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.53-4.14), final mode synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) (RR = 4.20; 95% CI = 2.20-7.90), positive end-expiratory pressure at the beginning of ventilation (6.8 ± 1.1; p < 0.01), and final fraction of inspired oxygen (53.10 ± 18.50; p < 0.01) were associated with failure. Additionally, initial systolic blood pressure (118.68 ± 18.68 mmHg; p = 0.02), initial respiratory rate (IRR) (47.69 ± 14.76; p = 0.28), and final respiratory rate (47.54 ± 14.76; p < 0.01) were associated with failure.Conclusion: The final ventilatory mode SIMV proves to be the best failure risk predictor, followed by the shift in which NIV is completed, as there is a greater risk of failure at night. In addition, final positive inspiratory pressure and final respiratory rate were less robust predictors of failure.

Temporal and geographic spreading of hepatitis B virus genotype A (HBV-A) in Brazil and the Americas.

Hepatitis B virus genotype A (HBV-A) is disseminated in different countries around the world. It presents a high genetic diversity and is classified into seven subgenotypes (A1-A7). HBV-A1 and HBV-A2 are the most frequent and spread in almost all American countries. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of these two subgenotypes, with a special focus on the temporal and geographic spreading in the Americas and Brazil. Bayesian coalescent analyses with HBV-A1 and HBV-A2 whole-genome sequences were performed to study viral phylodynamic and phylogeography. HBV-A1 evolutionary history demonstrated that it was initially disseminated from Africa to other continents probably after the 1400s and mainly in the 17th-18th centuries. The whole viral population grew between the 1700s-1900s and then reached a stationary phase. In Brazil, HBV-A1 common ancestors dated back to the 1600s with successive introductions between the 17th-18th centuries. In contrast, HBV-A2 spread from Europe to other continents after the 1800s, with an increase in the viral population over decades. It was introduced in the 20th century in America and between the 1950s-1970s in Brazil, presenting a high increase in the viral population from the 1970s to the 1980s. The circulation continents for HBV-A1 are Africa and America, while for HBV-A2 are Europe and America. HBV-A is one of the predominant genotypes in America (including Brazil) because of the early introduction by human migration processes of the subgenotypes A1 and A2 between the 16th and 20th centuries and the continuous spreading inside the continent over time.

Temporal evolution and global spread of hepatitis B virus genotype G.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is considered a major health problem in the world. HBV is classified into genotypes A to J disseminated worldwide. Genotypes A, D and F are the most frequent in the Western World, B and C are predominant in the East, and E, F, H and J are infrequent and restricted to specific regions. HBV-G is a rare genotype, but it has been detected in different continents. This study aimed to report the temporal evolution and global spread of HBV-G comparing whole-genome sequences of this genotype from different regions in the world. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) and the population dynamics in the last decades. The results demonstrated that tMRCA of all HBV-Gs dated back to 1855 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1778 - 1931). This genotype has a possible origin in North America and it was disseminated to other continents (South and Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa) more than one century later (around the 1970s). The viral population demonstrated constant spreading from 1855 to the 1980s, followed by an increase in the 1990s and reached a plateau after the 2000s. Wide spreading at the beginning of the 1990s was probably associated with the dissemination by highly sexual active groups and injecting drug users. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that HBV-G was originated in the 19th century with main events of spread at the end of the 20th century.

Evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H.

Hepatitis B virus genotype H (HBV-H) molecular evolution was studied by comparing all published whole-genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate phylogenetic relationships, time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA), and viral population dynamics along the time. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated two main clades or lineages: HBV-H I (with sequences from Central and North America) and HBV-H II (with sequences from North and South America, and Asia). HBV-H II had more genome sequences (n = 26; 83.9%), including one specific subclade with all sequences outside of the Americas. Overall HBV-H tMRCA dated back to 1933 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1875-1957) with a very probable origin in Mexico and posterior dissemination to other American and Asian countries. The temporal analysis demonstrated that HBV-H I spread only in Mexico and the neighbor country of Nicaragua probably in the 1960s to the 1970s (1968; HPD 95%: 1908-1981), while HBV-II disseminated to other American and Asian countries around one decade later (1977; HPD 95%: 1925-1985). The phylogeographic analysis reinforced the Mexican origin of this genotype. The whole HBV-H population increased from the 1980s to the 2000s. In conclusion, HBV-H has two main lineages with a common origin in Mexico approximately nine decades ago.

Desfecho da aplicação da ventilação mecânica não invasiva na bronquiolite / Outcome of the application of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in bronchiolitis

A bronquiolite é uma infecção viral que pode levar a insuficiência ventilatória, nestes casos a aplicação de ventilação não invasiva é uma opção ao tratamento convencional. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar o desfecho da aplicação de ventilação não invasiva em crianças com bronquiolite. Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, com busca de artigos nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo e Science Direct, sem restrição de período, a partir das palavras chave Noninvasive ventilation AND Bronchiolitis. De um total de 1.192 artigos encontrados, 11 foram inclusos no presente estudo, quatro abordaram o desfecho relacionado à aspectos clínicos gerais (aumento no uso de VNI; menor tempo de internação; redução da frequência respiratória e fração inspirada de oxigênio) e sete relataram o índice de sucesso ou falha, e apesar da diferença entre as médias (sucesso 88,5 versus falha 15,1) não houve diferença significativa. Conclui-se que o desfecho de falha tem alta prevalência (11,5%), apesar disso, os estudos encontraram diferentes benefícios advindos do incremento na aplicação de VNI (redução da necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva, menor tempo de permanência em UTI, redução da mortalidade, melhora da frequência respiratória e da fração inspirada de oxigênio). (AU)

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that can lead to ventilatory failure. In such cases, the application of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is an alternative to conventional treatment. The aim of this study is to identify the outcome of the application of NIV in children with bronchiolitis. This is a literature review whose search for articles included the Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PubMed, SciELO, and Science Direct databases, with no date restriction, based on the keywords Noninvasive ventilation AND Bronchiolitis. Of a total of 1192 articles found, 11 were included in the present study. Four addressed the outcome related to general clinical aspects (increased use of NIV, shorter hospital stay, and reduced respiratory rate and inspired oxygen fraction) and seven reported the success or failure rate. Despite the difference between the means (success 88.5 versus failure 15.1) there was no significant difference. In conclusion, the failure outcome has a high prevalence (11.5%); however, studies have found different benefits arising from the increased application of NIV (reduced need for invasive mechanical ventilation, shorter intensive care unit stay, reduced mortality, and improved respiratory rate and inspired oxygen fraction). (AU)

Tracing back hepatitis B virus genotype D introduction and dissemination in South Brazil.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is widespread and it is considered a major health problem in the world. HBV is classified into genotypes and subgenotypes. HBV genotype D (HBV-D) has been detected worldwide with high prevalence in some specific regions from Europe and South America. In Brazil, this genotype is very frequent in the South region and its introduction and dissemination have been associated with European immigration (mainly Italian). The present study aimed to trace back the introduction and dissemination of HBV-D in South Brazil. Fifty-two chronic hepatitis B patients from two cities with an early history of Italian immigration in South Brazil were selected for the present study. HBV-DNA was detected, quantified and a partial genomic region (S/P overlapped genes) was amplified by PCR and sequenced for the determination of HBV genotypes/subgenotypes. HBV complete genome sequences of some selected samples were further obtained. Bayesian coalescent analyses were performed to estimate the HBV-D evolutionary dynamics. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the occurrence of three genotypes according the tree topology: HBV-D (n = 49; 94.2%), HBV-A (n = 2; 3.9%) and HBV-G (n = 1; 1.9%). In addition, HBV-D presented three subgenotypes: HBV-D3 (n = 39; 79.6%), HBV-D2 (n = 8; 16.3%), and HBV-D1 (n = 2; 4.1%). The Bayesian coalescent analysis demonstrated that the HBV-D was introduced in the 20th century. HBV-D3 was the first to be introduced in South Brazil, probably between 1904 and 1942. HBV-D2 and HBV-D1 were introduced later; HBV-D2 between 1946 and 1953 and HBV-D1 between 1954 and 1969. HBV-D3 spread at a high rate from the 1920s to the 1980s, while HBV-D2 showed a slower growth from the 1960s to the 1990s and HBV-D1 infections demonstrated low and constant population size across time. After the 2000s, a stationary growth was detected for all these three-D subgenotypes. HBV-D showed a high prevalence in South Brazil and this is possibly associated with the first introduction and dissemination of HBV-D3 at the beginning of the 20th century.

HBV epidemiology and genetic diversity in an area of high prevalence of hepatitis B in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. HBV endemicity is usually moderate to low according to geographic regions, and high prevalence of this virus has been reported in people of some specific Brazilian counties, including those with a strong influence of Italian colonization in southern Brazil. Analysis of HBV diversity and identification of the main risk factors to HBV infection are necessary to understand hepatitis B epidemiology in these high prevalence regions in southern Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To investigate epidemiological characteristics and HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in a specific city with high HBV prevalence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 102 HBV chronically infected individuals, recruited in reference outpatient clinics for viral hepatitis in a city of high HBV prevalence (Bento Gonçalves) in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil between July and December 2010. Socio-demographic, clinical and behavior-related variables were collected in a structured questionnaire. HBV serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc), viral load, genotypes/subgenotypes and drug resistance were evaluated and comparatively analyzed among all patients. RESULTS: The HBV infected subjects had a mean age of 44.9 (±12.2) years, with 86 patients (84.3%) reporting to have a family history of HBV infection, 51 (50.0%) to share personal objects, and were predominantly of Italian descendants (61; 64.9%). There was a predominance of genotype D (49/54; 90.7%), but genotype A was also detected (5/54; 9.3%). Subgenotypes D1 (1; 4.7%), D2 (3; 14.3%), and D3 (17; 81.0%) were identified. LAM-resistant mutation (rtM204I) and ADV-resistant mutations (rtA181V) were detected in only one patient each. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a pivotal role of intrafamilial transmission for HBV spreading in this population. Furthermore, there is a high prevalence of HBV genotype D in this region.

HBV epidemiology and genetic diversity in an area of high prevalence of hepatitis B in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. HBV endemicity is usually moderate to low according to geographic regions, and high prevalence of this virus has been reported in people of some specific Brazilian counties, including those with a strong influence of Italian colonization in southern Brazil. Analysis of HBV diversity and identification of the main risk factors to HBV infection are necessary to understand hepatitis B epidemiology in these high prevalence regions in southern Brazil. Objective To investigate epidemiological characteristics and HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in a specific city with high HBV prevalence. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed with 102 HBV chronically infected individuals, recruited in reference outpatient clinics for viral hepatitis in a city of high HBV prevalence (Bento Gonçalves) in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil between July and December 2010. Socio-demographic, clinical and behavior-related variables were collected in a structured questionnaire. HBV serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc), viral load, genotypes/subgenotypes and drug resistance were evaluated and comparatively analyzed among all patients. Results The HBV infected subjects had a mean age of 44.9 (±12.2) years, with 86 patients (84.3%) reporting to have a family history of HBV infection, 51 (50.0%) to share personal objects, and were predominantly of Italian descendants (61; 64.9%). There was a predominance of genotype D (49/54; 90.7%), but genotype A was also detected (5/54; 9.3%). Subgenotypes D1 (1; 4.7%), D2 (3; 14.3%), and D3 (17; 81.0%) were identified. LAM-resistant mutation (rtM204I) and ADV-resistant mutations (rtA181V) were detected in only one patient each. Conclusions These results demonstrate a pivotal role of intrafamilial transmission for HBV spreading in this population. Furthermore, there is a high prevalence of HBV genotype D in this region.

Discriminant analyzes for the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs among adolescents in an urban center in southern Brazil

Introduction: The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is a problem in adolescence, especially in the school context. This study aimed to identify the demographic and social variables that distinguished the students who had used tobacco, alcohol and/or other drugs at some point of their lives from those who had never used these substances. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate students attending the ninth year of elementary education in the city of Caxias do Sul (n = 1,285). Results: Alcohol was the most consumed drug (74.9%). In all the three discriminant profiles, adolescents who used tobacco throughout their lives presented more family conflict and hierarchy, higher age, greater difficulty in talking to their mother, father, and siblings, and higher school failure rates. The group that reported lifetime use of alcohol showed similar characteristics, and also reported greater loneliness. The group that has used illicit drugs was characterized, as well as other factors, by meeting with friends outside school more often, not having a good friend, being lonely, and having difficulties in talking to their father. Conclusions: Several aspects of the social and family environment can act as factors that propitiate or distance adolescents from drugs. Public policies have a role of fundamental importance in this regard.

Association between arteriovenous fistulae and hematomas in a dialysis center in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by slow, progressive, and irreversible loss of kidney function. CKD has become a serious public health issue because of its increasing morbidity and mortality rates. The present study aimed to investigate factors associated with hematomas caused by arteriovenous fistula (AVF) at a Renal Replacement Therapy Unit in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 72 patients with CKD aged 18 years or over, presenting with AVF, and undergoing three hemodialysis sessions per week were evaluated from June 2014 to March 2015. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated for identification of risk factors associated with AVF. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Sex, age, self-reported skin color, educational level, hypertension, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, and hepatitis C were not associated with hematoma formation (i.e., all estimated PRs had p-values > 0.05). The single factor associated with hematomas was AVF time shorter than 60 days (PR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.28-3.27; p < 0.01). Conclusion: AVF maturation time was associated with higher prevalence of hematomas at the cannulation site. Therefore, AVF time should be given special attention in patients undergoing renal therapy at dialysis centers. (AU)

Risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in South Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. Several risk factors are involved in HBV infection and their identification by a rational and essential approach is required to prevent the transmission of this infection in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate risk factors associated with HBV infection in South Brazil. METHODS: A total of 260 patients with HBV and 260 controls from Caxias do Sul (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) participated in this study. All participants were given a standard questionnaire to yield the sociodemographic information and to identify HBV risk factors. HBV infection was detected by HBsAg test in all participants. FINDINGS: HBV infection in these cases was strongly associated with history of a family member HBV-infected, mainly mother [odds ratio (OR) = 4.86; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.69-13.91], father (OR = 5.28; 95% CI: 1.58-17.71), and/or siblings (OR = 22.16; 95% CI: 9.39-52.25); sharing personal objects (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.37-2.38); and having history of blood transfusion (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-2.84). CONCLUSIONS: HBV infection was strongly associated with having a family member infected with hepatitis B, sharing personal objects, and having history of blood transfusion.

Risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in South Brazil

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. Several risk factors are involved in HBV infection and their identification by a rational and essential approach is required to prevent the transmission of this infection in Brazil. OBJECTIVES To evaluate risk factors associated with HBV infection in South Brazil. METHODS A total of 260 patients with HBV and 260 controls from Caxias do Sul (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) participated in this study. All participants were given a standard questionnaire to yield the sociodemographic information and to identify HBV risk factors. HBV infection was detected by HBsAg test in all participants. FINDINGS HBV infection in these cases was strongly associated with history of a family member HBV-infected, mainly mother [odds ratio (OR) = 4.86; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.69-13.91], father (OR = 5.28; 95% CI: 1.58-17.71), and/or siblings (OR = 22.16; 95% CI: 9.39-52.25); sharing personal objects (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.37-2.38); and having history of blood transfusion (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-2.84). CONCLUSIONS HBV infection was strongly associated with having a family member infected with hepatitis B, sharing personal objects, and having history of blood transfusion.