Experiencia y resultados del tratamiento al proceso formativo en la Covid-19. Facultad Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo / Experience and results of the treatment of the formation process in Covid- 19. Faculty of Medical Sciences of Bayamo

Introducción: la pandemia de la COVID-19 implicó cambios en el quehacer universitario que orientaron a enfatizar en el tratamiento al proceso formativo, acorde con las necesidades sociales y del sector salud. Objetivo: exponer las experiencias y resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento al proceso formativo en la COVID-19 en la Facultad Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal del periodo marzo 2020-febrero 2022. Se emplearon métodos teóricos con un enfoque general sistémico, el analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo y la modelación, además de estadística descriptiva e inferencial que incluyó prueba de diferencias de proporciones para muestras independientes con un 5 por ciento de significación. Resultados: la reorganización del proceso formativo distinguió etapas de reordenamiento, sistematización y valoración formativa contextual. El 99 por ciento de la matrícula prevista de estudiantes se integró al enfrentamiento y control de la COVID-19 en el trabajo integral comunitario. Se desarrollaron acciones en centros de aislamiento, sitios de vacunación, puestos de mando de oxígeno y laboratorios especializados. Se obtuvo una amplia participación estudiantil en eventos científicos virtuales y foros debates, entre otras actividades. Los resultados de promoción superaron al curso precedente y la calidad resultó significativa. Conclusiones: la reorganización sistémica del proceso formativo aseguró el desarrollo de un proceso integral con amplia inserción de estudiantes en actividades curriculares, extracurriculares y sociopolíticas, se evidenció elevado compromiso y sentido de pertenencia, manifestado en la sistematicidad y diversidad de acciones desarrolladas y en resultados académicos superiores(AU)

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic implied changes in university activities that led to emphasizing treatment of the formation process, in accordance with social and health sector needs. Objective: to expose the experiences and results obtained in the treatment of the formation process in COVID-19 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Bayamo. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2020 to February 2022. Theoretical methods were used with a general systemic approach, analytical-synthetic,inductive-deductive and modeling, in addition to descriptive and inferential statistics that included a test of differences in proportions for independent samples with 5 percent significance. Results: the reorganization of the formation process distinguished stages of reordering, systematization and contextual training assessment. 99 percent of the expected enrollment of the students was integrated into the confrontation and control of COVID-19 in comprehensive community work. Actions were carried out in isolation centers, vaccination sites, oxygen command posts and specialized laboratories. Wide participation of the students was obtained in virtual scientific events and discussion forums, among other activities. The promotion results exceeded the previous course and the quality was significant. Conclusions: the systemic reorganization of the formation process ensured the development of a comprehensive process with a wide insertion of students in curricular, extracurricular and sociopolitical activities, high commitment and sense of belonging was evidenced, manifested in the systematicity and diversity of actions developed and in academic results superiors(EU)

[Systematic identification of smokers and tobacco smoking management in the general hospital]. / Repérage systématique et prise en charge du tabagisme à l'hôpital général.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of daily smoking in France was 24 % in 2019 and tobacco control remains a major public health issue. A hospital stay provides an opportunity for smoking cessation intervention. Identification and management of smokers during a hospital stay may be variously integrated into electronic health records (EHR). STATE OF THE ART: Smoking status identification, which have included pre-filled forms, check-box, reminders, icons, is heterogeneous. Specific modules in EHR have been implemented for smoking cessation management such as counselling sessions, tobacco cessation prescriptions, smoking cessation guidelines and long-term follow-up. EHR-based intervention to identify and manage smokers with a long-term follow-up for at least one month after hospital discharge has shown an increase in smoking abstinence at 6-12 months. OUTLOOK: Due to the lower quality of free data about smoking status, systematic identification with check-box, reminders or icons in EHR may be more appropriate. Integration of functionalities such as help for prescription, reminders and follow-up of patients would make tobacco cessation management easier for health professionals. CONCLUSION: EHR interventions to identify smokers and manage smoking cessation during hospital stays are an opportunity to increase smoking cessation.

Mandatory preoperative COVID-19 testing for cancer patients-Is it justified?

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused substantial disruptions in routine clinical care. Emerging data show that surgery in coronavirus disease (COVID)-positive cases can be associated with worsening of clinical outcomes and increased postoperative mortality. Hence, preoperative COVID-19 testing for all patients before elective surgery was implemented in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-two asymptomatic cancer patients were preoperatively tested for COVID-19 using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction technique with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabbing. All negative patients were operated within 72 hours, and positive patients were quarantined for a minimum 14 days before re-swabbing. RESULTS: In our cohort, 21 of 262 (8.0%) asymptomatic preoperative patients, who were otherwise fit for surgery, tested positive. After adequate quarantine and a negative follow-up test report, 12 of 21 (57%) had an operation. No major postoperative morbidity due to COVID-19 was noted during the immediate postoperative period before discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSION: Routine preoperative COVID-19 testing was successful in identifying asymptomatic viral carriers. There was no incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 disease in the postoperative period, and there was no incidence of morbidity attributable to COVID-19. These data suggested a beneficial role for mandatory preoperative COVID-19 testing.

Mandatory HIV screening, migration and HIV stigma in Canada: exploring the experiences of sub-Saharan African immigrants living with HIV in western Canada. / Dépistage obligatoire du VIH, migration et stigmatisation liée au VIH au Canada : analyse de l'expérience d'immigrants d'Afrique subsaharienne vivant avec le VIH dans l'Ouest canadien.

INTRODUCTION: In this mixed-methods pilot study, we examined the intersections of the current Canadian immigration policy, mandatory HIV screening during the Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and enacted and internalized stigma for HIV-positive immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in a western Canadian province. We focus on qualitative findings from this study. METHODS: Using the Internalized HIV Stigma Scale (IHSS), we collected data from eight immigrants from SSA living with HIV in a western Canadian province. We then conducted semistructured interviews with seven of the eight participants. Due to the small sample size, survey data were summarized using descriptive analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: The following key themes emerged from analysis of qualitative data: experiences of HIV-related emotional distress during the IME; varied experiences of HIV testing during the IME; and inconsistent patterns of linkage to medical care, psychosocial supports and engagement in the HIV care cascade. CONCLUSION: Findings from this pilot study cannot be generalized to the broader population of immigrants living with HIV in Canada. However, we found that the experiences of internalized HIV stigma and enacted stigma during the IME potentially influence the long-term engagement in the HIV care cascade during the process of migration and settlement in Canada. Further study in this population is recommended to examine the intersections of current mandatory HIV screening process during the Canadian immigration process, migration, settlement, culture, stigma and engagement in the HIV care cascade.

Predictores selectivos en el sector público: validez predictiva y reacciones de los candidatos / Selection predictors in the public sector: predictive validity and candidate reactions

Esta investigación ha tenido como objetivo profundizar en el conocimiento sobre el funcionamiento de los procedimientos selectivos en el sector público. Para ello, a partir de los datos del concurso-oposición de 2010 para la selección de auxiliares administrativos en el Gobierno Vasco se estudiaron dos cuestiones: a) la validez predictiva de los predictores empleados y b) la justicia percibida por parte de los auxiliares con respecto al proceso selectivo y a las pruebas empleadas y su relación con el resultado en las mismas y el desempeño laboral. Los resultados muestran que la prueba de conocimientos es el mejor predictor del desempeño y que las reacciones de los candidatos presentan una correlación positiva con el desempeño laboral y con el resultado en el test de juicio situacional. Se comentan las limitaciones de la investigación así como las implicaciones prácticas de los resultados

The purpose of this research has been to deepen the knowledge about how selection procedures work in the public sector. To this aim two aspects were considered: a) the predictive validity of the predictors employed and b) the perceived justice of the hired workers regarding the selection process and the tests used and their relation with test performance and job performance. The results show that the job knowledge test is the best predictor of performance and that the reactions of the candidates present a positive correlation with job performance and with the situational judgment test results. The limitations of the research as well as the practical implications of the results are discussed

Effects of mandatory screening labs in directing the disposition of the apparently healthy psychiatric patient in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mandatory psychiatric admission laboratory tests yield results that change the disposition of a patient with primary psychiatric complaint from admission to a psychiatric service to admission to a medical service. METHODS: This was a single center retrospective cohort chart review study approved by the facility Institutional Review Board in which we used a records database maintained by the emergency department's social workers to access the records of every patient that presented to our emergency department with a psychiatric chief complaint between the dates of December 1, 2011, and December 1, 2013. We focused on those that were admitted to either a psychiatric service or a medical service after a thorough evaluation by the department of social work and an emergency provider. We applied our inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewed the results of the mandatory psychiatric laboratory tests (complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, thyroid stimulating hormone, acetaminophen, aspirin, blood alcohol level, urinalysis, urine pregnancy test, urine drug screen) required for admission. Our independent variables were the compulsory psychiatric admission laboratory tests and our dependent variable was the admission to a medical service. RESULTS: Of 5,606 laboratory tests that were ordered and produced results for the 682 patients enrolled in our study, 51 results were considered clinically significant abnormal results, or results requiring treatment prior to psychiatric service admission, by the 2 reviewing emergency physicians. Only one of 682 psychiatric patients received a final disposition to a medical service based upon abnormal laboratory studies. That patient presented without any medical complaints but a chief complaint of "suicidal ideation," and was found to have diabetic ketoacidosis. Based on our data, the probability that an abnormal laboratory test will result in a change in disposition is 1/682=0.1% (95% CI: 0.0% to 0.9%). CONCLUSION: Patients presenting to the emergency department with a psychiatric chief complaint and no physical complaints, abnormal vital signs, or abnormal physical exam findings have less than 1% probability that an abnormal laboratory study will change their disposition from a psychiatric admission to a medical admission.

Premarital HIV testing in Malaysia: a qualitative exploratory study on the views of major stakeholders involved in HIV prevention.

BACKGROUND: HIV screening has existed in numerous methods as an important part of HIV prevention efforts over the years. Premarital HIV testing for couples who wish to marry has been implemented in a number of regions, which often operate in a mandatory rather than voluntary basis and is considered a contentious issue, with viewpoints held in favour and against. One such region is Malaysia which has a policy of mandatory premarital HIV testing of prospective Muslim married couples. The purpose of this study is to understand stakeholders' views on premarital HIV testing given the Malaysian Islamic context. METHODS: 35 in-depth face to face semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key stakeholder groups involved in HIV prevention policy in Malaysia, namely, officials from the Ministry of Health, religious leaders and people living with HIV. Participants were recruited from the Klang Valley area, from July to December 2013, using purposive sampling techniques. Inclusion criteria necessitated that participants were over the age of 18 and provided full consent. Interviews were audiotaped, followed a standardised topic guide, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework analysis. RESULTS: Participants identified pre-marital HIV testing as an effective HIV prevention policy implemented in Malaysia and was viewed, for the most part, as a positive initiative across all stakeholders. Religious leaders were supportive of testing as it provides a protective mechanism, in line with the teachings of the Shariah, while Ministry of Health officials considered it a normal part of their HIV prevention screening initiatives. However, there were concerns surrounding issues such as confidentiality, counselling and discrimination surrounding the test described by the PLHIV group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that among the participants interviewed was strong support for mandatory premarital HIV testing, which could possibly expose the vulnerability to HIV, reluctance to test and other areas in the HIV response in Malaysia that need to be addressed. Furthermore, although international health organisations are vehemently against mandatory premarital HIV testing, the strong local support for such measures and the mismatch between these views is worth exploring in more detail, given the cultural, social and religious context.

Legal Blood Alcohol Testing in the U.S. Military.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze multiple years of legal blood alcohol test (LBAT) results as part of a laboratory process improvement plan. METHODS: We analyzed the LBAT requests received by the Brooke Army Medical Center during calendar years 2013 and 2014. RESULTS: We received 365 samples from 11 installations; 351 were tested and 14 were rejected. Nearly one-third of the tested samples had negligible ethanol levels. One installation was responsible for submitting 10 rejected samples which prompted laboratory intervention. CONCLUSION: The ability to perform timely LBATs is invaluable to the Department of Defense as the results are more readily accepted in a court of law than routine clinical ethanol test results.

[Frequent infectious diseases in migrants]. / Häufige Infektionskrankheiten bei Migranten.

The current influx of refugees and the high rate of immigration increase the rate and impact of infectious diseases in Europe. Infections can be detected at the initial examination of arriving refugees as a result of systematic screening or within the framework of general medical care. Diagnosis and treatment require special expertise and in some cases special precautions. The spectrum of infections is determined by the country of origin of migrants and the conditions experienced on fleeing to Germany. In this article the diagnostics and treatment of the most important infections are presented. As far as infections are concerned refugees and migrants do not represent a threat to the general population but instead have to be perceived as a highly vulnerable group.

[Health for refugees - the Bremen model]. / Gesundheit für Flüchtlinge - das Bremer Modell.

The Bremen model recognizes that refugee health care has to go beyond merely checking for the prevalence of contagious diseases. Elementary health care offered in the reception centre and transitory facilities is based on voluntary acceptance by the refugees. At the same time, legal requirements for the medical reception of refugees are observed. In addition, doctors performing the initial medical examination are enabled to cover acute care on the spot. During the preliminary phase of immigration refugees are allowed to see a doctor in their facility repeatedly. After a certain time, they are provided with a health card permitting limited access to regular care outside of their facility. The current rise of refugee numbers affects the situation of Bremen health care for adult as well as juvenile refugees. In spite of the increase, health care standards are maintained by means of the health card. From 2011 to 2014, "Factors influencing health status and contact with health services" averaged 29.6 % in the health check data. Diseases of the respiratory system (18.1 %) and "symptoms, signs and abnormal findings not elsewhere classified" (16.9 %) ranked second and third, respectively. Diseases of the digestive system (6.1 %) of the musculoskeletal system (6 %) and of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (3.6 %) followed. Infectious diseases such as HIV infections, hepatitis or tuberculosis were seldom.

[Psychosomatics and psychotraumatology of refugees and migrants : A Challenge for the Internist]. / Psychosomatik und Psychotraumatologie bei Geflüchteten und Migranten : Herausforderungen für den Internisten.

Many refugees experience severely stressful events in their home countries, during migration and occasionally even after arrival in the country of destination. The individual reactions not only influence the mental health but also somatic well being. Traumatic events may have an essential impact on psychosocial functioning; moreover, the social circumstances during the integration process influence mental stability. Physicians play an important role in identifying possible traumatization and subsequently guiding towards adequate treatment; hence, the healthcare of refugees should regularly include psychosomatic and psychotraumatological aspects. Knowledge of screening instruments, trauma-informed care and interpreter-assisted communication are necessary to meet required standards.

Late Diagnoses of HIV Infection in Mississippi: Implications for Improved Testing Strategies and Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people in the United States are living, with HIV infection, and approximately 1 in 6 (18%) are unaware of their infection. People living with undiagnosed HIV are more likely to progress to AIDS, transmit the virus to others, and have poorer overall health outcomes. In 2013, Mississippi had the 6th highest estimated AIDS diagnoses rate among adults and adolescents in the United States and when comparing persons living with AIDS, the Jackson, MS metropolitan area had the tenth highest rate among all MSAs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe people who are diagnosed with HIV late in their course of illness and to identify characteristics associated with late diagnoses. METHODS: Demographic data was obtained for all Mississippi residents who were diagnosed with HIV infection between Janary 1, 2004 and December 31,2014. Late diagnoses of HIV infection is defined as an AIDS diagnosis made within 12 months from an initial HIV diagnosis. Prevalence trends, demographics, and predictors of late diagnoses were measured. Results: Among 4,864 cases of -IV disease, 35% (1,682) were late diagnoses. Late diagnoses were more likely to occur among males, individuals over the age of 34, and individuals who were diagnosed outside of Mississippi State Department of Health clinics. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of individuals had late diagnoses of HIV infection and this proportion has slightly declined in recent years. Routine testing in medical settings and in areas with high morbidity may increase early HIV diagnosis.

Evaluación del desempeño del sistema inmunoenzimático de diagnóstico DAVIH-HTLV-I, para la detección de anticuerpos contra el Virus Linfotrópico de células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-I) / Evaluation of the performance of the immunoenzymatic diagnostic system DAVIH-HTLV-I for detection of antibodies against the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I)

Introducción: el virus linfotrópico de las células T humanas tipo I (HTLV-I), es el agente causal de la leucemia /linfoma de células T del adulto (LLTA). Resultados hallados en estudios de pesquisa para el HTLV-I en nuestro país demuestran sin lugar a dudas la presencia del mismo en nuestra población. El DAVIH-HTLV-I es un sistema microelisa para la detección de anticuerpos contra el HTLV-I en suero o plasma humano, producido por Laboratorios DAVIH. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el desempeño del sistema DAVIH-HTLV-I con vistas a su inscripción en el Registro de Diagnosticadores, del Centro para el Control Estatal de la Calidad de los Medicamentos (CECMED), exigencia indispensable para su uso en nuestro país. Métodos: se emplearon cuatro paneles de muestras en los estudios de: especificidad, sensibilidad, eficacia, concordancia con el sistema de referencia Vironostika HTLV-I/II (Biomeriéux), precisión a dos niveles: repetibilidad (intraensayos) y precisión intermedia (inter ensayos), y robustez. Resultados: la evaluación mostró los siguientes resultados: especificidad 99,84 por ciento; sensibilidad 96,49 por ciento; concordancia 96,55 por ciento, límite de detección correspondiente a una dilución de 1/256; elevada precisión intra e interensayos (CV menores que el 15 por ciento y el 20 por ciento respectivamente); sistema robusto frente a los cambios de temperatura entre 36 y 38 °C. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el sistema DAVIH-HTLV-I se puede emplear en el pesquisaje de anticuerpos contra el HTLV-I en la población cubana, por lo que se recomendó su registro en el CECMED(AU)

Introduction: The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) is the causal agent of adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma (ATLL). Screening for HTLV-I in our country has revealed its unquestionable presence in the population. DAVIH-HTLV-I is a micro-ELISA system produced by DAVIH Laboratories for detection of antibodies against HTLV-I in human serum or plasma. Objective: Evaluate the performance of the DAVIH-HTLV-I system with a view to registration in the Registry of Diagnostic Media Products of the Center for State Control of the Quality of Drugs (CECMED), an indispensable requirement for its use in our country. Methods: Four sample panels were used to study the following variables: specificity, sensitivity, efficacy, concordance with the reference system Vironostika HTLV-I/II (Biomeriéux), accuracy on two levels: repeatability (intra-assay) and intermediate accuracy (inter-assay), and robustness. Results: The following results were obtained: specificity 99.84 percent; sensitivity 96.49 percent concordance 96.55 percent; detection limit for a 1/256 dilution; high intra- and inter-assay accuracy (CV below 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively); a robust system when faced with temperature changes between 36°C and 38°C. Conclusions: Results show that the DAVIH-HTLV-I system may be used for the screening of antibodies against HTLV-I in the Cuban population. It was therefore recommended for registration with CECMED(AU)

[Sudden cardiac death in athletes and its prevention]. / Plötzlicher Herztod bei Sportlern und dessen Prävention.

Athletes and especially elite athletes are predominantly young people and are not associated with high health risks, apart from traumatic injuries. Nevertheless, there is a significantly high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), which ranges from 0.6 to 3.0/100,000 athletes per year. Often the SCD is the first manifestation of an underlying cardiac disease. Distinct structural cardiac disorders, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies (17 %), inflammatory disorders (6 %) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy as well as conditions without structural cardiac abnormalities, such as primary electrical diseases (channelopathies) are important causes of sudden death. A simple screening can help to identify athletes with these diseases and allow specific therapies or precautionary measures to be initiated.

Sports in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy and desmosomal mutations.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a rare cardiomyopathy associated with life-threatening arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition to mutations in desmosomal genes, environmental factors such as exercise and sport have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent studies have shown that exercise may be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with ARVD/C. On the basis of current evidence, patients with ARVD/C are recommended to limit exercise irrespective of their mutation status. Some studies have suggested the presence of an entirely acquired form of the disease caused by exercise, which has been dubbed "exercise-induced ARVD/C."