HIV Infection Modifies the Role of Prior Treponema pallidum Infection in the Clinical Presentation of Early Syphilis Among Adult Patients From Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics in Peru.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the clinical presentations (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) with prior Treponema pallidum infection status (first infection vs. reinfection) among people with early syphilis. METHODS: We used data from PICASSO, a cohort study in Peru that enrolled people with active syphilis from May 2019 to August 2021. Study participants had early syphilis and a prior syphilis serological test result within the prior 12 months to determine prior T. pallidum infection status. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of symptomatic clinical presentation (primary or secondary syphilis) by prior T. pallidum infection status, stratified by HIV infection status. In addition, we explored the association of prior T. pallidum infection status and lesion presentation, stratified by primary and secondary syphilis cases, using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: We include 84 T. pallidum reinfection cases and 61 first infection cases. We found increased frequency of symptomatic clinical presentation among first-infection cases (39% vs. 20%; PR, 1.94; P = 0.014). This association was stronger among persons living without HIV infection (38% vs. 7%; adjusted PR, 6.63; P = 0.001) in comparison to those living with HIV infection (45% vs. 34%; adjusted PR, 1.38; P = 0.458). Among secondary syphilis cases, more participants from the reinfection group reported that their lesions improved 1 week after treatment (100% vs. 29%, P = 0.045) compared with those with a first infection. Among the primary syphilis cases, all participants reported that their lesions improved 1 week after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Prior syphilis was associated with a decreased prevalence of symptomatic reinfection, especially among persons not living with HIV infection.

Molecular Characterization of Genital and Extragenital Lesions With the PlexPCR VHS Assay in Patients Diagnosed With Syphilis.

Background: Syphilis diagnosis relies on immunologic markers and clinical protocols. However, syphilitic lesions can be confused with other genital ulcer diseases. Methods: Using a PlexPCR VHS assay, we analyzed lesion DNA samples from 87 individuals who were clinically diagnosed with early syphilis infection and had at least 1 positive serologic test result. DNA was detected by the PlexPCR VHS multiplex assay and ß-globin genes. Results: Among the participants, 99% (86/87) had a positive rapid treponemal test result. DNA was successfully detected in 91% (79/87) of the lesion samples. PlexPCR VHS identified 5 herpes simplex virus (HSV)/Treponema pallidum coinfections (2 HSV-1 and 3 HSV-2), only T pallidum DNA in 62% (49/79), and only HSV-2 in 12.7% (10/79). While 19% (15/79) were negative for all pathogens, none were varicella zoster virus positive. The PlexPCR VHS had 68.4% agreement with the clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Since the PlexPCR VHS detects multiple organisms simultaneously, it can help to confirm actual syphilis and identify other pathogen coinfections or the pathogen causing the ulcer.

Latin American Internet Survey for Men who have Sex with Men (LAMIS-2018): Design, methods and implementation.

Despite men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) from Latin America (LA) are still a vulnerable population for known health-related conditions and social problems, availability of comparable data across LA countries for assessment and monitoring purposes is limited. The objective of this article is to present the study design and the questionnaire of LAMIS-2018 (Latin America MSM Internet Survey), its recruitment strategy, rates and sources by country, and the lessons learned from its implementation. LAMIS-2018 was a cross-sectional, internet-based survey targeting MSM living in 18 LA countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela) that gathered data about sexual behaviors, HIV/STI and viral hepatitis knowledge, prophylactic use of antiretrovirals, psychosocial health, and access to sexual health services. The survey went online for four months and was available in three languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch). Promotion was carried out using dating apps, websites, social networks, and by community-based and academic organizations of each participating country directly in gay venues and in their own premises. Overall, 64,655 MSM participated in LAMIS-2018. Dating apps and websites were the most important recruitment source in most countries, except for Honduras, Nicaragua, and Suriname, where community-based organizations recruited most of the participants. Beyond the LAMIS-2018 implementation description, we highlight the feasibility of such a study in this context, based on the collaboration between community-based and academic organizations to obtain a large sample of MSM in the region. LAMIS-2018 data will contribute to identify determinants of risk behaviors and prevention needs of vulnerable MSM populations in each country of the region.

Laboratory Evaluation of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay.

Because syphilis is a public health concern, new strategies and tools for detecting active syphilis cases should be evaluated for future implementation. We assessed the laboratory performance of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm rapid immunodiagnostic test (Chembio Diagnostics, Medford, NY, USA), using visual reading and the manufacturer's electronic test microreader, for detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in 383 fully characterized stored serum specimens. We used the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test as reference tests for the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm assay treponemal and nontreponemal components, respectively. The sensitivity values for treponemal antibody detection by electronic reader and visual interpretation were 83.2% and 85.9%, respectively, with 100% specificity. For nontreponemal antibody detection, the sensitivity values were 65.7% and 69.0% and the specificity values were 88.7% and 89.4% for electronic reader and visual interpretation, respectively. There was excellent correlation between visual interpretation and the microreader for either component (kappa coefficient, 0.953). When restricting the analysis to RPR titers of ≥1:8, the sensitivity was 96.9% for either reading method; numerical microreader values showed good correlation with RPR titers (Spearman rho of 0.77). The DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm assay showed good performance, compared to reference syphilis tests, using serum. Field evaluation studies should be done to validate its use for detection of active cases and for monitoring of treated syphilis patients. IMPORTANCE Syphilis remains a public health problem; therefore, health systems must incorporate screening tools that allow a rapid and accurate diagnosis to provide adequate treatment. The DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay simultaneously detects treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies, emerging as an alternative for identifying cases in situations in which there is no infrastructure to perform conventional syphilis testing, but it is necessary to generate evidence regarding the performance of this technology in various scenarios. We found that the test performs well, compared to TPPA and RPR tests, using stored samples from participants at high risk of acquiring syphilis. Additionally, when the Chembio microreader was incorporated, similar results are obtained by the device, compared to those reported by trained laboratory professionals, and correlated with the semiquantitative results of the RPR test. We think that the use of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay with the microreader might help in detecting active syphilis cases and perhaps in monitoring treatment responses in the field.

Quality of life and self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Peruvian public hospital.

Quality of life and self-efficacy assessments are increasingly applied in research with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients due to the impact of the disease on their lives. This study aimed to describe the quality of life and self-efficacy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and describe the association of quality of life and self-efficacy with demographic, metabolic, and clinical variables. This is a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study: Metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a public hospital in Peru: a cross-sectional study in a low-middle income country. Data were obtained by standardized interviews and evaluation of medical records. The evaluation tools used were the Diabetes 39 questionnaire (D-39) to measure the quality of life and the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) for self-efficacy. The median scores of the D-39 and GSE were 34.6 and 34, respectively. The D-39 dimension with the highest score was anxiety and concern. Better quality of life was associated with being older than 65 years old, not having complications, and the absence of depression. No significant association was found between self-efficacy and the quality of life score. Results suggest patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a poor quality of life. Patient-centered strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus care must consider these psychosocial factors to improve disease control and quality of life.

La calidad de vida y la evaluación de autoefiacia se aplican cada vez más en la valoración de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 debido al alto impacto de la enfermedad en sus vidas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir la calidad de vida y autoeficacia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y describir la asociación de calidad de vida y autoeficacia con variables demográficas, metabólicas y clínicas. Este estudio es un análisis secundario del estudio transversal: “Control metabólico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en un hospital público del Perú: estudio de corte transversal en un país de bajos y medianos ingresos”. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante cuestionarios estandarizadas y evaluación de historias clínicas. Las herramientas de evaluación utilizadas fueron el cuestionario Diabetes -39 (D-39) para medir la calidad de vida y la escala de autoeficacia general para medir autoeficacia (GSE). Las medias del D-39 y GSE fueron 34,6 y 34, respectivamente. La dimensión con la puntuación más alta del D-39 fue "ansiedad y preocupación". Una mejor calidad de vida estuvo asociada con ser mayor de 65 años, no tener complicaciones microvasculares y la ausencia de depresión. No se encontró una asociación significativa entre la autoeficacia y calidad de vida. Los resultados sugieren que los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tienen una pobre calidad de vida. Las estrategias centradas en el cuidado del paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 deben considerar estos factores psicosociales para mejorar el control de la enfermedad y la calidad de vida.

The Limited Sensitivity of Chest Computed Tomography Relative to Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection: A Systematic Review on COVID-19 Diagnostics.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest the sensitivity of chest computed tomography (CT) is far greater than that of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in diagnosing COVID-19 patients, and therefore, CT should be included as a primary diagnostic tool. This systematic review aims to stratify studies as high or low risk of bias to determine the true sensitivity of CT for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection according to the unbiased (low risk) studies, a topic of particular importance given the insufficient quantity of RT-PCR kits in many countries. We focus on sensitivity as that is the chief advantage perceived of CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review involved searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles conducted and published between January 1 and April 15, 2020. The quality assessment tool QUADAS-2 was used to stratify studies according to their risk of bias, and exclusion criteria included not providing the information deemed relevant for such a stratification, such as not indicating if the patients were symptomatic or asymptomatic, or identifying the source of the specimen for the reference standard, RT-PCR (eg, nasal, oropharyngeal, etc). Sensitivity values were then extracted, and random effects meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 641 search results, 37 studies (n = 9610 patients) were included in the analysis. The mean sensitivity of RT-PCR for COVID-19 reported by the biased studies was 70% (n = 5409/7 studies; 95% confidence interval [CI], 43-97; I = 99.1%), compared with 78% by unbiased studies (n = 534/4 studies; 95% CI, 69-87, I = 89.9%). For chest CT, the mean sensitivity reported by biased studies was 94% (n = 3371 patients/24 studies; 95% CI, 92-96; I = 93.1%), compared with 75% by unbiased studies (n = 957/10 studies; 95% CI, 67-83; I = 89.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The difference between the sensitivities of CT and RT-PCR for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection is lower than previously thought, as after stratifying the studies, the true sensitivity for CT based on the unbiased studies is limited.

Efecto oxitócico del decocto de la flor sagrada de los incas (Cantua buxifolia) sobre útero aislado de rata estrogenizada / Oxytocic effect of the deck of the sacred flower of the incas (Cantua buxifolia) on the isolated uterus of a strogenized rat

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del decocto de la flor sagrada de los incas (Cantua buxifolia) sobre útero aislado de rata estrogenizada. Materiales y métodos. La planta entera fue utilizada para preparar el decocto, obteniendo concentraciones finales 4 mg/mL. Se utilizaron seis ratas hembras procedentes del Instituto Nacional de Salud; posteriormente, se les estrogenizó con valerato de estradiol (solución 0,3%) durante tres días previos al experimento. Luego se sacrificaron mediante dislocamiento cervical y se aislaron los segmentos uterinos de las ratas; finalmente, se fijó en los baños de órgano aislado, determinándose la amplitud, frecuencia de contracción y actividad uterina en los grupos problema (Cantua buxifolia) y oxitocina. Resultados. El decocto de Cantua buxifolia 4 mg/mL evidenció incremento de la amplitud, frecuencia de la contracción y actividad uterina similar a oxitocina en concentración de 2X10-5 UI, (p=0,829; p=1,00 y p=0,762, respectivamente). Conclusión. El decocto de Cantua buxifolia tiene efecto oxitócico en útero aislado de rata estrogenizada.

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the decoct of the sacred flower of the Incas (Cantua buxifolia) on the isolated uterus of estrogenized rats. Materials and methods. The whole plant was used to prepare the decoct, obtaining final concentrations of 4 mg/mL. Six female rats from the National Institute of Health were used, subsequently they were estrogenized with estradiol valerate (0.3% solution) for three days prior to the experiment. Then, they were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the uterine segments of the rats were isolated, finally it was fixed in the isolated organ baths, determining the amplitude, frequency of contraction and uterine activity in the problem groups (Cantua buxifolia) and oxytocin. Results. The decoct of Cantua buxifolia 4 mg/mL showed an increase in amplitude, frequency of contraction and uterine activity similar to oxytocin at a concentration of 2X10-5 IU, (p = 0.829; p = 1.00 and p = 0.762, respectively). Conclusion. Cantua buxifolia decoct has an oxytocic effect in the isolated uterus of estrogenized rats.

A morphological database for 606 Colombian bird species.

Colombia is the country with the highest bird diversity in the world. Despite active research in ornithology, compelling morphological information of most bird species is still sparse. However, morphological information is the baseline to understand how species respond to environmental variation and how ecosystems respond to species loss. As part of a national initiative, the Instituto Alexander von Humboldt in collaboration with 12 Colombian institutions and seven biological collections, measured up to 15 morphological traits of 9,892 individuals corresponding to 606 species: 3,492 from individuals captured in field and 6,400 from museum specimens. Species measured are mainly distributed in high Andean forest, páramo, and wetland ecosystems. Seven ornithological collections in Colombia and 18 páramo complexes throughout Colombia were visited from 2013 to 2015. The morphological traits involved measurements from bill (total and exposed culmen, bill width and depth), wing (length, area, wingspan, and the distance between longest primary and longest secondary), tail (length and shape), tarsus (length), hallux (length and claw hallux), and mass. The number of measured specimens per species was variable, ranging from 1 to 321 individuals with a median of four individuals per species. Overall, this database gathered morphological information for >30% of Colombian bird diversity. No copyright, proprietary, or cost restrictions apply; the data should be cited appropriately when used.

Perspectives, Decision Making, and Final Mode of Delivery in Pregnant Women With a Previous C-Section in a General Hospital in Peru: Prospective Analysis.

Objective: Explore the perspectives, decision-making process, and final mode of delivery among pregnant women with a previous C-section (Cesarean section) in a general public sector hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods: A qualitative prospective study using semistructured interviews at two time points in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a public sector, university-affiliated reference hospital in Lima, Peru. Seventeen adult pregnant women with a prior C-section who were deemed by their attending obstetrician to be candidates for a trial of labor were interviewed. The first interview was between 37 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, and the second interview was 24 to 48 hours after delivery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predelivery decision-making process and final mode of delivery. Results: Among the 17 participants, about half (9) of the participants stated that the physician explained that they had two approaches for delivery, a trial of labor after C-section (TOLAC) or elective repeated C-section (ERCD). Two women stated that their respective providers explained only one option, either an ERCD or TOLAC. However, 6 women did not receive any information from their providers about their delivery options. Of the 10 participants that decided TOLAC, 8 ended up having a C-section, and of the 7 patients that had planned an ERCD, 1 ended up having a vaginal delivery. Conclusion: Many participants affirmed that they made the decision about their approach of delivery. However, most of the participants that decided a TOLAC ended up having a C-section because of complications during the final weeks of pregnancy or during labor.