Bowel movement alterations predict the severity of diverticular disease and the risk of acute diverticulitis: a prospective, international st.

Background/Aims: Patients with diverticular disease (DD) frequently have abnormal bowel movements. However, it is unknown whether the entity of these alterations is associated with the severity of DD. We aimed to assess bowel habits and their relationship with the severity of DD according to Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification, Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA) score, and fecal calprotectin (FC). Methods: An international, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in 43 centers. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of constipation and diarrhea. The association of constipation and diarrhea with DICA classification, CODA score, and basal FC was tested using non-parametric tests. Survival methods for censored observations were applied to test the association of constipation and diarrhea with the incidence of acute diverticulitis over a 3-year follow-up. Results: Of 871 patients with DD were included in the study. Of these, 208 (23.9%) and 199 (22.9%) reported a VAS score for constipation and diarrhea at least 3 at baseline, respectively. Higher constipation and diarrhea scores were associated with increasing DICA classification, CODA score and basal FC (P< 0.001). Constipation and diarrhea scores were independently associated with an increased hazard of developing acute diverticulitis (hazard ratio [HR]constipation = 1.15 per 1-VAS point increase, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.27; P=0.004; and HRdiarrhea =1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.26; P=0.014, respectively). Conclusions: In newly diagnosed patients with DD, higher endoscopic and combined scores of DD severity were associated with higher scores of constipation and diarrhea at baseline. Both constipation and diarrhea were independent prognostic factors of acute diverticulitis.

Development of a Consensus-Derived Synoptic Operative Report for Rectal Prolapse: A Report From the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Narrative operative reports may omit or obscure data from an operation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a synoptic operative report for rectal prolapse that includes core descriptors as developed by an international consensus of expert pelvic floor surgeons. DESIGN: Descriptors for patients undergoing rectal prolapse surgery were generated through review. Members of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium were recruited to participate in a 3-round Delphi process using a 9-point Likert scale. Descriptors that achieved 70% agreement were kept from the first round, and descriptors scoring 40% to 70% agreement were recirculated in subsequent rounds. A final list of operative descriptors was determined at a consensus meeting, with a final consensus meeting more than 70% agreement. SETTINGS: This survey was administered to members of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium. PATIENTS: No patient data are included in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptors meeting greater than 70% agreement were selected. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six surgeons representing colorectal surgeons, urogynecologists, and urologists distributed throughout North America (56%), Latin America (4%), Western Europe (29%), Asia (4%), and Africa (1%) participated in the first round of Delphi voting. After 2 additional rounds and a final consensus meeting, 16 of 30 descriptors met 70% consensus. Descriptors that met consensus were surgery type, posterior dissection, ventral dissection, mesh used, type of mesh used, mesh location, sutures used, suture type, pouch of Douglas and peritoneum reclosed, length of rectum imbricated, length of bowel resected, levatoroplasty, simultaneous vaginal procedure, simultaneous gynecologic procedure, simultaneous enterocele repair, and simultaneous urinary incontinence procedure. LIMITATIONS: The survey represents the views of members of the Delphi panel and may not represent the viewpoints of all surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi survey establishes international consensus descriptors for intraoperative variables that have been used to produce a synoptic operative report. This will help establish defined operative reporting to improve clinical communication, quality measures, and clinical research. See Video Abstract . DESARROLLO DE UN PROTOCOLO OPERATORIO SINPTICO DERIVADO DE CONSENSO PARA EL PROLAPSO RECTAL UN INFORME DEL CONSORCIO DE TRASTORNOS DEL PISO PLVICO: ANTECEDENTES:Los protocolos operativos narrativos frecuentemente pueden omitir u oscurecer datos de un procedimiento.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar un protocolo operatorio sinóptico para el prolapso rectal que incluya descriptores básicos desarrollados por un consenso internacional de cirujanos expertos en piso pélvico.DISEÑO:Los descriptores para pacientes sometidos a cirugía de prolapso rectal se generaron mediante revisión. Se reclutó a miembros del Consorcio de Trastornos del Piso Pélvico para participar en un proceso Delphi de 3 rondas utilizando una escala Likert de 9 puntos. Los descriptores que lograron un 70% de acuerdo se mantuvieron en la primera ronda, los descriptores que obtuvieron un 40-70% de acuerdo se recircularon en rondas posteriores. Se determinó una lista final de descriptores operativos en una reunión de consenso, con una reunión de consenso final de más del 70% de acuerdo.ESCENARIO:Esta fue una encuesta administrada a miembros del Consorcio de Trastornos del Piso Pélvico.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se seleccionaron los descriptores que cumplieron más del 70% de acuerdo.RESULTADOS:Ciento setenta y seis cirujanos en representación de cirujanos colorrectales, uroginecólogos y urólogos distribuidos en América del Norte (56%), América Latina (4%), Europa Occidental (29%), Asia (4%) y África (1%) participaron en la primera ronda de votación Delphi. Después de dos rondas adicionales y una reunión de consenso final, 16 de 30 descriptores alcanzaron un 70% de consenso. Los descriptores que alcanzaron consenso fueron: tipo de cirugía, disección posterior, disección ventral, malla utilizada, tipo de malla utilizada, ubicación de la malla, suturas utilizadas, tipo de sutura, cierre del fondo de saco de Douglas y peritoneo, longitud del recto superpuesto, longitud del intestino resecado, plastía de los elevadores , procedimiento vaginal simultáneo, procedimiento ginecológico simultáneo, reparación simultánea de enterocele y procedimiento simultáneo de incontinencia urinaria.LIMITACIONES:La encuesta representa las opiniones de los miembros del panel Delphi y puede no representar los puntos de vista de todos los cirujanos.CONCLUSIONES/DISCUSIÓN:Esta encuesta Delphi establece descriptores de consenso internacional para las variables intraoperatorias que se han utilizado para producir un protocolo operatorio sinóptico. Esto ayudará a establecer protocolos operativos definidos para mejorar la comunicación clínica, las medidas de calidad y la investigación clínica. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

Systematic documentation of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective: To document the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in a selection of Latin American and Caribbean countries, including the lessons learned and the strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences among programs. Methods: This descriptive study is based on a systematic evaluation of the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders. Six informants from each of the included countries participated in this study. The period of the study was from December 2021 through September 2022. Results: The main strengths reported by countries were health workers' commitment to delivering vaccinations, evidence-based decision-making, the development of plans for vaccine introduction, the participation of national immunization technical advisory groups, the availability of economic resources and positive actions from the respective Ministry of Health. The main challenges were the actions of antivaccination groups, problems with electronic immunization registries, a lack of vaccines, delays in the delivery of vaccines and the scarcity of health personnel at the local level. Conclusions: Commitment, the participation of multiple sectors, the availability of resources and preparedness planning were some of the many strengths shown by countries introducing COVID-19 vaccines. Weaknesses included third parties' interests, the lack of information systems and difficulty in accessing vaccines and vaccine services. There is a window of opportunity for countries to maintain the good practices that allowed for the processes' strengths and to assess the identified weaknesses to invigorate immunization programs and prepare for future health crises.

Durable Approaches to Recurrent Rectal Prolapse Repair May Require Avoidance of Index Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of recurrent rectal prolapse is associated with unique technical challenges, partially determined by the surgical approach used for the index operation. Success rates are variable, and data to determine the best approach in patients with recurring prolapse are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess current surgical approaches to patients with prior rectal prolapse repairs and to compare short-term outcomes of de novo and redo procedures, including recurrence of rectal prolapse. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database. SETTINGS: The Multicenter Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium Prospective Quality Improvement database. De-identified surgeons at more than 25 sites (81% high volume) self-reported patient demographics, prior repairs, symptoms of incontinence and obstructed defecation, and operative details, including history of concomitant repairs and prior prolapse repairs. PATIENTS: Patients who were offered surgery for full thickness rectal prolapse. INTERVENTIONS: Incidence and type of repair used for prior rectal prolapse surgery were recorded. Primary and secondary outcomes of index and redo operations were calculated. Patients undergoing rectal prolapse re-repair (redo) were compared with patients undergoing first (de novo) rectal prolapse repair. The incidence of rectal prolapse recurrence in de novo and redo operations was quantified. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome of rectal prolapse recurrence in de novo and redo settings. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (19.3%) of 461 patients underwent redo rectal prolapse repair. On short-term follow-up, redo patients had prolapse recurrence rates similar to those undergoing de novo repair. However, patients undergoing redo procedures rarely had the same operation as their index procedure. LIMITATIONS: Self-reported, de-identified data. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that recurrent rectal prolapse surgery is feasible and can offer adequate rates of rectal prolapse durability in the short term but may argue for a change in surgical approach for redo procedures when clinically feasible. See Video Abstract . LOS ENFOQUES DURADEROS PARA LA REPARACIN DEL PROLAPSO RECTAL RECURRENTE PUEDEN REQUERIR EVITAR EL PROCEDIMIENTO NDICE: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico del prolapso rectal recurrente se asocia con desafíos técnicos únicos, determinados en parte por el abordaje quirúrgico utilizado para la operación inicial. Las tasas de éxito son variables y faltan datos para determinar el mejor abordaje en pacientes con prolapso recurrente.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los enfoques quirúrgicos actuales para pacientes con reparaciones previas de prolapso rectal y comparar los resultados a corto plazo de los procedimientos de novo y rehacer, incluida la recurrencia del prolapso rectal.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva.AJUSTE:Base de datos de mejora prospectiva de la calidad del Consorcio multicéntrico de trastornos del suelo pélvico. Cirujanos no identificados en más de 25 sitios (81% de alto volumen) informaron datos demográficos de los pacientes, reparaciones previas, síntomas de incontinencia y defecación obstruida y detalles operativos, incluido el historial de reparaciones concomitantes y reparaciones previas de prolapso.INTERVENCIONES:Se registro la incidencia y el tipo de reparación utilizada para la cirugía de prolapso rectal previa. Se calcularon los resultados primarios y secundarios de las operaciones de índice y reoperacion. Se compararon los pacientes sometidos a una nueva reparación (reoperacion) de prolapso rectal con pacientes sometidos a una primera reparación (de novo) de prolapso rectal. Se cuantificó la incidencia de recurrencia del prolapso rectal en operaciones de novo y rehacer.RESULTADOS:El resultado primario de recurrencia del prolapso rectal en entornos de novo y redo. Ochenta y nueve (19,3%) de 461 pacientes se sometieron a una nueva reparación del prolapso rectal. En el seguimiento a corto plazo, los pacientes reoperados tuvieron tasas de recurrencia de prolapso similares a los de los sometidos a reparación de novo. Sin embargo, los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de rehacer rara vez tuvieron la misma operación que su procedimiento índice.LIMITACIONES:Datos no identificados y autoinformados.CONCLUSIONES/DISCUSIÓN:Nuestros resultados sugieren que la cirugía de prolapso rectal recurrente es factible y puede ofrecer tasas adecuadas de durabilidad del prolapso rectal en el corto plazo, pero puede abogar por un cambio en el enfoque quirúrgico para rehacer los procedimientos cuando sea clínicamente factible. (Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Estimated population-level impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines against all-cause pneumonia mortality among unvaccinated age groups in five Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide strong direct protection in children, while limited data are available on their indirect effect on mortality among older age groups. This multi-country study aimed to assess the population-level impact of pediatric PCVs on all-cause pneumonia mortality among ≥5 years of age, and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in Chile. METHODS: Demographic and mortality data from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico were collected considering the ≥ 5-year-old population, from 2000-2019, with 1,795,789 deaths due to all-cause pneumonia. IPD cases in Chile were also evaluated. Time series models were employed to evaluate changes in all-cause pneumonia deaths during the post-vaccination period, with other causes of death used as synthetic controls for unrelated temporal trends. RESULTS: No significant change in death rates due to all-cause pneumonia was detected following PCV introduction among most age groups and countries. The proportion of IPD cases caused by vaccine serotypes decreased from 29% (2012) to 6% (2022) among ≥65 years in Chile. DISCUSSION: While an effect of PCV against pneumonia deaths (a broad clinical definition that may not be specific enough to measure indirect effects) was not detected, evidence of indirect PCV impact was observed among vaccine-type-specific IPD cases.

Systematic documentation of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean / Documentación sistemática de la introducción de vacunas contra la COVID- 19 en América Latina y el Caribe / Documentação sistemática da introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na América Latina e no Caribe

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To document the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in a selection of Latin American and Caribbean countries, including the lessons learned and the strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences among programs. Methods. This descriptive study is based on a systematic evaluation of the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders. Six informants from each of the included countries participated in this study. The period of the study was from December 2021 through September 2022. Results. The main strengths reported by countries were health workers’ commitment to delivering vaccinations, evidence-based decision-making, the development of plans for vaccine introduction, the participation of national immunization technical advisory groups, the availability of economic resources and positive actions from the respective Ministry of Health. The main challenges were the actions of antivaccination groups, problems with electronic immunization registries, a lack of vaccines, delays in the delivery of vaccines and the scarcity of health personnel at the local level. Conclusions. Commitment, the participation of multiple sectors, the availability of resources and preparedness planning were some of the many strengths shown by countries introducing COVID-19 vaccines. Weaknesses included third parties’ interests, the lack of information systems and difficulty in accessing vaccines and vac- cine services. There is a window of opportunity for countries to maintain the good practices that allowed for the processes’ strengths and to assess the identified weaknesses to invigorate immunization programs and prepare for future health crises.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Documentar el proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en un algunos países de América Latina y el Caribe, incluidas las enseñanzas extraídas y sus puntos fuertes y débiles, así como las similitudes y diferencias entre los distintos programas. Métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se basa en una evaluación sistemática del proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en Argentina, Belice, Brasil, Costa Rica, Panamá y Perú. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario distribuido a las principales partes interesadas. El estudio contó con la participación de un informante de cada uno de los seis países incluidos. El período de estudio fue de diciembre del 2021 a septiembre del 2022. Resultados. Los países indicaron como puntos fuertes principales el compromiso del personal de atención de salud con la vacunación, la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia, la formulación de planes para la introducción de las vacunas, la participación de grupos técnicos asesores nacionales sobre inmunización, la disponibilidad de recursos económicos y las medidas favorables adoptadas por respectivos los Ministerios de Salud. Los retos más importantes fueron las acciones de los grupos contrarios a las vacunas, los problemas con los registros electrónicos de vacunación, la falta de vacunas, los retrasos en la entrega de vacunas y la escasez de personal de atención de salud a nivel local. Conclusiones. Se observó que el compromiso, la participación de múltiples sectores, la disponibilidad de recursos y la planificación de la preparación eran algunos de los puntos fuertes de los países que introdujeron las vacunas contra la COVID-19. Los puntos débiles fueron los intereses de terceros, la falta de sistemas de información y las dificultades para acceder a las vacunas y a los servicios de vacunación. Los países disponen ahora de una oportunidad para mantener las buenas prácticas que propiciaron los puntos fuertes de los procesos y evaluar los puntos débiles identificados a fin de fortalecer los programas de inmunización y prepararse para futuras crisis de salud.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Documentar o processo de introdução da vacina contra a COVID-19 em alguns países da América Latina e do Caribe, incluindo as lições aprendidas e os pontos fortes e fracos, bem como semelhanças e diferenças entre os programas. Métodos. Este estudo descritivo baseia-se em uma avaliação sistemática do processo de introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na Argentina, em Belize, no Brasil, na Costa Rica, no Panamá e no Peru. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário distribuído às principais partes interessadas. Seis informantes de cada um dos países incluídos participaram do estudo, que foi realizado entre dezembro de 2021 e setembro de 2022. Resultados. Os principais pontos fortes relatados pelos países foram o comprometimento dos profissionais de saúde com a vacinação, a tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências, o desenvolvimento de planos para a introdução de vacinas, a participação de grupos técnicos assessores nacionais sobre imunização, a disponibilidade de recursos econômicos e ações positivas dos respectivos ministérios da Saúde. Os principais desafios foram as ações de grupos antivacina, problemas com os registros eletrônicos de imunização, a falta de vacinas, atrasos na entrega das vacinas e a escassez de pessoal de saúde em nível local. Conclusões. O comprometimento, a participação de vários setores, a disponibilidade de recursos e o planejamento de preparação foram alguns dos muitos pontos fortes demonstrados pelos países ao introduzirem as vacinas contra a COVID-19. Entre os pontos fracos estavam os interesses de terceiros, a falta de sistemas de informação e a dificuldade de acesso às vacinas e aos serviços de vacinação. Há uma janela de oportunidade para que os países mantenham as boas práticas que viabilizaram os pontos fortes dos processos e avaliem os pontos fracos identificados a fim de revigorar os programas de imunização e preparar-se para futuras crises sanitárias.

Systematic documentation of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean / Documentación sistemática de la introducción de vacunas contra la COVID-19 en América Latina y el Caribe / Documentação sistemática da introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na América Latina e no Caribe

ABSTRACT Objective. To document the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in a selection of Latin American and Caribbean countries, including the lessons learned and the strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences among programs. Methods. This descriptive study is based on a systematic evaluation of the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders. Six informants from each of the included countries participated in this study. The period of the study was from December 2021 through September 2022. Results. The main strengths reported by countries were health workers' commitment to delivering vaccinations, evidence-based decision-making, the development of plans for vaccine introduction, the participation of national immunization technical advisory groups, the availability of economic resources and positive actions from the respective Ministry of Health. The main challenges were the actions of antivaccination groups, problems with electronic immunization registries, a lack of vaccines, delays in the delivery of vaccines and the scarcity of health personnel at the local level. Conclusions. Commitment, the participation of multiple sectors, the availability of resources and preparedness planning were some of the many strengths shown by countries introducing COVID-19 vaccines. Weaknesses included third parties' interests, the lack of information systems and difficulty in accessing vaccines and vaccine services. There is a window of opportunity for countries to maintain the good practices that allowed for the processes' strengths and to assess the identified weaknesses to invigorate immunization programs and prepare for future health crises.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Documentar el proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en un algunos países de América Latina y el Caribe, incluidas las enseñanzas extraídas y sus puntos fuertes y débiles, así como las similitudes y diferencias entre los distintos programas. Métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se basa en una evaluación sistemática del proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en Argentina, Belice, Brasil, Costa Rica, Panamá y Perú. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario distribuido a las principales partes interesadas. El estudio contó con la participación de un informante de cada uno de los seis países incluidos. El período de estudio fue de diciembre del 2021 a septiembre del 2022. Resultados. Los países indicaron como puntos fuertes principales el compromiso del personal de atención de salud con la vacunación, la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia, la formulación de planes para la introducción de las vacunas, la participación de grupos técnicos asesores nacionales sobre inmunización, la disponibilidad de recursos económicos y las medidas favorables adoptadas por respectivos los Ministerios de Salud. Los retos más importantes fueron las acciones de los grupos contrarios a las vacunas, los problemas con los registros electrónicos de vacunación, la falta de vacunas, los retrasos en la entrega de vacunas y la escasez de personal de atención de salud a nivel local. Conclusiones. Se observó que el compromiso, la participación de múltiples sectores, la disponibilidad de recursos y la planificación de la preparación eran algunos de los puntos fuertes de los países que introdujeron las vacunas contra la COVID-19. Los puntos débiles fueron los intereses de terceros, la falta de sistemas de información y las dificultades para acceder a las vacunas y a los servicios de vacunación. Los países disponen ahora de una oportunidad para mantener las buenas prácticas que propiciaron los puntos fuertes de los procesos y evaluar los puntos débiles identificados a fin de fortalecer los programas de inmunización y prepararse para futuras crisis de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo. Documentar o processo de introdução da vacina contra a COVID-19 em alguns países da América Latina e do Caribe, incluindo as lições aprendidas e os pontos fortes e fracos, bem como semelhanças e diferenças entre os programas. Métodos. Este estudo descritivo baseia-se em uma avaliação sistemática do processo de introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na Argentina, em Belize, no Brasil, na Costa Rica, no Panamá e no Peru. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário distribuído às principais partes interessadas. Seis informantes de cada um dos países incluídos participaram do estudo, que foi realizado entre dezembro de 2021 e setembro de 2022. Resultados. Os principais pontos fortes relatados pelos países foram o comprometimento dos profissionais de saúde com a vacinação, a tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências, o desenvolvimento de planos para a introdução de vacinas, a participação de grupos técnicos assessores nacionais sobre imunização, a disponibilidade de recursos econômicos e ações positivas dos respectivos ministérios da Saúde. Os principais desafios foram as ações de grupos antivacina, problemas com os registros eletrônicos de imunização, a falta de vacinas, atrasos na entrega das vacinas e a escassez de pessoal de saúde em nível local. Conclusões. O comprometimento, a participação de vários setores, a disponibilidade de recursos e o planejamento de preparação foram alguns dos muitos pontos fortes demonstrados pelos países ao introduzirem as vacinas contra a COVID-19. Entre os pontos fracos estavam os interesses de terceiros, a falta de sistemas de informação e a dificuldade de acesso às vacinas e aos serviços de vacinação. Há uma janela de oportunidade para que os países mantenham as boas práticas que viabilizaram os pontos fortes dos processos e avaliem os pontos fracos identificados a fim de revigorar os programas de imunização e preparar-se para futuras crises sanitárias.

Rotavirus genotypes in children under five years hospitalized with diarrhea in low and middle-income countries: Results from the WHO-coordinated Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network.

Rotavirus is the most common pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Previous evidence suggests that the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in national immunization schedules resulted in dramatic declines in disease burden but may also be changing the rotavirus genetic landscape and driving the emergence of new genotypes. We report genotype data of more than 16,000 rotavirus isolates from 40 countries participating in the Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network. Data from a convenience sample of children under five years of age hospitalized with acute watery diarrhea who tested positive for rotavirus were included. Country results were weighted by their estimated rotavirus disease burden to estimate regional genotype distributions. Globally, the most frequent genotypes identified after weighting were G1P[8] (31%), G1P[6] (8%) and G3P[8] (8%). Genotypes varied across WHO Regions and between countries that had and had not introduced rotavirus vaccine. G1P[8] was less frequent among African (36 vs 20%) and European (33 vs 8%) countries that had introduced rotavirus vaccines as compared to countries that had not introduced. Our results describe differences in the distribution of the most common rotavirus genotypes in children with diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries. G1P[8] was less frequent in countries that had introduced the rotavirus vaccine while different strains are emerging or re-emerging in different regions.

Antegrade Intramedullary Screws in Metacarpal Fractures of Pediatric Patients.

Metacarpal fractures are common injuries in pediatric patients. In adults, cannulated intramedullary screws are an excellent stabilization option for metacarpal fractures and are widely used, but in pediatric patients with open physes, their use is a relative contraindication. The risk of injury to the physis in classic retrograde screw placement makes this type of osteosynthesis not an option. We present the case of an 8-year-old patient with fractures of two adjacent metacarpals with rotational malalignment and scissoring, in which closed reduction was performed, and stabilization with cannulated intramedullary screws using antegrade placement to avoid injury to the physis.

Molecular detection of Leptospira spp. in small wild rodents from rural areas of São Paulo State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis represents a One Health issue, affecting humans and animals. This study investigated pathogenic leptospires in small wild rodents in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Kidney samples from 164 rodents underwent qPCR testing, targeting pathogenic Leptospira spp. RESULTS: Thirty-five animals (21.34%) tested positive, including five rodent species: Akodon montensis (2/21; 9.5%), Necromys lasiurus (1/4; 25%), Oligoryzomys nigripes (24/92; 26.1%), Oligoryzomys flavescens (5/26; 19.2%), and Sooretamys angouya (3/14; 21.4%). Botucatu municipality exhibited the highest prevalence, with 42.5% (20/47) of the animals testing positive. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Leptospira spp. in wild rodents suggests they may be chronic carriers, contaminating the environment.

Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment classification, CODA score and fecal calprotectin in clinical assessment of patients with diverticular disease: A decision curve analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification and the Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA) were found to be effective in predicting the outcomes of Diverticular Disease (DD). We ascertain whether fecal calprotectin (FC) can further aid in improving risk stratification. METHODS: A three-year international, multicentre, prospective cohort study was conducted involving 43 Gastroenterology and Endoscopy centres. Survival methods for censored observations were used to estimate the risk of acute diverticulitis (AD) in newly diagnosed DD patients according to basal FC, DICA, and CODA. The net benefit of management strategies based on DICA, CODA and FC in addition to CODA was assessed with decision curve analysis, which incorporates the harms and benefits of using a prognostic model for clinical decisions. RESULTS: At the first diagnosis of diverticulosis/DD, 871 participants underwent FC measurement. FC was associated with the risk of AD at 3 years (HR per each base 10 logarithm increase: 3.29; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-5.10) and showed moderate discrimination (c-statistic: 0.685; 0.614-0.756). DICA and CODA were more accurate predictors of AD than FC. However, FC showed high discrimination capacity to predict AD at 3 months, which was not maintained at longer follow-up times. The decision curve analysis comparing the combination of FC and CODA with CODA alone did not clearly indicate a larger net benefit of one strategy over the other. CONCLUSIONS: FC measurement could be used as a complementary tool to assess the immediate risk of AD. In all other cases, treatment strategies based on the CODA score alone should be recommended.

Increasing opportunities for international surgeons.

Social media has completely transformed communication among surgeons. Although we have learned a lot, we still have many challenges to resolve with these tools. Nevertheless, social media has opened many novel opportunities for the surgical community worldwide. Many of these opportunities would never be realized without social media tools, especially in low and middle-income countries. We will discuss the main tools and their applications for increasing opportunities for international surgeons.

Elimination of cervical cancer in Latin America (Project ECHO-ELA): lessons from phase one of implementation.

We describe the outcomes of The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Elimination of Cervical Cancer in The Americas (ECHO-ELA) program, which was developed as a tri-lateral cooperation between Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson). The program's purpose is to disseminate strategies for cervical cancer prevention and is structured around the three pillars of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy and the associated 90-70-90 target goals. The target audience includes health authorities from Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as PAHO's non-communicable disease Focal Points in country offices as well as clinical and public health collaborators. The virtual sessions are held in Spanish for 1.5 hours every month using the ECHO® format. From May 2020 to June 2021, 14 ECHO sessions were held with an average of 74 participants per session (range: 46 - 142). We conducted two anonymous surveys (baseline and follow up) and two focus groups. Respondents stated that the topics they learned the most about included the state of HPV vaccination in the region and strategies for implementing HPV vaccination. Identified needs included support between ECHO sessions and country-specific technical assistance. The ECHO-ELA program provides a forum for increased collaboration between countries in Latin America/Caribbean and the dissemination of best-practice strategies to reach the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination target goals.

Se describen los resultados del programa ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) para la eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino en las Américas (ECHO-ELA), que se concibió como una cooperación trilateral entre la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Estados Unidos (NCI) y el centro contra el cáncer MD Anderson (MD Anderson) de la Universidad de Texas. La finalidad del programa es difundir las estrategias para la prevención del cáncer cervicouterino, y está estructurado en torno a los tres pilares de la estrategia para la eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y los objetivos 90-70-90 conexos. El público destinatario comprende autoridades de salud de países de América Latina y el Caribe, así como los puntos focales de la OPS para las enfermedades no transmisibles en las Representaciones en los países, además de colaboradores en el ámbito clínico y de la salud pública. Las sesiones virtuales se llevan a cabo en español, durante 1,5 horas cada mes, utilizando el formato ECHO®. De mayo del 2020 a junio del 2021 se celebraron 14 sesiones de ECHO, con un promedio de 74 participantes por sesión (límites: 46-142). Se realizaron dos encuestas anónimas (al inicio y de seguimiento) y dos grupos de opinión. Los encuestados declararon que los temas sobre los que más aprendieron fueron la situación de la vacunación contra el VPH en la región y las estrategias para poner en marcha la vacunación contra el VPH. Entre las necesidades mencionadas figuraban el apoyo entre las sesiones de ECHO y la asistencia técnica específica para cada país. El programa ECHO-ELA brinda un foro para una mayor colaboración entre los países de América Latina y el Caribe y para difundir las estrategias sobre las mejores prácticas, a fin de alcanzar los objetivos de la OMS de eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino.

Este trabalho descreve os resultados do programa Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes para eliminação do câncer do colo do útero nas Américas (ECHO ELA), desenvolvido na forma de cooperação trilateral entre a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o Instituto Nacional do Câncer dos Estados Unidos (NCI) e o MD Anderson Cancer Center da Universidade do Texas (MD Anderson). O programa visa a disseminar estratégias para a prevenção do câncer do colo do útero e está estruturado em torno dos três pilares da estratégia de eliminação do câncer do colo do útero da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e das Metas 90-70-90 associadas. O público-alvo inclui autoridades sanitárias de países da América Latina e do Caribe, bem como os pontos focais de doenças não transmissíveis nas representações da OPAS nos países, além de colaboradores clínicos e de saúde pública. Todos os meses, são realizadas sessões virtuais de uma hora e meia em espanhol usando o formato ECHO®. No período de maio de 2020 a junho de 2021, foram realizadas 14 sessões do ECHO, com uma média de 74 participantes por sessão (variação: 46 a 142). Foram realizadas duas enquetes anônimas (linha de base e acompanhamento) e dois grupos focais. Os entrevistados afirmaram que os tópicos sobre os quais mais aprenderam foram a situação da vacinação contra o HPV na região e as estratégias para implementar a vacinação contra o HPV. As necessidades identificadas incluíam apoio entre as sessões do ECHO e assistência técnica específica para o país. O programa ECHO ELA oferece um fórum para aumentar a colaboração entre os países da América Latina e do Caribe e difundir melhores práticas para atingir as metas de eliminação do câncer do colo do útero da OMS.

Elimination of cervical cancer in Latin America (Project ECHO-ELA): lessons from phase one of implementation

[ABSTRACT]. We describe the outcomes of The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Elimination of Cervical Cancer in The Americas (ECHO-ELA) program, which was developed as a tri-lateral cooperation between Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson). The program’s purpose is to disseminate strategies for cervical cancer prevention and is structured around the three pillars of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy and the associated 90-70-90 target goals. The target audience includes health authorities from Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as PAHO’s non-communicable disease Focal Points in country offices as well as clinical and public health collaborators. The virtual sessions are held in Spanish for 1.5 hours every month using the ECHO® format. From May 2020 to June 2021, 14 ECHO sessions were held with an average of 74 participants per session (range: 46 – 142). We conducted two anonymous surveys (baseline and follow up) and two focus groups. Respondents stated that the topics they learned the most about included the state of HPV vaccination in the region and strategies for implementing HPV vaccina- tion. Identified needs included support between ECHO sessions and country-specific technical assistance. The ECHO-ELA program provides a forum for increased collaboration between countries in Latin America/ Caribbean and the dissemination of best-practice strategies to reach the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination target goals.

[RESUMEN]. Se describen los resultados del programa ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) para la eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino en las Américas (ECHO-ELA), que se concibió como una coop- eración trilateral entre la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Estados Unidos (NCI) y el centro contra el cáncer MD Anderson (MD Anderson) de la Universidad de Texas. La finalidad del programa es difundir las estrategias para la prevención del cáncer cervicouterino, y está estructurado en torno a los tres pilares de la estrategia para la eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y los objetivos 90-70-90 conexos. El público destinatario com- prende autoridades de salud de países de América Latina y el Caribe, así como los puntos focales de la OPS para las enfermedades no transmisibles en las Representaciones en los países, además de colaboradores en el ámbito clínico y de la salud pública. Las sesiones virtuales se llevan a cabo en español, durante 1,5 horas cada mes, utilizando el formato ECHO®. De mayo del 2020 a junio del 2021 se celebraron 14 sesiones de ECHO, con un promedio de 74 participantes por sesión (límites: 46-142). Se realizaron dos encuestas anónimas (al inicio y de seguimiento) y dos grupos de opinión. Los encuestados declararon que los temas sobre los que más aprendieron fueron la situación de la vacunación contra el VPH en la región y las estrate- gias para poner en marcha la vacunación contra el VPH. Entre las necesidades mencionadas figuraban el apoyo entre las sesiones de ECHO y la asistencia técnica específica para cada país. El programa ECHO-ELA brinda un foro para una mayor colaboración entre los países de América Latina y el Caribe y para difundir las estrategias sobre las mejores prácticas, a fin de alcanzar los objetivos de la OMS de eliminación del cáncer cervicouterino.

[RESUMO]. Este trabalho descreve os resultados do programa Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes para elimi- nação do câncer do colo do útero nas Américas (ECHO ELA), desenvolvido na forma de cooperação trilateral entre a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o Instituto Nacional do Câncer dos Estados Unidos (NCI) e o MD Anderson Cancer Center da Universidade do Texas (MD Anderson). O programa visa a dissem- inar estratégias para a prevenção do câncer do colo do útero e está estruturado em torno dos três pilares da estratégia de eliminação do câncer do colo do útero da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e das Metas 90-70-90 associadas. O público-alvo inclui autoridades sanitárias de países da América Latina e do Caribe, bem como os pontos focais de doenças não transmissíveis nas representações da OPAS nos países, além de colaboradores clínicos e de saúde pública. Todos os meses, são realizadas sessões virtuais de uma hora e meia em espanhol usando o formato ECHO®. No período de maio de 2020 a junho de 2021, foram realizadas 14 sessões do ECHO, com uma média de 74 participantes por sessão (variação: 46 a 142). Foram realizadas duas enquetes anônimas (linha de base e acompanhamento) e dois grupos focais. Os entrevistados afirma- ram que os tópicos sobre os quais mais aprenderam foram a situação da vacinação contra o HPV na região e as estratégias para implementar a vacinação contra o HPV. As necessidades identificadas incluíam apoio entre as sessões do ECHO e assistência técnica específica para o país. O programa ECHO ELA oferece um fórum para aumentar a colaboração entre os países da América Latina e do Caribe e difundir melhores práti- cas para atingir as metas de eliminação do câncer do colo do útero da OMS.

Prevalence and Natural History of Segmental Colitis Associated With Diverticulosis.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the prevalence and clinical outcomes of segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) in patients with newly diagnosed diverticulosis. METHODS: A 3-year international, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted involving 2,215 patients. RESULTS: SCAD diagnosis was posed in 44 patients (30 male patients; median age: 64.5 years; prevalence of 1.99%, 95% confidence interval, 1.45%-2.66%). Patients with SCAD types D and B showed worse symptoms, higher fecal calprotectin values, needed more steroids, and reached less likely complete remission. DISCUSSION: Although SCAD generally had a benign outcome, types B and D were associated with more severe symptoms and worse clinical course.