Molecular characterization of Treponema pallidum isolates from Brazil.

Syphilis remains a public health concern in Brazil, and the data on the characterization and resistance of Treponema pallidum in Brazil is limited. The present study aimed to detect Treponema DNA in the lesions and blood samples obtained from individuals diagnosed with syphilis. The Brazilian isolates were submitted to the Enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) scheme and also analyzed for resistance gene. Treponemal DNA from 18 lesions and 18 blood specimens were submitted for amplification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Polymerase Chain Reaction in Real Time (RT-PCR). Eight samples from lesions and eight from blood were positive in the RT-PCR analysis. Eight lesions and three blood samples were positive using PCR. Two samples exhibited azithromycin resistance. The Brazilian isolate types 14d/g, 14 d/c, 15d/c, and 15d/e were identified using the ECDC scheme. The three subtypes 14d/c, 15d/c, and 15d/e have been identified in Brazil for the first time.

A Baker's Dozen of Top Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention Publications in 2022.

Keeping abreast of the antimicrobial stewardship-related articles published each year is challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor identified antimicrobial stewardship-related, peer-reviewed literature that detailed an actionable intervention during 2022. The top 13 publications were selected using a modified Delphi technique. These manuscripts were reviewed to highlight actionable interventions used by antimicrobial stewardship programs to capture potentially effective strategies for local implementation.

Consideraciones didácticas acerca de la modalidad no presencial en las universidades / Didactic Considerations about the Non-Face-to-Face Modality in Universities

Introducción: La modalidad no presencial del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje se incrementó como respuesta a las condiciones creadas por la COVID-19, sin la necesaria preparación y experiencia de los docentes para implementarla. Objetivo: Proponer algunas consideraciones didácticas que tributan al adecuado manejo del docente de los componentes del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la implementación de la modalidad no presencial. Posicionamiento de los autores: La exitosa implementación de cualquier variante de modalidad no presencial dependerá de la preparación del docente, particularmente en Didáctica, al asumir las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones como medios de enseñanza en la misión de hacer que sus estudiantes aprendan. Conclusiones: La no presencialidad en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje se considera una alternativa viable en circunstancias de pandemia u otras equivalentes, y debe ser una modalidad complementaria en la etapa posCOVID-19. Así que los profesores tendrán que replantear el proceso en todos sus componentes, en un contexto digital que ya no tiene vuelta atrás(AU)

Introduction: Within the teaching-learning process, the non-face-to-face modality was increased as a response to the conditions created by COVID-19, but without the necessary preparation and experience for professors to implement it. Objective: To propose some didactic considerations that contribute to the professor's adequate management of the components of the teaching-learning process in the implementation of the non-face-to-face modality. Authors' position: The successful implementation of any variant of the non-face-to-face modality will depend on the professor's preparation, particularly in didactics, when assuming information and communication technologies as teaching means in the mission of making their students learn. Conclusions: Within the teaching-learning process, the non-face-to-face condition is considered a viable alternative in pandemic, or other equivalent, circumstances; it should be a complementary modality in the post-COVID-19 stage. Thus, professors will have to rethink the process focusing on all its components, within a digital context that has no turning back(AU)

Complicaciones oftalmológicas en pacientes con COVID-19 / Ophthalmological complications in patients with COVID.19

Introducción: La enfermedad COVID-19, declarada como pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, afecta otros sistemas y órganos ajenos al aparato respiratorio, por ejemplo: los ojos. Objetivo: Caracterizar las manifestaciones oculares de la COVID-19 y sus posibles complicaciones. Método: Se realizó un análisis exhaustivo de bibliografía a través de los motores de búsqueda SciELO, PubMed y Google Académico; se seleccionó un total de 55 artículos. Conclusiones: Clínicamente, la COVID-19 se ha asociado a conjuntivitis leve, que puede ser el primer y único síntoma de la enfermedad, así como a afecciones retinianas, enfermedad de Kawasaki, complicaciones neurooftalmológicas y en el paciente de cuidados intensivos. La pronta detección de estas afecciones puede influir directamente en la posterior evolución del paciente.

Introduction: COVID-19, a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization, affects not only the respiratory system but other systems and organs, for example the eyes. Objective: to characterize ocular manifestations of COVID-19 and their possible complications. Methods: an exhaustive analysis of the bibliography was carried out through SciELO, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines; a total of 55 articles were selected. Conclusions: COVID-19 has been clinically associated with mild conjunctivitis, which may be the first and only symptom of the disease, as well as retinal disorders, Kawasaki disease, neuro-ophthalmological complications, and in intensive care patients. Early detection of these conditions can directly influence the subsequent evolution of the patient.

¿Sería pertinente potenciar el uso del paciente simulado en la educación médica cubana? / Would it be pertinent to promote the use of the simulated patient in Cuban medical education?

Introducción: lograr el equilibrio entre las necesidades atencionales y docentes suele enfrentarse a diversos dilemas que limitan el contacto directo del estudiante con el paciente. Una posible alternativa es el uso de la simulación. Objetivo: revalorizar la pertinencia de potenciar el uso del paciente simulado o estandarizado en la educación médica cubana. Métodos: fueron utilizadas la revisión documental (empírico) y el método analítico-sintético (teórico). Para la revisión bibliográfica, realizada en el período comprendido de enero a mayo del 2022, se emplearon los recursos disponibles en Infomed, específicamente Ebsco, PubMed y SciELO, se accedió a las bases de datos: MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, MedicLatina y Scopus. Se analizaron diversos tipos de artículos publicados en revistas científicas por autores de diversos países y se priorizaron los relacionados con la educación médica. Así, de 47 consultados se seleccionaron 20, de los cuales 16 corresponden al quinquenio 2018-2022. Resultados: inicialmente se analiza qué se entiende por simulación dentro del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje y la evolución reciente de los simuladores, se discute sobre el uso de los pacientes simulados en la educación médica, con un análisis metodológico y valoraciones que se sustentan, tanto en la revisión como en la experiencia de los autores, quienes adoptan una posición al respecto. Conclusiones: es pertinente potenciar el uso del paciente simulado en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje que se desarrolla en las universidades médicas cubanas, particularmente como tipo o variante de la educación en el trabajo. Su equilibrada combinación con pacientes reales sería lo óptimo en la formación de profesionales de la salud.

Introduction: the point of balance between the medical care and teaching needs usually faces various dilemmas, which limit the direct contact of the student with the patient. A possible alternative is the use of simulation. Objective: to reassess the relevance of promoting the use of the simulated or standardized patient in Cuban medical education. Methods: the documentary review (empirical) and the analytical-synthetic method (theoretical) were used. For the bibliographic review, carried out from January to May 2022, the resources available in Infomed were used , specifically Ebsco , PubMed and SciELO, the databases were accessed: MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, MedicLatina and Scopus . Various types of articles published in scientific journals by authors from various countries were analyzed and those related to medical education were prioritized. Thus, out of 47 consulted, 20 were selected, 16 of them correspond to the five-year period 2018-2022. Results: initially, what is meant by simulation within the teaching-learning process and the recent evolution of simulators are analyzed; The use of simulated patients in medical education is discussed, with a methodological analysis and evaluations that are supported, both in the review and in the experience of the authors, who adopt a position in this regard. Conclusions: It is pertinent to promote the use of the simulated patient in the teaching-learning process that takes place in Cuban medical universities, particularly as a type or variant of the in-service training education. Its balanced combination with real patients would be optimal in the training of health professionals.

Implementing a standardized screening protocol for parental depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a standardized screening program for parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to assess its implementation. The standardized screening protocol assessed parental mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and trauma. Screening began at 14 days post NICU admission and was implemented as part of routine medical care for all caregivers with infants admitted to the NICU at two weeks of age. Screenings were facilitated by pediatric social workers and psychology postdoctoral fellows and included review of critical self-harm items. A total of 158 parents ages 18-42 years (mean = 31.04) were eligible for screening, with 150 completed screenings. Positive screens on any of the three measures resulted in a mental health referral. Approximately 27% of parents had a positive screen that resulted in a mental health referral. The standardized screening protocol was found to be feasible, widely accepted, and effective in establishing referrals for in house mental health services. This model can be used as an example to help other NICUs implement their own universal screening protocols.