Determinants of HIV late presentation among men who have sex with men in Portugal (2014-2019): who's being left behind?

Introduction: HIV late presentation (LP) remains excessive in Europe. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with late presentation in the MSM population newly diagnosed with HIV in Portugal between 2014 and 2019. Methods: We included 391 newly HIV-1 diagnosed Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), from the BESTHOPE project, in 17 countrywide Portuguese hospitals. The data included clinical and socio-behavioral questionnaires and the viral genomic sequence obtained in the drug resistance test before starting antiretrovirals (ARVs). HIV-1 subtypes and epidemiological surveillance mutations were determined using different bioinformatics tools. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between predictor variables and late presentation (LP). Results: The median age was 31 years, 51% had a current income between 501-1,000 euros, 28% were migrants. 21% had never been tested for HIV before diagnosis, with 42.3% of MSM presenting LP. 60% were infected with subtype B strains. In the multivariate regression, increased age at diagnosis, higher income, lower frequency of screening, STI ever diagnosed and higher viral load were associated with LP. Conclusion: Our study suggests that specific subgroups of the MSM population, such older MSM, with higher income and lower HIV testing frequency, are not being targeted by community and clinical screening services. Overall, targeted public health measures should be strengthened toward these subgroups, through strengthened primary care testing, expanded access to PrEP, information and promotion of HIV self-testing and more inclusive and accessible health services.

Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role.

BACKGROUND: The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs. METHODS: Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Self-Rated Health (SRH), FANTASTICO Lifestyle Scale, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and SRH. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the dog owners' light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.445, p = 0.01). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health (rho = -0.785, p = 0.02) and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity (rho = 0.358, p = 0.03), and attachment (rho = 0.392, p = 0.01), were related to taking the pet for a walk. Regarding lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle had a better self-assessment of their health using the SRH (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health (rho = 0.398, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that individuals who adopt healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and engagement in PA. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of PA in DO, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.

The Impact of 8 Weeks of Combined Physical Exercise Training on SIRT3 and mTOR in Lymphocytes, and on Lipid Peroxidation.

The sirtuins (SIRT) protein family and the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are intracellular molecules that have been involved in the regulation of several biological processes, as well as in various aging-related processes. This pilot study, in small scale, aimed to analyze the effects of an 8-week physical exercise program on SIRT3 and mTOR levels in lymphocytes, as well as on lipid peroxidation in middle aged and older men. A total of 9 participants aged between 56 and 73 years were enrolled in an 8-week physical exercise program comprising cardiovascular and high-intensity interval training. The program involved three sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 min, conducted on non-consecutive days. Tests were conducted before and after the experimental period (pre- and post-training). Assessments included a vertical jump, 20 m velocity, ball throwing, and an aerobic capacity test. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) was measured in plasma as an oxidative stress biomarker. Additionally, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3/ß-actin) and mTOR (mTOR/ß-actin) levels were measured in isolated lymphocytes extracted from venous blood. Following the exercise training period, our results demonstrated a significant improvement in aerobic capacity (pre-training: 615.4 ± 45.3 m; post-training: 687.2 ± 34.6 m; t = -2.521; p = 0.012) and 20 m velocity (pre-training: 4.6 ± 0.5 s; post-training: 4.3 ± 0.3 s; t = -2.023; p = 0.04). Concerning blood variables, there was a significant decrease in mTOR levels (pre-training: 0.857 ± 0.593; post-training: 0.214 ± 0.097; t = -2.547; p = 0.011), while no changes were observed in SIRT3 (pre-training: 0.608 ± 0.404; post-training: 0.516 ± 0.390; t = 0.533; p = 0.594) and MDA (pre-training: 8420 ± 4615; post-training: 8800 ± 3163; t = -0.533; p = 0.594). The notable reduction in mTOR levels in lymphocytes following the 8-week physical exercise program suggests a potential role of exercise in modulating immune cell dynamics, particularly in middle-aged and older individuals. Furthermore, the exercise regimen resulted in improvements in physical function, including enhanced aerobic capacity and walking velocity.

Optimizing the enzymatic production of biolubricants by the Taguchi method: Esterification of the free fatty acids from castor oil with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol catalyzed by Eversa Transform 2.0.

The solvent-free esterification of the free fatty acids (FFAs) obtained by the hydrolysis of castor oil (a non-edible vegetable oil) with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (a branched fatty alcohol) was catalyzed by different free lipases. Eversa Transform 2.0 (ETL) features surpassed most commercial lipases. Some process parameters were optimized by the Taguchi method (L16'). As a result, a conversion over 95% of the FFAs of castor oil into esters with lubricants properties was achieved under optimized reaction conditions (15 wt% of biocatalyst content, 1:4 molar ratio (FFAs/alcohol), 30 °C, 180 rpm, 96 h). The substrates molar ratio had the highest influence on the dependent variable (conversion at 24 h). FFAs/2-ethyl-1-hexanol esters were characterized regarding the physicochemical and tribological properties. Interestingly, the modification of the FFAs with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol by ETL increased the oxidative stability of the FFAs feedstock from 0.18 h to 16.83 h. The biolubricants presented a lower friction coefficient than the reference commercial mineral lubricant (0.052 ± 0.07 against 0.078 ± 0.04). Under these conditions, ETL catalyzed the oligomerization of ricinoleic acid (a hydroxyl fatty acid) into estolides, reaching a conversion of 25.15% of the initial FFAs (for the first time).

Intestinal Parasites in Populations of the Endemic Abyssinian Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata).

The wattled ibis (Bostrychia carunculata) is a little-known endemic Abyssinian species living in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Highlands. This bird species lives in close contact with humans in several parts of its range. Nothing is known about parasites infecting the wattled ibis and its distribution across populations, with the exception of some lice species. Here, we report the presence of eggs of several intestinal parasites (Trichostrongylus, Capillaria, and Ascaridia spp.) from feces of wild wattled ibises from three different locations: Addis Ababa, the Cheleklaka wetland surroundings, and Bale Goba, all in Ethiopia. These parasites might be transmitted from or to poultry, potentially reducing the production and survival of affected birds.

Pet's influence on humans' daily physical activity and mental health: a meta-analysis.

Abstract: The benefits of the human-animal bond on owners' health and quality of life have been the focus of research in recent decades. However, the results are still inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the presence of a pet, compared to a control group, influences daily physical activity levels and mental health using a meta-analytic method. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for all research articles that included pets as an object of study and related mental health and quality of life variables between pet owners and non-owners until April 2022. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used, and the Downs and Back checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the difference between a group of pet owners and non-pet owners. Results: An initial search located 11,389 studies, but only 49 studies fulfilled all requirements. Our results indicate that pets have a moderately significant positive effect on the physical activity of owners compared to non-pet owners. Among the moderating variables, the frequency of physical activity showed a highly significant effect, indicating that owners had a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners. Moreover, our results indicate a significant impact but with a low effect size of pets on owners' mental health when compared to non-pet owners. Conclusion: Pet ownership does not seem to influence owners' mental health, but it does influence their physical activity. Specifically, owners show a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners.

Muscle abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis and its effect on muscle function.

OBJECTIVES: The progression of chronic liver disease is associated with metabolic alterations that compromise the patient's body composition and physical function. Muscle wasting often occurs with pathologic fat accumulation in the muscle (myosteatosis). Unfavorable changes in body composition frequently arise in conjunction with a decrease in muscle strength. These conditions are associated with worse prognoses. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between computed tomography (CT)-derived measures of muscle mass and muscle radiodensity (myosteatosis) and its correlation with muscle strength in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2016 and July 2017. CT images at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3) were analyzed, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) were defined. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed by dynamometry. Correlations between CT-assessed body composition and HGS were tested. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the factors associated with HGS. RESULTS: We evaluated 118 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 64.4% were men. Of those evaluated, the mean age was 57.5 ± 8.5 y. Both SMI and SMD showed a positive correlation with muscle strength (r = 0.46 and 0.25, respectively); and age and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)score showed the highest negative correlations (r = -0.37 and -0.34, respectively). In multivariable analyses, the presence of comorbidities (≥1), MELD score, and SMI were significantly associated with HGS. CONCLUSIONS: Low muscle mass and clinical characteristics of disease severity may adversely affect muscle strength in patients with liver cirrhosis.

HIV-1-Transmitted Drug Resistance and Transmission Clusters in Newly Diagnosed Patients in Portugal Between 2014 and 2019.

Objective: To describe and analyze transmitted drug resistance (TDR) between 2014 and 2019 in newly infected patients with HIV-1 in Portugal and to characterize its transmission networks. Methods: Clinical, socioepidemiological, and risk behavior data were collected from 820 newly diagnosed patients in Portugal between September 2014 and December 2019. The sequences obtained from drug resistance testing were used for subtyping, TDR determination, and transmission cluster (TC) analyses. Results: In Portugal, the overall prevalence of TDR between 2014 and 2019 was 11.0%. TDR presented a decreasing trend from 16.7% in 2014 to 9.2% in 2016 (p for-trend = 0.114). Multivariate analysis indicated that TDR was significantly associated with transmission route (MSM presented a lower probability of presenting TDR when compared to heterosexual contact) and with subtype (subtype C presented significantly more TDR when compared to subtype B). TC analysis corroborated that the heterosexual risk group presented a higher proportion of TDR in TCs when compared to MSMs. Among subtype A1, TDR reached 16.6% in heterosexuals, followed by 14.2% in patients infected with subtype B and 9.4% in patients infected with subtype G. Conclusion: Our molecular epidemiology approach indicates that the HIV-1 epidemic in Portugal is changing among risk group populations, with heterosexuals showing increasing levels of HIV-1 transmission and TDR. Prevention measures for this subpopulation should be reinforced.

Asphalt Binder "Skincare"? Aging Evaluation of an Asphalt Binder Modified by Nano-TiO2.

Aging by oxidation of asphalt roadway material promotes changes in its physical, chemical, and rheological properties, affecting its hardening and accelerating the degradation of its corresponding asphalt mixture. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been applied in engineering investigations to promote anti-aging and photocatalytic properties. In this study, a commercial binder was modified with nano-TiO2 (using contents of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6%). It was evaluated by physicochemical and rheological tests (penetration, softening point, mass loss, dynamic viscosity, rheology, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR) before and after aging by rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV). The results indicated that incorporating nano-TiO2 mitigates binder aging, pointing out 0.25% as an optimum modification content for the investigated asphalt binder.

ELMO, a new helmet interface for CPAP to treat COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure outside the ICU: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using a new helmet interface for CPAP, designated ELMO, to treat COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) outside the ICU. METHODS: This was a proof-of-concept study involving patients with moderate to severe AHRF secondary to COVID-19 admitted to the general ward of a public hospital. The intervention consisted of applying CPAP via the ELMO interface integrated with oxygen and compressed air flow meters (30 L/min each) and a PEEP valve (CPAP levels = 8-10 cmH2O), forming the ELMOcpap system. The patients were monitored for cardiorespiratory parameters, adverse events, and comfort. RESULTS: Ten patients completed the study protocol. The ELMOcpap system was well tolerated, with no relevant adverse effects. Its use was feasible outside the ICU for a prolonged amount of time and was shown to be successful in 60% of the patients. A CPAP of 10 cmH2O with a total gas flow of 56-60 L/min improved oxygenation after 30-to 60-min ELMOcpap sessions, allowing a significant decrease in estimated FIO2 (p = 0.014) and an increase in estimated PaO2/FIO2 ratio (p = 0.008) within the first hour without CO2 rebreathing. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ELMOcpap has proven to be feasible and effective in delivering high-flow CPAP to patients with COVID-19-related AHRF outside the ICU. There were no major adverse effects, and ELMO was considered comfortable. ELMOcpap sessions significantly improved oxygenation, reducing FIO2 without CO2 rebreathing. The overall success rate was 60% in this pilot study, and further clinical trials should be carried out in the future.(ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04470258 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/]).

Khat, a Cultural Chewing Drug: A Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic Summary.

Khat (Catha edulis) is a recreational, chewed herbal drug that has been used as a psychostimulant for centuries in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, namely in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. However, the growing worldwide availability of khat has produced widespread concern. The plant comprises a large number of active substances, among which cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine are the main constituents, which can be included in the group of sympathomimetics of natural origin. In fact, these compounds are amphetamine analogues, and, as such, they have amphetamine-like nervous system stimulant effects. Chewing the leaves gives people a sensation of well-being and increases energy, alertness, and self-confidence. The chronic use of khat is, however, associated with severe cardiac, neurological, psychological, and gastrointestinal complications. The psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms of khat are the reasons for its prolonged use. The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge on the khat plant with toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic perspectives. Namely, this review paper addresses in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. The models used, as well as the concentrations and doses with the respective biological effects, are discussed. Additionally, the main drug interactions involved with khat are described.

Babesia and Theileria Identification in Adult Ixodid Ticks from Tapada Nature Reserve, Portugal.

This study, conducted in a nature reserve in southern Portugal, investigated the frequency and diversity of tick-borne piroplasms in six species of adult ixodid ticks removed from 71 fallow deer (Dama dama) and 12 red deer (Cervus elaphus), collected over the period 2012-2019. The majority of 520 ticks were Ixodes ricinus (78.5%), followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Dermacentor marginatus, and Ixodes hexagonus. The R. sanguineus ticks collected from the deer were clearly exophilic, in contrast to the endophilic species usually associated with dogs. Four tick-borne piroplasms, including Theileria spp., and the zoonotic species, Babesia divergens and Babesia microti, were detected. B. divergens 18S rDNA, identical to that of the bovine reference strain U16370 and to certain strains from red deer, was detected in I. ricinus ticks removed from fallow deer. The sporadic detection of infections in ticks removed from the same individual hosts suggests that the piroplasms were present in the ticks rather than the hosts. Theileria sp. OT3 was found in I. ricinus and, along with T. capreoli, was also detected in some of the other tick species. The natural vector and pathogenic significance of this piroplasm are unknown.

ELMO, a new helmet interface for CPAP to treat COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure outside the ICU: a feasibility study / ELMO, uma nova interface do tipo capacete para CPAP no tratamento da insuficiência respiratória aguda hipoxêmica por COVID-19 fora da UTI: estudo de viabilidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the feasibility of using a new helmet interface for CPAP, designated ELMO, to treat COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) outside the ICU. Methods: This was a proof-of-concept study involving patients with moderate to severe AHRF secondary to COVID-19 admitted to the general ward of a public hospital. The intervention consisted of applying CPAP via the ELMO interface integrated with oxygen and compressed air flow meters (30 L/min each) and a PEEP valve (CPAP levels = 8-10 cmH2O), forming the ELMOcpap system. The patients were monitored for cardiorespiratory parameters, adverse events, and comfort. Results: Ten patients completed the study protocol. The ELMOcpap system was well tolerated, with no relevant adverse effects. Its use was feasible outside the ICU for a prolonged amount of time and was shown to be successful in 60% of the patients. A CPAP of 10 cmH2O with a total gas flow of 56-60 L/min improved oxygenation after 30-to 60-min ELMOcpap sessions, allowing a significant decrease in estimated FIO2 (p = 0.014) and an increase in estimated PaO2/FIO2 ratio (p = 0.008) within the first hour without CO2 rebreathing. Conclusions: The use of ELMOcpap has proven to be feasible and effective in delivering high-flow CPAP to patients with COVID-19-related AHRF outside the ICU. There were no major adverse effects, and ELMO was considered comfortable. ELMOcpap sessions significantly improved oxygenation, reducing FIO2 without CO2 rebreathing. The overall success rate was 60% in this pilot study, and further clinical trials should be carried out in the future. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04470258 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade do uso de uma nova interface do tipo capacete para CPAP, denominada ELMO, para o tratamento da insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRpA) hipoxêmica por COVID-19 fora da UTI. Métodos: Estudo de prova de conceito envolvendo pacientes com IRpA hipoxêmica moderada a grave secundária à COVID-19, internados na enfermaria geral de um hospital público. A intervenção consistiu na aplicação de CPAP por meio da interface ELMO integrada a fluxômetros de oxigênio e ar comprimido (30 L/min cada) e a uma válvula de PEEP (níveis de CPAP = 8-10 cmH2O), formando o sistema ELMOcpap. Os pacientes foram monitorados quanto a parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, eventos adversos e conforto. Resultados: Dez pacientes completaram o protocolo do estudo. O sistema ELMOcpap foi bem tolerado, sem efeitos adversos relevantes. Seu uso foi viável fora da UTI por tempo prolongado e mostrou-se bem-sucedido em 60% dos pacientes. Uma CPAP de 10 cmH2O com fluxo total de gás de 56-60 L/min melhorou a oxigenação após sessões de ELMOcpap de 30-60 min, permitindo redução significativa da FIO2 estimada (p = 0,014) e aumento da PaO2/FIO2 estimada (p = 0,008) na primeira hora, sem reinalação de CO2. Conclusões: O uso do ELMOcpap mostrou-se viável e eficaz no fornecimento de CPAP de alto fluxo a pacientes com IRpA hipoxêmica por COVID-19 fora da UTI. Não houve nenhum efeito adverso importante, e o ELMO foi considerado confortável. As sessões de ELMOcpap melhoraram significativamente a oxigenação, reduzindo a FIO2 sem reinalação de CO2. A taxa global de sucesso foi de 60% neste estudo piloto, e novos ensaios clínicos devem ser realizados. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04470258 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

An updated review on synthetic cathinones.

Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a ß-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.

Estimation of COVID-19 Under-Reporting in the Brazilian States Through SARI.

Due to its impact, COVID-19 has been stressing the academy to search for curing, mitigating, or controlling it. It is believed that under-reporting is a relevant factor in determining the actual mortality rate and, if not considered, can cause significant misinformation. Therefore, this work aims to estimate the under-reporting of cases and deaths of COVID-19 in Brazilian states using data from the InfoGripe. InfoGripe targets notifications of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). The methodology is based on the combination of data analytics (event detection methods) and time series modeling (inertia and novelty concepts) over hospitalized SARI cases. The estimate of real cases of the disease, called novelty, is calculated by comparing the difference in SARI cases in 2020 (after COVID-19) with the total expected cases in recent years (2016-2019). The expected cases are derived from a seasonal exponential moving average. The results show that under-reporting rates vary significantly between states and that there are no general patterns for states in the same region in Brazil. The states of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso have the highest rates of under-reporting of cases. The rate of under-reporting of deaths is high in the Rio Grande do Sul and the Minas Gerais. This work can be highlighted for the combination of data analytics and time series modeling. Our calculation of under-reporting rates based on SARI is conservative and better characterized by deaths than for cases.

Evaluación de la respuesta inmunológica a tres dosis de la vacuna contra la Hepatitis B en trabajadores de un hospital universitario portugués / Evaluation of the immunological response to three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine in workers of a Portuguese university Hospital

Objetivos: Evaluar la respuesta a tres dosis de la vacuna contra la Hepatitis B en profesionales de la salud. Analizar su asociación con la edad, género, tabaquismo, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presencia de enfermedades crónicas y tiempo transcurrido entre la vacunación y la medición del AcHBs. Material y Métodos: estudio observacional, transversal. Muestra de trabajadores de un Hospital Universitario Portugués que realizaron medición del AcHBs en 2018 y que tenían esquema de vacunación completo. El proceso clínico individual fue consultado. Fue aplicado el Test Mann-Whitney y Chi-cuadrado y se aceptó un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados y Conclusiones: Analizamos resultados de 181 trabajadores, edad media 32,99 años (min. 20 - max. 64), la mayoría mujeres (76,80%). El AcHBs fue positivo en 140 (77.35%) y negativo en 41 (22.65%). La presencia de enfermedades crónicas mostró asociación estadísticamente significativa con AcHBs negativo tras un esquema de vacunación completo (AU)

Objectives: evaluate the response to three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine in healthcare workers. Analyze its association with age, gender, smoking, body mass index (BMI), presence of chronic diseases and time elapsed between vaccination and the measurement of AcHBs. Material and Methods: observational, cross-sectional study. Sample of workers from a Portuguese University Hospital who measured AcHBs in 2018 and who had a complete vaccination scheme. The individual clinical process was consulted. The Mann-Whitney and Chi-square test were applied and a significance level of 5% was accepted. Results and Conclusions: We analyzed the results of 181 workers, mean age 32.99 years (min. 20 - max. 64), the majority women (76.80%). The AcHBs was positive in 140 (77.35%) and negative in 41 (22.65%). The presence of chronic diseases showed a statistically significant association with negative AcHBs after a complete vaccination scheme (AU)

Symptoms in healthcare professionals infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a university hospital.

Introduction: Healthcare professionals are among the main risk groups for novel coronavirus disease (COVID 19). The identification of respiratory symptoms is important in the clinical assumption of infection, but it may be asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic. Objectives: To compare the proportion of professionals with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with the proportion of positive asymptomatic professionals with high-risk contact; and to identify respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms of professionals with suspected COVID-19 and the proportion of those who tested positive for SARS CoV-2. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that retrospectively analyzed clinical records of health professionals who spontaneously sought the occupational health service of a university hospital center from March to August 2020 for presenting with symptoms and/or for having had high risk contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and who, in this context, underwent the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. Results: COVID-19 was confirmed in 27 of the 420 symptomatic professionals vs. three of the 193 asymptomatic professionals (p = 0.009). Of the 371 professionals with respiratory symptoms, 19 were positive for COVID-19 vs. 11 among the 242 with no respiratory symptoms (p = 0.750). Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea were the respiratory symptoms with the highest proportion of positive cases (11.43 and 8.97%, respectively). Conclusions: Although COVID-19 is typically associated with respiratory symptoms, not all these symptoms were predictive of disease. It becomes crucial to value mild symptoms among healthcare professionals.

Agenesia pulmonar / Pulmonary Agenesis

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