Incidence of infections associated with the use of invasive devices in an ICU after application of the Improvement Science Method

Objective: To reduce the incidence density of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) using the Improvement Science method. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A collaborative quality improvement team developed and implemented local changes to HAI-related processes and protocols. Pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention periods were compared. The study was conducted at the Adult ICU of a hospital in southern Brazil. Variables were analyzed using interrupted time series analysis with segmented linear regression, simple correlation, and hypothesis testing. Results: There was a reduction in the incidence density of all infections. VAP was reduced from 27.2% to 7.2% (p < 0.001), CLABSI from 3.0% to 0.9% (p = 0.017), and CAUTI from 8.3% to 1.8% (p < 0.001). The ICU stay was also reduced from 6.7 to 6 days (p = 0.018). Conclusion: There was an improvement in all the evaluated parameters. Ongoing monitoring of related indicators and adherence to implemented measures are essential to sustain improvements. Applying the Improvement Science methodology can reduce the incidence of HAIs in the ICU.

Adenovirus 36 Coinfection in People Living with HIV and its Impact on Lipohypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have implicated human adenovirus 36 (Adv36) as a potential contributor to overweight and obesity. People living with HIV have an altered body composition compared to healthy individuals. There is still no evidence to confirm the relationship of Adv36 as one of the causes of lipohypertrophy. The main objective of this study was to verify the viral Adv36 infection as a factor associated with the presence of lipohypertrophy in HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: A case-control study on people with HIV treated at a specialized public health service in southern Brazil. Subjects underwent interviews, diagnostic tests, and anthropometry to determine lipodystrophy and its classification. Demographic and clinical data were examined to investigate the presence of Adv36. The cases were participants with lipohypertrophy, and the controls were eutrophic participants. RESULTS: 101 participants were included (38 cases and 63 controls), and the frequency of Adv36 infection was 10.9%. There was a statistically significant association between lipohypertrophy and the female sex (p < 0.001), and a trend for the presence of Adv36 (p = 0.059) and lipohypertrophy. After adjustment for confounders, Adv36 has not considered an independent risk factor for lipohypertrophy. Lower levels of glucose were associated with Adv36 infection. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between lipohypertrophy and the female sex, and no association with lipohypertrophy and Adv36, perhaps due to the small sample size.

Analysis of the first test event in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2021: an experience report. / Análise do primeiro evento-teste de Santa Catarina no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19, em julho de 2021: um relato de experiência.

This study aimed to describe the management and results of the test event for evaluating relaxation of social distancing measures in Santa Catarina, Brazil. This is an experience report that described results of the test event carried out in July 2021 and for which the participants underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction diagnostic testing 72-48 hours before the event and had follow-up for 15 days afterwards. The outcomes analyzed were SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 14 days after the event and presence of symptoms. Among 313 participants, the mean age was 45.1 years and 54.3% were female. During follow-up, 7.7% (24) of the contacted participants reported symptoms compatible with infection, but of the 240 who attended post-event testing, none of the results detected the presence of the virus. No post-event COVID-19 cases were reported. We suggest that other test events be carried out to evaluate the recommendations indicated.

Este estudo visou descrever a gestão e os resultados do evento-teste para flexibilização das medidas de distanciamento em Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de relato de experiência que descreveu os resultados do evento-teste, realizado em julho de 2021, quando os participantes foram submetidos ao teste diagnóstico de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real 72-48 horas antes, sendo monitorados por 15 dias. Os desfechos analisados foram a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 até 14 dias após o evento e a presença de sintomas. Entre 313 participantes, a média de idade foi de 45,1 anos e 54,3% eram do sexo feminino. No monitoramento, 7,7% (24) dos participantes contactados relataram sintomas compatíveis com infecção, embora, dos 240 que compareceram para testagem pós-evento, nenhum resultado tenha acusado presença do vírus. Não houve registro de casos de COVID-19 pós-evento. Sugere-se realização de outros eventos-teste para avaliar as recomendações indicadas.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la gestión y los resultados del evento test para flexibilizar las medidas de distanciamiento en Santa Catarina, Brasil. Este es un relato de experiencia que describe los resultados del evento, realizado en julio de 2021 y para el cual, los participantes se sometieron a la prueba diagnóstica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real, 72-48 horas antes, monitoreados durante 15 días. Los desenlaces analizados fueron la infección por SARS-CoV-2 hasta 14 días después del evento y presencia de síntomas. Entre 313 participantes, la edad promedio fue de 45,1 años y 54,3% fueran del sexo femenino. En el seguimiento, 7,7% (24) reportaron síntomas compatibles con infección, pero de los 240 que acudieron a los exámenes posteriores al evento, ninguno de los resultados detectó virus. No se informaron casos de COVID-19 posteriores al evento. Se sugiere realizar otros eventos de prueba para evaluar las recomendaciones indicadas.

Validation of a computerized decision support system to review pharmacotherapy treatment: scheduling guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The review of pharmacotherapy can be conceptualized as a service in which the drugs used by the patient are reviewed to control the risks as well as to improve the results of the drug therapy, detecting, solving, and preventing issues associated with the drug, readjusting the doses and times (schedule) so that the treatment is not incompatible or in duplicity. METHODS: The aim of the study was to validate an intelligent information system, which was developed to assist the scheduling activity in the pharmacotherapy review. The system used the concept of Genetic Algorithms. To validate the system, hypothetical cases were elaborated considering various aspects of pharmacotherapy such as underdose, overdose, drug interactions and contraindications. These cases were tested in the system and were also analyzed by pharmaceutical experts with clinical and research experience in the pharmacotherapy review process. The degree of agreement between the assessments of the appointments carried out by the pharmaceutical specialists and by the system were measured using the Kappa index with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: In detecting errors and make propositions, the system was able to identify 80% of errors, with pharmaceutical experts identifying between 20 and 70% of errors. In relation the results of kappa between the cases, the system had 87,3% of concordance, whereas the best pharmaceutical expert had 75,5% of concordance, considering the correct answer. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that with the methodology used, the investigation met the objectives and confirmed the system is effective for pharmaceutical review process. There are indications that the system can help in the Pharmacotherapy review process, being able to find prescription errors as well as to establish times for the use of medications according to the patient's routine.

Analysis of the first test-event of Santa Catarina, Brazil, no contexto da COVID-19 pandemic em julho de 2021: experience report / Análisis del primer evento-prueba de Santa Catarina, Brasil, no contexto da pandemia COVID-19 em julho de 2021: informe de experiencia / Análise do primeiro evento-teste de Santa Catarina no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19 em julho de 2021: um relato de experiência

This study aimed to describe the management and results of the test event to make distancing measures more flexible in Santa Catarina, Brazil. This is an experience report that described results of the test-event, carried out in July 2021 and for which the participants underwent the real-time polymerase chain reaction diagnostic test 72-48 hours before, being monitored for 15 days. The outcomes analyzed were SARS-Cov-2 infection up to 14 days after the event and presence of symptoms. Among 313 participants, the mean age was 45.1 years and 54.3% were female. In the monitoring, 7.7% (24) of the contacted participants reported symptoms compatible with infection, but of the 240 who attended for post-event testing, none of the results detected the presence of the virus. There were no post-event COVID-19 cases reported. It is suggested that other test-events be carried out to evaluate the recommendations indicated.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la gestión y los resultados del evento de prueba para flexibilizar las medidas de distanciamiento en Santa Catarina, Brasil. Este es relato de experiencia que describió resultados del evento, realizado en julio de 2021 y para el cual los participantes se sometieron a la prueba diagnóstica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real 72-48 horas antes, monitoreados durante 15 días. Los desenlaces analizados fueron infección por SARS-Cov-2 hasta 14 días después del evento y presencia de síntomas. Entre 313 participantes, la edad media fue 45,1 años y 54,3% mujeres. En el seguimiento, 7,7% (24) reportaron síntomas compatibles con infección, pero de los 240 que acudieron a los exámenes posteriores al evento, ninguno de los resultados detectó virus. No se informaron casos posteriores al evento de COVID-19. Se sugiere realizar otros eventos de prueba para evaluar recomendaciones indicadas.

Este estudo visou descrever a gestão e os resultados do evento-teste para flexibilização das medidas de distanciamento em Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de relato de experiência que descreveu os resultados do evento-teste, realizado em julho de 2021, quando os participantes foram submetidos ao teste diagnóstico de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real 72-48 horas antes, sendo monitorados por 15 dias. Os desfechos analisados foram a infecção pelo SARS-Cov-2 até 14 dias após o evento e a presença de sintomas. Entre 313 participantes, a média de idade foi de 45,1 anos e 54,3% eram do sexo feminino. No monitoramento, 7,7% (24) dos participantes contactados relataram sintomas compatíveis com infecção, embora dos 240 que compareceram para testagem pós-evento, nenhum resultado acusou presença do vírus. Não houve registro de casos de COVID-19 pós-evento. Sugere-se realização de outros eventos-teste para avaliar as recomendações indicadas.

Adenovirus 36 infection and obesity risk: current understanding and future therapeutic strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity, a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction between genetic characteristics, metabolism, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is a major global health problem and is currently defined as a pandemic phenomenon. This disease is determined by an interaction of several factors, but the imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure seems to be the crucial point. In some cases, there is no linearity between exposure to those factors that cause the onset of obesity. A striking example of the occurrence of obesity despite no obvious risk factors is that of obesity induced by viral infections. The most important of such viruses appears to be human adenovirus 36 (Adv36). AREAS COVERED: This review covers the relation between obesity and infection by Adv36 in humans. Also, discussed are the opportunities of prevention or treatment for the effects of Adv36 in human body. EXPERT OPINION: The role of Ad36 in the development of obesity has already been established. Future research should focus on the development of vaccines against this agent, drug discovery for infected individuals, and effective therapeutic uses of E4orf1 gene protein for diabetes and other diseases in clinical practice.

Lipohypertrophy and nutritional profile among people living with HIV in Southern Brazil / Lipohipertrofia e perfil nutricional de pessoas que vivem com HIV no sul do Brasil

Introduction: People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are generally overweight or have an altered body composition as compared to healthy individuals, showing a change in nutritional profile over time. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the nutritional status, estimate the prevalence of lipodystrophy, and examine the association between lipohypertrophy and lipid profile alterations, and other clinical data of HIV-infected individuals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on male and female subjects living with HIV, treated at a specialized outpatient clinic, aged 18 years old and over, whether using the antiretroviral therapy or not. Results: The sample consisted of 420 people with a mean age of 43.8 years (standard deviation 11.7). The length of time of the HIV infection averaged 74.6 months, and 91% of the respondents were on antiretroviral therapy. Lipodystrophy prevalence was 35.7%. Of these, 82 (54.7%) presented lipohypertrophy, 61 (40.7%) had lipoatrophy and 7 (4.6%) had a mixed syndrome. Female gender, body mass index, fat percentage, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were positively associated with the presence of lipohypertrophy (p<0.001). High mean total cholesterol (p=0.015) and LDL fraction (p=0.028) also showed a statistically significant association with lipohypertrophy. The sampled participants had a nutritional profile compatible with overweight or obesity. No association was found between lipohypertrophy and ART and the therapy duration. Conclusion: Considering the consequences of overweight as a cause of various pathological conditions, preventive measures and interventions are highly recommended for this population.

As pessoas que vivem com o HIV geralmente têm excesso de peso ou composição corporal alterada em relação aos indivíduos saudáveis, apresentando uma mudança no perfil nutricional ao longo do tempo. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar o estado nutricional, estimar a prevalência de lipodistrofia e examinar a associação entre lipohipertrofia e alterações no perfil lipídico e outros dados clínicos de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. Métodos: Estudo transversal com indivíduos dos sexos masculino e feminino vivendo com HIV, atendidos em ambulatório especializado, com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, em uso ou não de terapia antirretroviral. Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 420 pessoas com média de idade de 43,8 anos (desvio padrão 11,7). O tempo de infecção pelo HIV foi em média de 74,6 meses e 91% dos entrevistados estavam em terapia antirretroviral. A prevalência de lipodistrofia foi de 35,7%. Destes, 82 (54,7%) apresentavam lipohipertrofia, 61 (40,7%) lipoatrofia e 7 (4,6%) síndrome mista. Sexo feminino, índice de massa corporal, percentual de gordura, circunferência da cintura e relação cintura-quadril foram positivamente associados à presença de lipohipertrofia (p<0,001). As médias elevadas de colesterol total (p=0,015) e fração LDL (p=0,028) também mostraram associação estatisticamente significante com lipohipertrofia. Os participantes da amostra apresentavam perfil nutricional compatível com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Não foi encontrada associação entre lipohipertrofia e terapia antirretroviral e duração da terapia. Conclusão: Considerando as consequências do excesso de peso como causa de diversas patologias, medidas e intervenções preventivas são altamente recomendadas para essa população.

Karate Training Improves Metabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of 12 weeks of karate training on cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity. METHOD: Seventy adolescents were randomized into 2 groups: control received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week for 12 weeks, and treatment received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week, plus 3 karate sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The main outcome measure was improvement in cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation. RESULTS: After the intervention period, the treatment group showed a reduction in resting heart rate (77.86 [10.89]), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (40.86 [8.31]), and triglycerides (75.18 [32.29]) and an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.64 [42.53]) in relation to pretraining. Regarding oxidative stress markers, there was a reduction in protein carbonylation (0.07 [0.06]) and nitric oxide (1.39 [1.11]) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (0.68 [0.31]) and glutathione (0.11 [0.08]) compared with pretraining. With respect to inflammation, adiponectin increased (14.54 [5.36]) after the intervention when compared with preintervention. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the intervention may improve cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Long-term effects need to be evaluated.

Análise do primeiro evento-teste de Santa Catarina no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19, em julho de 2021: um relato de experiência / Análisis del primer evento-prueba de Santa Catarina, Brasil, en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19 en julio de 2021: relato de experiencia / Analysis of the first test event in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2021: an experience report

Este estudo visou descrever a gestão e os resultados do evento-teste para flexibilização das medidas de distanciamento em Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de relato de experiência que descreveu os resultados do evento-teste, realizado em julho de 2021, quando os participantes foram submetidos ao teste diagnóstico de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real 72-48 horas antes, sendo monitorados por 15 dias. Os desfechos analisados foram a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 até 14 dias após o evento e a presença de sintomas. Entre 313 participantes, a média de idade foi de 45,1 anos e 54,3% eram do sexo feminino. No monitoramento, 7,7% (24) dos participantes contactados relataram sintomas compatíveis com infecção, embora, dos 240 que compareceram para testagem pós-evento, nenhum resultado tenha acusado presença do vírus. Não houve registro de casos de COVID-19 pós-evento. Sugere-se realização de outros eventos-teste para avaliar as recomendações indicadas.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la gestión y los resultados del evento test para flexibilizar las medidas de distanciamiento en Santa Catarina, Brasil. Este es un relato de experiencia que describe los resultados del evento, realizado en julio de 2021 y para el cual, los participantes se sometieron a la prueba diagnóstica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real, 72-48 horas antes, monitoreados durante 15 días. Los desenlaces analizados fueron la infección por SARS-CoV-2 hasta 14 días después del evento y presencia de síntomas. Entre 313 participantes, la edad promedio fue de 45,1 años y 54,3% fueran del sexo femenino. En el seguimiento, 7,7% (24) reportaron síntomas compatibles con infección, pero de los 240 que acudieron a los exámenes posteriores al evento, ninguno de los resultados detectó virus. No se informaron casos de COVID-19 posteriores al evento. Se sugiere realizar otros eventos de prueba para evaluar las recomendaciones indicadas.

This study aimed to describe the management and results of the test event for evaluating relaxation of social distancing measures in Santa Catarina, Brazil. This is an experience report that described results of the test event carried out in July 2021 and for which the participants underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction diagnostic testing 72-48 hours before the event and had follow-up for 15 days afterwards. The outcomes analyzed were SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 14 days after the event and presence of symptoms. Among 313 participants, the mean age was 45.1 years and 54.3% were female. During follow-up, 7.7% (24) of the contacted participants reported symptoms compatible with infection, but of the 240 who attended post-event testing, none of the results detected the presence of the virus. No post-event COVID-19 cases were reported. We suggest that other test events be carried out to evaluate the recommendations indicated.

Vertical transmission of maternal COVID-19 antibodies after CoronaVac vaccine: A case report.

The use of coronavirus disease 2019 RNA vaccines in pregnant women led to reports on the first cases of newborns with antibodies to sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a phenomenon that was unknown when using immunizations with inactivated viruses. Thus, this study aimed to report a case of passive anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity in a newborn through immunoprophylaxis of a pregnant woman who received the CoronaVac® vaccine in the third trimester of pregnancy. Twenty-four hours after delivery, samples were collected from the newborn and screened by enzyme immunoassays, which revealed antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.

Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase I/II Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Envenomings by Massive Africanized Honey Bee Stings Using the Unique Apilic Antivenom.

We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera) Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment. Preliminary efficacy based on clinical evolution, including laboratory findings, was assessed at baseline and at various time points over the four following weeks. ELISA assays and mass spectrometry were used to estimate venom pharmacokinetics before, during, and after treatment. Twenty adult participants, i.e., 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, with a median age of 44 years and a mean body surface area of 1.92 m2 (median = 1.93 m2) were recruited. The number of stings ranged from 7 to > 2,000, with a median of 52.5. Symptoms of envenoming were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 80% (16), 15% (3), and 5% (1) of patients, respectively; patients with mild, moderate, or severe envenoming received 2, 6, and 10 vials of AAV as per the protocol. None of the patients had late reactions (serum sickness) within 30 d of treatment. There was no discontinuation of the protocol due to adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a moderate adverse event, transient itchy skin, and erythroderma. All participants completed the intravenous antivenom infusion within 2 h, and there was no loss to follow-up after discharge. ELISA assays showed venom (melittin and PLA2) concentrations varying between 0.25 and 1.479 ng/mL prior to treatment. Venom levels decreased in all patients during the hospitalization period. Surprisingly, in nine cases (45%), despite clinical recovery and the absence of symptoms, venom levels increased again during outpatient care 10 d after discharge. Mass spectrometry showed melittin in eight participants, 30 d after treatment. Considering the promising safety results for this investigational product in the treatment of massive Africanized honeybee attack, and its efficacy, reflected in the clinical improvements and corresponding immediate decrease in blood venom levels, the AAV has shown to be safe for human use. Clinical Trial Registration: UTN: U1111-1160-7011, identifier [RBR-3fthf8].

Adenovirus 36 prevalence and association with human obesity: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has numerous etiologies and includes biological factors. Studies have demonstrated that the human adenovirus subtype 36 (Adv36) is an adipogenic agent and causes metabolic alterations. Study results on the prevalence of Adv36 and clinical effects in humans vary substantially. This was a systematic review to summarize the studies on the prevalence of Adv36 infection and its association with human obesity. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Observational or experimental studies found in the Medline, Embase, LILACS, Science Direct and SciELO databases that presented results on the prevalence of Adv36 in humans were included. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were screened. A total of 10,300 adults aged 18-70 years and 4585 children and adolescents aged 3-18 years were assessed. The average prevalence of Adv36 among adults was 22.9%, ranging from 5.5% to 49.8%. Among children and adolescents, the average prevalence of Adv36 was 28.9%, ranging from 7.5% to 73.9%. There was a positive statistical relationship between Adv36 and weight gain, obesity, or metabolic changes in 31 studies. However, in four studies there was no association with obesity, and in one, no association was described. One of the studies showed an inverse correlation, i.e., Adv36 was a protective factor against obesity. CONCLUSION: Strong evidence suggested a positive association between viral infection and obesity. However, due to the multi-causality of obesity and heterogeneity of studies, diagnostic tests should be standardized and easily accessible by the population to estimate the overall prevalence of Adv36 infection and its association with obesity.

Adenovirus-36 as one of the causes of obesity: the review of the pathophysiology.

The dramatic increase of people affected by obesity worldwide seems to be influenced by external factors independent of eating habits, physical exercise, or genetic characteristics. There may be a number of such factors, but one hypothesis is that there is person-to-person transmission, causing an epidemic effect, as occurs with infectious diseases. In animal models, experimental infection with human adenovirus-36 (Adv36) causes obesity. Humans cannot be experimentally infected, but a number of studies found a correlation of positive serology for Adv36 with overweight/obesity in humans. In vitro studies have shown that Adv36 accelerates the differentiation and proliferation of preadipocytes into adipocytes and increases their lipid concentration. Another viral mechanism involved is the activation of a noninsulin-dependent process that increases glucose uptake, mainly in adipose tissue and muscle. The increased glucose, coupled with increased lipogenesis due to increased fatty acid synthase and the action of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) in stimulating adipocyte differentiation from adult stem cells enhances fat accumulation within the adipocytes. In studies conducted to date, the Adv36 E4 open reading frame 1 gene (E4orf1), which activates the glucose transporter protein isoform 4 (GLUT4) and glucose transporter protein isoform 1 (GLUT1) glucose transporters, appears to play a major role in the virus adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to review the pathophysiology of obesity and the role of Adv36.

Single-arm, multicenter phase I/II clinical trial for the treatment of envenomings by massive africanized honey bee stings using the unique apilic antivenom

We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera) Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment. Preliminary efficacy based on clinical evolution, including laboratory findings, was assessed at baseline and at various time points over the four following weeks. ELISA assays and mass spectrometry were used to estimate venom pharmacokinetics before, during, and after treatment. Twenty adult participants, i.e., 13 (65%) men and 7 (35%) women, with a median age of 44 years and a mean body surface area of 1.92 m2 (median = 1.93 m2) were recruited. The number of stings ranged from 7 to > 2,000, with a median of 52.5. Symptoms of envenoming were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 80% (16), 15% (3), and 5% (1) of patients, respectively; patients with mild, moderate, or severe envenoming received 2, 6, and 10 vials of AAV as per the protocol. None of the patients had late reactions (serum sickness) within 30 d of treatment. There was no discontinuation of the protocol due to adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a moderate adverse event, transient itchy skin, and erythroderma. All participants completed the intravenous antivenom infusion within 2 h, and there was no loss to follow-up after discharge. ELISA assays showed venom (melittin and PLA2) concentrations varying between 0.25 and 1.479 ng/mL prior to treatment. Venom levels decreased in all patients during the hospitalization period. Surprisingly, in nine cases (45%), despite clinical recovery and the absence of symptoms, venom levels increased again during outpatient care 10 d after discharge. Mass spectrometry showed melittin in eight participants, 30 d after treatment. Considering the promising safety results for this investigational product in the treatment of massive Africanized honeybee attack, and its efficacy, reflected in the clinical improvements and corresponding immediate decrease in blood venom levels, the AAV has shown to be safe for human use. Clinical Trial Registration: UTN: U1111-1160-7011, identifier [RBR-3fthf8].

Vertical transmission of maternal COVID-19 antibodies after CoronaVac vaccine: A case report

Abstract The use of coronavirus disease 2019 RNA vaccines in pregnant women led to reports on the first cases of newborns with antibodies to sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a phenomenon that was unknown when using immunizations with inactivated viruses. Thus, this study aimed to report a case of passive anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity in a newborn through immunoprophylaxis of a pregnant woman who received the CoronaVac® vaccine in the third trimester of pregnancy. Twenty-four hours after delivery, samples were collected from the newborn and screened by enzyme immunoassays, which revealed antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.

Medication discrepancies in a hospital in Southern Brazil: the importance of medication reconciliation for patient safety

Medication discrepancies are of great concern in hospitals because they pose risks to patients and increase health care costs. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of inconsistent medication prescriptions to adult patients admitted to a hospital in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. This was a patient safety study on patients recruited between November 2015 and June 2016. The participants were interviewed and had their medical records reviewed. Discrepant medications were considered those that did not match between the list of medicines taken at home and the prescribed drugs for treatment in a hospital setting. Of the 394 patients included, 98.5% took continuous-use medications at home, with an average of 5.5 medications per patient. Discrepancies totaled 80.2%, The independent variables associated with the discrepancies were systemic arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, vascular disease, number of medications taken at home, and poor documentation of the medications in the medical record. Findings from this study allowed us to conclude there was a high rate of prescription medication misuse. Medication reconciliation is crucial in reducing these errors. Pharmacists can help reduce these medication-related errors and the associated risks and complications.

Assessment of patients with Covid-19 hospitalized in southern Santa Catarina.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a potentially fatal disease, is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The number of cases has increased rapidly, but information on the clinical characteristics remains limited. METHODS: Cohort study. We collected and analyzed epidemiological, demographic, and clinical data of critically and noncritically ill patients and compared the outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 54 years (standard deviation 16.9; 53.8% men), 29% required ICU admission, and 18.6% died. CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for ICU admission were age over 60 years, obesity, and preexisting chronic lung diseases.

Partnership between the academy and public and private health systems to fight COVID-19: an experience report in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil. / Parceria de serviços de saúde públicos e privados com a academia, no combate à COVID-19: relato de experiência em Tubarão, Santa Catarina.

This article presents an experience report about integration between public and private health services, health service managers and the academy, for surveillance and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, in the municipality of Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The city is home to a university and has a large flow of people from different parts of the country, as well as being one of the first municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina to report cases of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The measures adopted included the implementation of the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee, the Municipal Health Emergency Operations Center, and the COVID-19 Contingency Plan. After 100 days of pandemic, 5,979 cases had been reported, 431 (7.2%) had been confirmed, of which five (1.2%) died. Early decisions, such as the immediate suspension of business activities and crowded events, may have reduced the spread of the virus. The partnerships put into place have provided innovation and supported public service management in decision-making based upon scientific evidence.

Apresenta-se o relato de experiência da integração entre serviços de saúde públicos e privados, gestores e universidade, para a vigilância e controle da epidemia de COVID-19 em Tubarão, SC, Brasil. A cidade, universitária, cenário de grande fluxo de pessoas de diferentes locais do país, foi um dos primeiros municípios do estado catarinense com transmissão comunitária do SARS-CoV-2. São detalhadas as medidas adotadas com a criação do Comitê de Monitoramento da COVID-19, do Centro de Operações de Emergências Municipais em Saúde, e do Plano de Contingência da Doença. Passados 100 dias de pandemia, foram 5.979 casos notificados e 431 (7,2%) confirmados, dos quais 5 (1,2%) foram a óbito. Decisões precoces ­ suspensão imediata das atividades de comércio e eventos com aglomeração ­ podem ter limitado a propagação do vírus. As parcerias estabelecidas trazem inovação e subsidiam a gestão pública nas tomadas de decisão pautadas em evidências científicas.

Se presenta la experiencia de la integración entre los servicios de Salud Pública y privados, los administradores y la universidad para la vigilancia y el control de la epidemia de COVID-19 en Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brasil. La ciudad universitaria, con un gran flujo de personas de diferentes partes del país, fue uno de los primeros municipios del estado con transmisión comunitaria de SARS-CoV-2. Las medidas adoptadas se detallan con la creación del Comité de Monitoreo COVID-19, el Centro de Operaciones Municipales de Emergencia en Salud y un Plan de Contingencia de la Enfermedad. Después de 100 días de pandemia, se reportaron 5,979 casos, 431 (7,2%) confirmados, de los cuales cinco (1,2%) murieron. Las decisiones precoces, la suspensión inmediata de las actividades comerciales y de los eventos con aglomeración han reducido la propagación del virus. Las asociaciones establecidas aportan innovación y subsidian la gestión pública en la toma de decisiones basadas en evidencia científica.

Effectiveness of martial arts exercise on anthropometric and body composition parameters of overweight and obese subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a top public health concern, and its prevalence is growing every day. Thus, interventions to address this problem should be encouraged and further studied. In this regard, the aim of this review was to summarize the evidence of martial arts interventions to evaluate their effectiveness on the anthropometric and body composition parameters of overweight and obese subjects. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on January 26, 2020 using the PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane, and Scielo databases. Reference lists of eligible articles and relevant reviews have also been examined. All randomized clinical trials on martial arts that evaluated the anthropometric and body composition parameters of overweight and obese subjects were included, and a narrative synthesis of eligible studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The Downs & Black checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (identifier CRD42018086116). RESULTS: A total of 82 articles were identified from the initial search strategy. A further 2 articles were identified from the review of relevant bibliographies. Six studies encompassing 258 participants who were overweight or obese were included. Four studies reported Tai Chi practice, one study reported Kung Fu exercise, and another study reported martial arts exercise. The examined meta-analyses did not reveal significant benefits from martial arts practice over control groups after the experiment period for body mass index (- 1.34 kg/m2; 95% CI: - 2.72, 0.05), waist circumference (1.41 cm; 95% CI: - 0.72, 3.54) and percentage of body fat (- 0.75%; 95% CI: - 5.58, 4.08). CONCLUSION: The scarcity, heterogeneity, short intervention time, small sample size, and significant methodological limitations of the available studies do not allow to conclude whether martial arts are effective in the anthropometric and body composition parameters of overweight and obese individuals. This study highlights the need for more research to assess the benefits of martial arts for overweight and obese individuals.

Partnership between the academy and public and private health systems to fight the COVID-19: an experience report in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Colaboración entre los servicios de salud públicos y privados con la academia en la lucha contra el COVID-19: informe de experiencia en Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Parceria de serviços de Saúde Pública e privados com a academia, no combate à covid-19: relato de experiência em Tubarão, Santa Catarina

This article presents a report on the integration experience of health stakeholders, including public and private health systems, a university and authorities for the surveillance and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, in the municipality of Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The city has a large flow of people from different parts of the country, and was one of the first municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina to report cases of community transmission by SARS-CoV-2. The measures adopted included the implementation of the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee, the Health Center for Municipal Emergency Operations, and the Disease Contingency Plan. After 100 days of pandemic, 5,979 cases were reported, 431 (7.2%) confirmed, of which five (1.2%) died. Early decisions, such as the immediate suspension of business activities and crowding events, have reduced the spread of the virus. The established partnership provided innovation and subsidized public management in decision-making based upon scientific evidence.

Apresenta-se o relato de experiência da integração entre serviços de saúde públicos e privados, gestores e universidade, para a vigilância e controle da epidemia de covid-19 em Tubarão, SC, Brasil. A cidade, universitária, cenário de grande fluxo de pessoas de diferentes locais do país, foi um dos primeiros municípios do estado catarinense com transmissão comunitária do SARS-CoV-2. São detalhadas as medidas adotadas com a criação do Comitê de Monitoramento da Covid-19, do Centro de Operações de Emergências Municipais em Saúde, e do Plano de Contingência da Doença. Passados 100 dias de pandemia, foram 5.979 casos notificados e 431 (7,2%) confirmados, dos quais 5 (1,2%) idos a óbito. Decisões precoces ­ suspensão imediata das atividades de comércio e eventos com aglomeração ­ podem ter limitado a propagação do vírus. As parcerias estabelecidas trazem inovação e subsidiam a gestão pública nas tomadas de decisão pautadas em evidências científicas.