Interactive monitoring dashboards for the COVID-19 pandemic in the world anticipating waves of the disease in Brazil with the use of open data.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the development, implementation, and utilization of dashboards for epidemiological analysis through open data research during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The dashboards were designed to analyze COVID-19 related public data from various sources, including official government data and social media, at world level. Data processing and cleaning techniques were used to join datasets. We calculated Spearman correlation coefficient between the COVID-like symptoms data of the University of Maryland and Facebook Health research, called COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS) and the official data of notified COVID-19 cases by the Brazilian Health Ministry. RESULTS: The dashboards were successful in predicting the onset of new waves of COVID-19 in Brazil. The data analysis revealed a correlation between the CTIS and the official number of cases the country. This article shows the potential of interactive dashboards as a decision-making tool in the context of public health emergencies, as it was used by the official communication of the Rio Grande do Sul state government. CONCLUSION: The use of dashboards for predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil was a useful tool for decision-making. To anticipate waves of the disease gives time so that these decisions can be potentially more assertive. This drafts the need of more interdisciplinary actions of this nature, with visualization tools on epidemiologic research.

Hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors in head and neck cancers: Recent advances and therapeutic challenges.

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are key cytokines responsible for the production, maturation, and mobilization of the granulocytic and macrophage lineages from the bone marrow, which have been gaining attention for playing pro- and/or anti-tumorigenic roles in cancer. Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent a group of heterogeneous neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment for HNCs is still limited even with the advancements in cancer immunotherapy. Novel treatments for patients with recurrent and metastatic HNCs are urgently needed. This article provides an in-depth review of the role of hematopoietic cytokines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3; also known as multi-CSF) in the HNCs tumor microenvironment. We have reviewed current results from clinical trials using CSFs as adjuvant therapy to treat HNCs patients, and also clinical findings reported to date on the therapeutic application of CSFs toxicities arising from chemoradiotherapy.

Interactive monitoring dashboards for the COVID-19 pandemic in the world anticipating waves of the disease in Brazil with the use of open data / Painéis de monitoramento interativos da pandemia de COVID-19 no mundo com o uso de dados abertos antecipando ondas da doença no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the development, implementation, and utilization of dashboards for epidemiological analysis through open data research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The dashboards were designed to analyze COVID-19 related public data from various sources, including official government data and social media, at world level. Data processing and cleaning techniques were used to join datasets. We calculated Spearman correlation coefficient between the COVID-like symptoms data of the University of Maryland and Facebook Health research, called COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS) and the official data of notified COVID-19 cases by the Brazilian Health Ministry. Results: The dashboards were successful in predicting the onset of new waves of COVID-19 in Brazil. The data analysis revealed a correlation between the CTIS and the official number of cases the country. This article shows the potential of interactive dashboards as a decision-making tool in the context of public health emergencies, as it was used by the official communication of the Rio Grande do Sul state government. Conclusion: The use of dashboards for predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil was a useful tool for decision-making. To anticipate waves of the disease gives time so that these decisions can be potentially more assertive. This drafts the need of more interdisciplinary actions of this nature, with visualization tools on epidemiologic research.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento, a implementação e o uso de painéis para a análise epidemiológica de dados abertos durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Os painéis foram criados para analisar dados públicos relacionados á COVID-19 de várias fontes, incluindo dados oficiais dos governos e de redes sociais, a nível global. Técnicas de processamento e limpeza foram utilizadas para aglutinar os bancos de dados. Calculamos o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre as curvas de sintomas gripais da pesquisa da Universidade de Maryland em conjunto com o Facebook, chamada COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS), e a curva de casos notificados pelo Ministério da Saúde no Brasil. Resultados: Os painéis obtiveram sucesso em antecipar a chegada de novas ondas de COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise do dado revelou a correlação entre a pesquisa CTIS e o número oficial de casos no país. O artigo destaca o potencial de painéis interativos como uma ferramenta de tomada de decisão no contexto de emergências de saúde pública, como, por exemplo, no uso destes para a comunicação oficial do governo do Rio Grande do Sul. Conclusão: O uso de painéis para prever o avanço da COVID-19 no Brasil foi uma ferramenta útil para a tomada de decisão. A antecipação de ondas da doença possibilita tempo oportuno para que essas decisões sejam potencialmente mais assertivas. Isso esboça a necessidade de mais ações interdisciplinares dessa natureza, com ferramentas de visualização nas pesquisas epidemiológicas.

Oximetria de pulso neonatal: capacitação de profissionais e estudantes da saúde no formato remoto e presencial / Neonatal pulse oximetry: training healthcare professionals and students in remote and on-site format / Pulsioximetría neonatal: formación de profesionales y estudiantes de la salud a distancia y presencial

Introdução:A oximetria de pulso neonatal compõe o Programa Nacional de Triagem Neonatal do Brasil desde 2014. Entretanto, existem poucos registros de sua efetiva implementação na rotina de cuidados materno-infantis no país.Objetivo:O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a experiência em ações de educação em saúde a profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde e à população em geral, em temas relacionados ao Teste do Coraçãozinho.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, executado entre julho de 2019 a julho de 2021, antes e durante a pandemia de Covid-19, por discentes vinculados ao projeto de extensão de serviço universitário de referência do Rio Grande do Norte. O público-alvo das capacitações foram estudantes e profissionais do curso de Medicina, Enfermagem e Técnico de Enfermagem dos municípios de Natal, Macaíba, Santa Cruz, Currais Novos, Mossoró e Caicó, do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Foi realizada uma capacitação no formato presencial antes da pandemia causada pela COVID-19 ou no formato remoto como adaptação das atividades durante o período pandêmico. A metodologia dos treinamentos foi composta por um formulário de pré e pós teste visando avaliar a eficácia das capacitações, somado a fundamentação teórica, simulações teórico-práticas e discussão de casos clínicos. Além disso, foram promovidas ações educativas destinadas à população geral. Resultados:As capacitações ministradas a profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde totalizaram 1212 participantes. Os eventos direcionados ao meio externo, como transmissões ao vivo e conteúdos audiovisuais em redes sociais, atingiram 12.931 pessoas. O fomento à produção científica envolveu a elaboração de 95 trabalhos aprovados em congressos regionais, nacionais e internacionais, bem como a organização de um congresso internacional nas áreas de Pediatria e Cardiologia, contabilizando 29.007 inscritos.Conclusões:Evidenciou-se a importância de intervenções para melhoria da linha de cuidado à criança cardiopata (AU).

Introduction:Neonatal pulse oximetry has been part of the National Newborn Screening Program in Brazil since 2014. However, there are few reports of its effective implementation in routine maternal and child care in the country. Objective: This study reports on the experience of providing health education to health professionals, students and the general population on topics related to neonatal pulse oximetry.Methodology: This is a descriptive study, experience report type, carried out between July 2019 and July 2021,before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, by students linked to the extension project of a reference university service in Rio Grande do Norte. The target audience of the training were students and professionals from the Medicine, Nursing and Nursing Technician course in the municipalities of Natal, Macaíba, Santa Cruz, Currais Novos, Mossoró and Caicó, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Training was carried out in person before the COVID-19 pandemic or remotely as an adaptation of activities during the pandemic period. The training methodology consisted of a pre-and post-test form aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the training, in addition to theoretical foundations, theoretical-practical simulations and discussion of clinical cases. In addition, educational activities were promoted for the general population.Results:Training given to health professionals and students totaled 1212 participants. Events directed to the external environment, such as live broadcasts and audiovisual content on socialnetworks, reached 12,931 people. Promotion of scientific production involved the preparation of 95 papers approved in regional, national, and international congresses, as well as the organization of an international congress in the areas of Pediatrics andCardiology, with 29,007 registered participants. Conclusions: The importance of interventions to improve the line of care for children with heart disease was evidenced (AU).

Introducción: La oximetría de pulso neonatal forma parte del Programa Nacional de Tamizaje Neonatal en Brasil desde 2014. Sin embargo, existen pocos registros de su implementación efectiva en la atención materno-infantil de rutina en el país. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue relatar la experiencia en acciones de educación en salud para profesionales y estudiantes del área de la salud y la población en general, sobre temas relacionados con El Test del Corazoncito. Metodología:Se trata de un estudiodescriptivo, del tipo relato de experiencia, realizado entre julio de 2019 y julio de 2021, antes y durante la pandemia de la Covid-19, por estudiantes vinculados al proyecto de extensión de un servicio universitario de referencia en Rio Grande Norte. El público objetivo de la capacitación fueron estudiantes y profesionales de la carrera de Medicina, Enfermería y Técnico en Enfermería de los municipios de Natal, Macaíba, Santa Cruz, Currais Novos, Mossoró y Caicó, en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte. La formación se realizó en formato presencial antes de la pandemia causada por el COVID-19 o a distancia como adaptación de las actividades durante el periodo de pandemia. La metodología de capacitación consistió en un formulario de pre y post test dirigido a evaluar la efectividad de la capacitación, además de fundamentos teóricos, simulacros teórico-prácticos y discusión de casos clínicos. Además, se promovieron actividades educativas para la población en general. Resultados:La formación impartida a profesionales y estudiantes de la salud totalizó 1212 participantes. Los eventos dirigidos al entorno externo, como retransmisiones en directo y contenidos audiovisuales en redes sociales, llegaron a 12.931 personas. El fomento de la producción científica implicó la elaboración de 95 trabajos aprobados en congresos regionales, nacionales e internacionales, así como la organización de un congreso internacional en las áreas de Pediatría y Cardiología, con 29.007 inscritos. Conclusiones:Se destacó la importancia de las intervenciones para mejorar la línea de atención a los niños con cardiopatías (AU).

Induction chemotherapy response of HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: First-ever reported therapeutic outcome and a brief literature review.

A 54-year-old male patient complained of nasal obstruction and epistaxis for 2 years, with worsening of the symptoms in the preceding year. Physical examination revealed a friable, irregular mass, with yellowish secretion, in the left nasal fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansive lesion in the left nasal cavity, extending into the nasopharynx, ethmoid, right nasal cavity, and cortical bone of the hard palate. An incisional biopsy was then performed. Morphologically, a cellular malignant proliferation with a solid basaloid appearance admixed with adenoid cystic-like areas was observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for AE1/AE3, CK7, p63, and calponin, with focal labeling for CD117 and α-SMA. p16 had diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity. Ki-67 index was >80%. Given the morphological and immunohistochemical aspects, the diagnosis was conclusive for HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma. The tumor was considered irresectable, and the patient was submitted to induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and infusional 5-fluorouracil, with significant regression after therapy, followed by chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin, without limiting toxicities. The patient is currently under regular follow-up, with complete clinical and radiological response. To date, there are no reports in the literature of induction chemotherapy use or its complete therapeutic responsiveness related to this lesion. A brief literature review was included with the main epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects regarding the 85 cases reported in the literature, including ours.

A Case of Doxycycline-induced Melanin in the Gingiva Tissue: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Gingival pigmentation is a discoloration of the gingiva due to a variety of lesions and conditions associated with several endogenous and exogenous etiologic features. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe a report of gingival pigmentation in a patient who used doxycycline. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old Caucasian female was under dermatological treatment and antibiotic therapy with doxycycline 100 mg (one time a day) for 90 days. She presented brown pigmentation at the gingival margin on the facial surfaces of the upper and lower anterior incisors and premolars. The patient was evaluated by immunohistochemical (S-100, Melan-A, and HMB-45) and histopathologic analyses, and clinical history. Blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine in blood were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); dehidroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in serum by radioimmunoassay; and luteinizing hormone (LH) and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D by chemiluminescence. Hematoxylin-eosin stained sections revealed keratinocytes with pigment compatible with melanin. The Fontana-Masson staining was positive in melanophages and in some basal keratinocytes. S-100, Melan A and HMB-45 were confirmed as positive markers of melanocytic differentiation in gingival tissue. We observed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (p˂0.05) and a decrease in superoxide dismutase levels (p˂0.05). The dopamine value was found to be 15 pg/ml (reference value ≤ 10 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: The use of doxycycline is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and of dopamine with melanin pigments in the gingival tissue. This case report showed a cause-effect relationship between exposure to doxycycline and pigmentation of the marginal gingiva.

Immunopathological insights into villitis of unknown etiology on the basis of transplant immunology.

Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of maternal CD8 +T cells into the placental villi. Although the pathogenesis of VUE is still debated, dysregulation of the immune system appears to be an important factor in the development of the disease. Interaction of maternal T cells with the fetal antigens seems to be the trigger for the VUE onset. In this context, graft vs host disease (GVHD) and allographic rejection seem to share similarities in the VUE immunopathological mechanism, especially those related to immunoregulation. In this review, we compared the immunological characteristics of VUE with allograft rejection, and GVHD favoring a better knowledge of VUE pathogenesis that may contribute to VUE therapeutics strategies in the future.

MUC22, HLA-A, and HLA-DOB variants and COVID-19 in resilient super-agers from Brazil.

Background: Although aging correlates with a worse prognosis for Covid-19, super elderly still unvaccinated individuals presenting mild or no symptoms have been reported worldwide. Most of the reported genetic variants responsible for increased disease susceptibility are associated with immune response, involving type I IFN immunity and modulation; HLA cluster genes; inflammasome activation; genes of interleukins; and chemokines receptors. On the other hand, little is known about the resistance mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we addressed polymorphisms in the MHC region associated with Covid-19 outcome in super elderly resilient patients as compared to younger patients with a severe outcome. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by RT-PCR test. Aiming to identify candidate genes associated with host resistance, we investigated 87 individuals older than 90 years who recovered from Covid-19 with mild symptoms or who remained asymptomatic following positive test for SARS-CoV-2 as compared to 55 individuals younger than 60 years who had a severe disease or died due to Covid-19, as well as to the general elderly population from the same city. Whole-exome sequencing and an in-depth analysis of the MHC region was performed. All samples were collected in early 2020 and before the local vaccination programs started. Results: We found that the resilient super elderly group displayed a higher frequency of some missense variants in the MUC22 gene (a member of the mucins' family) as one of the strongest signals in the MHC region as compared to the severe Covid-19 group and the general elderly control population. For example, the missense variant rs62399430 at MUC22 is two times more frequent among the resilient super elderly (p = 0.00002, OR = 2.24). Conclusion: Since the pro-inflammatory basal state in the elderly may enhance the susceptibility to severe Covid-19, we hypothesized that MUC22 might play an important protective role against severe Covid-19, by reducing overactive immune responses in the senior population.

MatchTope: A tool to predict the cross reactivity of peptides complexed with Major Histocompatibility Complex I.

The therapeutic targeting of the immune system, for example in vaccinology and cancer treatment, is a challenging task and the subject of active research. Several in silico tools used for predicting immunogenicity are based on the analysis of peptide sequences binding to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC). However, few of these bioinformatics tools take into account the pMHC three-dimensional structure. Here, we describe a new bioinformatics tool, MatchTope, developed for predicting peptide similarity, which can trigger cross-reactivity events, by computing and analyzing the electrostatic potentials of pMHC complexes. We validated MatchTope by using previously published data from in vitro assays. We thereby demonstrate the strength of MatchTope for similarity prediction between targets derived from several pathogens as well as for indicating possible cross responses between self and tumor peptides. Our results suggest that MatchTope can enhance and speed up future studies in the fields of vaccinology and cancer immunotherapy.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Exploring frontiers of combinatorial approaches with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint therapy.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the most common malignant tumors that arise in the head and neck. Despite advances in the management of affected patients, the mortality burden of these tumors is increasing every year. The discovery of a vast genetic landscape has revealed new opportunities for therapeutic intervention of head and neck SCC (HNSCC). Molecular alterations of tyrosine kinases are involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and may help keep cancer cells from growing. Currently, many drugs inhibit this enzyme family and are being studied by the pharmaceutical industry opening the room to expand the use and efficacy of this therapeutic modality alone or using combinatorial approaches including checkpoint inhibitors for treatment. In this paper, we explored the role of tyrosine kinases inhibitors of HNSCC, and clinical trials related to these molecules, expecting to provide references for HNSCC therapy.

Synthesizing the connections between environmental disturbances and zoonotic spillover.

Zoonotic spillover is a phenomenon characterized by the transfer of pathogens between different animal species. Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from non-human animals, and human-related environmental disturbances are the driving forces of the emergence of new human pathogens. Synthesizing the sequence of basic events involved in the emergence of new human pathogens is important for guiding the understanding, identification, and description of key aspects of human activities that can be changed to prevent new outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. This review synthesizes the connections between environmental disturbances and increased risk of spillover events based on the One Health perspective. Anthropogenic disturbances in the environment (e.g., deforestation, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, wildlife exploitation) lead to changes in ecological niches, reduction of the dilution effect, increased contact between humans and other animals, changes in the incidence and load of pathogens in animal populations, and alterations in the abiotic factors of landscapes. These phenomena can increase the risk of spillover events and, potentially, facilitate new infectious disease outbreaks. Using Brazil as a study model, this review brings a discussion concerning anthropogenic activities in the Amazon region and their potential impacts on spillover risk and spread of emerging diseases in this region.

Head circumference and anthropometric changes and their relation to plexiform and skin neurofibromas in sporadic and familial neurofibromatosis 1 Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant syndrome with complete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. The cutaneous neurofibroma (Cnf) and plexiform neurofibroma (Pnf), café-au-lait spots, and freckle-like lesions are common in NF1, but many other manifestations can occur. We aimed to evaluate head circumference, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), head circumference-to-height ratio (HCHR) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in adult NF1 Brazilian individuals versus a paired control group and investigate their correlation with the presence of clinically visible Pnfs, and number of "skin neurofibromas" (Snf), which include both cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 168 individuals, 84 with NF1 and 84 without NF1, paired by sex and age. Head circumference and anthropometric measurements, Snf quantification, evaluation of clinically visible Pnf and familial inheritance were accessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of macrocephaly was significantly higher in NF1 women. Height and weight were significantly lower in both males and females with NF1. HCHR was higher in the NF1 group than in the control group for both sexes. BMI was significantly lower in men with NF1. Waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced in NF compared with the controls, but the mean WHR was significantly lower only in NF1 women. No correlation was found between the Snf and head circumference and anthropometric measurements, sex or family history. The presence and larger size of clinically visible plexiform neurofibromas were associated with normal stature (p = 0.037 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: NF1 individuals have increased prevalence of macrocephaly, short stature, low BMI, and reduced abdominal fat. There is no relation between head circumference and anthropometric data with family history, or neurofibromas.

SARS-CoV-2's Variants of Concern: A Brief Characterization.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disclose the variants of concern (VOC) including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Its spike protein (S) present on the surface of the virus is recognized by the host cell receptor, the angiotensin-2 converting enzyme (ACE2) which promotes their entry into the cell. The mutations presented by VOCs are found in RBD and the N-terminal region of S protein. Therefore, mutations occurring in RBD can modify the biological and immunogenic characteristics of the virus, such as modifying the spike affinity for ACE2, increasing the virus transmissibility, or conferring the ability to escape the immune responses. The raise of a potential new SARS-CoV-2 variant capable of evading the host defenses at the same time maintaining its fitness justifies the importance of continued genetic monitoring of the pandemic coronavirus.

Viral immunogenic footprints conferring T cell cross-protection to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

COVID-19 brought scenes from sci-fi movies into real life. Infected individuals include asymptomatic cases to severe disease leading to death, suggesting the involvement of the genetic constitution of populations and pathogens contributing to differential individuals' outcomes. To investigate shared immunogenic features between SARS-CoV-2 targets and other coronaviruses, we modeled their peptides in 3D structures of HLA-A*02:01 (pMHC), comparing their molecular surfaces These structures were also compared with a panel of epitopes from unrelated viruses, looking for potential triggers conferring cross-protection in uninfected individuals. As expected, SARS-CoV 1 and 2 peptides share molecular and physicochemical features, providing an explanation for the verified experimental immunogenicity among them. Surprisingly, even discordant sequences from human coronaviruses 229E, OC43 and epitopes from unrelated viruses involved in endemic human infections exhibit similar fingerprints of immunogenicity with SARS-CoV-2 peptides. The same approach indicates a conserved CD8+ T cell recognition between Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 sequences and altered peptides from Variants of Concern. Examination of structural data over epitope sequence analysis here could explain how previous infections may produce a heterologous immunity response in a global scale against emergent diseases such as Covid-19, mitigating its full lethal potential, and paves the way for the development of wide spectrum vaccine development.

Association between sella turcica bridging and impacted maxillary canines.

Changes in sella turcica (ST) development may be associated with impaction of the permanent canine teeth. Calcification of the interclinoid ligament, which forms a bridge between the anterior and posterior clinoid processes of the sphenoid bone, has been termed ST bridging. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an association exists between ST bridging and the presence of impacted maxillary canines (IMCs) in a Brazilian population. In this case-control study, 2 blinded and calibrated examiners measured the length (interclinoidal distance), depth, and diameter of the ST on cephalometric radiographs of 64 adults divided into a case group with IMCs (n = 32) and a control group without IMCs (n = 32). The degree of calcification was established as no (class I), partial (class II), or complete (class III) calcification. A t test was used to compare ST dimensions between the groups, and a chi-square test was used to analyze the association between the degree of calcification and the groups. The association between ST bridging and IMC was estimated by means of logistic regression analysis (α = 0.05). The study findings showed that ST length in the case group was shorter than that in the control group (P = 0.042; t test), and the length was shorter in men than in women (P = 0.038; t test). The ST bridging frequency was higher in the case group (P = 0.03; chi-square test), and there was no difference between men and women. The presence of ST bridging might be associated with increased odds of IMCs (P < 0.01; adjusted odds ratio = 5.92). In this patient sample, the occurrence of IMCs was positively associated with the presence and severity of ST bridging.

Performance of rapid test for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in hemodialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients.

Rapid tests (RT) have been widely used for screening of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in general population, but its performance in hemodialysis (HD) patients and mainly in kidney-transplant recipients (RTx) is less known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of RT for detection of anti-HCV in HD and RTx patients. Patients were prospectively included subdivided in four groups according to the positivity for anti-HCV detected by conventional serology: (1) HD patients anti-HCV +, (2) HD patients anti-HCV -, (3) RTx patients anti-HCV +, and (4) RTx patients anti-HCV -. All patients were retested for HCV using the commercial kit Alere HCV® Bioeasy Rapid Test (Bioeasy Diagnóstica LTDA-Minas Gerais, Brazil) in capillary whole blood samples. During the period of study were included 46 HD patients anti-HCV+, 62 HD patients anti-HCV -, 53 RTx patients anti-HCV + and 56 RTx patients anti-HCV -. In patients on HD, the RT showed sensitivity (S), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 100%. In RTx patients, S of 96%, SP of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 97% were found (accuracy of 98%). In conclusion, in patients on HD there was 100% agreement between RT and the conventional immunoassay. In the RTx group, although the agreement was not 100%, the RT performed very well when compared to conventional serology. This study demonstrates that the RT can be an alternative to conventional serology in HCV screening of patients on HD and RTx.

[From therapeutic consultations to joint consultation: Winnicott's contributions to matrix support practice]. / Das consultas terapêuticas à consulta conjunta: contribuições de Winnicott à prática do apoio matricial.

The scope of this article is to revisit the Therapeutic Consultations of psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, seeking to identify technical and ethical contributions which can strengthen the "matrix support" and joint consultations in the Unified Health System (SUS). A rereading of Winnicott's texts and those of commentators is conducted, presenting a debate between the author's ideas and the work in mental health in primary care. Based on detailed case analysis, the article addresses some implications for the practice of matrix support, both in the intervention by the team, and in listening to the patient and family members. In addition, based on a contextualized study of Winnicott's consultation reports, the work presents contributions for joint consultations in the SUS, both in its care and in its formative axis. The following stand out in terms of technical and ethical results: (a) the priority of listening directly to the person who gave rise to the complaint; (b) the importance of sustaining "space and time" to allow a meaningful experience for the patient; (c) the use of interview instruments in the light of "shared playing"; (d) the patient as an active subject in the construction of his therapeutic project; (e) the importance of the local team in supporting and "translating" the patient's experience.

O artigo tem como objetivo revisitar as Consultas Terapêuticas do psicanalista Donald Winnicott, buscando identificar nesta estratégia clínica subsídios para a sustentação técnica e ética do apoio matricial e das consultas conjuntas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Para tanto, realiza-se uma releitura de textos de Winnicott e comentadores, colocando-os em debate com aspectos do trabalho em saúde mental na atenção básica. A partir da análise detalhada de uma das consultas descritas pelo psicanalista, abordam-se implicações para a prática do apoio matricial, tanto na intervenção junto à equipe, como na escuta do paciente e sua família. Além disso, com base no estudo dos relatos de consultas de Winnicott, apresentam-se contribuições para as consultas conjuntas no SUS, considerando seus eixos assistencial e formativo. Como resultados técnicos e éticos, destacam-se: (a) a prioridade da escuta direta da pessoa sobre quem advém a queixa; (b) a importância de sustentar o "espaço e tempo" que possibilite uma experiência significativa ao paciente; (c) o uso de instrumentos de entrevista à luz do "brincar partilhado"; (d) o paciente como sujeito ativo na construção de seu projeto terapêutico; (e) a importância da equipe local no suporte e "tradução" da experiência do paciente.

Das consultas terapêuticas à consulta conjunta: contribuições de Winnicott à prática do apoio matricial / From therapeutic consultations to joint consultation: Winnicott's contributions to matrix support practice

Resumo O artigo tem como objetivo revisitar as Consultas Terapêuticas do psicanalista Donald Winnicott, buscando identificar nesta estratégia clínica subsídios para a sustentação técnica e ética do apoio matricial e das consultas conjuntas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Para tanto, realiza-se uma releitura de textos de Winnicott e comentadores, colocando-os em debate com aspectos do trabalho em saúde mental na atenção básica. A partir da análise detalhada de uma das consultas descritas pelo psicanalista, abordam-se implicações para a prática do apoio matricial, tanto na intervenção junto à equipe, como na escuta do paciente e sua família. Além disso, com base no estudo dos relatos de consultas de Winnicott, apresentam-se contribuições para as consultas conjuntas no SUS, considerando seus eixos assistencial e formativo. Como resultados técnicos e éticos, destacam-se: (a) a prioridade da escuta direta da pessoa sobre quem advém a queixa; (b) a importância de sustentar o "espaço e tempo" que possibilite uma experiência significativa ao paciente; (c) o uso de instrumentos de entrevista à luz do "brincar partilhado"; (d) o paciente como sujeito ativo na construção de seu projeto terapêutico; (e) a importância da equipe local no suporte e "tradução" da experiência do paciente.

Abstract The scope of this article is to revisit the Therapeutic Consultations of psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, seeking to identify technical and ethical contributions which can strengthen the "matrix support" and joint consultations in the Unified Health System (SUS). A rereading of Winnicott's texts and those of commentators is conducted, presenting a debate between the author's ideas and the work in mental health in primary care. Based on detailed case analysis, the article addresses some implications for the practice of matrix support, both in the intervention by the team, and in listening to the patient and family members. In addition, based on a contextualized study of Winnicott's consultation reports, the work presents contributions for joint consultations in the SUS, both in its care and in its formative axis. The following stand out in terms of technical and ethical results: (a) the priority of listening directly to the person who gave rise to the complaint; (b) the importance of sustaining "space and time" to allow a meaningful experience for the patient; (c) the use of interview instruments in the light of "shared playing"; (d) the patient as an active subject in the construction of his therapeutic project; (e) the importance of the local team in supporting and "translating" the patient's experience.

HEPATIC ALTERATIONS IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS FROM THE LARGEST KIDNEY TRANSPLANT CENTER IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease and is associated with lower mortality when compared to dialysis methods. Brazil is the country with the second largest number of kidney transplants in the world and among these patients it has been observed that liver abnormalities are common. The frequency of liver abnormalities ranges from 20-50% post-transplantation, and have an important impact on the survival and quality of life of these patients. There are scarce data about the frequency, causes and characteristics of these alterations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the different causes of hepatic abnormalities in kidney transplant recipients, to associate the characteristics of these abnormalities with demographic, epidemiological and clinical variables, to compare the characteristics of hepatic alterations between different etiologies, and to evaluate possible changes in diagnosis over two different periods of time. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional observational, epidemiological study was conducted at the outpatient "Hepato-Rim"clinic of Hospital São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), a center providing specialized care for patients with hepatic abnormalities and underlying kidney diseases. RESULTS: Five-hundred eighty-one transplant patients were evaluated. The most prevalent etiologies of liver abnormalities were hepatitis C and B, iron overload, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The most common cause - hepatitis C - was analyzed in greater detail. Compared to the other causes, this infection was more frequent in older patients, female patients, and patients with a longer time since transplantation and hemodialysis. Analysis of the two periods showed that patients of period 1 (P1 - 1993 to 2005) were older and were more frequently referred because of positive serology; referral due to aminotransferases abnormalities predominated during period 2 (P2 - 2006 to 2018). The predominant diagnoses were hepatitis C and B during P1 and NAFLD and DILI during P2. CONCLUSION: Assessment of the main hepatic alterations in kidney transplant recipients is important because it permits better management of these patients in terms of diagnostic investigation and treatment and contributes to the prevention of complications in this special population.