Knowledge and perceptions on the existence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers and associated factors among Brazilian LGBT+ individuals / Conhecimento e percepções sobre a existência dos Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA) e fatores associados em pessoas LGBT+ brasileiras

Abstract In Brazil, the advent of voluntary and counseling testing (VCT) has provided many benefits in the fight against AIDS. A sectional open web survey was conducted to investigate the Brazilian LGBT+ individuals' knowledge and perceptions of the existence of VCT centers and their associations with risk behavior and other variables of interest. The study instrument included questions on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, knowledge on VCT, access to and use of it, beliefs about HIV infection, test results, and risk perception. The Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection (RBS) was also used. A total of 1,630 volunteers participated in the survey, of whom 56.8% were men. Of these, 96.1% declared themselves as (MSM). Almost 50% of the participants had never heard about the existence of VCT, which was a higher knowledge score among MSM. A low frequency of participants had a clear perception of the risks to which they are exposed, whereas those with higher RBS were aware of the existence of VCT. As VCT is critical for the implementation of policies to combat and prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, our results can contribute to a better understanding of the influence of VCT on the frequency of testing, serological surveillance, and routine counseling for key populations.

Resumo No Brasil, o advento dos centros de testagem e aconselhamento (CTA) trouxe muitos benefícios na luta contra a Aids. Um estudo transversal do tipo web survey foi realizado para investigar o conhecimento e as percepções dos indivíduos LGBT+ brasileiros sobre a existência dos CTAs e suas associações com comportamentos de risco e outras variáveis de interesse. O questionário incluiu questões sociodemográficas e comportamentais, conhecimento sobre o CTA, acesso e uso, crenças sobre a infecção pelo HIV, resultados de testes e percepção de risco. O escore de comportamento de risco (RBS) também foi utilizado. Participaram 1.630 voluntários (56,8% homens). Destes, 96,1% se autodeclararam homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Quase 50% dos participantes não conhecem os CTAs, sendo este conhecimento maior entre os HSHs. Uma baixa frequência de participantes tem percepção clara dos riscos a que estão expostos, e os HSHs com maior pontuação no RBS estão cientes da existência dos CTAs, que são fundamentais na implementação de políticas de combate e prevenção ao HIV e outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Nossos resultados contribuem para a melhor compreensão da sua influência na frequência de testagem, na vigilância do status sorológico e no aconselhamento em populações-chave.

Vacinação contra poliomielite no Brasil de 2011 a 2021: sucessos, reveses e desafios futuros / Vaccination against poliomyelitis in Brazil from 2011 to 2021: successes, setbacks, and challenges ahead

Resumo A queda de coberturas vacinais (CV) na infância, entre elas a da poliomielite, vem se tornando uma preocupação sanitária. O objetivo foi analisar a tendência temporal das coberturas das três doses da vacina contra a poliomielite nos primeiros 12 meses de vida entre 2011 e 2021, com destaque na pandemia de COVID-19, além de mapear as CV no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com técnicas de série temporal interrompida (STI) e análise espacial, a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização. A tendência da CV foi ajustada pelo estimador de variância de Newey-West, segundo as unidades federadas e o Índice de Privação Brasileiro. A distribuição da CV foi estimada por modelos bayesianos e os aglomerados espaciais pelos índices de Moran global e local, identificando áreas de menor cobertura nas Regiões de Saúde. Observa-se perda da CV ao longo do período em todas as regiões do país, sendo maiores no Norte e no Nordeste e se acentuando durante a pandemia. As maiores quedas foram identificadas em estados e regiões de saúde com maior vulnerabilidade social. A queda na CV mostra que o risco de reintrodução do vírus selvagem é iminente e os desafios precisam ser enfrentados com o fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract The drop in childhood vaccination coverage (VC), including poliomyelitis, has become a health concern. The objective was to analyze the temporal trend of coverage of the three doses of the polio vaccine in the first 12 months of life between 2011 and 2021, in addition to mapping vaccination coverage in Brazil, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. An ecological study was carried out using interrupted time series (STI) techniques and spatial analysis, with data from the National Immunization Program Information System. The VC trend was adjusted by the Newey-West variance estimator according to the federated units and the Brazilian Deprivation Index. The VC distribution was estimated by Bayesian models and the spatial clusters by the global and local Moran index, identifying areas of lower coverage in the health regions. There was a reduction in the VC over the period in all regions, being more pronounced in the North and Northeast regions and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biggest drops were identified in states and health regions with greater social vulnerability after 2019. The drop in VC shows that the risk of reintroduction of the wild virus is imminent and the challenges need to be faced with the strengthening of the Brazilian Health System (SUS).

Vacinação do sarampo no Brasil: onde estivemos e para onde vamos? / Measles vaccination in Brazil: where have we been and where are we headed?

Resumo A reemergência de doenças imunopreveníveis devido à queda das coberturas vacinais (CV) tem sido documentada em vários países. O objetivo foi analisar a CV, a homogeneidade das CV e os casos de sarampo no Brasil de 2011 a 2021, com enfoque no período da pandemia de COVID-19, sua tendência temporal, distribuição espaço-temporal e fatores associados aos aglomerados de menor CV. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico sobre a CV de sarampo (dose 1), com métodos de série temporal interrompida e de avaliação da disposição espaço-temporal, por meio do teste de varredura na identificação de aglomerados de CV. A partir de 2015, observa-se queda progressiva das CV e da homogeneidade, acentuando-se após 2020 em todas as regiões, particularmente Norte e Nordeste. Aglomerados de baixa CV foram associados a piores indicadores de desenvolvimento humano, desigualdade social e menor acesso à Estratégia de Saúde da Família. No Brasil, a pandemia intensificou as iniquidades em saúde, com baixas CV de sarampo em municípios socialmente mais vulneráveis e desiguais. Há risco de circulação do vírus, reafirmando o desafio de fortalecer a atenção básica, aprimorar a comunicação em saúde e garantir acesso à vacina, diminuindo oportunidades perdidas de vacinação e a hesitação vacinal.

Abstract The re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases due to the decline in vaccine coverage (VC) has been documented in several countries. The objective was to analyze the VC, the homogeneity of VC, and measles cases in Brazil from 2011 to 2021, focusing on the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, its temporal trend, space-time distribution, and factors associated with clusters of lower VC. This is an ecological study on measles VC (dose 1), with methods of interrupted time series and evaluation of spatio-temporal disposition, through the sweep test to identify clusters of VC. Starting in 2015, we observe a progressive decline in VC and homogeneity, with an accentuation after 2020, in all regions, particularly in the North and Northeast. Low VC clusters were associated with worse human development indicators, social inequality, and less access to the Family Health Strategy. In Brazil, the pandemic intensified health inequalities with low VC of measles in socially more vulnerable and unequal municipalities. There is a risk of virus circulation, however, the challenge of strengthening primary care, improving health communication and guaranteeing access to the vaccine, reducing missed opportunities for vaccination and vaccine hesitancy, is highlighted.

Cross-cultural adaptation, content validity, and item analysis of the Objective and Subjective Knowledge and HIV Testing Scale for the Brazilian population

Abstract Objectives To propose a Portuguese version of the Objective and Subjective Knowledge and HIV Testing Scale (OSK-HIV-TS), assess its content validity, and perform item analysis after administration to a sample of undergraduate students. Methods Three translators translated the OSK-HIV-TS into Portuguese. Judges evaluated each item of a consensus version of the translated instrument for semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. A consensus committee reviewed a back-translation against the original version of the OSK-HIV-TS. Content validity was calculated with the content validity index (CVI) and item analysis was conducted using Classical Test Theory (CTT). Results The translated scale achieved semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, and cultural equivalence to the original version. A total of 491 undergraduate students participated and the distribution of students' responses to the OSK-HIV-TS revealed a high proportion of correct answers. All items were classified as easy or very easy and only item 16 was classified having strong discrimination power according to the discrimination index. Conclusion The OSK-HIV-TS is a novel instrument in the Brazilian literature for assessing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and should inspire more research into HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) behavior and associated factors, which, despite being essential and necessary, is still lacking in the Brazilian literature.

Health of the Newborn and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review / Saúde do recém-nascido e amamentação durante a pandemia de COVID-19: Uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Objective The present article presents a literature review concerning the microbiota of breast milk and the influence of epigenetics in the susceptibility to COVID-19. Methods A literature review. Results Breastfeeding transfers microbiota, nutrients, diverse white blood cells, prebiotics, hormones, and antibodies to the baby, which provide short- and longterm immunological protection against several infectious, gastrointestinal, and respiratory illnesses. The little evidence available shows that breast milk very rarely carries the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and even in those cases, it has been discarded as the source of contagion. Conclusion The reviewed studies show evidence of a beneficial effect of breastfeeding and highlights its importance on the current pandemic due to the immune reinforcement that it provides. Breastfed individuals showed better clinical response due to the influence on the microbiota and to the nutritional and immune contribution provided by breast milk, compared with those who were not breastfed.

Resumo Objetivo O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura sobre amicrobiota do leite materno e a influência da epigenética na suscetibilidade à COVID-19. Métodos Revisão de literatura. Resultados A amamentação transfere microbiota, nutrientes, diversos glóbulos brancos, prebióticos, hormônios e anticorpos para o bebê, os quais proporcionam proteção imunológica de curto e longo prazo contra diversas doenças infecciosas, gastrointestinais e respiratórias. As poucas evidências disponíveis mostram que o leite materno transportamuito raramente o vírus SARS-CoV-2, emesmo nestes casos, ele foi descartado como fonte de contágio. Conclusão Os estudos revisados mostram evidências de um efeito benéfico da amamentação e destacam sua importância na atual pandemia devido ao reforço imunológico que ela proporciona. Os indivíduos amamentados mostraram melhor resposta clínica devido à influência sobre a microbiota, e à contribuição nutricional e imunológica proporcionada pelo leite materno, em comparação com aqueles que não o foram.

Vitamin A deficiency and association between serum retinol and IGF-1 concentrations in Brazilian children with Down syndrome

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and serum concentrations of retinol, correlating them with IGF-1 concentrations in preschoolers with DS. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children with DS aged 24 to 72 months, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. VAD was determined by the relative dose-response (RDR) test. Retinol serum concentration ≤ 0.70 μmol/L and IGF-1 serum concentration below the 3rd percentile for sex and age were considered to represent deficiency. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined at the beginning of the study. Weight, height, and information about fever and/or diarrhea were obtained at the beginning of the study. Results: VAD prevalence was 25.5% (12/47), and 74.5% (35/47) of the children had deficient retinol before the intervention. CRP was not associated with VAD. Mean IGF-1 were 103.5 ng/mL (SD = 913) for the group with VAD and 116.3 ng/mL (SD = 54.9) for the group with no VAD (p-value = 0.85); 8.5% (4/47) of the children showed deficient IGF-1, but without VAD. No association was observed between VAD and IGF-1 deficiency. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pre-intervention retinol and IGF-1 (ρ = 0.37; p-value = 0.01). Conclusion: a high prevalence of VAD and deficient retinol was observed and there was a positive correlation between serum retinol and IGF-1.

Seasonal variations in incidence of femoral fractures in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil / Variações sazonais na incidência de fraturas do fêmur no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil

Abstract Introduction Femoral fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, mainly among older people. Objective To examine the effect of seasonality on hospitalizations due to femur fracture among people residing in the Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil, from 2008 to 2019. Methods Ecological study based on secondary data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). A total of 74,374 reports of hospital admissions was considered. The generalized additive model (GAM) approach was employed to assess the seasonality of the time series, with stratification by sex and age groups and considering the monthly average number of events of femoral fractures per day as a dependent variable. Results A considerably higher incidence of femoral fractures in women aged 70 years or more was described. Among people aged less than 50 years, there is not an apparent seasonal effect. Men aged 70 years or older and women aged 50 years or older have a higher frequency of hospitalizations due to femur fractures in the colder months. Conclusion Among older people, more femoral fractures occurred during the winter compared to summer. This supports findings from other studies, although reasons for this seasonal variation are uncertain. The knowledge of these seasonal variations can help to plan the health care in the public health system.

Resumo Introdução As fraturas de fêmur são uma das causas principais de morbidade e mortalidade, principalmente entre as pessoas idosas. Objetivo Examinar o efeito da sazonalidade nas hospitalizações devido à fratura do fêmur entre residentes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil, de 2008 a 2019. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo ecológico baseado em dados secundários do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do SUS (SIH/SUS). Um total de 74.374 relatórios de internações hospitalares foi considerado. O modelo aditivo generalizado (GAM) foi usado para avaliar a sazonalidade da série temporal, com estratificação por sexo e grupos etários e considerando a média mensal de eventos de fraturas do fêmur por dia como uma variável dependente. Resultados Descreveu-se uma incidência consideravelmente maior de fraturas do fêmur em mulheres com 70 anos de idade ou mais. Entre as pessoas com menos de 50 anos de idade, não há um efeito sazonal aparente. Homens com idade de 70 anos ou mais e mulheres com 50 anos ou mais têm maior frequência de hospitalizações devido a fraturas do fêmur nos meses mais frios. Conclusão Entre as pessoas mais idosas, as fraturas do fêmur ocorreram mais frequentemente durante o inverno em comparação ao verão. Isto reafirma os resultados de outros estudos, embora as razões para esta variação sazonal sejam incertas. O conhecimento destas variações sazonais pode ajudar no planejamento da assistência médica no sistema público de saúde.

Glycemic control and associated factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in primary care in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract Diabetes is a self-managed condition with knowledge, attitudes and practices that can influence the overall treatment and outcomes delay the complications of diabetes. However, the few reported studies published point out that: low education level, poor adherence to pharmacotherapy and diet recommendations, infrequent monitoring of blood glucose, and insulin dosage regimen are associated with higher hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, adherence medication, and complexity of pharmacotherapy in T1DM patients in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 156 T1DM patients who were attending in primary care. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the variables associated with glycemic control. The overall assessments of T1DM patients for the glycemic control were bad (121, 77.6%). However, T1DM patients with high MedTake Test (OR=2.4, CI=1.1-5.7) and Morisky-Green Test (OR= 2.5, CI=1.1-6.1), and in the use of dosage insulin (>40 units, OR=0.3, CI=0.1-0.7) and postprandial glucose (100-125mg/dl, OR=3.8, CI=1.1-14.6) had better glycemic control compared to uncontrolled patients. Glycemic control in Brazilians adults with T1DM is low. We suggested the screening patients with low MedTake and Morisky-Green Tests, increasing patient knowledge as part of a complex intervention that may lead to substantially improved treatment outcomes in primary care

Recommendations for application and interpretation of the Blood Donor Satisfaction Questionnaire (BDSQ)

ABSTRACT Background: The level of satisfaction of donors with the blood donation system is an important factor which influences their intent to return for future donation. A 25-item questionnaire on the satisfaction of blood donors has been recently proposed to assess the donor satisfaction with the service provided by a blood bank. The objective of this study was to present a proposal for application and interpretation of a BDSQ considering a sample of blood donors of a Brazilian blood bank. Methods: A sample of 1019 blood donors at the Regional Hemotherapy Center of Franca, Brazil, answered the BDSQ. A top-box analysis was used to assess the associations between the variables characterizing the profiles of blood donors and their overall satisfaction with the service provided by the blood bank. We proposed the use of a performance-importance plot (PIP) for the interpretation of the 25 items of the BDSQ. Results: Older donors are more likely to report lower overall satisfaction with the service provided by the blood bank. PIP allows us to classify the items of BDSQ into longand short-term improvement opportunities as well as into motivational and hygiene factors. Motivational factors (i.e. attributes that promote overall satisfaction when present) tend to be associated with the treatment offered by the blood bank staff. Donors seem to give more importance to the interpersonal aspects than to the physical structure of the service and other aspects of convenience. Conclusions: Top-box analysis and PIP proved to be efficient strategies to interpret the results of the BDSQ.

Relationship between religiosity and smoking among undergraduate health sciences students

Abstract Introduction The university period is often characterized as a critical period of vulnerability for smoking habit initiation. Objective The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between religiosity and smoking among undergraduate students on health sciences courses. Methods A total of 336 students on four health sciences courses (occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, and physiotherapy) completed a cigarette smoking questionnaire along with the Duke University Religion Index. Results Smoking prevalence was 8.3% among females and 12.7% among males. Prevalence among students who do not have a religion, but do believe in God, was higher than among those who do have a religion (16.3 and 6.3%, respectively). Organizational religious activity has a significant effect on smoking status. Conclusion The students have health habits that are not only motivated by the technical knowledge acquired on their undergraduate courses, since there was a possible influence of social norms stimulated by religious institutions on their attitudes, knowledge and practices in health.

Comorbidities and the risk of death among individuals infected by COVID-19 in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We investigated the association of self-reported comorbidities with fatality risk among individuals infected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. METHODS: We included 212,620 individuals, ≥30 years old. The data were obtained from the COVID-19 panel. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model were used. RESULTS: COVID-19-positive individuals presenting with chronic conditions were at a higher risk of fatality than individuals without these comorbidities. Age had a significant effect on these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities were associated with an increased risk of fatality. Middle-aged people (30-59 years) with comorbidities should also be considered as a vulnerable group.

Feasibility of very short-term forecast models for COVID-19 hospital-based surveillance

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the performance of Bayesian vector autoregressive (BVAR) and Holt's models to forecast the weekly COVID-19 reported cases in six units of a large hospital. METHODS: Cases reported from epidemiologic weeks (EW) 12-37 were selected as the training period, and from EW 38-41 as the test period. RESULTS: The models performed well in forecasting cases within one or two weeks following the end of the time-series, but forecasts for a more distant period were inaccurate. CONCLUSIONS: Both models offered reasonable performance in very short-term forecasts for confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Development of a blood donor satisfaction questionnaire (BDSQ)

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a self-reporting questionnaire, namely the Blood Donor Satisfaction Questionnaire (BDSQ) in Brazilian Portuguese, to assess the blood donor satisfaction with the service provided by a blood bank. Method: This study was carried out in three stages: 1) a preliminary version of the instrument was proposed, based on a revision of a previous questionnaire and consideration of the focus groups blood donor perceptions; 2) a content validation to assess the relevance of the items, clarity, domain structure and comprehensiveness of the satisfaction measurement, and; 3) a pre-test of the instrument using a sample of blood donors. All the stages of the research were performed at the Regional Hemotherapy Center in Franca, São Paulo, Brazil. Results: The 25-item BDSQ being proposed has an additional question on overall satisfaction. Responses to items are presented on a five-point scale, including a neutral answer. The BDSQ has three domains: accessibility and convenience, technical aspects, and interpersonal aspects. Conclusion: The application of the BDSQ has shown that it can be a useful tool in generating information for managers on specific aspects of blood bank services which need to be improved, monitored or maintained, aiming to provide a service which meets the blood donor expectations and makes him or her feel satisfied with the care received.

Conhecimento e atitudes de estudantes da área da saúde sobre a doação de córneas / Knowledge and attitudes toward corneal donation among health sciences undergraduate students

Objetivos: investigar o conhecimento e as atitudes em relação ao transplante de córneas entre os acadêmicos de cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, com delineamento transversal, que incluiu os alunos ativos dos cursos de graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Nutrição e Metabolismo, Fisioterapia ou Terapia Ocupacional, oferecidos pela Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP) da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), campus Ribeirão Preto. Os estudantes responderam em sala de aula a um instrumento estruturado. Foi aplicado um questionário contendo 16 itens sobre o conhecimento em relação ao transplante de córneas, baseado em instrumentos usados em trabalhos similares, e questões sobre as atitudes perante a doação. Resultados: participaram da pesquisa 335 estudantes (83,1% de sexo feminino). Apenas 6,6% declararam saber como proceder para ser um doador de córneas, e 55,5% declararam saber que a retirada da córnea só pode ser realizada após o óbito do doador. Dentre os 16 itens do questionário de conhecimento, os estudantes tiveram uma média de apenas 5,6 respostas corretas, com um desvio padrão de 3,1 acertos. Conclusões: o conhecimento dos estudantes entrevistados sobre a doação de córnea é bastante insatisfatório. Diante da conhecida escassez de córneas para transplantes, são necessárias ações educativas que tornem esses futuros profissionais aptos a divulgarem a prática da doação de córneas entre seus futuros pacientes e respectivos familiares.

Aims: assess the knowledge and attitudes toward corneal donation among health sciences undergraduate students. Methods: this is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, that included students enrolled in the undergraduate courses in Speech Therapy, Nutrition and Metabolism, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, offered by the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto campus. The students responded to a structured instrument in the classroom. A questionnaire containing 16 items regarding knowledge about corneal transplantation and questions about attitudes towards donation was applied. The questionnaire was based on instruments used in similar studies. Results: 335 students (83.1% female) participated in the research. Only 6.6% reported knowing how to proceed to be a corneal donor, and 55.5% reported knowing that corneal removal can only be performed after the donor's death. Among the 16 items of the knowledge questionnaire, the students had a mean of only 5.6 correct answers, with a standard deviation of 3.1. Conclusions: the knowledge of the interviewed students about corneal donation is quite unsatisfactory. Given the known shortage of corneas for transplantation, educational actions are needed to make these future professionals able to spread the practice of corneal donation among their future patients and their families.

Spatiotemporal distribution of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome incidence in Brazil between 2012 and 2016

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major public health issue in Brazil. This ecological study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of notified new AIDS cases in Brazil between 2012 and 2016. METHODS: A Bayesian spatiotemporal model based on the Poisson distribution was used to obtain smoothed incidence estimates of AIDS in each of the 133 Brazilian intermediate regions. RESULTS: Spatial distribution of new AIDS cases is highly heterogeneous. Regions with higher gross domestic product per capita tend to have higher incidence rates of AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to prevent and control AIDS should consider regional differences.

Minimum concentration of Amphotericin B in serum according to the formulation, dose, and daily or prolonged intermittent therapeutic regimen

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic efficacy of daily amphotericin B infusion is related to its maximum concentration in blood; however, trough levels may be useful in intermittent regimens of this antifungal drug. METHODS : High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the minimum concentration (Cmin) of amphotericin B in the serum of patients receiving deoxycholate (D-Amph) or liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis (n=28), histoplasmosis (n=8), paracoccidioidomycosis (n=1), and leishmaniasis (n=1). RESULTS: Daily use of D-Amph 30 to 50 mg or L-AmB 50 mg resulted in a similar Cmin, but a significant increase ocurred with L-AmB 100 mg/day. The geometric mean Cmin tended to decrease with a reduction in the dose and frequency of intermittent L-AmB infusions: 357 ng/mL (100 mg 4 to 5 times/week) > 263 ng/mL (50 mg 4 to 5 times/week) > 227 ng/mL (50 mg 1 to 3 times/week). The impact on Cmin was variable in patients whose dose or therapeutic scheme was changed, especially when administered the intermittent infusion of amphotericin B. The mean Cmin for each L-AmB schedule of intermittent therapy was equal or higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration of amphotericin B against Cryptococcus isolates from 10/12 patients. The Cmin of amphotericin B in patients with cryptococcal meningitis was comparable between those that survived or died. CONCLUSIONS: By evaluating the Cmin of amphotericin B, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of its intermittent use including in the consolidation phase of neurocryptococcosis treatment, despite the great variability in serum levels among patients.

Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey / Atividade física em períodos de distanciamento social devidos à COVID-19: um estudo transversal

Abstract Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

Resumo Inatividade física e sedentarismo são associados com baixa saúde física e mental. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as mudanças nos hábitos dos participantes brasileiros praticantes de atividades físicas em relação às suas práticas, devido às medidas de distanciamento social durante a epidemia COVID-19 em 2020. O objetivo secundário foi descrever seus níveis de ansiedade e depressão. O questionário utilizado nesta pesquisa on-line incluiu informações demográficas, questões sobre a autopercepção do impacto do COVID-19 nas rotinas da vida e a Escala de Depressão de Ansiedade Hospitalar de 14 itens. Um total de 1.613 adultos completou o questionário entre 11 e 15 de maio de 2020. Destes, 79,4% relataram que as medidas para conter a epidemia tiveram algum impacto em suas atividades físicas e muitos tiveram que interromper ou diminuir a frequência de suas práticas. Os participantes que sentiram um maior impacto da quarentena em suas atividades físicas tendem a ter maior prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Os indivíduos que praticavam atividades físicas relataram que o distanciamento social teve alta influência em suas práticas. Além disso, as mudanças destes hábitos são associadas com altos níveis de precária saúde mental.

Short-term forecasting of daily COVID-19 cases in Brazil by using the Holts model

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the performance of the Holt's model to forecast the daily COVID-19 reported cases in Brazil and three Brazilian states. METHODS: We chose the date of the first COVID-19 case to April 25, 2020, as the training period, and April 26 to May 3, 2020, as the test period. RESULTS: The Holt's model performed well in forecasting the cases in Brazil and in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, but the forecasts were underestimated in Rio de Janeiro state. Conclusions: The Holt's model can be an adequate short-term forecasting method if their assumptions are adequately verified and validated by experts.

Clinical response to antibiotics in indigenous versus non-indigenous children under 5 years old with community-acquired pneumonia in Otavalo, Ecuador

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study compares the clinical response to antimicrobials between indigenous and non-indigenous Kichwa children under 5 years old with CAP in Otavalo, Ecuador. METHODS: All children with CAP who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted at the San Luis de Otavalo Hospital between March 2017 and June 2018 were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in clinical responses between indigenous and non-indigenous children. CONCLUSIONS: The improved healthcare access of the Otavalo's Kichwa population may have contributed to the observed clinical response to CAP treatment.