Molecular characteristics of the hemagglutinin 1 and neuraminidase genes of influenza B viruses isolated in Yancheng city from 2015 to 2017 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics of the hemagglutinin （HA) and neuraminidase （NA) genes of influenza B viruses isolated in Yancheng City from 2015 to 2017. Methods The throat swab specimens of influenza-like illness( ILI) from sentinel surveillance hospital and outbreak sites were collected and sent to Yancheng CDC for virus nucleic acids and virus isolation testing. After validation with serological tests, eighteen strains of influenza B virus isolates were selected to amplify their HA1 and NA genes through RT-PCR assay. Their molecular characteristics of the obtained viral HA1 and NA gene sequences were analyzed using bioinformation software from three aspects, including nucleic acid level, amino acid level and molecular evolution level. Results Basically, the clustering relationships and the branche patterns between HA1 and NA genes from the 18 Yancheng influenza B virus strains were similar. The Yamagata lineage strains in 2015 were distributed in the Yamagata Clade 3 branch, belonging to Phuket/3073 strains. The Victoria lineage strains in 2016-2017 were distributed in the Victoria Clade 1A branch, belonging to Brisbane/60 strains. D196N substitution was detected on HA1 protein in all of Yamagata lineage strains at 190-helix epitope; Amino acid substitutions of victoria lineage strains involved two antigenic epitopes, 117 and 129 sites of 120-loop epitope and 197 and 199 sites of 190-helix epitope. No Intra-lineage or inter-lineage rearrangements occurred in Yancheng strains. Eighteen influenza B strains had no mutations in catalytic residues and drug resistant sites of NA genes. Conclusion The Yamagata strains well matched with vaccine strain B/Phuket/3073/2013. The HA1 and NA genes of victoria lineage strains circulated in Yancheng City during 2016 to 2017 are changing gradually. The accumulation of these mutations will result in antigenic drift of victoria lineage strains and increase the mismatch of the IFV field stains with the available vaccine strains, which may reduce the protective effect of flu vaccine.

Lo mejor del Congreso Virtual ACC/WCC 2020 / The best of the 2020 ACC/WCC Virtual Congress / O melhor do Congresso Virtual ACC/WCC 2020

Resumen: La pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) ha constituido un desafío mundial. En momentos de dificultad como los que se han presentado recientemente, es aún más necesaria la investigación para avanzar en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las diferentes patologías. Utilizando el amplio desarrollo de los medios de comunicación, este año el Congreso del Colegio Americano de Cardiología (ACC por su sigla en inglés) se celebró del 28 al 30 de marzo en un formato virtual, permitiendo a profesionales de todo el mundo acceder a múltiples actividades científicas con el mismo nivel de excelencia que en las sesiones presenciales. Realizaremos un breve resumen de alguno de los principales trabajos científicos presentados: - Tailored Antiplatelet Initiation to Lessen Outcomes Due to Decreased Clopidogrel Response after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: TAILOR-PCI. - Rivaroxaban in Peripheral Artery Disease after Revascularization: VOYAGER PAD trial. - Vericiguat in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: VICTORIA Study Group. - The Evolut Low Risk Bicuspid Study. - PARTNER 3. Two-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. - Ticagrelor with and without Aspirin in Acute Coronary Syndrome After PCI: the TICO Trial - Apixaban for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Cancer: Caravaggio trial. - Ten-year Outcomes After Drug-eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Coronary Disease: Extended Follow Up of the PRECOMBAT Trial. - Anticoagulation with or without Clopidogrel after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation: POPular TAVI.

Summary The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been a global challenge. In times of difficulty such as those that have recently arisen, research is even more necessary to advance in the diagnosis and treatment of different pathologies. Using the extensive development of the media, this year the American Congress of Cardiology was held from March 28 to 30 in a virtual format, allowing professionals from around the world to access multiple scientific activities with the same level of excellence as in face-to-face sessions. We will make a brief summary of some of the main scientific papers presented: - Tailored Antiplatelet Initiation to Lessen Outcomes Due to Decreased Clopidogrel Response after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: TAILOR-PCI. - Rivaroxaban in Peripheral Artery Disease after Revascularization: VOYAGER PAD trial:. - Vericiguat in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: VICTORIA Study Group. - The Evolut Low Risk Bicuspid Study. - PARTNER 3. Two-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. - Ticagrelor with and without Aspirin in Acute Coronary Syndrome After PCI: the TICO Trial. - Apixaban for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Cancer: Caravaggio trial. - Ten-year Outcomes After Drug-eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Coronary Disease: Extended Follow Up of the PRECOMBAT Trial. - Anticoagulation with or without Clopidogrel after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation: POPular TAVI.

Resumo: A pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 tem sido um desafio global. Em tempos de dificuldade como os que surgiram recentemente, a pesquisa é ainda mais necessária para avançar no diagnóstico e tratamento de diferentes patologias. Utilizando o amplo desenvolvimento da mídia, este ano o Congresso Americano de Cardiologia foi realizado de 28 ao 30 de março em um formato virtual, permitindo que profissionais de todo o mundo acessassem diversas atividades científicas com o mesmo nível de excelência que nas sessões presenciais. Faremos um breve resumo de alguns dos principais trabalhos científicos apresentados: - Tailored Antiplatelet Initiation to Lessen Outcomes Due to Decreased Clopidogrel Response after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: TAILOR - PCI. - Rivaroxaban in Peripheral Artery Disease after Revascularization: VOYAGER PAD trial. - Vericiguat in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: VICTORIA Study Group. - The Evolut Low Risk Bicuspid Study. - PARTNER 3. Two-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. - Ticagrelor with and without Aspirin in Acute Coronary Syndrome After PCI: the TICO Trial. - Apixaban for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Cancer: Caravaggio trial. - Ten-year Outcomes After Drug-eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Coronary Disease: Extended Follow Up of the PRECOMBAT Trial. - Anticoagulation with or without Clopidogrel after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation: POPular TAVI.

Dr. Enrique Suárez Hernández, egregio profesor del Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Preclínicas "Victoria de Girón"

El Dr. Enrique Alberto Suárez Hernández matriculó en la Universidad de La Habana la carrera de Medicina en 1938 y se graduó en 1945. Ejerció como médico Municipal en Oriente, como médico forense en Banes, médico en Guanabacoa y profesor de Anatomía en la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de La Habana. En los años de la clandestinidad, colaboró con combatientes y campesinos que iban a verlo por problemas de salud. Al triunfo revolucionario se incorporó a las Milicias Nacionales Revolucionarias, fue fundador de los Comités de Defensa de la Revolución y miembro de la Central de trabajadores de Cuba. Participó en movilizaciones y trabajos voluntarios. Fundador del Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Preclínicas "Victoria de Girón", Profesor Titular de Anatomía.

Dr. Enrique Alberto Suárez Hernández enrolled in the medical studies at the University of Havana in 1938 and graduated in 1945. He worked as Municipal Doctor in the East of Cuba, forensic doctor in the region of Banes, doctor in Guanabacoa, and Professor of Anatomy in the Medical School of the University of Havana. During the years of the clandestineness, he collaborated with combatants and farmers that went to see him with health problems. After the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, he became member of the National Revolutionary Militia. Dr. Enrique was one of the founders of the "Comités de Defensa de la Revolución" (CDR) and a member of the "Central de Trabajadores de Cuba" (CTC). He participated in mobilizations and voluntary works. Dr. Enrique Suárez Hernández was one of founders of the Institute of Basic and Pre-Clinical Sciences "Victoria de Girón"; full professor of Anatomy.

The influenza season 2016/17 in Bucharest, Romania - surveillance data and clinical characteristics of patients with influenza-like illness admitted to a tertiary infectious diseases hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Influenza continues to drive seasonal morbidity, particularly in settings with low vaccine coverage. Objectives: To describe the influenza cases and viral circulation among hospitalized patients. Methods: A prospective study based on active surveillance of inpatients with influenza-like illness from a tertiary hospital in Bucharest, Romania, in the season 2016/17. Results: A total of 446 patients were tested, with a balanced gender distribution. Overall, 192 (43%) patients tested positive for influenza, with the highest positivity rate in the age groups 3-13 years and >65 years. Peak activity occurred between weeks 1 and 16/2017, with biphasic distribution: A viruses were replaced by B viruses from week 9/2017; B viruses predominated (66.1%). Among the 133 (69.3%) subtyped samples, all influenza A were subtype H3 (n = 57) and all influenza B were B/Victoria (n = 76). Patients who tested positive for influenza presented fewer comorbidities (p = 0.012), except for the elderly, in whom influenza was more common in patients with comorbidities (p = 0.050). Disease evolution was generally favorable under antiviral treatment. The length of hospital stay was slightly longer in patients with influenza-like illness who tested patients negative for influenza (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Distinctive co-circulation of A/H3 and B/Victoria in Bucharest, Romania in the 2016/17 influenza season was found. While the A/H3 subtype was predominant throughout Europe that season, B/Victoria appears to have circulated specifically in Romania and the Eastern European region, predominantly affecting preschoolers and school children.

Sentidos de vitória/derrota para os pais segundo atletas do alto rendimento / Feelings of victory/defeat in parents of high-yield athletes / Sentidos de victoria/derrota para los padres según los atletas de alto rendimiento

Este estudo compreendeu as representações sociais da vitória/derrota para os pais segundo atletas adolescentes do esporte de alto rendimento, na cidade do Recife. A adolescência é compreendida a partir da Psicologia Social histórica, e o embasamento teórico metodológico da Teoria das Representações Sociais abordou os sujeitos em diferentes contextos socioculturais, lugares de pertencimento, experiências, crenças, saberes e sentimentos compartilhados. Adotou-se a perspectiva pluri metodológica com variados recursos de coleta e análise progressiva de dados. Participaram 101 atletas adolescentes do esporte de alto rendimento, nas modalidades natação e vôlei. Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionários de associação livre e entrevistas semi dirigidas. Na análise dos dados, o software EVOC e as técnicas de análise temática de conteúdo de Bardin. Identificamos as representações de vitória para os pais, nas dimensões: pessoal e motivacional, e afetivo emocional e, nas representações sociais da derrota para os pais, além destas, a dimensão técnica. O sentido de vitória para os pais apareceu ampliado: o contexto esportivo, a escolarização, e o crescimento pessoal e profissional na vida. A derrota para os pais é representada como oportunidade de aprendizado e superação para o adolescente, porém, eles mostraram que necessitam do apoio afetivo de sua família para lidar com a auto culpabilização nas situações de fracasso.

This study examined the social representations of victory and defeat held by parents of teenage athletes who participated in a high performance sports in the city of Recife. The developmental stage of adolescence is understood based on sociohistorical psychology, while the social representations theory constituted the frame of reference for approaching individuals from different social-cultural contexts, places, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and shared feelings. A multi-methodological orientation was employed with a wide range of resources for the collection and progressive analysis of data. In this study, participants involved 101 teenager athletes, who participated in a high performance sport, either swimming or volleyball. The tools utilized included a free association questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. EVOC 2000 and Bardin's thematic content analysis were used for data analysis. Representations of victory were identified from the parents for the following dimensions: personal and motivational and affective–emotional. In addition to those two dimensions, the technical dimension was also identified for the parental representation of defeat. The victory meaning for parents was not restricted just to the sport area, it was extended to other contexts such as education level, professional and personal growth. The value of defeat for parents was represented as an opportunity for learning and overcoming situations to the teenage athlete. However, they also showed the need for affective support from their families to deal with self-blame in the event of failure.

Este estudio comprendió las representaciones sociales de la victoria/derrota para los padres según adolescentes atletas de deporte de alto rendimiento en la ciudad de Recife. La Adolescencia comprendida a partir de la Psicología Socio Histórica y la base teórico- metodológica de la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales abordó los sujetos en diferentes contextos socioculturales, lugares de origen, experiencias, creencias, saberes y sentimientos compartidos. Se adoptó una perspectiva plurimetodológica con variados recursos de recolección de análisis progresivo de datos. Participaron 101 atletas adolescentes de deporte de alto rendimiento en las modalidades de natación y volibol. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron cuestionarios de asociación libre y entrevistas semi-dirigidas. En el análisis de los datos, se usó el software EVOC y las técnicas de análisis temático del contenido de Bardin. Identificamos las representaciones de victoria para los padres en las dimensiones: personal-motivacional y afectivo-emocional y, en las representaciones sociales de la derrota para los padres, además de éstas, se consideró la dimensión técnica. El sentido de victoria para los padres apareció ampliado: el contexto deportivo, la escolarización y el crecimiento personal y profesional en la vida. La derrota para los padres es representada como oportunidad de aprendizaje y superación para el atleta adolescente, sin embargo, ellos demostraron que necesitan apoyo afectivo de su familia para lidiar con la auto culpabilidad en las situaciones de fracaso.

Prevalence of Schistosomes and Soil-Transmitted Helminths among Schoolchildren in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

The objectives of this study was to conduct a survey on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in order to come up with feasible control strategies in Lake Victoria basin, Tanzania. Depending on the size of the school, 150-200 schoolchildren were recruited for the study. Duplicate Kato-Katz stool smears were prepared from each child and microscopically examined for Schistosoma mansoni and STHs. Urine specimens were examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the filtration technique. After the survey, mass drug administration was done using praziquantel and albendazole for schistosomiasis and STHs infections, respectively. A total of 5,952 schoolchildren from 36 schools were recruited for the study and had their stool and urine specimens examined. Out of 5,952 schoolchildren, 898 (15.1%) were positive for S. mansoni, 754 (12.6%) for hookworms, 188 (3.2%) for Ascaris lumblicoides, and 5 (0.008%) for Trichuris trichiura. Out of 5,826 schoolchildren who provided urine samples, 519 (8.9%) were positive for S. haematobium eggs. The results revealed that intestinal schistosomiasis, urogenital schistosomiasis, and STH infections are highly prevalent throughought the lake basin. The high prevalence of intestinal and urogenital schistosomisiasis in the study area was a function of the distance from Lake Victoria, the former being more prevalent at localities close to the lake, whilst the latter is more so away from it. Control of schistosomiasis and STHs in the study area requires an integrated strategy that involves provision of health education to communities, regular treatments, and provision of adequate safe water supply and sanitation facilities.

Prevalence of Schistosomes and Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Morbidity Associated with Schistosomiasis among Adult Population in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

The objective of this study was to carry out a community survey on schistosomiais and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in order to suggest feasible and effective intervention strategies in Lake Victoria basin, Tanzania. A total of 37 communities selected from 23 districts of the 4 regions in the Lake Victoria basin of Tanzania were involved in the study. From each of the selected locality, 50 adult community members, 25 males and 25 females, were recruited for the study. Each study participant was requested to submit stool and urine specimens. From each stool specimen, duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears were prepared and microscopically examined for Schistosoma mansoni and STH eggs. Urine specimens were processed by the filtration technique and microscopically examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Ultrasound examination for morbidity due to schistosomiasis was performed. Mass treatment was done using praziquantel and albendazole for schistosome and STHs infections, respectively. Out of 1,606 adults who provided stool specimens, 199 (12.4%) were positive for S. mansoni, 349 (21.7%) for hookworms, 133 (8.3%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 33 (2.0%) for Trichuris trichiura. Out of 1,400 participants who provided urine specimens, 25 (1.8%) were positive for S. haematobium eggs. Because of the co-endemicity of these afflictions and their impact on vulnerable population groups, the helminthiasis could be simultaneously treated with 2 drugs, praziquantel for schistosomiasis and albendazole for STHs.

High Malaria Prevalence among Schoolchildren on Kome Island, Tanzania

In order to determine the status of malaria among schoolchildren on Kome Island (Lake Victoria), near Mwanza, Tanzania, a total of 244 schoolchildren in 10 primary schools were subjected to a blood survey using the fingerprick method. The subjected schoolchildren were 123 boys and 121 girls who were 6-8 years of age. Only 1 blood smear was prepared for each child. The overall prevalence of malaria was 38.1% (93 positives), and sex difference was not remarkable. However, the positive rate was the highest in Izindabo Primary School (51.4%) followed by Isenyi Primary School (48.3%) and Bugoro Primary School (46.7%). The lowest prevalence was found in Muungano Primary School (16.7%) and Nyamiswi Primary School (16.7%). These differences were highly correlated with the location of the school on the Island; those located in the peripheral area revealed higher prevalences while those located in the central area showed lower prevalences. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (38.1%; 93/244), with a small proportion of them mixed-infected with Plasmodium vivax (1.6%; 4/244). The results revealed that malaria is highly prevalent among primary schoolchildren on Kome Island, Tanzania, and there is an urgent need to control malaria in this area.

Anti-Mycobacterial and Toxicity Activities of Some Priority Medicinal Plants from Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania.

Aims: This study has evaluated ethanol extracts from five medicinal plants selected through ethnobotanical study from Lake Victoria basin, Tanzania for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against two Mycobacterium species and cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae. Study Design: Laboratory experimental tests. Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between July 2010 and July 2011. Methodology: Five medicinal plants were selected from the priority list obtained from Lake Victoria basin, Tanzanian side. Collection, processing and drying of plant samples were done in the field with the assistance of a botanist while extraction and concentration of plant samples to obtain crude extracts were done in the laboratory following standard procedures. The plants included in this study are Antidesma membranaceum, Crassocephalum manii, Entada abyssinica, Croton dichogamus and Rubia cordifolia. The two fold microdilution method was used to determine the MIC values of extracts against two Mycobacterium marker strains (Mycobacterium indicus pranii and Mycobacterium madagascariense). The cytotoxicity of plant extract was evaluated against brine shrimp larvae. Furthermore, the extracts were screened phytochemicaly to establish the group of compounds responsible for the activity. Results: Among the tested extracts, the stem bark of A. membranaceum and C. manii showed moderate to mild activity against M. indicus pranii (MIC = 0.3125 mg/ml) and M. madagascariense (MIC = 0.625 mg/ml) respectively. Furthermore, A. membranaceum exhibited significant toxicity activity with LC50 value of 36.134 μg/ml against brine shrimp larvae. Other plants were moderately active when tested in vitro against the above organisms. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the presence of different classes of compounds. Conclusion: This study has shown the potential of the priority medicinal plant extracts to be the source of possible lead compounds and anti‐TB drug candidates needed for the management of Tuberculosis. Isolation of active principles from active fractions will be further undertaken.

An analysis of current situation of Australian acupuncture standardization / 国际中医中药杂志

The development of acupuncture in Australia has been booming.Under this circumstance,a series of acupuncture standards,codes and guidelines were established by different associations of TCM in Australia.Moreover,Australia has set the front pace in the field of acupuncture standards among the countries outside China.This paper is to introduce the acupuncture standards of Australia in three aspects respectively:national standards,industry standards and regional standards and to generalize the content of the main standards as well as analyze the current condition of Australian acupuncture standardization in order to generally give an all-around view of Australian acupuncture standards to the researchers in the field of international acupuncture standards.

Clinical observation of the effect of ATRA, As2O3 and chemotherapy on acute promyelocytic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective To observe the efficacy and side effects of combined therapy with victoria A acid,arsenic trioxide and chemotherapeutics for newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Methods 40 cases of patients were treated with combined therapy of ATRA, As2O3 and chemotherapy. The efficacy and side effects were analysed. Results 92.5 % (37/40) achieved complete remission(CR). The CR time was 27(22-61) d by average; leukocytes≥ 10×109/L group complete remission was 72.7 % (8/11), leukocytes < 10×l09/L group complete remission was 100 % (29/29). There was a significant different (x2 =8.550, P =0.004). No severe side effects was observed except one who developed retinoic acid syndrom. Conclusion The combined regimen of ATRA and As2O3 with chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia should be the first choice management.