Características sociodemográficas y epidemiológicas de pacientes con inicio clínico de sida en Santiago de Cuba / Sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with clinical onset of AIDS in Santiago de Cuba i: en

Introducción: Uno de los desafíos del milenio a nivel mundial es combatir el avance de la epidemia del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sida. Objetivo: Caracterizar a la población de pacientes con inicio clínico de sida según variables sociodemográficas y epidemiológicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo, desde el 2017 hasta el 2021, de 87 personas diagnosticadas con inicio clínico del sida en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba. En el análisis estadístico se emplearon medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión, así como la distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas; también, se computaron intervalos de confianza de 95 % para las proporciones de las variables seleccionadas. Resultados: La edad promedio en la serie fue de 42 años (79,3 %); asimismo, predominaron el sexo masculino (91,9 %), el estado civil soltero (91,9 %), la vinculación laboral (72,4 %), los colores de la piel mestizo (52,8 %) y negro (39,3 %) y la procedencia urbana (73,5 %). El coito anal fue la principal forma de contagio (84,0 %), en tanto la mayoría de los afectados de ambos sexos (65,2 % en el masculino y 66,7 % en el femenino) no usaban el preservativo y en los hombres primó la homosexualidad (55,0 %). Conclusiones: El inicio clínico del sida predominó en hombres jóvenes solteros, con vínculo laboral, entre los cuales fueron muy significativas las conductas sexuales de riesgo.

Introduction: One of the millennium challenges worldwide is to fight the advance of the human immunodeficiency virus/aids. Objective: To characterize the sick population with clinical onset of AIDS according to sociodemographic and epidemiologic variables. Methods: An observational and descriptive study was carried out, from 2017 to 2021, of 87 people diagnosed with clinical onset of AIDS in Santiago de Cuba province. In the statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used, as well as the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies; also, confidence intervals of 95% were computed for the proportions of selected variables. Results: The average age in the series was 42 years (79.3%), likewise, there was a prevalence of the male sex (91.9%), single as marital status (91.9%), working bond (72.4%), mixed race (52.8%) and black skin color (39.3%), and the urban origin (73.5%). The anal coitus was the main way of infection (84.0%), while the majority of the affected individuals of both sexes (65.2% in males and 66.7% in females) did not use condoms and homosexuality predominated among men (55.0%). Conclusions: The clinical onset of AIDS prevailed in young and single men, with working bond, among whom risky sexual behaviors were very significant.

Criptococosis meníngea: características y desenlace clínico en un hospital de tercer nivel de Bogotá, Colombia / Meningeal cryptococcosis: characteristics and clinical outcome in a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: La criptococosis meníngea es una infección oportunista universal que presenta factores pronósticos variables, especialmente en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Objetivo: Identificar variables clínicas y paraclínicas asociadas con el desenlace, al final de la hospitalización, en pacientes con criptococosis meníngea atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel en Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. La información se obtuvo por medio de registros de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de criptococosis meníngea durante el periodo 2016-2021. Resultados: Se analizaron 54 casos, el 85,2 % de ellos de sexo masculino, con una mediana de edad de 38 años. El síntoma principal fue cefalea (74,1 %), con un promedio de duración de 30 días antes del ingreso. El 83,3 % tenía diagnóstico de VIH, con niveles de CD4 por debajo de 50 células/mm3 y recuentos elevados de carga viral. El líquido cefalorraquídeo mostró en más del 50 % hipertensión intracraneal, pleocitosis de predominio linfocitario, hiperproteinorraquia e hipoglucorraquia. El tipo de patógeno aislado más frecuente fue C. neoformans var neoformans. Las variables más prevalentes en el grupo de pacientes que fallecieron fueron la presencia de pleocitosis en LCR (p = 0,025), cultivo para hongo positivo (p = 0,02) y aislamiento C. neoformans var neoformans (p = 0,03). Discusión: La criptococosis meníngea es una patología frecuente en hombres en la cuarta década de la vida y con infección por VIH, sin embargo, los factores relacionados con la mortalidad parecen variar dependiendo de la localización geográfica. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio los factores más prevalentes fueron la presencia de pleocitosis en LCR, cultivo positivo, aislamiento de C. neoformans var neoformans.

Introduction: Meningeal cryptococcosis is a universal opportunistic infection that presents variable prognostic factors, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: To identify clinical and paraclinical variables associated with the outcome at the end of hospitalization in patients with meningeal cryptococcosis treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational study. The information was obtained through records of medical records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of meningeal cryptococcosis during the period 2016-2021. Results: 54 cases were analyzed. 85,2 % men, with a median age of 38 years. The main symptom was headache (74,1 %), with an average duration of 30 days prior to admission. 83,3 % had a diagnosis of HIV, with CD4 levels below 50 cell/mm3 and high viral load counts. The cerebrospinal fluid showed in more than 50 % intracranial hypertension, pleocytosis of lymphocyte predominance, hyperprotein- orrhachia and hypoglycorrhachia. The most frequent type of pathogen isolated was C. neoformans var neoformans. And the most prevalent variables in the group of patients who died were the presence of pleocytosis in CSF (p = 0,025), culture for positive fungus (p = 0,02) and isolation of C. neoformans var neoformans (p = 0,03). Discussion: Meningeal cryptococcosis is a frequent pathology in men, in the fourth decade of life and with HIV infection, however, the factors related to mortality seem to vary depending on the geographical location. Conclusion: In our study, the most prevalent factors were the presence of pleocytosis in CSF, positive culture, isolation of C. neoformans var neoformans.

Sarcoma de Kaposi, sífilis e neurocriptococose em paciente HIV positivo / Kaposi's sarcoma, syphilis and neurocryptococcosis in an HIV-positive patient

A infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) tornou-se um problema de saúde pública em todo o mun-do nas últimas décadas. A principal característica do HIV é a supressão do sistema imunológico pelo ataque aos linfócitos T CD4+ que enfraquece o sistema imunológico e torna o indivíduo suscetível a infecções oportunistas, neoplasias secundárias e doenças neurológicas. Este estudo objetiva relatar e discutir o caso de um paciente HIV positivo que apresentou concomitantemente Sarcoma de Kaposi (SK), sífilis e neurocriptococose, todas doenças relacionadas ao HIV. Trata-se de um paciente masculino, 31 anos, que procurou o serviço do hospital de referência com lesões cutâneas violáceas em face, membros superiores e tórax, com três meses de evolução. Ao exame dermatológico exibiu placas eritematovioláceas infiltrativas, com bordas regulares, elevadas, descamativas e com diâmetros variáveis. Obteve sorologia positiva para anticorpos anti-HIV e VDRL, iniciando protocolos de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) e de tratamento para sífilis. O paciente retornou ao serviço 30 dias após alta hospitalar, com queixa de cefaleia de forte intensidade, refratária à analgesia com opioides, associada a vômitos persistentes. Re-alizada tomografia computadorizada de crânio, sem alterações, e, posteriormente, punção liquórica que evidenciou a presença de criptococo. Iniciado esquema terapêutico para neurocriptococose e realizadas outras duas punções liquóricas para alívio do quadro álgico. Este relato está de acordo com o que presume a literatura médica, reafirmando que pacientes HIV positivos apresentam maior predisposição para condições como o SK, a sífilis e a neurocriptococose. Dessa forma, o estudo ilustra com ineditismo a ocorrência simultânea de complexas manifestações clínicas no mesmo paciente imunossuprimido (AU).

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a worldwide public health problem in recent decades. The main characteristic of HIV is the suppression of the immune system by attacking CD4+ T lymphocytes, which weakens the immune system and makes the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections, secondary neoplasms, and neurological diseases. This study aims to report and discuss the case of an HIV-positive patient who presented concomitantly Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), primary syphilis, and neurocryptococcosis, all HIV-related. This is a 31-year-old male patient who sought care at the reference hospital with violaceous skin lesions on the face, upper limbs and chest, with a three-month evolution. Dermatological examination showed infiltrative erythematous-violet plaques, with regular, elevated, scaly edges and varying diameters. He obtained positive serology for anti-HIV and VDRL antibodies, initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment protocols for primary syphilis. The patient re-turned to the service 30 days after hospital discharge, complaining of severe headache, refractory to analgesia with opioids, associated with persistent vomiting. Cranial computed tomography was performed and did not demonstrate alterations; later CSF puncture showed the presence of cryptococcus. A therapeutic scheme for neurocryptococcosis was started, and two other CSF punctures were performed to relieve the pain. This report agrees with the medical literature, reaffirming that HIV-positive patients present a greater predisposition to conditions such as KS, syphilis, and neurocryptococcosis. Thus, the study illustrates with uniqueness the simultaneous occurrence of complex clinical manifestations in the same immunosuppressed patient (AU),

Dental consensus on HSCT - Part II: dental Care during HSCT

ABSTRACT During the state of immune vulnerability in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the patient has an increased risk of developing a vast number of complications, including severe problems in the oral cavity. These situations require professional oral care to act in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as to develop prevention protocols to minimize patient's complications. Oral mucositis, opportunistic infections, bleeding, specific microbiota, taste, and salivary alterations are complications that can occur during HSCT and interfere with various aspects, such as pain control, oral intake, nutrition, bacteremia and sepsis, days of hospitalization and morbidity. Several guidelines have been published to address the role of professional oral care during the HSCT, we describe a consensus regarding these recommendations.

Viruela símica grave en un paciente con infección por VIH, Ecuador

En mayo de 2022 se reportó un aumento de casos de viruela símica (mpox en inglés) en el mundo, cuyo comportamiento epidemiológico y clínico, particularmente en pacientes con infección por VIH, condujo a la declaración del brote de mpox 2022 como emergencia de salud pública internacional. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con infección por VIH que cursó con mpox grave y fulminante, con placas necróticas en párpado y membrana inflamatoria sobre la superficie ocular; mucosa oral con lesiones blanquecinas y úlceras en lengua; induración de tejidos blandos y lesiones necróticas en los pies. Tras múltiples complicaciones, se convirtió en la primera víctima fatal reportada en Ecuador en 2022. En pacientes con infección por VIH, mpox puede presentarse como un agente oportunista, causando lesiones cutáneas graves, con o sin manifestaciones sistémicas.

In May 2022 several cases of mpox were reported worldwide, whose epidemiological and clinical outcome, particularly in patients seropositive for HIV, led to declaring the 2022 mpox outbreak as a public health emergency. We describe a case of a patient with HIV infection and severe and fulminant mpox, with necrotic plaques on the eyelid and an inflammatory membrane on the ocular surface; oral mucosa with whitish lesions and ulcers on the tongue; soft tissues induration, and necrotic lesions on the feet. After multiple complications, he became the first fatality reported in Ecuador in 2022. In HIV-infected patients mpox can be considered an opportunistic agent, with severe skin lesions with or without systemic manifestations.

Kocuria kristinae - An unusual opportunistic pathogen in head and neck malignancy: Case series from central India's regional cancer care centre

Introduction: Kocuria kristinae is a commensal organism, sometimes considered as a lab contaminant, but its repeated isolation from clinical samples in immunocompromised patients should raise red flags. Materials and Methods: We confirmed the infection with re-isolation of the organism from the same site before starting treatment. For the identification of Kocuria kristinae we used IDGP cards on VITEK 2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done manually following CLSI guidelines 2018 for Coagulase-negative staphylococci. Results: A total of 510 major head neck oncosurgeries were performed during the period of two years. Out of which 120 patients had skin and soft tissue infections. Out of these infected patients, 90 were culture positive and of these Kocuria kristinae were isolated in 12 patients. Resistance to penicillin and oxacillin is seen in all isolates. Conclusion: Kocuria kristinae should not be ignored as a commensal flora or lab contaminant in immunocompromised hosts. Its Increase in resistance pattern is a matter of concern. It is an ignored opportunistic pathogen whose detailed sensitivity test should be developed to treat patients timely and effectively.

Opportunistic infections according to the CD4+ T lymphocyte count in patients with HIV at a tertiary care referral center

Opportunistic infections (OIs) have marked the prognosis in the natural course of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Objective: identifying the most common OIs and determining their relationship with the CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4+TL) can improve our clinical practice and facilitate early diagnosis, the use of empiric treatments and prompt targeted treatment. Materials and methods: an observational, retrospective study aimed at describing the characteristics and variations of the OIs diagnosed clinically, using direct or indirect methods, which occur in patients with HIV (related to their CD4+TL count) who are admitted to a tertiary care center in Cali, Colombia. Adult patients hospitalized from January 2018 to January 2019 with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a history or current diagnosis of OI were included. Individuals under the age of 18 and pregnant women were excluded. Results: a sample of 190 patients with at least one opportunistic infection was obtained, of whom 65.3% were men with a median age of 37 years (29.0-46.0), and the rest were women with a median age of 35.5 years (31.2-43.0). Eighty-three percent had a C3 classification on admission, 86% with a CD4+TL count < 200 cells/mm3. The most frequent OIs included tuberculosis, with 28.4%, pneumocystosis with 27.9% and toxoplasmosis with 27.4%. Conclusions: in our population, despite advances in and greater availability of highly-effective antiretroviral therapy, most patients with HIV are hospitalized in advanced stages with opportunistic infections, in some cases with two or more concomitant infections, and with evidence of severe virological and immunological involvement. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2327).

Mucormicosis invasora en pacientes con COVID-19: reporte de 2 casos / Invasive mucormycosis during COVID-19 infection. Report of two cases

COVID-19 disease is associated with a significant number of opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections such as mucormycosis. The prevalence of the latter is rare, estimated to be between 0.005 and 1.7 per million inhabitants. Risk factors include hematological diseases, Diabetes Mellitus with poor metabolic control, solid organ transplantation, neutropenia, and prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids. We report two males aged 60 and 75 years with pulmonary and tracheobronchial invasive mucormycosis, respectively. Both patients had a deficient metabolic control of their diabetes as a predisposing risk factor added to severe COVID-19 infection. High suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for prompt treatment, especially considering the associated high morbidity and mortality of this fungal infection.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Advance in osteoporosis screening methods / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Osteoporosis has become a common chronic disease which seriously endangers the health of the elderly. China is facing high incidence of osteoporosis along with " three low" rates of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the crux of which lies in the lack of convenient and effective screening methods for osteoporosis. DXA, the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, has many setbacks such as expensive, radiation, and low accessibility in community, etc. which limits its application in large scale screening. The community screening methods for osteoporosis recommended by national guidelines are IOF one-minute test, osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians(OSTA), fracture risk assessment tool(FRAX ?), and quantitative ultrasound(QUS). In recent years, digital X-ray radiogrammetry(DXR) and opportunistic quantitative computed tomography(QCT)have also shown great potential in osteoporosis screening. This article reviews the application and research progress of the above screening methods, with the aim of improving the screening rate and contributing to the tertiary prevention and control mechanism of " wide awareness, early diagnosis and early treatment" of osteoporosis.

Clinical and imaging features of population receiving opportunistic screening for lung cancer and in convalescent stage of COVID-19 / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical and imaging features of population receiving opportunistic screening for lung cancer and in convalescent stage of COVID-19.Methods:Cross-sectional study and analysis was performed on the patients who underwent chest low-dose CT examination for cancer prevention in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from December 28, 2022 to January 19, 2023. All the patients completed the COVID-19 questionnaire. A total of 334 questionnaires were sent out, all of which were recovered, and 321 valid questionnaires were collected, among them, 293 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the questionnaire information, clinical symptoms and chest CT imaging results. The potential influencing factors of COVID-19 infection were explored, and the imaging characteristics of COVID-19 infection and early stage of lung cancer were compared.Results:A total of 293 patients underwent lung cancer screening during the convalescent stage of COVID-19 infection. A total of 231 (78.8%) cases had cough and 228 (77.8%) cases had fever. 214 (73.0%) cases still had clinical symptoms within 2 weeks after nucleic acid or antigen test showing negative, especially for cough in 171 (58.4%) cases, fatigue in 79 (25.3%) cases and sputum in 73 (24.9%) cases. There were 54 (18.4%) cases with positive chest CT changes. The main imaging findings showed that there were 46 cases with new patchy shadows, 25 cases with linear opacities, 10 cases with ground-glass opacities, 10 cases with nodular like shadows and 2 cases with consolidation, and most lesions were in the subpleural area of both lungs. Univariate analysis showed that positive CT findings were correlated with the time from positive detection of COVID-19 to screening ( P=0.026), age ( P<0.001) and underlying diseases ( P=0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that age≥65 years old ( OR=6.425, 95% CI: 2.688-15.358; P<0.001) and underlying diseases ( OR=2.292, 95% CI: 1.120-4.691; P=0.023) were risk factors for pulmonary imaging changes of COVID-19 infection. For lung cancer opportunistic screening, 36 (12.3%) cases showed ground-glass opacities in bilateral or unilateral lung lobes, among which 4 cases were suspected to be atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 2 cases s were suspected to be early stage of lung cancer. Conclusions:Abnormal clinical symptoms and chest CT findings are still observed in the patients during the convalescent stage of COVID-19 infection. Age≥65 years, underlying diseases were the high-risk factors for the changes in chest CT imaging after COVID-19 infection. Attention should be paid to the differential diagnosis of chest CT findings between changes in the convalescent stage of COVID-19 and early stage of lung cancer.

Prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City of Hunan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide insights into the management of intestinal parasitic diseases. Methods Stool samples were collected from patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City from September 2020 to March 2021, subjected to physiological saline smearing and microscopy for detection of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infections and the species of parasites were descriptively analyzed. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 1.61% in the 10 728 stool samples, and there were 3 samples with mixed infections of two parasite species. A total of seven parasite species were identified, including Blastocystis hominis (162 cases, 1.55%), Giardia lamblia (5 cases, 0.05%), Dientamoeba fragilis (5 cases, 0.05%), Endolimax nana (one case, 0.01%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (one case, 0.01%), Strongyloides stercoralis (one case, 0.01%) and Trichomonas hominis (one case, 0.01%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was significantly higher among women than in men (2.14% vs. 1.25%; χ2 = 13.01, P < 0.01), and a high prevalence rate was seen among patients at ages of 20 to 30 years (2.99%) and 80 years and older (2.86%); however, no age-specific prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected (χ2 = 12.45, P > 0.05). Conclusions The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was low among patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City, and gender-specific prevalence was found. Food-borne and opportunistic parasites were predominant intestinal parasites, including B. hominis, G. lamblia and D. fragilis.

Tuberculosis y otras causas de morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con VIH/sida / Tuberculosis and other causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS

Introducción: A diferencia de lo descrito en países desarrollados, en los que se informan las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles como causa de hospitalización en pacientes con VIH, en este estudio las principales causas de admisión hospitalaria y muerte fueron las infecciones oportunistas, particularmente la tuberculosis, algo similar a lo reportado en otros países de ingresos bajos en América y África Occidental, aun con la disponibilidad de la terapia antirretroviral. Objetivos: Se determinaron las causas más frecuentes de morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con VIH. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio de pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de VIH durante un año, en un hospital de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Resultados: De 151 pacientes, el 76% era del sexo masculino, con 37 años en promedio. El 56.3% conocía el diagnóstico de infección por VIH. Las principales causas de hospitalización y muerte fueron las enfermedades definitorias de sida, entre las que las formas meníngeas, como criptococosis, toxoplasmosis, sífilis y leucoencefalopatía en conjunto, siguen a la tuberculosis; el 93.5% de los fallecidos tenía recuento de CD4 menor de 200 células/mm3 (p = 0.007). Conclusión: De manera similar a lo informado en pacientes adultos jóvenes con VIH en países de bajos ingresos económicos, las infecciones oportunistas fueron la principal causa de hospitalización y muerte, relacionada con inmunosupresión intensa, estadios avanzados de la enfermedad y falta de terapia antirretroviral. Los resultados refuerzan la importancia del diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento de la infección por VIH, así como la profilaxis de las infecciones oportunistas prevenibles.

Introduction: Unlike what has been described in developed countries where chronic non-communicable diseases are reported as the cause of hospitalization in patients with HIV, in this study the main cause of hospital admission and death were opportunistic infections, particularly tuberculosis similar to what was reported in other low-income countries in the Americas and West Africa even with the availability of antiretroviral therapy. Aim: The most frequent causes of hospital morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV were determined. Material and methods: The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients admitted with a diagnosis of HIV for one year in a Guayaquil General Hospital were analyzed. Results: Of 151 patients, 76% were male with an average age of 37 years old. 56.3% knew the diagnosis of HIV infection. The main cause of hospitalization and death were AIDS-defining diseases where the meningeal forms: cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis and leukoencephalopathy together follow tuberculosis, and 93.5% of the deceased had a CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells/ mm3 (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Similar to what was reported in young adult patients with HIV in low-income countries, opportunistic infections were the main cause of hospitalization and death, related to severe immunosuppression, advanced stages of the disease, and without antiretroviral therapy. The results reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection and the prophylaxis of preventable opportunistic infections.

Notificações de tuberculose no período pré- pandêmico e pandêmico da Covid-19 no Estado do Paraná / Tuberculosis notifications in the pre-pandemic and pandemic period of Covid-19 in Paraná state / Notificaciones de tuberculosis en el período prepandémico y pandémico de la Covid-19 en el estado de Paraná

Introdução: A tuberculose (TB) é considerada uma doença bem desafiadora para o sistema de saúde no Brasil, devido ao número elevado de casos nas últimas décadas. Contudo, com a pandemia da COVID-19, foi observada uma redução significativa de casos de TB. Objetivo: O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento da TB nas macrorregionais de saúde do estado do Paraná, bem como nas populações vulneráveis nos anos de 2011 a 2021, e sua associação com a ocorrências de casos de COVID-19 a partir de 2020. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, com dados secundários de TB do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e de COVID-19 no banco de dados público oficial da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Paraná (SESA) para o coronavírus. Principais resultados: Foi observada diferenças significativas de ocorrência de casos de TB entre as macrorregionais relacionadas à faixa etária da população e entre os períodos pré-pandêmico e pandêmico no Paraná. Os dados obtidos apontam também para uma associação significativa de casos de TB em populações em situação de rua, privadas de liberdade e portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) no estado ao longo dos anos observados. Conclusão: As notificações de TB no estado do Paraná foram afetadas pela pandemia da COVID-19.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is considered a very challenging disease for the health system in Brazil, due to the high number of cases in recent decades. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant reduction in TB cases was observed. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of TB in the macro-regional health regions of the state of Paraná, as well as in vulnerable populations in the years 2011 to 2021 and the association with the occurrence of COVID-19 cases from 2020. Methodology: Its an ecological study with secondary tuberculosis data from SINAN and data COVID-19 in the official public database of the Paraná State Health Department (SESA). Results: Results show significant differences of TB cases among the macro-regions related to the age group of the population and between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. A significant association of TB cases was also observed for the homeless, deprived of liberty and HIV-positive populations in the state over the years observed. Conclusion: TB notifications in the state of Paraná were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introducción: La tuberculosis (TB) es considerada una enfermedad muy desafiadora para el sistema de salud en Brasil, debido al elevado número de casos en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, con la pandemia de COVID-19, se observó una reducción significativa de los casos de TB. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento de la TB en las macro regiones sanitarias del estado de Paraná, así como en poblaciones vulnerables en los años 2011 a 2021 y la asociación con la ocurrencia de casos de COVID-19 a partir de 2020. Metodología: Es un estudio ecológico con datos secundarios de tuberculosis del SINAN y datos COVID-19 en la base de datos pública oficial de la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Paraná (SESA). Resultados: Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas de casos de TB entre las macrorregiones relacionadas con el grupo de edad de la población y entre los períodos prepandémico y pandémico. También se observó una asociación significativa de casos de TB para la población sin hogar, privada de libertad y seropositiva al VIH en el estado a lo largo de los años observados. Conclusiones: Las notificaciones de TB en el estado de Paraná fueron afectadas por la pandemia de COVID-19.

Indirect evidence of following association between golden dorados (Salminus brasiliensis) and green anacondas (Eunectes murinus) in a Clearwater river of Midwest Brazil / Evidência indireta de associação de seguidor entre dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) e sucuri-verde (Eunectes murinus) em um rio de águas claras do Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Abstract On four occasions, the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) was recorded following the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) in a clearwater river of Midwest Brazil. These observations were considered as an indirect evidence of a following association known as "nuclear-follower feeding association", a condition in which the follower approach the nuclear when it somehow disturbs the substrate and form sediment clouds while foraging, taking the opportunity to feed during this situation. However, no direct observations of golden dorados getting some benefit from the activity of the green anacondas to feed were made. Nevertheless, as there is a varied list of vertebrates considered as nuclear species in the clearwater rivers of Midwest Brazil, it is to be expected that future observations may provide unusual information about nuclear-follower feeding association between fish and snakes in the Neotropics.

Resumo Em quatro ocasiões, o dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) foi registrado seguindo a sucuri-verde (Eunectes murinus) em um rio de águas claras do Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Essas interações foram consideradas como uma evidência indireta de uma associação de seguidor conhecida como "associação de alimentação nuclear-seguidor", uma condição na qual o seguidor se aproxima da espécie nuclear quando esta de alguma forma perturba o substrato e/ou forma nuvens de sedimentos enquanto forrageia, aproveitando a oportunidade para se alimentar durante essa situação. No entanto, observações diretas de dourados obtendo algum benefício da atividade das sucuris para se alimentar não foram feitas. No entanto, como há uma lista variada de vertebrados considerados como espécies nucleares nos rios de águas claras do Centro-Oeste do Brasil, é de se esperar que observações futuras possam fornecer informações incomuns sobre associações do tipo "nuclear-seguidor" entre peixes e serpentes na região Neotropical.

Increase in anterior chamber angle depth after topical pilocarpine measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography: A possible additional indicator for laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspects in an opportunistic set-up

Purpose: Indication of laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is often conjectural due to dependency on gonioscopy and strict dichotomous classification of occludability. Indentation gonioscopy is the gold standard but is under?utilized for various reasons. The prevalence of primary angle closure disease (PACD) in eastern India is 1.5–1.9%, with a 22% five?year progression rate. Many angle closure patients may go blind without timely diagnosis and iridotomy. General ophthalmologists need alternate, validated methods for diagnoses. Pilocarpine eye drop causes miosis, and flattens the iris, producing angle changes detectable by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD?OCT). We hypothesized that the amount of angle change may be a suitable indicator for iridotomy. Methods: Our prospective cross?sectional single?masked observational study evaluated pilocarpine?induced changes in angle parameters detected by SD?OCT. Out of 372 patients enrolled, 273 patients (539 eyes) remained, with a mean age of 48.6 years (SD = 10.36). All eyes were graded by the Van Herick (VH) method, gonioscopy, and anterior segment (AS) SD?OCT and reassessed after pilocarpine drops. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of tomography measurements against gonioscopy grades were 61% and 85%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.85. Pilocarpine?induced angle widening was significant in gonioscopically narrower angles. Low Van Herick grades (217 eyes), narrow gonioscopy grades (238 eyes), and a narrow OCT angle value (165 eyes) were candidates for iridotomy. Conclusion: Our study results showed that pilocarpine?induced angle widening detected by SD?OCT could be a strong objective indicator for LPI

Genes involucrados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador / Genes involved with antimicrobial resistance in Ecuadorian hospitals

INTRODUCCIÓN. La resistencia a los antimicrobianos es un problema de salud pública actual asociado con alta mortalidad, hospitalización prolongada, alternativas terapéuticas reducidas, mayores costos económicos y la posibilidad de brotes hospitalarios. OBJETIVO. Describir los principales genes involucrados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó una descripción retrospectiva no experimental, de artículos indexados relacionados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador, con evidencia desde el año 2009 al 2022. La revisión de bibliografías se llevó a cabo en bases de datos como Pubmed, Science Direct y Google Scholar. RESULTADOS. De un grupo original de 77 artículos, se seleccionaron 33 documentos. En Ecuador, varios estudios han descrito los mecanismos moleculares involucrados en la resistencia bacteriana. Sin embargo, en bacterias menos comunes, falta investigación sobre los genes asociados. CONCLUSIONES. Las principales bacterias multirresistentes descritas en Ecuador son Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli y Acinetobacter baumanni, las cuales presentan genes involucrados en la producción de carbapenemasas (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). Estas bacterias presentan altos niveles de resistencia a los antibióticos y son objeto de vigilancia epidemiológica por parte del sistema nacional de salud. A nivel local, otras bacterias presentan mecanismos de resistencia a los carbapenémicos (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter sp.), pero no existen descripciones detalladas del genotipo, sus características microbiológicas o la clínica del paciente. El conocimiento de las tasas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos en los diferentes hospitales, la implementación de un plan de administración de antibióticos, el uso correcto de los equipos de protección personal, el aislamiento de las personas con infecciones multirresistentes, así como el trabajo colaborativo entre las diferentes áreas del hospital, son esenciales para reducir la propagación de estos patógenos.

INTRODUCTION. Antimicrobial resistance is a current public health problem associated with high mortality, prolonged hospitalization, reduced therapeutic alternatives, increased economic costs, and the potential for hospital outbreaks. OBJECTIVE. To describe the main genes involved with antimicrobial resistance in hospitals in Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective non-experimental description of indexed articles related to antimicrobial resistance in hospitals in Ecuador was carried out, with evidence from 2009 to 2022. The review of bibliographies was carried out in databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. RESULTS. From an original group of 77 articles, 33 papers were selected. In Ecuador, several studies have described the molecular mechanisms involved in bacterial resistance. However, in less common bacteria, research on the associated genes is lacking. CONCLUSIONS. The main multidrug-resistant bacteria described in Ecuador are Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumanni, which present genes involved in the production of carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). These bacteria present high levels of antibiotic resistance and are subject to epidemiological surveillance by the national health system. Locally, other bacteria present mechanisms of resistance to carbapenemics (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter sp.), but there are no detailed descriptions of the genotype, their microbiological characteristics or the patient's clinic. Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance rates in different hospitals, the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship plan, the correct use of personal protective equipment, the isolation of individuals with multidrug-resistant infections, as well as collaborative work between different areas of the hospital, are essential to reduce the spread of these pathogens.

Caracterização das infecções que acometem o usuário no momento do diagnóstico para o Hiv/Aids / Characterization of infections that affect the user at the moment of diagnosis for Hiv/Aids / Caracterización de las infecciones que afectan a los usuarios en el momento del diagnóstico del Vih/Sida

: O estado do Pará, de 2009 a 2019, apresentou um aumento de 46,5% na taxa de detecção de aids. O que destaca a importância de estudos para a avaliação e acompanhamento deste público. Objetivo: Analisar as infecções que acometem os usuários de um centro de referência no momento de seu diagnóstico para a infecção pelo HIV. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, realizado em um centro de referência da cidade de Santarém, Pará. A amostra foi de 332 prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados para o HIV nos anos de 2016 e 2017. A coleta de dados buscou informações sociodemográficas, clínicas e imunológicas dos pacientes no momento do diagnóstico para a infecção pelo HIV. Os dados foram organizados e analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial, adotando- se p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se prevalência do sexo masculino (67%), faixa etária de 15-24 anos (32,2%), solteiros (59%), com vínculo empregatício (64,5%), contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ ≥200 céls/mm3 (54,8%) e carga viral detectável (75,3%). A Candidíase (25%) e a Tuberculose (25%) predominaram como infecções oportunistas (IO), e a Sífilis (67,5%) como outras infecções. Conclusão: Conforme método proposto e os dados já informados, conclui-se que o diagnóstico para a Sífilis se associou ao sexo masculino, bem como a situação de contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ <200 céls/mm3 se associou com a presença de alguma infecção oportunista, da instalação da Candidíase e da Tuberculose.

Introduction: The state of Pará, from 2009 to 2019, showed a 46.5% increase in the AIDS detection rate. What stands out the importance of studies for the evaluation and monitoring of this public. Objective: Analyze the infections that affect the users of a reference center at the moment of diagnosis for HIV infection. Methods: Descriptive study, carried out in a reference center in the city of Santarém, Pará. The sample consisted of 332 records of patients diagnosed with HIV in the years 2016 and 2017. The data collection sought sociodemographic, clinical and immunological information of the patients at the moment diagnosis for HIV infection. The data were organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting p <0.05. Results: There was a prevalence of males (67%), aged 15-24 years (32.2%), single (59%), with employment (64.5%), CD4 + T lymphocyte count ≥200 cells/mm3 (54.8%) and detectable viral load (75.3%). Candidiasis (25%) and Tuberculosis (25%) predominated as opportunistic infections (IO), and Syphilis (67.5%) as other infections. Conclusion: According to the proposed method and the data already reported, it is concluded that the diagnosis for Syphilis was associated with the male gender, as well as the situation of CD4 + T lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm3 was associated with the presence of some opportunistic infection, of the installation of Candidiasis and Tuberculosis.

Introducción: El estado de Pará, de 2009 a 2019, presentó un aumento del 46,5% en la tasa de detección del SIDA. Lo que pone de manifiesto la importancia de los estudios para la evaluación y el seguimiento de este público. Objetivo: Analizar las infecciones que sufren los usuarios de un centro de referencia en el momento de su diagnóstico de infección por VIH. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, realizado em um centro de referência da cidade de Santarém, Pará. La muestra fue de 332 historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de VIH en los años 2016 y 2017. La recogida de datos buscaba información sociodemográfica, clínica e inmunológica de los pacientes en el momento del diagnóstico de la infección por VIH. Los datos se organizaron y analizaron mediante estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales, adoptando p<0,05. Resultados: Se observó la prevalencia del sexo masculino (67%), el grupo de edad de 15 a 24 años (32,2%), la soltería (59%), el empleo (64,5%), el recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ ≥200 células/mm3 (54,8%) y la carga viral detectable (75,3%). La candidiasis (25%) y la tuberculosis (25%) predominaron como infecciones oportunistas (IO), y la sífilis (67,5%) como otras infecciones. Conclusión: De acuerdo con el método propuesto y los datos ya informados, se concluye que el diagnóstico de Sífilis se asocia al sexo masculino, así como la situación de contagio de linfocitos T CD4+ <200 células/mm3 se asocia a la presencia de alguna infección oportunista, a la instauración de la Candidiasis y a la Tuberculosis.