Knowledge, attitudes and practices of resident doctors and interns on safe blood transfusion practices: a survey-based study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The knowledge of clinicians regarding blood transfusion services may impact patient care and transfusion outcome. The wide variation in transfusion practices among clinicians leads to inappropriate blood product usage and jeopardizes patient safety. Hence, this survey study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among the residents and interns of safe blood transfusion. Methods: The online survey was based on self-administered questionnaires of three sections: 1. Demography; 2. Knowledge, and; 3. Attitude and Practice. One point was assigned for the correct response of each question in every section. The knowledge score was further categorized into three categories, depending on the points obtained. The participants were also divided into four groups, depending on their experience. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to determine the difference of knowledge and practice scores in three designated groups of residents and interns. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Result: A total of 247 residents and interns participated in this study. Thirteen participants had an incomplete response. Out of 234 participants, Senior Residents (SR), Junior Residents (JR), and interns were 70, 96 and 68 participants, respectively. The knowledge scores of interns were significantly low, as compared to SRs and JRs. Practice scores of interns were also significantly low, compared to the JRs. However, most of the residents and interns (85%) were aware of the pre-transfusion testing. Conclusion: Therefore, the mandatory incorporation of the transfusion medicine subject in the undergraduate curriculum can help the young budding doctors to better implement the patient blood management.

Estilos de vida de estudiantes de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina

Fundamento: el estilo de vida saludable se erige como un factor protector contra el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades crónicas, y en el caso del estudiante de enfermería, su adopción incide en la eficacia de su futura práctica profesional como educador en salud, también sobre la calidad de la atención prestada. Objetivo: describir los comportamientos asociados a los estilos de vida de los estudiantes de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán en Argentina. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. Se encuestaron a 406 estudiantes con el cuestionario Health Promoting Life Profile II bajo el modelo de Nola Pender. El instrumento obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,93 (alta fiabilidad) en la población estudiada. Resultados: la media de edad fue de 28,63 años. Predominaron las mujeres, solteras y estudiantes de primer año. El crecimiento espiritual y el manejo del estrés fueron las dimensiones con el mayor y menor puntaje, respectivamente. La media del estilo de vida fue de 117,17 (DE: 20,10; IC 95 %: 115,21-119,14) con una caracterización de regular. Conclusión: el 3,94 % de los encuestados obtuvieron un estilo de vida evaluado como saludable, y las variables que incidieron fueron: la edad, el sexo, el estado civil y el año del plan de estudios en el que se encuentran inscritos. Se requiere del diseño e implementación de acciones que favorezcan la adopción de estilos de vida que promuevan un estado saludable en los estudiantes de enfermería para disminuir el riesgo de padecer enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y contribuyan a formarlos como promotores de salud.

Background: the healthy lifestyle is established as a shielding factor against the development of diverse chronic illnesses, and in the case of the infirmary student, its adoption impacts in the effectiveness of its future professional practice as educator in health, also about the quality of the borrowed attention. Objective: to describe the behaviors associated to the lifestyles of the students of the University School of Infirmary of the National University of Tucumán in Argentina. Methods: a descriptive, traverse and quantitative study was carried out. 406 students were interviewed with the questionnaire Health Promoting Life Profile II under the Nola Pender pattern. The instrument obtained an alpha of Cronbach of 0,93 (high reliability) in the studied population. Results: the typical age was of 28,63 years. The feminine sex, single and students of the first year. Spiritual growth and manage of the stress were the dimensions with the adult and smaller punctuation, respectively. The average of the lifestyle was of 117,17 (OF: 20,10; IC 95 %: 115,21-119,14) with a characterization of regulating. Conclusion: 3,94 % of those interviewed obtained a lifestyle evaluated as healthy, and the variables that impacted were the age, the sex, the civil state and the year of the plan of studies in which they are inscribed. Its required of the design and implementation of actions them to favor the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the infirmary students to diminish the risk of suffering chronic not transmissible illnesses and contributes to his education on health education.

Seroprevalence of viral transfusion transmissible infections (HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, Syphilis) and coinfection among healthy volunteer blood donors during 5-years in Luanda, Angola

Abstract Background The transmission of diseases by blood products continues to be a worldwide health problem, especially in Africa. Seroprevalence rates of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis, and Coinfection in Angola are poorly documented. This study aims to identify the seroprevalence of markers with positive results for Hepatitis B, C, HIV, Syphilis, and Coinfection in blood donors. Material and methods A retrospective study was conducted using a database of positive serological markers for these infections and coinfection in 2734 blood donors traced from 2011 to 2016 in Luanda, Angola. The Chi-Square test (χ2) or Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate serological positivity and donors' characteristics. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 2734 blood donors aged 18 to 64 (median age 32 ± 9) were screened from 2011 to 2016. 73.9 % of the donors were positive for one Transfusion-Transmitted Infection (TTI), and 5.9 % showed evidence of multiple infections. The overall seroprevalence rate was 50.2 % (1373) for HBV, 20 % (436) for Syphilis, 7 % (191) for HIV, 5.1 % (140) for HCV, and 5.8 % for coinfected donors. 2467 (90 %) were men, and 267 (10 %) were women. We identified 118 (5.8 %) coinfected donors. Of those, 40 (33.9 %) simultaneously presented Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)/Syphilis, 24 (20.3 %) HBsAg/HIV, 22 (18.6 %) HBsAg/HCV, 20 (16.9 %) HIV/Syphilis, 8 (6.8 %) HCV/Syphilis, and 4 (3.4 %) HIV/HCV. Conclusion A high transfusion-transmissible infection prevalence was found compared to some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, intensifying the screening for these transfusion-transmitted infections in blood donors is critical to ensure blood safety.

Risk factors of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors at Karongi Regional Centre for blood transfusion in Rwanda

Background Blood transfusion saves human lives, but also it can be a route for TransfusionTransmissible Infections (TTIs) including Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis. Objective This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with TTIs among blood donors at Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion (RCBT) of Karongi, Rwanda. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study design conducted among 36,708 blood donors from 2015 to 2019. Data were extracted from the system known as eProgesaused and the outcome variable were TTIs including HBV, HCV and HIV (measured using Enzyme Immuno-Assay/Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) and syphilis (determined by Rapid Reagin Plasma). Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors associated with TTIs. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that the overall prevalence of TTIs was 2.1%, while the prevalences of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 1.3%, 0.4%, 0.06%, and 0.34%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors associated with HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis were being male, age more than 25 years, being married, living in urban areas, first time blood donors and blood donors living in Rusizi, Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Conclusion This study revealed that the most frequent TTI was HBV among blood donors and the main risk groups were males, age group of 26-35 years, married and first time donors. Hence, while developing health policies to reduce the effects of HBV infection on safe blood transfusion, these study findings should be taken into account.

Frequency of Transfusion transmissible infections in voluntary and family replacement donors at The Alotau Provincial Health Authority Blood Transfusion Service, Papua New Guinea

@#Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI) in blood donors continue to be a threat to recipients, therefore, to increase accessibility to infection-free donor blood, voluntary non-remunerated donation has been recommended. This was a retrospective observational study aimed at establishing a data base for transfusion transmissible infections in family replacement and voluntary donors at the Alotau Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Blood Bank Service using donor data recorded from 2015 to 2018. Statistical significance was determined using the chi-square test with p-values of <0.05 considered significant. Ethical clearance was approved by the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Consent to collect data from the Alotau PHA Blood Transfusion Service and the Blood Bank Laboratory was granted on the 17/06/2019 reference #: RCO1/6/19. A total of 2852 blood donors were analyzed, of which 90% (n=2567) were males and 10% (n=285) were females. Of these, 69% (n=1959) were Family-Replacement-Donors (FRDs) and 31% (n=893) were Voluntary Donors (VDs). Donations by FRDs increased with increasing years from 2015 to 2017 and declined slightly by 1% in 2018. The complete opposite was observed in VDs. TTIs were higher in FRDs than in VDs (20.1% vs 16.8%, p=0.04), in single infections, (18.6% vs 15.2%, p=0.03), infection with HBV (9.9% vs 7.2%, p=0.02), and in those aged over 45 years (2.7% vs 0.1%, p=<0.01). The differences were statistically significant. TTI was significantly higher in male FRDs than VDs (19.1 vs 14.3, p=0.00) and in females, it was significantly higher in VDs than in FRDs (2.5% vs 1.0%, p=0.00). TTIs were significantly high in older male FRDs which seem to indicate that the primary route of transmission in this setting could be mostly sexual. This calls for establishment of effective educational awareness about risk factors in the older population, and promotion of voluntary non-remunerated donations in this setting.

Hepatitis B Virus and Behavioural Risk among Blood Donors, Gabon

Background: In resource-limited setting, co-infection between HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses important public health considerations. This cross-sectional study was undertaken with the aim of determining HBV seroprevalence patterns in urban blood banks.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban blood bank setting. A total of 1610 blood donors were enrolled, and 283 consecutive plasma samples with unknown HBsAg status were selected for risks factors. HBV seroprevalence was based on the Chemiluminescence method (Cobas® e601, Roche). Potential risk factors associated with overt HBV infection were assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence intervalley (95% CI) and p values.Results: Of 1610 participants, overall rate seroprevalence of HBsAg was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.36%–6.58%) ranging from 0.06% (95% CI: 0-0.18) (HCV) to 0.12% (95% CI: 0-0.30)(Syphilis). Seroprevalence of infection increased in older age groups (20-39 years) but men had a statistically significant higher prevalence of overt HBV infection than women (P=0.0001). The multivariate model showed the following to be predictors of HBV infection: male gender (OR=2.5 (95% CI 1.14-5.58), P= 0.02), first-time donor status (OR = 11.06, (95% CI 5.34-22.9), P= 0.01) andresidence outside of Libreville (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.09-5.83), P=0.03).Conclusion: HB and co-infection are n o t common in Gabon. Intermediate seroprevalence was associated with male gender, first-time donor status and residence outside of Libreville. HCV andHBV infection among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Prevention and control of HBV infection are needed to reduce HBV transmission

Frequency of Transfusion Transmissible Infections and Possible Associations with the ABO Blood Types in Blood Donors in a Referral Hospital in Papua New Guinea

@#Quick selection of blood free from blood borne infections is paramount during massive blood loss due to trauma and severe blood deficiencies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the ABO blood group antigens and their possible associations with Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), to help create a preliminary database for quick access to infection-free blood during such emergencies. This was an observational retrospective study which included all blood donor information recorded from January 2010 to June 2020 at the Nonga General Hospital Blood Transfusion Laboratory, East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. All data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Office Windows 10 version. Parametric statistics were used for analysis of the data, p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The chi-square test was used to determine if there were significant differences in infection rates between the ABO blood group antigens and variables of interest. Ethical clearance and consent were obtained from the relevant authorities. The order of frequency of the ABO blood group antigens in this population was O>A>B>AB (64%, 18%, 15%, 3%) respectively. The majority of the donors were males (74%). First time donors were 54% and voluntary donors were 85%. Most of the donors (43%) were in the 15-29 years age group. Males with blood type O were significantly associated (p=0.032) with TTIs. HBV/Syphilis co-infections and HBV/Syphilis/HIV triple infections were also significantly associated (p=<0.001) with blood type O. The prevalence rates of infections obtained in the present study were 14% among the young adults (15 to 29 years), 25% among males, 29% among voluntary donors, and 18% among first-time donors. This calls for increased public health educational awareness among the population in the study area

Seroprevalencia de infecciones hemotransmisibles en donantes de sangre / Seroprevalence of transmissible infections in blood donors

Introducción. La seguridad transfusional es el objetivo primordial de los bancos de sangre, sin embargo, conlleva un alto riesgo de eventos adversos como son las infecciones transmisibles por transfusión (ITT). El conocimiento de la prevalencia de estas infecciones fue de particular interés en esta investigación, donde se determinó su frecuencia, coinfección y relación con el tipo de donantes admitidos. Metodología. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 2017 y 2018, en el que se incluyeron todos los registros de donantes de sangre que contenían datos demográficos y resultados de los marcadores obligatorios en el país (Ecuador), tanto de pruebas serológicas como moleculares. Se obtuvo el permiso del custodio de la información y del subcomité de bioética de investigaciones en seres humanos. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados. Se determinó una prevalencia del 3,18 % de resultados reactivos para una o más ITT, el rango de edad más prevalente fue de 29 a 40 años, el 89,8 % fueron donantes compensatorios, y de ellos el 90 % fueron reactivos para una o más ITT. El marcador serológico más prevalente fue el anti-core del virus de la hepatitis B (anti-HBc), seguido por el de sífilis y los anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC). La coinfección más prevalente fue con sífilis y hepatitis B. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas serológicas y las moleculares (x2=26,9; p=0,000). Conclusión. Las ITT en los bancos de sangre son un riesgo latente, por lo que es necesario conocer las variaciones epidemiológicas que existen en cada población. El conocimiento de la prevalencia de las ITT en donantes de sangre permite establecer nuevas estrategias de selección del donante, que garanticen la mejor seguridad posible en las transfusiones, además debe verificarse siempre la metodología utilizada y hacer monitoreo permanente del sistema de calidad establecido

Introduction. Transfusion safety is the primary objective of blood banks, however one of the adverse reactions to blood transfusion are the transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Knowledge of the prevalence of these infections was of particular interest in this study where we determined their frequency, co-infection and relationship with the type of donors admitted. Methodology. Retrospective observational study during 2017 and 2018, in which all blood donor records containing demographic data and results of the country's (Ecuador) mandatory serological markers of both serological and molecular tests were included. Permission was obtained from the data custodian and the Human Research Bioethics Subcommittee. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results. A prevalence of 3,18% of reactive results to one or more TTIs was determined, the most prevalent age range was 29 to 40 years, 89.8% were compensatory donors and 90% of them were reactive to one or more TTIs. The anti- core serological marker of the hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc) was the most prevalent, followed by syphilis and hepatitis C antibodies. Syphilis and hepatitis B were identified as the most prevalent coinfection. The correlation between the results obtained in the serological and molecular tests was determined to be different and statistically significant (x2=26.9; p=0.000). Conclusion. TTIs in blood banks are a latent risk, so it is necessary to know the epidemiological variations that exist in every population. Knowledge of the prevalence of TTIs in blood donors facilitates new donor selection strategies that guarantee the best possible safety in transfusions. In addition, the methodology used must always be verified and the established quality system must be permanently monitored

Enfermedades tropicales desatendidas y su impacto sobre la salud cardiovascular (The NET-heart project) / Neglected tropical diseases and their impact on cardiovascular health. (The NET-Heart Project)

Resumen Las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas (ETD) constituyen un conjunto de afecciones altamente prevalentes en regiones tropicales y subtropicales, asociadas a pobreza y subdesarrollo. Constituyen una verdadera crisis sanitaria, incapacitando y llevando a la muerte a millones de personas anualmente. Esto se ve potenciado por las dificultades socioeconómicas que cursan estos países, mayormente en vías de desa rrollo, lo cual repercute en la calidad de la asistencia sanitaria que pueden proveer a la población. La morbilidad de estas enfermedades se explica por la amplia afectación orgánica que generan. El aparato cardiovascular resulta particularmente afectado, lo que explica en gran medida la morbimortalidad de las ETD. En el presente artículo se revisan los aspectos fundamentales de un proyecto llevado a cabo por los Líderes Emergentes de la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología (SIAC), cubriendo diferentes aspectos del impacto sobre el aparato cardiovascular de las ETD: el Proyecto NET-Heart (del inglés, Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases Affecting the Heart).

Abstract Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are a group of diseases with high prevalence in tropical and subtropi cal countries. They are associated to poverty and underdevelopment. Due to its high morbimortality, these conditions are considered a health crisis. The impact of these diseases can be worsened by the poor socioeconomic status of the affected countries, most of them under-developed, which affects the health care provided to patients. The morbidity of these diseases is explained by the wide organic impairment that they produce. The cardiovascular system is par ticularly affected, which explains the high morbimortality of NTD. In this article, we review the key issues of a project elaborated by Emerging Leaders of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC), about the cardiovascular impact of NTD: the NET-Heart Project (Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases affecting the Heart).

Prevalencia del deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores de 60 años, en un consultorio médico de la región de Altahabana (Cuba), perteneciente al Municipio Boyeros. Año 2020 / Prevalence of cognitive impairment in people over 60 years old at a medical office in the region of Altahabana (Cuba), belonging to the Boyeros Municipality. Year 2020

El deterioro cognitivo es un problema de salud a nivel mundial, el cual se ha convertido en uno de las mayores demandas de atención médica en las personas mayores. Con el objetivo de determinar la prevalencia del deterioro cognitivo en las personas mayores de 60 años, se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con carácter retrospectivo de corte transversal a 323 adultos mayores en el Consultorio Médico de la Familia # 20, ubicado en la región de Altahabana, perteneciente al Policlínico Universitario "Federico Capdevila" del Municipio Boyeros (Cuba). El estudio se realizó entre enero y diciembre de 2020. Se encontró que el 31% de las personas mayores, pertenecen al grupo de edades de 65 a 69 años, con un predominio del género femenino en un 61%. El nivel de escolaridad universitario estuvo presente en un 57,5%. El deterioro cognitivo de las personas mayores prevaleció en un 14%; la hipertensión arterial, en un 64,8% fue la enfermedad crónica no transmisible que más se asoció al deterioro cognitivo.

Cognitive impairment is a global health problem, which has become one of the greatest demands for medical care in older people. In order to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in people over 60 years of age, a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on 323 older adults in the Family Medical Clinic # 20, located in the Altahabana region, belonging to the "Federico Capdevila" University Polyclinic of the Boyeros Municipality (Cuba). The study was carried out between January and December 2020. It was found that 31% of the elderly belong to the 65 to 69 age group, with a 61% predominance of the female gender. The level of university education was present in 57.5%. Cognitive impairment in the elderly prevailed in 14%; arterial hypertension, in 64.8%, was the chronic non-communicable disease that was most associated with cognitive deterioration.

Comparison between hematological and biochemical changes caused by conventional and metronomic chemotherapies in the treatment of canine transmissible venereal tumor

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to report the hematological and biochemical changes caused by conventional and metronomic chemotherapies, using vincristine sulfate to treat canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT). Twelve dogs were selected, six of them for the group receiving conventional chemotherapy (G1), and six dogs for the group receiving metronomic chemotherapy (G2). The G1 group received vincristine sulfate once a week at the dose of 0.75mg/m² until the tumor had disappeared with treatment, and the G2 group was treated with vincristine sulfate three times a week at the dose of 0.25mg/m2 until the tumor had disappeared. Before and after chemotherapy treatment, hematological and biochemical blood tests were performed to evaluate the main alterations caused by both chemotherapeutic models. Dogs undergoing conventional chemotherapy had significant leukocyte changes (p 0.05), causing neutropenia and leukopenia. In dogs undergoing metronomic chemotherapy, leukocytes remained within the reference range. Half of the dogs in group G1 had normochromic, normocytic anemia. The only biochemical alteration observed was the increase of urea in group G2. Thus, metronomic chemotherapy for the treatment of TVT with vincristine sulfate proved to be an excellent method for treatment, with fewer adverse effects, especially in maintaining the leukogram of dogs within normal range and reducing the number of anemia in animals during treatment.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo relatar as alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas causadas pelo tratamento quimioterápico convencional e pela quimioterapia metronômica, utilizando-se sulfato de vincristina para o tratamento do tumor venéreo transmissível canino(TVTC). Foram selecionados 12 cães, sendo seis para o grupo que recebeu quimioterapia convencional (G1) e seis cães para o grupo que recebeu quimioterapia metronômica (G2). O grupo G1 recebeu sulfato de vincristina, uma vez por semana, na dose de 0,75mg/m2, até o desaparecimento do tumor e o grupo G2 foi tratado com sulfato de vincristina, três vezes por semana, na dose de 0,25mg/m2, até o desaparecimento do tumor. Antes e após o tratamento quimioterápico foram realizados exames hematológicos e bioquímicos sanguíneos para avaliação das principais alterações causadas pelos dois modelos quimioterápicos. Os cães submetidos à quimioterapia convencional tiveram alterações leucocitárias significativas (p 0,05), causando uma leucopenia por neutropenia enquanto nos cães, submetidos à quimioterapia metronômica, os leucócitos mantiveram-se dentro do intervalo de referência. A metade dos cães do grupo G1 tiveram uma anemia do tipo normocítica normocrômica. A única alteração bioquímica observada foi o aumento da ureia no grupo G2. Desta forma, a quimioterapia metronômica para o tratamento do TVT com sulfato de vincristina, demonstrou ser um excelente método para a cura do animal, com menores reduções de efeitos adversos, sobretudo, na manutenção do leucograma dos cães e na redução de animais com anemia.

Comparison between hematological and biochemical changes caused by conventional and metronomic chemotherapies in the treatment of canine transmissible venereal tumor / Comparação entre as alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas ocasionadas pela quimioterapia convencional e quimioterapia metronômica no tratamento do tumor venéreo transmissível canino

This study aimed to report the hematological and biochemical changes caused by conventional and metronomic chemotherapies, using vincristine sulfate to treat canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT). Twelve dogs were selected, six of them for the group receiving conventional chemotherapy (G1), and six dogs for the group receiving metronomic chemotherapy (G2). The G1 group received vincristine sulfate once a week at the dose of 0.75mg/m² until the tumor had disappeared with treatment, and the G2 group was treated with vincristine sulfate three times a week at the dose of 0.25mg/m2 until the tumor had disappeared. Before and after chemotherapy treatment, hematological and biochemical blood tests were performed to evaluate the main alterations caused by both chemotherapeutic models. Dogs undergoing conventional chemotherapy had significant leukocyte changes (p<0.05), causing neutropenia and leukopenia. In dogs undergoing metronomic chemotherapy, leukocytes remained within the reference range. Half of the dogs in group G1 had normochromic, normocytic anemia. The only biochemical alteration observed was the increase of urea in group G2. Thus, metronomic chemotherapy for the treatment of TVT with vincristine sulfate proved to be an excellent method for treatment, with fewer adverse effects, especially in maintaining the leukogram of dogs within normal range and reducing the number of anemia in animals during treatment.(AU)

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo relatar as alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas causadas pelo tratamento quimioterápico convencional e pela quimioterapia metronômica, utilizando-se sulfato de vincristina para o tratamento do tumor venéreo transmissível canino(TVTC). Foram selecionados 12 cães, sendo seis para o grupo que recebeu quimioterapia convencional (G1) e seis cães para o grupo que recebeu quimioterapia metronômica (G2). O grupo G1 recebeu sulfato de vincristina, uma vez por semana, na dose de 0,75mg/m2, até o desaparecimento do tumor e o grupo G2 foi tratado com sulfato de vincristina, três vezes por semana, na dose de 0,25mg/m2, até o desaparecimento do tumor. Antes e após o tratamento quimioterápico foram realizados exames hematológicos e bioquímicos sanguíneos para avaliação das principais alterações causadas pelos dois modelos quimioterápicos. Os cães submetidos à quimioterapia convencional tiveram alterações leucocitárias significativas (p<0,05), causando uma leucopenia por neutropenia enquanto nos cães, submetidos à quimioterapia metronômica, os leucócitos mantiveram-se dentro do intervalo de referência. A metade dos cães do grupo G1 tiveram uma anemia do tipo normocítica normocrômica. A única alteração bioquímica observada foi o aumento da ureia no grupo G2. Desta forma, a quimioterapia metronômica para o tratamento do TVT com sulfato de vincristina, demonstrou ser um excelente método para a cura do animal, com menores reduções de efeitos adversos, sobretudo, na manutenção do leucograma dos cães e na redução de animais com anemia.(AU)

Acciones sanitarias en las enfermedades transmisibles. Un instrumento de la salud pública / Health actions in contagious diseases. An instrument of public health

Se describen las acciones sanitarias específicas que se realizan en la lucha contra las enfermedades infecciosas para evitar o disminuir su transmisibilidad y el contagio en la población, como instrumentos del modelo médico sanitario. Se hace referencia a la pandemias de 1918 y 2020, en las cuales se aplicaron estas acciones sanitarias. (AU)

The specific sanitary actions that are carried out in the fight against infectious diseases are described to avoid or reduce their transmissibility and contagion in the population, as an instrument of public health. Reference is made to the Pandemics of 1918 and 2020, where these sanitary actions were used. (AU)

Modeling Vaccination Programs in Outbreaks of Hemorrhagic Septicemia in India

Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is an acute septicemic endemic disease of buffalo and cattle in India with a case fatality rate of up to 80%. This disease causes an estimated economic loss of USD 792 million per year in India. Vaccination and control programs of HS can be understood by mathematical models. The main objective of our study was to design a mathematical model to analyze the effect of vaccination in controlling outbreaks of HS in India. We used posteriori model building approach to create and run the model for HS with the help of an outbreak data from Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India. The best possible transmission coefficient (β) to imitate the outbreak was found to be 0.335 and the best possible basic reproduction number (R0) was found to be 1.011. Introduction of the vaccination campaign from 5th to the 20th day of the HS outbreak reduced the proportion of the susceptible animals from 0.99 to 0.40 on the last day of the campaign. We concluded that animal vaccination modelling for eradication of HS by mass regional or nationwide vaccination campaigns can be understood by simple mathematical models.

Prevalence and trends in transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Brazil from 2010 to 2016

ABSTRACT Background: Assessing trends in the rate of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donors is critical to the monitoring of the blood supply safety and the donor screening effectiveness. The objective of this study was to conduct a trend analysis of TTIs and associated demographic factors of donors at a public blood bank in the central Brazil. Methods: A retrospective analysis (2010-2016) of blood donation data was performed to determine the prevalence of markers for TTIs. Multinomial and multivariate logistic regression were used to verify the association between the explanatory variables and TTIs. The trend was evaluated with the Prais Winsten's regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of TTIs was 4.04% (5,553 donors) among 137,209 donors, with a steady trend in the analyzed period. The seroprevalence for the hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chagas disease, and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) were 1.63%, 0.87%, 0.46%, 0.21%, 0.21% and 0.09%, respectively. The prevalence of HBV decreased (b = −0.021, p < 0.001), while syphilis increased (b = 0.112; p = 0.001), during the period investigated. The probability for a positive test for TTI was higher among donors with a low level of education, aged ≥30 years old, without stable marital status, and first-time donors. Conclusions: Even with the reduction in HBV, the increased rate of syphilis may have contributed to the fact that the overall rate of TTIs did not decrease in the evaluated period.

Perception regarding mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas of Belagavi – A community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are a major public health concern in developing nations including India. Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and public participation in preventing such diseases in rural places of Karnataka. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 360 participants from Primary Health Centers in Vantmuri, Kinaye, and Handiganur Villages, under the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Questionnaire included questions regarding mosquito-borne diseases. Results: It was observed from the study that 67% of the participants were aware that mosquitoes transmit diseases. Most of them (35.27%) knew this information through hospitals and health personnel. 34.16% were aware of the fact that malaria and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes whereas 27.32% were not aware. The major symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases such as fever, headache, and body ache were known to 20.27% people but 27.5% did not know any of them. 20.27% knew that stagnant water is a breeding place for mosquitoes, and only 3.6% people used municipal bins for waste disposal. 43.33% used household utensils to store water and 22.5% used open tanks. Only 65% people used coils for preventing mosquito bites. Cleaning of water bodies (28.33%) and stagnant water (20.55%) was done by a small population regularly. Conclusion: More awareness among public about the seriousness of various mosquito-borne diseases, symptoms, breeding places, and proper disposal of wastes is necessary. Public participation is required to control mosquito-borne diseases.

Donor notification in reactive donors and their response to communication

Background: Blood transfusion is associated with the risk of transmitting transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) even after the thorough mandatory TTI screening of blood units. To prevent disease transmission, it is important to inform, notify and counsel the donors about their seroreactive status at the blood centre. The present study determines the response of various TTI reactive donors for post donation counselling after notification and their persistence in society as reactive donors.Methods: It was a retrospective study conducted at tertiary care center from 1May2015 to 30April2017. Re-active donors were called to the blood bank by telephonic call and letters. Reactive donors on complying at center were retested, counselled and referred to appropriate centre for further management.Results: There were 34,204 blood donations over period of two years, out of which 375[1.09%] were reactive donors. Of these HBV reactive comprises of 166/34204(0.48%), HCV were 40/34204(0.11%), HIV reactive donors comprises of 26/34204(0.07%), Syphilis 138/34204[0.40%] and there were five cases of co-infection, two for HIV+ HCV, two cases HIV+HBV and one case of co-infection with HBV+ Syphilis. A total of 375 TTI reactive donors were identified, out of which (227/375) 60.5% contacted by tele-phone calls and letters and remaining (148/375) 39.46% cannot be contacted. Out of 227 contacted donors only 117 donors reported for post donation counselling i.e. response rate of 51.54%.Conclusions: Donor notification is efficient method of curtailing TTI but undermined by communication failure with donors, resulting in persistent load of blood transmissible infectious risk.

Fatores de risco simultâneos para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em adolescentes escolares brasileiros / Simultaneous risk factors for non comunicable chronic diseases on Brazilian School Teenagers

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e o agregamento não aleatório destes, além dos fatores associados em adolescentes escolares brasileiros. Método: Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, analítico, desenvolvido com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE 2015). As variáveis de exposição foram: sociodemográficas, psicossociais, de contexto e supervisão familiar e comportamento parental e dos pares. A variável resposta foi número de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Foram estimados a prevalência, a simultaneidade e o agravamento dos fatores de risco: tabagismo, uso de álcool, inatividade física e baixo consumo de frutas e legumes. O agregamento foi verificado quando a razão entre a prevalência observada e esperada foi superior a 1. Para verificar os determinantes associados à ocorrência de fatores de risco simultâneos foi utilizada regressão de Poisson para dados de contagem. As análises foram realizadas no software Stata 15.0. Resultados: A prevalência de dois fatores de risco simultâneos foi mais alta (56,1%; IC95%: 55,5-56,6). A combinação de fatores de risco mais prevalente foi ­Baixo consumo de frutas e hortaliças + Inatividade física‖ (66%; IC95%: 65,8-66,9). Houve agregamento de fatores de risco e a maior razão entre a prevalência observada e esperada foi para: ­Tabagismo + Álcool‖ (79,0; IC95%: 73,8-84,2). O modelo final de regressão mostrou que sentimentos de solidão, perda de sono, não ter amigos próximos, menor supervisão familiar, ter pais que fumam e amigos que bebem foram associados ao aumento no número esperado de fatores de risco. Conclusão: Os achados mostram elevada prevalência de fatores de risco simultâneos, com agregamento nos adolescentes. Os adolescentes com menor supervisão parental, cujos pais fumam e amigos bebem apresentaram maior número esperado de fatores de risco. Intervenções com foco nos determinantes podem ajudar a diminuir a agregação de fatores de risco e prevenir desfechos crônicos na fase adulta.(AU)

Objective: Estimate the prevalence of simultaneity of risk factors in not transmissible chronic diseases, and their non-random aggregation, beyond factors associated to Brazilian school teenagers. Method: Eidemiologic, transversal, analytical study developed with data of the Scholar National Health Research (PeNSE 2015). The exposition variables were: social-demographic, psycho-social, with family context and supervision, parental behavior and from pairs. The reposed variable was number of risk factors for not transmissible chronic diseases. It was estimated the prevalence, the simultaneity and aggregation of risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, lack of physical activity, and low consuming of fruits and vegetables. Aggregation was verified when the reason between the observed and expected prevalence was over 1. In order to verify the determinants associated to occurrences of simultaneous risk factors, Poisson regression for counting data was used. The analysis was made with the software Stata 15.0. Results: The prevalence of two simultaneous risk factors was higher (56,1%; IC95%: 55,5-56,6). The combination of most prevalent risk factors was ­Low consume of fruits and vegetables + lack of physical activity‖ (66%; IC95%: 65,8-66,9). There has been aggregation of risk factors, being the higher reason between the observed and expected prevalence was to ­tobacco + alcohol (79,0; IC95%: 73,8-84,2). The final sample for regression has shown that psycho-social aspects, lower family supervision and parental behavior and risk pairs were associated to the increase or the expected number of risk factors. Conclusion: The findings show elevated prevalence of simultaneous risk factors, with their aggregation on teenagers. The adolescents with less parental supervision, smoker parents, and friends who drink alcohol show increase in the expected number of risk factors. Interventions focusing on the determinants can help reduce aggregation to risk factors and prevent chronic outcomes in adulthood.(AU)

Hanseníase em países fronteiriços na américa do sul: um estudo ecológico / Lepra en los territories fronterizos de sudamérica: estudio ecológico / Leprosy in border countries in south america: an ecological study

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil clínico epidemiológico e a distribuição espacial da incidência da hanseníase em territórios fronteiriços da América do Sul. Método: trata-se de um estudo ecológico. O estudo compreendeu a Província de Misiones na Argentina e a Região Sul do Brasil. A população foi composta por 10.319 casos novos de hanseníase, diagnosticados entre 2010 e 2016. Resultados: o estado do Paraná foi o mais endêmico, representando 70,2% (n=7,247) dos casos. Houve predomínio da classificação operacional multibacilar (79,8%, n=8.233) e Grau 0 de incapacidade física (50,6%, n=5.223). Em Misiones 18,9% utilizaram esquema de tratamento substitutivo. No período, notou-se uma situação hiperendêmica em 780 (65,5%) dos municípios/ departamentos estudados. Conclusão: o estudo mostrou que as regiões estudadas apresentam alta endemicidade, transmissão ativa e diagnóstico tardio da hanseníase. Essas tendências entrelaçadas à força de morbidade e de transmissão recente e persistente da doença, ampliam a relevância da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública na região.

RESUMEN Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil clínico epidemiológico y la distribución espacial de la incidencia de la lepra en los territorios fronterizos de Sudamérica. Metodología: se trata de un estudio ecológico. El estudio incluyó la Provincia de Misiones en Argentina y la Región Sur de Brasil. La población estaba compuesta por 10.319 nuevos casos de lepra diagnosticados entre 2010 y 2016. Resultados: el estado de Paraná fue el más endémico, representando el 70,2% (n=7.247) de los casos. Predominaron la clasificación operacional multibacilar (79,8%, n=8.233) y el Grado 0 de discapacidad física (50,6%, n=5.223). En Misiones, el 18,9% utilizó un régimen de tratamiento de sustitución. En el periodo se observó una situación hiperendémica en 780 (65,5%) de las ciudades/departamentos estudiados. Conclusión: El estudio mostró que las regiones estudiadas tienen alta endemicidad, transmisión activa y diagnóstico tardío de la lepra. Estas tendencias entrelazadas en cuanto a la fuerza de la morbilidad y la transmisión reciente y persistente de la enfermedad aumentan la importancia de la lepra como un problema de salud pública en la región.

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the epidemiological clinical profile and spatial distribution of the incidence of leprosy in border territories of South America. Method: this is an ecological study. The study included the Province of Misiones in Argentina and the Southern Region of Brazil. The population consisted of 10,319 new leprosy cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. Results: the state of Paraná was the most endemic, representing 70.2% (n=7.247) of the cases. There was a predominance of multibacillary operational classification (79.8%, n=8,233) and Grade 0 of physical disability (50.6%, n=5,223). In Misiones, 18.9% used a substitution treatment regimen. In the period, a hyperendemic situation was observed in 780 (65.5%) of the studied cities/departments. Conclusion: the study revealed that the regions studied have high endemicity, active transmission and late diagnosis of leprosy. These intertwined trends in the strength of morbidity and recent and persistent transmission of the disease increase the relevance of leprosy as a public health problem in the region.

Estimation of the Residual Risk of Transfusion-Transmissible Infectious Agents in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) of HBV, HCV, and HIV in Korea has been reduced significantly by strengthening the blood safety policies. On the other hand, the risk of TTI still exists due to the diagnostic window period or viral variants. METHODS: The residual risks of TTI of HBV, HCV, and HIV were calculated from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2018 by dividing the data into two year sets. The residual risk was conducted by separating the donors who donated only once and those who donated more than once during each period. RESULTS: In the first two years, the residual risks of HBV, HCV, and HIV were calculated to be 17.54/106, 0.42/106, and 0.30/106 respectively. The residual risk of HBV and HCV over the last two years was calculated to be 9.41/106 and 0.27/106, showing a tendency to decrease with time. On the other hand, the residual risk of HIV over the last two years was calculated to be 0.29/106, showing no significant difference. The residual risk in the donors who donated only once was higher than that in the donors who donated more than once during each period. CONCLUSION: The real transfusion-transmitted infection can be different from the estimated residual risk in this study because this study was based on the thesis that all NAT-reactive blood components cause infection. Because the residual risk of HBV is higher than HCV and HIV, it was considered that the safety measures for the HBV need to be improved continuously.