A oferta de práticas integrativas e complementares cresce na crise: uma abordagem de ciência de dados / The delivery of integrative and complementary practices grows in times of crisis: a data science approach

Utilizando dados do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ) observamos, com uma análise descritiva, que a oferta de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PICs) na Atenção Básica do Sistema Único de Saúde, pelas Equipes de Saúde da Família (eSF) cresceu continuamente entre 2012 e 2018, período marcado por crise econômica e política. Por outro lado, o crescimento da oferta de PICs não foi uniforme entre as regiões do país, sendo menor nas regiões Centro-Oeste e Norte. Observamos que a oferta de PICs está associada à região, ao porte municipal e ao IDH municipal. Observamos também que a oferta de PICs é maior quando há Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família estruturado no município, quando as eSF participam do Programa Academia da Saúde e quando o gestor da saúde não é formado em medicina. Receber apoio do gestor municipal de saúde, receber ações de educação permanente e realizar planejamento das suas ações também está associado à oferta de PICs pelas eSF. Além disso, utilizando uma estrutura de análise causal baseada no uso de gráficos acíclicos direcionados e análise de sensibilidade, concluímos que a formação do gestor influencia diretamente a oferta de PICs, privilegiando gestores formados em odontologia e psicologia. Utilizando uma abordagem de aprendizagem de máquina, identificamos modelos capazes de prever a oferta de PICs (área sob a curva ROC variando entre 0,70 e 0,88) pelas eSF. Estes modelos mostraram que, dentre outras características, o tamanho populacional, o IDH municipal e a distribuição de renda são relevantes em prever a expansão da oferta de PICs.

Using data from the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ), we observed, through descriptive analysis, that the provision of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICPs) in the Basic Care of the Unified Health System, by Family Health Teams (FHTs), grew continuously between 2012 and 2018, a period marked by economic and political crisis. On the other hand, the growth in the provision of ICPs was not uniform across the country's regions, being lower in the Central-West and Northern regions. We observed that the provision of ICPs is associated with the region, municipal size, and municipal Human Development Index (HDI). We also noted that the provision of ICPs is higher when there is a structured Family Health Support Center in the municipality, when FHTs participate in the Health Academy Program, and when the health manager is not a medical professional. Receiving support from the municipal health manager, undergoing continuous education actions, and planning their actions are also associated with the provision of ICPs by FHTs. Additionally, using a causal analysis framework based on directed acyclic graphs and sensitivity analysis, we concluded that the managers education directly influences ICP provision, favoring managers with backgrounds in dentistry and psychology. Using a machine learning approach, we identified models capable of predicting the provision of ICPs (area under the ROC curve ranging between 0.70 and 0.88) by FHTs. These models showed that, among other characteristics, population size, municipal HDI, and income distribution are relevant in predicting the expansion of ICP provision.

Estudo do perfil epidemiológico da tuberculose na população idosa no estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 2018-2020 / Study of the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in the elderly population in the state of São Paulo between the years 2018-2020 / Estudio del perfil epidemiológico de la tuberculosis en la población anciana del estado de São Paulo entre los años 2018- 2020

A tuberculose e um doença que causa preocupação para as autoridades de saúde pública. Quando analisamos o envelhecimento da população, os idosos são mais susceptíveis a várias doenças, entre elas a tuberculose. Um dos motivos dessa fragilidade na saúde e devido a sua imunossenescência, além das comorbinadas frequentes nesse grupo etário. Desta forma, objetivou realizar uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva, realizada por bases secundárias de dados online, no qual foram utilizados o Serviço de Informação do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Na pessquisa, foram inclusas pessoas de ambos os sexos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos e com diagnóstico de Tuberculose no Estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 2018 a 2020. Nesta pesquisa pode se observar uma elevada ocorrência de tuberculose na população idosa principalmente no sexo masculino. Em relação a faixa etária com maior contaminados pela tuberculose foi entre 60-64 anos já a faixa etária com grande número de óbitos ocorreu 70-79 anos, por causa dessa doença.

Tuberculosis is a disease of concern to public health authorities. When we analyze the aging of the population, the elderly are more susceptible to several diseases, including tuberculosis. One of the reasons for this fragility in health is due to its immunosenescence, in addition to the frequent co-morbidities in this age group. In this way, it aimed to carry out a quantitative, descriptive research, carried out by secondary online databases, in which the Information Service of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) was used. In the research, people of both sexes aged 60 years or older and diagnosed with tuberculosis in the State of São Paulo between the years 2018 to 2020 were included. in male. Regarding the age group with the highest number of tuberculosis infections, it was between 60-64 years old, while the age group with a large number of deaths occurred between 70-79 years old, because of this disease.

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad que preocupa a las autoridades de salud pública. Cuando analizamos el envejecimiento de la población, los ancianos son más susceptibles de padecer diversas enfermedades, entre ellas la tuberculosis. Una de las razones de esta fragilidad en la salud se debe a su inmunosenescencia, además de las frecuentes comorbilidades en este grupo de edad. De esta forma, se pretendía realizar una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva, realizada por bases secundarias de datos online, en las que se utilizó el Servicio de Información del Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS). En la investigación se incluyeron personas de ambos sexos con 60 años o más y diagnosticadas de Tuberculosis en el Estado de São Paulo entre los años 2018 y 2020. En esta investigación se puede observar una alta ocurrencia de tuberculosis en la población de edad avanzada, especialmente en los varones. En relación con el grupo de edad con mayor contaminación por tuberculosis fue entre 60-64 años ya el grupo de edad con un gran número de muertes se produjo 70- 79 años, a causa de esta enfermedad.

Dados do programa do câncer do colo do útero na pandemia Covid-19 / Data from the cervical cancer program in the Covid-19 pandemic / Datos del programa de cáncer cervical sobre la pandemia Covid-19

O câncer do colo do útero é considerado um dos cânceres mais comuns entre mulheres, representando um grande problema de saúde global, sendo a quarta causa mais frequente de morte por câncer na população feminina. Mediante a um estudo quantitativo e retrospectivo de dados pré- analíticos e analíticos das requisições do exame citopatológico do colo do útero, objetivou-se avaliar os resultados de exames citopatológicos de mulheres usuárias do SUS de um município do oeste do Paraná, realizados no período antes da pandemia COVID-19, de março de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020 e durante a pandemia COVID-19, de março de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, dos exames citopatológicos alterados. Foram utilizadas as requisições de exames citopatológicos do Programa Nacional de Controle do CCU e o sistema eletrônico SISCAN como ferramentas de busca. Dentre os resultados, totalizaram-se 20.425 amostras processadas no período antes da pandemia, sendo 19.908 consideradas satisfatórias para análise oncótica, onde 1.148 (5,76%) amostras apresentaram alteração citológica. No período da pandemia, totalizaram-se 11.315 amostras processadas, sendo 11.149 amostras satisfatórias para análise oncótica, das quais 721 (6,47%) apresentaram alteração citológica. No período da pandemia, o estudo demostra que metade da população de mulheres usuárias do SUS em um município do oeste do Paraná encontra-se na faixa etária da população-alvo preconizada pelo MS, sendo que a maioria delas realizou seu exame citopatológico por motivo de rastreamento. Contudo, mesmo com a interrupção dos atendimentos eletivos, as mulheres continuaram realizando seus exames citopatológicos, sendo elucidado um discreto aumento de 0,71% das alterações citológicas no período da pandemia, quando comparado ao período anterior, demonstrando o cenário deste programa na pandemia COVID-19.

Cervical cancer is considered one of the most common cancers among women, representing a major global health problem, being the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death in the female population. Through a quantitative and retrospective study of pre-analytical and analytical data of requests for cervical cytopathological examination, the objective was to evaluate the results of cytopathological examinations of women using the SUS in a city in western Paraná, carried out in the period before during the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2019 to February 2020, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 to February 2021, from the altered cytopathological exams. Requests for cytopathological exams from the National Control Program of the CCU and the SISCAN electronic system were used as search tools. Among the results, a total of 20.425 samples were processed in the period before the pandemic, 19.908 of which were considered satisfactory for oncotic analysis, where 1.148 (5,76%) samples showed cytological alterations. During the pandemic period, a total of 11.315 samples were processed, of which 11.149 were satisfactory for oncotic analysis, of which 721 (6,47%) showed cytological alterations. During the pandemic period, the study shows that half of the population of women using the SUS in a municipality in western Paraná is in the target population age group recommended by the MS, and most of them underwent their cytopathological examination due to tracking. However, even with the interruption of elective care, women continued to perform their cytopathological exams, with a slight increase of 0,71% in cytological changes during the pandemic period, when compared to the previous period, demonstrating the scenario of this program in the COVID-19 pandemic.

El cáncer de cuello uterino se considera uno de los cánceres más comunes entre las mujeres, representando un importante problema de salud mundial, siendo la cuarta causa más frecuente de muerte por cáncer en la población femenina. Mediante el estudio cuantitativo y retrospectivo de los datos preanalíticos y analíticos de los requisitos del examen citopatológico del útero, se evaluaron los resultados de los exámenes citopatológicos de las usuarias del SUS de un municipio del oeste de Paraná, realizados en el período anterior a la pandemia COVID-19, de marzo de 2019 a febrero de 2020, y durante la pandemia COVID-19, de marzo de 2020 a febrero de 2021, de los exámenes citopatológicos alterados. Se utilizaron como herramientas de búsqueda las requisiciones de exámenes citopatológicos del Programa Nacional de Control de UCC y el sistema electrónico SISCAN. Entre los resultados, un total de 20.425 muestras fueron procesadas en el período anterior a la pandemia, de las cuales 19.908 fueron consideradas satisfactorias para el análisis oncológico, donde 1.148 (5,76%) muestras presentaron alteración citológica. En el periodo de la pandemia, se procesaron un total de 11.315 muestras, de las cuales 11.149 fueron satisfactorias para el análisis oncológico, y 721 (6,47%) presentaron alteraciones citológicas. En el período de la pandemia, el estudio demuestra que la mitad de la población de mujeres usuarias del SUS en una ciudad del oeste de Paraná está en la franja de edad de la población objetivo recomendada por el MS, y la mayoría de ellas se sometió a un examen citopatológico con fines de cribado. Sin embargo, aún con la interrupción de la atención electiva, las mujeres continuaron realizando sus exámenes citopatológicos, siendo dilucidado un leve aumento de 0,71% de alteraciones citológicas en el período pandémico, cuando comparado con el período anterior, demostrando el escenario de este programa en la pandemia COVID-19.

Incidência de casos confirmados de dengue no Estado do Paraná Brasil nos anos de 2016 a 2021 / Incidence of confirmed dengue cases in the State of Paraná Brazil in the years of 2016 to 2021 / Incidencia de casos confirmados de dengue en el Estado de Paraná Brasil en los años 2016 a 2021

A dengue é uma doença dolorosa e debilitante transmitida por insetos da espécie Aedes aegypti. Ela é definida como uma doença viral que, nos últimos anos, se espalhou vertiginosamente por todas as regiões tropicais e subtropicais do planeta. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e discutir o número e a taxa de incidência de casos de dengue no estado do Paraná utilizando-se dos boletins emitidos por semana epidemiológica nos anos de 2016 a 2021, considerando a sazonalidade da doença. Também se objetivou debater a incidência por macrorregional, as possíveis causas de períodos epidêmicos e ações de combate vetorial para redução dos casos da patologia. Foram utilizados como fonte de informações o banco de dados da Dengue/SVS/SESA, por meio de informes técnicos, disponibilizados pelo portal online de Boletins da Dengue Paraná da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Paraná. Conclui-se que o ano epidemiológico de 2019/2020 foi o de maior incidência e os anos epidemiológicos 2016/2017 e 2017/2018 apresentaram os menores casos durante todo período analisado. Dessa forma, a vigilância epidemiológica é muito importante para avaliação espacial da distribuição de casos para execução de ações estratégicas para redução da infestação do vetor. As políticas públicas e a disponibilização de inseticidas para aplicação também são essenciais para o combate da Dengue.

Dengue is a painful and debilitating disease transmitted by insects of the Aedes aegypti species. It is defined as a viral disease that, in recent years, has spread vertiginously throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the planet. This study aimed to identify and discuss the number and incidence rate of dengue cases in the state of Paraná using the bulletins issued by epidemiological week in the years 2016 to 2021, considering the seasonality of the disease. The aim was also to discuss the incidence per macro-region, the possible causes of epidemic periods, and vectorial combat actions to reduce the cases of the pathology. The Dengue/SVS/SESA database was used as a source of information, through technical reports, made available by the online portal of Dengue Paraná Bulletins of the Paraná State Health Department. It is concluded that the epidemiological year 2019/2020 was the one with the highest incidence and the epidemiological years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 had the lowest cases during the entire period analyzed. Thus, epidemiological surveillance is very important for the spatial assessment of the distribution of cases to carry out strategic actions to reduce vector infestation. Public policies and the availability of insecticides for application are also essential to combat Dengue.

El dengue es una enfermedad dolorosa y debilitante transmitida por insectos de la especie Aedes aegypti. Se define como una enfermedad viral que, en los últimos años, se ha extendido vertiginosamente por las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del planeta. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y discutir el número y la tasa de incidencia de los casos de dengue en el estado de Paraná utilizando los boletines emitidos por la semana epidemiológica en los años 2016 a 2021, considerando la estacionalidad de la enfermedad. También se pretendía discutir la incidencia por macrorregiones, las posibles causas de los periodos epidémicos y las acciones de control de vectores para la reducción de los casos de la enfermedad. Se utilizó como fuente de información la base de datos de Dengue/SVS/SESA, por medio de informes técnicos, puestos a disposición por el portal online de Boletines de Dengue Paraná de la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Paraná. Se concluye que el año epidemiológico 2019/2020 fue el de mayor incidencia y los años epidemiológicos 2016/2017 y 2017/2018 presentaron los menores casos durante todo el periodo analizado. Por lo tanto, la vigilancia epidemiológica es muy importante para la evaluación espacial de la distribución de los casos para la implementación de acciones estratégicas para reducir la infestación del vector. Las políticas públicas y la disponibilidad de insecticidas para su aplicación también son esenciales para combatir el dengue.

Fratura de implante dentário: relato de caso / Dental implant fracture: case report / Fractura de implante dental: informe de un caso

Com o aumento da população brasileira e consequentemente o número de edêntulos realizando tratamentos reabilitadores com implantes dentários, se tornou frequente aparições de complicações como, por exemplo, sua fratura. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar as causas prováveis relacionadas a fratura de implante dentário, através de um relato de caso clínico onde pode-se avaliar a condição da fratura apresentada e como foi solucionada. Após a analise do caso clínico, foi constatado que o principal fator que levou a sua fratura foram as sobrecargas oclusais associadas ao mal posicionamento e a qualidade do implante antigo. A partir disso, conclui-se que é de extrema importância o cirurgião dentista estar ciente de todas as possíveis complicações acerca do implante dentário, afim de realizar um bom planejamento cirúrgico diminuindo a taxa de insucesso levando a um bom prognóstico.

With the increase of the Brazilian population and, consequently, the number of edentulous individuals undergoing rehabilitation treatmentes with dental implants, the appearance of complications such as, for example, their fracture has become frequent. The present work aims to presente the probable causes related to dental implant fracture, trough a clinical case report where the condition of the fracture presented and how it was resolved can be evaluated. After analyzing the clinical case, it was found that de main factor that led to its fracture were the occlusal overloads associated with poor positioning and the quality of the old implant. From this , it is concluded that it is extremely important for the dental surgeon to be aware of all possible complications regarding the dental implant, in order to carry out a good surgical planning, reducing the failure rate, leading to a good prognosis.

Con el aumento de la población brasileña y, en consecuencia, del número de personas edéntulas que se someten a tratamientos de rehabilitación con implantes dentales, las complicaciones, como las fracturas, se han vuelto comunes. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar las probables causas relacionadas con la fractura de implantes dentales, a través del reporte de un caso clínico, donde se puede evaluar la condición de la fractura presentada y la forma en que fue resuelta. Tras analizar el caso clínico, se comprobó que el principal factor que condujo a la fractura fue la sobrecarga oclusal asociada a una mala colocación y a la calidad del implante antiguo. Esto lleva a la conclusión de que es muy importante que el cirujano dental conozca todas las posibles complicaciones de los implantes dentales, para realizar una buena planificación quirúrgica, reduciendo así la tasa de fracasos y consiguiendo un buen pronóstico.

Factores predisponentes asociados a la fractura de cadera en la región noroeste de la provincia de Villa Clara / Predisposing Factors Associated With Hip Fracture in the Northwest Region of Villa Clara Province

Introducción: La fractura de cadera es la causa más común de hospitalización en los servicios de urgencias de ortopedia. Objetivo: Describir los factores predisponentes asociados a la fractura de cadera en la región noroeste de la provincia de Villa Clara. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el período de noviembre de 2017 a diciembre de 2019, en la la región noroeste de la provincia de Villa Clara. La población en estudio estuvo integrada por 227 pacientes atendidos en el Hospital General Universitario Mártires del 9 de abril, del municipio Sagua la Grande, los cuales fueron ingresados en el servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología por fractura de cadera. La muestra fue seleccionada mediante un muestreo no probabilístico y se tuvieron en cuenta los criterios de la investigación. Resultados: Según grupos de edad, predominaron las edades comprendidas entre 80-89 años en ambos sexos (42,7 por ciento), con mayor frecuencia entre las mujeres (45,3 por ciento) con respecto a los hombres (36,4 por ciento). Conclusiones: La caída de sus pies resultó ser el factor predominante asociado a la fractura de cadera en la región noroeste de la provincia de Villa Clara, con predominio en el sexo femenino. Esto sugiere la necesidad de desarrollar campañas de comunicación social para la población, dirigidas a la prevenciónde la fractura de cadera con un enfoque de género(AU)

Introduction: Hip fracture is the most common cause of hospitalization in orthopedic emergency services. Objective: To describe the predisposing factors associated with hip fracture in the northwestern region of the province of Villa Clara. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from November 2017 to December 2019, in the northwestern region of Villa Clara province. A total of 227 patients participated; they were admitted to Mártires del 9 de abril General University Hospital, in Sagua la Grande municipality, and were treated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology service for hip fracture. Non-probabilistic sampling and the research criteria were taken into account for the selection. Results: According to age groups, the ages between 80-89 years prevailed in both sexes (42.7 percent), with higher frequency among women (45.3 percent) compared to men (36.4 percent). Conclusions: The fall from their feet"turned out to be the predominant factor associated with hip fracture in the northwest region of Villa Clara province, where the female sex predominated. This suggests the need to develop social communication campaigns for the population, aimed at the prevention of hip fracture with a gender approach(AU)

Mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19: revisión de la literatura para odontólogos / COVID-19 associated mucormycosis: a literature review for dentists

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica rara, con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Se presenta principalmente en pa- cientes con diabetes mellitus no controlada, inmunocompro- metidos, con tratamiento crónicos con esteroides, entre otros. Actualmente, se cree que la pandemia de COVID-19 y los tratamientos con corticosteroides podrían estar implicados en el aumento de casos de esta micosis. Este hongo invade el sistema vascular, ocluyendo el flujo sanguíneo arterial y generando una rápida trombosis e isque- mia, lo que provoca la necrosis de los tejidos duros y blandos, con invasión rápida a los tejidos circundantes. Hay varias formas clínicas. En la cavidad bucal se presenta la variante rino-orbito-cerebral, que afecta el paladar en forma de lesión eritematosa o grisácea que puede progresar hacia la formación de una masa necrótica o ulceración con muy escaso sangrado de mucosa. Se manifiesta con síntomas típicos de una rinosinusitis con fiebre y dolor en las piezas dentarias superiores. El tratamiento consta de tres pilares fundamentales: el diagnóstico, un manejo adecuado de las comorbilidades y la combinación de las terapias antifúngica y quirúrgica. Desde el año 2020, la mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 pasó a ser un evento de notificación obligatoria inmediata al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud (SNVS2.0) me- diante el Sistema Integrado de Información Sanitaria Argen- tina (SISA). Es importante destacar que se han reportado casos de mu- cormicosis luego de extracciones dentales; lo que impulsa a afianzar los conocimientos sobre esta enfermedad, extremar las medidas preventivas e incentivar el diagnóstico precoz en la atención odontológica, debido a la rapidez en la evolución de la patología (AU))

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, with high mor- bidity and mortality. It occurs mainly in patients with uncon- trolled diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised, on chronic treatment with steroids, among others. Currently, it is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic and the corticosteroid treatments could be one of the causes of increased cases. This fungus invades the vascular system, occluding arteri- al blood flow and generating rapid thrombosis and ischemia, which causes necrosis of hard and soft tissues, with rapid in- vasion to the surrounding tissues. There are several clinical forms. In the oral cavity, the rhino-orbito-cerebral variant presents itself affecting the pal- ate in the form of an erythematous or grayish lesion that can progress towards the formation of a necrotic mass or ulcera- tion with very little mucosal bleeding. It manifests itself with typical symptoms of rhinosinusitis, with fever and pain in the upper teeth. The treatment consists of three fundamental pillars: diag- nosis, proper management of comorbidities and the combina- tion of antifungal and surgical therapies. Since 2020, COVID-19 associated mucormycosis became an event of mandatory immediate notification to the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS2.0,) through the Argentina Integrated Health Information System (SISA). It is important to emphasize that mucormycosis cases had been reported following tooth extractions, which drives to strengthen knowledge about this disease, extreme preventive measures and encourage early diagnosis in dental care, due to the speed of the evolution of the pathology (AU))

Hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-life experience in a specialized center in Bogotá, Colombia / Hepatocarcinoma: experiencia de la vida real en un centro especializado de Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent malignant primary liver tumor globally. In 2018, it ranked sixth and represented the fourth cause of death from cancer; the five-year overall survival is 18 %. Most cases of HCC develop in patients with cirrhosis of any etiology, especially because of hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol, and recently nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aim: To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatments, prognostic variables, and survival. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted on a cohort of patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and treated between January 2011 and December 2020 at a health care center in Bogotá. The diagnosis of HCC was confirmed radiologically or by biopsy. We analyzed the information descriptively with absolute frequency measures in the case of categorical variables. For continuous variables, the information was summarized with measures of central tendency (mean or median) and their relevant measures of dispersion. Results: We included 152 patients diagnosed with HCC, with a mean age of 69.4 years; 51.3 % were men. The leading cause of HCC was nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which accounted for almost a third of cases (32 %); other causes were alcohol (15 %) and hepatitis C virus (14 %). The median manifestation of the tumor was two nodules with a size close to 4 cm. Besides, 35 % of patients had a BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) stage with curative options, and 25 % received curative treatment options. The first-line systemic therapy used in this cohort was sorafenib®, used in 35 patients (33.7 %). Survival curves showed that women, Child-Pugh class A, and BCLC stage 0 had higher median survival. Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of death for males (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.16; confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-3.76), Child-Pugh class B (HR: 2.14; CI 1.16-3.95), and Child-Pugh class C (HR: 7.52; CI 2.88-19.57). Conclusions: NAFLD is the leading cause of HCC in this cohort. A third of patients are diagnosed in early BCLC stages with a curative treatment option, and 25 % are treated with curative therapies. Sorafenib was the first-line therapy in advanced HCC. Overall survival after diagnosis of HCC remains low, being necessary to join forces in the follow-up of patients with cirrhosis to improve these outcomes.

Resumen Introducción: el hepatocarcinoma (HCC) es el tumor hepático primario maligno más frecuente en el mundo: en 2018 ocupó la sexta posición y representó la cuarta causa de muerte por cáncer; la supervivencia global a 5 años es del 18 %. La mayoría de los casos de HCC se desarrolla en pacientes con cirrosis de cualquier etiología, especialmente por virus de la hepatitis B y C, alcohol y, recientemente, por la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH). Objetivo: analizar las características clínicas, métodos de diagnóstico, tratamientos, variables pronósticas y supervivencia. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis atendidos entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2020 en un centro de atención médica de Bogotá, con diagnóstico de HCC confirmado radiológicamente o por biopsia. La información se analizó de forma descriptiva con medidas de frecuencia absoluta en el caso de las variables categóricas; para las variables continuas se resumió la información con medidas de tendencia central (media o medianas) y su respectiva medida de dispersión. Resultados: se incluyeron 152 pacientes diagnosticados con HCC, con edad promedio de 69,4 años, 51,3 % eran hombres. La principal causa de HCC fue el hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD), que representó casi una tercera parte de los casos (32 %); otras causas fueron el alcohol (15 %) y el virus de la hepatitis C (14 %). La mediana de presentación del tumor fue de 2 nódulos con un tamaño cercano a 4 cm. El 35 % de los pacientes tenía un estadio BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) con opciones curativas y el 25 % de los pacientes recibió opciones curativas de tratamiento. La terapia sistémica de primera línea utilizada en esta cohorte fue el sorafenib®, que se utilizó en 35 pacientes (33,7 %). Las curvas de supervivencia mostraron que las mujeres, el estadio Child-Pugh A y el estadio BCLC 0 presentaron mayores medianas de supervivencia. El análisis multivariado evidenció un mayor riesgo de muerte al ser hombre (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2,16; intervalo de confianza [IC]: 1,24 a 3,76), estar en los estadios Child-Pugh B (HR: 2,14; IC: 1,16 a 3,95) y Child-Pugh C (HR: 7,52; IC: 2,88 a 19,57). Conclusiones: el NAFLD es la principal causa de HCC en la presente cohorte, una tercera parte de los pacientes se diagnostica en estadios BCLC tempranos con opción curativa de tratamiento, y un 25 % se trata con terapias curativas. El sorafenib fue la terapia de primera línea en HCC avanzado. La supervivencia global luego del diagnóstico de HCC sigue siendo baja, y es necesario aunar esfuerzos en el seguimiento de los pacientes con cirrosis para mejorar estos resultados.

The behavior of liver diseases in a cohort of Colombian patients with COVID-19 / Comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en una cohorte de pacientes colombianos con COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) is receiving the most attention now. The asymptomatic elevation of transaminases is typical in the liver, and liver involvement varies from 14 % to 78 %. The assessment of liver comorbidities is scarce, with prevalence ranging between 2 % and 11 %. Aim: To describe the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with COVID-19. Results: 543 patients became ill with COVID-19, of which 300 were women (55.3 %). The median age at diagnosis of liver disease was 52 years. The leading causes of liver disease were nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (49.5 %), cholestatic disease (7.7 %), and hepatitis C and B viruses (6.3 %). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had a median of 52 U/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 30-98) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 32 U/L (IQR: 23-62). Mortality due to viral infection was 5.7 %, with an incidence rate of 2.9 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2-4.2). Conclusions: It is a retrospective study but, until the preparation of the manuscript, it had been the first cohort in Colombia to describe the behavior of liver diseases in patients who become ill with COVID-19. No statistically significant differences were found between the causes of liver disease that confer a higher risk of mortality; however, having decompensated cirrhosis is the only condition related to mortality.

Resumen Introducción: la infección por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) concentra la mayor atención en el momento. En el hígado es frecuente la elevación asintomática de transaminasas y la afectación hepática varía del 14 % al 78 %. La evaluación de las comorbilidades hepáticas es escasa, con prevalencias que oscilan entre el 2 % y el 11 %. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas que presentaron el coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19). Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo que analizó el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con hepatopatías que enfermaron por COVID-19. Resultados: 543 pacientes padecieron por COVID-19, de los cuales 300 fueron mujeres (55,3 %). La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la enfermedad hepática fue de 52 años. Las principales causas de las hepatopatías fueron esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (49,5 %), enfermedad colestásica (7,7 %), virus de la hepatitis C y B (6,3 %). La alanina-aminotransferasa (ALT) presentó una mediana de 52 U/L (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 30-98) y aspartato-aminotransferasa (AST) 32 U/L (RIC: 23-62). La mortalidad por la infección viral fue del 5,7 % con una tasa de incidencia de 2,9 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 2-4,2). Conclusiones: es un estudio de carácter retrospectivo; sin embargo, hasta la elaboración del manuscrito es la primera cohorte en Colombia en describir el comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en pacientes que enferman de COVID-19. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las causas de hepatopatía que confieran un mayor riesgo de mortalidad; sin embargo, tener una descompensación de cirrosis es la única condición que tiene una relación con la mortalidad.

Efectos de azúcares totales sustitutos de sacarosa en la salud bucal. Revisión bibliográfica / Effects of sucrose substitute total sugars on oral health. Bibliographic review

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre los efectos de azúcares totales sustitutos de sacarosa sobre el estado de salud bucal. Los artículos científicos fueron localizados en bases de datos científicas digitales: Scopus, PubMed, Web Of Science y Ovid. Las fuentes empleadas son de libre acceso, 49 de los manuscritos fueron descartados, quedando 23. El 43,5% de los artículos mostraban resultados de ensayos clínicos sobre las gomas de mascar con xilitol, el 39,1% acerca de otros compuestos (stevia, magnolia, eritritol, fostato de calcio), el 13% revisiones narrativas y el 4,4% metaanálisis. Las gomas de mascar hechas con sustitutos de sacarosa estimulan la producción salival, neutralizan y elevan su pH, reconociéndosele su función promotora de salud bucal en varias publicaciones científicas. Los efectos anticariogénicos del xilitol están establecidos en diversos estudios. No existen suficientes estudios sobre los efectos de las sustancias: stevia, d-tagatosa, magnolia, eritritol y fostato de calcio.

A bibliographic review was carried out on the effects of sucrose substitute total sugars on the state of oral health. The scientific articles were in the following digital scientific databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Ovid. The sources used were freely accessible, 49 of the manuscripts gotten by the search were discarded and 23 were used. 43.5% of the articles inclu-ded showed results of clinical trials on chewing gums with xylitol, 39.1% about other com-pounds (stevia, magnolia, erythritol, calcium phosphate), 13% narrative reviews and the 4.4% meta-analysis. Chewing gums made with sucrose substitutes stimulate salivary production, neutralize and raise its pH. That is why, its role in promoting oral health is recognized in several scientific publications. The anticariogenic effects of xylitol were established in various studies. There were not enough studies on the effects of the substances: stevia, d-tagatose, magnolia, erythritol and calcium phosphate

Carboxyhemoglobinemia as a laboratory finding in an outpatient

Resumen El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas producido principalmente por combustión incompleta de hidrocarburos. La intoxicación por exposición ambiental puede presentarse con síntomas inespecíficos y constituye la causa más importante de aumento de carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Su nivel en sangre depende de la duración de la exposición, la ventilación minuto y las concentraciones de CO y oxígeno en el ambiente. La elevada toxicidad radica en la hipoxia tisular que se genera. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, 73 años, en seguimiento en el hospital por neumonía intersticial no específica como patología de base. En un control de laboratorio se encontró 11,9% de COHb, sin exposición a tabaco. No utilizaba calefacción a gas sino un panel cerámico eléctrico, recientemente pintado con esmalte sintético. La suspensión del uso del panel normalizó la COHb. El CO, producto de descomposición térmica del esmalte sintético, explica la causa de la intoxicación.

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced mainly by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Poisoning from environmental exposure can present with nonspecific symptoms and is the most important cause of increased carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Its blood level depends on the duration of exposure, minute ventilation, and the concentrations of CO and oxygen in the environment. The high toxicity lies in the tissue hypoxia that is generated. The case of a male patient, 73 years old, under follow-up in the hospital for non-specific interstitial pneumonia as the underlying pathology was presented. In a laboratory control, COHb 11,9% was found. There was no exposure to tobacco and there was no use of gas heating but of an electric ceramic panel, recently painted with synthetic enamel type paint. The suspension of the use of the panel normalised the COHb. The CO product of thermal decomposition of synthetic enamel explains the cause of poisoning.

Resumo O monóxido de carbono (CO) é um gás produzido principalmente pela combustão incompleta de hidrocarbonetos. A intoxicação por exposição ambiental pode se apresentar com sintomas inespecíficos e é a causa mais importante de aumento da carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Seu nível em sangue depende do tempo de exposição, da ventilação minuto e das concentrações de CO e oxigênio no ambiente. A alta toxicidade está na hipóxia tecidual gerada. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 73 anos, em acompanhamento hospitalar por pneumonia intersticial inespecífica como patologia de bas. Em um controle laboratorial, achou-se 11,9% de COHb, sem exposição ao tabaco. Não utilizava aquecimento a gás e sim um painel elétrico cerâmico, recentemente pintado com esmalte sintético. A suspensão do uso do painel normalizou o COHb. O CO produto da decomposição térmica do esmalte sintético explica a causa da intoxicação.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las úlceras por presión sacras con colgajo miocutáneo de gluteus maximus por deslizamiento en V-Y: Técnica quirúrgica / Surgical treatment of sacral pressure ulcers with gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap due to V-Y sliding: surgical technique

Resumen Introducción: La úlcera por presión más frecuente es la sacra. Si compromete el hueso puede provocar osteomielitis por lo que requiere aseo quirúrgico y colgajo miocutáneo de gluteus maximus por deslizamiento en V-Y. Materiales y Método: En el servicio de cirugía plástica del hospital del Salvador entre 2011 y 2020 se han operado 82 pacientes con ulceras sacras grado 4 que requirieron cobertura con colgajo miocutáneo de gluteus maximus en V-Y. De ellas se analizaron los últimos 37 pacientes. Resultados De los 37 pacientes, 12 fueron mujeres, 25 hombres, 17 parapléjicos, 12 tetrapléjicos y 8 deambulaban. 6 pacientes presentaron COVID-19. 24 fueron bilaterales y 13 unilaterales. Los colgajos cicatrizaron bien en 30 pacientes. Las complicaciones fueron de 16% consistente en 2 hematomas, 2 dehiscencias, 2 celulitis y 1 seroma, todas resueltas sin problemas. Seguimiento de entre 3 y 6 meses. Discusión El tratamiento quirúrgico con colgajo miocutáneo de gluteus maximus en V-Y, aparte de aportar volumen para ocluir la úlcera, aporta irrigación excelente con oxígeno, nutrientes y antibióticos que aseguran una óptima cicatrización. Dependiendo del diámetro de la úlcera el colgajo puede ser uni o bilateral. Dado lo complejo del tratamiento, en general, el porcentaje de complicaciones de 16% se considera bajo. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las úlceras por presión sacras con colgajos miocutáneos deslizantes de gluteus maximus ha sido exitoso con buenos resultados quirúrgicos con buen flujo sanguíneo y buena evolución.

Introduction: Pressure sores are the result of the compression of soft tissues in the prominent bones areas, mainly in patients without movement. If the depth of the ulcer compromises the sacral bone, the treatment will be the gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap in V-Y. Materials and Method: In the plastic surgery service of the hospital del Salvador 82 patients with sacral pressure sores grade 4 were operated on between 2011 and 2020 with gluteus maximus myocutaneous V-Y flap. The last 37 patients were analyzed. Results: With this treatment the flaps were doing well in all cases with good blood supply. Complications: dehiscence: 2 patients, cellulitis: 2 patients, hematoma: 2 patients and seroma: 1 patient. The overall complication was 16%. Follow up between three and six months. Discussion: The most important part in pressure sores is their prevention. When the ulcer is in prominent parts of the body, the sore, could be in different grades of depth. The classification of them is in grades 1: erythema, 2: subcutaneous tissue. These two grades are solved with conservative treatment. When the ulcers are in grade 3 or 4, and with little ulcer in the skin but with damage of the deep plane, the treatment will be with surgery. In our casuistic the most frequent pressure sore is in the sacrum treated with gluteus maximus sliding myocutaneous flap in V-Y. With this treatment the flaps were doing well in all cases with good blood supply. The complications of 16% were considered low. Conclusion: The sliding gluteus Maximus myocutaneous flap in V-Y for treatment for sacral pressures sores have been successful for our patients.

Overweight/obesity in adolescents with phenylketonuria: protective and predisposing factors

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with overweight/obesity development in adolescents with early diagnosed phenylketonuria treated exclusively by diet. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study anthropometric measurements, serum phenylalanine levels, and 10 metabolites associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were analyzed in 101 adolescents aged 10-20 years. Adolescents were categorized into overweight/obesity and eutrophic/low body mass index groups. These patients were compared using Student's t-test, Pearson's chi-square test, Wald's chi-square test for multivariate analysis. Further, to verify whether the prevalence of overweight/obesity found in the study population was similar to that in the general population, the authors compared the nutritional status of 46 patients aged 13-17 years with that of healthy students of the same age from the National School Health Survey using the chi-square test for adherence. The significance threshold was p < 0.5. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents was 27.7%. There was no difference in prevalence between sexes. Older age was a protective factor and Increased Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance index and high phenylalanine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were predictive factors for overweight/obesity. The equality hypothesis was not rejected in the comparison of nutritional states of 46 patients aged 13-17 years and healthy students of the same age. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight/obesity in phenylketonuria adolescents was similar to what is found in healthy adolescents.

Etiología y perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en sepsis neonatal / Etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profile in neonatal sepsis

La sepsis neonatal es una importante causa de morbimortalidad. Se realizó un proceso investiga-tivo con el objetivo de describir la etiología y el patrón de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de las bacterias aisladas más frecuentemente de los hemocultivos de neonatos con sepsis en el servicio de neonatología del Hospital General Docente de Ambato. La metodología empleada en esta investigación se basó en un estudio descriptivo, transversal y enfoque cuali-cuantitativo, empleando la técnica documental y el reporte de resultados como instrumento. De los 39 pacien-tes estudiados 64,10% fueron del género masculino. El 23,07% presentaron bajo peso y 33,33% una edad gestacional <37 semanas. El microorganismo más frecuente fue Staphylococcus epidermidis (51,28%) seguido de Escherichia coli (17,94%) y Staphylococcus aureus (15,38%). En relación al perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana S. epidermidis y S. aureus se mostraron sensibles a linezolid y vancomicina en más del 80,00%, y presentaron alta resistencia a oxacilina (80,00 y 83,33%, respectivamente), estas cepas expresaron fenotípicamente el gen mecA. Las enterobacterias aisladas mostraron resistencia a amoxacilina/ácido clavulánico (61,53%), ampi-cilina/sulbactam (69,23%), ciprofloxacina (61,53%), ceftazidima (30,76%) y cefotaxima (38,46%). Además, cinco cepas de E. coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae eran fenotípicamente productoras de beta lactamasas de espectro extendido. En conclusión, es necesario realizar estu-dios locales de vigilancia microbiológica en los hospitales, con el fin de identificar los patógenos multirresistentes involucrados en las infecciones neonatales, reconocer los brotes y monitorizar los cambios que ocurren a través del tiempo; los cuales influyen finalmente, en la elección de los tratamientos empíricos.

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The investigative process was carried out to describe the etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the bacteria most frequently isolated from blood cultures of neonates with sepsis in the neonatology service of the Ambato General Teaching Hospital. The methodology used in this research was based on a descriptive, cross-sectional study and a quali-quantitative approach, using the documentary technique and the report of results as an instrument. 39 patients were studied, 64.10% of them were male. 23.07% had low weight and 33.33% had a gestational age <37 weeks. The most frequent microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (51.28%), followed by Escherichia coli (17.94%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.38%). In relation to the antimicrobial susceptibili-ty profile, S. epidermidis and S. aureus were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin in more than 80.00% and presented high resistance to oxacillin (80.00 and 83.33%, respectively), these strains phenotypically expressed the mecA gene. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae showed resistance to amoxacillin / clavulanic acid (61.53%), ampicillin / sulbactam (69.23%), ciprofloxacin (61.53%), ceftazidime (30.76%) and cefotaxime (38.46%). Furthermore, five strains of E. coliand Klebsiella pneumoniae were phenotypically producers of extended spectrum beta lactama-ses. In conclusion, it is necessary to perform local microbiological surveillance studies in hospi-tals in order to identify multi-resistant pathogens involved in neonatal infections, recognize outbreaks and monitor the changes that occur over time, which influence the choice of empirical treatments.

Causas do desmame precoce em lactentes: uma revisão integrativa / Causes of early weaning in infants: an integrative review

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever, por meio de revisão da literatura, as causas do desmame precoce em lactentes no Brasil. Métodos: Foram incluídos na revisão artigos publicados entre o período de 2016 e 2020. As informações foram coletadas nas bases de dados BVMS, Google Acadêmico, NCBI PubMed e Portal de Periódicos Capes e nos sites da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, da OMS, da Unicef e da Opas, usando-se os termos indexadores: desmame precoce, dificuldade no aleitamento materno e prevalência do aleitamento materno. Resultados: Os artigos coletados para a pesquisa demonstraram que as maiores dificuldades encontradas pelas mães foram ocasionadas por: uso de mamadeira e chupeta, problemas nas mamas, falta de informação, parto cirúrgico e falta do contato pele a pele. Conclusão: Para reduzir o desmame precoce, é necessário que as mães recebam orientação e incentivo desde a gestação. Também é importante haver divulgação sobre as possíveis dificuldades e intercorrências que podem surgir durante o aleitamento materno, bem como orientações sobre a gestação e os procedimentos a serem adotados quando ocorrerem problemas nas mamas, como mastite e fissuras, que estão associadas com a pega incorreta. O apoio precisa ser multiprofissional. Deixa-se como sugestão a Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança como possível estratégia para combater o desmame precoce.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe, through a literature review, the causes of early weaning in infants in Brazil. Methods: Articles published between the period 2016 to 2020 were included in the review. The information collected was from the Virtual Health Library database of the Ministry of Health, Google Scholar, NCBI PubMed, Portal de Periódicos Capes and on the website of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, on the website of WHO and on the website of Unicef and on the PAHO website using the indexing terms: early weaning, difficulty in breastfeeding and prevalence of breastfeeding. Results: The articles collected for the research show me the greatest difficulties encountered by mothers were bottle use, pacifier, breast problems, lack of information, surgical delivery, and lack of skin-to-skin contact. Conclusion: To reduce early weaning, mothers need to receive guidance and encouragement from pregnancy. Disclosure about the possible difficulties and complications that may arise during the breastfeeding. Guidance since pregnancy what procedures to take, when breast problems occur such as mastitis, fissures, which are associated with incorrect handle. Support needs to be multiprofessional. The Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança is suggested as a possible strategy to combat early weaning.(AU)

Dysmenorrhea due to undiagnosed obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome can become a cause of suicide

BACKGROUND@#A Japanese woman in her early twenties had committed suicide, jumped from a 25-meter high bridge into a lake. She had been suffering from severe dysmenorrhea and general fatigue monthly.@*RESULTS@#A forensic autopsy revealed indications of a bicorporeal uterus, obstructed hemi-vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, which lead to a diagnosis of obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome. On the right side of the uterus, an enclosed cavity composed of black clots was observed. Histological findings suggested that her endometrium was in the early proliferative phase, implying that she was in the menstrual phase just before her death. She may have been suffering from severe lower abdominal pain from the increased pressure of the closed uterus cavity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This case indicates that dysmenorrhea from undiagnosed OHVIRA syndrome can possibly lead to a suicide attempt. In Japan, because suicide was the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 39 in 2019, preventive measures for suicide should be promoted. The present case also suggests that intervention for dysmenorrhea may prevent this in adolescent woman.

Progress in research on redistribution methods for garbage codes in causes of death data / 中华流行病学杂志

The existence of garbage codes in death cause surveillance data sets could influence the accuracy of the death cause statistics, and subsequently affect the precision and effectiveness of public health policy making. International and domestic researchers have studied the characteristics of garbage codes in various death cause data sets from different countries or regions in the world. They proposed several approaches for redistributing garbage codes, such as expert consultancy, fixed proportional reassignment, using the information about death cause chain, building statistical models, and so on. This paper summarizes and compares the principles, applications and limitation of application scenarios of currently common methods for garbage code redistribution in order to provide some references for improving the accuracy and usefulness of the death cause data in China.

Causes and countermeasures of the rapidly rising burden on cervical cancer in Chinese women / 中华流行病学杂志

The world is entering a new era of accelerated elimination of cervical cancer, while the age-standardized incidence, and mortality of cervical cancer in China are rising rapidly. This article summarizes and describes the current situation and trends of the burden of cervical cancer in China, reviews and analyzes the comprehensive prevention practice of cervical cancer, focusing on critical reasons for the increasing burden of cervical cancer, from the perspectives of sociology, behavior, and epidemiology in the population. Countermeasures are proposed to provide guidance and theoretical reference for the precise prevention of cervical cancer to eliminate cervical cancer.

Overview on the generalized propensity scoring estimator for continuous treatment / 中华流行病学杂志

Among kinds of methods for causal inference in observational studies, the propensity score (PS) method to control measured confounding is more widely used. PS method usually consists of two critical steps: first, estimating the propensity score, followed by calculating the causal parameters of interest by regression, weighting, matching, and stratification. Unlike the traditional dichotomous treatment, the generalized propensity scoring estimator used for continuous treatment has been proposed in recent years. Many methods have been developed to estimate the generalized propensity score or even estimate the balancing weight directly. This paper introduces the existing estimators from both the model-based and balance-based perspectives.

Evaluating the real-world vaccine effectiveness using a regression discontinuity design / 中华流行病学杂志

Estimating the actual real-world effectiveness of the vaccine is an essential part of the post-marketing evaluation. This regression discontinuity design (RDD) using observational data is designed to quantify the effect of an intervention when eligibility for the intervention is based on a defined cutoff as age, making it suited to estimate vaccine effects. This approach can avoid the high cost and ethical issues; overcome difficulties in the organization and practice process in randomized controlled trials, which leads to a higher level of causal inference evidence and more realistic results. Here, we describe key features of RDD in general, and then specific scenarios, with examples, to illustrate that RDD are an essential tool for advancing our understanding of vaccine effects.