Ethical assessment of privacy breaches in epidemiological investigations and information disclosure in the internet age: safeguarding identity information for infectious patients

While the Internet has brought convenience and speed to human life, it has also led to frequent privacy violations. In the context of epidemiological investigations and information disclosure regarding confirmed Covid-19 patients, many individuals have utilized the Internet as a means to disseminate information and engage in cyber manhunts, resulting in breaches of privacy for those involved. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent within the realm of the Internet, where the boundaries of privacy invasion become blurred. Various types of privacy infringements, both active and passive negligence, are evident on social networking platforms. The juxtaposition of the virtual world of the Internet with real-life scenarios presents novel challenges in the realm of privacy violations. The Internet era, coupled with the widespread use and integration of big data, has diminished the absolute right to privacy on the Internet. This paper examines the challenge of safeguarding the identity information of infectious patients through the lens of two theoretical frameworks -Kantianism and Utilitarianism- in an effort to address this ethical dilemma.

Aunque Internet ha aportado comodidad y rapidez a la vida humana, también ha dado lugar a frecuentes violaciones de la intimidad. En el contexto de las investigaciones epidemiológicas y la divulgación de información relativa a pacientes confirmados de covid-19, muchas personas han utilizado Internet como medio para difundir información y participar en cibercacerías, lo que ha dado lugar a violaciones en la intimidad de los implicados. Este fenómeno prevalece en el ámbito de Internet, donde los límites de la invasión de la intimidad se vuelven vagos. En las redes sociales, se manifiestan diversos tipos de violaciones de la intimidad, tanto por negligencia activa como pasiva. La yuxtaposición entre el mundo virtual de Internet con escenarios de la vida real plantea nuevos retos en el ámbito de las violaciones de la intimidad. La era de Internet, junto con el uso generalizado y la integración del bigdata, han mermado el derecho absoluto a la privacidad. Este artículo examina el reto de salvaguardar la información sobre la identidad de los pacientes infecciosos a través de la lente de dos marcos teóricos -el kantianismo y el utilitarismo- en un esfuerzo por abordar este dilema ético.

Enquanto a Internet trouxe conveniência e velocidade à vida humana, ela também levou a frequentes violações da privacidade. No contexto de investigações epidemiológicas e divulgação de informações em relação a pacientes confirmados de Covid-19, muitos indivíduos utilizaram a Internet como um meio para disseminar informação e participar de uma caçada cibernética, resultando em violações da privacidade para aqueles envolvidos. Esse fenômeno é particularmente prevalente no âmbito da Internet, onde os limites de invasão da privacidade se tornaram borrados. Vários tipos de infrações da privacidade, tanto negligências ativa como passiva, são evidentes em plataformas de redes sociais. A justaposição do mundo virtual da Internet com cenários da vida real apresenta novos desafios no âmbito das violações da privacidade. A era da Internet, juntamente com o amplo uso e integração de megadados (big data), diminuiu o direito absoluto à privacidade na Internet. Esse artigo examina o desafio de proteger a informação de identidade de pacientes infectantes através das lentes de dois enquadres teóricos -Kantianismo e Utilitarismo- em um esforço para abordar esse dilema ético.

Duración de la diarrea aguda infecciosa con el uso de leche deslactosada vs leche con lactosa en la población pediátrica: Revisión sistemática / Duration of acute infectious diarrhea with the use of lactose-free milk vs. lactose-containing milk in the pediatric population: A systematic review

Introducción: La diarrea aguda es una entidad frecuente en pediatría, constituyendo una de las principales causas de mortalidad en países en desarrollo y en niños menores de cinco años. Si bien la alimentación representa uno de los pilares fundamentales en el tratamiento de la misma, no existe consenso entre los profesionales en cuanto a la indicación de leche deslactosada durante el curso del cuadro. Objetivos: Realizar una revisión sistemática para estudiar el impacto del consumo de leche deslactosada vs leche regular en la duración de la diarrea aguda infecciosa en niños. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática incluyendo artículos publicados desde el año 2008 al 2023, utilizando para la búsqueda las bases de datos PubMed, Lillacs, Cochrane Library y literatura gris. Se incluyeron estudios experimentales, observacionales, revisiones, guías de atención y metaanálisis, realizados en pacientes pediátricos sin patologías de base, cursando cuadro de diarrea aguda infecciosa, que compararan el uso de leche deslactosada frente a leche regular. Resultados: Se seleccionaron doce artículos. En 9 de ellos se constató una disminución en la duración de la diarrea en los pacientes que recibieron leche deslactosada con una diferencia de medias de 18 horas (en un rango entre 4 y 32.6 horas). No se reportaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la mortalidad entre el uso de una u otra fórmula láctea. En relación al uso de una u otra fórmula no se objetivaron variaciones en el peso estadísticamente significativas. La necesidad de hospitalización fue similar entre ambos grupos. Solo un artículo analizó la frecuencia o volumen de deposiciones sin encontrar diferencias significativas (AU)

Introduction:Acute diarrhea is frequent in pediatrics, and constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in developing countries and in children under five years of age. Although feeding is one of the fundamental pillars in the treatment of diarrhea, there is no consensus among professionals regarding the indication of lactose-free milk during the course of the symptoms. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review to study the impact of lactose-free milk vs. regular milk consumption on the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in children. Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted including articles published between 2008 and 2023, using PubMed, Lillacs, Cochrane Library databases, and gray literature for the search. Experimental and observational studies, reviews, care guidelines and meta-analysis were included, conducted in pediatric patients without underlying diseases, with acute infectious diarrhea, comparing the use of lactose-free milk versus regular milk. Results: Twelve articles were selected. Nine of them showed a decrease in the duration of diarrhea in patients who received lactose-free milk with a mean difference of 18 hours (ranging from 4 to 32.6 hours). No statistically significant differences in mortality were reported between the use of one or the other milk formula. Regarding the use of one or the other formula, there were no statistically significant variations in weight. The need for hospital admission was similar between the two groups. Only one article analyzed stool frequency or volume with no significant differences (AU)

MPOX, o que sabemos sobre propagação e controle: uma revisão integrativa / MPOX, what we know about propagation and control: an integrative review / Viruela del mono, qué sabemos sobre la propagación y el control: una revisión integradora

Esta é uma revisão integrativa que busca compreender os fatores associados à propagação e controle de mpox, seguindo as recomendações estabelecidas pela declaração Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A consulta foi feita nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs e Cochrane Library. Foram selecionados quinze artigos, com amostra majoritária de homens que fazem sexo sem proteção com homens e homens que viajaram para locais com surto da doença ou tiveram contato com pessoas infectadas. Os principais fatores associados à infecção e à propagação da doença foram históricos de viagem, sexo desprotegido, ingestão de carne possivelmente contaminada, aglomerados e contato próximo com pessoa sintomática. Quanto aos fatores relacionados à prevenção, estão principalmente associados à triagem de casos suspeitos, hábitos de higiene pessoal, uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e isolamento do doente.

This integrative review examines the factors associated with mpox spread and control, following the recommendations established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Bibliographic search was conducted on the PubMed, Lilacs and Cochrane Library databases. The final sample included 15 articles, mostly composed of men who have unprotected sex with men and men who traveled to places with a mpox outbreak or had contact with infected people. Travel history, unprotected sex, eating potentially contaminated meat, crowding and close contact with a symptomatic person were the main factors associated with mpox infection and spread. Prevention is mainly associated with the screening of suspected cases, personal hygiene habits, use of personal protective equipment and patient isolation.

Este estudio realiza una revisión integradora para comprender los factores asociados con la propagación y el control de la viruela del mono, siguiendo las recomendaciones establecidas por Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs y Cochrane Library. Se seleccionaron quince artículos, con una muestra mayoritaria de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres sin protección y hombres que viajaron a lugares con brote de la enfermedad o que tuvieron contacto con personas infectadas. Los principales factores asociados con la infección y la propagación de la enfermedad fueron el historial de viajes, las relaciones sexuales sin protección, el consumo de carne potencialmente contaminada, el hacinamiento y el contacto cercano con una persona sintomática. Los factores relacionados con la prevención están asociados principalmente con el tamizaje de casos sospechosos, los hábitos de higiene personal, el uso de equipos de protección personal y el aislamiento del paciente.

Perceptions and feelings of pregnant women undergoing outpatient follow-up for toxoplasmosis

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis persists as a neglected disease and poses a challenge to public health, especially due to the risk of vertical transmission, which can lead to countless biological complications for the newborn and to psychological and emotional repercussions for the mother. Objective: To understand the perceptions and feelings of pregnant women affected by toxoplasmosis undergoing outpatient follow-up. Materials and Methods: A qualitative and exploratory study developed with 12 women with gestational toxoplasmosis undergoing specialized outpatient follow-up in a municipality from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and subjected to content analysis, supported by descending hierarchical classification. Results: The pregnant women experienced situations ranging from diagnosis and treatment to preventing the disease in the child and family. These experiences generated fear, distress and uncertainty about the disease, which were not adequately addressed during prenatal assistance in primary care. However, the pregnant women emphasized the importance of the multiprofessional team at the secondary level in monitoring and health education. Discussion: Although the pregnant women felt confident about the treatment and its implications for the child's health, discovering the diagnosis impacted their everyday lives and those of their families, especially due to lack of reliable information about toxoplasmosis and to the absence of emotional support at the primary level. Conclusions: There was a temporary scenario of disinformation among these women, who were not properly guided and supported. However, the guidelines offered in secondary health care were essential for improving knowledge and practices in health.

Research progress of B lymphocytes in non-infectious uveitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Non-infectious uveitis, an autoimmune disease that can cause severe visual impairment, can be difficult to treat. According to the prevailing hypothesis, the immune-mediated imbalance that contributes to non-infectious uveitis is primarily driven by CD4+T cells. However, recent research has shown that B cells also play a significant role in this process, participating in various ways such as antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion in both human uveitis and experimental autoimmune uveitis models. Therapies targeting B cells have been used extensively in various autoimmune diseases. Rituximab, a B-cell inhibitor, is effective in treating noninfectious uveitis that is unresponsive to conventional corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. This paper provides an overview of the involvement of B cells in non-infectious uveitis and their potential use in cellular therapies, aiming to further investigate the mechanisms and develop more effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

Epidemiological characteristics of notifiable respiratoryinfectious diseases in Huzhou City / 预防医学

Objective @#To understand the epidemiological characteristics of notifiable respiratory infectious diseases in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of respiratory infectious disease prevention and control strategies.@*Methods@#The data pertaining to notifiable respiratory infectious disease in Huzhou City from 2017 to 2022 were collected through the Infectious Disease Report Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Epidemiological characteristics of notifiable respiratory infectious disease was analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.@*Results@#@*Conclusions@#A total of 31 314 cases of notifiable respiratory infectious diseases were reported in Huzhou City from 2017 to 2022, with an average annual reported incidence of 169.12/105. The reported incidence of notifiable respiratory infectious diseases appeared a tendency towards a rise in Huzhou City from 2017 to 2022 (P<0.05). The top six reported diseases in terms of case numbers were influenza (20 048 cases), tuberculosis (6 920 cases), COVID-19 (1 893 cases), mumps (1 413 cases), pertussis (475 cases) and scarlet fever (442 cases), accounting for 99.61% of the total cases. The incidence of influenza, COVID-19 and pertussis showed a tendency towards a rise, the incidence of mumps and tuberculosis showed a tendency towards a decline (all P<0.05), and scarlet fever remained at a low-level incidence (P>0.05). Respiratory infectious diseases were mainly reported in winter (January, February and December), with 14 644 cases accounting for 46.77%. There were 15 068 cases reported in schools and kindergartens, accounting for 48.12%. The incidence showed a U-shaped variation with age, with the highest incidence in residents at ages of 10 years and below (987.68/105), and showing a tendency towards a rise in residents at ages of 60 years and above. @*@#The incidence of respiratory infectious diseases in Huzhou City from 2017 to 2022 increased significantly. Influenza, tuberculosis, COVID-19, mumps and pertussis are key notifiable respiratory infectious diseases. Residents at ages of 10 years and below and 60 years and above should be given a high priority for respiratory infectious disease control.

Progress of early warning indicators on infectious diseases / 上海预防医学

In recent years， with frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases around the world， the global public health is faced with many threats and challenges. An infectious diseases early warning system is an important means for prevention and control of infectious diseases. As an important part of the early warning system， the warning indicators is crucial for understanding the occurrence and development trend of infectious diseases， detecting abnormal situations timely and effectively， and issuing early warning and initiating emergency response. Based on the occurrence and development process of infectious diseases， this paper summarizes the research status of early warning indicators on infectious diseases， in order to provide reference for the development and improvement of the infectious diseases early warning system.

Establishment and application of a prospective follow-up research method for acute infectious diseases in Shanghai community residents / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo present the exploration and application of a prospective follow-up research method for acute infectious disease surveillance based on natural community populations， using COVID-19 infection as an example， and to provide a reference for improving the infectious disease surveillance and early warning system. MethodsA multi-stage probability proportional sampling method was employed to sample residents from all communities of 16 administrative districts in Shanghai， with households as the units. A cohort for acute infectious diseases based on natural community populations was established. The baseline survey was conducted for all cohort subjects， and COVID-19 antigen test kits were distributed. From December 21， 2022 to September 30， 2023， prospective follow-up monitoring of COVID-19 antigen and nucleic acid was carried out on the study subjects on a weekly basis. The baseline characteristics and follow-up information of the cohort subjects were described. ResultsThe cohort for acute infectious diseases included a total of 12 881 subjects， comprising 6 098 males （47.3%） and 6 783 females （52.7%）. The baseline survey revealed that 35.2% （4 540/12 881） of the subjects had a history of COVID-19 infection. During the follow-up period from December 21， 2022 to September 30， 2023， the average incidence density in the cohort was 0.61/person-year， with a higher incidence density in females （0.63/person-year） compared to males （0.59/person-year）. Individuals aged 60 and above （0.64/person-year） and those with underlying health conditions （0.67/person-year） had a higher incidence density. Healthcare workers showed a notably higher incidence density （0.84/person-year） than that in other occupational groups. As of September 30， 2023， a total of 340 subjects in the cohort experienced secondary infections， with a median interval of 170 days between the first and second infections. ConclusionThis study applies cohort study method to acute infectious disease surveillance， providing crucial data support for estimating infection rates and forecasting alerts for acute infectious diseases in the community. This method can be promoted and applied as a new approach for acute infectious disease surveillance.

Infecções urinárias e processo do cuidado: perfil etiológico e de sensibilidade no setor de clínica médica de um hospital público da Paraíba / Urinary infections and care process: etiological profile and sensitivity in the medical clinic sector of a public hospital in Paraiba / Infecciones urinarias y proceso asistencial: perfil etiológico y de sensibilidad en el sector clínico de un hospital público de Paraíba

Introdução: Há alguns fatores preditores para ocorrência de Infecção de Trato Urinário (ITU) no processo do cuidado na Clínica Médica (CM) de um Hospital Universitário (HU) como idade e tempo de internamento sendo o controle um desafio para a saúde pública. Objetivo: Descrever os principais agentes microbiológicos de ITU hospitalar na CM nos anos de 2015-16 e avaliar a suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo seccional e de busca na base de dados da CCIH do HU. Resultados: Em 2015 obteve se uma prevalência de 6,5% de ITU hospitalar, o agente biológico mais comum foi Klebsiella pneumoniae. Já em 2016, a prevalência foi de 5,3%; os agentes microbiológicos foram Candida spp. e Escherichia coli. Conclusão: A ITU hospitalar demonstra ser uma condição ainda bastante prevalente no HU, tendo como principal agente em 2015 a Klebsiella pneumoniae e em 2016 a Escherichia coli, ambos com uma maior susceptibilidade aos carbapenêmicos.

Introduction: There are some predictive factors for the occurrence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in the care process at the Medical Clinic (CM) of a University Hospital (HU) such as age and length of stay, being control a challenge for public health. Objective: To describe the main microbiological agents of hospital UTI in CM in the years 2015-16 and to assess susceptibility to antimicrobials. Methodology: It is a descriptive and sectional study with research through the database of hospital infection control committee (HICC). Results: In 2015, there was a 6.5% prevalence of hospital UTI, the most common biological agent was Klebsiella pneumoniae. In 2016, the prevalence was 5.3%; the microbiological agents were Candida spp. and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Hospital UTI proves to be still a very prevalent condition in HU, having Klebsiella pneumoniae as its main agent in 2015 and Escherichia coli in 2016, both with greater susceptibility to carbapenems.

Introducción: Existen algunos factores predictores de aparición de Infección del Tracto Urinario (ITU) en el proceso asistencial en la Clínica Médica (CM) de un Hospital Universitario (HU), como la edad y el tiempo de estancia, y su control es un reto para la salud pública. Objetivo: Describir los principales agentes microbiológicos de ITU de adquisición hospitalaria en la CM en 2015-16 y evaluar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una búsqueda en la base de datos CCIH del HU. Resultados: En 2015, la prevalencia de ITU adquirida en el hospital fue del 6,5%, y el agente biológico más frecuente fue Klebsiella pneumoniae. En 2016, la prevalencia fue del 5,3%; los agentes microbiológicos fueron Candida spp. y Escherichia coli. Conclusión: La ITU hospitalaria sigue siendo una patología muy prevalente en la UH, siendo Klebsiella pneumoniae el principal agente en 2015 y Escherichia coli en 2016, ambos con mayor susceptibilidad a carbapenems.

Detection of gestational and congenital syphilis in Paraná state, Brazil, 2007-2021: a time series analysis / Detección de sífilis gestacional y congénita en Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2021: análisis de series temporales / Detecção de sífilis gestacional e congênita no Paraná, 2007-2021: análise de séries temporais

Abstract Objective: To describe temporal trends in the detection rates of gestational and congenital syphilis, by maternal age and health macro-region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2021. Methods: This was a time-series study using surveillance data; the trend analysis was performed by means of joinpoint regression, and average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. Results: An increase in statewide detection of gestational syphilis (AAPC = 21.7; 95%CI 17.7; 32.8) and congenital syphilis (AAPC = 14.8; 95%CI 13.0; 19.7) was found; an increase was also found in the health macro-regions, with the Northwest (gestational, AAPC = 26.1; 95%CI 23.4; 31.6) and North (congenital, AAPC = 23.8; 95%CI 18.8; 48.9) macro-regions standing out; statewide rising trends were observed for young women [gestational, AAPC = 26.2 (95%CI 22.4; 40.6); congenital, AAPC = 19.4 (95%CI 17.6; 21.8)] and adult women [gestational, AAPC = 21.3 (95%CI 16.9; 31.9); congenital, AAPC = 13.7 (95%CI 11.9; 19.3)]. Conclusion: Maternal and child syphilis detection rates increased in the state, regardless of maternal age and health macro-region.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las tendencias temporales en las tasas de detección de sífilis gestacional y congénita, por grupo de edad materna y macrorregión de salud de Paraná, 2007-2021. Métodos: Estudio de series temporales utilizando datos de vigilancia; se realizó análisis de tendencia mediante regresión segmentada, estimando cambios porcentuales anuales promedio (CPAP) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Se identificaron aumentos en la detección estatal de sífilis gestacional (CPAP = 21,7; IC95% 17,7;32,8) y congénita (CPAP = 14,8; IC95% 13,0;19,7); las macrorregiones mostraron incrementos, destacándose la Noroeste (gestacional, CPAP = 26,1; IC95% 23,4;31,6) y la Norte (congénita, CPAP = 23,8; IC95% 18,8;48,9); las tendencias estatales fueron crecientes para mujeres jóvenes [gestacional, CPAP = 26,2 (IC95% 22,4;40,6); congénita, CPAP = 19,4 (IC95% 17,6;21,8)] y adultas [gestacional, CPAP = 21,3 (IC95% 16,9;31,9); congénita, CPAP = 13,7 (IC95% 11,9;19,3)]. Conclusión: Las tasas de detección de sífilis materno-infantil estuvieron en aumento en el estado, independientemente de la edad materna y la macrorregión de salud.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever as tendências temporais nas taxas de detecção de sífilis gestacional e congênita, por faixa etária materna e macrorregião de saúde do Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2021. Métodos: Estudo de séries temporais, utilizando-se dados de vigilância; realizou-se análise de tendência por regressão segmentada, sendo estimadas variações percentuais anuais médias (VPAM) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Foram identificados acréscimos na detecção estadual de sífilis gestacional (VPAM = 21,7; IC95% 17,7;32,8) e congênita (VPAM = 14,8; IC95% 13,0;19,7); as macrorregiões de saúde registraram incrementos, destacando-se as macrorregiões Noroeste (gestacional, VPAM = 26,1; IC95% 23,4;31,6) e Norte (congênita, VPAM = 23,8; IC95% 18,8;48,9); as tendências estaduais foram crescentes para mulheres jovens [gestacional, VPAM = 26,2 (IC95% 22,4;40,6); congênita, VPAM = 19,4 (IC95% 17,6;21,8)] e mulheres adultas [gestacional, VPAM = 21,3 (IC95% 16,9;31,9); congênita, VPAM = 13,7 (IC95% 11,9;19,3)]. Conclusão: As taxas de detecção de sífilis materno-infantil foram ascendentes no estado, independentemente da idade materna e da macrorregião de saúde.

Caracterización clínica-epidemiológica de COVID-19

Las epidemias y las pandemias son eventos de ocurrencia natural. La aparición de una nueva enfermedad infecciosa supone siempre una situación compleja, sobre todo si lo hace como una epidemia de extensión o gravedad significativa, con el objetivo de describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas en pacientes confirmados con COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo sobre las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los 161 pacientes diagnosticados con esta enfermedad, en el municipio Yara, de la provincia Granma durante el período comprendido de junio de 2020-2021. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, lugar de infección, presencia o no de síntomas y signos, antecedentes patológicos personales, área de salud y consejo popular. El 60,8% de los afectados fueron del sexo femenino con 98 pacientes y el grupo de 30-44 años de edad quedó representado por 50 pacientes (31.0%); en 150 casos, la transmisión fue mayormente autóctona (93,1%) y asintomática en 86 casos para el 53,4%. De los pacientes sintomáticos fueron las manifestaciones respiratorias, los principales síntomas con 70 casos para el 93,3%, 63 pacientes tenían antecedentes personales de hipertensión arterial (39,1%). El área de salud que más casos notificó fue "Luis Enrique de la Paz" con 106 pacientes para el 65,8% y Yara el consejo popular más afectado con 72 casos (44,7%), la mayoría de los pacientes fueron del sexo femenino, predominó la transmisión autóctona y la presentación asintomática. La epidemia en el municipio Yara se comportó similar al resto del país.

Epidemics and pandemics are naturally occurring events. The emergence of a new infectious disease is always a complex situation, especially when it occurs as an epidemic of significant spread or severity. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical-epidemiologic characteristics of patients confirmed with COVID-19. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out on the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of 161 patients diagnosed with this disease, in the municipality of Yara, province of Granma. The following variables were studied: age, sex, site of infection, presence or not of symptoms and signs, personal pathological antecedents, health area and locality. Out of the total, 98 patients were female (60.8%), and the age group 30-44 years was represented by 50 patients (31.0%). Transmission was generally autochthonous in 150 cases (93.1%), and asymptomatic in 86 cases (53.4%). Among the symptomatic patients, respiratory manifestations were the main symptom in 70 cases (93.3%). Also, 63 patients had a personal medical history of hypertension (39.1%). Luis Enrique de la Paz was the health area that reported the most cases with 106 patients (65.8%), and Yara was the most affected locality with 72 cases (44.7%). The majority of patients were female; and autochthonous transmission and asymptomatic presentation predominated. The epidemic in Yara municipality behaved alike in the whole country.

Epidemias e pandemias são eventos naturais. O surgimento de uma nova doença infecciosa é sempre uma situação complexa, especialmente se for uma epidemia de extensão ou gravidade significativa, com o objetivo de descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas em pacientes confirmados com COVID-19. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo sobre as características clínico-epidemiológicas dos 161 pacientes diagnosticados com essa doença, no município de Yara, província de Granma, no período de junho de 2020 a 2021, as variáveis foram estudadas: idade, sexo, local de infecção, presença ou não de sintomas e sinais, história patológica pessoal, área de saúde e conselho popular. O 60,8% dos acometidos eram do sexo feminino com 98 pacientes e a faixa etária de 30 a 44 anos foi representada por 50 pacientes (31,0%); Em 150 casos, a transmissão foi predominantemente autóctone (93,1%) e assintomática em 86 casos para 53,4%, entre os sintomáticos foram manifestações respiratórias, sendo os principais sintomas 70 casos para 93,3%, 63 pacientes tinham história pessoal de hipertensão arterial (39,1%). A área de saúde que mais registrou casos foi "Luis Enrique de la Paz" com 106 pacientes para 65,8% e Yara o município popular mais afetado com 72 casos (44,7%), a maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino, de transmissão autóctone e apresentação assintomática. A epidemia no município de Yara se comportou de forma semelhante ao resto do país.

Morphometry of the wings of Anopheles aquasalis in simulated scenarios of climate change

ABSTRACT Background: Climate change has significant implications on ecosystems. We verified the effects of climate change on the malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis using simulated climate change scenarios (SSCCs). Methods: An experimental model was designed for SSCCs, which composed of air-conditioned 25 m3 rooms. Results: The wing size was significantly different between SSCCs. A colony of Anopheles aquasalis could not be established in extreme scenarios. Conclusions: Increases in temperature and CO2 in the atmosphere may modify the global epidemiology of malaria, marking its emergence in currently malaria-free areas.

The influence of growth time on the identification of Bartonella henselae strains by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

ABSTRACT Bartonella spp. are bacteria responsible for neglected diseases worldwide. Bartonella henselae is the species most associated with human infections. It is associated with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations and is potentially fatal. The identification of Bartonella spp. is considered a challenge in clinical routine. These bacteria are fastidious, and the time required to isolate them varies from one to six weeks. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has emerged as an application for research on Bartonella spp. , and has still been little explored. We investigated whether three different B. henselae strains with different growth times—14 and 28 days—could be correctly identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectra fingerprint comparison and matching. We found that the spectra from strains with different growth times do not match each other, leading to misidentification. We suggest creating database entries with multiple spectra from strains with different growth times to increase the chances of accurate identification of Bartonella spp. by MALD-TOF MS.

Transmissão vertical do HIV na rede de saúde: reflexões bioéticas sobre gênero e cuidado a partir de um caso emblemático / Vertical transmission of HIV in the health network: bioethics reflections on gender and care based on an emblematic case

Resumo Num cenário epidêmico ainda preocupante, a prevenção da Transmissão Vertical (TV) do HIV impõe problemas complexos, devido as vulnerabilidades individual, social e moral das mulheres vivendo com o vírus, somadas às fragilidades da rede de saúde. A partir de um caso emblemático, este estudo buscou compreender os desafios bioéticos do cuidado para a prevenção da TV do HIV no âmbito do Comitê de Porto Alegre/RS. Os eixos analíticos desenvolvidos refletem sobre como a produção do cuidado se articula, por um lado, com discursos e práticas relacionais pautadas no gênero e interseccionadas por raça e classe social e, por outro, com vulnerabilidades programáticas das políticas de saúde. Vislumbrou-se um processo de extrema estigmatização, em que as poucas ofertas para as mulheres cisgênero se dirigiam à regulação reprodutiva e perpetuavam dinâmicas de violência estrutural. Discute-se caminhos para a construção de um cuidado que incorpore a perspectiva decolonial e busque produzir equidade e justiça social ao reconhecer as trajetórias das mulheres.

Abstract In a still worrying epidemic scenario, the prevention of Vertical Transmission (VT) of HIV poses complex problems, due to the individual, social, and moral vulnerabilities of women living with the virus, in addition to the weaknesses of the health network. Based on an emblematic case, this study sought to understand the bioethical challenges of HIV VT prevention in the scope of the Porto Alegre/RS Committee. The analytical categories developed reflect on how the production of care is articulated, on the one hand, with relational discourses and practices based on gender and intersected by race and social class and, on the other, with programmatic vulnerabilities of health policies. A process of extreme stigmatization was revealed, in which the few offers for cisgender women were aimed toward reproductive regulation and perpetuated dynamics of structural violence. We discuss ways of building care that incorporates a decolonial perspective and seeks to produce equity and social justice by recognizing women's trajectories.

Sífilis na gestação: conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas / Syphilis in pregnancy: knowledge of pregnant and puerperous women / Sífilis durante el embarazo: conocimientos de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas

Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas acerca da sífilis. Método: pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de instrumento semiestruturado, entre abril a julho de 2021, com 18 gestantes/puérperas com diagnóstico de sífilis na gestação. As respostas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra, sendo utilizado para análise a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: identificou-se três ideias centrais: 1) Conhecimento sobre a sífilis, 2) Buscando conhecimento sobre a sífilis e 3) Falsa prevenção. O conhecimento das participantes mostrou-se conflitante, pois algumas apresentaram algum conhecimento e outras nenhum, sendo que todas deveriam ter sido orientadas sobre a doença. Considerações finais: identificou-se uma falha no atendimento ofertado nos serviços de saúde. Assim, estratégias voltadas à educação em saúde devem ser incentivadas e implementadas no acompanhamento de pré-natal, ofertando a promoção e prevenção da saúde, a fim de reduzir os casos de sífilis na gestação.

Objective: to identify the knowledge of pregnant and postpartum women about syphilis. Method: descriptive research, with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place using a semi-structured instrument, between April and July 2021, with 18 pregnant/postpartum women diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy. The responses were recorded and transcribed in full, using the Collective Subject Discourse technique for analysis. Results: three central ideas were identified: 1) Knowledge about syphilis, 2) Seeking knowledge about syphilis and 3) False prevention. The knowledge of the participants was conflicting, as some had some knowledge and others none, and all of them should have been educated about the disease. Final considerations: a flaw in the care offered in health services was identified. Therefore, strategies aimed at health education should be encouraged and implemented in prenatal care, offering health promotion and prevention, in order to reduce cases of syphilis during pregnancy.

Objetivos:identificar el conocimiento de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas sobre la sífilis. Método: investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un instrumento semiestructurado, entre abril y julio de 2021, con 18 mujeres embarazadas/puérperas diagnosticadas con sífilis durante el embarazo. Las respuestas fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad, utilizando para su análisis la técnica del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados: se identificaron tres ideas centrales: 1) Conocimiento sobre sífilis, 2) Búsqueda de conocimiento sobre sífilis y 3) Falsa prevención. El conocimiento de los participantes fue contradictorio, ya que algunos tenían algún conocimiento y otros ninguno, y todos deberían haber sido educados sobre la enfermedad. Consideraciones finales: se identificó una falla en la atención ofrecida en los servicios de salud. Por lo tanto, se deben fomentar e implementar estrategias orientadas a la educación en salud en la atención prenatal, ofreciendo promoción y prevención de la salud, con el fin de reducir los casos de sífilis durante el embarazo.

Avaliação normativa do atendimento obstétrico emergencial na prevenção da COVID-19 / Evaluación normativa de la asistencia obstétrica de emergencia en la prevención de COVID-19 / Normative evaluation of emergency obstetric care in the prevention of COVID-19

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a estrutura e o fluxo assistencial do acolhimento - classificação de risco e emergência obstétrica em uma maternidade pública no contexto da COVID-19. Métodos Estudo do tipo avaliação normativa e observacional nos setores de Acolhimento (Classificação de Risco e Emergência Obstétrica) de uma maternidade pública no Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados foi realizada de junho a agosto de 2020 por 480 horas de observação direta não participante, com registros sistematizados em checklist contendo variáveis relacionadas à disponibilidade e conformidade dos recursos estruturais, e à conformidade do fluxo assistencial. Os dados foram organizados em planilhas (Microsoft Excel® 2010) e analisados usando a estatística descritiva. Resultados A avaliação da estrutura obteve 80,3% de disponibilidade, resultando em classificação de alta disponibilidade e 91,1% de conformidade, obtendo conformidade adequada. O fluxo assistencial mostrou 72,7% de conformidade total; 9,1% de conformidade parcial e 18,2% de não cumprimento, configurando-se como alta conformidade. Conclusão A avaliação normativa indicou altas disponibilidade e conformidade em estrutura e fluxo assistencial nos cenários estudados.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la estructura y el flujo de asistencia de recepción, clasificación de riesgo y emergencia obstétrica, en una maternidad pública en el contexto del COVID-19. Métodos Estudio tipo evaluación normativa y observacional en los sectores de Recepción (clasificación de riesgo y emergencia obstétrica) de una maternidad pública en Rio de Janeiro. La recopilación de datos se realizó de junio a agosto de 2020 durante 480 de observación directa no participante, con registros sistematizados en una checklist con variables relacionadas con la disponibilidad y conformidad de los recursos estructurales y con la conformidad del flujo de asistencia. Los datos se organizaron en planillas (Microsoft Excel® 2010) y se analizaron usando la estadística descriptiva. Resultados La evaluación de la estructura obtuvo un 80,3 % de disponibilidad, que tuvo como resultado una clasificación de alta disponibilidad, y un 91,1 % de conformidad, con una conformidad adecuada. El flujo de asistencia mostró un 72,7 % de conformidad total, un 9,1 % de conformidad parcial y un 18,2 % de no cumplimiento, lo que se configura como alta conformidad. Conclusión La evaluación normativa indicó alta disponibilidad y alta conformidad en estructura y flujo de asistencia en los escenarios estudiados.

Abstract Objective Evaluate the structure and care flow - risk classification and obstetric emergency in a public maternity hospital in the context of COVID-19. Methods Normative and observational evaluation study in the Care sectors (Risk Classification and Obstetric Emergency) of a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was carried out from June to August 2020 for 480 hours of non-participant direct observation, with records systematized in a checklist containing variables related to the availability and compliance of structural resources, and the compliance of the care flow. Data were organized into spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel® 2010) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The framework assessment scored 80.3% availability, resulting in a high availability rating, and 91.1% compliance, achieving adequate compliance. The care flow showed 72.7% of total compliance; 9.1% of partial compliance and 18.2% of non-compliance, configuring high compliance. Conclusion Normative evaluation indicated high availability and compliance in structure and care flow in the studied scenarios.

Ocular manifestation of vertical transmission of dengue: case report / Manifestação ocular de transmissão vertical de dengue: relato de caso

ABSTRACT A 7-week-old male delivered by cesarean section presented with a positive serology for dengue along with preretinal and retinal hemorrhages, vitreous opacities and cotton wool spots. The patient and his mother had positive serologies for Non Structural Protein 1 (NS1) by ELISA. Retinal and vitreous findings improved over a sixteen-week period. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed preserved macular architecture. In this case report, we suggest that retinal and vitreous changes may be the ocular presenting features of vertically transmitted dengue in newborns, and that those findings may resolve with no major structural sequelae.

RESUMO Neonato de 7 semanas, do sexo masculino, nascido de parto cesárea, apresentou sorologia positiva para dengue com hemorragias retinianas e pré-retinianas, opacidades vítreas e manchas algodonosas. O paciente e sua mãe haviam apresentado sorologias positivas para Non Structural Protein 1 através de ELISA. Achados na retina e no vítreo melhoraram em um período de dezesseis semanas. O exame de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral demonstrou arquitetura macular preservada. Neste relato de caso, sugerimos que alterações na retina e no vítreo podem ser os achados oculares aparentes em neonatos com infecção vertical por dengue, e que estes podem se resolver sem maiores sequelas estruturais.

Improved efficiency in the management of newborns with infectious risk factors by the sepsis risk calculator and clinical observation

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficiency of the sepsis risk calculator and the serial clinical observation in the management of late preterm and term newborns with infectious risk factors. Method Single-center, observational, two-phase cohort study comparing the rates of neonates born ≥35 weeks' gestation, ≥2000 g birthweight, and without major congenital anomalies, who were screened and/or received antibiotics for early-onset neonatal sepsis risk at our center during two periods, before (January/2018-June/2019) and after (July/2019-December/2020) the implementation of the sepsis risk calculator. Results A total of 1796 (Period 1) and 1867 (Period 2) patients with infectious risk factors were included. During the second period, tests to rule out sepsis were reduced by 34.0 % (RR, 95 %CI): 0.66 (0.61, 0.71), blood cultures by 13.1 %: 0.87 (0.77, 0.98), hospital admissions by 13.5 %: 0.86 (0.76, 0.98) and antibiotic administration by 45.9 %: 0.54 (0.47, 0.63). Three cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis occurred in the first period and two in the second. Clinical serial evaluation would have detected all true cases. Conclusions The implementation of a sepsis risk calculator in the management of newborns ≥35 weeks GA, ≥2000 g birthweight, without major congenital anomalies, with infectious risk factors is safe and adequate to reduce laboratory tests, blood cultures, hospital admissions, and antibiotics administration. Serial clinical observation, in addition, could be instrumental to achieve or even improve this goal.

Sífilis en Argentina / Syphilis in Argentina

Resumen La sífilis es una enfermedad prevenible mediante barreras de protección sexual, y curable por un sen cillo tratamiento. A pesar de esto, entre 2010 y 2019, su incidencia casi se triplicó en Argentina, alcanzando 56.1/100 000. Los más afectados son los jóvenes (15-24 años), con mayor porcentaje de mujeres, especialmente entre las embarazadas, en que aumentó de 2.3% a 5.8%, con un pico de 7.7% entre 15 y 24 años. Los casos de sífilis secundaria o terciaria, detectados por pruebas de control, están en aumento. El aumento de sífilis va unido al HIV. Por ello las prue bas rápidas de detección deben hacerse conjuntamente en el primer nivel de atención, lo que facilita el acceso al diagnóstico y al tratamiento de los casos positivos, con la orientación y control correspondientes. El tratamiento con penicilina, para la que no se ha hallado resistencia, es el componente clave del control. También se usa doxicilina (no en embarazadas), o cef triaxona. Está aumentando la resistencia del Treponema pallidum a la azitromicina, por lo que debe evitarse su empleo. En 2022 se notificaron 696 casos de sífilis congénita. La tasa de nacional es 1.3 por 1000 nacidos vivos. La mayoría de los casos notificados provienen del sector público. La sífilis materna es, en áreas de bajos recursos, la causa más común de nacidos muertos. La aplicación estricta de las normas existentes, el fortalecimiento del sistema de atención primaria, y la prevención durante el embarazo, pueden contribuir a controlar y eliminar el problema de la sífilis en Argen tina.

Abstract Syphilis is a disease preventable through sexual pro tection barriers, and curable with a simple treatment. Despite this, between 2010 and 2019, its incidence al most tripled in Argentina, reaching 56.1/100 000. The most affected are young people (15-24 years old), with a higher percentage of women, especially among pregnant women, in whom it increased from 2.3% to 5.8%, with a peak of 7.7% between 15 and 24 years old. Cases of secondary or tertiary syphilis, detected by control tests, are on the rise. The increase in syphilis is linked to HIV. For this reason, rapid detection tests must be carried out jointly at the first level of care, which facilitates access to the diagnosis and treatment of positive cases, with the cor responding guidance and control. Treatment with penicillin, for which no resistance has been found, is the key component of control. Doxycillin is also used (not in pregnant women), or ceftriaxone. The resistance of Treponema pallidum to azithromycin is increasing, so its use should be avoided. In 2022, 696 cases of congenital syphilis were re ported. The national rate is 1.3 per 1000 live births. The majority of reported cases come from the public sector. Maternal syphilis is, in low-income areas, the most com mon cause of stillbirths. Strict application of existing regulations, strength ening the primary care system, and prevention during pregnancy can contribute to controlling and eliminating the syphilis problem in Argentina.