Mortality rates by gender and sexual orientation reveal a disproportionally high mortality among cisgender men of unknown sexual orientation and men who have sex with women in a cohort of people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Antiretroviral therapy use has led to a decline in HIV-related mortality yet disparities by gender and/or sexual orientation may exist. In this study, we estimated hazards of death in people living with HIV (PLWH) according to gender and sexual orientation. Methods: We included PLWH ≥ 18 years enrolled between 2000 and 2018 at INI/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Participants were grouped as cisgender or transgender women, cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) or men who have sex with women, or cisgender men with unknown sexual orientation. We assessed disparities in the hazard of death using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Among 5,576 PLWH, median age at enrollment was 35 years, 39% were MSM, 28% cisgender women, 23% men who have sex with women, 5% transgender women, and 5% men with unknown sexual orientation. A total of 795 deaths occurred in 39,141 person-years of follow-up. Mortality rates per 1,000 person-years were: 82.4 for men with unknown sexual orientation, 24.5 for men who have sex with women, 18.3 for cisgender, 16.6 for transgender women, and 15.1 for MSM. Compared to MSM, men with unknown sexual orientation had the highest death hazard ratio (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35-3.81), followed by men who have sex with women (aHR 1.17, 95%CI 0.96, 1.43); death hazard ratios for cisgender and transgender women were not statistically different. Conclusion: We observed disparities in the hazard of death for men with unknown sexual orientation and men who have sex with women despite universal access to antiretroviral therapy in Brazil. Future work should characterize and assist men with unknown sexual orientation with tailored policies and interventions. Increased hazard of death was not observed for transgender women, which probably results from interventions implemented in our service to reach, engage, retain, and support this population.

Impacto indirecto de COVID-19 en las tasas de incidencia de enfermedades transmitidas por vector en México / Indirect impact of COVID-19 on the incidence rates of vector-borne diseases in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La distribución espacial y temporal de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 sobrepasa las áreas endémicas de enfermedades transmitidas por vector (ETV), cuya vigilancia en México ha cambiado sustancialmente a partir del primer caso confirmado de COVID-19. Objetivos: Estimar y comparar las tasas de incidencia de las ETV antes y después de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos de ETV de 2014 a 2021. Las tasas de incidencia de cada ETV en el periodo previo (2014-2019) y posterior (2020-2021) a la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México fueron calculadas y comparadas. Resultados: Antes de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2, las tasas de incidencia de las ETV fueron altas y posterior a la introducción del coronavirus hubo un descenso en los índices epidemiológicos; sin embargo, solo se identificó diferencia estadística significativa en la tasa de incidencia de la malaria (p ≤ 0.05) y otras rickettsias (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusiones: Algunas medidas para reducir los casos de COVID-19, como el distanciamiento social, el confinamiento domiciliario, la reducción en el aforo en el transporte público y el trabajo en casa, probablemente contribuyeron a disminuir temporalmente el número de casos de las ETV; sin embargo, puede haber rebrote de las ETV en el futuro cercano.

Abstract Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection spatial and temporal distribution overlaps with endemic areas of vector-borne diseases (VBD), whose surveillance in Mexico has substantially changed since the first COVID-19 confirmed case. Objectives: To estimate and compare the incidence rates of VBDs before and after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico. Methods: Retrospective study of VBD cases from 2014 to 2021. The incidence rates of each VBD in the period before (2014-2019) and after (2020-2021) the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico were calculated and compared. Results: Before the introduction of SARS-CoV-2, the incidence rates of VBDs were high and after the introduction of coronavirus there was a decrease in epidemiological indices; however, there was only statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of malaria (p ≤ 0.05) and other rickettsiae (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Some measures to reduce COVID-19 cases, such as social distancing, home confinement, reductions in public transport and working at home (home office), probably temporarily decreased the number of VBD cases; however, there may be a resurgence of VBDs in the near future.

Assessing the underreporting of deaths among people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019 / Avaliação da subnotificação de óbitos em pessoas vivendo com HIV no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2019 / Evaluando el subregistro de muertes entre personas que viven con VIH en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, de 2014 a 2019

Abstract: We assessed the proportions and causes of the underreporting of deaths among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. Demographic variables, mention of tuberculosis (TB), and CD4 cell counts closest to death were used to compare those who had HIV/AIDS mentioned on their death certificate (HMDC) to those who did not. Out of 10,698 deaths, 2,863 (26.8%) had no HMDC, from which 412 (14.4%) had external underlying cause. After excluding deaths from external causes, we found that 24% still had no HMDC. Age ≥ 40 years (OR = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.52-2.01), non-white race/ethnicity (OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02-1.31), the male gender (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.11-1.42), higher CD4 cell counts closest to death (OR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.12-1.16), absence of TB (OR = 4.86; 95%CI: 3.76-6.29) and not dying within a hospital (OR = 2.61; 95%CI: 2.31-2.95) were associated with increased probabilities of not having HMDC. The proportion of deaths with no HMDC increased from 18.7% to 35.1% between 2014 and 2019. The high proportion of underreported deaths in Rio de Janeiro indicates that HIV/AIDS mortality coefficients in the state may be underestimated. With the changing patterns of mortality of PLHIV, physicians are advised to consider the broader clinical spectrum of HIV infection, and surveillance officers should improve death monitoring.

Resumo: Os autores avaliaram as proporções de subnotificação de óbitos e fatores associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV) no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2019. Variáveis demográficas, menção de tuberculose (TB) e contagem de células CD4 mais próxima ao óbito foram utilizadas para comparar indivíduos que tiveram códigos para HIV/aids mencionados na declaração de óbito (HMDO) àqueles que não apresentaram tal menção. Entre 10.698 certidões de óbito, 2.863 (26.8%) não citaram HIV/aids. Entre estes, 412 (14,4%) apresentaram causas externas como a causa subjacente. Depois de excluir as causas externas, 24% das certidões não mencionaram HIV/aids. Idade acima de 40 anos (OR = 1,75; IC95%: 1,52-2,01), raça/etnicidade não branca (OR = 1,16; IC95%: 1,02-1,31), sexo masculino (OR = 1,25; IC95%: 1,11-1,42), contagem de CD4 mais alta próximo ao óbito (OR = 1,14; IC95%: 1,12-1,16), não ter TB (OR = 4,86; IC95%: 3,76-6,29) e morte extra-hospitalar (OR = 2,61; IC95%: 2,31-2,95) mostraram associação com aumento de probabilidade de não apresentar HMDO. A proporção de certidões de óbito que não citavam HIV/aids aumentou de 18,7% para 35,1% entre 2014 e 2019. A alta proporção de óbitos subnotificados no Rio de Janeiro indica a possível subestimação dos coeficientes de mortalidade por HIV/aids no estado. A mudança nos padrões de mortalidade em PVHIV desafia tanto os médicos, no sentido de considerar o espectro clínico mais amplo na infecção pelo HIV, quanto os especialistas em vigilância, no sentido de aprimorar o monitoramento da mortalidade.

Resumen: Evaluamos los porcentajes y factores asociados con el subregistro de muertes entre personas afectadas por VIH (PLHIV) en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, desde 2014 a 2019. Se utilizaron variables demográficas, mención de tuberculosis (TB) y recuentos de células CD4 más cercanos al fallecimiento, para comparar a quienes tenían VIH/SIDA reflejado en el certificado de defunción (HMDC), con quienes no lo tenían. De las 10.698 muertes, 2.863 (26,8%) no tuvieron HMDC. De entre ellos, 412 (14,4%) tenían causas externas como causa subyacente. Tras excluir las causas externas, un 24% no tuvieron HMDC. Edad ≥ 40 años (OR = 1,75; IC95%: 1,52-2,01), raza no blanca raza/etnicidad (OR = 1,16; IC95%: 1,02-1,31), género masculino (OR = 1,25; IC95%: 1,11-1,42), recuentos de células CD4 más altos más cercanos a la muerte (OR = 1,14; IC95%: 1,12-1,16), que no tenían TB (OR = 4,86; IC95%: 3,76-6,29), y que no murieron en un hospital (OR = 2,61; IC95%: 2,31-2,95), estuvieron asociados con probabilidades crecientes de no tener HMDC. La proporción de muertes que no tenían HMDC aumentó de un 18,7% a un 35,1% entre 2014 y 2019. La alta proporción de muertes subregistradas en Río de Janeiro indican que los coeficientes de mortalidad VIH/SIDA en el estado quizás estaban subestimados. Los patrones cambiantes de mortalidad suponen un desafío para las PLHIV, así como para los médicos, a la hora de considerar infección por VIH dentro de un espectro clínico más amplio, al igual que para los agentes de supervisión, con el fin de mejorar el monitoreo de muertes.

Identificação de grupos prioritários para a vacinação contra COVID-19 no Brasil / Identificación de grupos prioritarios para la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en Brasil / Identification of priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil

Em um contexto de transmissão comunitária e escassez de vacinas, a vacinação contra a COVID-19 deve focar na redução direta da morbidade e da mortalidade causadas pela doença. Portanto, é fundamental a definição de grupos prioritários para a vacinação pelo Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI), baseada no risco de hospitalização e óbito pela doença. Para tal, calculamos o sobrerrisco por sexo, faixa etária e comorbidades por meio dos registros de hospitalização e óbito por síndrome respiratória aguda grave com confirmação de COVID-19 (SRAG-COVID) em todo o Brasil nos primeiros seis meses de epidemia. Apresentaram maior sobrerrisco pessoas do sexo masculino (hospitalização = 1,1 e óbito = 1,2), pessoas acima de 45 anos para hospitalização (SRfe variando de 1,1 a 8,5) e pessoas acima de 55 anos para óbitos (SRfe variando de 1,5 a 18,3). Nos grupos de comorbidades, doença renal crônica, diabetes mellitus, doença cardiovascular e pneumopatia crônica conferiram sobrerrisco, enquanto para asma não houve evidência. Ter doença renal crônica ou diabetes mellitus e 60 anos ou mais mostrou-se um fator ainda mais forte, alcançando sobrerrisco de óbito 14 e 10 vezes maior do que na população geral, respectivamente. Para todas as comorbidades, houve um sobrerrisco mais alto em idades maiores, com um gradiente de diminuição em faixas mais altas. Esse padrão se inverteu quando consideramos o sobrerrisco em relação à população geral, tanto para hospitalização quanto para óbito. O presente estudo forneceu evidências a respeito do sobrerrisco de hospitalização e óbito por SRAG-COVID, auxiliando na definição de grupos prioritários para a vacinação contra a COVID-19.

En un contexto de transmisión comunitaria y escasez de vacunas, la vacunación contra la COVID-19 debe enfocarse en la reducción directa de la morbilidad y de la mortalidad causadas por la enfermedad. Por lo tanto, es fundamental la definición de grupos prioritarios para la vacunación por el Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones (PNI), basada en el riesgo de hospitalización y óbito por la enfermedad. Para tal fin, calculamos el sobrerriesgo por sexo, franja de edad y comorbilidades mediante los registros de hospitalización y óbito por síndrome respiratorio agudo grave con confirmación de COVID-19 (SRAG-COVID) en todo Brasil, durante los primeros seis meses de epidemia. Presentaron mayor sobrerriesgo personas del sexo masculino (hospitalización = 1,1 y óbito = 1,2), personas por encima de 45 años para hospitalización (SRfe variando de 1,1 a 8,5) y personas por encima de 55 años para óbitos (SRfe variando de 1,5 a 18,3). En los grupos de comorbilidades, enfermedad renal crónica, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiovascular y neumopatía crónica ofrecieron sobrerriesgo, mientras que para el asma no hubo evidencia. Sufrir una enfermedad renal crónica o diabetes mellitus y tener 60 años o más mostró un factor todavía más fuerte, alcanzando sobrerriesgo de enfermedad 14 y 10 veces mayor que en la población general, respectivamente. Para todas las comorbilidades, hubo un sobrerriesgo más alto en edades mayores, con un gradiente de disminución en franjas más altas. Este patrón se invirtió cuando consideramos el sobrerriesgo en relación con la población general, tanto para hospitalización como para óbito. El presente estudio proporcionó evidencias respecto al sobrerriesgo de hospitalización y óbito por SRAG-COVID, ayudando en la definición de grupos prioritarios para la vacunación contra la COVID-19.

In a context of community transmission and shortage of vaccines, COVID-19 vaccination should focus on directly reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by the disease. It was thus essential to define priority groups for vaccination by the Brazilian National Immunization Program (PNI in Portuguese), based on the risk of hospitalization and death from the disease. We calculated overrisk according to sex, age group, and comorbidities using hospitalization and death records from severe acute respiratory illness with confirmation of COVID-19 (SARI-COVID) in all of Brazil in the first 6 months of the epidemic. Higher overrisk was associated with male sex (hospitalization = 1.1 and death = 1.2), age over 45 years for hospitalization (OvRag ranging from 1.1 to 8.5), and age over 55 year for death (OvRag ranging from 1.5 to 18.3). In the groups with comorbidities, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease were associated with overrisk, while there was no such evidence for asthma. Chronic kidney disease or diabetes and age over 60 showed an even stronger association, reaching overrisk of death 14 and 10 times greater than in the general population, respectively. For all the comorbidities, there was higher overrisk at older ages, with a downward gradient in the oldest age groups. This pattern was reversed when examining overrisk in the general population, for both hospitalization and death. The current study provided evidence of overrisk of hospitalization and death from SARI-COVID, assisting the definition of priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination.

Influence of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Gene Polymorphism in Progression of Chagas Heart Disease

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. One-third of infected patients will develop the cardiac form, which may progress to heart failure (HF). However, the factors that determine disease progression remain unclear. Increased angiotensin II activity is a key player in the pathophysiology of HF. A functional polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with plasma enzyme activity. In CD, ACE inhibitors have beneficial effects supporting the use of this treatment in chagasic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We evaluated the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with HF, performing a case-control study encompassing 343 patients with positive serology for CD staged as non-cardiomyopathy (stage A; 100), mild (stage B1; 144), and severe (stage C; 99) forms of Chagas heart disease. For ACE I/D genotyping by PCR, groups were compared using unconditional logistic regression analysis and adjusted for nongenetic covariates: age, sex, and trypanocidal treatment. RESULTS: A marginal, but not significant (p=0.06) higher prevalence of ACE I/D polymorphism was observed in patients in stage C compared with patients in stage A. Patients in stage C (CD with HF), were compared with patients in stages A and B1 combined into one group (CD without HF); DD genotype/D carriers were prevalent in the HF patients (OR = 2; CI = 1.013.96; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results of this cohort study, comprising a population from the Northeast region of Brazil, suggest that ACE I/D polymorphism is more prevalent in the cardiac form of Chagas disease with HF.

Perfis de mortalidade em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids: comparação entre o Rio de Janeiro e as demais unidades da federação entre 1999 e 2015 / Mortality profiles among people living with HIV/AIDS: comparison between Rio de Janeiro and other federative units between 1999 and 2015

RESUMO: Introdução: A aparente estabilidade da mortalidade por aids no país na última década encobre uma gama de cenários, com dois terços dos estados apresentando taxa padronizada de mortalidade por aids (TPMA) significativamente acima da média nacional e/ou em tendência ascendente. No Rio de Janeiro, a TPMA vem mantendo-se alta e estável ao longo dos anos; atualmente o estado ocupa a segunda posição no ranking nacional desse indicador. Objetivo: Examinar tendências temporais em causas de óbito na busca de padrões diferenciais que contribuam para o entendimento da mortalidade por aids no estado. Metodologia: Foram analisadas causas de óbito em qualquer campo das declarações de óbito constantes do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) entre 1999 e 2015 para indivíduos ≥ 15 anos. Doenças cardiovasculares, malignidades não relacionadas à aids, causas externas, diabetes melito e tuberculose foram estabelecidas pela menção ou não de seus códigos conforme a Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados com a Saúde (CID-10) nas declarações de óbito. Modelos lineares generalizados com efeitos mistos foram usados para descrever odds ratios relativas a 1999 e variações anuais médias ajustadas. Resultados: Verificaram-se o aumento proporcional em causas externas e doenças geniturinárias e, sobretudo, o persistente papel desempenhado pela tuberculose, impactando diferencialmente a mortalidade por aids no estado, em um cenário de alta mortalidade por doenças infecciosas. Conclusão: Os achados reforçam a manutenção da tuberculose na mortalidade de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA) no Rio de Janeiro e chamam a atenção para a necessidade de avaliar determinantes individuais atuando na redução da sobrevida desses pacientes, de forma a aprimorar o programa de controle do HIV/aids no estado.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The trend toward stabilization regarding the AIDS epidemic in Brazil over the past decade hides a very complex scenario, where two-thirds of the Brazilian federative units exhibit AIDS standardized mortality rates (ASMR) significantly above the national average and/or in upward tendency. ASMR in Rio de Janeiro State remains virtually unchanged over the years; the state currently occupies the second position in the national ranking of this indicator. Objective: To assess temporal trends in causes of death searching for differential profiles that could be useful for understanding mortality among patients with HIV in the state. Methodology: Causes of death were analyzed in any field of the death certificates from the Mortality Information System between 1999 and 2015 for individuals ≥ 15 years of age. Cardiovascular diseases, non-AIDS-related cancers, external causes, diabetes mellitus, and tuberculosis were established by the mention or not of their codes according to the 10th edition of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) in death certificates. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to describe odds ratios in relation to 1999 and adjusted mean annual variations. Results: The results point to the emerging role of external causes and genitourinary diseases and the persistent role played by tuberculosis, differentially affecting AIDS mortality in the state, in a scenario of high mortality due to infectious diseases. Conclusion: These data suggest that tuberculosis remains a major cause of death among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the need for studies that identify individual-level factors impacting their survival, thus improving local HIV/AIDS control measures.

SRAG por COVID-19 no Brasil: descrição e comparação de características demográficas e comorbidades com SRAG por influenza e com a população geral / IRAG por COVID-19 en Brasil: descripción y comparación de características demográficas y comorbilidades con el IRAG por influenza y con la población general / Description and comparison of demographic characteristics and comorbidities in SARI from COVID-19, SARI from influenza, and the Brazilian general population

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de descrever os pacientes hospitalizados por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) em decorrência da COVID-19 (SRAG-COVID), no Brasil, quanto às suas características demográficas e comorbidades até a 21ª Semana Epidemiológica de 2020. Buscou-se comparar essas características com as dos hospitalizados por SRAG em decorrência da influenza em 2019/2020 (SRAG-FLU) e com a população geral brasileira. As frequências relativas das características demográficas, comorbidades e de gestantes/puérperas entre os pacientes hospitalizados por SRAG-COVID e SRAG-FLU foram obtidas por meio do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), e as estimativas para a população geral brasileira foram obtidas por meio de projeções populacionais realizadas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos e de pesquisas de âmbito nacional. Entre os hospitalizados por SRAG-COVID, observou-se uma elevada proporção, em relação ao perfil da população geral brasileira, de indivíduos do sexo masculino, idosos ou com 40 a 59 anos, com comorbidades (diabetes mellitus, doença cardiovascular, doença renal crônica e pneumopatias crônicas) e de gestantes/puérperas. Já entre os hospitalizados por SRAG-FLU, observou-se prevalências superiores às populacionais de indivíduos de 0 a 4 anos de idade ou idosos, de raça ou cor branca, com comorbidades (diabetes mellitus, doença renal crônica, asma e outras pneumopatias crônicas) e de gestantes/puérperas. Esses grupos podem estar evoluindo para casos mais graves da doença, de forma que estudos longitudinais na área são de extrema relevância para investigar esta hipótese e melhor subsidiar políticas públicas de saúde.

El objetivo del presente estudio es describir a los pacientes hospitalizados por infección respiratoria aguda grave (IRAG) a consecuencia de la COVID-19 (IRAG-COVID), en Brasil, respecto a sus características demográficas y comorbilidades hasta la 21ª Semana Epidemiológica de 2020. Se buscó comparar estas características con las de los hospitalizados por SRAS, a consecuencia de la influenza en 2019/2020 (IRAG-FLU) y con la población general brasileña. Las frecuencias relativas de las características demográficas, comorbilidades y de embarazadas/puérperas entre los pacientes hospitalizados por IRAG-COVID y IRAG-FLU se obtuvieron mediante el Sistema de Información de la Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), y las estimaciones para la población general brasileña se consiguieron mediante proyecciones poblacionales realizadas por el Instituto Brasileño de Geografía e Estadística, datos del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Nascidos Vivos y de investigaciones de ámbito nacional. Entre los hospitalizados por IRAG-COVID, se observó una elevada proporción, respecto al perfil de la población general brasileña, de individuos del sexo masculino, ancianos o con 40 a 59 años, con comorbilidades (diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiovascular, enfermedad renal crónica y neumopatías crónicas) y de embarazadas/puérperas. Ya entre los hospitalizados por IRAG-FLU, se observaron prevalencias superiores a las poblacionales de individuos de 0 a 4 años de edad o ancianos, de raza o color blanco, con comorbilidades (diabetes mellitus, enfermedad renal crónica, asma y otras neumopatías crónicas) y de embarazadas/puérperas. Estos grupos pueden estar evolucionando hacia casos más graves de la enfermedad, por ello, los estudios longitudinales en esta área son de extrema relevancia para investigar esta hipótesis y apoyar mejor las políticas públicas de salud.

The study aims to describe patients hospitalized for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) due to COVID-19 (SARI-COVID) in Brazil according to demographic characteristics and comorbidities up to the 21st Epidemiological Week of 2020. The study aimed to compare these characteristics with those of patients hospitalized for SARI due to influenza in 2019/2020 (SARI-FLU) and with the Brazilian general population. The proportions of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and pregnant and postpartum women among patients hospitalized for SARI-COVID and SARI-FLU were obtained from the SIVEP-Gripe database, and the estimates for the Brazilian population were obtained from the population projections performed by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Information System on Live Birth data, and nationwide surveys. Compared to the Brazilian population, patients hospitalized for SARI-COVID showed a higher proportion of males, elderly individuals and those aged 40 to 59 years, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and chronic lung diseases), and pregnant/postpartum women. Compared to the general population, Brazilians hospitalized for SARI-FLU showed higher prevalence rates of ages 0 to 4 years or over 60 years, white race/color, comorbidities (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and other chronic lung diseases), and pregnant/postpartum women. The data suggest that these groups are evolving to more serious forms of the disease, so that longitudinal studies are extremely relevant for investigating this hypothesis and supporting appropriate public health policies.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokine-related genes and association with clinical outcome in a Chagas disease case-control study from Brazil

BACKGROUND The severity of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the most frequent clinical outcome of Chagas disease (CD), has been associated with cytokine-enriched heart tissue inflammation, and high serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGFβ), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Conversely, increased interleukin (IL)-10 serum concentrations have been associated with asymptomatic CD. Cytokines and cytokine-related gene polymorphisms may control cytokine expression and have been proposed to contribute to CCC outcomes. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association of 13 cytokine-related genes (TGFB: rs8179181, rs8105161, rs1800469; IL10: rs1800890, rs1800871, rs1800896; IFNG: rs2430561; TNF: rs1800629; BAT1: rs3853601; LTA: rs909253, rs2239704; TNFR1: rs767455; TNFR2: rs1061624) with risk and progression of CCC. FINDINGS Four hundred and six seropositive patients from CD endemic areas in the state of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil, were classified as non-cardiopathic (A, 110) or cardiopathic (mild, B1, 163; severe, C, 133). We found no evidence of TGFB, IL10, TNF, or TNFR1/2 gene polymorphisms associated with CCC risk or progression. Only BAT1 rs3853601 −22G carriers (B1 vs. C: OR = 0.5; p-value = 0.03) and IFNG rs2430561 +874AT (A vs. C: OR = 0.7; p-value = 0.03; A vs. B1+C: OR = 0.8; p-value = 0.02) showed a significant association with protection from cardiopathy in a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender and ethnicity; however, the association disappeared after performing adjustment for multiple testing. A systematic review of TNF rs1800629 −308G>A publications included five studies for meta-analysis (534 CCC and 472 asymptomatic patients) and showed no consensus in pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates for A allele or A carriers (OR = 1.4 and 1.5; p-values = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively). In CD patients, TNF serum levels were increased, but not affected by the TNF rs1800629 −308A allele. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest no significant contribution of the analysed gene variants of cytokine-related molecules to development/severity of Chagas' heart disease, reinforcing the idea that parasite/host interplay is critical to CD outcomes.

Age-Standardized Mortality Rates Related to Cirrhosis in Brazil from 2000 to 2012: A Nationwide Analysis

ABSTRACT Background. Cirrhosis remains the most frequent liver-related cause of death worldwide and we aimed to evaluate its burden in Brazil from 2000 to 2012. Material and methods. The Brazilian National Death Registry was analyzed from 2000 to 2012. Death by cirrhosis was defined by the presence of I85, K73 and/or K74 ICD 10 codes in contributing or underlying causes of death on the death certificate (DC). Crude mortality rates were calculated as the ratio of the absolute number of deaths and the estimated population. Mortality rates were age-adjusted by the direct standardization method using the WHO standard population. Results. A total of 265,180 deaths where cirrhosis was mentioned on the DC [77% male, aged 56 years] occurred from 2000 to 2012. Cirrhosis codes were present in 46% of liver-related deaths and 2% of all deaths in this period. Despite an increase in the absolute number of deaths (n = 18,245 to 22,340), the age-standardized mortality rates (95%CI) decreased from 13.32 (13.16-13.48) to 11.71 (11.59-11.83) per 100,000 inhabitants from 2000 to 2012 (p < 0.001). This trend was not uniform across the country, with decreases in death rates in the South [14.46 (14.07-14.87) to 10.89 (10.59-11.19)] and Southeast [15.85 (15.6-16.09) to 12.52 (12.34-12.70)] and increases in the North [8.84 (8.24-9.43) to 11.53 (11.08-11.99)] and Northeast [9.41 (9.13-9.69) to 10.93 (10.68-11.17)] (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusion. Cirrhosis remains a major public health issue, despite the reduction in mortality rates in the last decade.

The impact of pilates exercises on the postural alignment of healthy adults / Efeito dos exercícios do método pilates no alinhamento postural de adultos saudáveis / Efecto de los ejercicios del método pilates en la alineación postural de adultos sanos

ABSTRACT Introduction: Exercises of Pilates method have been widely used to improve postural alignment. There is strong evidence favoring their use in improving flexibility and balance, as well as some evidence of improvement in muscle strength. However, the benefits related to posture are not well established. Objective: To investigate in healthy adults, the impact of the Pilates method in the postural alignment through some angles in the sagittal plane and the occurrence of pain before and after an exercise session, and after the completion of a 16-session program. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study of pre and post-intervention type. Healthy adults (n = 37) interested in starting Pilates were evaluated for acute effects on posture after a Pilates session (n = 37) and after a 16-session program, for a period of 10 weeks (n = 13). Using the postural assessment software (SAPO), six angles were analyzed: head horizontal alignment (HHA), pelvis horizontal alignment (PHA), hip angle (HA), vertical alignment of the body (VAB), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL). The occurrence of pain was investigated to control adverse effects. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) differences found after one session include increased HHA (left view), decreased VAB (left view) and TK (both side views). After 16 sessions, we observed an increase of HHA, and a decrease of TK, LL (both side views) and HA (right view). All the differences point to an improvement of postural alignment. A significant reduction of prevalence of pain was verified after the first session (40.5% vs. 13.5%; p=0.004) and after the full program (30.8% vs. 15.3%; p=0.02). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Pilates method has a positive impact on postural alignment in healthy adults, besides being a safe exercise.

RESUMO Introdução: Os exercícios do método Pilates têm sido amplamente utilizados com a finalidade de melhorar o alinhamento postural. Existem evidências científicas fortes que favorecem seu uso na melhora da flexibilidade e do equilíbrio, bem como alguma evidência de melhora da força muscular. Entretanto, os benefícios relacionados à postura não estão bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: Investigar, em adultos saudáveis, o impacto do método Pilates no alinhamento postural, por meio de alguns ângulos no plano sagital e da ocorrência de dor antes e após uma sessão de exercícios, e também após o término de um programa de 16 sessões. Métodos: Este é um estudo quase-experimental do tipo pré e pós-intervenção. Adultos saudáveis (n = 37) interessados em iniciar Pilates foram avaliados quanto aos efeitos agudos sobre a postura após uma sessão de Pilates (n = 37) e após um programa de 16 sessões, por um período de 10 semanas (n = 13). Usando o software para análise postural (SAPO), seis ângulos foram analisados: alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (AHC); alinhamento horizontal da pelve (AHP), ângulo do quadril (AQ), alinhamento vertical do corpo (AVC), cifose torácica (CT) e lordose lombar (LL). A ocorrência de dor foi investigada para controlar efeitos adversos. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) encontradas após uma sessão incluem aumento do AHC (perfil esquerdo), redução do AVC (perfil esquerdo) e da CT (ambos os perfis). Depois de 16 sessões, foi observado aumento do AHC e redução da CT, LL (ambos os perfis) e AQ (perfil direito). Todas as diferenças encontradas apontam para a melhora do alinhamento postural. Uma redução significativa de prevalência de dor foi verificada após a primeira sessão (40,5% vs. 13,5%; p = 0,004) e após o programa completo (30,8% vs. 15,3%; p = 0,02). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que o método Pilates tem impacto positivo sobre o alinhamento postural de adultos saudáveis, além de ser um exercício físico seguro.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los ejercicios del método Pilates se han utilizado ampliamente con el fin de mejorar la alineación postural. Hay una fuerte evidencia científica que favorece su uso para la mejora de la flexibilidad y el equilibrio, así como algunos indicios de mejora de la fuerza muscular. Sin embargo, los beneficios relacionados con la postura no están tan bien establecidos. Objetivo: Investigar en adultos sanos, el impacto del método de Pilates en la alineación postural a través de algunos ángulos en el plan sagital y en la aparición de dolor antes y después de una sesión de ejercicios, y también después de un programa de 16 sesiones. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cuasi-experimental del tipo antes y después de la intervención. Se evaluaron adultos sanos (n = 37) interesados en iniciar Pilates para efectos agudos sobre la postura después de una sesión de Pilates (n = 37) y después de un programa de 16 sesiones durante 10 semanas (n = 13). Usando el software para el análisis postural (SAPO), se analizaron seis ángulos: alineación horizontal de la cabeza (AHC); alineación horizontal de la pelvis (AHP), el ángulo de cadera (AC), la alineación vertical del cuerpo (AVC), cifosis torácica (CT) y la lordosis lumbar (LL). La aparición de dolor se investigó para controlar los efectos adversos. Resultados: Las diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05) encontradas después de una sesión incluyen aumento de AHC (perfil izquierdo), reducción de la AVC (perfil izquierdo) y aumento de la CT (ambos perfiles). Después de 16 sesiones, se observó un aumento de la AHC y reducción de la CT, LL (ambos perfiles) y AC (perfil derecho). Todas las diferencias apuntan a la mejora de la alineación postural. Se observó una reducción significativa en la prevalencia del dolor después de la primera sesión (40,5% vs. 13,5% p = 0,004) y después del programa completo (30,8% vs. 15,3%, p = 0,02). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que el método Pilates tiene un impacto positivo sobre la alineación postural en adultos sanos, además de ser un ejercicio seguro.

Toxoplasmosis i Mexico: epidemiological situation in humans and animals / Toxoplasmosis en México: situación epidemiológica en humanos y animales

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease widely distributed throughout the world, infecting a wide variety of animal species including humans. In Mexico, this parasite has been detected in different parts of the country, particularly in the tropical areas where the parasite can remain infective for long periods of time due to the environmental conditions (i.e. high temperature and humidity over the whole year). Several epidemiological studies have been conducted in both human and animal populations, but despite the wide distribution of the agent in the country, there is a significant lack of knowledge on the parasite transmission, treatment alternatives and control measures. The lack of feral cat populations and control measures in sites of meat production for human consumption are playing a role that has led to the wide spread of the disease in the country, particularly in tropical areas of Southeastern Mexico. For these reasons, this manuscript aims to review the published information on relevant epidemiological aspects of infection with T. gondii in humans and animals from Mexico.

La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad parasitaria ampliamente distribuida en todo el mundo y puede infectar a una gran diversidad de especies animales y a los humanos. En México, esta parasitosis ha sido detectada en diferentes partes del país, en particular en las zonas tropicales en donde debido a las condiciones ambientales (ej. alta temperatura y humedad a lo largo todo el año), el parásito puede mantenerse infectante por largos períodos de tiempo en el medio ambiente. Se han realizado diversos estudios epidemiológicos tanto en poblaciones humanas como en animales y se observa que a pesar de la amplia distribución y buen establecimiento del agente en el país, existe un importante desconocimiento desde la epidemiologia, tratamientos alternativos o las medidas de control. La falta de control de las poblaciones ferales de felinos así como el establecimiento de medidas de control en unidades de producción de carne de diferentes especies para consumo humano están jugando un papel primordial que ha favorecido la amplia diseminación de la enfermedad en el país, principalmente en las zonas tropicales del sureste mexicano. Por lo que este manuscrito tiene como objetivo revisar la información publicada hasta ahora que nos describe aspectos epidemiológicos relevantes de la infección por T. gondii en humanos y animales de México.

SimTCM: A human patient simulator with application to diagnostic accuracy studies of Chinese medicine / 中西医结合学报

The aim of this work is to develop and implement the SimTCM, an advanced computational model that incorporates relevant aspects from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory as well as advanced statistical and epidemiological techniques for simulation and analysis of human patients.

American trypanosomiasis and associated risk factors in owned dogs from the major city of Yucatan, Mexico

Background The American trypanosomiasis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoaTrypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). The disease is widely distributed throughout the American continent, affecting a wide range of hosts, including dogs. It is present in the canine population in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. However, no significant studies in owned dogs have been performed in the metropolitan area of Merida. A transversal study was conducted in 370 owned dogs from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.Methods A cross-sectional study including 370 dogs was performed in a major city of Yucatan, Mexico, to detect IgG antibodies against T. cruzi. A commercial ELISA test kit was used and a chi-square test used to evaluate associated risk factors; odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were also estimated.Results The indirect ELISA and western blot (WB) tests were used to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against T. cruzi in serum samples. A prevalence of 12.2 % was found; age and area of residence were statistically associated with seropositivity in dogs (p<0.05).Conclusions Results from the present study suggests the presence and abundance of the vector in urban conditions where a high number of seropositive cases ofT. cruzi cases were found.(AU)

American trypanosomiasis and associated risk factors in owned dogs from the major city of Yucatan, Mexico

Background The American trypanosomiasis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoaTrypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). The disease is widely distributed throughout the American continent, affecting a wide range of hosts, including dogs. It is present in the canine population in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. However, no significant studies in owned dogs have been performed in the metropolitan area of Merida. A transversal study was conducted in 370 owned dogs from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.Methods A cross-sectional study including 370 dogs was performed in a major city of Yucatan, Mexico, to detect IgG antibodies against T. cruzi. A commercial ELISA test kit was used and a chi-square test used to evaluate associated risk factors; odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were also estimated.Results The indirect ELISA and western blot (WB) tests were used to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against T. cruzi in serum samples. A prevalence of 12.2 % was found; age and area of residence were statistically associated with seropositivity in dogs (p 0.05).Conclusions Results from the present study suggests the presence and abundance of the vector in urban conditions where a high number of seropositive cases ofT. cruzi cases were found.

Survival of HIV patients with tuberculosis started on simultaneous or deferred HAART in the THRio cohort, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background: The timing of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) after a tuberculosis diagnosis in HIV-infected patients can affect clinical outcomes and survival. We compared survival after tuberculosis diagnosis in HIV-infected adults who initiated HAART and tuberculosis therapy simultaneously to those who delayed the start of HAART for at least two months. Methods: The THRio cohort includes 17,983 patients receiving HIV care in 29 public clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. HAART-naïve patients at the time of a new TB diagnosis between September 2003 and June 2008 were included. Survival was measured in days from diagnosis of TB. We compared survival among patients who initiated HAART within 60 days of TB treatment (simultaneous – ST) to those who started HAART >60 days of TB treatment or never started (deferred – DT). Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted. Results: Of 947 patients diagnosed with TB, 572 (60%) were HAART naïve at the time of TB diagnosis; 135 were excluded because of missing CD4 count results. Among the remaining 437 TB patients, 56 (13%) died during follow-up: 25 (10%) among ST patients and 31 (16%) in DT group (p = 0.08). ST patients had lower median CD4 counts at TB diagnosis than DT patients (106 vs. 278, p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards utilizing propensity score analysis showed that DT patients were more likely to die (adjusted HR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.05–3.40; p = 0.03). Conclusion: HAART administered simultaneously with TB therapy was associated with improved survival after TB diagnosis. HAART should be given to patients with HIV-related TB as soon as clinically feasible. .

From primary care to hospitalization: clinical warning signs of severe dengue fever in children and adolescents during an outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Da atenção primária à hospitalização: sinais clínicos de alarme para dengue grave em crianças e adolescentes durante uma epidemia no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / De la atención primaria a la hospitalización: señales clínicas de alarma del dengue grave en niños y adolescentes durante una epidemia en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

We analyzed factors associated with severe cases of dengue in children and adolescents hospitalized during the 2007/2008 epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is a retrospective case-control study that covers 88 cases of severe dengue in patients admitted to four tertiary care children's hospitals. Controls consisted of 22 children with non-severe dengue living in the same neighborhood as the patients with severe dengue. Differences in prevalence of the clinical signs - abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, drowsiness or irritability - emerged on the third day after the onset of symptoms, in the febrile stage. Cases and controls received first medical care at the same clinical stage of disease. However, hospital admission of severe cases occurred later, on average between the third and fourth day after the onset of the disease. Early discharge of patients with fever whose condition could have progressed to severe dengue may have been a consequence of the type of medical assistance provided by primary care units, suggesting deficiencies both in the use of the risk classification protocol and patient triage.

Foram avaliados fatores associados à ocorrência de casos graves de dengue em crianças/adolescentes hospitalizados durante a epidemia de 2007/2008 no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Trata-se de estudo caso-controle retrospectivo com 88 casos graves de dengue, admitidos em quatro hospitais de atenção terciária infantil. Os controles foram 22 crianças com dengue não grave residentes na vizinhança dos casos. Foram observadas diferenças na prevalência de sinais clínicos - dor abdominal, dificuldade respiratória, sonolência/irritabilidade - a partir do terceiro dia do início dos sintomas, ainda na presença da febre. Casos e controles receberam o primeiro atendimento médico no mesmo estágio clínico da doença. Contudo, as hospitalizações dos casos graves ocorreram mais tardiamente, em média entre o terceiro e quarto dia da doença. A liberação precoce de pacientes com quadro febril e potencialmente graves pode ter sido consequência do atendimento médico prestado nas unidades de atenção primária, sugerindo deficiências na aplicação do protocolo de classificação de risco de dengue e triagem de pacientes.

Fueron evaluados factores asociados a la ocurrencia de casos graves de dengue en niños/adolescentes hospitalizados, durante la epidemia de 2007/2008 en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio caso-control retrospectivo con 88 casos graves de dengue, admitidos en cuatro hospitales de atención terciaria infantil. Los controles se efectuaron con 22 niños con dengue no grave, residentes en los alrededores de los casos. Se observaron diferencias en la prevalencia de señales clínicas -dolor abdominal, dificultad respiratoria, somnolencia/irritabilidad- a partir del tercer día del inicio de los síntomas, todavía con presencia de fiebre. Casos y controles recibieron la primera atención médica en la misma fase clínica de la enfermedad. No obstante, las hospitalizaciones de los casos graves se produjeron más tardíamente, en media entre el tercer y cuarto día de la enfermedad. El alta precoz de pacientes con cuadro febril, y potencialmente graves, puede haber sido consecuencia de la atención médica prestada en las unidades de atención primaria, sugiriendo deficiencias en la aplicación del protocolo de clasificación de riesgo de dengue y selección de pacientes.