Meteorological parameters and hospitalizations of patients with sickle cell anemia: a 20-year retrospective study in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

To investigate the influence of climate on hospitalizations of sickle cell anemia (SCA) adults and children, we analyzed the health and meteorological parameters from a metropolis (1999-2018). 1462 hospitalizations were coded for SCA patients in crisis (M:F = 715:747) and 1354 hospitalizations for SCA patients without crisis (M:F = 698:656) [age = 22.9 vs 15.2 years and duration of hospitalization (DoH) = 5.7 vs 4.4 days, respectively,]. More hospitalizations were for adults than children in crisis, and for children than adults without crisis. More children and adults were hospitalized in winter andspring than in summer and autumn Hospitalizations correlated positively with humidity (lag -5), maximum pressure (lag -2), mean pressure (lag -2), and thermal amplitude (lag -2), and negatively with maximum temperature (lag -3). DoH positively correlated with minimum temperature (lag -4). Understanding these complex associations would induce attitudinal/behavioral modifications among patients and their caregivers.

Estrategias didácticas, en el marco de la innovación de la malla curricular 2015, de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas - UNA de la carrera de medicina. Una visión desde la percepción de los docentes y estudiantes / Didactic strategies, within the framework of the innovation of the curricular mesh 2015, of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the career of medicine. A vision from the perception of teachers and students

Las estrategias didácticas cumplen un papel relevante en la innovación de la malla curricular, esta investigación tiene por finalidad comprender el proceso de cambio instaurado en la facultad desde la percepción de los actores principales, desde varias aristas relacionadas como la infraestructura, materiales de apoyo e información sobre la malla innovada. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar e interpretar la percepción que tienen los docentes y estudiantes del ciclo básico de la carrera de medicina de Asunción, en relación a la innovación curricular y permitirnos reflexionar y contribuir a este proceso dinámico que está llegando al ciclo clínico, a través de una investigación cualitativa con enfoque hermenéutico

Didactic strategies play a relevant role in the innovation of the curricular mesh, this research aims to understand the process of change established in the faculty from the perception of the main actors, from several related aspects such as infrastructure, support materials and information on the innovated curriculum. Our objective was to analyze and interpret the perception that teachers and students of the basic cycle of the medical career have, in relation to curricular innovation and allow us to reflect and contribute to this dynamic process that is reaching the clinical cycle, through a qualitative research with a hermeneutical approach

Air quality assessment in Southeast Brazil during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: report of increased air pollution.

On March 24, 2020, a partial lockdown was decreed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, as a measure to hinder the spread of COVID-19, which consisted in prohibiting crowding and advising people to stay home, except for urgent or extremely necessary matters. Based on studies performed in other countries, this study aims to assess the impacts of the lockdown on the air quality of five cities in the state of São Paulo. Our study was conducted by using particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide as air quality indicators, and by correlating the contaminants concentrations with weather data. The results showed an increase in these contaminants in all cities within the first weeks after the lockdown compared with the weeks before the decree and with the same period in previous years. This result is inconsistent with the literature. Therefore, a secondary goal was set to investigate the possible cause (or causes) of such deterioration in air quality, which led to the increased number of wildfires. The anomalous dry weather favored the burning of vegetation in agricultural rural areas and in small, vegetated areas near the municipalities, and limited pollution scavenging by rainfall, both of which contributed to higher pollution concentration. We hypothesize the possible effects of worse air quality on the aggravation of COVID-19, but further research is necessary to obtain a complete assessment.

Multilevel analysis of birthplace effect on the proportion of C-Section in Colombia" / Análisis multinivel del efecto del lugar de nacimiento en la proporción de partos por cesárea en Colombia

Abstract Objectives: To determine the general contextual effect of the department in the variation of Cesarean section in Colombia in 2016, and their individual and contextual related factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on a birth cohort. We used the birth certificate database from January 1 to December 31, 2016. Three multilevel logistic models were constructed. Pregnant women were set at the first level and department at the second level. We fitted a null multilevel model followed by two multiple models, including individual and individual and department variables, respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of C-section was 45.5% (95% CI: 45.4-45.6), ranged from 5 to 76%. The variance partition coefficient was 15%. Individual factors did not explain the general contextual effect. However, the region to which these departments belong explained 71% of the variance. The Caribbean region was positively associated with C-section compared to the Andean region (OR:3.88, 95% CI: 2.65-5.67). Conclusions: Multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy showed that the department plays an important role in the variation of C-sections in Colombia. Our results suggest that the proportional universalism approach should be applied to reduce the proportion of C-Section, focusing on departments with the highest risk and on the Caribbean and Insular region.

Resumen Objetivos: Determinar el efecto contextual de los límites político administrativo de los departamentos, en la posibilidad individual de cesárea en el año 2016 y, las características individuales y contextuales asociadas a la misma. Métodos: Estudio transversal de una cohorte de nacimientos. Se realizó un análisis multinivel utilizando como fuente la base de datos de los certificados de nacimientos de Colombia desde el 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se elaboraron tres modelos logísticos multinivel, con las gestantes en el primer nivel y el departamento como segundo nivel. El primer modelo incluyó solo el departamento como efecto aleatorio, seguido de otro con variables individuales y el último incluyó también las variables de contexto. Resultados: La proporción de cesáreas fue de 45.5% (IC 95%: 45.4-45.6), con un rango de 5% al 76%. El coeficiente de partición de varianza fue de 15%, indicando la existencia de una considerable desigualdad geográfica en la posibilidad del parto por cesárea. La región a la que pertenecen los departamentos explicó 71 % de la varianza entre departamentos. En particular, la región Caribe se asoció de manera positiva con la posibilidad de cesáreas comparado con la región Andina (OR:3.88, IC 95%: 2.65-5.67). Conclusiones: El análisis multinivel de la heterogeneidad individual mostró que el departamento juega un papel importante en la posibilidad de partos por cesáreas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que intervenciones con enfoque de universalismo proporcional son necesarias para reducir el parto por cesárea con énfasis en los departamentos de mayor riesgo y en la región Caribe e Insular

Multilevel analysis of birthplace effect on the proportion of C-Section in Colombia".

Objectives: To determine the general contextual effect of the department in the variation of Cesarean section in Colombia in 2016, and their individual and contextual related factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on a birth cohort. We used the birth certificate database from January 1 to December 31, 2016. Three multilevel logistic models were constructed. Pregnant women were set at the first level and department at the second level. We fitted a null multilevel model followed by two multiple models, including individual and individual and department variables, respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of C-section was 45.5% (95% CI: 45.4-45.6), ranged from 5 to 76%. The variance partition coefficient was 15%. Individual factors did not explain the general contextual effect. However, the region to which these departments belong explained 71% of the variance. The Caribbean region was positively associated with C-section compared to the Andean region (OR:3.88, 95% CI: 2.65-5.67). Conclusions: Multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy showed that the department plays an important role in the variation of C-sections in Colombia. Our results suggest that the proportional universalism approach should be applied to reduce the proportion of C-Section, focusing on departments with the highest risk and on the Caribbean and Insular region.

Objetivos: Determinar el efecto contextual de los límites político administrativo de los departamentos, en la posibilidad individual de cesárea en el año 2016 y, las características individuales y contextuales asociadas a la misma. Métodos: Estudio transversal de una cohorte de nacimientos. Se realizó un análisis multinivel utilizando como fuente la base de datos de los certificados de nacimientos de Colombia desde el 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se elaboraron tres modelos logísticos multinivel, con las gestantes en el primer nivel y el departamento como segundo nivel. El primer modelo incluyó solo el departamento como efecto aleatorio, seguido de otro con variables individuales y el último incluyó también las variables de contexto. Resultados: La proporción de cesáreas fue de 45.5% (IC 95%: 45.4-45.6), con un rango de 5% al 76%. El coeficiente de partición de varianza fue de 15%, indicando la existencia de una considerable desigualdad geográfica en la posibilidad del parto por cesárea. La región a la que pertenecen los departamentos explicó 71 % de la varianza entre departamentos. En particular, la región Caribe se asoció de manera positiva con la posibilidad de cesáreas comparado con la región Andina (OR:3.88, IC 95%: 2.65-5.67). Conclusiones: El análisis multinivel de la heterogeneidad individual mostró que el departamento juega un papel importante en la posibilidad de partos por cesáreas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que intervenciones con enfoque de universalismo proporcional son necesarias para reducir el parto por cesárea con énfasis en los departamentos de mayor riesgo y en la región Caribe e Insular.

Air quality assessment in Southeast Brazil during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: report of increased air pollution / Avaliação da qualidade do ar no Sudeste do Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e do confinamento: relato de aumento da poluição atmosférica / Evaluación de la calidad del aire en el sudeste de Brasil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y confinamiento: informe de una mayor contaminación del aire

On March 24, 2020, a partial lockdown was decreed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, as a measure to hinder the spread of COVID-19, which consisted in prohibiting crowding and advising people to stay home, except for urgent or extremely necessary matters. Based on studies performed in other countries, this study aims to assess the impacts of the lockdown on the air quality of five cities in the state of São Paulo. Our study was conducted by using particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide as air quality indicators, and by correlating the contaminants concentrations with weather data. The results showed an increase in these contaminants in all cities within the first weeks after the lockdown compared with the weeks before the decree and with the same period in previous years. This result is inconsistent with the literature. Therefore, a secondary goal was set to investigate the possible cause (or causes) of such deterioration in air quality, which led to the increased number of wildfires. The anomalous dry weather favored the burning of vegetation in agricultural rural areas and in small, vegetated areas near the municipalities, and limited pollution scavenging by rainfall, both of which contributed to higher pollution concentration. We hypothesize the possible effects of worse air quality on the aggravation of COVID-19, but further research is necessary to obtain a complete assessment.

Em 24 de março de 2020, foi decretado confinamento parcial no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, como medida para desacelerar a disseminação da COVID-19. O decreto consistia na proibição de aglomerações e na recomendação para as pessoas permanecerem em casa, exceto em situações urgentes ou de extrema necessidade. Na esteira de estudos realizados em outros países, o artigo busca avaliar os impactos do confinamento na qualidade do ar em cinco cidades no Estado de São Paulo. Nosso estudo foi realizado com o material particulado e dióxido de nitrogênio enquanto indicadores da qualidade do ar e pela correlação das concentrações dos contaminantes com dados meteorológicos. Os resultados mostraram um aumento desses contaminantes em todas as cinco cidades dentro das primeiras semanas depois do confinamento, comparado às semanas que antecederam o decreto e com o mesmo período em anos anteriores. O resultado é inconsistente com os achados usualmente relatados em outros estudos. Portanto, foi definido um objetivo secundário a fim de investigar a possível causa (ou causas) da piora na qualidade do ar, o que revelou um aumento no número de incêndios. O tempo anormalmente seco favoreceu a queima de vegetação nas áreas agrícolas rurais e em pequenas áreas de vegetação próximas às cidades, além do limitado escoamento da poluição pela chuva, o que contribuiu à maior concentração de poluentes. Os achados sugerem hipóteses sobre os possíveis efeitos dessa situação de pior qualidade do ar sobre o agravamento de casos de COVID-19, porém são necessários mais estudos para uma avaliação completa.

El 24 de marzo de 2020 se decretó un confinamiento parcial en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil, como medida para evitar la propagación de la COVID-19, que consistió en prohibir aglomeraciones de personas y avisar a la gente que permaneciera en casa, salvo para asuntos urgentes o extremadamente necesarios. Siguiendo algunos estudios realizados en otros países, el objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los impactos del confinamiento en la calidad del aire de ciudades en el estado de São Paulo. Nuestro estudio fue realizado usando material particulado y dióxido de nitrógeno, como indicadores de la calidad del aire, y mediante la correlación de las concentraciones de contaminantes con los datos meteorológicos. Los resultados mostraron un incremento en estos contaminantes en todas las ciudades dentro de las primeras semanas tras el confinamiento, comparando las semanas antes del decreto y dentro del mismo periodo en los años previos. Este resultado es inconsistente con aquellos que han sido informados en otros estudios. Por ello, un objetivo secundario fue investigar la posible causa (o causas) de tal deterioro en la calidad del aire, que conduce a un incremento en el número de incendios. La climatología seca anómala favoreció la quema de vegetación en las áreas rurales agrícolas, y en áreas con poca vegetación cerca de las ciudades, y la eliminación limitada de la contaminación gracias a la lluvia, ambos contribuyeron a una mayor concentración de contaminación. Se especula que los posibles efectos de esta situación de una peor calidad del aire podrían afectar en el agravamiento de los casos de COVID-19, pero son quizás necesarias más investigaciones para conseguir una evaluación completa.

Ten-year seasonal climate reforecasts over South America using the Eta Regional Climate Model.

Ten-year seasonal climate reforecasts over South America are obtained using the Eta Regional Climate Model at 40 km resolution, driven by the large-scale forcing from the global atmospheric model of the Center for Weather Forecasts and Climate Studies. The objective of this work is to evaluate these regional reforecasts. The dataset is comprised of four-month seasonal forecasts performed on a monthly basis between 2001 and 2010. An ensemble of five members is constructed from five slightly different initial conditions to partially reduce the uncertainty in the seasonal forecasts. The seasonal mean precipitation and 2-meter temperature forecasts are compared with the observations. The comparison shows that, in general, forecasted precipitation is underestimated in the central part of the continent in the austral summer, whereas the forecasted 2 meter temperature is underestimated in most parts of the continent and throughout the year. Skill scores show higher skill in the northern part of the continent and lower skill in the southern part of the continent, but mixed skill signs are seen in the central part of the continent. During the El Niño and La Niña seasons, the forecast skill scores clearly increase. The downscaling of the Eta model seasonal forecasts provides added value over the driver global model forecasts, especially during rainy periods.

Autoimmune Disorders and Multiple Myeloma- Two Illustrative Case Reports and a Literature Review / Trastornos autoinmunes y Mieloma Múltiple- Dos Reportes de Casos Ilustrativos y una Revisión de la Literatura

Abstract Several autoimmune disorders have been associated with a variety of hematopoietic malignancies, particularly lympho-proliferative disorders. Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematologic malignancies and has been described in the context of a variety of autoimmune conditions. Due to their diversity and rarity, the clinical features of autoimmune conditions associated with MM have not been elucidated and the pathogenesis remains unclear. In this report, we describe two cases of autoimmune conditions in the setting of MM and review the current literature.

Resumen Varios trastornos autoinmunes se han asociado a una variedad de neoplasias malignas hematopoyéticas, particularmente trastornos linfoproliferativos. El mieloma múltiple (MM) es una de las neoplasias malignas hematológicas más comunes y ha sido descrito en el contexto de una variedad de condiciones autoinmunes. Debido a su diversidad y rareza, las características clínicas de las condiciones autoinmunes asociadas con el MM no han sido aclaradas y la patogénesis sigue siendo poco clara. En este artículo se describen dos casos de condiciones autoinmunes en el marco del MM y se realiza una revisión de la literatura actual.

Trisomía 22 en un recién nacido de 39 semanas / Trisomy 22 in a newborn infant of 39 weeks

En este reporte presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino nacido de 39 semanas, producto de tercera gestación (dos abortos anteriores) de madre de 38 años y padre de 46 años. Las características clínicas del paciente incluyen macrocefalia, fontanela anterior amplia con diástasis de sutura sagital, escleras grisáceas, pabellones auriculares displásicos de implantación baja, raíz nasal corta, pliegue simiano en mano derecha e hirsutismo. Se obtienen tomografía axial computarizada de cráneo y resonancia magnética cerebral que presentan agenesia de cuerpo calloso y dilatación del asta occipital de los ventrículos laterales. El cariotipo en sangre periférica evidencia trisomía parcial del cromosoma 22 (47, XY+22, del (22) (q11.2qter)). El paciente requirió 7 días de hospitalización y se da egreso hospitalario en buenas condiciones generales pero con un retardo psicomotor severo e hipotonía generalizada. Dadas las malformaciones estructurales severas que se presentan en este síndrome, los embarazos a término y la supervivencia postnatal de los niños con trisomía 22 son eventos muy raros. El caso de este paciente complementa otros reportes ilustrando que la trisomía 22 puede sobrevivir más allá del nacimiento.

In this report, we present the case of a male patient who was born 39 weeks, the product of third gestation (two previous abortions) with a 38 year old mother and a 46 year old father. The clinical characteristics of the patient include macrocephaly, extensive anterior fontanelle with diastasis recti sagittal suture, ochronosis grayish pavilions dysplastic headphones lowset, short nasal root, simian crease in her right hand and hirsutism. We obtained a computerized axial tomography of skull and a brain magnetic resonance with agenesis of the corpus callosum and dilation of the ASTA occipital of the lateral ventricles. The karyotype in peripheral blood evidence partial trisomy of chromosome 22 (47, XY+22, del (22) (q11.2qter)). The patient required 7 days of hospitalization and was released from the hospital in good condition overall, but with a psychomotor retardation and severe generalized hypotonia. Given the severe structural malformations that are present in this syndrome, the term pregnancy and post birth survival of children with trisomy 22 are very rare events. The case of this patient complements other reports illustrating that trisomy 22 can survive beyond birth.

Temperature variation in the 24 hours before the initial symptoms of stroke.

UNLABELLED: A few studies have performed to evaluate the temperature variation influences over on the stroke rates in Brazil. METHOD: 176 medical records of inpatients were analyzed after having had a stroke between 2004 and 2006 at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The temperature preceding the occurrence of the symptoms was recorded, as well as the temperature 6, 12 and 24 hours before the symptoms in 6 different weather substations, closest to their houses in São Paulo. RESULTS: Strokes occurred more frequently after a variation of 3 C between 6 and 24 hours before the symptoms. There were most hospitalizations between 23-24 C. CONCLUSION: Incidence of stroke on these patients was increased after a variation of 3 masculine Celsius within 24 hours before the ictus. The temperature variations could be an important factor in the occurrence of strokes in this population.

Temperature variation in the 24 hours before the initial symptoms of stroke / Variação da temperatura nas 24 horas anteriores aos sintomas iniciais do acidente vascular cerebral

A few studies have performed to evaluate the temperature variation influences over on the stroke rates in Brazil. METHOD: 176 medical records of inpatients were analyzed after having had a stroke between 2004 and 2006 at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The temperature preceding the occurrence of the symptoms was recorded, as well as the temperature 6, 12 and 24 hours before the symptoms in 6 different weather substations, closest to their houses in São Paulo. RESULTS: Strokes occurred more frequently after a variation of 3ºC between 6 and 24 hours before the symptoms. There were most hospitalizations between 23-24ºC. CONCLUSION: Incidence of stroke on these patients was increased after a variation of 3º Celsius within 24 hours before the ictus. The temperature variations could be an important factor in the occurrence of strokes in this population.

Poucos trabalhos têm estudado a variação sazonal e de temperatura em acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) no Brasil. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 176 registros de pacientes com AVC no Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein entre 2004 e 2006. Foram anotadas as temperaturas ambientes do início dos sintomas, bem como as temperaturas de 6, 12 e 24 horas antes dos sintomas, em 6 diferentes subestações metereológicas mais próximas da casa do paciente em São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento da incidência do AVC com a variação de 3ºC entre 6 e 24 horas antes do início dos sintomas. Houve um pico de internação entre 23-24ºC. CONCLUSÃO: A variação de temperatura de 3ºC nas 24 horas que antecederam o início dos sintomas pode ter sido um fator importante na ocorrência do AVC.

[Climatic aspects in hantavirus transmission areas in São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Aspectos climáticos em áreas de transmissão de hantavirose no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of reported hantavirus cases in São Paulo State, Brazil (n = 80), from 1993 to 2005 and identify local climatic patterns during this period. Kernel point estimation of density was used to show the highest concentrations in Ribeirão Preto, São Carlos, Franca, Tupi Paulista, and Greater São Paulo. Increase in the number of cases during this period suggests disease dissemination even when considering increased diagnostic capacity and higher sensitivity of the health services. There was a marked seasonal variation in hantavirus in the cerrado (savannah) areas; the common pattern is a higher incidence in drier months as compared to mean levels in the last 40 years. These coincide with periods of high rodent food source levels in grains, sugarcane, and other crops. Harvesting and storing grains increases human exposure to rodents. Climatic indicators together with ecological variables can be local transmission risk markers and should receive more attention in epidemiological monitoring and control of the disease.

Aspectos climáticos em áreas de transmissão de hantavirose no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Climatic aspects in hantavirus transmission areas in São Paulo State, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a distribuição espacial dos casos notificados de hantavirose (n = 80) no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de 1993 a 2005, e identificar os padrões climáticos locais nos anos de registro da doença. Foi utilizado o estimador de densidade de pontos de kernel que apontou maior concentração nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto, São Carlos, Franca, Tupi Paulista e Grande São Paulo. O aumento do número de casos no período sugere disseminação da doença, embora se considere o aumento da capacidade diagnóstica e maior sensibilidade do sistema de saúde. Registrou-se marcada sazonalidade da hantavirose nas áreas de cerrado, com padrão comum, isto é, maior incidência em meses com baixa pluviosidade, comparados com médias dos últimos quarenta anos. Esses períodos coincidem com épocas de maior disponibilidade de alimentos a roedores em cultura de grãos, cana e outros. A colheita e armazenamento desses grãos aumentam a exposição de populações humanas aos roedores. Indicadores climáticos em conjunto com variáveis ecológicas podem compor marcadores de risco de transmissão local a serem valorizados nas ações de vigilância epidemiológica e controle da doença.

The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of reported hantavirus cases in São Paulo State, Brazil (n = 80), from 1993 to 2005 and identify local climatic patterns during this period. Kernel point estimation of density was used to show the highest concentrations in Ribeirão Preto, São Carlos, Franca, Tupi Paulista, and Greater São Paulo. Increase in the number of cases during this period suggests disease dissemination even when considering increased diagnostic capacity and higher sensitivity of the health services. There was a marked seasonal variation in hantavirus in the cerrado (savannah) areas; the common pattern is a higher incidence in drier months as compared to mean levels in the last 40 years. These coincide with periods of high rodent food source levels in grains, sugarcane, and other crops. Harvesting and storing grains increases human exposure to rodents. Climatic indicators together with ecological variables can be local transmission risk markers and should receive more attention in epidemiological monitoring and control of the disease.