Application of non-invasive neuromodulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve their sleep quality and constipation.

BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders have a very wide clinical variability. A common prevalent factor is problems with stool and sleep quality. Currently, there are multiple studies related to their evaluation, but not so much related to a specific intervention. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the application of non-invasive neuromodulation as a treatment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve constipation and quality of sleep. METHODS: A total of 23 minors aged between 2 and 16 were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants were applied the microcurrent device for 60 min, 3 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. The technique was based on non-invasive neuromodulation using a surface-applied microcurrent electrostimulation device that administers an external, imperceptible, pulsed electrical stimulation. It is applied to the extremities, in a coordinated manner, using gloves and anklets connected with electrodes to a control console. Sleep latency and microarousals were evaluated through a sleep diary. To assess the evolution and type of defecation, the adapted and validated version in Spanish of the Bristol Stool Form Scale was used. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred during the study and no incidences were registered. Clinically relevant improvements were registered in defecation frequency and type as well as in sleep related parameters. An increase in the hours of sleep was registered, from 7,35 (0,83) to 9,09 (1,35), and sleep interruptions decreased from 3,83 (1,95) to 1,17 (1,11), (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Microcurrents can be used as an effective and safe treatment to improve quality of sleep and constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. More studies are needed in order to obtain statistically significant results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05265702. FIRST REGISTRATION: 03/03/2022 PROTOCOL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05265702?term=baez+suarez&draw=2&rank=4.

[External Quality Control in Immunohematology of National Medical Center's Blood Bank. History and present]. / Control de Calidad Externo en Inmunohematología del Banco de Sangre del Centro Médico Nacional. Historia y presente.

For the proper functioning of the Immunohematology Area, an External Quality Control was established since 1973 through a program that evaluates the performance of the laboratories of the Blood Bank and transfusion services that carry out immunohematology tests. This program consists of sending panel cells to participating blood banks or services, which are phenotyped erythrocyte samples previously studied as problem cases but whose results are unknown by the participating laboratories. The processes in which the program is of most importance are determination of the ABO group, determination of Rh, performance of the direct and indirect Coombs test, and pre-transfusion compatibility tests. It was carried out an observational and retrospective study of the results obtained in the 2020 period from 104 units participating in the Immunohematology Quality Control Program of the National Medical Center's Blood Bank. A panel of cells was sent for external quality control of immunohematology every 45 days, resulting in 9 panels for each unit in the studied period. Compliance with the program was observed in the general result (79.6%), i.e., there was a decrease in the participation of the registered units. Of a maximum score of 100% to be obtained, it was observed a general result of 95.3% compliance of the participating units. The results obtained confirm the good general training of the immunohematology laboratories of the participating units. Yet, as in any external control program, it becomes clear that obtaining an erroneous result is a risk that can occur in any laboratory.

Para el buen funcionamiento del Área de Inmunohematología, desde 1973 se instauró el Control de Calidad Externo con un programa que evalúa los laboratorios del Banco de Sangre y los servicios de transfusión que hacen pruebas de inmunohematología. El programa consiste en enviar a los bancos de sangre, o servicios participantes, células panel, que son muestras de eritrocitos fenotipados y previamente estudiados como casos problema, pero cuyos resultados son desconocidos por los laboratorios participantes. Los procesos en los que el programa es de suma importancia son determinación del grupo ABO, determinación del Rh, realización de la prueba de Coombs directa e indirecta y las pruebas de compatibilidad pretransfusionales. Se hizo un estudio observacional y retrospectivo de los resultados de 2020 de 104 unidades participantes en el Programa de Control de Calidad de Inmunohematología del Banco de Sangre del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI. Se envió un panel de células para el control de calidad externo de inmunohematología cada 45 días y dio como resultado nueve paneles para cada unidad. El cumplimiento del programa se observó en el resultado general (79.6%), es decir, disminuyó la participación de las unidades inscritas. De una calificación máxima de 100%, hubo un resultado general de las unidades participantes del 95.3% de cumplimiento. Los resultados confirman la buena capacitación general de los laboratorios de inmunohematología de las unidades participantes. Aun así, como en cualquier programa de control externo, obtener un resultado erróneo es un riesgo que puede presentarse en cualquier laboratorio.

Long-term health outcomes in young adults after Kawasaki disease.

Background: We compared the long-term health of adults with prior Kawasaki disease (KD) to controls and determined whether outcomes varied by coronary artery (CA) status. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 258 KD subjects (mean 19 ± 9 years since KD) and 148 age-similar controls who completed extensive health questionnaires. KD subjects were divided into 2 groups, Cohort 1: 109 subjects followed since KD diagnosis at our institution; Cohort 2: 149 KD subjects diagnosed elsewhere. Results: KD subjects and controls were of similar age at the time of questionnaire completion (p = 0.50). Overall, 128 subjects (including 60 in Cohort 1) reported normal CAs during and after KD. Compared to controls, KD subjects with normal CAs reported several medical conditions with increased prevalence including migraine headaches, shortness of breath, and leg pain with walking, among others. When limited to Cohort 1, KD subjects were significantly more likely to report chest pain (47% vs 16%, p < 0.001) or palpitations (23% vs 10%, p = 0.01) compared to controls. Prevalence of depression was similar (7% vs 5%, p = 0.73). Conclusions: Despite always having normal CAs in the acute and subacute phases of KD, young adults with a history of KD with normal coronaries were more likely than controls to experience cardiovascular symptoms. These differences could be influenced by anxiety or depression, but report of depression was similar between groups. Whether these health differences reflect a heightened awareness of symptoms among KD subjects, or underlying vascular pathology (i.e. vasospasm, microvascular dysfunction, other) merits further study.

Association between inflammatory molecules, nitric oxide metabolites and leg ulcers in individuals with sickle cell anemia

Abstract Introduction Leg ulcers (LUs) are relatively common in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The role of inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in the pathophysiology of the LU is not understood. Objective The aim of this study was to verify the association between inflammatory molecules and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and the occurrence of the LU in patients with SCA. Method It was a cross-sectional study on adult participants with SCA followed at Fundação Hemominas, a public blood center in Brazil. Eligible participants were recruited and included in one of two groups: Group 1, comprised of cases with SCA (Hb SS) and at least one LU at the time of inclusion in the study and Group 2, comprised of controls with SCA without a history of LU, matched by sex and age to cases. Participants were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data and blood samples were collected. Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from medical records. Nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and inflammatory molecules were quantified using an immunoassay and Multiplex xMAP® technology, respectively. Eighty-seven individuals were included, ranging in age from 17 to 61 years (mean 40 ± 10.7 years); 30 had LU and 57 were controls without LU. Results Participants with LU had significantly higher levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, IL-15, NOx and platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, when compared to those without LU. Participants with LU had a significantly higher risk of having a history of osteomyelitis and a higher use of antiseptic soap in bathing, when compared to those without LU. Conclusion In conclusion, our results showed that NOx, inflammatory molecules and hematological features were associated with LU in Brazilian adults with SCA.

Association between inflammatory molecules, nitric oxide metabolites and leg ulcers in individuals with sickle cell anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Leg ulcers (LUs) are relatively common in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The role of inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in the pathophysiology of the LU is not understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the association between inflammatory molecules and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and the occurrence of the LU in patients with SCA. METHOD: It was a cross-sectional study on adult participants with SCA followed at Fundação Hemominas, a public blood center in Brazil. Eligible participants were recruited and included in one of two groups: Group 1, comprised of cases with SCA (Hb SS) and at least one LU at the time of inclusion in the study and Group 2, comprised of controls with SCA without a history of LU, matched by sex and age to cases. Participants were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data and blood samples were collected. Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from medical records. Nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and inflammatory molecules were quantified using an immunoassay and Multiplex xMAP® technology, respectively. Eighty-seven individuals were included, ranging in age from 17 to 61 years (mean 40 ±â€¯10.7 years); 30 had LU and 57 were controls without LU. RESULTS: Participants with LU had significantly higher levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, IL-15, NOx and platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, when compared to those without LU. Participants with LU had a significantly higher risk of having a history of osteomyelitis and a higher use of antiseptic soap in bathing, when compared to those without LU. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results showed that NOx, inflammatory molecules and hematological features were associated with LU in Brazilian adults with SCA.

Anakinra Treatment in Patients with Acute Kawasaki Disease with Coronary Artery Aneurysms: A Phase I/IIa Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunomodulatory effects of 2-6 weeks of anakinra therapy in patients with acute Kawasaki disease with a coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a Phase I/IIa dose-escalation study of anakinra (2-11 mg/kg/day) in 22 patients with acute Kawasaki disease with CAA. We measured interleukin (IL)-1RA concentrations after the first dose and trough levels up to study week 6. Markers of inflammation and coronary artery z-scores were assessed pretreatment and at 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after initiation of therapy. RESULTS: Up to 6 weeks of anakinra (up to 11 mg/kg/day) was safe and well tolerated by the 22 participants (median age, 1.1 years), with no serious adverse events attributable to the study drug. All participants were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and 20 also received infliximab (10 mg/kg) before initiation of anakinra. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α decreased similarly in patients with Kawasaki disease treated with IVIG, infliximab, and anakinra compared with age- and sex-matched patients with Kawasaki disease treated only with IVIG and infliximab. Anakinra clearance increased with illness day at diagnosis. Simulations demonstrated that more frequent intravenous (IV) dosing may result in more sustained concentrations without significantly increasing the peak concentration compared with subcutaneous (SC) dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Both IV and SC anakinra are safe in infants and children with acute Kawasaki disease and CAA. IV dosing every 8-12 hours during the acute hospitalization of patients with Kawasaki disease may result in a sustained concentration while avoiding frequent SC injections. The efficacy of a short course of IV therapy during hospitalization should be studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02179853.

Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 and common cold coronavirus-specific T-cell responses in MIS-C and Kawasaki disease children.

The immunopathogenesis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children that may follow exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is incompletely understood. Here, we studied SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in MIS-C, Kawasaki disease (KD), and SARS-CoV-2 convalescent controls using peptide pools derived from SARS-CoV-2 spike or nonspike proteins, and common cold coronaviruses (CCC). Coordinated CD4+ and CD8+ SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were detected in five MIS-C subjects with cross-reactivity to CCC. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses alone were documented in three and one subjects, respectively. T-cell specificities in MIS-C did not correlate with disease severity and were similar to SARS-CoV-2 convalescent controls. T-cell memory and cross-reactivity to CCC in MIS-C and SARS-CoV-2 convalescent controls were also similar. The chemokine receptor CCR6, but not CCR9, was highly expressed on SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ but not on CD8+ T cells. Only two of 10 KD subjects showed a T-cell response to CCC. Enumeration of myeloid APCs revealed low cell precursors in MIS-C subjects compared to KD. In summary, children with MIS-C mount a normal T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 with no apparent relationship to antecedent CCC exposure. Low numbers of tolerogenic myeloid DCs may impair their anti-inflammatory response.

Immune response to intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with Kawasaki disease and MIS-C.

BACKGROUNDMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but potentially severe illness that follows exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Kawasaki disease (KD) shares several clinical features with MIS-C, which prompted the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a mainstay therapy for KD. Both diseases share a robust activation of the innate immune system, including the IL-1 signaling pathway, and IL-1 blockade has been used for the treatment of both MIS-C and KD. The mechanism of action of IVIG in these 2 diseases and the cellular source of IL-1ß have not been defined.METHODSThe effects of IVIG on peripheral blood leukocyte populations from patients with MIS-C and KD were examined using flow cytometry and mass cytometry (CyTOF) and live-cell imaging.RESULTSCirculating neutrophils were highly activated in patients with KD and MIS-C and were a major source of IL-1ß. Following IVIG treatment, activated IL-1ß+ neutrophils were reduced in the circulation. In vitro, IVIG was a potent activator of neutrophil cell death via PI3K and NADPH oxidase, but independently of caspase activation.CONCLUSIONSActivated neutrophils expressing IL-1ß can be targeted by IVIG, supporting its use in both KD and MIS-C to ameliorate inflammation.FUNDINGPatient Centered Outcomes Research Institute; NIH; American Asthma Foundation; American Heart Association; Novo Nordisk Foundation; NIGMS; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation.

Biochemical characterization of a recombinant acid phosphatase from Acinetobacter baumannii.

Genomic sequence analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii revealed the presence of a putative Acid Phosphatase (AcpA; EC 3.1.3.2). A plasmid construct was made, and recombinant protein (rAcpA) was expressed in E. coli. PAGE analysis (carried out under denaturing/reducing conditions) of nickel-affinity purified protein revealed the presence of a near-homogeneous band of approximately 37 kDa. The identity of the 37 kDa species was verified as rAcpA by proteomic analysis with a molecular mass of 34.6 kDa from the deduced sequence. The dependence of substrate hydrolysis on pH was broad with an optimum observed at 6.0. Kinetic analysis revealed relatively high affinity for PNPP (Km = 90 µM) with Vmax, kcat, and Kcat/Km values of 19.2 pmoles s-1, 4.80 s-1(calculated on the basis of 37 kDa), and 5.30 x 104 M-1s-1, respectively. Sensitivity to a variety of reagents, i.e., detergents, reducing, and chelating agents as well as classic acid phosphatase inhibitors was examined in addition to assessment of hydrolysis of a number of phosphorylated compounds. Removal of phosphate from different phosphorylated compounds is supportive of broad, i.e., 'nonspecific' substrate specificity; although, the enzyme appears to prefer phosphotyrosine and/or peptides containing phosphotyrosine in comparison to serine and threonine. Examination of the primary sequence indicated the absence of signature sequences characteristic of Type A, B, and C nonspecific bacterial acid phosphatases.

Presentation and Outcomes of Kawasaki Disease in Latin American Infants Younger Than 6 Months of Age: A Multinational Multicenter Study of the REKAMLATINA Network.

Objective: To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of Kawasaki disease (KD) in infants <6 months of age as compared to those ≥6 months in Latin America. Methods: We evaluated 36 infants <6 months old and 940 infants ≥6 months old diagnosed with KD in Latin America. We compared differences in laboratory data, clinical presentation, treatment response, and coronary artery outcomes between the two cohorts. Results: The majority (78.1%) of infants and children ≥6 months of age were initially diagnosed with KD, as compared to only 38.2% of infants <6 months. Clinical features of KD were more commonly observed in the older cohort: oral changes (92 vs. 75%, P = 0.0023), extremity changes (74.6 vs. 57.1%, P = 0.029), and cervical lymphadenopathy (67.6 vs. 37.1%, P = 0.0004). Whether treated in the first 10 days of illness or after the 10th day, infants <6 months were at greater risk of developing a coronary artery aneurysm compared to KD patients ≥6 months treated at the same point in the course of illness [ ≤ 10 days (53.8 vs. 9.4%, P = 0.00012); >10 days (50 vs. 7.4%, P = 0.043)]. Conclusion: Our data show that despite treatment in the first 10 days of illness, infants <6 months of age in Latin America have a higher risk of developing a coronary artery aneurysm. Delay in the diagnosis leads to larger coronary artery aneurysms disproportionately in these infants. Thus, suspicion for KD should be high in this vulnerable population.

Test seeking: are healthcare professionals referring people to blood centers for infections marker testing?

ABSTRACT Background: Test-seeking is associated with HIV in Brazilian blood donors. This study sought to investigate the frequency with which three different donor groups: deferred donors, accepted donors who tested HIV positive [HIV (+)], and accepted donors who tested infectious disease markers negative [IDM (−)], came to the blood bank at the suggestion of a health care professional. Study design and methods: Donors deferred for reporting high-risk behaviors and participants in an HIV risk factor case-control study completed a confidential audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) that included two questions related to health care professionals and test-seeking. Results: Of 4013 enrolled deferred donors, 468 (11.8%) reported a health care professional suggested donation as a way to be tested for infection. Of 341 HIV (+) and 791 IDM (−) participants, 43 (12.6%) and 11 (1.4%), respectively, reported a health care professional suggested donation as a way to be tested for infection. Physicians were the most frequently reported source of referral: [(61.5% of deferred, 69.1% of HIV (+), and 9.1% of IDM (−) donors)]. Conclusion: HIV (+) donors and deferred donors were 10 times more likely to report test-seeking behavior by suggestion of health care professional than IDM (−) donors. If true, efforts should be made to educate health care professionals and blood donors on how to safeguard the blood supply, emphasizing that HIV testing should be done at volunteer testing centers rather than at the blood centers.

Test seeking: are healthcare professionals referring people to blood centers for infections marker testing?

BACKGROUND: Test-seeking is associated with HIV in Brazilian blood donors. This study sought to investigate the frequency with which three different donor groups: deferred donors, accepted donors who tested HIV positive [HIV (+)], and accepted donors who tested infectious disease markers negative [IDM (-)], came to the blood bank at the suggestion of a health care professional. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors deferred for reporting high-risk behaviors and participants in an HIV risk factor case-control study completed a confidential audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) that included two questions related to health care professionals and test-seeking. RESULTS: Of 4013 enrolled deferred donors, 468 (11.8%) reported a health care professional suggested donation as a way to be tested for infection. Of 341 HIV (+) and 791 IDM (-) participants, 43 (12.6%) and 11 (1.4%), respectively, reported a health care professional suggested donation as a way to be tested for infection. Physicians were the most frequently reported source of referral: [(61.5% of deferred, 69.1% of HIV (+), and 9.1% of IDM (-) donors)]. CONCLUSION: HIV (+) donors and deferred donors were 10 times more likely to report test-seeking behavior by suggestion of health care professional than IDM (-) donors. If true, efforts should be made to educate health care professionals and blood donors on how to safeguard the blood supply, emphasizing that HIV testing should be done at volunteer testing centers rather than at the blood centers.

Distinct genetic profiles of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis associate with clinical variations in cutaneous-leishmaniasis patients from an endemic area in Brazil.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) samples obtained from the lesions of patients with typical (n = 25, 29%), atypical (n = 60, 69%) or both (n = 2%) clinical manifestations were analysed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, hsp70 restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), hsp70 sequencing and phylogenetics methods. The hsp70 PCR-RFLP analysis revealed two different profiles whose the most samples differed from those expected for Leishmania braziliensis and the other Leishmania species tested: of 39 samples evaluated, two (5%) had a restriction profile corresponding to L. braziliensis, and 37 (95%) had a restriction profile corresponding to a variant pattern. A 1300-bp hsp70 gene fragment was sequenced to aid in parasite identification and a phylogenetic analysis was performed including 26 consensus sequences from the ATL patient's samples and comparing to other Leishmania and trypanosomatids species. The dendrogram allowed to observe a potential population structure of L. braziliensis complex in the studied region, emphasizing that the majority of clinical samples presented a variant genetic profile. Of interest, the L. braziliensis diversity was associated with different clinical manifestations whose parasites with hsp70 variant profile were associated with atypical lesions. The results may be helpful to improve the diagnosis, treatment and control measures of the ATL in endemic areas.

Antimicrobial activity of disinfectants commonly used in the food industry in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: Disinfectants are widely used in food processing environments for microorganism control; their activity can vary according the microorganism and their used in the appropriated concentrations is vital. Hence, the aim of this study was determined the effectiveness and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15 disinfectants commonly used in the food industry in Mexico. METHODS: The antimicrobial activity and the MIC were determined according to AOAC and CLSI, respectively, with approved strains. RESULTS: Most disinfectants reduced 99.999% of microorganisms in suspension after 30s of contact, so reduction rate corresponded at least 5 Log10. Only for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, did all disinfectants have 99.999% effectiveness. For the MIC, only the third generation quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in acid medium did not have values within the range in which is used in the food industry for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. In addition, for all disinfectants the MIC at 5min was two to four times greater than the concentration with the same effect at 10min; moreover, in most cases there was no difference in the MIC at 10 and 15min (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At recommended concentrations, disinfectants had bactericidal activity for at least three of the six microorganisms evaluated. However, the MIC was affected by the exposure time: it was bigger at 5min than at 10min; moreover, in the majority of the cases, it was equal at 10 and 15min; with the results we could have a better understanding of disinfectants use in food processing environments.

Self-reported historic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in a Brazilian blood donor HIV case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There has been increased worldwide emphasis on the many benefits of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus awareness for both infection prevention and improved treatment outcomes. Previous studies indicate that donors may use blood donation to be tested; the objectives of this analysis were to assess, among donors with previously undisclosed risk behavior in the 12 months before donation, the frequency of those who have previously been tested for HIV and the demographic and behavioral factors associated with such testing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this secondary analysis from an HIV case-control study of blood donors in Brazil, we analyzed the response to the question, "Other than blood donation, have you ever been tested for HIV?" Demographic and disclosed risk behaviors associated with previous testing were determined. RESULTS: The study included 341 HIV-positive cases and 791 HIV-negative controls (1:2 case/control ratio). Overall, 31% of blood donors (40% of cases and 26% of controls) reported having been tested for HIV outside of blood donation. History of HIV testing varied according to sex, HIV status, and reported sexual risk behavior. CONCLUSION: Although it is encouraging that previous testing was more frequent in donors with acknowledged sexual risk behavior in Brazil, 60% still had not been tested for HIV outside of the blood donation setting. Educating donors on the importance of not using blood centers as a means to get tested for HIV in Brazil, especially if they engage in higher risk behaviors, and seeking alternate testing venues instead could improve the safety of donated blood.

Seroprevalence of Orthopoxvirus in rural Brazil: insights into anti-OPV immunity status and its implications for emergent zoonotic OPV.

BACKGROUND: Bovine vaccinia (BV) is a zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus, a virus from Orthopoxvirus genus (OPV) that affects mainly cattle herds and humans in rural areas in Brazil. Because most studies have focused on outbreaks situations, data on BV epidemiology is limited. A cross sectional study in Brazilian rural areas during 2012-2013 was conducted to determine the neutralizing antibodies seroprevalence and risk factors for BV. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was applied to elicit demographics data and farming practices considered risk factors for BV exposure. Neutralizing anti-OPV antibodies were investigated using plaque reduction neutralization test. The neutralizing antibodies prevalence rates were calculated and the risk factor analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty participants were enrolled in this study with a prevalence of neutralizing antibodies of 30.8 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 25.3-36.9). In multivariate analysis, age > 35 years (Odds Ratio [OR] = 18.2; CI 95 % = 7.7 - 43.2) and previous outbreak in property (OR = 3.9; C I95 % = 1.2 - 12.6) were independently associated with anti-OPV neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, anti-OPV protective immunity (neutralizing antibody titers) was assessed in an endemic BV Brazilian rural area. Our findings indicate that epidemiological surveillance is required and should be applied by public health authorities to create interventions and/or prevention strategies to avoid viral spread causing future outbreaks among individuals who are under risk of infection.

Hepatitis C: Prevalence of serologic markers and risk factors in blood donors at a large blood centre in South-eastern Brazil (2007-2010).

This study aimed to evaluate the trends of HCV seropositivity rates in first time blood donors from a reference blood centre in Southeast Brazil. Data from the period of 2007-2010 were analysed according to anti-HCV antibodies, donor demographic characteristics and type of donation. There was a marked and continuous decline in prevalence in the analysed period, and in 93,534 first time donors, the prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.09%. Anti-HCV were associated with less education and older age (≥ 35 years). The rates of anti-HCV observed in the present study were lower than in Brazil, but considerably higher than developed countries.

Enfermedad diarreica aguda en niños guatemaltecos menores de 5 años / Acute diarrheic disease in Guatemala children under 5 years

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 678 niños menores de 5 años con enfermedad diarreica aguda, atendidos en el Centro de Atención Permanente de Comitancillo, en Guatemala, desde enero hasta septiembre del 2012, a fin de evaluar las manifestaciones de la mencionada afección en ellos. Se observó un predominio de los pacientes de 1-4 años (74,0 por ciento), el sexo masculino (64,4 por ciento), las señales de peligro y los niños fallecidos (2,5 y 57,1 %, respectivamente), la evaluación nutricional normal en ambos grupos etarios (88,5 por ciento), los menores que acudieron a consulta de 1-3 días después de comenzar el cuadro diarreico (48,0 por ciento), así como las madres con nivel de escolaridad de cuarto y sexto grados de la primaria (48,7 por ciento). La mayoría de los hogares tenían letrina (98,5 por ciento) y se abastecían con agua intradomiciliaria (86,1 por ciento)(AU)

A descriptive and cross sectional study of 678 children under 5 years with acute diarrheic disease, assisted in the Center of Permanent Care of Comitancillo, in Guatemala was carried out from January to September, 2012, in order to evaluate the manifestations of the aforementioned disorder in them. A prevalence of the 1-4 years patients (74.0 percent), male sex (64.4 percent), the signs of danger and the dead children (2.5 and 57.1 percent, respectively), the normal nutritional evaluation in both age groups (88.5 percent), the young children who came 1-3 days after beginning the diarrheic episodes (48.0 percent) were observed, as well as the mothers with school level from fourth to sixth grades of the primary school (48.7 percent). Most of the homes had latrine (98.5 percent), and they were supplied with intradomiciliary water (86.1 percent)(AU)