Combined physical training protects the left ventricle from structural and functional damages in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Under the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV's structure and function. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks. RESULTS: The physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes. CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

Different evolution of S. aureus methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible infections, Argentina.

Staphylococcus aureus-(SA) is widespread among healthcare-associated-(HA) and the community-associated-(CA) infections. However, the contributions of MRSA and MSSA to the SA overall burden remain unclear. In a nationally-representative-survey conducted in Argentina, 668 SA clinical isolates from 61 hospitals were examined in a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study in April 2015. The study aimed to analyze MRSA molecular epidemiology, estimate overall SA infection incidence (MSSA, MRSA, and genotypes) in community-onset (CO: HACO, Healthcare-Associated-CO and CACO, Community-Associated-CO) and healthcare-onset (HO: HAHO, Healthcare-associated-HO) infections, stratified by age groups. Additionally temporal evolution was estimated by comparing this study's (2015) incidence values with a previous study (2009) in the same region. Erythromycin-resistant-MSSA and all MRSA strains were genetically typed. The SA total-infections (TI) overall-incidence was 49.1/100,000 monthly-visits, 25.1 and 24.0 for MRSA and MSSA respectively (P = 0.5889), in April 2015. In adults with invasive-infections (INVI), MSSA was 15.7 and MRSA was 11.8 (P = 0.0288), 1.3-fold higher. HA SA infections, both MSSA and MRSA, surpassed CA infections by over threefold. During 2009-2015, there was a significant 23.4 % increase in the SA infections overall-incidence, mainly driven by MSSA, notably a 54.2 % increase in INVI among adults, while MRSA infection rates remained stable. The MSSA rise was accompanied by increased antimicrobial resistance, particularly to erythromycin, linked to MSSA-CC398-t1451-ermT + -IEC+-pvl- emergence. The SA-infections rise was primarily attributed to community-onset-infections (37.3 % and 62.4 % increase for TI and INVI, respectively), particularly HACO-MSSA and HACO-MRSA in adults, as well as CACO-MSSA. The main CA-MRSA-PFGE-typeN-ST30-SCCmecIVc-PVL+/- clone along with other clones (USA300-ST8-IV-LV-PVL+/-, PFGE-typeDD-ST97-IV- PVL-) added to rather than replaced CA-MRSA-PFGE-typeI-ST5-SCCmecIVa-PVL+/- clone in HA invasive-infections. They also displaced clone HA-MRSA-PFGE-typeA-ST5-SCCmecI, mainly in HAHO infections. The overall-burden of SA infections is rising in Argentina, driven primarily by community-onset MSSA, particularly in adults, linked to increased erythromycin-resistance and MSSA-CC398-t1451-ermT + -IEC+-pvl- emergence. Novel knowledge and transmission-control strategies are required for MSSA.

Technical considerations for percutaneous pulmonary artery cannulation for mechanical circulatory support.

Objectives: Percutaneous pulmonary artery cannulas, used as inflow for left ventricular venting or as outflow for right ventricular mechanical circulatory support, are easily and rapidly deployable with transesophageal and fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: We chose to review our institutional and technical experience with all right atrium to pulmonary artery cannulations. Results: Based on the review, we describe 6 right atrium to pulmonary artery cannulation strategies. They are divided into total right ventricular assist support, partial right ventricular assist support, and left ventricular venting. A single limb cannula or a dual lumen cannula can be used for right ventricular support. Conclusions: In the right ventricular assist device configuration, percutaneous cannulation may prove beneficial in cases of isolated right ventricular failure. Conversely, pulmonary artery cannulation can be used for left ventricular venting as drainage to a cardiopulmonary bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. This article can be used as a reference for the technical aspects of cannulation, decision-making in patient selection, and management of patients in these clinical scenarios.

Systemic infection caused by the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300-LV lineage in a Brazilian child previously colonized.

The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300-Latin American variant (USA300-LV) lineage is well documented in northern Latin American countries. It has replaced established clones in hospital environments. We herein report a systemic infection caused by a USA300-LV isolate in a 15-year-old boy, from a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, previously colonized by the same strain. During hospital stay, seven pvl-positive MRSA USA300-LV isolates were recovered by nasal swab, blood and abscess secretion. The patient underwent intravenous vancomycin, daptomycin, and oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and was discharged after 45 days after full recovery. This is the first documented case of a community-acquired MRSA infection caused by the USA300-LV variant in Brazil in a previously colonized adolescent with no history of recent travel outside of Rio de Janeiro. The need for improved surveillance programs to detect MRSA colonization in order to control the spread of hypervirulent lineages among community and hospital settings is highlighted.

Psychometric Properties of Scales for Assessing the Vision-related Quality of Life of People with Low Vision: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize information on the psychometric properties of scales used to assess vision-related quality of life in people with low vision. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Bireme and Epistemonikos databases were consulted in July 2020. Eligibility assessment of abstracts and full texts was performed independently by two investigators.A standardized template was used for data extraction regarding study design, scale and version, clinical condition of participants, and psychometric properties measured, using database-specific controlled vocabulary terms for low vision and keywords for vision-related quality of life and validity. Data was synthesized considering two approaches for scales validations, Classical Test Theory and Rasch Analysis. RESULTS: A total of 53 articles were included in our analysis. In total, 40 studies evaluated the NEI VFQ scale, four evaluated the IVI scale, two evaluated the VA LV VFQ instrument and seven validated the LVQOL scale. This review found that the VRQoL NEI VFQ, IVI, LVQOL and VA LV VFQ-48 scales have adequate psychometric properties, with good internal consistency, when assessed using the CTT approach. The NEI VFQ scale also showed adequate test-retest reliability and adequate construct and content validity. The NEI VFQ and LVQOL scales showed inadequate items and multidimensionality when Rasch analysis was used. The IVI scale showed potential for assessing change in HRQoL after providing interventions to patients with low vision. CONCLUSIONS: Many questionnaires exist to measure vision-related quality of life in people with low vision, but the psychometric properties of the questionnaires are variable.

Systemic infection caused by the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300-LV lineage in a Brazilian child previously colonized

ABSTRACT The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300-Latin American variant (USA300-LV) lineage is well documented in northern Latin American countries. It has replaced established clones in hospital environments. We herein report a systemic infection caused by a USA300-LV isolate in a 15-year-old boy, from a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, previously colonized by the same strain. During hospital stay, seven pvl-positive MRSA USA300-LV isolates were recovered by nasal swab, blood and abscess secretion. The patient underwent intravenous vancomycin, daptomycin, and oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and was discharged after 45 days after full recovery. This is the first documented case of a community-acquired MRSA infection caused by the USA300-LV variant in Brazil in a previously colonized adolescent with no history of recent travel outside of Rio de Janeiro. The need for improved surveillance programs to detect MRSA colonization in order to control the spread of hypervirulent lineages among community and hospital settings is highlighted.

Diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis.

AIMS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are prevalent in CKD, but their prognostic relevance is debatable. We intent to verify whether LVDD and LVSD are independently predictive of all-cause mortality and if they have comparable or different effects on outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the echocardiographic data of 1285 haemodialysis patients followed up until death or transplantation. LVDD was classified into 4 grades of severity. Endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 30 months, 419/1285 (33%) patients died, 224 (53%) due to CV events. LVDD occurred in 75% of patients, grade 1 DD was the prevalent diastolic abnormality, and pseudonormal pattern was the predominant form of moderate-severe DD. Moderate-severe LVDD (HR 1.379, CI% 1.074-1.770) and LVSD (HR 1.814, CI% 1.265-2.576) independently predicted death; a graded, progressive association was found between LVDD categories and the risk of death; and the impact of isolated severe-moderate LVDD on the risk of death was comparable to that exercised by isolated compromised LV systolic function. CONCLUSION: Moderate-severe LVDD and LVSD were independently associated with a higher probability of death and had a similar impact on survival. A progressive association was observed between LVDD grades and mortality.

Coronary Ostia Localization by 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Patient With Quadricuspid Aortic Valve.

Quadricuspid aortic valve is rare and requires surgery when symptomatic severe regurgitation/stenosis is present. Associated anomalous coronary ostia location demands accurate diagnosis to avoid intraoperative complications, and several imaging techniques have been used, with drawbacks of low sensitivity, radiation and contrast exposure. We report a pre-operative assessment using 3-dimensional echocardiography. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Early systolic lengthening by speckle tracking echocardiography predicts outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Early systolic lengthening (ESL), a paradoxical stretch of myocardial fibers, has been linked to loss of myocardial viability and contractile dysfunction. We assessed the long-term prognostic potential of ESL in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively included patients (n = 709; mean age 68 years; 85% men) who underwent speckle tracking echocardiography (median 15 days) prior to CABG. Endpoints were cardiovascular death (CVD) and all-cause mortality. We assessed amplitude of ESL (%), defined as peak positive strain, and duration of ESL (ms), determined as time from Q-wave on the ECG to peak positive strain. We applied Cox models adjusted for clinical risk assessed as EuroSCORE II. RESULTS: During median follow-up of 3.8 years [IQR 2.7-4.9 years], 45 (6%) experienced CVD and 80 (11%) died. In survival analyses adjusted for EuroSCORE II, each 1% increase in amplitude of ESL was associated with CVD (HR 1.35 [95%CI 1.09-1.68], P = 0.006) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.29 [95%CI 1.08-1.54], P = 0.004). Similar findings applied to duration of ESL (per 10ms increase) and CVD (HR 1.12 [95%CI 1.02-1.23], P = 0.016) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.09 [95%CI 1.01--1.17], P = 0.031). The prognostic value of ESL amplitude was modified by sex (P interaction < 0.05), such that the prognostic value was greater in women for both endpoints. When adding ESL duration to EuroSCORE II, the net reclassification index improved significantly for both CVD and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of ESL provides independent and incremental prognostic information in addition to the EuroSCORE II for CVD and all-cause mortality in CABG patients.

Multimodal image analysis and subvalvular dynamics in ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Background: The exact geometric pathogenesis of leaflet tethering in ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and the relative contribution of each component of the mitral valve complex (MVC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we sought to further elucidate mitral valve (MV) leaflet remodeling and papillary muscle dynamics in an ovine model of IMR with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Methods: Multimodal imaging combining 3DE and MRI was used to analyze the MVC at baseline, 30 minutes post-myocardial infarction (MI), and 12 weeks post-MI in ovine IMR models. Advanced 3D imaging software was used to trace the MVC from each modality, and the tracings were verified against resected specimens. Results: 3DE MV remodeling was regionally heterogenous and observed primarily in the anterior leaflet, with significant increases in surface area, especially in A2 and A3. The posterior leaflet was significantly shortened in P2 and P3. Mean posteromedial papillary muscle (PMPM) volume was decreased from 1.9 ± 0.2 cm3 at baseline to 0.9 ± 0.3 cm3 at 12 weeks post-MI (P < .05). At 12 weeks post-MI, the PMPM was predominately displaced horizontally and outward along the intercommissural axis with minor apical displacement. The subvalvular contribution to tethering is a combination of unilateral movement, outward displacement, and degeneration of the PMPM. These findings have led to a proposed new framework for characterizing PMPM dynamics in IMR. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the complex interrelated and regionally heterogenous valvular and subvalvular mechanisms involved in the geometric pathogenesis of IMR tethering.

Clinical significance of tissue Doppler imaging in chronic Chagas disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (ChD) is one of the main parasitic diseases in Latin-America. Its heart involvement is the most important cause of death. The aim of this study is to evaluate if Doppler Tissue Imaging (DTI) may have a predictive value for later events in subjects with chronic ChD. METHODS: we analyses DTI variables of 543 patients with chronic ChD for the evaluation of predicting factors of events. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were considered as stroke, heart failure resistant to treatment, sustained ventricular tachycardia, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, sudden death, and cardiovascular death. The following findings were also included in total evens: heart failure, bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, new conduction system abnormalities, and new echocardiographic abnormalities. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used in order to assess the Doppler and DTI parameters predicting events. Variables with a P-value ≤ .5 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In patients with chronic ChD, the analysis of DTI parameters showed that S' wave and E' wave of the lateral wall of the left ventricle were significant predictors of MACE (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71-0.96; P-value: .015 and OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66-0.98; P-value: .031, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that patients with chronic ChD who had events showed significantly lower parameters in the DTI. What is more, this study showed that even lower DTI parameters are significant predictors of events.

Performance of immunohistochemistry as a useful tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Panama, Central America.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most frequent parasitic zoonoses in Panama. Currently, conventional, molecular and histopathological tests are performed to diagnose CL. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has proven to be a valuable tool to facilitate the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and to study the cellular immune response developed during the infection. Therefore, considering the absence of IHC in the diagnostic routine in Panama, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness of this test as a complementary diagnostic tool for improving the sensitivity of histopathology (HP) and helping to study the cellular immune response of patients. Samples from patients with suspected CL were analysed by intradermal reaction of Montenegro (IDRM), smears, culture, PCR (Viannia, Hsp-70), HP and IHC. According to the diagnostic criteria, 95.8% of patients were positive for Leishmania sp., that was characterized as Leishmania (V.) panamensis by PCR-HSP70/RFLP. From positive samples, Leishmania was detected by the tested diagnostic methods in the following degrees: 100% by IDRM, 60% by smears, 93.3% by culture, 100% by kDNA PCR, 78.3% by PCR Hsp-70, 50% by HP and 73.9% by IHC. Although IHC had a poor correlation (k = 0.191) with the diagnostic criteria, the sensitivities of both HP (76.1%) and smears (89.1%) were improved by combining them with IHC. IHC considerably improved the detection of the Leishmania parasites in the histopathological sections, supporting the need to implement this diagnostic tool in Panama. In addition, immunohistochemistry allows evaluation of the patient's immune response and thus provides new guidelines for the treatment and control of CL in Panama.

Disease activity is associated with LV dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis patients without clinical cardiovascular disease

Abstract Objectives: The cross-sectional study aimed to assess left ventricular systolic function using global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and arterial stiffness using cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in Thai adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Confirmed RA patients were selected from a list of outpatient attendees if they were 18 years (y) without clinical, ECG and echocardiographic evidence of CVD, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and excess alcoholic intake. Controls were matched with age and sex to a list of healthy individuals with normal echocardiograms. All underwent STE and CAVI. Results: 60 RA patients (females = 55) were analysed. Mean standard deviation of patient and control ages were 50 ± 10.2 and 51 ±9.9 y, respectively, and mean duration of RA was 9.0 ± 6.8 y. Mean DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR were 2.9 ± 0.9 and 3.4 ± 0.9, respectively. There was no between-group differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV sizes, LVMI, LV diastolic function and CAVI were within normal limits but all GLSs values was significantly lower in patients vs. controls: 17.6 ± 3.4 vs 20.4 ± 2.2 (p = 0.03). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations between GLSs and RA duration (p = 0.02), and GLSs and DAS28-CRP (p = 0.041). Conclusions: Patients with RA and no clinical CV disease have reduced LV systolic function as shown by lower GLSs. It is common and associated with disease activity and RA disease duration. 2D speckle-tracking GLSs is robust in detecting this subclinical LV systolic dysfunction.

Leishmaniasis cutánea inducida por especies de leishmanial Viannia en ratones BALB/c y eficacia de un tratamiento tópico / Cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania Viannia species in BALB/c mice and efficacy of a topical treatment

Resumen Introducción: La diversidad de las formas clínicas de la leishmaniasis del Nuevo Mundo (desde formas cutáneas localizadas a diseminadas o formas mucosas) causada por especies del subgénero Viannia podría inferir en la eficacia de los tratamientos tópicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar las características de la leishmaniasis cutánea producida por infecciones con Leishmania (V.) braziliensis y L.(V.) panamensis en ratones BALB/c y la eficacia de un mismo tratamiento tópico. Materiales y métodos: Después de la infección con cada una de las especies se realizó seguimiento de las lesiones determinando su tamaño (mm ) y características macroscópicas, cada siete días por 150 días. Las características histopatológicas (en lesiones y órganos) fueron determinadas 70, 106 y 150 días post-infección y la eficacia de un tratamiento tópico (cura de lesión y parasitológica) fue determinada después del tratamiento con un gel de miltefosina aplicado una vez al día por 20 días sobre las lesiones. Resultados: Se observó un aumento del tamaño de las lesiones en ambos grupos de ratones, sin embargo, un mayor tamaño de las lesiones e intensidad de la respuesta inflamatoria con menos alteraciones epidérmicas fue encontrada en los ratones infectados con L. (V.) braziliensis. En ningún grupo se encontraron parásitos en órganos (nódulos, bazo e hígado) ni diferencias en la efectividad del tratamiento tópico utilizado. Conclusión: La eficacia del tratamiento tópico utilizado no fue afectada por las diferencias macro y microscópicas encontradas en la leishmaniasis producida por las dos especies de Leishmania evaluadas.

Abstract Introduction: The efficacy of topical treatments could be affected by the diversity of clinical forms (localized or disseminated cutaneous forms, mucosal forms) of New World-leishmaniasis caused by species of Leishmania from the subgenus Viannia. The aim of this study was to determine the cutaneous leishmaniasis features produced after infection with Leishmania (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) panamensis in BALB/c mice and to determine the efficacy of one topical treatment. Materials and methods: Cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions were followed up after infection determining their lesion-size (mm2) and other macroscopic characteristics every 7 days for 150 days. Histopathological patterns (in lesions and organs) were determined 70, 106 and 150 days post-infection and the efficacy (lesion and parasitological cure) of miltefosine gel applied topical once a day for 20 days was determined. Results: An increase of size-lesions was observed in both groups of mice, however, a higher lesion- size and inflammatory response but lower epidermal changes were observed in L. (V.) braziliensis compared with L. (V.) panamensis infected ones. No parasites were observed in organs (nodules, spleen and liver) and no differences were observed in the effectiveness of the used topical treatment. Conclusion: The efficacy of the topical treatment used was not affected by the macro and microscopic differences produced after infection by the two Leishmania species evaluated.

Avaliação da efetividade do uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina no controle da leishmaniose visceral no município de Votuporanga, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2014 ­ 2016 / Evaluation of the effectiveness of using deltamethrinimpregnated collars to control visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Votuporanga, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2014 ­ 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os principais resultados do Projeto de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde realizado entre 2014 e 2015, destacando-se o uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina a 4% em cães em uma região endêmica para leishmaniose visceral (LV), o município de Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brasil. Neste município, anterior à realização do projeto, eram registrados muitos casos caninos e humanos da doença, com elevada taxa de letalidade. Durante o projeto, foram monitorados cerca de 16,5 mil cães, examinadas 25.700 amostras de sangue, considerando-se as perdas e as entradas de novos animais durante os quatro inquéritos sorológicos. Após sua finalização, verificou-se uma diminuição da prevalência e incidência de LV canina, assim como do número de casos humanos. A diminuição dos casos caninos foi correlacionada positivamente aos casos humanos no período de 2011 a 2016 (Correlação de Pearson de 0.914, p-valor<0.05). Além disso, a análise espacial dos resultados corrobora a diminuição ou desaparecimento da concentração de casos caninos e, consequentemente, de fontes e de infecção nas áreas endêmicas à medida que avançaram no tempo e espaço as diferentes etapas de desenvolvimento do projeto. Apesar da drástica redução na incidência da LV canina, ainda permaneceram algumas áreas críticas. Os resultados delineados sugerem a revisão de protocolos e manuais demonstrando a efetividade do uso das coleiras como medida preventiva e potencial no controle da LV. (AU)

This paper aims to present the main results of the Health Technology Innovation Project carried out between 2014 and 2015, which evaluates the use of 4% deltamethrin-impregnated collars in dogs, in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the municipality of Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brazil. Before this project, Votuporanga had notified canine and human cases of the disease, with a high case fatality rate. We monitored approximately 16.5 thousand dogs, 25,700 blood samples analyzed, considering losses and entrances of new animals during the four serological surveys. After the project, the prevalence and incidence of canine VL decreased as well as the number of human cases. We found a positive correlation between the decrease of infected dogs and human cases from 2011 to 2016 (Pearson correlation of 0.914, p-value <0.05). Furthermore, the spatial analysis of the results indicated areas with canine cases concentration that decreased its intensity or disappeared concomitantly to the project levels in the space-time. Despite the drastic reduction in the incidence of canine VL, some critical areas remain. The current results suggest the review of protocols and manuals demonstrating the effectiveness of the use of collars as a preventive measure and potential in the control of VL. (AU)

Avaliação da efetividade do uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina no controle da leishmaniose visceral no município de Votuporanga, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2014 – 2016 / Evaluation of the effectiveness of using deltamethrinimpregnated collars to control visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Votuporanga, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2014 – 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os principais resultados do Projeto de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde realizado entre 2014 e 2015, destacando-se o uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina a 4% em cães em uma região endêmica para leishmaniose visceral (LV), o município de Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brasil. Neste município, anterior à realização do projeto, eram registrados muitos casos caninos e humanos da doença, com elevada taxa de letalidade. Durante o projeto, foram monitorados cerca de 16,5 mil cães, examinadas 25.700 amostras de sangue, considerando-se as perdas e as entradas de novos animais durante os quatro inquéritos sorológicos. Após sua finalização, verificou-se uma diminuição da prevalência e incidência de LV canina, assim como do número de casos humanos. A diminuição dos casos caninos foi correlacionada positivamente aos casos humanos no período de 2011 a 2016 (Correlação de Pearson de 0.914, p-valor<0.05). Além disso, a análise espacial dos resultados corrobora a diminuição ou desaparecimento da concentração de casos caninos e, consequentemente, de fontes e de infecção nas áreas endêmicas à medida que avançaram no tempo e espaço as diferentes etapas de desenvolvimento do projeto. Apesar da drástica redução na incidência da LV canina, ainda permaneceram algumas áreas críticas. Os resultados delineados sugerem a revisão de protocolos e manuais demonstrando a efetividade do uso das coleiras como medida preventiva e potencial no controle da LV.

This paper aims to present the main results of the Health Technology Innovation Project carried out between 2014 and 2015, which evaluates the use of 4% deltamethrin-impregnated collars in dogs, in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the municipality of Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brazil. Before this project, Votuporanga had notified canine and human cases of the disease, with a high case fatality rate. We monitored approximately 16.5 thousand dogs, 25,700 blood samples analyzed, considering losses and entrances of new animals during the four serological surveys. After the project, the prevalence and incidence of canine VL decreased as well as the number of human cases. We found a positive correlation between the decrease of infected dogs and human cases from 2011 to 2016 (Pearson correlation of 0.914, p-value <0.05). Furthermore, the spatial analysis of the results indicated areas with canine cases concentration that decreased its intensity or disappeared concomitantly to the project levels in the space-time. Despite the drastic reduction in the incidence of canine VL, some critical areas remain. The current results suggest the review of protocols and manuals demonstrating the effectiveness of the use of collars as a preventive measure and potential in the control of VL.

Avaliação da efetividade do uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina no controle da leishmaniose visceral no município de Votuporanga, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2014 2016 / Evaluation of the effectiveness of using deltamethrinimpregnated collars to control visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Votuporanga, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2014 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os principais resultados do Projeto de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde realizado entre 2014 e 2015, destacando-se o uso de coleiras impregnadas com deltametrina a 4% em cães em uma região endêmica para leishmaniose visceral (LV), o município de Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brasil. Neste município, anterior à realização do projeto, eram registrados muitos casos caninos e humanos da doença, com elevada taxa de letalidade. Durante o projeto, foram monitorados cerca de 16,5 mil cães, examinadas 25.700 amostras de sangue, considerando-se as perdas e as entradas de novos animais durante os quatro inquéritos sorológicos. Após sua finalização, verificou-se uma diminuição da prevalência e incidência de LV canina, assim como do número de casos humanos. A diminuição dos casos caninos foi correlacionada positivamente aos casos humanos no período de 2011 a 2016 (Correlação de Pearson de 0.914, p-valor<0.05). Além disso, a análise espacial dos resultados corrobora a diminuição ou desaparecimento da concentração de casos caninos e, consequentemente, de fontes e de infecção nas áreas endêmicas à medida que avançaram no tempo e espaço as diferentes etapas de desenvolvimento do projeto. Apesar da drástica redução na incidência da LV canina, ainda permaneceram algumas áreas críticas. Os resultados delineados sugerem a revisão de protocolos e manuais demonstrando a efetividade do uso das coleiras como medida preventiva e potencial no controle da LV.(AU)

This paper aims to present the main results of the Health Technology Innovation Project carried out between 2014 and 2015, which evaluates the use of 4% deltamethrin-impregnated collars in dogs, in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the municipality of Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brazil. Before this project, Votuporanga had notified canine and human cases of the disease, with a high case fatality rate. We monitored approximately 16.5 thousand dogs, 25,700 blood samples analyzed, considering losses and entrances of new animals during the four serological surveys. After the project, the prevalence and incidence of canine VL decreased as well as the number of human cases. We found a positive correlation between the decrease of infected dogs and human cases from 2011 to 2016 (Pearson correlation of 0.914, p-value <0.05). Furthermore, the spatial analysis of the results indicated areas with canine cases concentration that decreased its intensity or disappeared concomitantly to the project levels in the space-time. Despite the drastic reduction in the incidence of canine VL, some critical areas remain. The current results suggest the review of protocols and manuals demonstrating the effectiveness of the use of collars as a preventive measure and potential in the control of VL.(AU)

Estudo de viabilidade econômica da implantação de uma usina de reciclagem de resíduos da construção civil no município de Pato Branco (PR), utilizando a metodologia multi-índice ampliada / Economic feasibility study of the implementation of a waste recycling plant construction in Pato Branco city, Paraná, using the multi-index methodology extended

RESUMO Este artigo analisou a viabilidade econômica da instalação de uma usina de reciclagem de resíduos da construção civil, por meio das expectativas de retorno e risco associadas à sua implantação. A análise do investimento em estudo foi realizada utilizando-se a metodologia multi-índice por meio do sistema Web $LV€P. Também foi realizada uma análise estocástica utilizando a Simulação de Monte Carlo como forma de melhor analisar os riscos envolvidos no projeto. Os resultados mostraram que há viabilidade econômica e baixo risco na implantação dessa usina, pois a probabilidade de o valor presente líquido (VPL) ser menor que zero é de 0,22%. A análise preliminar realizada mostrou que a decisão de investir nesse empreendimento se apresenta como uma boa opção de investimento, sendo recomendada a sua implementação por ser um projeto com possibilidades de bom retorno financeiro.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzed the economic feasibility of installing a construction waste recycling plant, through the return expectations and risks associated with its implementation. The investment analysis study was performed using multi-index methodology via the web system $LV€P. A stochastic analysis also was performed using the Monte Carlo simulation, in order to further analyze the risks involved in the project. The results showed that there is low risk and economic feasibility in implementation of this plant, because the probability of the Net Present Value NPV to be zero is less than 0.22%. The performed preliminary analysis showed that the decision to invest in this project is presented as a good investment option, and its implementation is recommended because it is a project with the possibility of a good financial return.

Permanent His bundle pacing: Electrophysiological and echocardiographic observations from long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Permanent His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to right ventricular pacing. It is not known whether HBP can cause His-Purkinje conduction (HPC) disease. The aim of our study is to assess His bundle capture and its effect on left ventricular (LV) function in long-term follow-up and to determine HPC at the time of pulse generator change (GC) in patients with chronic HBP. METHODS: HB electrograms were recorded from the pacing lead at implant and GC. HBP QRS duration (QRSd), His-ventricular (HV) intervals, and HB pacing thresholds at GC were compared with implant measurements. HPC was assessed by pacing at cycle lengths of 700 ms, 600 ms, and 500 ms at GC. LV internal diameters, ejection fraction (EF), and valve dysfunction at baseline were compared with echocardiography during follow-up. RESULTS: GC was performed in 20 patients (men 13; age 74 ± 14 years) with HBP at 70 ± 24 months postimplant. HV intervals remained unchanged from initial implant (44 ± 4 ms vs 45 ± 4 ms). During HBP at 700 ms, 600 ms, and 500 ms (n = 17), consistent 1:1 HPC was present. HBP QRSd remained unchanged during follow-up (117 ± 20 ms vs 118 ± 23 ms). HBP threshold at implant and GC was 1.9 ± 1.1 V and 2.5 ± 1.2 V @ 0.5 ms. Despite high pacing burden (77 ± 13%), there was no significant change in LVEF (50 ± 14% at implant) during follow-up (55 ± 6%, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: HBP does not appear to cause new HPC abnormalities and is associated with stable HBP QRSd during long-term follow-up. Despite high pacing burden, HBP did not result in deterioration of left ventricular systolic function or cause new valve dysfunction.

Parallel Epidemics of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 Infection in North and South America.

BACKGROUND: The community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) epidemic in the United States is attributed to the spread of the USA300 clone. An epidemic of CA-MRSA closely related to USA300 has occurred in northern South America (USA300 Latin-American variant, USA300-LV). Using phylogenomic analysis, we aimed to understand the relationships between these 2 epidemics. METHODS: We sequenced the genomes of 51 MRSA clinical isolates collected between 1999 and 2012 from the United States, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Phylogenetic analysis was used to infer the relationships and times since the divergence of the major clades. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analyses revealed 2 dominant clades that segregated by geographical region, had a putative common ancestor in 1975, and originated in 1989, in North America, and in 1985, in South America. Emergence of these parallel epidemics coincides with the independent acquisition of the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) in North American isolates and a novel copper and mercury resistance (COMER) mobile element in South American isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal the existence of 2 parallel USA300 epidemics that shared a recent common ancestor. The simultaneous rapid dissemination of these 2 epidemic clades suggests the presence of shared, potentially convergent adaptations that enhance fitness and ability to spread.