An innovative approach to improve the detection and treatment of risk factors in poor urban settings: a feasibility study in Argentina

Background: The effective management of cardiovascular (CVD) prevention among the population with exclusive public health coverage in Argentina is low since less than 30% of the individuals with predicted 10-year CVD risk ≥10% attend a clinical visit for CVD risk factors control in the primary care clinics (PCCs). Methods: We conducted a non-controlled feasibility study using a mixed methods approach to evaluate acceptability, adoption and fidelity of a multi-component intervention implemented in the public healthcare system. The eligibility criteria were having exclusive public health coverage, age ≥ 40 years, residence in the PCC’s catchment area and 10-year CVD risk ≥10%. The multi-component intervention addressed (1) system barriers through task shifting among the PCC’s staff, protected medical appointments slots and a new CVD form and (2) Provider barriers through training for primary care physicians and CHW and individual barriers through a home-based intervention delivered by community health workers (CHWs). Results: A total of 185 participants were included in the study. Of the total number of eligible participants, 82.2% attended at least one clinical visit for risk factor control. Physicians intensified drug treatment in 77% of participants with BP ≥140/90 mmHg and 79.5% of participants with diabetes, increased the proportion of participants treated according to GCP from 21 to 32.6% in hypertensive participants, 7.4 to 33.3% in high CVD risk and 1.4 to 8.7% in very high CVD risk groups. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower at the end of follow up (156.9 to 145.4 mmHg and 92.9 to 88.9 mmHg, respectively) and control of hypertension (BP < 140/90 mmHg) increased from 20.3 to 35.5%. Conclusion: The proposed CHWs-led intervention was feasible and well accepted to improve the detection and treatment of risk factors in the poor population with exclusive public health coverage and with moderate or high CVD risk at the primary care setting in Argentina. Task sharing activities with CHWs did not only stimulate teamwork among PCC staff, but it also improved quality of care. This study showed that community health workers could have a more active role in the detection and clinical management of CVD risk factors in low-income communities.Fil: Poggio, Rosana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Danaei, Goodarz. Harvard University. Harvard School of Public Health; Estados UnidosFil: Gutierrez, Laura. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; ArgentinaFil: Cavallo, Ana. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, María Victoria. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; ArgentinaFil: Irazola, Vilma. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; Argentin

Zebra chip spatial behavior and Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Solanum tuberosum L. in valleys high of Mexico.

Comportamiento espacial de Zebra chip y Bactericera cockerelli, en cultivo de papa.En México la producción de papa es afectada por la enfermedad de Zebra chip causada por la bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum que es transmitida por el psílido Bactericera cockerelli. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el comportamiento espacial de Zebra chip y Bactericera cockerelli mediante técnicas geoestadísticas y la detección de la bacteria aplicando técnicas moleculares. En el año 2013 se seleccionó dos parcelas comerciales de papa de la variedad Fianna; un total de 121 puntos fueron muestreados cada 10 m con el método de cuadrícula por parcela, georreferenciando cada planta. La incidencia de la enfermedad se determinó en campo sobre la base de los síntomas observados; la detección molecular de la bacteria se realizó con los iniciadores Lp Frag 1-25F/427R. La incidencia de la enfermedad en la parcela 1 fue de 30% y de 25% en la parcela 2; la bacteria se detectó en el 27% de las plantas sintomáticas y en el 14% de las asintomáticas. La distribución espacial de la enfermedad, el patógeno y el vector se presentó en forma agregada, ajustándose a los modelos gaussiano y esférico; en la parcela 2, los centros de agregación del estadio adulto y la bacteria presentaron la misma ubicación.Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México CONACY

Valoración de los conocimientos que poseen los/as inspectores de saneamiento ambiental, promotores de salud, personal de enfermería y médicos del sistema básico de salud integral Usulután sobre la norma técnica de prevención y control de la rabia en el periodo de abril a octubre de 2008

RESUMEN: En la presente investigación se valoró el conocimiento que poseen el personal de salud del Sistema Básico de Salud Integral, Usulután; acerca de la Norma de control y prevención de la rabia. Para la realización de dicha investigación se tomó un periodo de tiempo comprendido entre marzo y octubre de 2008, tomando como objeto de estudio a inspectores/as de saneamiento ambiental, promotores/as de salud, enfermeras jefes o encargadas de las Unidades de salud, además médicos directores y consultantes asignados a las mismas, haciendo un total de 270 individuos en estudio, con una muestra total de 219 de estos. Se realizó una investigación de tipo transversal, descriptiva y documental, utilizando para la recolección de la información: técnicas documentales bibliográficas, hemerográficas e información electrónica, igualmente se hizo uso de técnica de campo mediante un cuestionario de entrevista que se aplicó a la población en estudio, con este instrumentos se obtuvieron datos sobre los conocimientos que posee el personal en estudio acerca de las definiciones de caso sospechoso y confirmado de rabia animal y humana, además de los animales transmisores de la rabia de alto y medio riesgo, así como los mecanismos de transmisión de esta, igualmente se valoró la clasificación de mordeduras en leves y graves y el tratamiento para cada una de ellas, conjuntamente se obtuvieron datos sobre el manejo preexposicion y postexposición al virus de la rabia. ABSTRACT: This research assessed the knowledge of the health personnel of the Sistema Básico de Salud Integral, Usulután, about the standard for rabies control and prevention. For the realization of this research, a period of time was taken between March and October 2008, taking as the object of study environmental sanitation inspectors, health promoters, head nurses or nurses in charge of health units, as well as medical directors and consultants assigned to them, making a total of 270 individuals under study, with a total sample of 219 of these. A cross-sectional, descriptive and documentary research was carried out, using for the collection of information: Bibliographic, hemerographic and electronic information techniques were used to collect the information, as well as a field technique using an interview questionnaire that was applied to the study population, In addition, the classification of bites into mild and severe and the treatment for each of them was also assessed, together with data on pre-exposure and post-exposure management to the rabies virus

Molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains over a 2-year period (2017-2019) from Zimbabwe

This study was designed to characterize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)–producing extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (E.coli) (ExPEC) associated with urinary tract infections in nine different geographic regions of Zimbabwe over a 2-year period (2017–2019). A total of 48 ESBL-positive isolates from urine specimen were selected for whole-genome sequencing from 1246 Escherichia coli isolates biobanked at the National Microbiology Reference laboratory using phenotypic susceptibility testing results from the National Escherichia coli Surveillance Programme to provide representation of different geographical regions and year of isolation. The majority of ESBL E. coli isolates produced cefotaximase-Munich (CTX-M)-15, CTX-M-27, and CTX-M-14. In this study, sequence types (ST) 131 and ST410 were the most predominant antimicrobial-resistant clones and responsible for the increase in ESBL–producing E. coli strains since 2017. Novel ST131 complex strains were recorded during the period 2017 to 2018, thus showing the establishment and evolution of this antimicrobial-resistant ESBL clone in Zimbabwe posing an important public health threat. Incompatibility group F plasmids were predominant among ST131 and ST410 isolates with the following replicons recorded most frequently: F1:A2:B20 (9/19, 47%), F2:A1: B (5/19, 26%), and F1:A1:B49 (8/13, 62%). The results indicate the need for continuous tracking of different ESBL ExPEC clones on a global scale, while targeting specific STs (e.g. ST131 and ST410) through control programs will substantially decrease the spread of ESBLs among ExPEC

Faecal carriage of ESBL producing and colistin resistant Escherichia coli in avian species over a 2-year period (2017-2019) in Zimbabwe

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data presented in this study are deposited in the NCBI BioProject Number PRJNA 799483 with accession numbers listed in the Supplementary Datasheet 1.INTRODUCTION : Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli have become widespread among food producing animals. These strains serve as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and act as a possible source of infection to humans as transmission can occur by direct or indirect contact. METHODS : This study investigated the faecal carriage of ESBL producing and colistin resistant E. coli in poultry over a 2-year period (2017-2019) from Zimbabwe. A total of 21 ESBL positive isolates from poultry cloacal specimens were selected for whole genome sequencing from animal E. coli isolates biobanked at the National Microbiology Reference laboratory using phenotypic susceptibility testing results from the National Escherichia coli Surveillance Program to provide representation of different geographical regions and year of isolation. Cloacal swabs were collected from 3000 broiler live birds from farm 1 and fromfarm2, 40 backyard chickens and 10 duckswere sampled. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL testing were performed as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Whole genome sequencing of ESBL producing isolates was used to determine sequence types (STs), ARGs, and phylogroups. RESULTS : Twenty-one of the included E. coli isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers. Three defined sequence type clonal complexes (CCs) were identified (ST10CC, ST155CC and ST23CC), with ST10CC associated with the most antibiotic resistant profile. The ESBL phenotype was linked to the presence of either cefotaximase-Munich-14 (CTX-M-14) or CTX-M-79. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistant determinants identified were qnrB19 and qnrS1 and one ST10CC isolate from farm 1 broiler chickens harbored a mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr-1). Phylogenetic groups most identified were B1, A and unknown. DISCUSSIONS : The avian ESBL producing E. coli belonged to a diverse group of strains. The detection of several ARGs highlights the importance of implementing enhanced control measures to limit the spread in animals, environment, and humans. This is the first report of mcr-1 in Zimbabwe, which further underscores the importance of the One Health approach to control the spread and development of AMR.The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the University of Pretoria, South Africa, a strategic partnership between National Microbiology Reference Laboratory and Quadram BioSciences Institute.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiologyam2023Medical Microbiolog

CoronaHiT: high-throughput sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes.

We present CoronaHiT, a platform and throughput flexible method for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 genomes (≤ 96 on MinION or > 96 on Illumina NextSeq) depending on changing requirements experienced during the pandemic. CoronaHiT uses transposase-based library preparation of ARTIC PCR products. Method performance was demonstrated by sequencing 2 plates containing 95 and 59 SARS-CoV-2 genomes on nanopore and Illumina platforms and comparing to the ARTIC LoCost nanopore method. Of the 154 samples sequenced using all 3 methods, ≥ 90% genome coverage was obtained for 64.3% using ARTIC LoCost, 71.4% using CoronaHiT-ONT and 76.6% using CoronaHiT-Illumina, with almost identical clustering on a maximum likelihood tree. This protocol will aid the rapid expansion of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing globally.The sequencing costs were funded by the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium which is supported by funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Genome Research Limited, operating as the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Programa Gallego de Atenci?n al Infarto Agudo de Miocardio. Protocolo de actuaci?n para pacientes con s?ndrome coronario agudo con elevaci?n del segmento ST en Galicia

A enfermidade coronaria sup?n un importante problema de sa?de p?blica debido ? s?a incidencia crecente e a que constit?e a principal causa de morte no mundo. no ?mbito da Comunidade Aut?noma de Galicia, p?xose en marcha en maio de 2005 o Programa Galego de Atenci?n ao Infarto Agudo de Miocardio (PROGALIAM). Este programa foi un dos primeiros en implantarse en Espa?a (s? por detr?s dos de Murcia e Navarra). Debido ao tempo transcorrido, viuse necesario adaptar o Progaliam do ano 2005 ?s novas e actuais evidencias, e ?s actuais recomendaci?ns das Gu?as de Pr?ctica Cl?nica. ? por iso, que na Direcci?n Xeral de Asistencia Sanitaria, constitu?use un grupo de traballo formado por cardi?logos intervencionistas das 7 ?reas sanitarias, as? como profesionais m?dicos de Atenci?n Primaria e Urxencias.La enfermedad coronaria supone un importante problema de salud p?blica debido a su incidente creciente y la que constituye la principal causa de muerte en el mundo. en el ?mbito de la Comunidad Aut?noma de Galicia, se puso en marcha en mayo de 2005 el Programa Gallego de Atenci?n al Infarto Agudo de Miocardio (PROGALIAM). Este programa fue uno de los primeros en implantarse en Espa?a (solo por detr?s de los de Murcia y Navarra). Debido al tiempo transcurrido, se vio necesario adaptar el Progaliam del a?o 2005 a las noticias y actuales evidencias, y a las actuales recomendaciones de las Gu?as de Pr?ctica Cl?nica. Es por eso, que en la Direcci?n General de Asistencia Sanitaria, se constituy? un grupo de trabajo formado por cardi?logos intervencionistas de las 7 ?reas sanitarias, as? como profesionales m?dicos de Atenci?n Primaria y Urgencias

Large-scale sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from one region allows detailed epidemiology and enables local outbreak management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly throughout the world. In the UK, the initial peak was in April 2020; in the county of Norfolk (UK) and surrounding areas, which has a stable, low-density population, over 3200 cases were reported between March and August 2020. As part of the activities of the national COVID-19 Genomics Consortium (COG-UK) we undertook whole genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes present in positive clinical samples from the Norfolk region. These samples were collected by four major hospitals, multiple minor hospitals, care facilities and community organizations within Norfolk and surrounding areas. We combined clinical metadata with the sequencing data from regional SARS-CoV-2 genomes to understand the origins, genetic variation, transmission and expansion (spread) of the virus within the region and provide context nationally. Data were fed back into the national effort for pandemic management, whilst simultaneously being used to assist local outbreak analyses. Overall, 1565 positive samples (172 per 100 000 population) from 1376 cases were evaluated; for 140 cases between two and six samples were available providing longitudinal data. This represented 42.6 % of all positive samples identified by hospital testing in the region and encompassed those with clinical need, and health and care workers and their families. In total, 1035 cases had genome sequences of sufficient quality to provide phylogenetic lineages. These genomes belonged to 26 distinct global lineages, indicating that there were multiple separate introductions into the region. Furthermore, 100 genetically distinct UK lineages were detected demonstrating local evolution, at a rate of ~2 SNPs per month, and multiple co-occurring lineages as the pandemic progressed. Our analysis: identified a discrete sublineage associated with six care facilities; found no evidence of reinfection in longitudinal samples; ruled out a nosocomial outbreak; identified 16 lineages in key workers which were not in patients, indicating infection control measures were effective; and found the D614G spike protein mutation which is linked to increased transmissibility dominates the samples and rapidly confirmed relatedness of cases in an outbreak at a food processing facility. The large-scale genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-positive samples has provided valuable additional data for public health epidemiology in the Norfolk region, and will continue to help identify and untangle hidden transmission chains as the pandemic evolves.The sequencing costs were funded by the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium which is supported by funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Genome Research Limited, operating as the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Genomic epidemiology and the role of international and regional travel in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Zimbabwe: a retrospective study of routinely collected surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: Advances in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing have enabled identification of new variants, tracking of its evolution, and monitoring of its spread. We aimed to use whole genome sequencing to describe the molecular epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and to inform the implementation of effective public health interventions for control in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of nasopharyngeal samples collected from nine laboratories in Zimbabwe between March 20 and Oct 16, 2020. Samples were taken as a result of quarantine procedures for international arrivals or to test for infection in people who were symptomatic or close contacts of positive cases. Samples that had a cycle threshold of less than 30 in the diagnostic PCR test were processed for sequencing. We began our analysis in July, 2020 (120 days since the first case), with a follow-up in October, 2020 (at 210 days since the first case). The phylogenetic relationship of the genome sequences within Zimbabwe and global samples was established using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. FINDINGS: Of 92 299 nasopharyngeal samples collected during the study period, 8099 were PCR-positive and 328 were available for sequencing, with 156 passing sequence quality control. 83 (53%) of 156 were from female participants. At least 26 independent introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into Zimbabwe in the first 210 days were associated with 12 global lineages. 151 (97%) of 156 had the Asp614Gly mutation in the spike protein. Most cases, 93 (60%), were imported from outside Zimbabwe. Community transmission was reported 6 days after the onset of the outbreak. INTERPRETATION: Initial public health interventions delayed onset of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission after the introduction of the virus from international and regional migration in Zimbabwe. Global whole genome sequence data are essential to reveal major routes of spread and guide intervention strategies. FUNDING: WHO, Africa CDC, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Genome Research Limited.WHO, Africa CDC, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Genome Research Limite