a multicenter study

(1) Background: The Commercial Kit SIRE Nitratase® PlastLabor, is a drug susceptibility test kit used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to first-line TB treatment drugs. The present study aimed at evaluating its performance in a multicenter study. (2) Methods: To determine its accuracy, the proportion methods in Lowenstein Jensen medium or the BACTECTMMGITTM960 system was used as a gold standard. (3) Results: The study revealed that the respective accuracies of the kit with 190 M. tuberculosis clinical isolates, using the proportion methods in Lowenstein Jensen medium or BACTECTMMGITTM960 system as a gold standard, were 93.9% and 94.6%, 96.9% and 94.6%, 98.0% and 97.8%, and 98.0% and 98.9%, for streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol, respectively. (4) Conclusion: Thus, the kit can rapidly screen resistance to streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. Additionally, it does not require sophisticated equipment; hence, it can be easily used in the laboratories of low and middle income countries.publishersversionpublishe

Perfil Epidemiológico de Nascidos vivos no nordeste brasileiro de 2012 a 2021 com Espinha Bífida

Objective: To develop an epidemiological study of live births with Spina Bifida in the Northeast of Brazil from 2012 to 2021. Methodology: This study analyzes cases of Spina Bifida in live births in Brazil (2012-2021) using data from SINASC/DATASUS. The aim is to understand the occurrence and distribution of the condition to guide prevention and management strategies. To support the study, specific descriptors were searched in the PUBMED and BVS databases. The research aims to provide valuable insights into Spina Bifida in the context of Northeast Brazil. Results: From 2012 to 2021, there were 1776 live births with Spina Bifida in the Northeast of Brazil, with 2021 registering the highest number of cases and 2012 the lowest. The highest prevalence occurred in 2021 (0.00027%), and the lowest in 2012 (0.00016%). The average was 0.024 live births with Spina Bifida per 1 live birth. Pernambuco stood out with 26.18% (n = 26.18%) of cases, while Piauí recorded the lowest number, 3.2% (n = 58). The predominant gender among live births with Spina Bifida was male at 51.85% (n = 921). In terms of ethnicity, there was a significant prevalence of mixed-race individuals, accounting for 74.04% (n = 1315). Regarding maternal age, the majority fell within the 20 to 24 age group at 24.32% (n = 432). Conclusion: Pernambuco had the highest percentage of cases at 26.18%, while Piauí had the lowest rates at 3.2%. Male gender predominated (51.85%), as did mixed-race ethnicity (74.04%) and maternal age in the 20 to 24 age group (24.32%).  Objetivo: Elaborar um estudo epidemiológico de nascidos vivos com Espinha Bífida no nordeste brasileiro de 2012 a 2021. Metodologia: Este estudo analisa casos de Espinha Bífida em nascidos vivos no Brasil (2012-2021), usando dados do SINASC/DATASUS. O objetivo é compreender a ocorrência e distribuição da condição para orientar estratégias de prevenção e gerenciamento. Para embasar o estudo, foram consultadas as bases PUBMED e BVS com descritores específicos. A pesquisa busca fornecer insights valiosos sobre a Espinha Bífida no contexto do Nordeste do Brasil. Resultados: De 2012 a 2021, houve 1776 nascidos vivos com Espinha Bífida no Nordeste brasileiro, com 2021 registrando o pico e 2012 o menor número de casos. A maior prevalência ocorreu em 2021 (0,00027%), a menor em 2012 (0,00016%). A média foi de 0,024 nascidos vivos com Espinha Bífida por 1 nascido vivo, Destaca-se Pernambuco com 26,18% (n = 26,18%) dos casos Por outro lado, o Piauí registrou a menor quantidade, 3,2% (n = 58) O sexo predominante do nascido vivo com Espinha Bífida foi o masculino com 51, 85% (n = 921). Já em relação a cor/etnia, houve um predomínio significante da parda, visto que correspondeu a 74,04% (n = 1315). No quesito idade da mãe, a predominância foi na faixa etária de 20 a 24 anos com 24,32% (n = 432). Conclusão: Pernambuco se destacou com 26,18% dos casos, enquanto o Piauí apresentou menores taxas, com 3,2%. O gênero masculino prevaleceu (51,85%), assim como a cor parda (74,04%) e a faixa etária materna de 20 a 24 anos (24,32%)

Nascidos vivos com fenda palatina e labial: estudo epidemiológico

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is a congenital malformation resulting from the inadequate fusion of bony structures during embryonic development. The etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. Methodology: This study constitutes a descriptive epidemiological analysis focusing on the investigation of cases of live births with cleft lip and palate in Brazil. Data collection will be conducted through the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) during the period from 2017 to 2021. Results: The gender distribution of live births with cleft lip and palate indicates a male predominance in the sample, representing approximately 58.49% (n=4,390) of the total. Meanwhile, the percentage of female individuals is approximately 41.01% (n=3,078). The category "Unknown" has a very small representation, accounting for only 0.51% (n=38) of the sample. Conclusion: It is observed that live births with cleft lip and palate should not be overlooked. There is a significant number of cases each year, necessitating further related studies to provide solutions in society that directly benefit those affected.Introdução: A fenda labial e palatina é uma malformação congênita resultante da não fusão das estruturas ósseas adequadas durante o desenvolvimento embrionário. A etiologia é multifatorial, envolvendo fatores genéticos e ambientais. Metodologia: Este estudo constitui uma análise epidemiológica descritiva com enfoque na investigação dos casos de nascidos vivos com fenda labial e palatina no Brasil. A coleta de dados será realizada por meio do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) durante o período de 2017 a 2021. Resultado: A distribuição de gênero dos nascidos vivos com fenda labial e palatina indica que há uma maioria masculina na amostra, representando cerca de 58,49%  (n= 4.390) do total. Enquanto isso, a porcentagem de pessoas do sexo feminino é de aproximadamente 41,01% (n = 3.078) A categoria "Ignorado" tem uma representação muito pequena, com apenas 0,51% (n = 38) da amostra. Conclusão: Observa-se que os nascidos vivos com fenda labial e palatina não devem ser negligenciados. Há uma quantidade significativa de nascidos por ano, sendo indispensável mais estudos relacionados, a fim de trazer soluções na sociedade que beneficiem diretamente os acometidos

Dementia in Latin America : paving the way towards a regional action plan

Regional challenges faced by Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs) to fight dementia, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instabilities, and socioeconomic disparities, can be addressed more effectively grounded in a collaborative setting based on the open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into actions with transformative power. Then, by characterizing genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions and mapping these to the above challenges, we provide the basic mosaics of knowledge that will pave the way towards a KtAF. We describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF

Detection of drug resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis strains using kit SIRE Nitratase®: a multicenter study

This research was funded by MINAS GERAIS STATE RESEARCH SUPPORT FOUNDATION (FAPEMIG), grants numbers 65/10 and CDS-APQ-03266-13, and by NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT (CNPQ) grants numbers 310174/2014-7 and 446796/2014-0.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Faculty of Medicine. Mycobacteria Research Laboratory. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Faculty of Medicine. Mycobacteria Research Laboratory. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Faculty of Medicine. Mycobacteria Research Laboratory. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Faculty of Medicine. Mycobacteria Research Laboratory. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Social Pharmacy. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Minas Gerais. Veterinary School. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Federal University of Rio Grande. Faculty of Medicine. Laboratory of Mycobacteria. Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.Federal University of Rio Grande. Faculty of Medicine. Laboratory of Mycobacteria. Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.Federal University of Rio Grande. Faculty of Medicine. Laboratory of Mycobacteria. Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado. Manaus, AM, Brazil.Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado. Manaus, AM, Brazil.Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Institute of Chest Diseases. Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Institute of Chest Diseases. Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Federal University of Grande Dourados. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dourados, MS, Brazil / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brazil.Adolfo Lutz Institute. Bacteriology Center. Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriosis Center. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Adolfo Lutz Institute. Bacteriology Center. Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriosis Center. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Adolfo Lutz Institute. Bacteriology Center. Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriosis Center. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.State Secretariat of Health of Rio Grande do Sul. State Center for Health Surveillance. Center for Scientific and Technological Development. Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.State Secretariat of Health of Rio Grande do Sul. State Center for Health Surveillance. Center for Scientific and Technological Development. Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas. Laboratory of Bacteriology and Bioassays of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Sergio Arouca National Public Health School. Professor Hélio Fraga Reference Center. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Sergio Arouca National Public Health School. Professor Hélio Fraga Reference Center. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Nova University of Lisbon. Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Medical Microbiology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine. Lisboa, Portugal.Nova University of Lisbon. Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Medical Microbiology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine. Lisboa, Portugal.Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Faculty of Medicine. Tuberculosis Research Center. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.Background: The Commercial Kit SIRE Nitratase® PlastLabor, is a drug susceptibility test kit used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to first-line TB treatment drugs. The present study aimed at evaluating its performance in a multicenter study. (2) Methods: To determine its accuracy, the proportion methods in Lowenstein Jensen medium or the BACTECTMMGITTM960 system was used as a gold standard. (3) Results: The study revealed that the respective accuracies of the kit with 190 M. tuberculosis clinical isolates, using the proportion methods in Lowenstein Jensen medium or BACTECTMMGITTM960 system as a gold standard, were 93.9% and 94.6%, 96.9% and 94.6%, 98.0% and 97.8%, and 98.0% and 98.9%, for streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol, respectively. (4) Conclusion: Thus, the kit can rapidly screen resistance to streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. Additionally, it does not require sophisticated equipment; hence, it can be easily used in the laboratories of low and middle income countries

Dementia in Latin America: Paving the way toward a regional action plan.

Across Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs), the fight against dementia faces pressing challenges, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instability, and socioeconomic disparities. These can be addressed more effectively in a collaborative setting that fosters open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking, and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into transformative actions. Then we characterize key sources of complexity (genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions), map them to the above challenges, and provide the basic mosaics of knowledge toward a KtAF. Finally, we describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF

Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Background Scarce data are available comparing infective endocarditis (IE) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, microbiological profile, management, and outcomes of IE after SAVR versus TAVR. Methods Data were collected from the “Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International” (enrollment from 2005 to 2020) and the “International Collaboration on Endocarditis” (enrollment from 2000 to 2012) registries. Only patients with an IE affecting the aortic valve prosthesis were included. A 1:1 paired matching approach was used to compare patients with TAVR and SAVR. Results A total of 1688 patients were included. Of them, 602 (35.7%) had a surgical bioprosthesis (SB), 666 (39.5%) a mechanical prosthesis, 70 (4.2%) a homograft, and 350 (20.7%) a transcatheter heart valve. In the SAVR versus TAVR matched population, the rate of new moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was higher in the SB group (43.4% vs 13.5%; P < .001), and fewer vegetations were diagnosed in the SB group (62.5% vs 82%; P < .001). Patients with an SB had a higher rate of perivalvular extension (47.9% vs 27%; P < .001) and Staphylococcus aureus was less common in this group (13.4% vs 22%; P = .033). Despite a higher rate of surgery in patients with SB (44.4% vs 27.3%; P < .001), 1-year mortality was similar (SB: 46.5%; TAVR: 44.8%; log-rank P = .697). Conclusions Clinical presentation, type of causative microorganism, and treatment differed between patients with an IE located on SB compared with TAVR. Despite these differences, both groups exhibited high and similar mortality at 1-year follow-up