Contribution of Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT) to Tuberculosis Treatment in Brazil.

Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) involves the administration of medication and in-person monitoring by a healthcare team alongside the patient to improve adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Implementing DOT requires healthcare professionals, transportation, time dedication, and presence at the patient's residence. Meeting all these conditions is not always possible to address the high demand of TB patients who would benefit from this supervision.

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects: incidence and treatment trends during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a serious complication of myocardial infarction (MI), with its global incidence significantly reduced in recent years due to advances in coronary reperfusion techniques. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unexpected rise in the incidence of post-MI VSD, likely driven by delays in seeking treatment. This study retrospectively analyzed 10 cases of post-MI VSD treated at our hospitals from March 2018 to August 2023, comparing incidence rates across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.

Development and Content Analysis Protocol for Evaluating Artificial Intelligence in Drug-Related Information.

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant transformative potential across various sectors, particularly in health care. This study aims to develop a protocol for the content analysis of a method designed to assess AI applications in drug-related information, specifically focusing on contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. By addressing existing challenges, this preliminary research seeks to enhance the safe and reliable integration of AI into healthcare practices.

Mosquito Feeding Habits in Coastal French Guiana: Mammals in the Crosshairs?

Pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in sylvatic or urban cycles involve wild or domestic animals and humans, driven by various mosquito species with distinct host preferences. Understanding mosquito-host associations is crucial for ecological insights and pathogen surveillance. In this study, we analyzed mosquito blood meals from coastal French Guiana by amplifying and sequencing host DNA from blood-fed females.

Staphylococcus aureus Serine protease-like protein A (SplA) induces IL-8 by keratinocytes and synergizes with IL-17A.

Background: Serine protease-like (Spl) proteins produced by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus have been associated with allergic inflammation. However, effects of Spls on the epidermal immune response have not been investigated.