ABSTRACT Background: The Neural Clinical Score for tuberculosis (NCS-TB) is a computer system developed to improve the triage of presumed pulmonary TB (pPTB). Methods: A study was performed with cohorts of pPTB patients cared for at a reference hospital in Northeast Brazil. Results: The NCS-TB sensitivity was 76.5% for TB diagnosis, which shortened the time from triage to smear microscopy results (3.3 to 2.5 days; p<0.001) and therapy initiation (6.7 to 4.1 days; p=0.045). Conclusions: Although the NCS-TB was not suitable as a screening tool, it was able to optimize laboratory diagnosis and shorten the time to treatment initiation.

Resumo: Introdução: Com o intuito de estimular o exercício do pensamento crítico e da criatividade e considerando a complexidade vinculada ao aprendizado de antibióticos, criou-se o Teste de Sensibilidade artística aos Antimicrobianos (TSaA). Trata-se de uma atividade inovadora no ensino de antimicrobianos que avalia conhecimento e raciocínio clínico por meio de apresentações envolvendo a arte. Desde o segundo semestre de 2014, o TSaA mostrou-se uma prática integrativa no ensino de antimicrobianos para estudantes de Medicina do quinto semestre da Universidade de Fortaleza (Unifor). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o TSaA como metodologia de ensino/aprendizagem sobre antimicrobianos e a satisfação dos alunos com essa atividade. M étodos: Os alunos do quinto semestre do curso de Medicina foram divididos em oito grupos de 12 alunos. Os alunos receberam o desafio de utilizar a arte como ferramenta de comunicação para mostrar os seus conhecimentos sobre antimicrobianos. Cada grupo ficou responsável por apresentar conteúdos relacionados a uma classe de antimicrobiano previamente sorteada. A apresentação da atividade foi avaliada por dois docentes simultaneamente que utilizaram um instrumento específico para esse fim. Ao término do TSaA, os alunos foram convidados a responder a um questionário que abordava questões sobre a sua percepção acerca da atividade, os benefícios no contexto da aprendizagem e as dificuldades identificadas. As perguntas eram tanto objetivas quanto abertas. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 92 estudantes. A metodologia adotada para a atividade foi considerada adequada para 82% dos participantes. As formas de apresentação mais utilizadas foram encenação e música. A maioria dos participantes percebeu o TSaA como uma estratégia valiosa de facilitação de aprendizagem sobre antimicrobianos. A associação do estudo do antibiótico com a arte foi considerada uma forma divertida de aprendizagem do tema, que os levou a trabalhar de forma integrada. Na opinião dos alunos, houve realmente uma maior fixação de conteúdo com essa atividade. Conclusão: O TSaA facilitou a aprendizagem sobre antimicrobianos e estimulou a criatividade e o raciocínio crítico/lógico nos estudantes de Medicina do quinto semestre.

Abstract: Introduction: To stimulate the practice of critical thinking and creativity and considering the complexity associated with antibiotic learning, the Antimicrobial Artistic Sensitivity Test (TSaA) was created, which is an innovative activity in antimicrobial teaching that evaluates knowledge and clinical reasoning through artistic presentations. Since the second semester of 2014 (2014.2), TSaA has proven to be an integrative practice in antimicrobial teaching for fifth-semester medical students of the University of Fortaleza/CE (UNIFOR). The objectives of this study were to analyze TSaA as a methodology of antimicrobial teaching / learning and students’ satisfaction with this practice. Methods: Fifth-semester medical students were divided into eight groups, each one with twelve participants. Students were challenged to show their knowledge of one class of antimicrobial drug using art as the communication tool. Each group was assigned to work with a specific class of antibiotic, which was previously randomly selected. Two teachers simultaneously evaluated the presentation, using a specific form to carry out this evaluation. In the end of the activity, students were invited to answer a questionnaire, with objective and subjective questions, addressing their perceptions of the activity, the benefits on antibiotic learning and identified difficulties. Results: A total of 92 students participated in the study. The methodology used to carry out the TSaA activity was considered adequate by 82% of the participants. Staging performance and music were the most frequently chosen forms of presentation. The majority of the participants indicated TSaA as a valuable strategy to facilitate antimicrobial learning. The association between antibiotic study and art was considered an amusing way of content learning. According to students’ perception, this practice also stimulated teamwork. In the students’ opinion, there was indeed a greater content learning with this activity. Conclusion: The Antimicrobial Artistic Sensitivity Test facilitated antimicrobial learning, stimulating the creativity and critical/logical thinking of fifth-semester medical students.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis, a disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, is endemic in arid climatic regions in Northeast Brazil. Its prevalence is higher among young adult males living in rural areas. Existing literature about this disease in Ceará, a Northeast Brazilian state, are scarce. Here, we aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profiles, radiological patterns, and therapeutic responses of patients with coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS This is a descriptive study with quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent medical follow-up in São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases and received confirmed mycological diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis between January, 2007 and December 2017 were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic response data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS Thirty patients were included. The patients were males with median age of 30 years, and 73% were considered to have high-risk exposure to Coccidioides owing to professional activities. Cough (96.7%), dyspnea (63.3%), fever (86.7%), and pleuritic pain (60%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Interstitial pattern (91.3%) was the most frequent pulmonary radiological finding. Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole were administered for treatment (in 82.1%, 42.8%, and 21.4% of cases, respectively). A favorable outcome was observed in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis was more prevalent in the central and southern regions of the State of Ceará. Understanding the local epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease, in addition to the pulmonary radiologic findings, may aid the early detection of coccidioidomycosis and facilitate early diagnosis.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In many settings, the lack of sensitive biomarkers of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) leads to a clinical reliance on older diagnostic methods and delayed treatment initiation. The early recognition of DH is critical for survival, especially in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify clinical and laboratory findings associated with the definitive diagnosis of DH in low-income HIV patients in endemic areas. METHODS: Febrile AIDS patients with suspected DH who were admitted to a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil from January 2006 to January 2007 were evaluated for clinical and laboratory findings associated with DH diagnosis. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen patients with fever were included, and 48 (41%) cases of DH were determined by Histoplasma capsulatum identification. A higher fever (≥38.5ºC), maculopapular/papular rash, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, wheezing, hemoglobin ≤9.5g/dL, platelets ≤80,000/µL, CD4 count ≤75/µL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level ≥2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥5times the ULN; and international normalized ratio (INR) >2 times the ULN were significantly associated with DH. A multivariable analysis identified hepatomegaly [adjusted (a) prevalence ratio (PR)= 1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-3.16), CD4 count ≤75/µL (aPR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.06-3.83), LDH ≥5 times the ULN (aPR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.44-3.48), and maculopapular/papular rash (aPR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.02-2.83) were independent risk factors for DH. CONCLUSIONS: These easily assessed parameters can facilitate clinical decision-making for febrile AIDS patients with suspected DH in low socioeconomic and Histoplasma-endemic regions.