Job strain is prospectively associated with a lower frequency of fruit consumption in schoolteachers.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to analyse the prospective association between perceived work demand and changes in eating behaviours in schoolteachers. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study with self-reported information obtained on the Demand Control Support Questionnaire and eating behaviours at baseline and after a 2-year follow-up. The analyses were performed using mixed-effects models adjusted for the main confounders. SETTING: The setting consisted of elementary and secondary schools located in a large city in southern Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 502 schoolteachers (65·9 % females, median age of 42·7 years [interquartile range 34·2, 49·4]). RESULTS: A total of 39·2 % of the schoolteachers were classified at baseline with job strain, 28·9 % with passive job, 12·2 % with active job and 19·7 % with low-strain job. In the fully adjusted models, compared with teachers who reported low-strain job, those with higher levels of job strain were more likely to reduce (coefficient = 0·064; 95 % CI 0·018, 0·109) and less likely to increase (coefficient = -0·066; 95 % CI -0·115, -0·016) their frequency of fruit consumption regardless of sociodemographic, lifestyle, health conditions and social support at work. CONCLUSION: Job strain plays a relevant role in the frequency of fruit consumption over time in schoolteachers. The balance between demand and control at work must be considered in strategies for promoting healthy eating despite perceived social support.

Multifaceted Strategy Based on Automated Text Messaging After a Recent Heart Failure Admission: The MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. Results: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). Conclusions and Relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04062461.

Learning: New Strategy for Humanized Digital Medical Education and Training in Cardiology. / Virtual Case-Based Learning: Nova Estratégia de Ensino e de Treinamento Médico Digital Humanizado em Cardiologia.

BACKGROUND: The consolidation of new educational paradigms requires the implementation of innovative strategies to transform students into competent professionals. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and satisfaction of medical students before and after the use of a new humanized digital model of active learning, called virtual case-based learning (VCBL). METHODS: This was a descriptive, documentary analysis of the teaching-learning process of medical students. Data obtained from theoretical knowledge assessment and satisfaction evaluation questionnaires applied in 2018 and 2019 were analyzed, and the new VCBL was compared with the traditional active methodology PBL (problem-based learning). Descriptive and association analyses were made using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: A total of 167 evaluation forms administered to medical students were analyzed. In the evaluation of theoretical knowledge, the 2018 and the 2019 student groups had a mean of 41.7% and 73.3%, respectively (p<0.001). Among the students who responded to the satisfaction evaluation form, 76.0% gave the highest rating to question one, and 83.0% to question two. Nearly 70.0% of students positively evaluated knowledge acquisition with the Paciente 360 platform; 78.0% reported to feel prepared for working in outpatient care; and 94.0% positively evaluated the new method. CONCLUSION: In this initial study, the results indicate that the new active method for humanized digital medical education, the VCBL, can help in the betterment of the teaching-learning process, promoting knowledge and satisfaction by the students.

FUNDAMENTO: A consolidação de novos paradigmas educacionais exige a implantação de estratégias inovadoras com potencial de transformar estudantes em profissionais competentes. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o conhecimento e a satisfação de estudantes antes e após a utilização de uma nova metodologia ativa de ensino médico de modelo digital humanizado chamada Virtual Case-Based Learning (VCBL). MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com análise documental sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de estudantes de medicina. Dados obtidos da avaliação de conhecimento teórico e do instrumento de satisfação dos alunos nos anos de 2018 e 2019 foram analisados, e a nova metodologia proposta VCBL foi comparada com a metodologia ativa de ensino tradicional, o Problem-Based Learning (PBL). As análises descritivas e de associação foram realizadas utilizando o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 167 documentos aplicados a estudantes de medicina. Em relação à avaliação do conhecimento teórico, os alunos avaliados em 2018 obtiveram média 41,7%, comparados aos alunos de 2019 que alcançaram 73,3% (p<0,001). Entre os estudantes submetidos à avaliação da satisfação com a metodologia de aprendizagem proposta, 76,0% pontuaram o valor máximo para a questão um, e 83,0% para a questão número dois. Cerca de 70,0% dos estudantes classificaram positivamente o aprendizado adquirido após utilização da plataforma Paciente 360; 78,0% responderam que se sentem preparados para o atendimento ambulatorial; e 94,0% pontuaram de forma positiva a metodologia empregada. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo inicial, os resultados indicaram que a nova ferramenta em metodologia ativa de ensino médico digital humanizado, o VCBL, pode auxiliar no aprimoramento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, proporcionando conhecimento e satisfação dos estudantes.

Multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging after a recent heart failure admission: the MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. RESULTS: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS and relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome.

Virtual Case-Based Learning: Nova Estratégia de Ensino e de Treinamento Médico Digital Humanizado em Cardiologia / Learning: New Strategy for Humanized Digital Medical Education and Training in Cardiology

Resumo Fundamento A consolidação de novos paradigmas educacionais exige a implantação de estratégias inovadoras com potencial de transformar estudantes em profissionais competentes. Objetivos Analisar o conhecimento e a satisfação de estudantes antes e após a utilização de uma nova metodologia ativa de ensino médico de modelo digital humanizado chamada Virtual Case-Based Learning (VCBL). Métodos Estudo descritivo com análise documental sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de estudantes de medicina. Dados obtidos da avaliação de conhecimento teórico e do instrumento de satisfação dos alunos nos anos de 2018 e 2019 foram analisados, e a nova metodologia proposta VCBL foi comparada com a metodologia ativa de ensino tradicional, o Problem-Based Learning (PBL). As análises descritivas e de associação foram realizadas utilizando o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Resultados Foram analisados 167 documentos aplicados a estudantes de medicina. Em relação à avaliação do conhecimento teórico, os alunos avaliados em 2018 obtiveram média 41,7%, comparados aos alunos de 2019 que alcançaram 73,3% (p<0,001). Entre os estudantes submetidos à avaliação da satisfação com a metodologia de aprendizagem proposta, 76,0% pontuaram o valor máximo para a questão um, e 83,0% para a questão número dois. Cerca de 70,0% dos estudantes classificaram positivamente o aprendizado adquirido após utilização da plataforma Paciente 360; 78,0% responderam que se sentem preparados para o atendimento ambulatorial; e 94,0% pontuaram de forma positiva a metodologia empregada. Conclusão Neste estudo inicial, os resultados indicaram que a nova ferramenta em metodologia ativa de ensino médico digital humanizado, o VCBL, pode auxiliar no aprimoramento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, proporcionando conhecimento e satisfação dos estudantes.

Abstract Background The consolidation of new educational paradigms requires the implementation of innovative strategies to transform students into competent professionals. Objectives To assess knowledge and satisfaction of medical students before and after the use of a new humanized digital model of active learning, called virtual case-based learning (VCBL). Methods This was a descriptive, documentary analysis of the teaching-learning process of medical students. Data obtained from theoretical knowledge assessment and satisfaction evaluation questionnaires applied in 2018 and 2019 were analyzed, and the new VCBL was compared with the traditional active methodology PBL (problem-based learning). Descriptive and association analyses were made using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results A total of 167 evaluation forms administered to medical students were analyzed. In the evaluation of theoretical knowledge, the 2018 and the 2019 student groups had a mean of 41.7% and 73.3%, respectively (p<0.001). Among the students who responded to the satisfaction evaluation form, 76.0% gave the highest rating to question one, and 83.0% to question two. Nearly 70.0% of students positively evaluated knowledge acquisition with the Paciente 360 platform; 78.0% reported to feel prepared for working in outpatient care; and 94.0% positively evaluated the new method. Conclusion In this initial study, the results indicate that the new active method for humanized digital medical education, the VCBL, can help in the betterment of the teaching-learning process, promoting knowledge and satisfaction by the students.

Electroanatomic remodeling of the left atrium in patients undergoing repeat pulmonary vein ablation: mechanistic insights and implications for ablation.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited information describing late changes in the electroanatomic characteristics of the left atrium (LA) associated with recurrence after an anatomical circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (57 +/- 8 years) undergoing a repeat ablation after CPVA were included. Using an electroanatomic mapping system, we measured the bipolar voltage by averaging points in the pulmonary vein (PV)-LA junction and four other LA sites. Conduction velocity and AF cycle length (AFCL) were also measured and the results are compared with the first procedure. After an initial decrease observed at the end of the first procedure, voltage and conduction velocity returned to intermediate values in all LA sites, with lower voltage at the LIPV antrum (P = 0.004), and lower conduction velocity across the LIPV and RSPV (P < 0.001). Conduction gaps were more prevalent at the septal aspect of the right PV encircling lines (85%), between the left atrial appendage (LAA) and the LSPV (70%) and lines at the posterior wall (71%). There was a nonsignificant increase in AFCL, with a more widespread distribution of organized electrograms (32.4% vs 46.6%). CONCLUSION: Recurrence after CPVA is associated with a reverse process of voltage and conduction velocity increase across ablated areas, especially the PV-LA junction, and is related to the presence of conduction gaps, which are distributed mostly at the septal aspect of the lines encircling the right PVs and at the LAA-LSPV area. Organization of atrial electrograms seen during AF ablation is maintained at a repeat procedure.

The association of chronic neck pain, low back pain, and migraine with absenteeism due to health problems in Spanish workers.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether 3 types of chronic pain are associated with absenteeism and with the number of days absent from work in the general population of Spain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic pain has been associated with absenteeism, but most of the evidence is based on unadjusted analyses and on specific professional categories. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the basis of data of 8283 Spanish workers. Chronic pain was ascertained from self-reported information on frequent symptoms of pain in the low back and neck and/or migraine in the last 12 months. Absenteeism was defined as missing at least 1 day from work because of health problems. Multivariate regression models were adjusted for the main confounders. RESULTS: Health-related absenteeism was reported by 27.8% of subjects. The prevalence of chronic pain was reported to be 12.3% in the neck, 14.1% in the low back, and 10.3% migraine. In adjusted analyses, absenteeism was associated with chronic neck pain (odds ratio: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.40), low back pain (odds ratio: 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42), and migraine (odds ratio: 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.44). These associations were strongest in younger (18-34 yr) rather than in older workers. Furthermore, those who reported frequent pain in the neck and low back were 44% more likely to be absent for more than 30 days in the past year than those who did not report these symptoms. CONCLUSION: Spanish workers with chronic pain were more likely to be absent from work and to stay absent from work for longer. These associations are independent of sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, lifestyle, health status, and analgesics use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia with alternating right and left bundle branch block morphology in a patient with metastatic cardiac tumors.

A case is reported of bidirectional ventricular tachycardia and syncope in a 16-year-old male with a previous history of a paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma that achieved complete remission with treatment. At the electrophysiological study, frequent ectopy of both right and left bundle branch block pattern were present, with runs of monomorphic and bidirectional VT alternating the two morphologies. The study suggested a single focus at the interventricular septum with two exit sites, depolarizing the right and left ventricle in an alternate fashion. Reassessment of the malignancy status showed multiple cardiac metastases with a 4 mm nodule at the interventricular septum.

Estado atual da ablação com cateter na fibrilação atrial / Current practice of pulmonary veins ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

A fibrilação atrial é uma arritmia altamente prevalente e está associada a elevada morbidade e mortalidade. Em decorrência da eficácia limitada da terapia farmacológica, diversas intervenções cirúrgicas e baseadas em cateter têm sido desenvolvidas nos últimos anos, entre elas a ablação por cateter das veias pulmonares com energia de radiofreqüência. Atualmente duas abordagens principais têm sido utilizadas: a ablação baseada em eletrogramas, em que a atividade elétrica no interior das veias pulmonares é usada para guiar a ablação segmentar ou circunferencial no óstio das veias pulmonares, com o objetivo de isolá-las eletricamente, e uma abordagem puramente anatômica, na qual um sistema de mapeamento não-fluoroscópico é usado para circunscrever as veias pulmonares, confeccionando lesões lineares ao seu redor. Entre os mecanismos propostos estão o isolamento dos deflagradores e o remodelamento eletrofisiológico do átrio esquerdo. O procedimento apresenta taxa de sucesso global de 70 por cento, em que um número adicional de pacientes apresenta melhora com uma droga antiarrítmica previamente ineficaz, enquanto outros necessitam de procedimentos repetidos. A estenose de veia pulmonar é uma complicação importante, embora sua incidência seja baixa. Enquanto a melhor abordagem ainda está por ser definida, várias técnicas novas, como a ecocardiografia intracardíaca e o cateter com eletrodo distal irrigado, estão sob investigação, e podem ter um papel importante em futuro próximo.

Estudo eletroanatômico em pacientes com recorrência de taquiarritmias atriais após a ablação circunferencial das veias oulmonares para o tratamento da fibrilação atrial / Eletroanatomic study in patients with recorrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after circunferential ablation of the pulmonary veins for the treatment of atrial fibrilation

Objetivo: Existem poucas informações sobre as características eletroanatômicas do átrio esquerdo (AE) associadas à recorrência de taquiarritmias atriais (T Aa) após a ablação circunferencial anatômica para o tratamento da fibrilação atrial (F A). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a correlação entre as alterações eletroanatômicas imediatas causadas pela ablação e a seus efeitos tardios, observados durante um segundo procedimento. Métodos: Foram incluídos 47 pacientes (idade: 57 :J:: 8 anos) submetidos a um segundo procedimento após a ablação circunferencial. Utilizando um sistema de mapeamento eletroanatômico, foram obtidas medidas de voltagem através da média de pontos na junção veno-atrial e em outros quatro locais do AE. Também foram analisados a velocidade de condução regional, o ciclo de freqüência da FA (CFFA), a complexidade dos eletrogramas e a distribuição de gaps. Os resultados foram comparados aos achados do primeiro procedimento. Resultados: Vinte e três (49 por cento) pacientes apresentaram taquicardia atrial (TA), sendo esta a única arritmia documentada em 8 (17 por cento) pacientes. Após uma redução inicial da voltagem e velocidade de condução observadas ao final do primeiro procedimento, as medidas retomaram para valores intermediários em todos os locais do AE, com voltagem acima do critério de sucesso inicial ® 0,1 m V) em 76 por cento das veias pulmonares (VPs) e resultado significativamente melhor nas VPs inferiores esquerdas (p= 0,004). Comparada ao primeiro estudo, a velocidade de condução foi menor através dos antros das VPs inferior esquerda e superior direita (p < 0,001). Os gaps foram mais prevalentes no aspecto septal das VPs direitas (85 por cento), entre o apêndice auricular esquerdo (AAE) e a VP superior esquerda (70 por cento) e nas linhas intervenosas na parede posterior (71 por cento). Comparado ao primeiro estudo, houve um aumento não-significativo do CFF A e uma distribuição mais ampla de eletrogramas...