Can We Diagnose a Patient's Caries Activity Based on Lesion Activity Assessment? Findings from a Cohort Study.

This cohort study evaluated the fate of sound surfaces and inactive non-cavitated (INC) and active non-cavitated (ANC) caries lesions in a population-based sample of South Brazilian adolescents, in answer to the question: "Is lesion activity assessment a reliable criterion to diagnose a patient's caries activity?" A total of 801 schoolchildren were examined at baseline (aged 12 years) and after a mean time interval of 2.5 years. Data collection included a questionnaire and clinical examination. Patients were classified as caries-free (patients without any lesion), caries-inactive (patients with only inactive lesions), and caries-active (patients with at least one active lesion). The primary outcome was caries progression (presence of cavity, underlying dentin shadow, filling, or extraction at the follow-up exam). Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the risk for caries progression. The main predictor variable was status of the surface at baseline: sound, INC, or ANC. Progression rates of 1.0, 9.0, and 12.6% were found for sound surfaces, INC, and ANC, respectively. INC (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 5.37, 95% CI 4.22-6.83) and ANC (IRR 4.96, 95% CI 3.43-7.17) had greater risk for caries progression than sound surfaces. Similar risks for progression were found for ANC and INC (IRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.64-1.32). Progression rates were 0.6, 1.1, and 2.2% for caries-free, caries-inactive, and caries-active individuals, respectively (p < 0.05). The risk for caries progression of sound surfaces was higher among caries-active adolescents (caries-free: IRR 2.78, 95% CI 1.63-4.72; caries-inactive: IRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.65-2.90). Caries-inactive patients behaved similarly to caries-free individuals (IRR 1.27, 95% CI 0.73-2.20). This study demonstrated the possibility of defining a patient's caries activity profile based on lesion features.

Collaborative Brazilian pediatric renal transplant registry (CoBrazPed-RTx): A report from 2004 to 2018.

The Brazilian collaborative registry for pediatric renal transplantation began in 2004 as a multicenter initiative aimed at analyzing, reporting, and disseminating the results of pediatric renal transplantation in Brazil. Data from all pediatric renal transplants performed from January 2004 to May 2018 at the 13 participating centers were analyzed. A total of 2744 pediatric renal transplants were performed in the thirteen participating centers. The median age at transplantation was 12.2 years, with the majority being male recipients (56%). The main underlying diseases were CAKUT (40.5%) and glomerulopathy (28%). 1981 (72%) of the grafts were from deceased donors (DD). Graft survival at one year (censored by death) was 94% in the live donor group (LD) and 91% in the DD group (log-rank test P < 0.01). The patient's survival at one and 5 years was 97% and 95% for the LD group and 96% and 93% for the DD group (log-rank test P = 0.02). The graft loss rate was 19% (n = 517), more frequently caused by vascular thrombosis (n = 102) and chronic graft nephropathy (n = 90). DD recipients had 1.6 (1.0-2.2) times greater chance of death and 1.5 (1.2-1.8) times greater chance of graft loss compared to LD recipients. The mortality rate was 5.4% (n = 148), mainly due to infection (n = 69) and cardiovascular disease (n = 28). The results of this collaborative pediatric renal transplant record are comparable to other international registries, although we still have a high infection rate as a cause of death.

Trajectories and Predictors of Allograft Dysfunction after Renal Transplantation in Children.

BACKGROUND: The survival rates of renal transplant children are indeed on the rise, but it is still important to ensure that there is optimal renal function in these children in all their future growing years. The number of functioning nephrons and the graft ability to adapt to an increasing demand during body growth seem to be the most important factors for long-term allograft function. This study examined the long-term change in the glomerular filtration rate in a pediatric kidney transplant cohort and the importance of the recipient and donor ages in predicting transplant outcome. METHODS: Data on 67 renal transplant children who underwent 278 inulin-clearance measurements between 2000 and 2010 were examined. A longitudinal latent class model was used to identify renal function trajectories and classify the children. RESULTS: This model identified 3 trajectories of renal allograft function after pediatric kidney transplantation: 'low and decreasing', 'moderate and stable', and 'high and sharply decreasing'. The probability of belonging to the low and decreasing trajectory - that is, the poorer outcome - was lower in recipients of grafts from living versus deceased donor (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.02; p = 0.03). This probability increased with recipient age (aOR 1.20 per year of recipient ageing; p = 0.07) and donor-recipient age-difference (aOR 1.13 per additional year; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that donation from living donors and from younger donors are favorable factors for long-term allograft function.

Salt taste sensitivity thresholds in adolescents: are there any relationships with body composition and blood pressure levels?

The aim of this study was to identify the salt taste sensitivity thresholds and relationships with body composition and blood pressure levels in a cross-sectional study of adolescents. Blood pressure and body composition were measured with a digital device and by anthropometry, respectively. The salt taste sensitivity threshold was measured with 9 solutions with different sodium chloride concentrations to assess the sensitivity to saltiness. The solutions (4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, 250, 500 and 1000 mmol/L sodium chloride) were served in increasing concentrations until the taste was correctly identified. The taste sensitivity threshold was then classified as normal or high. In total, 421 adolescents (55.6% female), with an average age of 15.8 ± 0.91 years, were evaluated. The median threshold was 30 mmol/L, and 36.1% had a high threshold. The high blood pressure prevalence was 12.6%, and 25.5% of the subjects were overweight. When the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were compared between the normal and increased threshold groups after adjusting for gender, age, sedentary lifestyle and body mass index, only diastolic blood pressure showed a statistically significant effect (P < 0.0001) between the groups. The effect of a high threshold on body composition after adjusting for gender, age and physical inactivity was not significant (P = 0.177). There was no relationship between a high threshold and systolic pressure or body composition in the evaluated adolescents; therefore, only diastolic blood pressure was affected.

Applying enhanced recovery principles to emergency laparotomy in penetrating abdominal trauma: a case-matched study.

PURPOSE: The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERPs) has significantly improved outcomes within various surgical specialties. However, the suitability of ERPs in trauma surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) design and implement an ERP for trauma laparotomy patients; (2) assess its safety, feasibility, and efficacy; and (3) compare the outcomes of the proposed ERP with conventional practices. METHODS: This case-matched study prospectively enrolled hemodynamically stable patients undergoing emergency laparotomy after penetrating trauma. Patients receiving the proposed ERP were compared to historical controls who had received conventional treatment from two to eight years prior to protocol implementation. Cases were matched for age, sex, injury mechanism, extra-abdominal injuries, and trauma scores. Assessment of intervention effects were modelled using regression analysis for outcome measures, including length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, and functional recovery parameters. RESULTS: Thirty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the proposed ERP and matched to their 36 historical counterparts, totaling 72 participants. A statistically significant decrease in LOS, representing a 39% improvement in average LOS was observed. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. Opioid consumption was considerably lower in the ERP group (p < 0.010). Time to resumption of oral liquid and solid intake, as well as to the removal of nasogastric tubes, urinary catheters, and abdominal drains was significantly earlier among ERP patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a standardized ERP for the perioperative care of penetrating abdominal trauma patients yielded a significant reduction in LOS without increasing postoperative complications. These findings demonstrate that ERPs principles can be safely applied to selected trauma patients.

Proposed Risk Score in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Submitted to Valve Replacement Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Due to Brazilian population aging, prevalence of aortic stenosis, and limited number of scores in literature, it is essential to develop risk scores adapted to our reality and created in the specific context of this disease. METHODS: This is an observational historical cohort study with analysis of 802 aortic stenosis patients who underwent valve replacement at Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, from 1996 to 2018. With the aid of logistic regression, a weighted risk score was constructed based on the magnitude of the coeficients ß of the logistic equation. Two performance statistics were obtained: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the chi-square (χ2) of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit with Pearson's correlation coeficient between the observed events and predicted as a model calibration estimate. RESULTS: The risk predictors that composed the score were valve replacement surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, prior renal failure, New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure, age > 70 years, and ejection fraction < 50%. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.82); regarding the model calibration estimated between observed/predicted mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2 = 3,70 (P=0.594) and Pearson's coeficient r = 0.98 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We propose the creation of a simple score, adapted to the Brazilian reality, with good performance and which can be validated in other institutions.

[Temporal trend of physical activity in Brazilian adolescents: analysis of the Brazilian National Survey of School Health from 2009 to 2019]. / Tendência temporal de atividade física em adolescentes brasileiros: análise da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2009 a 2019.

This study aimed to analyze the physical activity trend of Brazilian schoolchildren and the associations with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables by using the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE) in its four editions - 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. Data from students (13-17 years old) participating in the four editions of the PeNSE (n = 392,922) were used. We describe the percentage of active, mean, and percentile values of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity in minutes/week. Poisson's regression was adjusted for gender, age, skin color, goods score, and sedentary behavior (≥ 2 hours/day watching TV and ≥ 3 hours/day sitting time). As a limitation, the PeNSE/2009 sample refers only to the Brazilian capital cities. The percentage of active students decreased from 43.1% in 2009 to 18.2% in 2019. The mean moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity of PeNSE/2009 (mean = 318.4 minutes/week; 95%CI: 313.4-323.4) decreased 50% in 2019. In physical education, the weekly average in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity of girls is less than 50 minutes and boys is greater than 60 minutes in the four editions of PeNSE, also 22.7% of girls reported (PeNSE/2019) not having taken physical education classes whereas the same thing is reported by 19.7% of boys. Sedentary behavior reduced regarding time watching TV, but sitting time increased by 50.1% (95%CI: 48.9-51.3) and 54% (95%CI: 53.1-54.9) between PeNSE/2009 and PeNSE/2019. As a consequence of the drop in physical activity levels, public policies that promote physical activity are necessary, including increasing physical education classes at school to at least three times a week.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a tendência de atividade física dos escolares brasileiros e as associações com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e comportamentais, por meio da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) em suas quatro edições - 2009, 2012, 2015 e 2019. Foram usados dados dos escolares (13-17 anos) participantes das quatro edições da PeNSE (n = 392.922). Descrevemos o percentual de ativos, a média e valores percentuais da atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa em minutos/semana. A regressão de Poisson foi ajustada para sexo, idade, cor da pele, escore de bens e comportamento sedentário (≥ 2 horas/dia para assistir TV e ≥ 3 horas/dia de tempo sentado). Como limitação, a amostra da PeNSE/2009 refere-se apenas às capitais brasileiras. O percentual de ativos reduziu de 43,1% em 2009 para 18,2% em 2019. A média em atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa da PeNSE/2009 (média = 318,4 minutos/semana; IC95%: 313,4-323,4) reduziu 50% em 2019. Na educação física, a média semanal em atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa das meninas foi menor que 50 minutos, ao passo que a dos meninos foi maior que 60 minutos, nas quatro edições da PeNSE. Ainda, 22,7% das meninas relataram (PeNSE/2019) não ter tido aulas de educação física, enquanto o mesmo é relatado por 19,7% dos meninos. O comportamento sedentário sofreu redução no hábito de assistir TV, porém o tempo sentado aumentou de 50,1% (IC95%: 48,9-51,3) para 54% (IC95%: 53,1-54,9) entre a PeNSE/2009 e a PeNSE/2019. Como consequência da queda nos níveis de atividade física, são necessárias políticas públicas que promovam a atividade física, como aumentar as aulas de educação física na escola para, no mínimo, três vezes por semana.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la tendencia de la actividad física del alumnado brasileño y sus asociaciones con las variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y de comportamiento mediante la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar (PeNSE) en sus cuatro ediciones (de 2009, 2012, 2015 y 2019). Se utilizaron los datos del alumnado (13-17 años) que participó en las cuatro ediciones de la PeNSE (n = 392.922). Se describieron el porcentaje de valores activos, la media y los valores percentiles de actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa en minutos/semana. La regresión de Poisson se ajustó según sexo, edad, color de la piel, puntuación de activos y comportamiento sedentario (≥ 2 horas/día para ver televisión y ≥ 3 horas/día sentado). Como limitación, la muestra de la PeNSE/2009 se refiere únicamente a las capitales brasileñas. El porcentaje de activos disminuyó del 43,1% en 2009 al 18,2% en 2019. La media de actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de la PeNSE/2009 (media = 318,4 minutos/semana; IC95%: 313,4-323,4) tuvo una reducción de un 50% en 2019. En educación física, el promedio semanal en actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de las niñas fue menos de 50 minutos, y el de los niños llegó a 60 minutos en las cuatro ediciones de la PeNSE, además, el 22,7% de las niñas y el 19,7% de los niños (PeNSE/2019) informaron no haber tomado clases de educación física. Hubo una disminución en el comportamiento sedentario de ver televisión, pero el tiempo sentado aumentó del 50,1% (IC95%: 48,9-51,3) al 54% (IC95%: 53,1-54,9) entre la PeNSE/2009 y la PeNSE/2019. El descenso de los niveles de actividad física lleva a la necesidad de desarrollar políticas públicas que promuevan la actividad física, incluido el incremento de las clases de educación física en las escuelas al menos tres veces por semana.

Prognostic Assessment of Fractional Flow Reserve in Different Strata in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. / Avaliação Prognóstica da Reserva de Fluxo Fracionada em Diferentes Estratos nos Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana.

BACKGROUND: There are limited real-world data on the clinical course of untreated coronary lesions according to their functional severity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 5-year clinical outcomes of patients with revascularized lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.8 and patients with non-revascularized lesions with FFR > 0.8. METHODS: The FFR assessment was performed in 218 patients followed for up to 5 years. Participants were classified based on FFR into ischemia group (≤ 0.8, intervention group, n = 55), low-normal FFR group (> 0.8-0.9, n = 91), and high-normal FFR group (> 0.9, n = 72). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and need for repeat revascularization. The significance level was set at 0.05; therefore, results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most patients were male (62.8%) with a mean age of 64.1 years. Diabetes was present in 27%. On coronary angiography, the severity of stenosis was 62% in the ischemia group, 56.4% in the low-normal FFR group, and 54.3% in the high-normal FFR group (p<0.05). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The incidence of MACEs was 25.5%, 13.2%, and 11.1%, respectively (p=0.037). MACE incidence did not differ significantly between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with FFR indicative of ischemia had poorer outcomes than those in non-ischemia groups. There was no difference in the incidence of events between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Long-term studies with a large sample size are needed to better assess cardiovascular outcomes in patients with moderate coronary stenosis with FFR values between 0.8 and 1.0.

FUNDAMENTO: Existem dados limitados sobre a evolução clínica de lesões coronarianas não tratadas de acordo com sua gravidade funcional no mundo real. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os resultados clínicos de até 5 anos em pacientes com lesões revascularizadas com reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) ≤ 0,8 e em pacientes com lesões não revascularizadas com FFR > 0,8. MÉTODOS: A avaliação pelo FFR foi realizada em 218 pacientes seguidos por até 5 anos. Os participantes foram classificados com base na FFR no grupo isquêmico (≤ 0,8, grupo intervenção, n = 55), no grupo FFR normal-baixa (> 0,8-0,9, n = 91) e no grupo FFR normal-alta (> 0,9, n = 72). O desfecho primário foram eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAMs), um composto de morte, infarto do miocárdio e necessidade de nova revascularização. O nível de significância adotado neste estudo foi alfa = 0,05; deste modo, resultados com valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (62,8%) com média de idade de 64,1 anos. Diabetes estava presente em 27%. À angiografia coronariana, a gravidade da estenose avaliada foi de 62%, 56,4% e 54,3% nos grupos isquêmico, FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta, respectivamente (p < 0,05). O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 3,5 anos. A incidência ECAM foi de 25,5%, 13,2% e 11,1%, respectivamente (p = 0,037). Não houve diferença na incidência de ECAM entre os grupos FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta (p = NS). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com FFR indicativa de isquemia apresentaram piores desfechos quando comparados aos dos grupos não isquêmicos. Entre os grupos que apresentaram valores de FFR considerados normal-baixo e normal-alto, não houve diferença na incidência de eventos. Há necessidade de estudos de longo prazo e com grande número de pacientes para melhor avaliar os desfechos cardiovasculares em pacientes portadores de estenose coronariana moderada com valores de FFR entre 0,8 e 1,0.

Efficacy and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the prevention of pressure injuries in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injuries (PIs), especially in the sacral region are frequent, costly, and increase morbidity and mortality of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). These injuries can occur as a result of prolonged pressure and/or shear forces. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase muscle mass and improve local circulation, potentially reducing the incidence of PI. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of NMES in preventing PI in critically ill patients. We included patients with a period of less than 48 h in the ICU, aged ≥ 18 years. Participants were randomly selected (1:1 ratio) to receive NMES and usual care (NMES group) or only usual care (control group-CG) until discharge, death, or onset of a PI. To assess the effectiveness of NMES, we calculated the relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT). We assessed the muscle thickness of the gluteus maximus by ultrasonography. To assess safety, we analyzed the effects of NMES on vital signs and checked for the presence of skin burns in the stimulated areas. Clinical outcomes were assessed by time on mechanical ventilation, ICU mortality rate, and length of stay in the ICU. RESULTS: We enrolled 149 participants, 76 in the NMES group. PIs were present in 26 (35.6%) patients in the CG and 4 (5.3%) in the NMES group (p ˂ 0.001). The NMES group had an RR = 0.15 (95% CI 0.05-0.40) to develop a PI, NNT = 3.3 (95% CI 2.3-5.9). Moreover, the NMES group presented a shorter length of stay in the ICU: Δ = - 1.8 ± 1.2 days, p = 0.04. There was no significant difference in gluteus maximus thickness between groups (CG: Δ = - 0.37 ± 1.2 cm vs. NMES group: Δ = 0 ± 0.98 cm, p = 0.33). NMES did not promote deleterious changes in vital signs and we did not detect skin burns. CONCLUSIONS: NMES is an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of PI in critically ill patients and may reduce length of stay in the ICU. Trial registration RBR-8nt9m4. Registered prospectively on July 20th, 2018, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8nt9m4.

Program for Healthier School Cafeterias in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Protocol for a Community-Based Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: School cafeterias can promote poor eating habits, as these retail outlets have a variety of foods considered to be nonnutritive and unhealthy. However, despite the need for effective preventive strategies, there is still disagreement on the best approach due to the lack of evidence on interventions to prevent and treat obesity in the school settings. OBJECTIVE: We aim to verify the efficacy of an educational intervention program to improve the hygienic conditions and the composition of the menu offered in school cafeterias in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We will conduct a randomized, parallel, two-arm, community-based controlled study. Elementary and high schools, both public and private, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, that have a cafeteria will be eligible. Schools will be recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention (n=27) or control (n=27) group. The intervention group will receive an educational intervention program based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, consisting of a 160-hour distance-learning qualification course, for 10 weeks, and using the Moodle platform and WhatsApp app. The intervention targets the owners and people in charge of the cafeterias, food handlers, principals, vice principals, teachers, pedagogical coordinators, dietitians, representatives of students' parents, and students over 16 years old. Meanwhile, the control group will receive only a printed copy of the book containing the guidelines used. The efficacy of the intervention will be determined by the hygienic conditions of the cafeteria and the composition of the menu offered, also considering the levels of processing of food sold. All outcomes will be analyzed as intention-to-treat and per-protocol. We will use covariance analysis or a generalized linear model for continuous data and ordinal logistic regression for ordinal categorical data. The level of statistical significance considered will be P<.05 for a 95% CI. RESULTS: This project was funded in early 2018. We administered the intervention program in 2019. All data have already been collected, and we are analyzing the data. The results are expected in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this may be the first randomized controlled study in school cafeterias held in Brazil. The results will provide evidence for the formulation of public food and nutritional security policies and for the development of effective strategies to provide safe and healthy school meals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry RBR-9rrqhk; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9rrqhk. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/22680.

Risk Score Elaboration for Stroke in Cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a complication that causes considerable morbidity and mortality during the heart surgery postoperative period (incidence: 1.3 to 5%; mortality: 13 to 41%). Models for assessing the risk of stroke after heart surgery have been proposed, but most of them do not evaluate postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to develop a risk score for postoperative stroke in patients who undergo heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with data from 4,862 patients who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2016. Logistic regression was used to assess relationships between risk factors and stroke. Data from 3,258 patients were used to construct the model. The model's performance was then validated using data from the remainder of the patients (n=1,604). The model's accuracy was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The prevalence of stroke during the postoperative period was 3% (n=149); 59% of the patients who exhibited this outcome were male, 51% were aged ≥ 66 years, and 31.5% of the patients died. The variables that remained as independent predictors of the outcome after multivariate analysis were advanced age, urgent/emergency surgery, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, and cardiopulmonary bypass time ≥ 110 minutes. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.66 - 0.75). CONCLUSION: We were able to develop a risk score for stroke after heart surgery. This score classifies patients as low, medium, high, or very high risk of a surgery-related stroke.

Effects of axial length on retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer measured by spectral-domain OCT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of ocular axial length on circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness in healthy eyes after correcting for ocular magnification effect. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 120 eyes from 60 volunteer participants (myopes, emmetropes, and hyperopes). The thickness of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer were measured using the spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT)-Cirrus HD-OCT and correlated with ocular axial length. Adjustment for ocular magnification was performed by applying Littmann's formula. RESULTS: Before the adjustment for ocular magnification, age-adjusted mixed models analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between axial length and average circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.43, p<0.001), inferior circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.46, p<0.001), superior circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.31, p<0.05), nasal circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.35, p<0.001), and average ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (r=-0.35, p<0.05). However, after correcting for magnification effect, the results were considerably different, revealing only a positive correlation between axial length and temporal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=0.42, p<0.001). Additionally, we demonstrated a positive correlation between axial length and average ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (r=0.48, p<0.001). All other correlations were not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Before adjustment for ocular magnification, axial length was negatively correlated with circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness measured by Cirrus-OCT. We attributed this effect to ocular magnification associated with greater axial lengths, which was corrected with the Littman's formula. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of ocular magnification correction on the diagnostic accuracy of Cirrus-OCT.

Red reflex test at the maternity hospital: results from a tertiary hospital and variables associated with inconclusive test results.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the results of the red reflex test in full-term newborns, as well as identify factors associated with red reflex test outcome and compare hospital length of stay between patients with inconclusive and normal red reflex test results. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of the results of the red reflex test performed in a tertiary hospital maternity unit between 2014 and 2018. A nested case-control study was also performed to search for anthropometric, gestational, and neonatal variables associated with the outcome of the red reflex test. RESULTS: There were121 identified cases of inconclusive red reflex test in 11,833 newborns. Sixteen alterations were confirmed, four considered severe: two cases of congenital glaucoma, one of cataract, and one of coloboma. Mean birth weight (p=0.04), length (p=0.03), and head circumference (p=0.02) were lower in patients with inconclusive red reflex test; however without a relevant effect size (d=-0.21, -0.22, and -0.25, respectively).The proportion of white, mixed-race, and black patients was significantly different between the groups (p<0.001), with a higher chance of inconclusive results in mixed-race (OR=2.22) and black (OR=3.37) patients when compared to whites. An inconclusive red reflex test led to an increase in hospital length of stay from 62 to 82hours (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The red reflex test was able to identify four severe alterations in 11,833 newborns (0.03%). In the 121 newborns in which the red reflex test was classified as inconclusive, there was a 20-hour increase in the hospital length of stay, but a severe alteration was confirmed in only 3.3% of them. Differences in red reflex between white, mixed-race, and black patients should be considered.

Salt taste sensitivity threshold and exercise-induced hypertension.

Salt taste sensitivity is the capacity to identify the flavour of salt. It is possible that salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) can influence salt appetite, and sodium ingestion is associated with hypertension. The present study evaluates the relationship between salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) and blood pressure (BP) response to exercise during a treadmill stress test. Two hundred and three normotensive individuals undergoing evaluation before starting an exercise training program were tested for STST, using concentrated saline solutions from 0.22 to 58.4g/L. Patients were divided into two groups according to the STST: normal (n-STST) and increased (i-STST); and into two groups according to their BP response to exercise: exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) or physiological blood pressure response (n-EIH). EIH was detected in 49 (24.1%) individuals. Initial systolic and diastolic BP and their areas under the curves during the test were higher in the EIH group. Initial systolic and diastolic BP areas under the curves were significantly higher in i-STST than n-STST. There was an association between STST of at least 1.8g/L (increased STST) and EIH (OR=6.71, 95% CI 1.5-29.99) independent of gender, body mass index and age. Occurrence of EIH was associated to i-STST, suggesting that a relationship between high STST and increased BP response to exercise is possible.

Brief report: Accuracy of a 16-item questionnaire based on the HEADSS approach (QBH-16) in the screening of mental disorders in adolescents with behavioral problems in secondary care.

OBJECTIVE: Compare a questionnaire based on the HEADSS approach (QBH-16) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in the screening of mental disorder in adolescents with behavioral problems. METHODS: Adolescents from both genders 12-17 years-old presenting behavioral problems without a previous diagnosis of mental disorder were referred from primary services to a specialized outpatient program for adolescent behavioral problems and evaluated with the QBH-16, CBCL, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. This program is located in a secondary and tertiary university hospital, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the capital city of the southernmost state of Brazil. RESULTS: 98 adolescents and their families were interviewed. Scores > or =9 in the QBH-16 had a likelihood ratio (LR) >5.5 and scores under 6 had a LR of 0.13, identifying adequately 62 patients (71%) according to the CBCL. Cognitive performance was similar among all patients. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest the QBH-16 has a good accuracy for screening mental disorders and may help prioritize or choose which patients will benefit from psychiatric services.

Is depression a risk factor for mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients?

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to assess the association between depressive symptomatology and mortality in chronic hemodialysis. METHOD: A cohort of 40 patients was followed for a median period of 10.5 months. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to classify patients as exposed to depression (Beck Depression Inventory score > 14) or not (Beck Depression Inventory < or = 14). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the mortality rate between the two groups. The effects of potential confounding factors were adjusted using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: After 24 months of follow-up, survival rates were 39% for exposed and 95% for non-exposed patients (p = 0.029). The Cox proportional hazards model showed results similar to those of the bivariate analysis, indicating that depressive symptomatology tended to be associated with mortality (HR = 6.5, 95%CI: 0.8-55.6; p = 0.085). Other study variables, including age, concurrent systemic diseases, and biochemical markers, were not significantly associated with mortality. Exposed patients remained on dialysis longer and received kidney transplants less frequently (9% vs. 50% for non-exposed patients). When kidney transplantation was included in the Cox regression model, the hazard ratio of mortality for exposed as compared to non-exposed patients lost statistical significance (HR = 4.5; 95%CI: 0.5-40.0; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the presence of depressive symptoms may act as an independent risk factor for mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. However, this finding needs further investigations.

Tendência temporal de atividade física em adolescentes brasileiros: análise da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2009 a 2019 / Temporal trend of physical activity in Brazilian adolescents: analysis of the Brazilian National Survey of School Health from 2009 to 2019 / Tendencia temporal de la actividad física en adolescentes brasileños: análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar de 2009 a 2019

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a tendência de atividade física dos escolares brasileiros e as associações com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e comportamentais, por meio da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) em suas quatro edições - 2009, 2012, 2015 e 2019. Foram usados dados dos escolares (13-17 anos) participantes das quatro edições da PeNSE (n = 392.922). Descrevemos o percentual de ativos, a média e valores percentuais da atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa em minutos/semana. A regressão de Poisson foi ajustada para sexo, idade, cor da pele, escore de bens e comportamento sedentário (≥ 2 horas/dia para assistir TV e ≥ 3 horas/dia de tempo sentado). Como limitação, a amostra da PeNSE/2009 refere-se apenas às capitais brasileiras. O percentual de ativos reduziu de 43,1% em 2009 para 18,2% em 2019. A média em atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa da PeNSE/2009 (média = 318,4 minutos/semana; IC95%: 313,4-323,4) reduziu 50% em 2019. Na educação física, a média semanal em atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa das meninas foi menor que 50 minutos, ao passo que a dos meninos foi maior que 60 minutos, nas quatro edições da PeNSE. Ainda, 22,7% das meninas relataram (PeNSE/2019) não ter tido aulas de educação física, enquanto o mesmo é relatado por 19,7% dos meninos. O comportamento sedentário sofreu redução no hábito de assistir TV, porém o tempo sentado aumentou de 50,1% (IC95%: 48,9-51,3) para 54% (IC95%: 53,1-54,9) entre a PeNSE/2009 e a PeNSE/2019. Como consequência da queda nos níveis de atividade física, são necessárias políticas públicas que promovam a atividade física, como aumentar as aulas de educação física na escola para, no mínimo, três vezes por semana.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the physical activity trend of Brazilian schoolchildren and the associations with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables by using the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE) in its four editions - 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. Data from students (13-17 years old) participating in the four editions of the PeNSE (n = 392,922) were used. We describe the percentage of active, mean, and percentile values of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity in minutes/week. Poisson's regression was adjusted for gender, age, skin color, goods score, and sedentary behavior (≥ 2 hours/day watching TV and ≥ 3 hours/day sitting time). As a limitation, the PeNSE/2009 sample refers only to the Brazilian capital cities. The percentage of active students decreased from 43.1% in 2009 to 18.2% in 2019. The mean moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity of PeNSE/2009 (mean = 318.4 minutes/week; 95%CI: 313.4-323.4) decreased 50% in 2019. In physical education, the weekly average in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity of girls is less than 50 minutes and boys is greater than 60 minutes in the four editions of PeNSE, also 22.7% of girls reported (PeNSE/2019) not having taken physical education classes whereas the same thing is reported by 19.7% of boys. Sedentary behavior reduced regarding time watching TV, but sitting time increased by 50.1% (95%CI: 48.9-51.3) and 54% (95%CI: 53.1-54.9) between PeNSE/2009 and PeNSE/2019. As a consequence of the drop in physical activity levels, public policies that promote physical activity are necessary, including increasing physical education classes at school to at least three times a week.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la tendencia de la actividad física del alumnado brasileño y sus asociaciones con las variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y de comportamiento mediante la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar (PeNSE) en sus cuatro ediciones (de 2009, 2012, 2015 y 2019). Se utilizaron los datos del alumnado (13-17 años) que participó en las cuatro ediciones de la PeNSE (n = 392.922). Se describieron el porcentaje de valores activos, la media y los valores percentiles de actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa en minutos/semana. La regresión de Poisson se ajustó según sexo, edad, color de la piel, puntuación de activos y comportamiento sedentario (≥ 2 horas/día para ver televisión y ≥ 3 horas/día sentado). Como limitación, la muestra de la PeNSE/2009 se refiere únicamente a las capitales brasileñas. El porcentaje de activos disminuyó del 43,1% en 2009 al 18,2% en 2019. La media de actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de la PeNSE/2009 (media = 318,4 minutos/semana; IC95%: 313,4-323,4) tuvo una reducción de un 50% en 2019. En educación física, el promedio semanal en actividad física de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de las niñas fue menos de 50 minutos, y el de los niños llegó a 60 minutos en las cuatro ediciones de la PeNSE, además, el 22,7% de las niñas y el 19,7% de los niños (PeNSE/2019) informaron no haber tomado clases de educación física. Hubo una disminución en el comportamiento sedentario de ver televisión, pero el tiempo sentado aumentó del 50,1% (IC95%: 48,9-51,3) al 54% (IC95%: 53,1-54,9) entre la PeNSE/2009 y la PeNSE/2019. El descenso de los niveles de actividad física lleva a la necesidad de desarrollar políticas públicas que promuevan la actividad física, incluido el incremento de las clases de educación física en las escuelas al menos tres veces por semana.

Proposed Risk Score in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Submitted to Valve Replacement Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to Brazilian population aging, prevalence of aortic stenosis, and limited number of scores in literature, it is essential to develop risk scores adapted to our reality and created in the specific context of this disease. Methods: This is an observational historical cohort study with analysis of 802 aortic stenosis patients who underwent valve replacement at Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, from 1996 to 2018. With the aid of logistic regression, a weighted risk score was constructed based on the magnitude of the coeficients β of the logistic equation. Two performance statistics were obtained: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the chi-square (χ2) of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit with Pearson's correlation coeficient between the observed events and predicted as a model calibration estimate. Results: The risk predictors that composed the score were valve replacement surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, prior renal failure, New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure, age > 70 years, and ejection fraction < 50%. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.82); regarding the model calibration estimated between observed/predicted mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2 = 3,70 (P=0.594) and Pearson's coeficient r = 0.98 (P<0.001). Conclusion: We propose the creation of a simple score, adapted to the Brazilian reality, with good performance and which can be validated in other institutions.

Avaliação Prognóstica da Reserva de Fluxo Fracionada em Diferentes Estratos nos Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana / Prognostic Assessment of Fractional Flow Reserve in Different Strata in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento Existem dados limitados sobre a evolução clínica de lesões coronarianas não tratadas de acordo com sua gravidade funcional no mundo real. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os resultados clínicos de até 5 anos em pacientes com lesões revascularizadas com reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) ≤ 0,8 e em pacientes com lesões não revascularizadas com FFR > 0,8. Métodos A avaliação pelo FFR foi realizada em 218 pacientes seguidos por até 5 anos. Os participantes foram classificados com base na FFR no grupo isquêmico (≤ 0,8, grupo intervenção, n = 55), no grupo FFR normal-baixa (> 0,8-0,9, n = 91) e no grupo FFR normal-alta (> 0,9, n = 72). O desfecho primário foram eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAMs), um composto de morte, infarto do miocárdio e necessidade de nova revascularização. O nível de significância adotado neste estudo foi alfa = 0,05; deste modo, resultados com valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (62,8%) com média de idade de 64,1 anos. Diabetes estava presente em 27%. À angiografia coronariana, a gravidade da estenose avaliada foi de 62%, 56,4% e 54,3% nos grupos isquêmico, FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta, respectivamente (p < 0,05). O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 3,5 anos. A incidência ECAM foi de 25,5%, 13,2% e 11,1%, respectivamente (p = 0,037). Não houve diferença na incidência de ECAM entre os grupos FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta (p = NS). Conclusão Pacientes com FFR indicativa de isquemia apresentaram piores desfechos quando comparados aos dos grupos não isquêmicos. Entre os grupos que apresentaram valores de FFR considerados normal-baixo e normal-alto, não houve diferença na incidência de eventos. Há necessidade de estudos de longo prazo e com grande número de pacientes para melhor avaliar os desfechos cardiovasculares em pacientes portadores de estenose coronariana moderada com valores de FFR entre 0,8 e 1,0.

Abstract Background There are limited real-world data on the clinical course of untreated coronary lesions according to their functional severity. Objective To evaluate the 5-year clinical outcomes of patients with revascularized lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.8 and patients with non-revascularized lesions with FFR > 0.8. Methods The FFR assessment was performed in 218 patients followed for up to 5 years. Participants were classified based on FFR into ischemia group (≤ 0.8, intervention group, n = 55), low-normal FFR group (> 0.8-0.9, n = 91), and high-normal FFR group (> 0.9, n = 72). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and need for repeat revascularization. The significance level was set at 0.05; therefore, results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Most patients were male (62.8%) with a mean age of 64.1 years. Diabetes was present in 27%. On coronary angiography, the severity of stenosis was 62% in the ischemia group, 56.4% in the low-normal FFR group, and 54.3% in the high-normal FFR group (p<0.05). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The incidence of MACEs was 25.5%, 13.2%, and 11.1%, respectively (p=0.037). MACE incidence did not differ significantly between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Conclusion Patients with FFR indicative of ischemia had poorer outcomes than those in non-ischemia groups. There was no difference in the incidence of events between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Long-term studies with a large sample size are needed to better assess cardiovascular outcomes in patients with moderate coronary stenosis with FFR values between 0.8 and 1.0.

Healthy and safe school cafeteria program: a randomized controlled study / Programa cantinas escolares saudáveis e seguras: um estudo controlado randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effect of an educational intervention program focused on health risk conditions, based on an assessment of the hygiene and quality of food sold in school cafeterias. Methods This is a controlled, parallel, randomized, two-arm, community study. Public and private schools with cafeterias were invited to participate. This study was conducted in 27 school cafeterias in northern and northwestern Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil. Representatives of the school communities in the intervention group received an educational program consisting of 160-hour distance training. The most relevant outcomes were the assessment of the hygienic conditions and composition of the menus sold in school cafeterias. All outcomes were analyzed as intention-to-treat and per-protocol. For the analysis of continuous data with normal distribution, an analysis of covariance and the Generalized Linear Model were used. The level of statistical significance considered was p<0.05 for a 95% CI. Results No statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention group and the control group in the studied outcomes. There was a reduction of 76.2 points in the score for hygienic handling conditions (95% CI: -205 to 357; p=0.581). Regarding menu composition, the difference between groups was 0.48% (95% CI: -2.69 to 3.64; p=0.760) for ultra-processed foods, 0.23% (95% CI: -1.13 to 1.60; p=0.740) for processed foods, and 1.02% (95% CI: -2.59 to 4.64; p=0.581) for fresh foods. Conclusion There is not enough evidence to conclude that the intervention had a positive impact on any of the outcomes studied.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de um programa de intervenção educacional nas condições de risco à saúde com base na avaliação das condições higiênicas e na qualidade dos alimentos comercializados em cantinas escolares. Métodos Este é um estudo comunitário, controlado, paralelo, randomizado, dois braços. As escolas de Ensino Fundamental e Médio, públicas e privadas, que possuíam cantinas, foram convidadas a participar. Este estudo foi realizado em 27 cantinas escolares do norte e noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. Representantes da comunidade escolar das cantinas do grupo intervenção receberam um programa educacional composto por um treinamento a distância de 160 horas. Os principais desfechos avaliados foram avaliação das condições higiênicas e composição dos alimentos vendidos nas cantinas escolares. Todos os resultados foram analisados como intenção de tratar e per protocolo. Para análise dos dados contínuos, com distribuição normal, utilizou-se a análise de covariância e o Modelo Linear Generalizado. O nível de significância estatística considerado foi p<0,05 para um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo intervenção e o grupo controle nos desfechos estudados. Houve redução de 76,2 pontos no escore das condições higiênicas de manipulação (IC 95%: -205 a 357; p=0,581). Em relação à composição dos cardápios, a diferença entre os grupos foi de 0,48% (IC 95%: -2,69 a 3,64; p=0,760) para os alimentos ultraprocessados, 0,23% (IC 95%: -1,13 a 1,60; p=0,740) para os alimentos processados e 1,02% (IC 95%: -2,59 a 4,64; p=0,581) para os alimentos in natura. Conclusão Não há evidências suficientes para concluir que a intervenção teve impacto positivo em nenhum dos desfechos estudados.