Correlation between the radial artery resistance index and the systemic vascular resistance index: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound measurement of the radial resistance index (RRI) in the anatomical snuffbox has been proposed as a useful method for assessing the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). This study aims to establish the correlation between SVRI measured by pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and RRI. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included all consecutive patients undergoing postoperative (POP) cardiac surgery with hemodynamic monitoring using PAC. Hemodynamic assessment was performed using PAC, and RRI was measured with ultrasound in the anatomical snuffbox. The Pearson correlation test was used to establish the correlation between RRI and SVRI measured using PAC. Hemodynamic behavior concerning RRI with a cutoff point of 1.1 (described to estimate under SVRI) was examined. Additionally, consistency between two evaluators was assessed for RRI using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: A total of 35 measurements were obtained. The average cardiac index (CI) was 2.73 ± 0.64 L/min/m², and the average SVRI was 1967.47 ± 478.33 dyn·s·m²/cm5. The correlation between RRI and SVRI measured using PAC was 0.37 [95% CI 0.045-0.62]. The average RRI was 0.94 ± 0.11. RRI measurements > 1.1 had a mean SVRI of 2120.79 ± 673.48 dyn·s·m²/cm5, while RRI measurements ≤ 1.1 had a mean SVRI of 1953.1 ± 468.17 dyn·s·m²/cm5 (p = 0.62). The consistency between evaluators showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88 [95% CI 0.78-0.93], and Bland-Altman analysis illustrated adequate agreement of RRI evaluators. CONCLUSIONS: For patients in cardiac surgery POP, the correlation between the SVRI measured using PAC and the RRI measured in the anatomical snuffbox is low. Using the RRI as a SVRI estimator for patients is not recommended in this clinical scenario.

A web-based survey to map the electromyography practice in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Detailed information about the electromyography practice in Brazil is largely unavailable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate where and how electromyography is performed in Brazil, as well as regional disparities and the professional and academic credentials of electromyographers. METHODS: We conducted an internet-based survey of active Brazilian electromyographers. The websites of health insurance companies, professional academies, medical cooperatives, online search engines, and social networks in each Brazilian state were screened and we evaluated the credentials of each electromyographer listed in the Brazilian Federal Medical Board (BFMB) registration website and their online curricula vitae in the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, CNPq, in Portuguese). We also evaluated the same parameters in a control group of non-electromyographer neurologists randomly matched by geographical distribution and gender. RESULTS: We found 469 electromyographers (384 neurologists and 85 non-neurologists), with a male predominance. In total, 81.9% were BFMB-certified neurologists, 49.9%, BFMB-certified clinical neurophysiologists, and 10.4%, BFMB-certified physiatrists. Among the non-neurologists, 48.2% were physiatrists. Most electromyographers practiced in states on the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. When adjusted by population, the Federal District and the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás presented the highest of eletromyographers density. Electromyographers were not more likely to have current/past academic affiliations. CONCLUSION: In Brazil, electromyography is performed predominantly by neurologists, and half of them are BFMB-certified clinical neurophysiologists. The present study highlights regional disparities and may guide government-based initiatives, for instance, to improve the diagnosis of leprosy and the management of neuromuscular disorders within the Brazilian territory.

ANTECEDENTES: Informações detalhadas sobre a prática de eletromiografia no Brasil são em grande parte indisponíveis. OBJETIVO: Avaliar onde e como a eletromiografia é realizada no Brasil, as disparidades regionais, e as credenciais profissionais e acadêmicas dos eletromiografistas. MéTODOS: Realizamos uma enquete via internet de eletromiografistas brasileiros ativos. Foram rastreados sites de operadoras de planos de saúde, academias profissionais médicas, cooperativas médicas, ferramentas de busca online e redes sociais em cada estado brasileiro. Em seguida, avaliamos as credenciais de cada eletromiografista listado no site de registro do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) e seus curricula vitae online no Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). Também avaliamos os mesmos parâmetros em um grupo controle de neurologistas não eletromiografistas pareados aleatoriamente por distribuição geográfica e gênero. RESULTADOS: Encontramos 469 eletromiografistas (384 neurologistas e 85 não neurologistas), com predominância do sexo masculino. Ao todo, 81,9% eram neurologistas com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM, 49,9%, neurofisiologistas clínicos com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM, e 10,4%, fisiatras com certificação confirmada pelo mesmo site. Entre os não neurologistas, 48,2% eram fisiatras. A maioria dos eletromiografistas atuava nos estados do Sul e do Sudeste. Quando ajustados pela população, o Distrito Federal e os estados de Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás apresentaram a maior densidade de eletromiografistas. Os eletromiografistas não eram mais propensos a ter vínculos acadêmicos atuais/passados. CONCLUSãO: No Brasil, a eletromiografia é realizada predominantemente por neurologistas, e metade deles são neurofisiologistas clínicos com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM. Este estudo destacou as disparidades regionais, e pode orientar ações governamentais para, por exemplo, melhorar o diagnóstico da hanseníase e o manejo das doenças neuromusculares no território brasileiro.

Prediction model for in-hospital mortality in patients at high altitudes with ARDS due to COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) includes the ratio of pressure arterial oxygen and inspired oxygen fraction (P/F) ≤ 300, which is often adjusted in locations more than 1,000 meters above sea level (masl) due to hypobaric hypoxemia. The main objective of this study was to develop a prediction model for in-hospital mortality among patients with ARDS due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (C-ARDS) at 2,600 masl with easily available variables at patient admission and to compare its discrimination capacity with a second model using the P/F adjusted for this high altitude. METHODS: This study was an analysis of data from patients with C-ARDS treated between March 2020 and July 2021 in a university hospital located in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, at 2,600 masl. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted from electronic records. For the prediction model, univariate analyses were performed to screen variables with p <0.25. Then, these variables were automatically selected with a backward stepwise approach with a significance level of 0.1. The interaction terms and fractional polynomials were also examined in the final model. Multiple imputation procedures and bootstraps were used to obtain the coefficients with the best external validation. In addition, total adjustment of the model and logistic regression diagnostics were performed. The same methodology was used to develop a second model with the P/F adjusted for altitude. Finally, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the two models were compared. RESULTS: A total of 2,210 subjects were included in the final analysis. The final model included 11 variables without interaction terms or nonlinear functions. The coefficients are presented excluding influential observations. The final equation for the model fit was g(x) = age(0.04819)+weight(0.00653)+height(-0.01856)+haemoglobin(-0.0916)+platelet count(-0.003614)+ creatinine(0.0958)+lactate dehydrogenase(0.001589)+sodium(-0.02298)+potassium(0.1574)+systolic pressure(-0.00308)+if moderate ARDS(0.628)+if severe ARDS(1.379), and the probability of in-hospital death was p (x) = e g (x)/(1+ e g (x)). The AUC of the ROC curve was 0.7601 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-0, 78). The second model with the adjusted P/F presented an AUC of 0.754 (95% CI 0.73-0.77). No statistically significant difference was found between the AUC curves (p value = 0.6795). CONCLUSION: This study presents a prediction model for patients with C-ARDS at 2,600 masl with easily available admission variables for early stratification of in-hospital mortality risk. Adjusting the P/F for 2,600 masl did not improve the predictive capacity of the model. We do not recommend adjusting the P/F for altitude.

Atividade física, ajuste à prótese e condição de saúde de pessoas com amputação de membro inferior / Physical activity, adjustment to the prosthesis and health condition of people with lower limb amputation

Objetivo: Relacionar atividade física, características demográficas e clínicas, ajuste à prótese e condições de saúde relacionada à qualidade de vida de adultos com amputações de membro inferior. Método: Participaram do estudo 70 indivíduos com amputações de membro inferior de ambos os sexos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de ficha para caracterização dos participantes, do Physical Activity Scale for Individual with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), da Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales­Revised (TAPES-R) e do Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial visando correlações, comparações e associações. Foi adotado p menor ou igual a 0,05. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que os participantes tiveram gasto energético de 26,93 MET h/d e maiores médias de condições de Saúde Relacionado à Qualidade de Vida no domínio saúde mental, ainda apresentaram maiores médias relacionados ao Ajuste à Prótese no domínio Social (3,56) com Grau de Ajuste acima da média (6,42). Conclusão: Os participantes do estudo apresentaram bom nível de atividade física, bom ajuste à prótese, boa saúde física e mental, melhor adaptação à amputação e participação. Além disso, também foi observado uma pior relação na adaptação entre pessoas com amputação acima do joelho, quando comparadas às amputações abaixo do joelho.

Objective: To relate physical activity, demographic, and clinical characteristics, fit to the prosthesis and health conditions related to the quality of life of adults with lower limb amputations. Method: 70 individuals with lower limb amputations of both sexes participated in the study. Data were collected using a form to characterize the participants, the Physical Activity Scale for Individual with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales­Revised (TAPES-R) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics aiming at correlations, comparisons, and associations. A p lower than or equal to 0.05 was adapted. Results: The results showed that the participants had an energy expenditure of 26.93 MET h/d and higher averages of Health Conditions Related to Quality of Life in the mental health domain, they still had higher averages related to Prosthesis Fit in the Social domain (3.56) with Adjustment Degree above average (6.42). Conclusion: Study participants had a good level of physical activity, good fit to the prosthesis, good physical and mental health, better adaptation to the amputation and participation. In addition, a worse relationship was observed in the adaptation between people with amputations above the knee, when compared to amputations below the knee.

Open versus percutaneous tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a great number of patients required Mechanical Ventilation (MV). Tracheostomy is the preferred procedure when difficult weaning is presented. Surgical techniques available for performing tracheostomy are open and percutaneous, with contradictory reports on the right choice. This paper aims to describe the clinical results after performing a tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19, regarding both surgical techniques. METHODS: An observational, analytical study of a retrospective cohort was designed. All patients admitted to the Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi, between March 2020 and April 2021 who presented COVID-19 requiring MV and who underwent tracheostomy were reviewed. Open versus percutaneous tracheostomy groups were compared and the primary outcome evaluated was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 66.0 (IQR: 57.2 - 72.0) years old and 77 (68.14%) were male. Open tracheostomy was performed in 64.6% (n = 73) of the patients and percutaneous tracheostomy in 35.4% (n = 40) with an in-hospital mortality of 65.7% (n = 48) and 25% (n = 10), respectively (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, open tracheostomy technique [OR 9.45 (95% CI 3.20-27.92)], older age [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.09)] and APACHE II score [OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02-1.19)] were identified as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Late tracheostomy (after 14 days) [OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.09-1.02)] and tracheostomy day PaO2/FiO2 [OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02-1.19)] were not associated to in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous tracheostomy was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality and should be considered the first option to perform this type of surgery in patients with COVID-19 in extended MV or difficulty weaning.

Decrease in cognitive performance and increase of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios with higher doses of antipsychotics in women with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We explored the relationship between symptoms, cognitive performance, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (three markers of inflammation), and antipsychotic dose (in chlorpromazine units) in male and female patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in patients with schizophrenia of the complete blood count and the results of neuropsychological testing, using the Welch t-test to compare groups and the Pearson test for correlations. RESULTS: We found that the NLR and the PLR are higher among women with schizophrenia when compared with men. In women, the NLR and the PLR correlate positively with antipsychotic drug dose and inversely with a working memory test (Direct Digit Span). Higher doses of antipsychotics are associated with worse working and semantic memory and mental flexibility in the women in our sample. CONCLUSION: Higher doses of antipsychotics were associated with worse working and semantic memory and mental flexibility in women with schizophrenia. No such correlations were present in men, suggesting that, in female patients, cognitive performance deteriorates as the antipsychotic dose is increased, a finding that could be mediated by inflammatory mechanisms, given the demonstrated relationship to biomarkers of inflammation - e.g., the NLR and the PLR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03788759 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Ischemic Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Trends in in-Hospital Mortality in Brazil from 1998 to 2018

Abstract Background Ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are cardiovascular diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates in Brazil and worldwide. Their outcomes are influenced by public policies aimed at mitigating risk factors and by investments in infrastructure of emergency support and quality of hospital care. Objective To analyze the trend in the proportion of in-hospital deaths from ischemic stroke and AMI in Brazil as a way of evaluating the effectiveness of urgency and emergency services. Methods Ecological time series study using data from the Hospital Information System. The outcome was the proportion of in-hospital deaths from ischemic stroke and AMI with stratification by sex and state. Prais-Winsten regression was used to analyze the trend between 1998-2018 with α≤0,05. Results The proportion of deaths from AMI and ischemic stroke declined in the time series (p<0.001), decreasing annually by 0.17% and 0.25%, respectively. In 20 years, it reduced 43.76% (ischemic stroke) and 32.39% (AMI) in both sexes. However, the decline was more evident in the South and Southeast regions. Conclusion The reduction in hospital deaths from AMI and ischemic stroke was heterogeneous among Brazilian regions, which may be related to inequality in emergency services and hospital support.

Management of pneumothorax with 8.3-French Pigtail Catheter: description of the ultrasound-guided technique and case series.

Spontaneous and traumatic pneumothorax are most often treated with chest tube (CT) thoracostomy. However, it appears that small-bore drainage systems have similar success rates with lower complications, pain, and discomfort for the patient. We present the description of the ultrasound-guided technique for pneumothorax drainage with an 8.3-French pigtail catheter (PC) in a case series of 10 patients.

α-Lipoic Acid as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There is evidence for low endogenous antioxidant levels and oxidative imbalance in patients with schizophrenia. A previous open-label study with α-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, improved patients' negative and cognitive symptoms and markers of lipid peroxidation. Here we report the results of a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to verify the response of patients with schizophrenia to adjunctive treatment with ALA (100 mg/d) in a 4-month follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ALA at 100 mg/d dosages. We compared negative and positive symptoms, cognitive function, extrapyramidal symptoms, body mass index, and oxidative/inflammatory parameters between placebo and control groups. RESULTS: We found no significant improvement in body mass index, cognition, psychopathology, antipsychotic adverse effects, or oxidative stress and inflammation in the experimental group compared with placebo. The whole group of patients improved in several measures, indicating a strong placebo effect in this population. A surprising finding was a significant decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the group treated with ALA. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet counts requires further investigation and attention when prescribing ALA for patients with schizophrenia.

Versão Brasileira do Questionário de Satisfação com a Prótese (SAT-PRO/Br): validade estrutural, validade concorrente, consistência interna e estabilidade / Brazilian version of the Prosthesis Satisfaction Questionnaire (SAT-PRO/Br): structural validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency and stability

Objetivo: Analisar as propriedades psicométricas do SAT-PRO/Br através da observação da validade estrutural e concorrente, consistência interna e estabilidade. Método: A amostra deste estudo transversal foi consecutiva, não probabilística, constituída por 128 idosos com amputação de membro inferior, com amputação unilateral e que utilizavam a prótese a pelo menos um ano. As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas através da validade estrutural (Comparative Fit Index- CFI, Tucker-Lewis Index-TLI, Root Means Square Error of Approximation-RMSEA e Standardized Root Mean Residual-SRMR), validade concorrente utilizando a versão brasileira da Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales - Revised (TAPES-R), além da consistência interna dos itens pelo alfa de Cronbach e estabilidade pelo Intraclass Correlacion Coefficient (ICC). Resultados: O SAT-PRO/Br e a TAPES-R apresentaram forte correlação em relação a validade concorrente. A estabilidade variou de 0,85 a 0,91 através do ICC. Os índices de modelo do ajuste apresentaram valores de CFI de 0,991, TLI de 0,989, RMSEA de 0,045 e o SRMR de 0,074. Observou-se uma boa consistência interna com alfa de Cronbach total de 0.91. Conclusão: As propriedades psicométricas deste estudo sobre o SAT-PRO/Br levam a concluir que esta versão é válida, confiável e apresenta boa consistência interna e estabilidade para ser aplicada em idosos brasileiros amputados de membro inferior.

Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the SAT-PRO/Br through the observation of structural and concurrent validity, internal consistency and stability. Method: The sample of this cross-sectional study was consecutive, non-probabilistic, consisting of 128 elderly with lower limb amputation, with unilateral amputation and who used the prosthesis for at least one year. The psychometric properties were evaluated through structural validity (Comparative Fit Index- CFI, Tucker-Lewis Index-TLI, Root Means Square Error of Approximation-RMSEA and Standardized Root Mean Residual-SRMR), concurrent validity using the Brazilian version of Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales - Revised (TAPES-R), in addition to the internal consistency of the items by Cronbach's alpha and stability by the Intraclass Correlacion Coefficient (ICC). Results: The SAT-PRO/Br and TAPES-R showed a strong correlation in relation to concurrent validity. Stability ranged from 0.85 to 0.91 across the ICC. The fit model indices showed CFI values of 0.991, TLI of 0.989, RMSEA of 0.045 and SRMR of 0.074. A good internal consistency was observed with a total Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Conclusion: The psychometric properties of this study on the SAT-PRO/Br lead to the conclusion that this version is valid, reliable and has good internal consistency and stability to be applied to elderly Brazilians with lower limb amputees.

Optic nerve sheath diameter at high altitude: standardized measures in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Increases in the diameter of the optic nerve sheath (ONSD) on ultrasound are associated with high intracranial pressure (hICP). The normal value varies with altitude and the population studied. The objective of this study is to describe the normal values of the ONSD in a healthy adult population of the city of Bogotá, Colombia, at 2640 meters above sea level (masl). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on a total of 247 healthy individuals recruited from May 2021 to May 2022 who were subjected to the color, low power, optic disk, safety, elevated frequency, dual (CLOSED) protocol for measuring the bilateral ONSD adjusted to the eyeball transverse diameter (ETD). RESULTS: A total of 230 individuals were analyzed; the average ONSD of the right eye (RE) was 0.449 cm (range 0.288-0.7) and that of the left eye (LE) was 0.454 cm (range 0.285-0.698); the correlation between RE and LE was 0.93 (p < 0.005), and the correlation of the ONSD/ETD ratios for the RE and LE was lower (r2 = 0.79, p < 0.005). A total of 10.8% of the studied population had values greater than 0.55 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The median ONSD and ONSD/ETD ratio in the city of Bogotá are similar to those described in other populations; however, approximately 10.8% of the healthy population may present higher values, which would limit the use of ONSD on its own for clinical decision-making, only repeated measurements with significant changes in the ONSD and ONSD/ETD or asymmetries between the measurements of both eyes linked to clinical findings would allow the diagnosis of hICP.

Interaction Effect Between Hemoglobin and Hypoxemia on COVID-19 Mortality: an observational study from Bogotá, Colombia.

Purpose: We aimed to assess the effect of hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and oxygenation index on COVID-19 patients' mortality risk. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes from patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, from March to July 2020. We assessed exploratory associations between oxygenation index and Hb concentration at admission and clinical outcomes. We used a generalized additive model (GAM) to evaluate the observed nonlinear relations and the classification and regression trees (CART) algorithm to assess the interaction effects. Results: We included 550 patients, of which 52% were male. The median age was 57 years old, and the most frequent comorbidity was hypertension (29%). The median value of SpO2/FiO2 was 424, and the median Hb concentration was 15 g/dL. The mortality was 15.1% (83 patients). Age, sex, and SpO2/FiO2, were independently associated with mortality. We described a nonlinear relationship between Hb concentration and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with mortality and an interaction effect between SpO2/FiO2 and Hb concentration. Patients with a similar oxygenation index had different mortality likelihoods based upon their Hb at admission. CART showed that patients with SpO2/FiO2 < 324, who were less than 81 years with an NLR >9.9, and Hb > 15 g/dl had the highest mortality risk (91%). Additionally, patients with SpO2/FiO2 > 324 but Hb of < 12 g/dl and a history of hypertension had a higher mortality likelihood (59%). In contrast, patients with SpO2/FiO2 > 324 and Hb of > 12 g/dl had the lowest mortality risk (9%). Conclusion: We found that a decreased SpO2/FiO2 increased mortality risk. Extreme values of Hb, either low or high, showed an increase in the likelihood of mortality. However, Hb concentration modified the SpO2/FiO2 effect on mortality; the probability of death in patients with low SpO2/FiO2 increased as Hb increased.

Métodos de estimativa do gasto energético em amputados de membro inferior: uma revisão sistemática / Methods of estimating energy expenditure in lower limb amputees: a systematic review

Objetivo: Identificar os métodos utilizados para determinar o gasto energético de pessoas com amputação de membro inferior. Método: Revisão sistemática, foram selecionadas as bases de dados MedLine (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System on-line) via Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier), PsycINFO - APA Psycnet (American Psychological Association) e SPORTDiscus. Foram incluídos estudos originais, observacionais, experimentais, que abordaram a temática do gasto energético em amputados de membro inferior, disponíveis na íntegra, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Resultados: Os estudos utilizaram principalmente a avaliação do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) por meio do teste de Ergoespirometria e o Índice de Custo Fisiológico através da Frequência Cardíaca. No entanto, algumas pesquisas utilizaram a Escala Subjetiva de Percepção de Esforço, a Escala de aptidão autorreferida e um questionário relacionado a percepção da capacidade de andar. Conclusão: O VO2 é a variável mais fidedigna para avaliação do consumo energético, contudo, testes com medidas diretas podem ser mais difíceis de aplicar, pelas alterações recorrentes à amputação, podendo comprometer o resultado, assim, o uso de variáveis que estimem o consumo energético por meio de medidas indiretas se torna uma alternativa válida, mas é necessário atentar- se no uso da Frequência Cardíaca em populações que utilizem algum tipo de medicamento que possa alterar ou comprometer o resultado.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify the methods used to determine energy consumption of people with lower limb amputation. Methods: Systematic review, MedLine (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online) databases were selected via Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier), PsycINFO - APA Psycnet (American Psychological Association) and SPORTDiscus . Eligibility criteria: Original, observational, experimental studies, which addressed the topic of energy consumption in lower limb amputees, available in full, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: The studies used mainly the assessment of oxygen consumption (VO2) using the Ergospirometry test and the Physiological Cost Index through Heart Rate. However, some researches used the Subjective Scale of Perception of Effort, the Scale of self-reported fitness and a questionnaire related to the perception of the ability to walk. Conclusion: VO2 is the most reliable variable for assessing energy consumption, however, tests with direct measures can be more difficult to apply, due to recurrent changes to amputation, which may compromise the result, thus the use of variables that estimate energy consumption. through indirect measures it becomes a valid alternative, but it is necessary to pay attention to the use of heart rate in populations that use some type of medication that may alter or compromise the result.

Clinical characteristics and mortality associated with COVID-19 at high altitude: a cohort of 5161 patients in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: There are few data on the clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in cities over 1000 m above sea level (masl). OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and mortality of patients with COVID-19 treated at a high complexity hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, at 2640 masl. METHODS: This was an observational study of a cohort including 5161 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection from 19 March 2020 to 30 April 2021. Demographic data, laboratory values, comorbidities, oxygenation indices, and clinical outcomes were collected. Data were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. An independent predictive model was performed for mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) using classification and regression trees (CART). RESULTS: The median cohort age was 66 years (interquartile range (IQR) 53-77), with 1305 patients dying (25%) and 3856 surviving (75%). The intensive care unit (ICU) received 1223 patients (24%). Of 898 patients who received IMV, 613 (68%) of them perished. The ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen (PaO2) to fraction inspired oxygen (FiO2), or the P/F ratio, upon ICU admission was 105 (IQR 77-146) and 137 (IQR 91-199) in the deceased and survivors, respectively. The CART model showed that the need for IMV, age greater than 79 years, ratio of oxygen saturation (SaO2) to FiO2, or the S/F ratio, less than 259, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) greater than 617 U/L at admission were associated with a greater probability of death. CONCLUSION: Among more than 5000 patients with COVID-19 treated in our hospital, mortality at hospital discharge was 25%. Older age, low S/F ratio, and high LDH at admission were predictors of mortality.

Efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos baseado no método Pilates solo sobre a atividade física, capacidade locomotora e qualidade de vida em homens com amputação de membro inferior / Effects of a physical exercise program based on the soil Pilates method on physical activity, locomotor capacity and quality of life in men with lower limb amputation

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos de 12 semanas baseado no método Pilates Solo sobre atividade física, equilíbrio, capacidade locomotora e qualidade de vida em homens com amputação unilateral de membro inferior. Método: Participaram do estudo 14 pessoas com amputação unilateral de membro inferior, divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo Intervenção ­ GI (participantes expostos ao protocolo de exercícios baseados no método Pilates Solo) e Grupo Controle ­ GC (participantes não expostos ao protocolo de exercícios baseados no método Pilates Solo). Foram aplicados os seguintes instrumentos: a) ficha para caracterização dos participantes; b) Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD); c) Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg; d) Medida Funcional para Amputados (MFA); e e) Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e inferencial sendo considerados significativos os resultados com p menor ou igual a 0,05. Resultados: Com base nas análises foi possível observar diferença significativa no equilíbrio após o período experimental (p=0,008), a favor do grupo intervenção. Além disso, pode-se observar diferença significativa na média do grupo intervenção para equilíbrio e para aspectos físicos na qualidade de vida (SF-36), assim como o d de Cohen mostrou efeitos de grande magnitude sobre essas variáveis. Conclusão: Logo, os resultados apresentam efeitos positivos na prática do programa de exercícios físicos sobre o equilíbrio dinâmico e estático e na qualidade de vida de pessoas amputadas.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of a twelve week physical exercise program based on the Pilates Solo method about physical activity, balance, locomotor capacity, and quality of life in men with unilateral lower limb amputation. Method: The study included 14 people with unilateral lower limb amputation, divided in two groups: Intervention Group - IG (participants exposed to the exercise protocol based on the Pilates Solo method) and Control Group - CG (participants that were not exposed to the exercise protocol based on the Pilates Solo method). The following instruments were applied: a) form to characterize the participants; b) Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD); c) Berg's Balance Scale; d) Amputee Functional Measure; and e) Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results with p less than or equal to 0.05 being considered significant. Results: Based on the analysis, it was possible to observe a significant difference in balance after the experimental period (p=0.008), in favor of the intervention group. In addition, a significant difference can be observed in the mean of the intervention group for balance and for physical aspects of quality of life (SF-36), as well as Cohen's d showed effects of great magnitude on these variables. Conclusion: Therefore, the results show positive effects in the practice of the physical exercise program on the dynamic and static balance and on the quality of life of amputees.

Métodos de treinamento aeróbicos e/ou resistidos para pessoas com amputação de membro inferior: uma revisão sistemática / Training methods aerobic and/or resisted for people with lower amputation: a systematic review

Indivíduos com amputação de membros inferiores apresentam complicações que podem provocar diminuição da força, mobilidade e equilíbrio, que afetam a capacidade de deambulação, a aptidão física e a funcionalidade. Assim, o treinamento adequado pode reduzir desequilíbrios e assimetrias, colaborando para a melhora a função e qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. Objetivo: Identificar quais os métodos de treinamento são mais utilizados nessa população. Método: Essa revisão seguiu as recomendações PRISMA. A avaliação metodológica dos estudos foi feita a partir da escala PEDro. Resultados: Sete estudos foram incluídos na revisão, quatro abordaram o treinamento resistido, dois o treinamento combinado e um o treinamento aeróbio. As intervenções de treinamento consistiram em exercícios de fortalecimento, alongamento, equilíbrio e coordenação, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e caminhada. Todos os treinamentos foram capazes de desempenhar melhoras, principalmente na mobilidade e equilíbrio. Conclusão: O treinamento resistido é o mais utilizado, entretanto, quanto mais dinâmico for o treinamento, melhor serão os resultados e melhor será a aderência. O treinamento deve conter exercícios de resistência para MMII, assim como componentes para a restauração de equilíbrio, mobilidade e aptidão cardiorrespiratóri

Individuals with lower limb amputations have complications that can cause decreased strength, mobility and balance, which affect walking ability, physical fitness and functionality. Thus, adequate training can reduce imbalances and asymmetries, helping to improve the function and quality of life of these individuals. Objective: Identify which training methods are most used in this population. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA recommendations. The methodological evaluation of the studies was carried out using the PEDro scale. Results: Seven studies were included in the review, four addressed resistance training, two combined training and one aerobic training. The training interventions consisted of strengthening exercises, stretching, balance and coordination, cardiorespiratory fitness and walking. All training was able to improve, especially in mobility and balance. Conclusion: Resistance training is the most used, however, the more dynamic the training, the better the results and the better the adherence. The training should contain resistance exercises for lower limbs, as well as components for the restoration of balance, mobility and cardiorespiratory fitness.

PD-L1+ and XCR1+ dendritic cells are region-specific regulators of gut homeostasis.

The intestinal mucosa constitutes an environment of closely regulated immune cells. Dendritic cells (DC) interact with the gut microbiome and antigens and are important in maintaining gut homeostasis. Here, we investigate DC transcriptome, phenotype and function in five anatomical locations of the gut lamina propria (LP) which constitute different antigenic environments. We show that DC from distinct gut LP compartments induce distinct T cell differentiation and cytokine secretion. We also find that PD-L1+ DC in the duodenal LP and XCR1+ DC in the colonic LP comprise distinct tolerogenic DC subsets that are crucial for gut homeostasis. Mice lacking PD-L1+ and XCR1+ DC have a proinflammatory gut milieu associated with an increase in Th1/Th17 cells and a decrease in Treg cells and have exacerbated disease in the models of 5-FU-induced mucositis and DSS-induced colitis. Our findings identify PD-L1+ and XCR1+ DC as region-specific physiologic regulators of intestinal homeostasis.

Influence of different warming temperatures on the vitrified testicular fragments from pre-pubertal cat.

Testicular vitrification is an alternative to preserve the genetic material of pre-pubertal animals. However, there are few studies on post-vitrification warming. Hence, the aim was to compare the influence of different warming temperatures on vitrified testicular fragments from pre-pubertal cats. The testicles were fragmented and divided into a control group (non-vitrified) and vitrified, using an association between dimethylsulphoxide and glycerol. The vitrified fragments were warmed at 50, 55 and 60°C/5 s. Morphological and morphometric evaluations were carried out using classical histology. Afterwards, the mitochondrial activity was evaluated using Rhodamine 123. The data were expressed in mean and standard error. The differences were considered significant when p < .05. In the histomorphological analysis, the testicular fragment presented seminiferous tubules with poorly developed germinal epithelium, compatible with pre-pubertal animals. The group warmed at 50°C presented similar to the control regarding the maintenance of the integrity of the tubules and cells, without stromal rupture and lamina propria alteration, as well as regarding the maintenance of the junctions between the cells. The group warmed at 55°C showed reduction of the cell junctions, and the one warmed at 60°C had increased detachment of the basement membrane (p < .05). The warming caused a reduction in the tubular diameter inversely proportional and progressive to the increase in temperature, with the highest diameter in the control group and the lowest in the 60°C group. The control group showed a lower incidence of Rhodamine 123, followed in ascending order of the warmings at 55 and 60°C. The higher mitochondrial activity was obtained with 50°C, showing an increase of the metabolic cell function at this temperature. It was concluded that the testicular fragment of pre-pubertal cats presents a better preserved morphology, morphometry and viability when warmed at 50°C.

Long-term Preservation of Testicular Tissue Integrity and Viability Using Vitrification in the Endangered Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela Nigripes).

Systematic cryo-banking of semen and testicular tissues is critical to preserve the genetic value of recently deceased or neutered black-footed ferrets (BFFs). Specifically, recovering or producing mature sperm cells from vitrified-warmed issues offers additional options in assisted reproduction. This could, in turn, enhance the genetic management of this rare and endangered species over multiple generations. The objective of the study was to evaluate structural properties, DNA fragmentation, cell viability, and germ cell composition in vitrified testicular tissues from BFFs directly after warming or after warming plus a short in vitro culture period. Tissue biopsies from five adult BFFs were either kept fresh or vitrified with a standard protocol (using dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and glycerol) and warmed at 50 °C for 5 s. Some of the warmed samples were then cultured in vitro for 24 h. Fresh, warmed, and warmed/cultured tissues were analyzed using different indicators: histology of seminiferous tubules, intact Sertoli cells (vimentin labeling), DNA integrity, cell viability, germ cell composition (Oct4 and Boule labeling). Percentages of intact seminiferous tubules decreased after vitrification/warming and returned to the level of fresh samples after culture. While percentages of cells labeled with vimentin, with intact DNA integrity, or proportions of viable cells were affected by vitrification/warming, they all reached similar or better levels than the fresh tissue after culture. Proportions of cells labeled with Boule antibodies also improved during in vitro culture post-warming. We demonstrated for the first time that BFF testes subjected to vitrification, rapid warming, and short in vitro culture were viable and maintained the ability to resume germ cell progression. Cryopreserved testicular tissues could potentially contribute to new strategies to enhance BFF assisted reproduction as well as conservation efforts.