Short Interpregnancy Intervals Among Women Experiencing Homelessness in Colorado.

Importance: Short interpregnancy intervals (SIPIs) are associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Disparities exist across socioeconomic status, but there is little information on SIPIs among women experiencing homelessness. Objective: To investigate (1) differences in rates and characteristics of SIPIs between women experiencing homelessness and domiciled women, (2) whether the association of homelessness with SIPIs differs across races and ethnicities, and (3) whether the association between SIPIs of less than 6 months (very short interpregnancy interval [VSIPIs]) and maternal and neonatal outcomes differs between participant groups. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used a Colorado statewide database linking the Colorado All Payer Claims Database, Homeless Management Information System, death records, and infant birth records. Participants included all women who gave birth between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2022, to May 10, 2023. Exposures: Homelessness and race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome consisted of SIPI, a binary variable indicating whether the interval between delivery and conception of the subsequent pregnancy was shorter than 18 months. The association of VSIPI with maternal and neonatal outcomes was also tested. Results: A total of 77 494 women (mean [SD] age, 30.7 [5.3] years) were included in the analyses, of whom 636 (0.8%) were women experiencing homelessness. The mean (SD) age was 29.5 (5.4) years for women experiencing homelessness and 30.7 (5.3) years for domiciled women. In terms of race and ethnicity, 39.3% were Hispanic, 7.3% were non-Hispanic Black, and 48.4% were non-Hispanic White. Associations between homelessness and higher odds of SIPI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04-1.46]) were found. Smaller associations between homelessness and SIPI were found among non-Hispanic Black (AOR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.37-0.96]) and non-Hispanic White (AOR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.39-0.84]) women compared with Hispanic women. A greater association of VSIPI with emergency department visits and low birth weight was found among women experiencing homelessness compared with domiciled women, although no significant differences were detected. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of women who gave birth from 2016 to 2021, an association between homelessness and higher odds of SIPIs was found. These findings highlight the importance of conception management among women experiencing homelessness. Racial and ethnic disparities should be considered when designing interventions.

Enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental caries in mothers and caregivers of children through a neuroeducational strategy.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to oral health among parents play a crucial role in shaping oral hygiene and preventing early childhood caries. This study was intended to determine the effect of a neuroeducational strategy in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to early childhood caries among mothers or caregivers of children. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted, implementing an educational strategy involving 33 mothers or female caregivers of children who met specific selection criteria. The strategy consisted of three key elements derived from neuroeducation: (1) experiment, (2) surprise and play, and (3) learn. Based on the participants' attendance at the sessions, they were categorized into two groups: those who underwent in-person intervention (G1) and those who received a combined in-person and virtual intervention (G2). The impact of the strategy was evaluated by comparing the participants' knowledge and attitudes, as well as their children's plaque index, before and after the intervention (immediate and 6-month impact). RESULTS: The participants exhibited a favorable and statistically significant effect on the median number of correct answers related to knowledge (G1 immediate effect (IE): p = 0.03, 6-month effect (ME): p = 0.002; G2 IE p = 0.002, ME: p = 0.001), and in the children's plaque index (G1 IE: p = 0.003, ME: p = 0.003; G2 IE: p = 0.033, ME: p = 0.003). Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of participants with a high level of knowledge (G1 IE: 41.5%; ME: 75%; G2 IE: 45.5%, ME: 42.9%), and of children with a good level of oral hygiene (G1 IE: 50%; ME: 73.0%; G2 IE: 27.3%, ME: 84.6%). Finally, qualitative interviews revealed a lasting clarity in concepts and sustained knowledge and attitudes at the six-month mark. However, a slightly diminished understanding of the relationship between bacteria, sugar, and caries was observed in G2 group, and some loss of association in the G1 group, at six months. CONCLUSION: The implementation of this strategy resulted in significant and lasting impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices, especially in the G1 group. Nevertheless, there is a need for further reinforcement of the association between bacteria, sugar, and caries.

A scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) causes tree mortality, delayed growth, and yield reduction in cacao with genotype-specific susceptibility to herbivory.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the impact of Leucothyreus femoratus, a previously unreported folivorous pest in cacao cultivation, on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. The study was conducted in an experimental cacao plot in the Colombian plains, it featured 20 cacao genotypes in an agroforestry system, with plantain and Mexican sunflower providing temporary shade, and yopo offering permanent shade. RESULTS: We found an infestation rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 adult beetles per cacao tree. L. femoratus larvae were discovered in association with the roots of all plants within the agroforestry arrangement; however, yopo and plantain exhibited the highest incidence of root-feeding larvae among these associated plants. Interestingly, male and female L. femoratus displayed distinct leaf consumption patterns in the laboratory, with females consuming more foliage relative to their body weight. Moreover, field observations highlighted the detrimental impact of L. femoratus herbivory on cacao tree survival and growth, leading to leaf skeletonization, reduced plant height, and stem diameter. Trees with over 50% leaf consumption suffered more than 20% mortality. Additionally, herbivory negatively affected cacao yield, correlating higher leaf surface damage with a decrease in harvested pods. The study also identified varying antixenotic resistance in different cacao genotypes, with some consistently displaying resistance while others showed variable levels during tree establishment and production stages. CONCLUSION: This research underscores the significant role of L. femoratus as a cacao pest, emphasizing its adverse effects on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. Consequently, implementing effective control measures is vital for ensuring sustainable cacao cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Timing, Factors, and Impact of USMLE Step 1 Becoming Pass/Fail on the Process of Choosing a Specialty.

Background  Choosing a medical specialty is an important decision. A combination of factors influenced this decision. Student characteristics and examination performances can influence this decision. With the transition of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 becoming pass/fail, it is important to analyze the specialty decision process. Objective The purpose of this multimethod study is to assess when in the curriculum students choose a specialty, what factors influence their decision, and the impact of USMLE Step 1 scores on a student's assessment of competitiveness. Methods In February 2022, a survey was prepared and approved by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Institutional Review Board (IRB). The survey contained multiple-choice questions and a free-response section. The survey was sent to the Class of 2022 and 2023 students at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine who follow a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship. Descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests were calculated. Results A total of 89 students completed the survey: 42 out of 60 students (70%) from the Class of 2022 and 47 out of 61 students (77%) from the Class of 2023. This study found that 78.8% of longitudinal interleaved clerkship (LInC) students committed to their specialty during the second half of the clinical year. The effects of positive and negative experiences during clerkships were most significantly different (p < 0.001). Conclusion The majority of LInC students arrive at their decision by the latter half of the clinical year. A variety of factors help students arrive at their decision. Our findings suggest that the pass/fail grading system will make it more difficult for students to assess their personal competitiveness.

Disposición de espacios públicos y áreas verdes para aprender a convivir y fomentar las prácticas deportivas

El estudio es importante porque permitió conocer la disposición de espacios públicos y áreas verdes para aprender a convivir y fomentar las prácticas deportivas, y ha permitido determinar que el 90% de los 45 directivos concuerdan de que la municipalidad deberá asignar un presupuesto para habilitar de más espacios con algunos mecanismos propios de los gobiernos municipales, debido a que, a la fecha se ha observado que por cada loza deportiva pavimentada publica, aproximadamente existen 3 campos deportivos con gras artificial con administración privada; el objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la relación que existe entre los tipos de comunicación al interior de los barrios de la liga provincial de futbol; el estudio fue descriptivo de alcance correlacional, con diseño no experimental, transversal. Los sujetos de la muestra fueron seleccionados por conveniencia, es decir, muestra no probabilística, estaba conformada por la totalidad de 45 representantes de 15 equipos deportivos, que incluyeron 3 representantes por cada equipo deportivo de futbol. Los participantes en las competencias deportivas organizadas por la Subgerencia de deporte Pearson 2 de las 3 correlaciones son altas, por ser mayores de 0,50, a excepción de la correlación entre las dimensiones: ascendente, y horizontal es una baja correlación de Pearson de 0,36; eso explica las ligeras dificultades en la convivencia. En consecuencia, la comunicación para superar la carencia de espacios habilitados para las prácticas deportivas es viable, tal como se aprecia en la mayoría de correlaciones.

O estudo é importante porque permitiu conhecer a disposição de espaços públicos e áreas verdes para aprender a conviver e promover práticas esportivas, e permitiu determinar que 90% dos 45 diretores concordam que o município deve alocar um orçamento para permitir mais espaços com alguns mecanismos dos governos municipais, porque, até o momento, observou-se que, para cada campo esportivo público pavimentado, existem aproximadamente 3 campos esportivos com grama artificial com administração privada; O objetivo desta pesquisa é determinar a relação existente entre os tipos de comunicação nos bairros da liga provincial de futebol; o estudo foi descritivo e correlacional, com um desenho não experimental e transversal. Os sujeitos da amostra foram selecionados por conveniência, ou seja, uma amostra não probabilística, e consistiram em 45 representantes de 15 times esportivos, incluindo 3 representantes de cada time de futebol. Os participantes das competições esportivas organizadas pelo gerente adjunto de esporte Pearson 2 das 3 correlações são altas, sendo maiores que 0,50, exceto pela correlação entre as dimensões: ascendente e horizontal, que é uma correlação de Pearson baixa, de 0,36; isso explica as pequenas dificuldades de convivência. Consequentemente, a comunicação para superar a falta de espaços para atividades esportivas é viável, como pode ser visto na maioria das correlações.

The study is important because it allowed to know the existence of public spaces and green areas to learn to coexist and promote sports practices, and it has allowed to determine that 90% of the 45 managers agree that the municipality should allocate a budget to enable more spaces with some own mechanisms of municipal governments, due to the fact that, to date, it has been observed that for each public paved sports ground, there are approximately 3 sports fields with artificial grass with private administration; the objective of this research is to determine the relationship that exists between the types of communication within the neighborhoods of the provincial soccer league; the study was descriptive with a correlational scope, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The subjects of the sample were selected for convenience, that is, a non-probabilistic sample, it was made up of a total of 45 representatives of 15 sports teams, which included 3 representatives for each soccer sports team. The participants in the sports competitions organized by the Sports Department Pearson 2 of the 3 correlations are high, being greater than 0.50, with the exception of the correlation between the dimensions: ascending, and horizontal is a low Pearson correlation of 0 .36; that explains the slight difficulties in coexistence. Consequently, communication to overcome the lack of spaces set up for sports practice is viable, as can be seen in most correlations.

The Perception of Surgery Program Directors of Residency Applicants From Longitudinal Integrated Curriculum Medical Schools: A Survey of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery Members.

Research statement This study explores whether longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) students are competitive general surgery applicants and if they are perceived as adequately prepared for general surgery residency compared to traditional block rotation (BR) students. Background/relevance of the study There is increasing interest in LIC models of clinical education versus BR models. LIC students have been shown to perform similarly on examinations to BR students. However, while LICs seem well suited for students pursuing primary care specialties, little is known about how this approach impacts clinical education for surgery. Design and methods An electronic survey was prepared and approved by the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) and our university's institutional review board (IRB). Ten multiple-choice questions were administered along with an option for narrative comments. Surveys were sent over a one-month period to members of APDS Listserv. Returned emails were de-identified, and the results were tabulated. Results From 43 responses, the majority identified as program directors (PDs) (65%) and reported being somewhat familiar or very familiar with LICs (90%). When asked about the statement "LIC students are prepared for surgical residency," 22% "disagreed" or "strongly disagreed." When asked "How would you rank a LIC prospective applicant in comparison to a BR student?" 35% responded that they would rank the LIC student lower or not at all. Of the respondents, 47% reported that they have current residents who were LIC students. Most of these residents (65%) are graded as "average" for current performance. Conclusions The results suggest that medical students who are trained using LICs may be disadvantaged when applying to general surgery residencies. Interpretation is limited by the small number of respondents, and it only reflects the opinions of active APDS Listserv members. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the basis of perceived deficiencies in LICs. Students from these schools should be advised to obtain additional surgery experience.

Antiracism and mental health recovery: Bridging the gap to improve health disparities among veteran populations.

Viewing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's recovery principles through an antiracist lens has guided the authors' vision of recovery-oriented systems for all. In this brief letter, they present some considerations arising from their application of recovery principles to areas affected by racial bias. They are also identifying best practices for incorporating micro and macro antiracism efforts into recovery-oriented health care. These are important steps in promoting recovery-oriented care, but there is much more to do. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Statins and oral biofilm: Simvastatin as a promising drug to control periodontal dysbiosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated antimicrobial activity of atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin against oral bacteria, and the interaction of simvastatin with standard antimicrobials (amoxicillin and metronidazole). METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentration assays were performed with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii; checkerboard microdilution assays between simvastatin and standard antimicrobials; monospecies and multispecies biofilms. RESULTS: Simvastatin showed the best antimicrobial activity against most species (MIC range from 3.12 to 25 µg/ml), highlighting the sensitivity of P. gingivalis. In the checkerboard assay, synergistic interaction was found between simvastatin and amoxicillin against S. oralis and S. sanguinis. P. gingivalis biofilm was inhibited by simvastatin at 10 and 50× Minimal inhibitory concentration, with similar effects to metronidazole. For multispecies biofilm, SMV reduced the biofilm metabolic activity (79%) and total counts (87%), comparable to amoxicillin. Simvastatin also reduced bacterial counts of Veilonnella parvula, P. gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, P. intermedia, and Capnocytophaga ochracea in the multispecies biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against oral bacteria and may contribute to the control of dysbiosis, and may be considered in clinical studies as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontitis.

Evaluation of Two Beta-Tricalcium Phosphates with Different Particle Dimensions in Human Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to compare two beta-tricalcium phosphates with different particle sizes in human maxillary sinuses lifting. The immunolabeling of cells for RUNX2 and VEGF were performed to evaluate the osteoblast precursor cells and the vascular formation after 6 months of bone repair. Ten maxillary sinuses were grafted with autogenous bone graft (Group 1), 10 were grafted with ChronOs® (Group 2), and 10 were grafted with BETA-TCP® (Group 3). After 6 months of bone healing, biopsies were obtained to assess the new bone formed by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation for RUNX2 and VEGF. The mean bone formation for Group 1 was 51.4 ± 17.4%. Group 2 presented 45.5 ± 9.9%, and Group 3 conferred 35.4 ± 8.0% of new bone formation. The RUNX2 offered low for Groups 1 and 2 with high cellular activity for osteoblast in Group 3. The VEGF immunolabeling was moderate for Groups 1 and 2 and intense for Group 3. In conclusion, it was possible to show that the bone substitutes evaluated in the present study presented suitable outcomes for bone regeneration, being an alternative for the autogenous bone graft in maxillary sinus bone height reconstruction.

Developing and validating an opioid overdose prevention and response curriculum for undergraduate medical education.

Introduction: As rates of overdose and substance use disorders (SUDs) increase, medical schools are starting to incorporate more content on SUDs and harm reduction in undergraduate medical education (UME). Initial data suggest these additions may improve medical student knowledge and attitudes toward patients with SUDs; however, there is no standard curriculum. Methods: This project uses a six-step approach to UME curricular development to identify needs and goals regarding SUDs and opioid overdose at a large single-campus medical school in the United States. We first developed and delivered a pilot curriculum to a small group of medical students. Pilot results and a larger survey led to implementing a one-hour Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response (OOPR) Training for first-year students. Effects of training were tracked using baseline and post-training surveys examining knowledge and attitudes toward opioid overdose and patients with SUDs. Results: Needs assessment indicated desire and need for training. The pilot study (N = 66) resulted in significantly improved knowledge regarding opioid overdose; 100% of students enjoyed training and believed others should receive it. The larger replication study surveyed all incoming students (N = 266) to gauge initial knowledge and experiences with these topics. Results prompted enhancement of the OOPR Training curriculum, which was delivered to half of the first-year class. Post-training survey results replicated the pilot study findings. The majority (95.2%) of students enjoyed training and 98.4% believed all students should receive it. Conclusion: Delivering a thorough curriculum on SUDs and harm reduction in UME is critical. Although many schools are implementing training, there is no standard curriculum. We outline a low-resource training intervention for OOPR. Our findings identified key features to include in these UME curricula. This approach provides a replicable template for schools seeking to develop brief educational interventions and identify essential content for curricula in SUDs and harm reduction.

Long-term effects of opioid overdose prevention and response training on medical student knowledge and attitudes toward opioid overdose: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Medical settings provide ideal opportunities to identify patients with substance use disorders and provide harm reduction and treatment resources. Medical students often volunteer in the community and can spend substantial time with patients, serving as touchpoints. Accordingly, medical schools have begun training in harm reduction. Initial studies show such training acutely improves knowledge, but sustained effects remain unclear. This pilot study explored longer-term impacts of Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Training (OOPRT) on medical student knowledge about opioids, overdose, and naloxone. METHODS: Students completed a survey about knowledge of opioid use disorder, overdoses, and attitudes towards patients. This included Opioid Overdose Knowledge (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitudes (OOAS) scales. A subset of students was invited to attend OOPRT and complete a post-training survey. All who completed the baseline survey were invited to complete a 6-month follow-up. We analyzed long-term training effects on OOKS and OOAS scores. RESULTS: 89 students completed baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys; of these, 22 received training. OOPRT yielded significant improvements in knowledge of signs of opioid overdose (F(2,38) = 18.04, P < .001), actions to take during overdose (F(2,38) = 8.32, P = .001), and naloxone use (F(2,38) = 35.46, P < .001), along with attitudes regarding overdose competencies (F(2,38) = 99.40, P < .001) and concerns (F(2,38) = 8.86, P < .001). When comparing over time, students who attended OOPRT retained significantly higher competency scores than those who did not attend F(1,87) = 40.82, P < .001). No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates immediate efficacy of OOPRT in improving opioid overdose knowledge and attitudes and sustained changes at 6 months, compared to standard undergraduate medical curricula alone. Future research with larger sample sizes is underway to validate these preliminary findings and examine the difference in attitudes and knowledge retention over time. Given that students report interest in receiving OOPRT and consider it worthwhile, systematic study is warranted.

Training medical students in opioid overdose prevention and response: Comparison of In-Person versus online formats.

Medical education has increasingly shifted towards replacing large lectures with a combination of online and smaller in-person group sessions. This study compares the efficacy of a virtual Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Training (OOPRT) for first-year medical students with an identical in-person training. During their first unit of medical school, students in the class of 2023 (cohort 1) received OOPRT in-person and students in the class of 2024 (cohort 2) received training via Zoom. Aside from the delivery format, trainings were identical. Both cohorts completed identical surveys at medical school entry and post-training to evaluate knowledge and experiences using the Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale, Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale, Medical Conditions Regard Scale, and Naloxone Related Risk Compensation Beliefs. Of 430 students, 84.2% (362: 124 in cohort 1; 238 in cohort 2) completed baseline and post-training surveys. Students reported significantly improved opioid overdose knowledge and attitudes in all 4 knowledge and 3 attitudes subscales after training. Only one outcome differed by training type: knowledge of opioid overdose signs. Cohorts did not differ in opinions of training; 97.2% enjoyed it and 99.4% believed future classes should receive it. Medical students' attitudes and knowledge significantly improved after OOPRT; only one of 13 outcomes showed a cohort difference. There were no differences in enjoyment, indicating that switching to virtual learning does not undermine the learning experience. Further studies are needed to confirm that these results can be extended to other medical school topics where small group interactive discussion is preferred.

Evaluation of blood pressure through home monitoring in brazilian primary care: a feasibility study.

Blood pressure measurements taken in a clinical setting are subject to errors, therefore there are advantages to monitoring blood pressure at home, especially in in patients diagnosed with hypertension. The study describes the feasibility of home monitoring to assess blood pressure in primary care and compares blood pressure measured at home and during a medical consultation. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients whose used home blood pressure in the morning and evening, thrice for seven consecutive day sat home. Participants included patients older than 18 years with suspected whitecoat hypertension, taking antihypertensives, or those intolerant of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and excluded patients who did not follow the protocol, suffered from an irregular heart rate, and pregnant women. Of the 134 patients who participated in the study, 63.3% had altered blood pressure when measured at health facilities and 48% had higher blood pressure at home. The mean difference between the methods was 10.1 mmHg for systolic and 4.3 mmHg for diastolic. The prevalence of whitecoat hypertension was 19.4%. Blood pressure monitoring at home is a practicable strategy in the Brazilian healthcare system.

Evaluation of blood pressure through home monitoring in brazilian primary care: a feasibility study / Avaliação da pressão arterial através da monitorização residencial na atenção básica brasileira: um estudo de viabilidade

Abstract Blood pressure measurements taken in a clinical setting are subject to errors, therefore there are advantages to monitoring blood pressure at home, especially in in patients diagnosed with hypertension. The study describes the feasibility of home monitoring to assess blood pressure in primary care and compares blood pressure measured at home and during a medical consultation. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients whose used home blood pressure in the morning and evening, thrice for seven consecutive day sat home. Participants included patients older than 18 years with suspected whitecoat hypertension, taking antihypertensives, or those intolerant of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and excluded patients who did not follow the protocol, suffered from an irregular heart rate, and pregnant women. Of the 134 patients who participated in the study, 63.3% had altered blood pressure when measured at health facilities and 48% had higher blood pressure at home. The mean difference between the methods was 10.1 mmHg for systolic and 4.3 mmHg for diastolic. The prevalence of whitecoat hypertension was 19.4%. Blood pressure monitoring at home is a practicable strategy in the Brazilian healthcare system.

Resumo A medição da pressão arterial no consultório está sujeita a erros; assim, a monitorização residencial da pressão arterial é utilizada para o monitoramento e diagnóstico da hipertensão. Descrever a viabilidade da monitorização residencial para avaliar a pressão arterial na atenção primária e comparar os valores da pressão arterial através da monitorização residencial e medida de consultório. Estudo transversal realizado com pacientes que utilizaram a monitorização residencial pela manhã e pela noite, em triplicata por sete dias consecutivos em domicílio. Foram incluídos pacientes maiores de 18 anos, com suspeita de hipertensão do avental branco, utilizando anti-hipertensivos ou intolerantes a monitorização ambulatorial. Foram excluídos pacientes que não seguiram o protocolo, aqueles que apresentavam ritmo cardíaco irregular ou mulheres grávidas. 134 pacientes participaram do estudo, 63,3% apresentaram pressão arterial alteradas em consultório e 48% pela monitorização residencial. A diferença média dos métodos foi de 10,1 mmHg para sistólica e 4,3 mmHg para diastólica. A prevalência de hipertensão do avental branco foi 19,4%. A monitorização residencial da pressão arterial no sistema de saúde brasileiro provou ser uma estratégia viável.

A comparison of successful versus failed nonoperative treatment approaches in patients with degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine.

Identifying an optimal composition of nonoperative therapies to trial in patients suffering from degenerative lumbar spine conditions prior to surgical management remains challenging. Contrasting successful versus failed nonoperative treatment approaches may provide clinicians with valuable insight. The purpose of this study was to compare the nonoperative therapy regimens in degenerative lumbar spine disorder patients successfully managed conservatively versus patients who failed primary treatment and opted for lumbar fusion surgery. Clinical records from patients diagnosed with lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis from 2007 to 2017 were gathered from a comprehensive insurance database. Patients were separated into two cohorts: patients managed successfully with nonoperative therapies and patients who failed conservative therapy and underwent lumbar fusion surgery. Nonoperative therapy utilization by the two cohortswere collected across a 2-year surveillance window. A total of 531,980 adult patients with lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis comprised the base population. There were 523,031 patients (98.3%) successfully treated with conservative management alone, while 8,949 patients (1.7%) ultimately failed nonoperative management and opted for lumbar fusion.Conservative therapy failure rates were especially high in patients with a smoking history (2.1%) and those utilizing lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESIs) (3.7%). A greater percentage of patients who failed conservative management utilized opioid medications (p < 0.0001), muscle relaxants (p < 0.0001), and LESIs (p < 0.0001). Patients who failed nonoperative management spent more than double than the successfully treated cohort (failed cohort: $1806.49 per patient; successful cohort: $768.50 per patient). In a multivariate logistic regression model, smoking, obesity and prolonged opioid use were independently associated with failure of nonoperative treatment.

A disulfide-stabilised helical hairpin fold in acrorhagin I: An emerging structural motif in peptide toxins.

Acrorhagin I (U-AITX-Aeq5a) is a disulfide-rich peptide identified in the aggressive organs (acrorhagi) of the sea anemone Actinia equina. Previous studies (Toxicon 2005, 46:768-74) found that the peptide is toxic in crabs, although the structural and functional properties of acrorhagin I have not been reported. In this work, an Escherichia coli (BL21 strain) expression system was established for the preparation of 13C,15N-labelled acrorhagin I, and the solution structure was determined using NMR spectroscopy. Structurally, acrorhagin I is similar to B-IV toxin from the marine worm Cerebratulus lacteus (PDB id 1VIB), with a well-defined helical hairpin structure stabilised by four intramolecular disulfide bonds. The recombinant peptide was tested in patch-clamp electrophysiology assays against voltage-gated potassium and sodium channels, and in bacterial and fungal growth inhibitory assays and haemolytic assays. Acrorhagin I was not active against any of the ion channels tested and showed no activity in functional assays, indicating that this peptide may possess a different biological function. Metal ion interaction studies using NMR spectroscopy showed that acrorhagin I bound zinc and nickel, suggesting that its function might be modulated by metal ions or that it may be involved in regulating metal ion levels and their transport. The similarity between the structure of acrorhagin I and that of B-IV toxin from a marine worm suggests that this fold may prove to be a recurring motif in disulfide-rich peptides from marine organisms.

Implementation of a fully remote randomized clinical trial with cardiac monitoring.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged researchers performing clinical trials to develop innovative approaches to mitigate infectious risk while maintaining rigorous safety monitoring. Methods: In this report we describe the implementation of a novel exclusively remote randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04354428) of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2-mediated COVID-19 disease which included cardiovascular safety monitoring. All study activities were conducted remotely. Self-collected vital signs (temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements were transmitted digitally to investigators while mid-nasal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing were shipped. ECG collection relied on a consumer device (KardiaMobile 6L, AliveCor Inc.) that recorded and transmitted six-lead ECGs via participants' internet-enabled devices to a central core laboratory, which measured and reported QTc intervals that were then used to monitor safety. Results: Two hundred and thirty-one participants uploaded 3245 ECGs. Mean daily adherence to the ECG protocol was 85.2% and was similar to the survey and mid-nasal swab elements of the study. Adherence rates did not differ by age or sex assigned at birth and were high across all reported race and ethnicities. QTc prolongation meeting criteria for an adverse event occurred in 28 (12.1%) participants, with 2 occurring in the placebo group, 19 in the hydroxychloroquine group, and 7 in the hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin group. Conclusions: Our report demonstrates that digital health technologies can be leveraged to conduct rigorous, safe, and entirely remote clinical trials.

Complicações precoces em próteses parciais fixas implantossuportadas de zircônia monolítica e bicamada: estudo prospectivo, randomizado, de boca dividida / Early complications in fixed partial prosthesis implants supported with monolithic and bilayer zirconia: a prospective, randomized, split-mouth study

As coroas de cerâmica pura estão ganhando força na odontologia uma vez que as exigências estéticas e mecânicas são cada vez mais evidentes, uma vez que as próteses metal free do tipo bicamada, não raramente, apresentam lascamento da cerâmica de cobertura como a principal falha a longo prazo, então iniciou-se o uso de próteses monolíticas. Paralelamente é crescente a busca e o uso de implantes osseointegráveis para suportar as reabilitações parciais, sendo a primeira opção para as reabilitações orais de áreas edêntulas. Logo, o objetivo deste estudo clínico prospectivo, randomizado de boca dividida é avaliar o desempenho clínico e a previsibilidade, caracterizando o número e o tipo de complicações e falhas precoces como desgaste do antagonista, perda óssea, inflamação gengival e falhas mecânicas que possam ocorrer em PPFs de três elementos implantossuportadas com retenção mista em região posterior de mandíbula em zircônia monolítica e infraestrutura de zircônia com cerâmica de cobertura, além de avaliar a percepção estética e satisfação do paciente com cada uma delas. Os pacientes selecionados (N=2) passarão por procedimentos cirúrgicos para instalação de dois implantes na região posterior de mandíbula, sendo dois de cada lado. Após três a quatro meses os cicatrizadores serão instalados e a moldagem será realizada para confecção das próteses seguindo a aleatorização do lado da mandíbula. Serão avaliados desgaste das próteses e dos antagonistas por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura; perda óssea periimplantar utilizando radiografias periapicais em três períodos, imediatamente após a instalação das próteses, uma semana após e três meses depois, percepção estética e alteração de cor utilizando o método de escala visual analógica pelo paciente. As hipóteses deste estudo são resistência à fratura e lascamento será semelhante nos grupos avaliados, todos os grupos serão esticamente aceitáveis, o desgaste do antagonista e das próteses será semelhante entre os grupos e a manutenção periodontal e nível de perda óssea será semelhante para os grupos(AU)

The pure ceramic crowns have been gaining strength in dentistry since the aesthetic and mechanical requirements are increasingly evident. Since free metal dentures of the bilayer type, not infrequently, show sputtering of the ceramic cover as the main long-term failure, the use of monolithic prostheses was started. At the same time, the search for and use of osseointegratable implants to support partial rehabilitation is increasing, being the first option for oral rehabilitation of edentulous areas. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective, randomized, split-mouth clinical study is to assess clinical performance and predictability, characterizing the number and type of early complications and failures such as antagonist wear, bone loss, gingival inflammation, and mechanical failures that may occur in PPFs of three implant - supported elements with mixed retention in posterior region of mandible in monolithic zirconia, zirconia infrastructure with covering ceramics and metaloceramics, besides evaluating aesthetic perception and patient satisfaction with each one. Patients selected (n = 8) will undergo surgical procedures to install two implants in the posterior mandible, two on each side. After three to four months the healing will be installed and the molding will be performed to make the prosthesis following the randomization of both the patients and the side of the jaw. Wear of prostheses and antagonists will be assessed by scanning electron microscopy and profilometry; bone loss peri-implant using periapical radiographs in seven periods, immediately after the implant installation, 7 days after surgery, before the installation of the healers, at the installation of the prosthesis, 21 days after, six and twelve months later, aesthetic perception and color change using the method of visual analog scale by the patient and an intraoral spectophotometer. The hypotheses of this study are resistance to fracture and chipping will be similar in the evaluated groups, all groups will be ethically acceptable, the wear of the antagonist and the prostheses will be similar between groups and the periodontal maintenance and level of bone loss will be similar for the groups(AU)

Trasplante en la enfermedad hepática por alcohol / Transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease

La enfermedad hepática por alcohol es una de las enfermedades hepáticas más prevalentes en todo el mundo, y una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad. La enfermedad puede progresar desde estadios leves, como el hígado graso alcohólico, hasta condiciones severas que incluyen cirrosis y, en algunos casos, carcinoma hepatocelular. A su vez, la esteatohepatitis alcohólica grave es una presentación aguda de la enfermedad hepática por alcohol asociada con una alta mortalidad. A pesar del tratamiento, entre el 30% y el 50% de los pacientes con hepatitis alcohólica grave finalmente fallecen. En los casos de enfermedad avanzada, el trasplante hepático puede ser la única opción para la supervivencia del paciente. El trasplante por hepatitis alcohólica ha sido un tema controvertido, y algunos países todavía aplican la "regla de los 6 meses", en la que se requiere este tiempo de abstinencia de alcohol antes de la cirugía. Estudios recientes recomiendan el trasplante de hígado en casos de hepatitis alcohólica grave que no responden a las terapias médicas, incluso sin el período de abstinencia requerido, ya que la mayoría de estos pacientes fallecen antes de 6 meses. Se requieren más estudios para apoyar la selección de los pacientes idóneos para trasplante hepático con un periodo de abstinencia menor de 6 meses. La prevención y el tratamiento de la enfermedad hepática alcohólica debe ser integral, con un abordaje multidisciplinario que incluya el manejo de la dependencia al consumo de alcohol, al igual que el manejo farmacológico o quirúrgico, de acuerdo con la necesidad de cada paciente.

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The disease can progress from mild stages, such as alcoholic fatty liver, to severe conditions including cirrhosis, and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, severe alcohol steatohepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, which is an acute presentation of alcoholic liver disease associated with high mortality. Despite treatment, between 30% and 50% of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis eventually die. In the case of advanced disease, liver transplantation may be the only option for patient survival. Transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis has been a controversial topic, and some countries still apply the "6-month rule", in which this time of alcohol abstinence is required prior to surgery. Emerging studies are recommending liver transplantation in severe alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical therapies even without the required abstinence period, since the majority of these patients would die within 6 months. Further studies are needed to help refine the selection of suitable patients who have been abstinent for less than 6 months. Prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease must be comprehensive, with a multidisciplinary approach that includes the management of alcohol dependence, as well as pharmacological or surgical options according to the needs of each patient.

Bacterial Alkyl-4-quinolones: Discovery, Structural Diversity and Biological Properties.

The alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs) are a class of metabolites produced primarily by members of the Pseudomonas and Burkholderia genera, consisting of a 4-quinolone core substituted by a range of pendant groups, most commonly at the C-2 position. The history of this class of compounds dates back to the 1940s, when a range of alkylquinolones with notable antibiotic properties were first isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More recently, it was discovered that an alkylquinolone derivative, the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) plays a key role in bacterial communication and quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many of the best-studied examples contain simple hydrocarbon side-chains, but more recent studies have revealed a wide range of structurally diverse examples from multiple bacterial genera, including those with aromatic, isoprenoid, or sulfur-containing side-chains. In addition to their well-known antimicrobial properties, alkylquinolones have been reported with antimalarial, antifungal, antialgal, and antioxidant properties. Here we review the structural diversity and biological activity of these intriguing metabolites.