MR Imaging Findings in Anti-Leucine-Rich Glioma Inactivated Protein 1 Encephalitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) constitute a common form of autoimmune encephalitis. On MR imaging, it may show T2 FLAIR hyperintensities of the medial temporal lobe (T2 FLAIR-MTL), involve the basal ganglia, or be unremarkable. PURPOSE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain prevalence estimates of abnormal findings on MR imaging in anti-LGI1 encephalitis. A human brain map of the LGI1 microarray gene expression was derived from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Web of Science were searched with the terms "LGI1" and "encephalitis" from inception to April 7, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Thirty-one research publications, encompassing case series and retrospective cohort and case-control studies, with >10 patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis and MR imaging data were included. DATA ANALYSIS: Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. Meta-analysis used DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 1318 patients in 30 studies, T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in 54% (95% CI, 0.48-0.60; I2 = 76%). Of 394 patients in 13 studies, 27% showed bilateral (95% CI, 0.19-0.36; I2 = 71%) and 24% unilateral T2 FLAIR-MTL abnormalities (95% CI, 0.17-0.32; I2 = 61%). Of 612 patients in 15 studies, basal ganglia abnormalities were present in 10% (95% CI, 0.06-0.15; I2 = 67%). LGI1 expression was highest in the amygdala, hippocampus, and caudate nucleus. LIMITATIONS: Only part of the spectrum of MR imaging abnormalities in anti-LGI1 encephalitis could be included in a meta-analysis. MR imaging findings were not the main outcomes in most studies, limiting available information. I2 values ranged from 62% to 76%, representing moderate-to-large heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in around one-half of patients with anti-LGI1. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral presentations was similar, suggesting unilaterality should raise the suspicion of this disease in the appropriate clinical context. Around 10% of patients showed basal ganglia abnormalities, indicating that special attention should be given to this region. LGI1 regional expression coincided with the most frequently reported abnormal findings on MR imaging. Regional specificity might be partially determined by expression levels of the target protein.

Prosthetic Joint Infections Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex-An ESGIAI-ESGMYC Multicenter, Retrospective Study and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: While tuberculosis remains a significant global health concern, prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex are exceptionally rare. Our objective is to perform a retrospective search of new cases of this disease and analyze all cases available in the literature of tuberculous PJIs, aiming to detect factors that may influence patient outcomes. METHODS: The ESGIAI and ESGMYC study groups were used to collect information on non-published cases of tuberculous prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Additionally, a literature review of all published cases of tuberculous PJIs was conducted. All identified cases in the retrospective study and in the literature review were merged and included in the statistical analysis, involving both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Fifteen previously unreported cases of tuberculous prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) from four countries were detailed. Among them, ten patients were female, with a median age of 76 years. The hip was affected in 13 cases. Seven patients experienced co-infection with another microorganism. Treatment approaches varied, with 13 patients undergoing implant removal, one treated with DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention), and one case was treated with an unknown treatment method. All patients received antibiotic therapy and achieved a cure. The literature review that was conducted detected 155 published cases. Univariate analysis revealed a statistical significance for previous tuberculosis, joint, and no importance of surgery for cure. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculous prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare condition, typically presenting as a localized chronic infection. Antibiotic treatment is essential for the management of these patients, but neither surgical treatment nor duration of treatment seems to have importance in the outcome.

Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy: A Comprehensive Review of System Functions and Analysis of Outcome Data.

The past two decades have witnessed a revolutionary era for peripheral bronchoscopy. Though the initial description of radial endobronchial ultrasound can be traced back to 1992, it was not until the mid-2000s that its utilization became commonplace, primarily due to the introduction of electromagnetic navigation (EMN) bronchoscopy. While the diagnostic yield of EMN-assisted sampling has shown substantial improvement over historical fluoroscopy-assisted bronchoscopic biopsy, its diagnostic yield plateaued at around 70%. Factors contributing to this relatively low diagnostic yield include discrepancies in computed tomography to body divergence, which led to unsuccessful lesion localization and resultant unsuccessful sampling of the lesion. Furthermore, much of peripheral bronchoscopy utilized a plastic extended working channel whose tips were difficult to finely aim at potential targets. However, the recent introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, and its associated stability within the peripheral lung, has ignited optimism for its potential to significantly enhance the diagnostic performance for peripheral lesions. Moreover, some envision this technology eventually playing a pivotal role in the therapeutic delivery to lung tumors. This review aims to describe the currently available robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technologies and to discuss the existing scientific evidence supporting these.

Multiparametric analysis from dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI to evaluate malignant brain tumors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSC) MR perfusion is a valuable technique for distinguishing brain tumors. Diagnostic potential of measurable parameters derived from preload leakage-corrected-DSC-MRI remains somewhat underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate these parameters for differentiating primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), glioblastoma, and metastasis. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with pathologically proven PCNSL (n = 14), glioblastoma (n = 14), and metastasis (n = 11) were analyzed. Five DSC parameters-relative CBV (rCBV), percentage of signal recovery (PSR), downward slope (DS), upward slope (US), and first-pass slope ratio-were derived from tumor-enhancing areas. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: RCBV was higher in metastasis (4.58; interquartile range [IQR]: 2.54) and glioblastoma (3.98; IQR: 1.87), compared with PCNSL (1.46; IQR: 0.29; p = .00006 for both). rCBV better distinguished metastasis and glioblastoma from PCNSL, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. PSR was higher in PCNSL (88.11; IQR: 21.21) than metastases (58.30; IQR: 22.28; p = .0002), while glioblastoma (74.54; IQR: 21.23) presented almost significant trend-level differences compared to the others (p≈.05). AUCs were 0.79 (PCNSL vs. glioblastoma), 0.91 (PCNSL vs. metastasis), and 0.78 (glioblastoma vs. metastasis). DS and US parameters were statistically significant between glioblastoma (-109.92; IQR: 152.71 and 59.06; IQR: 52.87) and PCNSL (-47.36; IQR: 44.30 and 21.68; IQR: 16.85), presenting AUCs of 0.86 and 0.87. CONCLUSION: Metastasis and glioblastoma can be better differentiated from PCNSL through rCBV. PSR demonstrated higher differential performance compared to the other parameters and seemed useful, allowing a proper distinction among all, particularly between metastasis and glioblastoma, where rCBV failed. Finally, DS and US were only helpful in differentiating glioblastoma from PCNSL.

Encapsulation of pomegranate polyphenols by ionic gelation: Strategies for improved retention and controlled release.

This study aimed at producing pectin hydrogel beads by ionic gelation proce to carry pomegranate extract (PE) evaluating approaches to increase its retention and protect the polyphenols from environmental conditions that interfere in the stability and color of these compounds, such as the pH of the medium. Several strategies were tested to reduce the mass transfer and consequently increase its retention. The insertion of a filler (gelatinized starch), the employment of different concentrations from the external environment, the adsorption using blank pectin-starch beads, and the electrostatic coating using chitosan were performed. The release of entrapped compounds over time was employed to evaluate the release pattern of PE in water media. Diffusion coefficients calculated from these experiments were then used to estimate the PE release behavior. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was significantly improved (42 % to 101 %) when equalizing the concentration of the external medium with that from the beads formulation. Furthermore, the increase in the PE concentration was proportional to the rise in the mechanical strength (MS) of the beads which indicates a modification of internal structure due to the presence of polyphenols. The adsorption was efficient in entrapping the active compound, and despite the high PE content observed for all beads (average value of 2960.26 mg of gallic acid equivalent/100 g sample), they had the lowest diffusion coefficient from the release in water media. Finally, the coating was able to reduce the release rate in most of the tests (DAB uncoated = 0.5 DAB coated), however, during the electrostatic deposition a loss of about 32 % of the phenolic compounds in the chitosan solution was observed which led to a reduced EE. Despite the obtention of retarded release, coating studies need to be improved. Some adjustments in the execution of this technique are necessary so that the losses are reduced and the process becomes viable for the use of beads in food.

Innovation in rigid bronchoscopy-past, present, and future.

German laryngologist Gustav Killian performed the first "Direkte Bronchoskopie" using a rigid bronchoscope to extract a foreign airway body from the right main bronchus over a hundred years ago, transforming the practice of respiratory medicine. The procedure instantaneously became popular throughout the world. Chevalier Jackson Sr from the United States further advanced the instrument, technique, safety, and application. In the 1960s, Professors Harold H. Hopkins and N.S. Kapany introduced optical rods as well as fiberoptics that led Karl Storz to develop the cold light system improving endoluminal illumination, achievements that ushered in the modern era of flexible endoscopy. Several diagnostic and therapeutic procedures became possible such as transbronchial needle biopsy, transbronchial lung biopsy, airway electrosurgery, or cryotherapy. Dr. Jean-François Dumon from France advanced the use of Nd-YAG laser in the endobronchial tree and created the dedicated Dumon silicone stent introducing the whole new field of interventional pulmonology (IP). This major milestone revitalized interest in rigid bronchoscopy (RB). Now, advancements are being made in stenting, instrumentation, and education. RB robotic technology advancements are currently anticipated and can potentially revolutionize the practice of pulmonary medicine. In this review, we describe some of the most substantial advances related to RB from its beginning to the modern era.

LAPAROSCOPIC AND LAPAROTOMY BARIATRIC SURGERY IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN BRAZIL: ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN COSTS AND COMPLICATIONS?

BACKGROUND: Despite its increasing popularity, laparoscopy is not the option for bariatric surgeries performed in the Brazilian public health system. AIMS: To compare laparotomy and laparoscopic access in bariatric surgery, considering aspects such as morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of stay. METHODS: The study included 80 patients who were randomly assigned to perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. They were equally divided in two groups, laparoscopic and laparotomy. The results obtained in the postoperative period were evaluated and compared according to the Ministry of Health protocol, and later, in their outpatient returns. RESULTS: The surgical time was similar in both groups (p=0.240). The costs of laparoscopic surgery proved to be higher, mainly due to staplers and staples. The patients included in the laparotomy group presented higher rates of severe complications, such as incisional hernia (p<0.001). Costs related to social security and management of postoperative complications were higher in the open surgery group (R$ 1,876.00 vs R$ 34,268.91). CONCLUSIONS: The costs related to social security and treatment of complications were substantially lower in laparoscopic access when compared to laparotomy. However, considering the operative procedure itself, the laparotomy remained cheaper. Finally, the length of stay, the rate of complications, and return to labor had more favorable results in the laparoscopic route.

NSCLC in the Era of Targeted and Immunotherapy: What Every Pulmonologist Must Know.

The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has dramatically changed over the last decade through the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Implementation of these treatment regimens relies on detailed knowledge regarding each tumor's specific genomic profile, underscoring the necessity of obtaining superior diagnostic tissue specimens. While these treatment approaches are commonly utilized in the metastatic setting, approval among earlier-stage disease will continue to rise, highlighting the importance of early and comprehensive biomarker testing at the time of diagnosis for all patients. Pulmonologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer via sophisticated tissue sampling techniques. This multifaceted review will highlight current indications for the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in non-small cell lung cancer and will outline the quality of various diagnostic approaches and subsequent success of tissue biomarker testing. Pulmonologist-specific methods, including endobronchial ultrasound and guided bronchoscopy, will be examined as well as other modalities such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy and more.

Laparoscopic and laparotomy bariatric surgery in a public hospital in brazil: are there differences in costs and complications? / Cirurgia bariátrica laparoscópica e convencional em hospital público no brasil: há diferenças nos custos e complicações?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Despite its increasing popularity, laparoscopy is not the option for bariatric surgeries performed in the Brazilian public health system. AIMS: To compare laparotomy and laparoscopic access in bariatric surgery, considering aspects such as morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of stay. METHODS: The study included 80 patients who were randomly assigned to perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. They were equally divided in two groups, laparoscopic and laparotomy. The results obtained in the postoperative period were evaluated and compared according to the Ministry of Health protocol, and later, in their outpatient returns. RESULTS: The surgical time was similar in both groups (p=0.240). The costs of laparoscopic surgery proved to be higher, mainly due to staplers and staples. The patients included in the laparotomy group presented higher rates of severe complications, such as incisional hernia (p<0.001). Costs related to social security and management of postoperative complications were higher in the open surgery group (R$ 1,876.00 vs R$ 34,268.91). CONCLUSIONS: The costs related to social security and treatment of complications were substantially lower in laparoscopic access when compared to laparotomy. However, considering the operative procedure itself, the laparotomy remained cheaper. Finally, the length of stay, the rate of complications, and return to labor had more favorable results in the laparoscopic route.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Apesar de sua crescente popularidade, a laparoscopia não é a via de acesso em cirurgias bariátricas realizadas no sistema público de saúde brasileiro. OBJETIVOS: Comparar os acessos laparoscópico e laparotômico em cirurgia bariátrica, considerando aspectos como morbidade, mortalidade, custos e tempo de hospitalização. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 80 pacientes candidatos a by-pass gástrico em Y-de-Roux, aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a via de acesso. Os resultados obtidos no período pós-operatório foram avaliados e comparados de acordo com o protocolo do Ministério da Saúde, e posteriormente, em seus retornos ambulatoriais. RESULTADOS: O tempo cirúrgico foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (p=0.240). Os custos da cirurgia laparoscópica foram maiores, principalmente devido aos grampeadores e cargas. Contudo, os pacientes designados à via aberta apresentaram maior índice de complicações graves, como hérnia incisional (p<0.001). Desta forma, os custos com o tratamento das complicações e com o seguro social foram maiores neste grupo (R$ 1,876.00 vs R$ 34,268.91). CONCLUSÃO: Os gastos relacionados ao seguro social e ao tratamento de complicações foram substancialmente menores na cirurgia laparoscópica quando comparada à cirurgia aberta. Entretanto, considerando o procedimento operatório em si, a via aberta foi a mais acessível financeiramente. Por fim, o tempo de hospitalização, a taxa de complicações e o tempo de retorno ao trabalho tiveram resultados mais favoráveis na via laparoscópica.

Perspectivas de uma comunidade universitária acerca da doação de corpos para estudo em anatomia humana / Perspectives of a university community about body donation for human anatomy study

Resumo: Introdução: O cadáver é uma peça insubstituível no aprendizado da anatomia humana, pois permite uma visão tridimensional das estruturas anatômicas. Entretanto, observa-se um cenário de escassez e aumento da demanda das peças cadavéricas nas universidades brasileiras. Logo, diversas instituições, amparadas no artigo 14 da Lei nº 10.406/2002 do Código Civil brasileiro, implementaram programas de doação de corpos interessados em trazer melhorias significativas na qualidade de ensino da disciplina de anatomia. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o grau de conhecimento e as perspectivas de uma comunidade universitária a respeito da doação voluntária de corpos cadavéricos para fins educacionais e de pesquisa. Método: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e prospectivo com abordagem quantitativa e coleta de dados por meio de questionário individual. Os sujeitos incluídos foram os docentes e discentes da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (Ufma), campus Dom Delgado. Os questionários eram relativos à obtenção de informações sobre o conhecimento e a opinião acerca da temática da doação de corpos. Resultado: Obteve-se um total de 264 questionários respondidos, os quais mostraram que 85,65% dos discentes e 87,1% dos docentes tinham conhecimento acerca da possibilidade da doação do próprio corpo. Contudo, observou-se que 94% dos entrevistados não sabiam que procedimentos eram necessários para a doação, e 86% não possuíam conhecimento acerca da legislação que permitia tal prática. Ademais, 27,65% dos participantes estavam aptos a doar o próprio corpo, 33,7% apontaram que não doariam e 38,9% informaram que não tinham opinião formada. O principal motivo apontado para doar foi: "para contribuir com o avanço da educação na área da saúde", e para não doar: "quero ser enterrado ou cremado". Conclusão: Existe um alto percentual de indivíduos que não conhecem os meios para realizar a doação de corpos, sendo evidenciado que os participantes apresentam baixa aptidão para doação. Contudo, existe um percentual significativo de indivíduos que não tem opinião formada sobre o assunto, demonstrando que a divulgação dessa temática é um meio para aumentar a adesão a tal prática. É importante realizar o desenvolvimento de programas de doação de corpos para solucionar a problemática.

Abstract: Introduction: The cadaver is an irreplaceable piece in the learning of human anatomy, allowing a three-dimensional view of anatomical structures. However, there is a scenario of scarcity and increased demand for cadaveric parts in Brazilian universities. Therefore, several institutions, supported by article 14 of Law 10.406/2002 of the Brazilian Civil Code, implemented body donation programs aimed at bringing significant improvements in the teaching quality of the anatomy discipline. Objective: To analyze the level of knowledge and perspectives of a university community regarding the voluntary donation of cadaveric bodies for educational and research purposes. Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional and prospective study with a quantitative approach and data collection through an individual questionnaire. The subjects included in the study were teachers and students from the Federal University of Maranhão, Campus Dom Delgado - UFMA. The questionnaires were related to obtaining information about knowledge and opinions on the topic of body donation. Result: A total of 264 answered questionnaires were obtained, which showed that 85.65% of students and 87.1% of teachers were aware of the possibility of donating their own bodies. However, it was observed that 94% of the interviewees did not know what procedures were necessary for the donation, and 86% did not have knowledge about the legislation that allowed this practice. Furthermore, 27.65% of the participants were able to donate their own body, 33.7% indicated that they would not donate and 38.9% reported that they had no formed opinion. The main reason given for donating was: "to contribute to the advancement of education in the health area", and for not donating: "I want to be buried or cremated". Conclusion: There is a high percentage of individuals who do not know how to carry out the donation of their own bodies, being evidenced that the participants have low aptitude for donation. However, there is a significant percentage of individuals who do not have a formed opinion on the subject, demonstrating that the dissemination of this topic is a means to increase adherence to this practice. It is important to carry out the development of body donation programs to solve the problem.

Effect of Microencapsulation on Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Essential Oil.

Research background: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to the presence of α-citral and ß-citral. Essential oils are susceptible to volatilization and oxidation when applied to food matrices. Therefore, a barrier is needed to protect this material. The present study aims to produce microparticles containing lemongrass essential oil, with gum arabic and maltodextrin using spray drying technology. Experimental approach: Lemongrass essential oil was extracted by the hydrodistillation method and later microencapsulated with different wall materials. Free and microencapsulated lemongrass essential oil was evaluated for the cytotoxic activity (using Artemia salina as test sample), chemical composition (GC-MS), encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration. Results and conclusions: The lethal concentration (LC50) of lemongrass essential oil in the cytotoxic test was 8.43 µg/mL against Artemia salina; a high activity that can be associated with the presence of α-citral (~33%) and ß-citral (~21%) in the samples, since these were the main compounds with bioactive properties. The highest value of microencapsulation efficiency (88.11%) was obtained when only gum arabic was used as wall material. In general, the microparticles showed satisfactory antioxidant activity (expressed as Trolox equivalents, between 348.66 and 2042.30 µmol/100 g) and bactericidal effect in vitro against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. In conclusion, the microencapsulated lemongrass essential oil is a promising functional additive in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Novelty and scientific contribution: This study shows that microparticles containing lemongrass essential oil can be prepared using gum arabic and maltodextrin as wall materials by spray drying, resulting in high microencapsulation efficiency. The drying process maintained the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the essential oil. Therefore, the microencapsulated lemongrass essential oil is considered a natural, functional and promising additive in the food industry. Its antimicrobial action can increase the shelf life of fresh and semi-fresh products such as cheese, yogurts and meat products. In addition, its antioxidant action can delay the lipid and protein oxidation in food products.

Prospective cohort of cryobiopsy in interstitial lung diseases: a single center experience.

RATIONALE: Transbronchial cryobiopsy has been increasingly used to diagnose interstitial lung diseases. However, there is uncertainty regarding its accuracy and risks, mainly due to a paucity of prospective or randomized trials comparing cryobiopsy to surgical biopsy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications of cryobiopsy in patients selected by multidisciplinary discussion. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort from 2017 to 2019. We included consecutive patients with suspected interstitial lung diseases being considered for lung biopsy presented at our multidisciplinary meeting. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 112 patients, we recommended no biopsy in 31, transbronchial forceps biopsy in 16, cryobiopsy in 54 and surgical biopsy in 11. By the end of the study, 34 patients had had cryobiopsy and 24 patients, surgical biopsy. Overall pathologic and multidisciplinary diagnostic yield of cryobiopsy was 47.1% and 61.8%, respectively. The yield increased over time for both pathologic (year 1: 28.6%, year 2: 54.5%, year 3: 66.7%, p = 0.161) and multidisciplinary (year 1: 50%, year 2: 63.6%, year 3: 77.8%, p = 0.412) diagnosis. Overall rate of grade 4 bleeding after cryobiopsy was 11.8%. Cryobiopsy required less chest tube placement (11.8% vs 100%, p < 0.001) and less hospitalizations compared to surgical biopsy (26.5% vs 95.7%, p < 0.001), but hospitalized patients had a longer median hospital stay (2 days vs 1 day, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic yield of cryobiopsy increased over time but the overall grade 4 bleeding rate was 11.8%.

Lung cancer staging, the established role of bronchoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the absence of distant metastases, accurate mediastinal nodal staging determines treatment approaches to achieve most favourable outcomes for patients. Mediastinal staging differentiates N0/N1 disease from N2/N3 in surgical candidates. Likewise, presence of nodal involvement in nonsurgical candidates who are being considered for stereotactic body radiation therapy is also critical. This review article seeks to discuss the current options available for mediastinal staging in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly the role of bronchoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS: Although several techniques are available to stage the mediastinum, bronchoscopy with EBUS-TBNA with or without EUS-FNA appears to be superior in most clinical situations based on its ability to concomitantly diagnose and stage at once, safety, accessibility to the widest array of lymph node stations, cost and low risk of complications. However, training and experience are required to achieve consistent diagnostic accuracy with EBUS-TBNA. SUMMARY: EBUS-TBNA with or without EUS-FNA is considered the modality of choice in the diagnosis and staging of NSCLC in both surgical and nonsurgical candidates.

Capacitação do Cuidador Informal: estudo das dificuldades e das variáveis preditivas / Informal Caregiver Training: A Study of Difficulties and Predictor Variables / Capacitación del Cuidador Informal: estudio de las dificultades y las variables predictivas

Introdução: Cuidador Informal (CI) enfrenta múltiplas dificuldades no cuidado da pessoa dependente. Objetivos: avaliar as dificuldades sentidas pelos cuidadores informais no cuidado à pessoa dependente e identificar variáveis preditivas dessas dificuldades. Materiais e Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo-correlacional e de cariz quantitativo que utilizou uma amostra do tipo não probabilístico por conveniência, constituída por 119 CI, da Região Centro de Portugal. O instrumento de medida utilizado integrou uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos e uma Escala de Avaliação das Dificuldades do Cuidador Informal (EADCI). Resultados: foram observadas maioritariamente dificuldades moderadas, sendo estas mais elevadas ao nível das dimensões cuidar de mim e das atividades de vida diária. Constituíram-se variáveis preditivas o grau de dependência funcional da pessoa dependente a idade do CI e a existência de barreiras arquitetónicas. Conclusão: estes resultados indicam que os CI apresentam dificuldades a vários níveis do cuidar da pessoa dependente, fortalecendo a necessidade de implementar novas estratégias capazes de responder a estes desafios.

Introduction: the Informal Caregiver (IC) faces multiple difficulties in the care of the dependent person. Objectives: to assess the difficulties felt by informal caregivers in the care of the dependent person and to identify the predictive variables of these difficulties. Materials and Methods: observational, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study with a quantitative approach that used a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 119 IC from the Central Region of Portugal. The measurement instrument used included a sociodemographic data sheet and an Informal Caregiver Difficulties Assessment Scale (EADCI). Results: moderate difficulties were mostly observed, being higher in the dimensions of self-care and activities of daily living. The degree of functional dependence of the dependent person, the age of the IC and the existence of architectural barriers were found as predictive variables. Conclusions: the results indicate that ICs present difficulties at different levels of dependent person care, strengthening the need to implement new possible strategies to respond to these challenges.

Introducción: el Cuidador Informal (CI) enfrenta múltiples dificultades en el cuidado de la persona dependiente. Objetivos: evaluar las dificultades sentidas por los cuidadores informales en el cuidado de la persona dependiente e identificar las variables predictivas de esas dificultades. Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo correlacional y con enfoque cuantitativo que utilizó una muestra de tipo no probabilístico por conveniencia, constituida por 119 CI, de la Región Centro de Portugal. El instrumento de medición utilizado integró una ficha de datos sociodemográficos y una Escala de Evaluación de las Dificultades del Cuidador Informal (EADCI). Resultados: se observaron mayoritariamente dificultades moderadas, siendo estas más altas en cuanto a las dimensiones del autocuidado y de las actividades de la vida diaria. Como variables predictivas se encontraron el grado de dependencia funcional de la persona dependiente, la edad del CI y la existencia de barreras arquitectónicas. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que los CI presentan dificultades en diferentes niveles del cuidado de la persona dependiente, fortaleciendo la necesidad de implementar nuevas estrategias posibles para responder a estos retos.

Radial endobronchial ultrasound-assisted transbronchial needle aspiration for pulmonary peripheral lesions in the segmental bronchi adjacent to the central airway.

BACKGROUND: Tissue samples from lesions located in the 3rd to 5th segmental bronchi are challenging to obtain. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic rate of pulmonary peripheral lesions located in the 3rd to 5th segmental bronchi, near the inner field of lung on the computed tomography (CT) image and outside the bronchus, using radial endobronchial ultrasound (REBUS) followed by transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients whose preoperative CT examinations showed a lesion located in the segmental bronchi (3rd to 5th), yet adjacent to the inner field of lung on the CT image. REBUS followed by TBNA was used to acquire tissue samples from these lesions. A bronchoscope was used to reach the bronchi surrounding the lesion, and an ultrasound probe was used to determine the lesion's location. Then, the ultrasound probe was withdrawn, and puncture was performed at the location that was determined by ultrasound. The tissue specimens obtained were subjected to pathological examination. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were enrolled in this study including 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 55 years old. Of the enrollees, 8 patients (42.1%) were successfully diagnosed with samples obtained through TBNA, including 6 cases of lung cancer, 1 case of non-specific inflammation, and 1 case of cryptococcal infection. The diagnostic rate was 42.1%. No post-procedural complications were observed among the patients. There was no significant difference in nodule diameter between patients with a diagnostic sample and those in whom TBNA failed to provide a diagnosis (2.99±0.96 vs. 2.26±1.27 cm, P=0.20). CONCLUSIONS: With the assistance of REBUS, TBNA can acquire sufficient samples to achieve a reasonably diagnostic rate for parenchymal lung lesions located near the inner field of lung on the CT image without intrabronchial invasion.

Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Prospective External and Temporal Validation of the HAL and HOMER Models.

BACKGROUND: Two models, the Help with the Assessment of Adenopathy in Lung cancer (HAL) and Help with Oncologic Mediastinal Evaluation for Radiation (HOMER), were recently developed to estimate the probability of nodal disease in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as determined by endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The objective of this study was to prospectively externally validate both models at multiple centers. RESEARCH QUESTION: Are the HAL and HOMER models valid across multiple centers? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with PET-CT clinical-radiographic stages T1-3, N0-3, M0 NSCLC undergoing EBUS-TBNA staging. HOMER was used to predict the probability of N0 vs N1 vs N2 or N3 (N2|3) disease, and HAL was used to predict the probability of N2|3 (vs N0 or N1) disease. Model discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC-AUC), and calibration was assessed using the Brier score, calibration plots, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: Thirteen centers enrolled 1,799 patients. HAL and HOMER demonstrated good discrimination: HAL ROC-AUC = 0.873 (95%CI, 0.856-0.891) and HOMER ROC-AUC = 0.837 (95%CI, 0.814-0.859) for predicting N1 disease or higher (N1|2|3) and 0.876 (95%CI, 0.855-0.897) for predicting N2|3 disease. Brier scores were 0.117 and 0.349, respectively. Calibration plots demonstrated good calibration for both models. For HAL, the difference between forecast and observed probability of N2|3 disease was +0.012; for HOMER, the difference for N1|2|3 was -0.018 and for N2|3 was +0.002. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was significant for both models (P = .034 and .002), indicating a small but statistically significant calibration error. INTERPRETATION: HAL and HOMER demonstrated good discrimination and calibration in multiple centers. Although calibration error was present, the magnitude of the error is small, such that the models are informative.

A Unique Case of Combined Nodular and Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins that can affect either systemically or locally confined to one system. Pulmonary amyloidosis is rare and can be classified into three forms according to the anatomic site of involvement: nodular pulmonary amyloidosis, tracheobronchial amyloidosis and diffuse alveolar-septal amyloidosis. The former two usually represent localized amyloid disease and the latter represents systemic disease. Typically lung parenchymal and tracheobronchial amyloidosis do not present together in localized forms of pulmonary amyloidosis. Here we report a unique case of localized pulmonary immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, manifested as both parenchymal nodules and tracheobronchial amyloid deposition.