Vismodegib in Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: A systematic review.

Treatment with Hedgehog Inhibitors in Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) yields favourable objective clinical responses, yet secondary resistance and class-related toxicity restrict treatment duration. This study aims to review current data on GGS patients undergoing vismodegib therapy, focusing on treatment duration, clinical outcomes and schedule modifications. A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted for English articles from 1993 to 2023, identifying 31 papers suitable for inclusion. A total of 351 patients, with a mean age of 52 years, were analysed. The average treatment duration was 9.3 months for patients who discontinued treatment, and 25.1 months for those who continued vismodegib at the time this study was published. Vismodegib achieved a complete response rate of 44%. Treatment interruption predominantly occurred due to side effects (69.1%) and secondary resistance (9.1%). The use of alternative regimens, although not compromising efficacy, may enhance treatment compliance. Further investigations are warranted to ascertain the optimal treatment regimen and timeline for GGS patients. Schedule modifications offer promise in ameliorating side effects and facilitating long-term treatment.

Crystalloid resuscitation is associated with decreased treatment delays and improved systolic blood pressures in a blood-constrained setting.

Objectives: We analyzed resuscitation practices in Cameroonian patients with trauma as a first step toward developing a context-appropriate resuscitation protocol. We hypothesized that more patients would receive crystalloid-based (CB) resuscitation with a faster time to administration than blood product (BL) resuscitation. Methods: We included patients enrolled between 2017 and 2019 in the Cameroon Trauma Registry (CTR). Patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock (systolic blood pressure (SBP) <100 mm Hg and active bleeding) were categorized as receiving CB, BL, or no resuscitation (NR). We evaluated differences between cohorts with the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. We compared time to treatment with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Of 9635 patients, 403 (4%) presented with hemorrhagic shock. Of these, 278 (69%) patients received CB, 39 (10%) received BL, and 86 (21%) received NR. BL patients presented with greater injury severity (Highest Estimated Abbreviated Injury Scale (HEAIS) 4 BL vs 3 CB vs 1 NR, p<0.001), and lower median hemoglobin (8.0 g/dL BL, 11.4 g/dL CB, 10.6 g/dL NR, p<0.001). CB showed greater initial improvement in SBP (12 mm Hg CB vs 9 mm Hg BL vs 0 NR mm Hg, p=0.04) compared with BL or no resuscitation, respectively. Median time to treatment was lower for CB than BL (12 vs 131 min, p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for injury severity found no association between resuscitation type and mortality (CB adjusted OR (aOR) 1.28, p=0.82; BL aOR 1.05, p=0.97). Conclusions: CB was associated with faster treatment, greater SBP elevation, and similar survival compared with BL in Cameroonian patients with trauma with hemorrhagic shock. In blood-constrained settings, treatment delays associated with blood product transfusion may offset the physiologic benefits of an early BL strategy. CB prior to definitive hemorrhage control in this resource-limited setting may be a necessary strategy to optimize perfusion pressure. Level of evidence and study type: III, retrospective study.

Feasibility and acceptability of mobile phone-based triage tool to identify discharged trauma patients in need of further care in Cameroon.

Background: Lack of routine follow-up for trauma patients after hospital discharge likely contributes to high rates of injury-related complications in Cameroon. Mobile phone contact may facilitate timely follow-up and reduce disability for high-risk patients. A previous single-center study showed promising feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) triage, but generalizability remains unknown. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a postdischarge mHealth triage tool at four hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: Trauma patients from four Cameroonian hospitals were contacted at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months postdischarge. Program feasibility was assessed by calculating the proportion of successful contacts and overall cost. Odds of successful contact were compared using generalized estimating equations across patient socioeconomic status. Acceptability was assessed using a structured patient survey at 2 weeks and 6 months postdischarge. Results: Of 3896 trauma patients, 59% were successfully contacted at 2 weeks postdischarge. Of these, 87% (1370/1587), 86% (1139/1330), and 90% (967/1069) were successfully reached at the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month timepoints, respectively. The median cost per patient contact was US$3.17 (IQR 2.29-4.29). Higher socioeconomic status was independently associated with successful contact; rural poor patients were the least likely to be reached (adjusted OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.35). Almost all surveyed patients reported phone-based triage to be an acceptable follow-up method. Conclusion: Telephone contact is a feasible and acceptable means to triage postdischarge trauma patients in Cameroon. While scaling an mHealth follow-up program has considerable potential to decrease injury morbidity in this setting, further research is needed to optimize inclusion of socioeconomically marginalized groups. Level of evidence: Level III, prospective observational study.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of surgical care delivery in Eastern Uganda-a societal perspective.

BACKGROUND: The mismatch between the global burden of surgical disease and global health funding for surgical illness exacerbates disparities in surgical care access worldwide. Amidst competing priorities, governments need to rationally allocate scarce resources to address local needs. To build an investment case for surgery, economic data on surgical care delivery is needed. This study focuses on femur fractures. METHODS: This prospective cohort study at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH), captured demographic, clinical, and cost data from all surgical inpatients and their caregivers at SRRH from February 2018 through July 2019. We performed descriptive and inferential analyses. We estimated the cost effectiveness of intramedullary nailing relative to traction for femur fractures by using primary data and making extrapolations using regional data. RESULTS: Among the 546 patients, 111 (20.3%) had femur fractures and their median [IQR] length of hospitalization was 27 days [14, 36 days]. The total societal cost and Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained was USD 61,748.10 and 78.81 for femur traction and USD 23,809 and 85.47 for intramedullary nailing. Intramedullary nailing was dominant over traction of femur fractures with an Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio of USD 5,681.75 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: Femur fractures are the most prevalent and most expensive surgical condition at SRRH. Relative to intramedullary nailing, the use of femur traction at SRRH is not cost effective. There is a need to explore and adopt more cost-effective approaches like internal fixation.

In-Hospital Obstetric Delays in Rural Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Hospital Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth are extremely high in low-resource countries such as Uganda. Maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries is related to delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving adequate health care. This study aimed to investigate the in-hospital delays to surgical care for women in labor arriving to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH). METHODS: From January 2017 to August 2020, we collected data on obstetric surgical patients in labor using a locally developed, context-specific obstetrics surgical registry. Data regarding patient demographics, clinical and operative characteristics, as well as delays in care and outcomes were documented. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 3189 patients were treated during our study period. Median age was 23 years, most gestations were at term (97%) at the time of operation, and nearly all patients underwent Cesarean Section (98.8%). Notably, 61.7% of patients experienced at least one delay in their surgical care at SRRH. Lack of surgical space was the greatest contributor to delay (59.9%), followed by lack of supplies or personnel. The significant independent predictors of delayed care were having a prenatal acquired infection (AOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.43-2.09) and length of symptoms less than 12 h (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.26-0.39) or greater than 24 h (AOR 2.61, 95% CI 2.18-3.12). CONCLUSION: In rural Uganda, there is a significant need for financial investment and commitment of resources to expand surgical infrastructure and improve care for mothers and neonates.

The Third Delay in General Surgical Care in a Regional Referral Hospital in Soroti, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Building capacity for surgical care in low-and-middle-income countries is essential for the improvement of global health and economic growth. This study assesses in-hospital delays of surgical services at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH), a tertiary healthcare facility in Soroti, Uganda. METHODS: A prospective general surgical database at SRRH was analyzed. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, delays of care, and adverse clinical outcomes of patients seen between January 2017 and February 2020 were extracted and analyzed. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes, for those who experienced delays in care, were compared to those who did not. RESULTS: Of the 1160 general surgery patients, 263 (22.3%) experienced at least one delay of care. Deficits in infrastructure, particularly lacking operating theater space, were the greatest contributor to delays (n = 192, 73.0%), followed by shortage of equipment (n = 52, 19.8%) and personnel (n = 37, 14.1%). Male sex was associated with less delays of care (OR 0.63) while undergoing emergency surgeries (OR 1.65) and abdominal surgeries (OR 1.44) were associated with more frequent delays. Delays were associated with more adverse events (10.3% vs. 5.0%), including death (4.2% vs. 1.6%). Emergency surgery, unclean wounds, and comorbidities were independent risk factors of adverse events. DISCUSSION: Patients at SRRH face significant delays in surgical care from deficits in infrastructure and lack of capacity for emergency surgery. Delays are associated with increased mortality and other adverse events. Investing in solutions to prevent delays is essential to improving surgical care at SRRH.

Mobile telephone follow-up assessment of postdischarge death and disability due to trauma in Cameroon: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: In Cameroon, long-term outcomes after discharge from trauma are largely unknown, limiting our ability to identify opportunities to reduce the burden of injury. In this study, we evaluated injury-related death and disability in Cameroonian trauma patients over a 6-month period after hospital discharge. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four hospitals in the Littoral and Southwest regions of Cameroon. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1914 patients entered the study, 1304 were successfully contacted. Inclusion criteria were patients discharged after being treated for traumatic injury at each of four participating hospitals during a 20-month period. Those who did not possess a cellular phone or were unable to provide a phone number were excluded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) was administered to trauma patients at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post discharge. Median GOSE scores for each timepoint were compared and regression analyses were performed to determine associations with death and disability. RESULTS: Of 71 deaths recorded, 90% occurred by 2 weeks post discharge. At 6 months, 22% of patients still experienced severe disability. Median (IQR) GOSE scores at the four timepoints were 4 (3-7), 5 (4-8), 7 (4-8) and 7 (5-8), respectively, (p<0.01). Older age was associated with greater odds of postdischarge disability (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.41) and mortality (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.52 to 3.04), while higher education was associated with decreased odds of disability (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.73) and mortality (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.47). Open fractures (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.38 to 2.18) and closed fractures (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.42 to 2.36) were associated with greater postdischarge disability, while higher Injury Severity Score (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 2.13 to 2.79) and neurological injuries (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 3.25 to 5.96) were associated with greater odds of postdischarge mortality. CONCLUSION: Mobile follow-up data show significant morbidity and mortality, particularly for orthopaedic and neurologic injuries, up to 6 months following trauma discharge. These results highlight the need for reliable follow-up systems in Cameroon.

The societal cost and economic impact of surgical care on patients' households in rural Uganda; a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and cost of surgical care delivery in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is poorly understood. This study characterizes the cost of surgical care, rate of catastrophic medical expenditure and medical impoverishment, and impact of surgical hospitalization on patients' households at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH), Uganda. METHODS: We prospectively collected demographic, clinical, and cost data from all surgical inpatients and caregivers at SRRH between February 2018 and January 2019. We conducted and thematically analyzed qualitative interviews to discern the impact of hospitalization on patients' households. We employed the chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and Bonferroni tests and built regression models to identify predictors of societal cost of surgical care. Out of pocket spending (OOPS) and catastrophic expenses were determined. RESULTS: We encountered 546 patients, mostly male (62%) peasant farmers (42%), at a median age of 22 years; and 615 caregivers, typically married (87%), female (69%), at a median age of 35 years. Femur fractures (20.4%), soft tissue infections (12.3%), and non-femur fractures (11.9%) were commonest. The total societal cost of surgical care was USD 147,378 with femur fractures (USD 47,879), intestinal obstruction (USD 18,737) and non-femur fractures (USD 10,212) as the leading contributors. Procedures (40%) and supplies (12%) were the largest components of societal cost. About 29% of patients suffered catastrophic expenses and 31% were medically impoverished. CONCLUSION: Despite free care, surgical conditions cause catastrophic expenses and impoverishment in Uganda. Femur fracture is the most expensive surgical condition due to prolonged hospitalization associated with traction immobilization and lack of treatment modalities with shorter hospitalization.

Prevalence, care-seeking practices and impact of self-reported vision impairment in Southwest Cameroon: a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of self-reported vision impairment (VI) in Southwest Cameroon and describe associated care-seeking practices, functional limitations and economic hardships. DESIGN: A three-stage clustered sampling household community-based survey. SETTING: The Southwest region of Cameroon. PARTICIPANTS: 8046 individuals of all ages residing in the Southwest region of Cameroon. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of self-reported VI, onset of vision loss, care-seeking practices, diagnosis and treatment, functional limitations, economic hardships on household, beliefs about surgical treatability of blindness and barriers to surgical care. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of self-reported VI in Southwest Cameroon was 0.87% (95% CI 0.62 to 1.21). Among participants aged ≥40 years, the prevalence increased to 2.61% (95% CI 1.74 to 3.90). Less than a quarter of affected participants reported difficulty working (20.5%) or trouble going to school (12.0%) as a result of their VI. Yet, over half (52%, n=43) of affected households experienced significant economic hardships due to the VI. Residing in an urban setting (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.30) and belonging to a higher socioeconomic status (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26) were factors associated with the belief that certain types of blindness were surgically reversible. Formal care was not sought by 16.3% (n=8) of affected participants. Cataracts was the leading diagnosis among participants who did seek formal care (43.2%, n=16), although 93.8% of these cases were not surgically treated, primarily due to a lack of perceived need. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of individuals who report vision impairment in Southwest Cameroon is considerably lower than prior published estimates based on visual physical examinations. Routine community-level screening and cost financing schemes could improve detection of pre-clinical eye disease and the utilisation of surgical care. It could also pre-empt disability and economic hardships associated with advanced VI in the region.

Thefeasibility, appropriateness, and applicability of trauma scoring systems in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: About 5.8 million people die each year as a result of injuries, and nearly 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Trauma scoring is a cornerstone of trauma quality improvement (QI) efforts, and is key to organizing and evaluating trauma services. The objective of this review was to assess the appropriateness, feasibility, and QI applicability of traditional trauma scoring systems in LMIC settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and trauma-focused journals for articles describing the use of a standardized trauma scoring system to characterize holistic health status. Studies conducted in high-income countries (HIC) or describing scores for isolated anatomic locations were excluded. Data reporting a score's capacity to discriminate mortality, feasibility of implementation, or use for QI were extracted and synthesized. RESULTS: Of the 896 articles screened, 336 were included. Over half of studies (56%) reported Glasgow Coma Scale, followed by Injury Severity Score (ISS; 51%), Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS; 24%), Revised Trauma Score (RTS; 19%), Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS; 14%), and Kampala Trauma Score (7%). While ISS was overwhelmingly predictive of mortality, 12 articles reported limited feasibility of ISS and/or AIS. RTS consistently underestimated injury severity. Over a third of articles (37%) reporting TRISS assessmentsobserved mortality that was greater than that predicted by TRISS. Several articles cited limited human resources as the key challenge to feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review reveal that implementing systems designed for HICs may not be relevant to the burden and resources available in LMICs. Adaptations or alternative scoring systems may be more effective. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017064600.

Diagnosis and management of surgical disease at Ethiopian health centres: cross-sectional survey of resources and barriers to care.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterise the resources and challenges for surgical care and referrals at health centres (HCs) in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. SETTING: Eight primary HCs in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Eight health officers and nurses staffing eight HCs completed a survey. DESIGN: The study was a survey-based, cross-sectional assessment of HCs in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia and data were collected over a 30-day period from November 2014 to January 2015. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Survey assessed human and material resources, diagnostic capabilities and challenges and patient-reported barriers to care. RESULTS: Eight HCs had an average of 18 providers each, the majority of which were nurses (62.2%) and health officers (20.7%). HCs had intermittent availability of clean water, nasogastric tubes, rectal tubes and suturing materials, none of them had any form of imaging. A total of 168 surgical patients were seen at the 8 HCs; 58% were referred for surgery. Most common diagnoses were trauma/burns (42%) and need for caesarean section (9%). Of those who did not receive surgery, 32 patients reported specific barriers to obtaining care (91.4%). The most common specific barriers were patients not being decision makers to have surgery, lack of family/social support and inability to afford hospital fees. CONCLUSIONS: HCs in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia are well-staffed with nurses and health officers, however they face a number of diagnostic and treatment challenges due to lack of material resources. Many patients requiring surgery receive initial diagnosis and care at HCs; sociocultural and financial factors commonly prohibit these patients from receiving surgery. Further study is needed to determine how such delays may impact patient outcomes. Improving material resources at HCs and exploring community and family perceptions of surgery may enable more streamlined access to surgical care and prevent delays.

Geospatial Analysis of Trauma Burden and Surgical Care Capacity in Teso Sub-region of Eastern Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Over 90% of injury-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Relating spatial distribution of injury burden and trauma care capacity is crucial for effective resource allocation. Our study assesses trauma burden and emergency and essential surgical care (EESC) quality in Teso Sub-region Eastern Uganda through a spatial analysis of trauma burden in relation to surgical capacity at the district level. METHODS: In this study, we surveyed trauma patients presenting at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH) and assessed EESC capacity of district hospitals. We used geospatial techniques to relate trauma burden and capacity and characterized delay using the three-delay framework. RESULTS: We surveyed 131 trauma patients presenting to SRRH for trauma-related injuries from June 1 to July 15, 2017. Almost all trauma incidents (n = 129, 98.4%) occurred within a 2-h ideal drive time to SRRH. From time of injury to receiving care, median time totaled to approximately 9.25 h. District hospital exhibited decreased EESC capacity (personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies (PIPES) score range 2.2-5.5, mean 4.2) compared to SRRH (PIPES score 8.1). CONCLUSION: Trauma patients face delays in each step of the care-seeking process from deciding to seek care, arriving at care site, and receiving treatment. Synergistic effects of a poor prehospital care, EESC deficiencies on district and regional levels, cost of seeking care contribute to delays that likely result in increased morbidity and mortality. Improved resource allocation, training at the district level, and strengthening system-level organization of emergency medical services could avert preventable death and disability.

The Prevalence and Characteristics of Untreated Hernias in Southwest Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Hernias are one of the most commonly encountered surgical conditions, and every year, more than 20 million hernia repairs are performed worldwide. The surgical management of hernia, however, is largely neglected as a public health priority in developing countries, despite its cost-effectiveness. To date, the prevalence and impact of hernia have not been formally studied in a community setting in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of untreated hernia in the Southwest region of Cameroon. METHODS: This study was a subanalysis of a cross-sectional community-based survey on injury in Southwest Cameroon. Households were sampled using a three-stage cluster sampling method. Household representatives reported all untreated hernias occurring in the past year. Data on socioeconomic factors, hernia symptoms, including the presence of hernia incarceration, and treatment attempts were collected between January 2017 and March 2017. RESULTS: Among 8065 participants, 73 persons reported symptoms of untreated hernia, resulting in an overall prevalence of 7.4 cases per 1000 persons (95% confidence limit 4.98-11.11). Groin hernias were most commonly reported (n = 49, 67.1%) and predominant in young adult males. More than half of persons with untreated hernia (56.7%) reported having symptoms of incarceration, yet 42.1% (n = 16) of these participants did not receive any surgical treatment. Moreover, 21.9% of participants with untreated hernias never presented to formal medical care, primarily because of the high-perceived cost of care. Untreated hernias caused considerable disability, as 21.9% of participants were unable to work because of their symptoms, and 15.1% of households earned less money. CONCLUSIONS: Hernia is a significant surgical problem in Southwest Cameroon. Despite over half of those with unrepaired hernias reporting symptoms of incarceration, home treatment and nonsurgical management were common. Costs associated with formal medical services are a major barrier to obtaining consultation and repair. Greater awareness of hernia complications and cost restructuring should be considered to prevent disability and mortality due to hernia.

A Community-Based Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Prevalence of Breast Disease in Southwest Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the rising trend in breast cancer incidence and mortality across Sub-Saharan Africa, there remains a critical knowledge gap about the burden and patterns of breast disease and breast cancer screening practices at the population level. This study aimed to identify socioeconomic factors associated with knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) as well as assess the prevalence of breast disease symptoms among a mixed urban-rural population of women in the Southwest region of Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a household-level community-based study in Southwest Cameroon between January and March 2017, using a three-stage cluster sampling framework. We surveyed 1287 households and collected self-reported data on 4208 female subjects, 790 of whom were household representatives. Each household representative provided information on behalf of all female household members about any ongoing breast disease symptoms. Moreover, female household representatives were questioned about their own knowledge and practice of BSE. RESULTS: Women demonstrated low frequency of knowledge of BSE, as 25% (n=201) of household representatives reported any knowledge of BSE; and among these only 15% (n=30) practiced BSE on a monthly basis. Age (aOR: 1.04), usage of Liquid Petroleum Gas fuel, a marker of higher socioeconomic status (aOR: 1.86), and speaking English as a primary language in the household (aOR: 1.59) were significant predictors of knowledge of BSE. Eleven women reported ongoing breast disease symptoms resulting in an overall prevalence of 2.3 cases of breast disease symptoms per 1000 women. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic disparities in access to health education may be a determinant of knowledge of BSE. Community-based strategies are needed to improve dissemination of breast cancer screening methods, particularly for women who face barriers to accessing care.

Identifying Information Gaps in a Surgical Capacity Assessment Tool for Developing Countries: A Methodological Triangulation Approach.

BACKGROUND: Surgical capacity assessment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging. The Surgeon OverSeas' Personnel Infrastructure Procedure Equipment and Supplies (PIPES) survey tool has been proposed to address this challenge. There is a need to examine the gaps in veracity and context appropriateness of the information obtained using the PIPES tool. METHODS: We performed a methodological triangulation by comparing and contrasting information obtained using the PIPES tool with information obtained simultaneously via three other methods: time and motion study (T&M); provider focus group discussions (FGDs); and a retrospective review of hospital records. RESULTS: In its native state, the PIPES survey does not capture the role of non-physician clinicians who contribute immensely to surgical care delivery in LMICs. The surgical workforce was more accurately captured by the FGDs and T&M. It may also not reflect the improvisations (e.g., patients sharing beds, partitioning the operating theater, and using preoperative rooms for surgery, etc.) that occur to expand surgical capacity to overcome the limited infrastructure and equipment. CONCLUSIONS: The PIPES tool captures vital surgical capacity information but has gaps that can be filled by modifying the tool and/or using ancillary methodologies. The interests of the researcher and the local stakeholders' perspectives should inform such modifications.

MULHERES CARDIOPATAS ESTÃO RECEBENDO ORIENTAÇÕES DE PLANEJAMENTO FAMILIAR DE FORMA SISTEMÁTICA? / ARE WOMEN WITH CARDIAC DISEASE RECEIVING FAMILY PLANNING ORIENTATIONS IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY? / ¿MUJERES CARDIOPATAS ESTÁN RECIBIENDO ORIENTACIONES DE PLANIFICACIÓN FAMILIAR DE FORMA SISTEMÁTICA?

A condução de mulheres cardiopata em fase reprodutiva traz dilemas de escolhas frente à expectativa de gestações futuras. O planejamento familiar no acompanhamento dessas pacientes visa à redução da morbimortalidade materno-fetal. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar orientações de planejamento familiar e condutas contraceptivas em pacientes submetidas a cirurgia para troca valvar, além de descrever o perfil da valvopatia e tipo de prótese. Para tanto, fez-se um estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo, realizado em um centro público da Bahia no período de 2009 a 2013. A amostra foi constituída de pacientes em idade fértil (15-49 anos) submetidas acirurgia de troca valvar. Revistos os prontuários de 70 pacientes, a média de idade foi 33,67±8,037 anos. Os resultados indicaram que o acometimento univalvar ocorreu em 42 casos (60%), tendo como diagnóstico predominante Insuficiência Mitral isolada, com 19 (45,24%) casos. Quanto ao tipo de prótese utilizada, 61 (87,1%) pacientes receberam a biológica enquanto nove (12,9%) a metálica. Observou-se que 64 (91,4%) pacientes apresentaram histórico de cardiopatia reumática. Não houve registro de orientação de planejamento familiar. Concluiu-se que pacientes submetidas a cirurgia para troca valvar não recebiam orientações sobre planejamento familiar ou histórico gestacional; havia um comprometimento predominante univalvar e por insuficiência mitral, assim como uso preferencial de próteses biológicas.

The follow up of childbearing age women with cardiac disease carries choices' dilemmas related to the expectation of future pregnancies. Family planning for those patients aims reducing maternal-fetal morbimortality. The objective of this study was to identify family planning orientations and contraceptive measures in patients subjected to heart valve replacement surgery, besides describing the valvulopathy profile and the kind of prosthesis. Therefore, this cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study was made by using medical records from a public center in the period between 2009 and 2013. The sample consists of childbearing age patients (15-49 years old) who underwent heart valve replacement. We reviewed 70 charts and the mean age was 33,67 ±8,037 years old. Univalvular injury occurred in 42 (60%) patients, mitral insufficiency is the most predominant diagnostic, 19 (45,24%) cases. Regarding the type of prosthesis, 61 (87,1%) received bioprosthesis while nine (12,9%) received metallic one. A history of rheumatic fever was identified for 64 (91,4%) patients. There was no record related to family planning orientations or contraceptive measures. In conclusion, the there is a lack of family planning orientations or gestational history records in the charts for the patients who underwent heart valve replacement, there is predominantly univalvular injury due to mitral insufficiency, besides the preferential choice for bioprosthesis.

La conducción de mujeres cardiópata en fase reproductiva trae dilemas de elecciones frente a la expectativa de futuras gestaciones. Planificación familiar en el acompañamiento de estas pacientes visa la reducción de morbimortalidad materno-fetal. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las orientaciones de planificación familiar y conductas contraceptivas en pacientes sometidas a cambio valvar y describe el perfil de la enfermedad de la válvula y el tipo de prótesis. De esta forma se ha hecho un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo, realizado en centro de la Bahia en 2009 a 2013. La muestra consiste en pacientes en edad fértil (15 ­ 49 años) sometidas a cambio valvar. Revisados 70 prontuarios, la media de edad fue de 33,67±8,037 años. Acometimiento univalvar ocurrió en 42 casos (60%), teniendo como diagnostico predominante Insuficiencia Mitral aislada, con 19 (45,24%). En cuanto al tipos de prótesis utilizadas en la cirugía, 61 (87,1%) pacientes recibieron la biológica mientras nueve (12,9%) metálica. Fue observado que 64 (91,4%) pacientes presentaron cardiopatía reumática. No hubo registro de orientación de planificación familiar. El estudio demuestra comprometimiento predominante univalvar y por insuficiencia mitral y uso preferencial de prótesis biológicas. Se constató aún inexistencia de registro de orientaciones sobre planificación familiar o histórico gestacional en los prontuarios.

ADESÃO ÀS DIRETRIZES PARA INDICAÇÃO CIRÚRGICA NA INSUFICIÊNCIA MITRAL EM SERVIÇO DE REFERÊNCIA EM CARDIOLOGIA / ADHESION TO GUIDELINES FOR THE INDICATION OF SURGICAL MITRAL INSUFFICIENCY SERVICE IN A CARDIOLOGY REFERENCE SERVICE / ADHESIÓN A LAS DIRECTRICES PARA LA INDICACIÓN QUIRÚRGICA EN LA INSUFICIENCIA MITRAL EN SERVICIO DE REFERENCIA EN CARDIOLOGÍA

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a concordância dos critérios de indicação cirúrgica identificados com o proposto pelas Diretrizes de Valvopatias da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia dos pacientes submetidos à troca valvar única decorrente de insuficiência mitral no período de 2007 a 2013, bem como estabelecer o perfil biológico clínico e cirúrgico desses. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo, realizado em um centro de cardiologia. A população do estudo consistiu em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias para troca mitral secundária a insuficiência no período de 2007 a 2013. Os resultados informaram que, do total de 70 prontuários revisados, 61% eram de pacientes do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 45 anos. Após a análise das informações, notou-se que, em 17%, não foram identificados critérios indicados nas diretrizes. Nesses casos, evidenciou-se uma tendência (63%) à intervenção precoce da lesão. Critérios específicos de indicação foram revelados em 68%, enquanto que em 15% os dados estavam incompletos. Quanto às classes funcionais da New York Heart Association estavam distribuídos entre II (13%) e III/IV (77%). Além disso, 56% apresentavam histórico de febre reumática. Dos resultados ecocardiográficos 81% apresentavam insuficiência mitral importante, enquanto 9% apresentavam moderada. Não foram registrados óbitos intraoperatórios, porém 9% apresentaram complicações. Em 75% optou-se por utilização de valva biológica. Concluiu-se que houve moderada adesão aos critérios de indicação e o perfil biológico clínico e cirúrgico desses pacientes foi compatível com a literatura.

The purpose of this study was to verify the agreement of the surgical indication criteria identified with the proposition by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology Valvopathy Guidelines for patients submitted to single valve replacement due to mitral insufficiency from 2007 to 2013, as well as to establish the biological clinical and surgical profile. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study carried out in a cardiology center. The study population consisted of patients undergoing surgeries for mitral secondary replacement due to failure in the period from 2007 to 2013. The results reported that from the total of 70 charts reviewed, 61% were male patients. The average age was 45 years. After analyzing the information, it was noted that for 17%, no criteria indicated in the guidelines were identified. In these cases, there was a tendency (63%) of early intervention to the lesion. Specific indication criteria were revealed in 68%, while in 15% the data were incomplete. The functional classes of the New York Heart Association were distributed between II (13%) and III / IV (77%). In addition, 56% had a history of rheumatic fever. From echocardiographic findings, 81% had significant mitral regurgitation, while 9% had moderate mitral insufficiency. No intraoperative deaths were recorded, but 9% had complications. In 75% we chose to use biological valve. In conclusion, there was moderate adherence to the indication criteria and the biological and clinical profile of these patients was compatible with the literature.

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la concordancia de los criterios de indicación quirúrgica identificados con el propuesto por las Directrices de Valvopatias de la Sociedad Brasileña de Cardiología de los pacientes sometidos al cambio valvular único resultante de insuficiencia mitral en el período de 2007 a 2013, así como establecer el perfil biológico y los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Se trató de un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la concordancia de los criterios de indicación quirúrgica identificados con el propuesto por las Directrices de Valvopatias de la Sociedad Brasileña de Cardiología de los pacientes sometidos al cambio valvular único resultante de insuficiencia mitral en el período de 2007 a 2013, así como establecer el perfil biológico y los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Se trató de un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo, realizado en un centro de cardiología. La población del estudio consistió en pacientes sometidos a cirugías para cambio mitral secundario debido a insuficiencia en el período de 2007 a 2013. Los resultados informaron que del total de 70 prontuarios revisados, el 61% eran de pacientes del sexo masculino. La edad media fue de 45 años. Después del análisis de las informaciones, se notó que, en el 17%, no se identificaron criterios indicados en las directrices. En estos casos, se evidenció una tendencia (63%) a la intervención temprana de la lesión. Los criterios específicos de indicación se revelaron en un 68%, mientras que en el 15% los datos estaban incompletos. En cuanto a las clases funcionales de la New York Heart Association se distribuyeron entre el II (13%) y el III / IV (77%). Además, el 56% presentaba un historial de fiebre reumática. De los resultados ecocardiográficos el 81% presentaba insuficiencia mitral importante, mientras que el 9% presentaba moderada. No se registraron muertes intraoperatorias, pero el 9% presentó complicaciones. En un 75% se optó por la utilización de la válvula biológica. Se concluyó que hubo moderada adhesión a los criterios de indicación y el perfil biológico clínico y quirúrgico de esos pacientes fue compatible con la literatura.

Delineamentos aumentados no melhoramento de plantas em condições de restrições de recursos / Augmented designs in plant breeding under resource constrain

Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar a eficiência na seleção de genótipos e a qualidade das estimativas dos componentes de variância e da herdabilidade, empregando o delineamento em blocos aumentados (DBA), o delineamento em blocos aumentados duplicados (DBAD) e o grupo de experimentos em blocos casualizados com tratamentos comuns (EBCTC). Para a comparação, foi imposta a condição de que o número de genótipos sob seleção era maior do que o número de unidades experimentais disponíveis para os delineamentos com repetição. Quatro cenários foram compostos da combinação de diferentes valores de herdabilidade e do coeficiente de variação residual paramétricos. Das 2.400 simulações por cenário, o DBA apresentou a maior eficiência de seleção. Os delineamentos com repetição (DBAD e EBCTC) apresentaram eficiência de seleção semelhante entre si. É possível concluir que a não realização de repetições, avaliando-se um maior número de genótipos, pode trazer melhores resultados ao programa de melhoramento de plantas.

This study aimed to compare the efficiency in the selection of genotypes and the quality of the estimates of the variance components and heritability using the augmented block designs (ABD), the duplicated augmented block designs (DABD) and the group of randomized blocks design experiments with common treatments (ERBCT). For comparison, it was imposed a condition that the number of genotypes under selection was greater than the number of units available for experimental designs with repetition. Four scenarios were composed of a combination of different values of heritability and parametric residual coefficient of variation. From the 2400 simulations per scenario the ABD had the highest selection efficiency. The designs with repetition (DABD and ERBCT) had similar selection efficiency between them. It is possible to conclude that not using repetitions, and therefore, evaluating a larger number of genotypes, can bring better results to the plant breeding program.

Persistência do plano experimental em ensaios de avaliação de germoplasma elite de feijão / Experimental plan persistence in elite genotypes evaluation for beans assays

A determinação do tamanho de parcela e do número de repetições é importante para a correta avaliação e diferenciação de genótipos. Assim, o planejamento de experimentos pode ser feito utilizando-se os resultados obtidos em ensaios já realizados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a repetibilidade do índice de heterogeneidade e do plano experimental, numa mesma área experimental com a cultura do feijão, durante sete anos (2000 a 2006). Quatorze ensaios de competição de germoplasma elite de feijão foram conduzidos em Santa Maria, RS, Brasil - em duas épocas de cultivo (safra e safrinha), com diferentes números de entradas (linhagens avançadas e cultivares), no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Para cada ensaio, foram estimados a média, o coeficiente de variação, o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e o índice de heterogeneidade do rendimento de grãos de feijão. Também foram estimadas as diferenças verdadeiras entre duas médias de tratamentos pelo método de Hatheway para diferentes valores do índice de heterogeneidade, número de repetições e tamanho de parcela. A freqüência dos valores do índice de heterogeneidade entre 0,2 e 0,7 foi de 71 por cento, evidenciando que o plano experimental, com base nos resultados de experimentos anteriores, tem validade em 71 por cento dos casos. Não parece haver predominância de valores do índice de heterogeneidade em função da época de cultivo - safra ou safrinha, ou do tipo de experimento - VCU ou Cultivares, mostrando boa repetibilidade ou persistência no decorrer dos anos.

The determination of the plot size and the repetition number is important to the correct evaluation and differentiation of genotypes. The experimental planning can be made using previous results in already conducted assays. The objective of this work is to verify the repeatability of the heterogeneity index and the experimental plan, in the same experimental area with beans culture, during seven years (2000 to 2006). Fourteen competitive assays of elite genotype beans had been tested in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - in two growing seasons (normal and off season crops), with different treat numbers (advanced lines and variety). The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. For each assay, the mean, variation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and heterogeneity index of the grain yield of beans were determined. Also the true differences between two means of treatments by Hatheway methods, using for different values of the heterogeneity index, repetition number had been estimated together with the plot size. The frequency of the heterogeneity index between 0.2 and 0.7 was 71 percent, evidencing that the experimental plan, on the basis of the results of previous experiments, has validity in 71 percent of the cases. It does not seem to have b predominance in function of the growing seasons - normal and late season crops, or of the type of experiment - VCU or variety, showing a good repeatability or persistence in elapsing of the years.

Adequação de ciclo e estatura de planta é essencial para a comparação de genótipos de milho / Cycle and plant height arrangement are essential to compare corn genotypes

A falta da comparabilidade dos efeitos nos ensaios de competição de genótipos de milho (Zea mays) pode resultar em recomendações equivocadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o enquadramento dos genótipos de milho quanto ao ciclo é correto e se este altera a comparação das médias. Foram conduzidos seis experimentos de competição de genótipos de milho de ciclo superprecoce, precoce e normal, em dois níveis tecnológicos, na área experimental da UFSM, durante o ano agrícola de 2000/2001. O experimento bifatorial (genótipos nas parcelas principais e densidades nas subparcelas) foi conduzido no delineamento blocos ao acaso com três repetições. A proporção de experimentos de pressuposições adequadas foi alta, indicando análise de boa qualidade. Os genótipos de milho encontram-se mal agrupados quanto ao ciclo e, por conseqüência, quanto à estatura de plantas, aumentando a heterogeneidade nos experimentos e prejudicando a comparação das médias. Genótipos de milho com ciclo e/ou estatura de plantas diferentes não devem ser comparados na mesma densidade e experimento.