Unmet clinical needs in the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Based on accumulating evidence, the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer-associated VTE have been changed over the years. Recently, the introduction in clinical practice of the direct oral anticoagulants has radically changed the management of cancer-associated VTE for their easier use and non-inferior efficacy-safety profile compared to low-molecular-weight heparins. However, the heterogeneity of the cancer population in terms of site, type and stage of the malignancy, the presence of comorbidities, and the variability in cancer treatment and prognosis represent major challenges in the management of VTE in patients with cancer. In the present review, we will discuss clinical questions that represent unsolved issues in the setting of cancer-associated VTE and provide an overview on recent evidence on this topic: primary prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and in cancer surgical patients, need of long-term anticoagulation in cancer patients, treatment of VTE in cancer patients at increased bleeding risk and in special categories such as incidental VTE, splanchnic vein thrombosis or catheter-related thrombosis.

Laparoendoscopic surgery for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The standard management for localized GIST is the complete surgical resection. For this procedure, laparoendoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative. We want to show our experience with LECS technique for the management of GIST and a literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out, which included patients with a diagnosis of localized GIST treated with LECS technique between January 2011 and December 2018. RESULTS: During the period of the study, 21 patients were managed by LECS technique, with a male-female rate 3:1. Average surgical time was 98.5 min, 100% negative borders in all patients. Intraoperative bleeding was 30.7 cc and all patients had orally tolerance in the first 24 h. None of them required ICU management, no mortality was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The LECS technique has demonstrated to be a viable, safe, and effective technique for the management of gastric GIST's, showing superiority in organ function preservation and in the range of oncological margins. Prospective studies are necessary to obtain knowledge about the outcome of patients managed through LECS technique.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) son las neoplasias mesenquimales más comunes del tracto gastrointestinal. El tratamiento estándar para los GIST localizados es la resección quirúrgica completa. Para este procedimiento, el abordaje cooperativo laparo-endocopico (ACLE) se ha propuesto como una alternativa segura y eficaz. Queremos mostrar nuestra experiencia con la técnica ACLE para el manejo de GIST y unzaa revisión de la literatura. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal, que incluyó pacientes con diagnóstico de GIST localizado tratados con la técnica ACLE entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2018. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se manejaron 21 pacientes con técnica de ACLE, con una tasa hombre-mujer de 3:1. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 98.5 min, con 100% de bordes negativos en todos los pacientes. El sangrado intraoperatorio fue de 30.7 cc y todos los pacientes tuvieron tolerancia oral en las primeras 24H. Ninguno de ellos requirió manejo en UCI, no se reportó mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: La técnica ACLE ha demostrado ser una técnica viable, segura y eficaz para el manejo de los GIST gástricos. Mostrando superioridad en la preservación de la función orgánica y en los magines oncológicos. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos para conocer el resultado de los pacientes manejados mediante la técnica ACLE.

Eventos de precipitación extrema aumentan la circulación de patógenos infecciosos: detección de rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, adenovirus entérico y micobacterias no tuberculosas en agua de las inundaciones en Asunción, Paraguay, año 2014

Las precipitaciones extremas representan uno de los eventos naturales climáticos más importantes y pueden originar inundaciones devastadoras. De junio a agosto del 2014 se registró una de las más graves inundaciones en la historia de la ciudad de Asunción. Ocasionó un incremento considerable del nivel del río Paraguay y el desplazamiento de 300.000 personas a campamentos provisionales. Debido a que el contacto directo con el agua de inundación, el consumo de agua contaminada y la congregación de los afectados en refugios provisorios son factores de riesgo para enfermedades infecciosas, el objetivo de este estudio fue la implementación de una metodología estandarizada para la concentración y detección de virus entéricos y micobacterias no tuberculosas, por PCR en tiempo real y PCR-asociada al análisis de restricción enzimática (PRA), en muestras de agua de inundaciones y el reporte de los patógenos detectados en las zonas afectadas de Asunción y en la Bahía del Río Paraguay. La metodología propuesta demostró poseer buena sensibilidad y se registró la presencia de rotavirus, norovirus (genogrupos I y II), astrovirus, adenovirus entéricos y micobacterias no tuberculosas en 50% (N=4/8) de las muestras de los barrios Sajonia, San Jerónimo y Ricardo Brugada, Chacarita. Además, reportamos datos secundarios de casos de enfermedades infecciosas, registrados en los servicios de salud de los barrios afectados durante el periodo de inundación.

Extreme rainfall represents one of the most important natural climatic events and can cause devastating floods. From June to August 2014, one of the most serious floods in the history of the city of Asunción was recorded. It caused a considerable increase in the level of the Paraguay River and the displacement of 300,000 people to temporary camps. Since direct contact with flood water, consumption of contaminated water and the congregation of those affected in temporary shelters are risk factors for infectious diseases, the objective of this study was the implementation of a standardized methodology for the concentration and detection of enteric viruses and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, by real-time PCR and PCR-associated enzyme restriction analysis (PRA), in samples of flood water and the report of the pathogens detected in the affected areas of Asunción and in the Bay of the Paraguay River. The proposed methodology proved to have good sensitivity and the presence of rotavirus, norovirus (genogroups I and II), astrovirus, enteric adenovirus and non-tuberculous mycobacteria was recorded in 50% (N=4/8) of the samples from the Sajonia, San Jeronimo and Ricardo Brugada, Chacarita neighborhoods. In addition, we report secondary data on cases of infectious diseases, registered in the health services of the affected neighborhoods during the flood period.

Accuracy of photogrammetric technologies for the scanning of dental models: A systematic review / Precisión de las tecnologías fotogramétricas para el escaneo de modelos dentales: Una revisión sistemática

Background:Traditional dental scanners require a heavy investment, representing a high barrier of entry into digital dentistry. Photogrammetric-based scanners may represent an affordable cost-effective alternative to traditional dental scanners used for the digitalization of plaster models. Photogrammetry is the science of extracting 3D information from photographs. The process involves taking overlapping photographs of an object or space and converting them into 2D or 3D digital models. Objective:This review aimedto identify and appraise the reported accuracy of photogrammetric-generated digital dental models.Materials and methods:A search strategy was applied in 3 databases (Medline, Web of Science and Scopus), from Feb 1 2021 to Dec 1 2021, the search was limited to articles in English published in the last 5 years about studies evaluating the dimensional accuracy of 3-dimensional digital models acquired by the scanning of plaster models with photogrammetric technologies.Results:Two independent reviewers screened 75 records on basis of titles and abstracts for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review, 4 articles were deemed eligible, the risk of bias for the selected articles was measured, data extraction was performed by only one author.Conclusion:With today's technology, based on the four studies evaluated, we conclude that photogrammetric-generated digital models while lacking accuracy for incorporation into the treatment flow, in the future it could be used for diagnostic, planning, and achieving.

Antecedentes:Los escáneres dentales tradicionales requieren una gran inversión, lo que representa una gran barrera de entrada a la odontología digital. Los escáneres basados en fotogrametría pueden representar una alternativa asequible y rentable a los escáneres dentales tradicionales utilizados para la digitalización de modelos de yeso. La fotogrametría es la ciencia de extraer información 3D de fotografías. El proceso implica tomar fotografías superpuestas de un objeto o espacio y convertirlas en modelos digitales 2D o 3D.Objetivo:esta revisión tuvo como objetivo identificar y evaluar la precisión informada de los modelos dentales digitales generados fotogramétricamente.Materiales y métodos:Se aplicó una estrategia de búsqueda en 3 bases de datos (Medline, Web of Science y Scopus), del 1 de febrero de 2021 al 1 de diciembre de 2021, la búsqueda se limitó a artículos en inglés publicados en los últimos 5 años sobre estudios que evalúan la dimensión precisión de modelos digitales tridimensionales adquirida por el escaneo de modelos de yeso con tecnologías fotogramétricas.Resultados:dos revisores independientes examinaron 75 registros sobre la base de títulos y resúmenes para evaluarlos según los criterios de inclusión para la revisión, 4 artículos se consideraron elegibles, se midió el riesgo de sesgo de los artículos seleccionados, la extracción de datos fue realizada por un solo autor.Conclusión:con la tecnología actual, con base en los cuatro estudios evaluados, concluimos que los modelos digitales generados por fotogrametría si bien carecen de precisión para incorporarlos al flujo de tratamiento, en el futuro podrían usarse para el diagnóstico, la planificación y el logro.

[Keratitis due to Mycobaterium abscessus. First case report in Paraguay]. / Queratitis por Mycobaterium abscessus. Comunicación del primer caso en Paraguay.

We present a clinical case of keratitis caused by M. abscessus in a 76-year-old female patient, resident in the city of Asunción, without trauma or previous ocular surgery and with a history of herpetic keratouveitis. Because it is a keratitis caused by a rare etiological agent and because of the importance of a correct and timely diagnosis for the establishment of appropriate treatment, the present case is reported, the first of Mycobacteria keratitis in Paraguay.

Queratitis por Mycobaterium abscessus: comunicación del primer caso en Paraguay / Keratitis due to Mycobaterium abscessus: first case report in Paraguay

Resumen Se presenta un caso clínico de queratitis por Mycobacterium abscessus en una mujer de 76 años, residente en la ciudad de Asunción, sin traumatismo ni cirugía ocular previa y con antecedente de una queratouveitis herpética. Por tratarse de una queratitis causada por un agente etiológico poco frecuente y por la importancia de un diagnóstico correcto y oportuno para la instauración del tratamiento adecuado, se comunica el primer caso de queratitis por micobacterias en Paraguay.

Abstract We present a clinical case of keratitis caused by M. abscessus in a 76-year-old female patient, resident in the city of Asunción, without trauma or previous ocular surgery and with a history of herpetic keratouveitis. Because it is a keratitis caused by a rare etiological agent and because of the importance of a correct and timely diagnosis for the establishment of appropriate treatment, the present case is reported, the first of Mycobacteria keratitis in Paraguay.

Apixaban and Dalteparin for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Different Sites of Cancer.

Efficacy and safety of anticoagulant treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) may vary in patients with different cancer sites. We evaluated the rates of VTE recurrence and major bleeding and the relative efficacy and safety of 6-month treatment with oral apixaban or subcutaneous dalteparin in patients with different cancer sites randomized in the Caravaggio study. Primary cancer was located at gastrointestinal sites in 375 patients (32.5%), lung in 200 (17.3%), breast in 155 (13.4%), genitourinary sites in 139 (12%), gynecological sites in 119 (10.3%), and was hematological in 85 patients (7.4%). Rates of VTE recurrence were 10.9% in patients with gynecological, 8.8% with gastrointestinal, 6.5% with genitourinary, and 5.5% with lung cancer with lower rates in the other sites of cancer. Rates of major bleeding were 7.2% in patients with genitourinary and 4.8% with gastrointestinal cancer, with lower rates in patients with other sites of cancer. The observed absolute risk difference in VTE recurrence in favor of apixaban was 11.9% in patients with gynecological, 5.5% with lung, 3.7% with genitourinary cancer, and 0.6% with gastrointestinal cancer. None of the risk differences was statistically significant. The rates of major bleeding in patients treated with apixaban or dalteparin was similar across patients with different cancer sites. In conclusion, recurrences appear to be more common in patients with gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer and major bleedings in patients with genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancer. Oral apixaban is a valid oral alternative to subcutaneous dalteparin for the treatment of a large spectrum of patients with cancer-associated VTE.

Dusp6 immunohistochemistry is associated with the response of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer to conservative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (Dusp6) was proposed as a predictive marker of response of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early endometrial cancer (EEC) to conservative treatment. However, its predictive accuracy has never been calculated. We aimed to define it in conservatively treated AEH and EEC. METHODS: All patients <45 years with AEH or EEC and conservatively treated with hysteroscopic resection + LNG-IUD insertion from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively assessed. Dusp6 immunohistochemical expression was assessed and dichotomized as "strong" vs "weak". Relative risk (RR) for "no regression" and "recurrence" or AEH/EEC was calculated. Predictive accuracy was calculated as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and area under the curve (AUC) on receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Thirty-six women were included. Weak Dusp6 immunohistochemical expression was significantly associated with increased risk of resistance to treatment, with a RR = 16 (P = 0.0074); predictive accuracy analysis showed sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 90%, PPV = 57.1%, NPV = 96.4%, AUC = 0.85. A weak Dusp6 expression was not significantly associated with the risk of recurrence after an initial regression (RR = 0.4; P = 0.53). CONCLUSION: Weak Dusp6 expression appears as a significant predictor of resistance of AEH/EEC to fertility-sparing treatment, with moderate predictive accuracy. Weak Dusp6 expression is significantly associated with resistance of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early endometrial cancer to fertility-sparing treatment, with moderate predictive accuracy.

Risk factors and one-year mortality in patients with direct oral anticoagulant-associated gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Risk factors and mortality in patients with DOACs-associated gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) are not completely defined. Aims of this study were to identify risk factors for bleeding and evaluate one-year mortality in patients with DOACs-associated GIB. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study. Cases were patients with DOACs-associated GIB admitted to the Perugia Hospital, Italy between 2013 and 2019. Controls were derived from the prospective database of patients with DOACs referred to the ambulatory service. Cases and controls were matched by a 1:2 ratio for type and dose of DOAC, indication for anticoagulation and gender. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Hazard Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate mortality. RESULTS: We included 324 patients, of which 108 with DOACs-associated GIB. Mean age was 81.9 ± 7.2 years and 78.9 ± 8.7 years, respectively. The most frequent indication for anticoagulation was atrial fibrillation. Reduced doses of DOACs were prescribed in 186 patients (56.4%). At multivariable analysis, active cancer (OR:7.26; 95%CI 3.10-16.96), renal impairment (OR:4.26; 95%CI 1.98-9.17), bleeding predisposition (OR:3.66; 95%CI 2.00-6.68), COPD (OR:2.12; 95%CI 1.08-4.16) and uncontrolled hypertension (OR:1.86; 95%CI 1.07-3.23) were found to be predictors for DOACs-associated GIB. Adjusted one-year mortality was significantly higher in patients who experienced GIB compared with those who did not experience GIB (OR: 7.04; 95%CI 3.82-14.31). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of DOACs-associated GIB included active cancer, renal impairment, bleeding predisposition, COPD and uncontrolled hypertension. The adjusted one-year-mortality was significantly increased in patients with DOACs-associated GIB in comparison to DOACs patients without GIB.

Corrección de una clase III esqueletal con anclaje óseo en paciente en crecimiento: Reporte de caso / Skeletal class III correction in growing patient with bone anchorage: CaseReport

Antecedentes: La clase III esqueletal, es una deformidad dentofacial donde el tercio inferior de la cara es más prominente, el tratamiento se decide según la etiología y la edad del paciente; si se encuentra en crecimiento la malformación puede ser tratada con un protocolo interceptivo y si es posible evitar la cirugía ortognática a futuro. Objetivo: Mejorar la clase esqueletal, descruzar la mordida u obtener mordida borde a borde, mejorar la posición del labio superior y evaluar el comparativo inicial-final de SNA y ANB. Reporte de caso:Paciente masculino de 13 años, sin antecedentes personales patológicos o familiares reportados; presenta clase III esqueletal responsiva bimaxilar, crecimiento vertical, clase molar I y canina III; fue tratado con el protocolo de mini placas BAMP (bone anchored maxillary protraction) por sus siglas en inglés, elásticos intermaxilares y un paladar con pistas planas. Resultados:La fase ortopédica duro cinco meses y se logró mordida borde a borde y clase I esqueletal. Discusión: Se obtuvieron resultados con el uso de mini implantes sin anclaje extraoral en menos tiempo a comparación de otros métodos que tienen que ser usados por 9-12 meses.Conclusión:El protocolo BAMP puede ser usado en pacientes en crecimiento sin máscara facial para corregir la clase III esqueletal.

Background: Skeletal class III is a dentofacial deformity where the lower third ofthe face is more prominent. The treatment is decided according to the etiology and age of the patient; If the patient is in growing, the malformation can be treated with an interceptive protocol and if possible, avoid a orthognathic surgery in the future. Objective: Improve the skeletal class, uncross the bite or obtain an edge-to-edge bite, improve the position of the upper lip and compare the initial-final relationship of ANS and ANB.Case report:13-year-old male patient, with no reported pathological or family history; presents skeletal class III, vertical growth, molar class I and canine III; he was treated with the protocol of mini BAMP (bone anchored maxillary protraction) plates, intermaxillary elastics and a palate with flat tracks. Results:The orthopedic phase lasted five months and an edge-to-edge bite and skeletal class I were achieved.Discussion:Results were obtained with the use of mini plates without extraoralanchorage in less time compared to other methods that have to be used for 9-12 months. Conclusion: The BAMP protocol can be used in growing patients without a face mask to correct skeletal class III.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: The dark side of the moon.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with cancer. The risk of emergent VTE is four- to seven-fold higher in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. Although the therapeutic armamentarium for cancer-associated VTE has been recently implemented, anticoagulant treatment remains challenging because of the increased risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding. Several international societies and expert panels released clinical practice guidelines on VTE treatment which are mostly focused on the general cancer population. Nevertheless, recommendations for the management of VTE in patients with peculiar clinical presentations are inconsistent and remain elusive due to the lack of pertinent evidence. The challenging clinical scenarios include, among others, patients with thrombocytopenia, renal impairment, gastrointestinal cancer, primary or metastatic brain cancer, distal thrombosis of the lower extremities, catheter-related VTE, splanchnic thrombosis, incidental VTE, extreme body weight, recurrent VTE during treatment, as well as the optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with active disease who have received 3 to 6 months of anticoagulation. Herein, we present a critical overview on VTE management in these challenging clinical settings, discuss potential approaches, and include some calls to action for future clinical research.

Association Between Social Pensions With Depression, Social, and Health Behaviors Among Poor Older Individuals in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Many low- and middle-income countries have introduced social pensions to alleviate extreme poverty and improve the well-being of older individuals. However, evidence remains inconclusive about the potential effects of such programs on mental health, social, and health behaviors. METHODS: Data for individuals aged 60 or older came from the nationally representative Encuesta Nacional de Salud, Bienestar y Envejeciamiento survey in Colombia 2015 (N = 9,456). We used propensity score matching to estimate the association between the country's social pension program (Colombia Mayor) with depression, self-rated health, food insecurity, alcohol consumption, social participation, and labor force participation. RESULTS: Results show that receiving the program does not significantly affect the likelihood of suffering from depression or self-rated health among either men or women. However, receiving the program is associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity and significant increases in the likelihood of participating socially. Among women, receiving the program is associated with significant reduction in the likelihood of participating in the labor force. DISCUSSION: The absence of a measurable effect on depression and self-rated health may be explained, at least partly, by the program's comparatively small cash benefit and the sharing of resources with other family members. Policymakers should assess possibilities to maximize the health and social benefits of social pensions.

COVID-19 e hipertensión arterial: ¿existe evidencia para suspender antagonistas del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona? / COVID-19 and arterial hypertension: is there evidence to suspend renin-angiotensin-aldosteronesystem blockade?

Resumen El nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, presenta una alta mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes e hipertensión, trastornos que comparten la fisiopatología subyacente relacionada con el sistema renina-angiotensina (RAS). El SARS-CoV-2 utiliza la proteína de la membrana angiotensina I y convierte a la enzima convertidora de angiotensina tipo 2 (ACE2) en un receptor de entrada celular; por tanto, el RAS, regulado por ACE y ACE2, puede verse alterado en pacientes con COVID-19. Sin embargo, aún no es claro si el uso de fármacos antihipertensivos inhibidores de la ACE2 y bloqueadores del receptor de angiotensina II podría potencializar el daño ocasionado por el virus o contrarrestar su efecto, sobre todo a nivel pulmonar. El desafío se ve agravado por la información exagerada publicada en diferentes revistas científicas, la cual podría llevar a acciones inapropiadas, por lo que es importante diferenciar rápidamente la verdadera epidemia de hipótesis falsas, que podría llevar a conductas medicas potencialmente dañinas.

Abstract The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, has a high mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension, disorders that share the underlying pathophysiology related to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). SARS-CoV-2 uses the membrane protein angiotensin I and converts angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) into a cellular entry receptor, therefore, RAS, regulated by ACE and ACE2, can be altered in COVID-19 patients. However, it is not yet clear whether the use of antihypertensive drugs ACE2 inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers could potentiate the damage caused by the virus or counteract its effect, especially in the lungs. The challenge is compounded by the exaggerated information published in different scientific journals, which could lead to inappropriate actions, so it is important to quickly differentiate the true epidemic from false hypotheses, which could lead to potentially harmful medical behaviors.

Dupla tarefa ecológica e seu impacto na mobilidade funcional de idosos / Ecological dual task and its impact on the functional mobility of the elderly

The mobile phone has been part of daily activities and offers various facilities for the elderly. Like other conveniences of modern life their use may have some effects that should be explored. Objective: To investigate the effect of cell phones on the functional mobility of adults (GA) and the elderly (GI). Method: 30 elderly, 70.96 ± 5.17 years old and 30 adults 23 ± 2.26 years old participated in this study. They were evaluated by MMSE, FES-I and TUG which was collected during the execution of 5 tasks (1 simple TUG, 2 TUG typing on the cell phone, 3 TUG answering questions on the cell phone, 4 TUG naming the days of the week in reverse, 5-TUG holding a glass with water). Results: There was a difference between the groups in FES-I (p = 0.001) and TUG in all analyzed tasks (p = 0.00001). The dual task (DT) of typing on the cell phone was the one that most affected the performance of the elderly in TUG (p = 0.00008) followed by DT 4 (conventional cognitive) p = 0.005 and DT 3 (p = 0.004). There was no effect of DT 5 (motor) (p = 0.03). For GA there was only effect of DT 2 (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Cellular use negatively impacted the performance of the elderly and can be considered a more realistic DT. The distraction generated by this task can increase the risk of falling and should be considered in preventive campaigns as well as rehabilitation programs.

O celular tem feito parte das atividades diárias e oferece várias facilidades para os idosos. Como outras conveniências da vida moderna seu uso pode apresentar alguns efeitos que devem ser explorados. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do celular na mobilidade funcional de adultos (GA) e idosos (GI). Método: Participaram deste estudo 30 idosos, 70,96 ± 5,17 anos e 30 adultos 23±2,26 anos. Foram avaliados pelo MEEM, FES-I e TUG que foi coletado durante a execução de 5 tarefas (TUG 1 simples, TUG 2 dupla tarefa (DT) digitando ao celular, TUG 3 DT respondendo perguntas ao celular, TUG 4 DT nomeando os dias da semana ao contrário, TUG 5 DT segurando um copo com água). Resultados: Houve diferença entre os grupos na FES-I (p=0,001) e no TUG em todas as tarefas analisadas (p=0,00001). A DT de digitar ao celular foi a que mais afetou o desempenho dos idosos no TUG (p=0,00008) seguida pela DT 4 (cognitiva convencional) p= 0,005 e DT 3 (p=0,004). Não houve efeito da DT 5 (motora) (p=0,03). Para o GA só houve efeito da DT 2 (p=0,027). Conclusão: O uso do celular impactou de forma negativa a performance de idosos e pode ser considerado uma DT mais realista. A distração gerada por esta tarefa pode aumentar o risco de queda e deve ser considerada em campanhas preventivas assim como programas de reabilitação.

Safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus traditional anticoagulants in venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For decades, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and vitamin K-antagonists have been the gold standard of anticoagulation for VTE. Recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) that can be administered in fixed doses, without laboratory monitoring and dose adjustment have revolutionized anticoagulation management in VTE. Here, we report on recent evidence regarding the safety of DOACs compared to traditional anticoagulants in surgical and medical prophylaxis as well as in acute and extended treatments of VTE. Additionally, we provide data on special situations such as elderly, cancer and renal impairment patients. Regarding antithrombotic prophylaxis, data are lacking on DOAC use in general surgical patients, while DOACs appear to be more effective than and as safe as LMWHs in VTE prophylaxis for major orthopedic surgical patients. Whether a medically ill patient may benefit from extended VTE prophylaxis remains unclear. In fact, in these patients, DOACs showed an increased risk of bleeding compared to conventional therapy. In the acute treatment of VTE, DOACs were non-inferior and probably safer than conventional anticoagulation therapy while in the extended VTE treatment DOACs were more effective than placebo or aspirin with a comparable risk of major bleeding. These favorable results were also confirmed in elderly, cancer and renal impairment patients. However, further investigations are needed in order to generalize the safe use of DOACs in these specific subgroups of patients.

Postural responses of galvanic vestibular stimulation: comparison between groups of older adults and young people / Respostas posturais frente à estimulação vestibular galvânica: comparação entre grupo de pessoas idosas e jovens

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of vestibular manipulation on the postural sway and muscle activation of younger and older adults. Methods: The study analyzed the effects of three intensity levels of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) (0.3; 0.6 and 1m) on the pattern of muscle activity and center of pressure (CP) displacements of 12 older adults (EG) and 12 young adults (CG) while maintaining their balance on a stable surface, with no vision. Results: The EG showed a positive correlation between CP displacement and muscle activity and GVS intensity. On the other hand, the magnitude of postural response in the EG was not modulated in accordance with GVS intensities. Additionally, during the highest GVS intensity level (1 mA) greater muscle activity was used to increase stiffness, decrease the amplitude of oscillation and ensure stability. This unusual response characterizes a pattern of co-activation and is perhaps a safety mechanism to ensure stability. Conclusion: The EG individuals were not able to select the appropriate motor strategy to efficiently compensate the effects of GVS. This unusual strategy reflects deficits in the vestibular system of older adults, a fact which negatively interferes with their ability to reevaluate sensory information.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a interferência da manipulação das informações vestibulares na oscilação postural e atividade muscular de jovens e idosos. Métodos: Foi analisado o efeito de três intensidades (0,3; 0,6 e 1mA) de estimulação vestibular galvânica (GVS) no padrão de ativação muscular e deslocamento do centro de pressão (CP) de 12 idosos (GI) e 12 adultos jovens (GC), durante a manutenção do equilíbrio em uma superfície estável sem visão. Resultados: O GC mostrou correlação positiva entre o deslocamento de CP e a ativação muscular com a intensidade da GVS. Por outro lado, o GI não foi capaz de modular a magnitude da resposta postural com a intensidade da GVS. Durante o maior valor de GVS (1mA), houve um aumento da ativação muscular de agonista e antagonista caracterizando um padrão de coativação que aumentou a rigidez e diminuiu a amplitude de oscilação. Conclusão: Os indivíduos do GI selecionaram uma estratégia motora atípica para compensar os efeitos da GVS. Essa estratégia incomum refletiu deficit no sistema vestibular dos idosos e pode interferir negativamente na capacidade de reorganização das informações sensoriais.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: What news from clinical trials?

About 15% of patients with cancer experience one or more episodes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the course of their disease. In patients with cancer, VTE has a substantial impact on the quality of life and care. Current guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as first choice therapy for long-term anticoagulation in cancer patients with VTE. However, there are several practical issues concerning the long-term use of these anticoagulants. In the last years, several direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as alternatives to heparins and vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of VTE, but data regarding both efficacy and safety of DOACs in the subgroup of patients with cancer treatments were limited. The results of two studies evaluating the clinical benefit of treatment of VTE with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cancer have been recently presented. Several studies comparing DOACs with LMWH are currently ongoing.