Percolation Images: Fractal Geometry Features for Brain Tumor Classification.

Brain tumor detection is crucial for clinical diagnosis and efficient therapy. In this work, we propose a hybrid approach for brain tumor classification based on both fractal geometry features and deep learning. In our proposed framework, we adopt the concept of fractal geometry to generate a "percolation" image with the aim of highlighting important spatial properties in brain images. Then both the original and the percolation images are provided as input to a convolutional neural network to detect the tumor. Extensive experiments, carried out on a well-known benchmark dataset, indicate that using percolation images can help the system perform better.

OralEpitheliumDB: A Dataset for Oral Epithelial Dysplasia Image Segmentation and Classification.

Early diagnosis of potentially malignant disorders, such as oral epithelial dysplasia, is the most reliable way to prevent oral cancer. Computational algorithms have been used as an auxiliary tool to aid specialists in this process. Usually, experiments are performed on private data, making it difficult to reproduce the results. There are several public datasets of histological images, but studies focused on oral dysplasia images use inaccessible datasets. This prevents the improvement of algorithms aimed at this lesion. This study introduces an annotated public dataset of oral epithelial dysplasia tissue images. The dataset includes 456 images acquired from 30 mouse tongues. The images were categorized among the lesion grades, with nuclear structures manually marked by a trained specialist and validated by a pathologist. Also, experiments were carried out in order to illustrate the potential of the proposed dataset in classification and segmentation processes commonly explored in the literature. Convolutional neural network (CNN) models for semantic and instance segmentation were employed on the images, which were pre-processed with stain normalization methods. Then, the segmented and non-segmented images were classified with CNN architectures and machine learning algorithms. The data obtained through these processes is available in the dataset. The segmentation stage showed the F1-score value of 0.83, obtained with the U-Net model using the ResNet-50 as a backbone. At the classification stage, the most expressive result was achieved with the Random Forest method, with an accuracy value of 94.22%. The results show that the segmentation contributed to the classification results, but studies are needed for the improvement of these stages of automated diagnosis. The original, gold standard, normalized, and segmented images are publicly available and may be used for the improvement of clinical applications of CAD methods on oral epithelial dysplasia tissue images.

Lifestyle risk factors and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Mexico City prospective study: Assessing the influence of reverse causation.

BACKGROUND: We examined the association between individual lifestyle risk factors with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort study including 155,002 participants from the Mexico City Prospective Study. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between individual lifestyle risk factors and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Participants with prevalent diseases at baseline and participants who died during the first 2, 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up were excluded to account for reverse causation. RESULTS: 27,469 people died during 18.3 years of follow-up years. Overweight and moderate alcohol consumption were inversely associated with all-cause mortality, while low physical activity and smoking were positively associated when all participants were included, regardless of prevalent disease or duration of follow-up. The direction of the association of overweight with all-cause mortality changed from inverse to positive after excluding the first 10 years of follow-up. Compared with normal weight, the hazard ratio (95 % confidence interval) was 1.17 (1.13,1.22) for obesity after excluding those who died in the first 5 years of follow-up and 1.71 (1.59,1.84) after excluding the first 15 years of follow-up. The magnitude of the association of alcohol intake, low physical activity, and smoking with mortality attenuated, whereas for fruits and vegetables increased, after excluding longer periods of follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The data were collected exclusively in Mexico City; lifestyle risk factors were self-reported and thus prone to misclassification bias. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse causation may influence both the magnitude and the direction of the associations between lifestyle risk factors and mortality.

Pre-post feasibility trial of a telephone-delivered exercise intervention for patients during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: the ECHO-R trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of exercise in reducing treatment-related morbidity and improving quality of life following a primary diagnosis of cancer have been well documented and have led to exercise being recommended by oncology societies for all people with a cancer diagnosis. However, these recommendations are derived from research typically involving cohorts with more common cancers and relatively good prognosis, such as breast and prostate. Evidence from these cancers may not apply to women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Therefore, the primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based, telephone-delivered exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Exercise During Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (ECHO-R) trial is a single-arm, phase II, pre/postintervention trial of a 6-month, telephone-delivered exercise intervention (consistent with recommended exercise oncology prescription). The target sample size is 80 women who are currently undergoing (or are scheduled to receive) chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Recruitment is through participating hospital sites in Queensland, Australia, or via self-referral. The exercise intervention comprises 12 telephone sessions over a 6-month period delivered by trial-trained exercise professionals and supplemented (where feasible) by five sessions face to face. Exercise prescription is individualised and works towards an overall goal of achieving a weekly target of 150 min of moderate-intensity, mixed-mode exercise. Assessments via self-administered survey and physical fitness and function tests occur at baseline and then at 6 and 9 months postbaseline. Data to inform feasibility and safety are recorded as case notes by the exercise professional during each session. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval for the ECHO-R trial was granted by the Metro North Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QRBW/67223) on 6 November 2020. Findings from the trial are planned to be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and both national and international exercise and oncology conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12621000042842.

Association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria.

The relationship between urinary tract infection caused by urease-producing bacteria and lithiasis due to struvite stones is well established in the literature. However, there is limited knowledge on whether non-urease producing bacteria can also promote crystallization. In our study, we analyzed the association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria, in 153 patients who underwent surgery for urinary stone. The collected samples were sent for crystallographic analysis and culture. Additionally, preoperatory urine culture was collected for combined evaluation with the previous data. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was the most commonly performed approach (45.8%). Struvite stones were more frequently identified in women (90.3%). Among stones with positive cultures, except struvite, 45.5% were composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. The difference between urine culture and stone culture was different in 24.8% of the cases. Among stones with positive cultures that did not contain struvite, 86.4% showed non-urease bacteria in their cultures and 47.1% of struvite stones also did not have urease-producing bacteria in their cultures (p < 0.021). Our findings suggest that there is an association between non-ureolytic bacteria and stones that are not composed of struvite.

Influence of Data Augmentation Strategies on the Segmentation of Oral Histological Images Using Fully Convolutional Neural Networks.

Segmentation of tumor regions in H &E-stained slides is an important task for a pathologist while diagnosing different types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Histological image segmentation is often constrained by the availability of labeled training data since labeling histological images is a highly skilled, complex, and time-consuming task. Thus, data augmentation strategies become essential to train convolutional neural networks models to overcome the overfitting problem when only a few training samples are available. This paper proposes a new data augmentation strategy, named Random Composition Augmentation (RCAug), to train fully convolutional networks (FCN) to segment OSCC tumor regions in H &E-stained histological images. Given the input image and their corresponding label, a pipeline with a random composition of geometric, distortion, color transfer, and generative image transformations is executed on the fly. Experimental evaluations were performed using an FCN-based method to segment OSCC regions through a set of different data augmentation transformations. By using RCAug, we improved the FCN-based segmentation method from 0.51 to 0.81 of intersection-over-union (IOU) in a whole slide image dataset and from 0.65 to 0.69 of IOU in a tissue microarray images dataset.

BMP-2 and Noggin Immunoexpression in Ameloblastomas, Odontogenic Keratocysts, and Dentigerous Cysts.

BMP-2 and Noggin are expressed in several tissues and participate in cell differentiation and proliferation during odontogenesis and tumor development. We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of these proteins in ameloblastomas (AMs), odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and dentigerous cysts (DCs). The expression in AM (n.20), OKC (n.20), and DC (n.20) was evaluated by the percentage of positive cells and expression intensity, resulting in a total immunostaining score. Analysis of BMP-2 and Noggin revealed positivity in all cases. The Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference for Noggin between AM and DC and between OKC/DC. The mean DC scores were always higher than those of the other groups, regardless of the assessment method. Individual analysis of each lesion showed a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of cells positive for BMP-2 and Noggin in DC. We demonstrated the presence of BMP-2 and Noggin in AMs/OKCs/DCs. Marked expression of BMP-2 was observed in OKCs and AMs. There was also a positive correlation between BMP-2 and Noggin in DCs, suggesting a greater role of these markers in the bone formation and remodeling process since DCs are characterized by phases of bone quiescence and healing.

Construction and validity of educational technology in audiovisual media on premature newborn care / Construcción y validación de tecnología educativa en medios audiovisuales sobre atención al recién nacido prematuro / Construção e validação de tecnologia educacional em mídia audiovisual sobre cuidados ao recém-nascido prematuro

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and validate an educational video storyboard about care for premature newborns at home. Methods: a methodological study, with the construction of an educational video storyboard, validated with 14 judges. Content was selected from scoping review. For data collection, a validated instrument was used. The criterion for validity was agreement greater than 80%, analyzed using the Content Validity Index. Results: the storyboard construction was guided by the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning theoretical framework. Construction and validity took place from May to December 2020. The storyboard's final version lasted 10 minutes, and was validated in terms of objective, structure, presentation and relevance, with a Content Validity Index of 0.9. Conclusions: the storyboard of the educational video proved to be valid and adequate for health promotion in developing care for premature newborns at home.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y validar un video storyboard educativo sobre el cuidado del recién nacido prematuro en el domicilio. Métodos: estudio metodológico, con la construcción de un storyboard de video educativo, validado con 14 jueces. El contenido fue seleccionado de la revisión del alcance. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un instrumento validado. El criterio de validación fue concordancia superior al 80%, analizado mediante el Índice de Validación de Contenido. Resultados: la construcción del storyboard fue guiada por el referencial teórico de la Teoría Cognitiva del Aprendizaje Multimedia. La construcción y validación se llevó a cabo de mayo a diciembre de 2020. La versión final del storyboard tiene una duración de 10 minutos y fue validada en cuanto a objetivos, estructura, presentación y relevancia, con un Índice de Validez de Contenido de 0,9. Conclusiones: el storyboard del video educativo se mostró válido y adecuado para la promoción de la salud en el desarrollo de la atención al recién nacido prematuro en el domicilio.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e validar storyboard de vídeo educativo acerca dos cuidados com recém-nascido prematuro no domicílio. Métodos: estudo metodológico, com construção de storyboard de vídeo educativo, validado com 14 juízes. Selecionou-se o conteúdo a partir de revisão de escopo. Para coleta dos dados, utilizou-se instrumento validado. O critério para validação foi concordância superior a 80%, analisada por meio do Índice de Validação de Conteúdo. Resultados: a construção do storyboard foi guiada pelo referencial teórico da Teoria Cognitiva da Aprendizagem Multimídia. A construção e a validação ocorreram nos meses de maio a dezembro de 2020. A versão final do storyboard contém duração de 10 minutos, e foi validada quanto aos objetivos, estrutura, apresentação e relevância, com Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de 0,9. Conclusões: o storyboard do vídeo educativo se mostrou válido e adequado para promoção da saúde no desenvolvimento de cuidados ao recém-nascido prematuro no domicílio.

Classification of Multiple H&E Images via an Ensemble Computational Scheme.

In this work, a computational scheme is proposed to identify the main combinations of handcrafted descriptors and deep-learned features capable of classifying histological images stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The handcrafted descriptors were those representatives of multiscale and multidimensional fractal techniques (fractal dimension, lacunarity and percolation) applied to quantify the histological images with the corresponding representations via explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) approaches. The deep-learned features were obtained from different convolutional neural networks (DenseNet-121, EfficientNet-b2, Inception-V3, ResNet-50 and VGG-19). The descriptors were investigated through different associations. The most relevant combinations, defined through a ranking algorithm, were analyzed via a heterogeneous ensemble of classifiers with the support vector machine, naive Bayes, random forest and K-nearest neighbors algorithms. The proposed scheme was applied to histological samples representative of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral dysplasia and liver tissue. The best results were accuracy rates of 94.83% to 100%, with the identification of pattern ensembles for classifying multiple histological images. The computational scheme indicated solutions exploring a reduced number of features (a maximum of 25 descriptors) and with better performance values than those observed in the literature. The presented information in this study is useful to complement and improve the development of computer-aided diagnosis focused on histological images.

Safety and efficacy of arteriovenous fistula angioplasties performed by nephrologists: report from a Brazilian interventional nephrology center / Segurança e eficácia de angioplastias de fístulas arteriovenosas realizadas por nefrologistas: relato de um centro de nefrologia intervencionista brasileiro

ABSTRACT Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the first choice vascular access for hemodialysis. However, they present a high incidence of venous stenosis leading to thrombosis. Although training in interventional nephrology may improve accessibility for treatment of venous stenosis, there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of this approach performed by trained nephrologists in low-income and developing countries. Methods: This study presents the retrospective results of AVF angioplasties performed by trained nephrologists in a Brazilian outpatient interventional nephrology center. The primary outcome was technical success rate (completion of the procedure with angioplasty of all stenoses) and secondary outcomes were complication rates and overall AVF patency. Findings: Two hundred fifty-six angioplasties were performed in 160 AVF. The technical success rate was 88.77% and the main cause of technical failure was venous occlusion (10%). The incidence of complications was 13.67%, with only one patient needing hospitalization and four accesses lost due to the presence of hematomas and/or thrombosis. Grade 1 hematomas were the most frequent complication (8.2%). The overall patency found was 88.2 and 80.9% at 180 and 360 days after the procedure, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that AVF angioplasty performed by trained nephrologists has acceptable success rates and patency, with a low incidence of major complications as well as a low need for hospitalization.

RESUMO Introdução: As fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) são a primeira escolha de acesso vascular para hemodiálise. No entanto, elas apresentam uma alta incidência de estenoses venosas levando à trombose. Embora o treinamento em nefrologia intervencionista possa melhorar a acessibilidade para o tratamento das estenoses venosas, há dados limitados sobre a segurança e a eficácia desta abordagem realizada por nefrologistas treinados em países em desenvolvimento e de baixa renda. Métodos: Este estudo apresenta os resultados retrospectivos de angioplastias de FAV realizadas por nefrologistas treinados em um centro ambulatorial brasileiro de nefrologia intervencionista. O desfecho primário foi a taxa de sucesso técnico (conclusão do procedimento com angioplastia de todas as estenoses) e os desfechos secundários foram taxas de complicação e a patência geral das FAV. Achados: Duzentas e cinquenta e seis angioplastias foram realizadas em 160 FAV. A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 88,77% e a principal causa de falha técnica foi a oclusão venosa (10%). A incidência de complicações foi de 13,67%, com apenas um paciente necessitando de internação e quatro acessos perdidos devido à presença de hematomas e/ou trombose. Hematomas de grau 1 foram a complicação mais frequente (8,2%). A patência geral encontrada foi de 88,2 e 80,9% a 180 e 360 dias após o procedimento, respectivamente. Conclusão: Nossos achados sugerem que a angioplastia de FAV realizada por nefrologistas treinados tem taxas de sucesso e patência aceitáveis, com uma baixa incidência de complicações maiores, bem como uma baixa necessidade de hospitalização.

Dança na escola: a formação do conhecimento corporificado / School dance: the formation of corporate knowledge / Danza escolar: la formación del conocimiento corporativo

A dança é conteúdo oficial do ensino regular da disciplina de Educação Física. Com ela, professores podem desenvolver capacidades motoras, intelectuais, expressivas e sociais do aluno, e ampliar seu entendimento sobre fatos da cultura. Este ensaio se propõe a discutir a formação e o ganho do conhecimento por meio do ensino e aprendizagem da dança. A base foi a obra The Phenomenology of Dance, de Maxin Sheets-Johnstone, e a Fenomenologia da Percepção, de Merleau-Ponty. Nesse contexto, o conhecimento sobrevem ao conjunto de experiências vividas corporalmente pelo aluno durante a resolução das atividades, nisso, a relação corpo-movimento-cinestesia-cognição incide no principal mecanismo para o firmamento do conhecimento "corporificado" (AU).

Dance is the official content of regular teaching in the discipline of Physical Education. With it, teachers can develop motor, intellectual, expressive and social skills of the student, and expand their understanding of cultural facts. This essay proposes to discuss the formation and the gain of knowledge through the teaching and learning of dance. The basis was Maxin Sheets-Johnstone's The Phenomenology of Dance, and Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception. In this context, knowledge comes from the set of experiences lived bodily by the student during the resolution of activities, in this, the body-movement-kinesthesia-cognition relationship focuses on the main mechanism for the firmament of "embodied" knowledge

La danza es el contenido oficial de la enseñanza regular en la disciplina de Educación Física. Con él, los profesores pueden desarrollar las habilidades motoras, intelectuales, expresivas y sociales del alumno y ampliar su comprensión de los hechos culturales. Este ensayo se propone discutir la formación y la adquisición de conocimientos a través de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la danza. La base fue La fenomenología de la danza, de Maxin Sheets-Johnstone y la Fenomenología de la percepción, de Merleau-Ponty. En este contexto, el conocimiento proviene del conjunto de experiencias vividas corporalmente por el alumno durante la resolución de actividades, en este, la relación cuerpo-movimiento-cinestesia-cognición se centra en el mecanismo principal para el firmamento del conocimiento "encarnado" (AU).

DANÇA NA ESCOLA: A FORMAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO CORPORIFICADO / School dance: the formation of corporate knowledge / Danza escolar: la formación del conocimiento corporativo

A dança é conteúdo oficial do ensino regular da disciplina de Educação Física. Com ela, professores podem desenvolver capacidades motoras, intelectuais, expressivas e sociais do aluno, e ampliar seu entendimento sobre fatos da cultura. Este ensaio se propõe a discutir a formação e o ganho do conhecimento por meio do ensino e aprendizagem da dança. A base foi a obra The Phenomenology of Dance, de Maxin Sheets-Johnstone, e a Fenomenologia da Percepção, de Merleau-Ponty. Nesse contexto, o conhecimento sobrevem ao conjunto de experiências vividas corporalmente pelo aluno durante a resolução das atividades, nisso, a relação corpo-movimento-cinestesia-cognição incide no principal mecanismo para o firmamento do conhecimento "corporificado".

Dance is the official content of regular teaching in the discipline of Physical Education. With it, teachers can develop motor, intellectual, expressive and social skills of the student, and expand their understanding of cultural facts. This essay proposes to discuss the formation and the gain of knowledge through the teaching and learning of dance. The basis was Maxin Sheets-Johnstone's The Phenomenology of Dance, and Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception. In this context, knowledge comes from the set of experiences lived bodily by the student during the resolution of activities, in this, the body-movement-kinesthesia-cognition relationship focuses on the main mechanism for the firmament of "embodied" knowledge.

La danza es el contenido oficial de la enseñanza regular en la disciplina de Educación Física. Con él, los profesores pueden desarrollar las habilidades motoras, intelectuales, expresivas y sociales del alumno y ampliar su comprensión de los hechos culturales. Este ensayo se propone discutir la formación y la adquisición de conocimientos a través de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la danza. La base fue La fenomenología de la danza, de Maxin Sheets-Johnstone y la Fenomenología de la percepción, de Merleau-Ponty. En este contexto, el conocimiento proviene del conjunto de experiencias vividas corporalmente por el alumno durante la resolución de actividades, en este, la relación cuerpo-movimiento-cinestesia-cognición se centra en el mecanismo principal para el firmamento del conocimiento "encarnado".

COVID-19 and death of older adults in the Northeast region of Brazil: a survival analysis / COVID-19 y muerte de ancianos en la región Nordeste de Brasil: un análisis de supervivencia / COVID-19 e óbito de pessoas idosas na região Nordeste do Brasil: uma análise da sobrevivência

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze survival and factors associated with increased risk of death for older adults diagnosed with COVID-19, living in the Northeast region of Brazil. Method: retrospective observational study developed with secondary data provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, between June 14 and December 26, 2020. The Kaplan-Meyer method, the time-dependent cox regression model was used, including covariates (age, sex, skin color, comorbidities, admission to the ICU, ventilatory support). Results: out of 9,306 individuals analyzed, 55.9% died and 44.1% survived. The highest risk of death was observed for those aged 80-89 (HR=1.95), brown-skinned (HR=1.99), with immunodeficiency (HR=1.259) or kidney disease (HR=1.147), admitted to the ICU (HR=1,795) and in use of ventilatory support (HR=1606). Conclusion: among older adults residing in the Northeast region of Brazil, there was a higher risk of death from COVID-19 for octogenarians, brown-skinned, with comorbidities, hospitalization in the ICU, followed by the use of ventilatory support. The creation of health prevention strategies that identify older adults with these profiles is suggested to prevent deaths in future pandemic situations.

RESUMENObjetivo: analizar la supervivencia y los factores asociados con un mayor riesgo de muerte en ancianos diagnosticados con COVID-19, residentes en la región Nordeste de Brasil. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo desarrollado con datos secundarios proporcionados por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil, entre el 14 de junio y el 26 de diciembre de 2020. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meyer, modelo de regresión de Cox-tempo-dependiente, incluyendo covariables (edad, sexo, color de piel, comorbilidades, ingreso en UCI, soporte ventilatorio). Resultados: 9.306 personas analizadas, el 55,9% falleció y el 44,1% sobrevivió. El mayor riesgo de muerte se observó en las personas de 80 a 89 años (HR=1,95), color de piel morena (HR=1,99), inmunodeficiencia (HR=1,259), enfermedad renal (HR=1,147), con ingreso en UCI (HR=1.795) y uso de soporte ventilatorio (HR=1606). Conclusión: entre los ancianos residentes en la región Nordeste de Brasil, hubo mayor riesgo de muerte por COVID-19 para los octogenarios, color de piel morena, que tenían comorbilidades, hospitalización en la UCI, seguido del uso de soporte ventilatorio. Se sugiere la creación de estrategias de prevención en salud que identifiquen a las personas mayores con estos perfiles para prevenir muertes en futuras situaciones pandémicas.

RESUMOObjetivo: analisar a sobrevida e os fatores associados ao maior risco de morte para idosos com diagnóstico de COVID-19, residentes na região Nordeste do Brasil. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo desenvolvido com dados secundários fornecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, entre 14 dejunho a 26 de dezembro de 2020. Utilizou-se o método de Kaplan-Meyer, o modelo de regressão de cox tempo-dependente, incluindo covariáveis (idade, sexo, cor da pele, comorbidades, admissão na UTI, suporte ventilatório). Resultados: 9.306 indivíduos foram analisados; 55,9% morreram e 44,1% sobreviveram. O maior risco de ocorrência de óbitos foi observado para aqueles entre 80-89 anos (HR=1,95), cor da pele parda (HR=1,99), imunodeficiência (HR=1,259), doença renal (HR=1,147), com admissão em UTI (HR=1,795) e uso de suporte ventilatório (HR=1.606). Conclusão: entre idosos residentes na região Nordeste do Brasil, constatou-se maior risco de óbitos por COVID-19 para octogenários, cor parda, que apresentaram comorbidades, internação em UTI, seguido do uso de suporte ventilatório. Sugere-se a criação de estratégias de prevenção em saúde que identifiquem idosos com esses perfis para prevenir óbitos em futuras situações de pandemia.

Influence of Drugs of Continuous Use on the Sensory Regulation of the Static Balance of Elderly Regular Practitioners of the Pilates Method / Influência de Fármacos de Uso Contínuo Sobre a Regulação Sensorial do Equilíbrio Estático de Idosas Praticantes Regulares do Método Pilates

The combination of types of medications can compromise the regulation of body balance in older adults. This study evaluated the effect of continuous use drugs on the sensory regulation of static balance in elderly women who regularly practice the Pilates method with and without a history of falls and estimate the risk of falls in this population. Cross-sectional study, carried out with 94 women (67.12±4.74 years) practicing Pilates, divided into: non fallers (n = 74) and fallers (n = 18). Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, medications, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Confidence in Balance Scale (ABC) were applied. The examination of static balance was performed by the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB). The risk of falling was analyzed using an adjusted multiple logistic regression model, while the effect of drugs on falls was estimated by binary regression, results were presented using the odds ratio (OR). The CTSIB test revealed Condition 4 (OR = 3.038; 95% CI = 1.321­15.674) and Condition 5 (OR = 5.542; 95% CI = 1.678­18.303) as predictors of falls. Drugs showing an effect on fall were ß2 agonist associated with glucocorticoid (OR = 0.245; 95% CI = 1,233­2,400), thiazide diuretic (OR = 0.344; 95% CI = 1.122­2.234), statin (OR = 0.245; 95 % CI = 1,237­2,338), angiotensin II receptor antagonist (OR = 0,245; 95% CI = 1,236­2,339), beta blocker (OR = 0,245; 95% CI = 1,238­2,402) and anti-vertigo (OR = 0,245; 95 % CI = 1.230­2.399). Regardless of the history of falls, the risk of falling was present in older adult regular Pilates practitioners. Six different drugs for continuous use showed an effect on falls. (AU)

A combinação de tipos de medicamentos pode comprometer a regulação do equilíbrio corporal de idosos. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de fármacos de uso contínuo sobre a regulação sensorial do equilíbrio estático de mulheres idosas praticantes regulares do método Pilates com e sem histórico de queda e estimar o risco de queda dessa população. Estudo transversal, realizado com 94 mulheres (67,12±4,74 anos) praticantes de Pilates, divididas em: não-caidoras (n=74) e caidoras (n=18). Foram coletados dados sociodemográfico, comorbidades, medicamentos, e aplicado Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Escala de Confiança no Equilíbrio (ABC). O exame do equilíbrio estático foi realizado pelo Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB). O risco de queda foi analisado pelo modelo de regressão logística múltipla ajustado, enquanto, que o efeito dos fármacos sobre queda foi estimado pela regressão binária, resultados foram apresentados pelo odds ratio (OR). O teste CTSIB revelou a Condição 4 (OR= 3,038; 95% IC= 1,321­15,674) e Condição 5 (OR= 5,542; 95% IC= 1,678­18,303) como previsora de quedas. As drogas que mostram efeito sobre queda foram agonista ß2 associada com glicocorticóide (OR=0,245; 95% IC= 1,233­2,400), diurético tiazídico (OR=0,344; 95% IC=1,122­2,234), estatina (OR=0,245; 95% IC=1,237 2,338), antagonista do receptor de angiotensina II (OR=0,245; 95% IC=1,236­2,339), betabloqueador (OR=0,245; 95% IC=1,238­2,402) e antivertiginoso (OR=0,245; 95% IC=1,230­2,399). Independente do histórico de quedas, o risco de cair esteve presente em idosas praticantes regulares do Pilates. Seis diferentes medicamentos de uso contínuo mostraram efeito sobre queda. (AU)

Consensus on the standard terminology used in the nutrition care of adult patients with chronic kidney disease / Consenso sobre a terminologia padronizada do processo de cuidado em nutrição para pacientes adultos com doença renal crônica

Abstract This nutrition consensus document is the first to coordinate the efforts of three professional organizations - the Brazilian Association of Nutrition (Asbran), the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN), and the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Braspen/SBNPE) - to select terminology and international standardized tools used in nutrition care. Its purpose is to improve the training delivered to nutritionists working with adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Eleven questions were developed concerning patient screening, care, and nutrition outcome management. The recommendations set out in this document were developed based on international guidelines and papers published in electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE(tm), CINHAL, Web of Science, and Cochrane. From a list of internationally standardized terms, twenty nutritionists selected the ones they deemed relevant in clinical practice involving outpatients with CKD. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated with 80% agreement in the answers. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess the strength of evidence and recommendations. A total of 107 terms related to Nutrition Assessment and Reassessment, 28 to Diagnosis, nine to Intervention, and 94 to Monitoring and Evaluation were selected. The list of selected terms and identified tools will be used in the development of training programs and the implementation of standardized nutrition terminology for nutritionists working with patients with chronic kidney disease in Brazil.

Resumo Este consenso representa a primeira colaboração entre três organizações profissionais com foco em nutrição: Associação Brasileira de Nutrição (Asbran), Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) e Sociedade Brasileira de Nutrição Parenteral e Enteral (Braspen/SBNPE), com o objetivo de identificar a terminologia e instrumentos padronizados internacionalmente para o processo de cuidado em nutrição. O foco é facilitar a condução de treinamentos de nutricionistas que trabalham com pacientes adultos com doenças renais crônicas (DRC). Foram levantadas onze questões relacionadas à triagem, ao processo de cuidado e à gestão de resultados em nutrição. As recomendações foram baseadas em diretrizes internacionais e em bancos de dados eletrônicos, como PubMed, EMBASE(tm), CINHAL, Web of Science e Cochrane. A partir do envio de listas de termos padronizados internacionalmente, vinte nutricionistas especialistas selecionaram aqueles que consideraram muito claros e relevantes para a prática clínica com pacientes ambulatoriais com DRC. Foi calculado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC), com 80% de concordância nas respostas. O Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) foi usado para atribuir força de evidência às recomendações. Foram selecionados 107 termos de Avaliação e Reavaliação, 28 de Diagnóstico, 9 de Intervenção e 94 de Monitoramento e Aferição em Nutrição. A lista de termos selecionados e identificação de instrumentos auxiliará no planejamento de treinamentos e na implementação de terminologia padronizada em nutrição no Brasil, para nutricionistas que trabalham com pacientes renais crônicos.

Brazilian dialysis survey 2019 / Inquérito brasileiro de diálise 2019

Abstract Introduction: National data on chronic dialysis treatment are essential for the development of health policies that aim to improve the treatment of patients. Objective: To present data from the Brazilian Dialysis Survey 2019, promoted by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology. Methods: Data collection from dialysis units in the country through a completed online questionnaire for 2019. Results: 314 (39%) centers responded the questionnaire. In July 2019, the estimated total number of patients on dialysis was 139,691. Estimates of the prevalence and incidence rates of patients undergoing dialysis treatment per million of the population (pmp) were 665 and 218, respectively, with mean annual increases of 25 pmp and 14 pmp for prevalence and incidence, respectively. The annual gross mortality rate was 18.2%. Of the prevalent patients, 93.2% were on hemodialysis and 6.8% on peritoneal dialysis; and 33,015 (23.6%) on the waiting list for transplantation. 55% of THE centers offered treatment with peritoneal dialysis. Venous catheters were used as access in 24.8% of THE patients on hemodialysis. 17% of the patients had K ≥ 6.0mEq/L; 2.5% required red blood cell transfusion in July 2019 and 10.8% of the patients had serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D < 20 ng/mL. Conclusion: The absolute number of patients, the incidence and prevalence rates in dialysis in the country continue to increase, as well as the percentage of patients using venous catheter as dialysis access. There was an increase in the number of patients on the list for transplantation and a tendency to reduce gross mortality.

Resumo Introdução: Dados nacionais sobre o tratamento dialítico crônico são essenciais para a elaboração de políticas de saúde que almejem melhora no tratamento dos pacientes. Objetivo: Apresentar dados do Inquérito brasileiro de diálise de 2019, promovido pela Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia. Métodos: Coleta de dados das unidades de diálise do país através de questionário preenchido on-line referente a 2019. Resultados: 314 (39%) centros responderam ao questionário. Em julho de 2019, o número total estimado de pacientes em diálise foi de 139.691. As estimativas das taxas de prevalência e incidência de pacientes em tratamento dialítico por milhão da população (pmp) foram 665 e 218, respectivamente, com médias de aumento anuais de 25 pmp e 14 pmp para prevalência e incidência, respectivamente. A taxa anual de mortalidade bruta foi de 18,2%. Dos pacientes prevalentes, 93,2% estavam em hemodiálise e 6,8% em diálise peritoneal, e 33.015 (23,6%) em fila de espera para transplante. 55% dos centros ofereciam tratamento com diálise peritoneal. Cateter venoso era usado como acesso em 24,8% dos pacientes em hemodiálise. 17% dos pacientes tinham K ≥ 6,0mEq/L, 2,5% necessitaram de transfusão de hemácias em julho/2019 e 10,8% dos pacientes apresentavam níveis séricos de 25-OH vitamina D < 20 ng/mL. Conclusão: O número absoluto de pacientes e as taxas de incidência e prevalência em diálise no país continuam aumentando, assim como o percentual de pacientes em uso de cateter venoso como acesso para diálise. Houve aumento do número de pacientes na lista para transplante e tendência para redução da mortalidade bruta.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: a cross-sectional national survey among Brazilian nephrologists / Ultrassonografia point-of-care em nefrologia: uma pesquisa nacional transversal entre nefrologistas brasileiros

Abstract Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) (POCUS) has been used in several specialties, particularly in medical emergency. Despite the confirmation of its numerous benefits, the use of POCUS is still timid in nephrology. In the present study, we aim to investigate the use of POCUS by Brazilian nephrologists. Methods: A survey carried out among the members of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, through institutional e-mail, using the SurveyMonkey platform. We included 12 self-administered questions, which answers were given anonymously. Results: It was evident that the majority (64%) of the participants did not have the opportunity to practice US during their nephrological training in their residency, specialization, or even in internships; those with experience with US use the method mainly for implanting central vascular accesses (68%), performing a renal biopsy (58%) and evaluating renal morphology (50%); and the main barriers for nephrologists who do not yet use US are the high price of US machines (26%) and the lack of time to learn about US (23%). Also, POCUS use for examinations of other organs, such as the lung (31%) and heart (18%), which are fundamental in the cardiovascular and volume assessment of patients with kidney diseases, is even more limited. However, 95% of the participants expressed an interest in learning POCUS for use in their medical practice. Conclusion: Most of the Brazilian nephrologists interviewed were not trained in US; however, almost all of the research participants expressed an interest in learning to use POCUS in nephrological practice.

Resumo Introdução: A ultrassonografia (US) pointof-care (POCUS) tem sido utilizada emvárias especialidades, particularmente na urgência médica. Apesar da constatação de seus numerosos benefícios, a utilização da POCUS ainda é tímida na nefrologia. No presente estudo, objetivamos fazer um levantamento sobre a utilização da POCUS pelos nefrologistas brasileiros. Métodos: Levantamento realizado entre os sócios da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia, por meio do e-mail institucional, utilizando a plataforma SurveyMonkey. Foram incluídas 12 perguntas autoadministradas, cujas respostas se deram de forma anônima. Resultados: Ficou evidente que a maioria (64%) dos participantes não teve oportunidade de praticar a US durante sua formação nefrológica na residência, especialização ou mesmo em estágios; que aqueles com experiência com a US usam o método, principalmente, para implantação de acesso vascular central (68%), realização de biópsia renal (58%) e avaliação da morfologia renal (50%); e que as principais barreiras para os nefrologistas que ainda não utilizam a US são o preço elevado das máquinas de US (26%) e a falta de tempo para aprender sobre US (23%). Além disso, o uso da POCUS para exames de outros órgãos, como pulmão (31%) e coração (18%), fundamentais na avaliação cardiovascular e volêmica dos pacientes com doenças renais, ainda é mais limitado. Porém, 95% dos participantes expressaram interesse em aprender a POCUS para aplicação na sua prática médica. Conclusão: A maioria dos nefrologistas brasileiros entrevistados não foi treinada em US, contudo, a quase totalidade dos participantes da pesquisa manifestou interesse em aprender a utilizar a POCUS na prática nefrológica.

Osteoprotegerin is a marker of cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Osteoprotegerin (OPG), known to regulate bone mass by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activation, might also play a role in vascular calcification. Increased circulating OPG levels in patients with CKD are associated with aortic calcification and increased mortality. We assessed the predictive role of OPG for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD stages 3-5 over a 5-year follow-up period. We evaluated the relationship between OPG and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in 145 CKD patients (stages 3-5) in a prospective observational follow-up study. Inflammation markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, standard echocardiography, and estimation of intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery, were assessed at baseline, and correlations with OPG levels were determined. The cutoff values for OPG were defined using ROC curves for cardiovascular mortality. Survival was assessed during follow up lasting for up to 5.5 years using Fine and Gray model. A total of 145 (89 men; age 58.9 ± 15.0 years) were followed up. The cutoff value for OPG determined using ROC was 10 pmol/L for general causes mortality and 10.08 pmol/L for CV causes mortality. Patients with higher serum OPG levels presented with higher mortality rates compared to patients with lower levels. Aalen-Johansen cumulative incidence curve analysis demonstrated significantly worse survival rates in individuals with higher baseline OPG levels for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, OPG was a marker of general and cardiovascular mortality independent of sex, age, CVD, diabetes, and CRP levels. When CKD stages were included in the multivariate analysis, OPG was an independent marker of all-cause mortality but not cardiovascular mortality. Elevated serum OPG levels were associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk, independent of age, CVD, diabetes, and inflammatory markers, in patients with CKD.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: a cross-sectional national survey among Brazilian nephrologists.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) (POCUS) has been used in several specialties, particularly in medical emergency. Despite the confirmation of its numerous benefits, the use of POCUS is still timid in nephrology. In the present study, we aim to investigate the use of POCUS by Brazilian nephrologists. METHODS: A survey carried out among the members of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, through institutional e-mail, using the SurveyMonkey platform. We included 12 self-administered questions, which answers were given anonymously. RESULTS: It was evident that the majority (64%) of the participants did not have the opportunity to practice US during their nephrological training in their residency, specialization, or even in internships; those with experience with US use the method mainly for implanting central vascular accesses (68%), performing a renal biopsy (58%) and evaluating renal morphology (50%); and the main barriers for nephrologists who do not yet use US are the high price of US machines (26%) and the lack of time to learn about US (23%). Also, POCUS use for examinations of other organs, such as the lung (31%) and heart (18%), which are fundamental in the cardiovascular and volume assessment of patients with kidney diseases, is even more limited. However, 95% of the participants expressed an interest in learning POCUS for use in their medical practice. CONCLUSION: Most of the Brazilian nephrologists interviewed were not trained in US; however, almost all of the research participants expressed an interest in learning to use POCUS in nephrological practice.

Sensory assessment of balance regulation of physically active women, 60-79 years old / Avaliação sensorial da regulação do equilíbrio de mulheres fisicamente ativas, 60-79 anos

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of sensory regulation of static and dynamic balance in older women, and to verify the sensitivity and specificity levels of the Body Balance Test (Teste de Equilíbrio Corporal, TEC) in relation to its reference standard, determining the best cutoff point for identifying risk of falling. METHODS: 74 women (age 67.59 ± 5.26 years) participated in the study, divided into fallers (n = 18) and non-fallers (n = 56). RESULTS: Comparatively, non-fallers had higher performance scores on static balance exteroceptive regulation (SBER), dynamic balance exteroceptive regulation (DBER), and dynamic balance interoceptive regulation (DBIR). Statistically significant differences were found in DBER (p = ≤0.001) and DBIR (p = 0.031). The area under the ROC curve was 0.73 (95%CI 0.58 ­ 0.88; p = 0.003), with a sensitivity level of 42.30% and specificity of 84.80%. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest chance of falling was found for dynamic balance in situations of exteroceptive and interoceptive regulation for older women with and without a history of falls. Deficits in sensory regulation of body balance are common in older women, both fallers and non-fallers

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho da regulação sensorial do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico de mulheres idosas e verificar os níveis de sensibilidade e especificidade do Teste de Equilíbrio Corporal (TEC) em relação ao seu padrão de referência, determinando o melhor ponto de corte para a identificação do risco de queda. METODOLOGIA: participaram do estudo 74 mulheres (67,59 ± 5,26 anos), divididas em caidoras (n = 18) e não-caidoras (n = 56). RESULTADOS: Comparativamente, não-caidoras indicaram escores de desempenho mais elevados para equilíbrio estático regulação exteroceptiva (EERE), equilíbrio dinâmico regulação exteroceptiva (EDRE) e equilíbrio dinâmico regulação interoceptiva (EDRI). Diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas na regulação EDRE (p = ≤0,001) e EDRI (p = 0,031). A área verificada sob a curva ROC foi de 0,73 (IC95% 0,58 ­ 0,88; p = 0,003) e nível de sensibilidade de 42,30% e especificidade de 84,80%. CONCLUSÕES: A maior chance de queda foi encontrada para o equilíbrio dinâmico em situação de regulação exteroceptivo e interoceptivo para mulheres idosas com e sem histórico de queda. Déficits na regulação sensorial do equilíbrio corporal são comuns em mulheres idosas caidoras e não-caidoras