Analysis of the impact of a diabetes education program on glycemic control and prevalence of chronic complications

ABSTRACT Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease of increasing importance in public health, associated with chronic complications including retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. This study assessed the impact of strategic DM education actions on glycemic control and prevalence of chronic complications in patients with DM. Subjects and methods: Retrospective, quantitative, cohort study at a diabetes patients association comprised of a multidisciplinary team. In all, 533 individuals with DM were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaire and medical records. Of these, 333 patients evaluated for 12 to 24 months, with type 2 DM (T2DM, n = 317) and other types of DM (n = 16), were selected to collect data on retinopathy and diabetes kidney disease (DKD). Results: There was a predominance of elderly individuals, low education level, women, high rate of overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, dietary errors, dyslipidemia, and T2DM. More patients with T2DM versus type 1 DM had optimal glycemic control (46.3% vs. 12.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). The impact of the educational processes was demonstrated by the analysis of the initial and final glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) levels. There was an increased prevalence of individuals with well-controlled DM during follow-up (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.76, 95%, p = 0.001), along with a significant reduction in retinopathy (PR: 0.679, p = 0.001) and albuminuria (PR: 0.637, 95%, p = 0.002) when these variables were evaluated in well-controlled versus uncontrolled HbA1c groups. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach with integration and quality was associated with improvements in DM control and reduced occurrence of chronic DM complications.

Conciencia transoperatoria en personas operadas mediante craneotomía despierto / Intraoperative awareness in awake craniotomy patients

La craneotomía con paciente despierto (CPD) demanda un manejo multidisciplinario particular debido al componente de conciencia transoperatoria que aporta beneficios en la resección tumoral y preservación neurológica, pero también implica el manejo de los riesgos asociados a la necesidad de cooperación del paciente durante el procedimiento. En este trabajo se describen los beneficios y las complicaciones en pacientes operados bajo la modalidad de CPD. Además, se abordan los retos documentados tanto para el equipo profesional a cargo, como para los pacientes, los cuales tienen un rol activo durante la cirugía. En ese sentido, se exponen los criterios para la selección, preparación psicológica y neuropsicológica tanto previo como durante la cirugía. A su vez, se proponen las consideraciones para lograr un procedimiento exitoso y evitar las posibles secuelas psicológicas a largo plazo, como insumos para la protocolización de este tipo de procedimientos con base en nuestra experiencia.

Awake craniotomy (AC) requires a multidisciplinary management due to trans operative awareness, which benefits the tumor resection and neurologic preservation, but it also implies risks for the patient cooperation during the procedure. This article describes the benefits and complications in patients operated under AC. Besides, it approaches the documented challenges for both the professional team and patients, who have an active role during surgery. In this regard, the criteria for selection and psychological and neuropsychological preparation before and during surgery are set out. It suggests considerations to achieve a successful procedure and to avoid possible long- term psychological sequelae, as a resource for the protocol of this type of procedures based on our experience.

Abordaje multidisciplinar del concepto Biobanco: revisión integrativa / A multidisciplinary approach to the Biobank concept: integrative review

Resumen Los biobancos son infraestructuras multidisciplinares y esta investigación integradora pretende exponer su concepto a las diferentes ciencias que lo construyen e interpretan, para entender sus elementos esenciales de forma holística. La revisión integradora se realizó siguiendo la guía PRISMA y la evaluación de la calidad según CASPe dando como resultado un total de 30 trabajos. El análisis de los datos se realizó a través de las categorías aristotélicas y los resultados se interpretaron según el paradigma de la complejidad de Edgar Morin. El concepto de Biobanco fue aclarado al considerarlo como la representación de un fenómeno bio-socio-cultural en el que los campos científicos desarrollan relaciones de tipo: complementarias, antagónicas y ambiguas de conocimientos y prácticas. Esta red de significación, desde la filosofía, impacta en la construcción de la subjetividad y en las formas de socialización.

Abstract Biobanks are multidisciplinary infrastructures and, accordingly, this integrative research seeks to bring out the concept of biobank in the various sciences that construct and interpret it, so as to arrive at a holistic understanding of its essential components. This integrative review - guided by PRISMA and with quality assessment following CASPe - resulted in a selection of 30 articles. Data were analysed by Aristotelian categories and the results were interpreted on the complexity paradigm of Edgar Morin. The biobank concept was clarified by considering it to be the representation of a biological, social and cultural phenomenon in which knowledge and practices from diverse scientific fields enter into complementary, antagonistic and ambiguous types of relationship. This network of signification, analysed here using categories from Aristotelian philosophy, has impacts on the construction of subjectivity and forms of socialisation.

Plantas medicinais: uma abordagem sobre o uso seguro e racional / Medicinal plants: an approach to rational and safe use

Resumo Muitas plantas são utilizadas com finalidades medicinais, constituindo alternativas terapêuticas complementares ao tratamento de doenças, trazendo inúmeros benefícios à saúde, quando utilizadas racionalmente e de maneira adequada. No entanto, as plantas constituem um arsenal grande de constituintes químicos, que podem ser benéficos, mas também podem representar um risco potencial à saúde. Desse modo, é importante que o usuário, os profissionais de saúde, e os prescritores, tenham conhecimentos sobre a planta, a correta identificação, conservação, modo de preparo e uso, além dos possíveis efeitos colaterais. As plantas medicinais, seus riscos e benefícios, são discutidos à luz das publicações científicas contemporâneas, atentando para a contribuição dos profissionais de saúde em relação ao seu papel de educadores e promotores de saúde atuantes em comunidades, especialmente aquelas usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract Many plants are used for medicinal purposes, constituting therapeutic alternatives complementary to the medical treatment, bringing numerous health benefits, when used rationally and in an appropriate way. However, plants constitute a large arsenal of chemicals constituents, which may be beneficial, but may also pose a potential health risk. So, it is important that the user, the health professionals, and the prescribers, have knowledge about the plant, ensuring correct identification, conservation, preparation and use, as well as possible side effects. The study of the medicinal plants, their risks and benefits, and efficacy confirmation by carefully designed studies will be discussed in the light of contemporary scientific publications, paying attention to the contribution of health professionals in relation to their role as active educators and health promoters in communities, especially those users of the Unified Health System.

Does Adopting a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of Acute Hip Fractures in Orthopedic Geriatric Patients Lead to Better Outcomes? A Preliminary Report of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Orthogeriat

@#OBJECTIVES: This study is a retrospective cohort that aims to describe the profile of orthopedic geriatric patients aged 60 years old and above with acute hip fractures occurring within one month of admission in the Philippine General Hospital managed by a multidisciplinary team approach. METHODS: Data collection from the database was done to gather information regarding the patient profile, time to surgery, causes for delay in consultation, length of hospital stay, and follow-up rate, since this model was implemented. RESULTS: Overall, we saw a decrease in the time from admission to surgery and a decrease in the length of hospital stay, when compared to previous data. Follow-up rates and compliance to maintenance medication are at 96% and 72% respectively. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a multidisciplinary approach and fracture liaison service presents us with favorable results in addressing hip fractures and osteoporosis.

Ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia para tratamento de psoríase e artrite psoriásica: experiência de um hospital terciário do sul do Brasil / Combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a Southern Brazilian experience

Introdução: Diversas diretrizes enfatizam as vantagens do manejo multidisciplinar no cuidado ao paciente com psoríase (PSO) e artrite psoriásica (PSA). O diagnóstico precoce de PSA se relaciona com melhores desfechos em 5 anos. No entanto, o diagnóstico precoce de PSA ainda é um desafio. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico prévio ou suspeito de PSO e/ou PSA atendidos em ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia do sul do Brasil de janeiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2017. Resultados: Entre os 55 pacientes previamente diagnosticados com PSO, 30,9% (n = 17) foram diagnosticados com PSA. Alterações do tratamento foram feitas em 58,5% (n = 48) dos pacientes, principalmente devido ao mau controle da pele e das articulações. Os imunobiológicos foram a classe de medicamentos mais comumente iniciada, correspondendo a 35,4% (n = 17) das modificações terapêuticas. O metotrexato foi o segundo medicamento mais comumente iniciado (18,8%, n = 9) ou com modificação da dose ou via de administração (20,8%, n = 10), totalizando 39,6% (n = 19) de modificações terapêuticas. Houve um aumento na proporção de pacientes em uso de tratamento sistêmico (79,3%, n = 65). Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar no diagnóstico precoce da PSA e demonstra que a abordagem conjunta entre dermatologia e reumatologia é possível de ser realizada no Brasil, com resultados semelhantes aos reportados na literatura internacional. (AU)

Introduction: Several guidelines emphasize the advantages of multidisciplinary management of patients with psoriasis (PSO) or psoriatic arthritis (PSA). Early diagnosis of PSA is associated with better outcomes in 5 years. However, early diagnosis of PSA remains a challenge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with previous or suspected diagnosis of PSO and/or PSA treated at a combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic in southern Brazil from January 2013 to January 2017. Results: Of 55 patients previously diagnosed with PSO, 30.9% (n = 17) were diagnosed with PSA. Changes in treatment were made in 58.5% (n = 48) of patients, mainly due to poor control of cutaneous and articular symptoms. Immunobiological agents were the most commonly prescribed class of drugs, corresponding to 35.4% (n = 17) of changes in medical therapy. Methotrexate was the second most commonly prescribed drug (18.8%; n = 9) and the second drug to undergo most changes in dose or route of administration (20.8%; n = 10), accounting for 39.6% (n = 19) of changes in medical therapy. There was an increase in the number of patients undergoing systemic therapies (79.3%; n = 65). Conclusions: This study reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the early diagnosis of PSA and demonstrates that a collaborative approach between dermatology and rheumatology is feasible in Brazil, with outcomes similar to those reported in the international literature. (AU)

Multimodal Treatment Strategies in Esophagogastric Junction Cancer: a Western Perspective

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer is a solid tumor entity with rapidly increasing incidence in the Western countries. Given the high proportion of advanced cancers in the West, treatment strategies routinely employed include surgery and chemotherapy perioperatively, and chemoradiation in neoadjuvant settings. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and perioperative chemotherapy are mostly performed in esophageal cancer that extends to the EGJ and gastric as well as EGJ cancers, respectively. Recent trials have tried to combine both strategies in a perioperative context, which might have beneficial outcomes, especially in patients with EGJ cancer. However, it is difficult to recruit patients for trials, exclusively for EGJ cancers; therefore, the results have to be carefully reviewed before establishing a standard protocol. Trastuzumab was the first drug for targeted therapy that was positively evaluated for this tumor entity, and there are several ongoing trials investigating more targeted drugs in order to customize effective therapies based on tissue characteristics. The current study reviews the multimodal treatment concept for EGJ cancers in the West and summarizes the latest reports.

Multidisciplinary research and intervention of autism spectrum disorder / 中国实用儿科杂志

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions commonly with comorbidity,which can lead to life-long disability and the etiology is still unclear. Individuals with ASD have impaired development of social interaction, cognition,language and adaptive behavior in children,adolescents and adults. Multidisciplinary collaboration in research and intervention is a trend to explore etiological mechanisms and clinical transformation from different levels;it is advocated that different professionals provide help for ASD patients and their family to support decision making in clinical diagnosis,education,health and social care.

Renewal of Medical School Graduate Courses / 한국의학교육

Over the past years, university administrators have known how hard it is to transform into the modern university. Rigid in-bred research system, narrow interest, unworkable graduate programs are complicatedly woven into a network of academic fraction. Cronyism and protectionism flood various laboratories and research institutes affiliated with the university. Until recently, the department structure of medical school has steadfastly guarded its territory and refused to allow non-medical undergraduate students to apply for the graduate schools of medical science. The graduate schools in medical science are considered just extra appendages because most of graduate students should be engaged in hard work position such as junior faculty or residentship training course of university hospital. In the present environment of graduate program, medical schools are consequently not able to bring in full-time young researchers, but only recently has its door been open for others. It should be time to reorganize the medical school graduate course into large multidisciplinary research group by expanding graduate programs.