Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients

Report on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health and diseases in Hunan Province, 2020 / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Being the leading cause of death among both urban and rural residents in Hunan Province, China, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases hold a significant position in the region's public health landscape. Their prevalence and impact not only underscore the urgency of effective disease prevention and control but also provide crucial guidance for future initiatives. Consequently, the Hunan Province Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health and Disease Report Summary (2020) hereinafter referred to as the "Annual Report", serves as an extensive and informative document. It meticulously examines the current status of these diseases, highlighting both the existing challenges and opportunities for prevention and control efforts in Hunan Province. The primary objective of this report is to furnish valuable insights and evidence that will empower and enrich future endeavors aimed at combatting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases within the region. In 2017, the year of life expectancy lost due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Hunan Province remained higher than the national average. Additionally, the per capita life expectancy in 2019 (77.1 years) was slightly lower by 0.2 years compared with the national average (77.3 years). Alarmingly, the mortality rates associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were consistently ranking highest, indicating an upward trajectory. Moreover, the prevalence and mortality rates of conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke, all encompassed within the domain of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, surpassed the national averages. Consequently, the economic burden attributable to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is on the rise. And under vertical comparison, in 2019, the life expectancy per capita in Hunan Province increased by 1.26 years compared with 2015. The incidence rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events decreased by 8.34% compared with 2017. A new model of hypertension medical and preventive integration has been established with the efforts of many experts in Hunan Province, and full coverage of standardised outpatient clinics for hypertension at the grassroots level has been realised. The rate of standardised management of patients with hypertension under management in Changsha County, a demonstration area, rose to 65.27%, and the incidence rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, the incidence rate of stroke, and the mortality rate due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were reduced by 28.08%, 28.62%, and 25.00%, respectively. Hunan Province has made significant strides in the prevention and control of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in recent years.

Research and application of model fruit fly in prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders by traditional Chinese medicine and natural compounds: a review / 中国中药杂志

As an important model animal, fruit fly is characterized by outstanding genetic characteristics, relatively perfect nervous system, rapid reproduction, and low cost. Thus, it has been applied in the research on neuropsychiatric disorders in recent years, showing great potential in life science. The incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders has been on the rise, and the disorders have high disability rate and low case fatality rate. The global drug demand for such diseases is second only to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. At the moment, the demand of the drugs for the diseases have been rising, and it is an urgent task to develop related drugs. However, the research and development of the drugs are time-intensive and have a high failure rate. A suitable animal model can help shorten the time for drug screening and development, thereby reducing the cost and failure rate. This study reviews the application of fruit flies in several common neuropsychiatric disorders, which is expected to provide new ideas for the research and application of the model animals in traditional Chinese medicine.

Network Meta-analysis of single Hirudo prescriptions in treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease / 中国中药杂志

This study intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single Hirudo prescriptions in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease(ICVD) by frequency network Meta-analysis and traditional Meta-analysis. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to collect the randomized controlled trial(RCT) of single Hirudo prescriptions for ICVD from the inception of the databases to May 2022. The quality of the included literature was evaluated by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Finally, 54 RCTs and 3 single Hirudo prescriptions were included. Statistical analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 and Stata SE 15. Network Meta-analysis showed that in terms of the clinical effective rate, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA) of intervention measures was as follows: Huoxue Tongmai Capsules+conventional treatment>Maixuekang Capsules+conventional treatment>Naoxuekang Capsules+conventional treatment>conventional treatment. Traditional Meta-analysis revealed that in terms of the safety of ICVD treatment, Maixuekang Capsules+conventional treatment had higher safety than conventional treatment alone. According to the network Meta-analysis and traditional Meta-analysis, it was found that conventional treatment combined with single Hirudo prescriptions improved the clinical efficacy of ICVD patients, and compared with that of conventional treatment alone, the incidence of adverse reactions of combined treatment was low and the safety was high. However, the methodological quality of the articles included in this study was generally low and there were large differences in the number of articles on the three combined medication. Therefore, the conclusion of this study needed to be confirmed by subsequent RCT.

Research progress in pharmacological effectsand mechanism of Fel Ursi against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases / 中国中药杂志

Fel Ursi is a dried product obtained from the gallbladder of Ursidae animals, such as Selenarctos thibetanus or Ursus arctos, through gallbladder surgery for bile drainage. It is one of the rare animal medicinal materials in China and is known for its therapeutic effects, including clearing heat, removing toxins, extinguishing wind, relieving spasms, clearing the liver, and improving vision. Research has also found that Fel Ursi has pharmacological effects against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant stress properties. Recently, numerous studies have confirmed the close relationship between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and the gut microbiota as well as gut metabolites. Fel Ursi contains bile acid components that may have bidirectional regulatory effects on the gut microbiota and gut metabolites. This aspect could represent a potential therapeutic pathway for Fel Ursi in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This article comprehensively summarized relevant literature in China and abroad, reviewed the research progress on the pharmacological effects of Fel Ursi against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and explored the impact of Fel Ursi on gut microbiota and gut metabolites, thereby aiming to provide references for further in-depth research and clinical application of Fel Ursi.

Expert consensus on technical strategies for interventional treatment of acute large vessel occlusive stroke in China / 中华内科杂志

Ischemic stroke caused by acute large vessel occlusion is associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Endovascular interventional therapy is evidently an effective treatment for occlusion of large cerebral vessels within the relevant time window, but there is no established methodological standard for recanalization interventional therapy. The Professional Committee of Interventional Neurology in Chinese Research Hospital Association organized cerebrovascular disease experts in China and developed the expert consensus described herein, to provide a reference for clinicians to formulate technical strategies for recanalization of acute cerebral vascular occlusion.

Deterioro cognitivo de origen vascular y demencia vascular esporádica: revisión narrativa de tema basada en la evidencia / Cognitive impairment of vascular origin and sporadic vascular dementia: an evidence-based narrative topic review

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad cerebrovascular y las demencias están unidas por el deterioro cognitivo y la demencia vascular. Se trata de condiciones de salud potencialmente prevenibles, capaces de generar discapacidad, especialmente en la población adulta mayor. METODOLOGÍA: El propósito de este trabajo es caracterizar el deterioro cognitivo vascular y el espectro de la demencia vascular esporádica, mediante una revisión de tema con énfasis neurocognitivo. RESULTADOS: Entre el 30 % y el 40 % de las personas con enfermedad cerebrovascular experimentan algún grado de compromiso cognitivo. Después de los tres meses de haber presentado una enfermedad cerebro-vascular, alrededor del 20 % al 30 % de los pacientes serán diagnosticados con demencia, y entre un 10 % y un 35 %, con deterioro cognitivo. El deterioro cognitivo vascular y la demencia vascular tienen una serie de factores comunes a la enfermedad cerebrovascular y a la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La demencia vascular presenta subtipos: la demencia multiinfarto, caracterizada por varios infartos cerebrales que se acumulan en el tiempo; la demencia por infarto estratégico, en la que hay infartos localizados en zonas cortico-subcorticales con gran conectividad; y la demencia por enfermedad isquémica de pequeñas arterias, producida por infartos lacunares o lesiones difusas de sustancia blanca, que afecta principalmente la velocidad de procesamiento y las funciones ejecutivas. CONCLUSIONES: El deterioro cognitivo en personas con enfermedad cerebrovascular involucra pérdidas en el rendimiento de una o varias funciones mentales superiores, situación que puede evolucionar hasta la demencia, en la que un déficit permanente en las funciones mentales afecta de manera importante el desempeño y el funcionamiento. Sin embargo, es un tema que permite hablar y promover activamente el control o la modificación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disease and dementias are linked by cognitive impairment and dementia of vascular origin. Potentially preventable health conditions capable of generating disability, especially in the older adult population. METHODOLOGY: The purpose is to characterize the cognitive impairment of vascular origin and the spectrum of sporadic vascular dementia, through a review of the topic with a neurocognitive emphasis. RESULTS: Between 30 % to 40 % of people with cerebrovascular disease acquire some degree of cognitive impairment. After three months of having experienced a cerebrovascular disease, about 20 % to 30 % of patients will be diagnosed with dementia and between 10 % and 35 % with cognitive impairment. Vascular cognitive impairment and vascular dementia have several factors common to cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Vascular dementia has subtypes: multi-infarct dementia characterized by several cerebral infarcts that accumulate over time; dementia due to strategic infarction, where there are infarcts located in cortico-subcortical areas with great connectivity; and dementia due to ischemic disease of the small arteries, produced by lacunar infarcts or diffuse lesions of the white matter, which mainly affect processing speed and executive functions. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment in people with cerebrovascular disease involves losses in the performance of one or several higher mental functions, a situation that can evolve to dementia, where a permanent deficit in mental functions significantly affects performance and functioning. However, it is a topic that allows to speak and actively promote the control and / or modification of cardiovascular risk factors.

Complicaciones agudas hospitalarias en adultos mayores con Enfermedad Cerebrovascular asociadas a características neuro-geriátricas / Acute hospital complications in older adults with Cerebrovascular Disease associated with neurogeriatric characteristics

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad cerebrovascular en los adultos mayores tiene implicaciones clínicas, sociales y económicas que pueden comprometer la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida. Es importante determinar las complicaciones que puede presentar el paciente geriátrico con enfermedad cerebrovascular durante los días de estancia hospitalaria. OBJETIVO: Determinar las características neuro-geriátricas asociadas a las complicaciones agudas no neurológicas y los días de hospitalización de los pacientes adultos mayores con enfermedad cerebrovascular. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo. Población de 120 y muestra de 73 pacientes mayores de 65 años con enfermedad cerebro vascular de la Unidad de Neurología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín que inició en agosto de 2020 y culminó en enero 2021. Se excluyó a pacientes que no cumplieron el criterio mencionado, con dependencia funcional total previa, patologías psiquiátricas previas, o personas que no aceptaron ser parte del estudio. Se efectuó el seguimiento de los pacientes desde el ingreso hasta el alta hospitalaria, para identificar complicaciones agudas no neurológicas y días de hospitalización. Se determinó las características neuro-geriátricas mediante las escalas de Barthel, Gijón, Charlson, Norton, Glasgow y NIHSS. Se obtuvo riesgo relativo e intervalos de confianza, considerando significativo un valor p<0,05. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 77 (±8,5) años. Las complicaciones fueron infección de tracto urinario (22,0%), neumonía (20,0%), desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico (19,0%), disfagia (13,0%) y úlceras por presión (9,0%). Las complicaciones que se presentaron significativamente ante una estancia hospitalaria prolongada comparada con quienes no las presentaron fueron la Neumonía (Media 5,81 (1,47 a 10,16) con IC 95%) y la infección del tracto urinario (Media 4,95 (1,52 a 8,38) con IC 95%). Según las características neuro-geriátricas y las complicaciones, encontramos diferencia estadísticamente significativa solo con en el grupo de riesgo bajo, según la escala de Norton RR 0,744 con IC 95% (0,584 - 0,949). CONCLUSIONES: Es importante realizar la valoración geriátrica integral al paciente neurológico tanto al ingreso como al egreso hospitalario, ya que permite detectar complicaciones que pueden pasar desapercibidas y prolongar la estancia hospitalaria.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disease in older adults has clinical, social, and economic implications that can compromise functionality and quality of life. It is important to determine the complications that the geriatric patient with cerebrovascular disease may present during hospital days. OBJECTIVE: To determine the neuro-geriatric characteristics associated with acute non-neurological complications and hospital days in older adult patients with cerebrovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive study. Population of 120 and sample of 73 patients older than 65 years with cerebrovascular disease from the Neurology Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital that began in August 2020 and culminated in January 2021. Patients who did not meet the aforementioned criteria, with previous total functional dependence, previous psychiatric pathologies, or people who did not agree to be part of the study were excluded. Patients were followed up from admission to hospital discharge to identify acute non-neurological complications and days of hospitalization. Neuro-geriatric characteristics were determined using the Barthel, Gijon, Charlson, Norton, Glasgow and NIHSS scales. Relative risk and confidence intervals were obtained, considering a p-value <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Mean age was 77 (±8.5) years. Complications were urinary tract infection (22.0%), pneumonia (20.0%), water and electrolyte imbalance (19.0%), dysphagia (13.0%) and pressure ulcers (9.0%). Complications that occurred significantly in the face of a prolonged hospital stay compared to those who did not present were Pneumonia (Mean 5.81 (1.47 to 10.16) with 95% CI) and urinary tract infection (Mean 4.95 (1.52 to 8.38) with 95% CI). According to neuro-geriatric characteristics and complications, we found statistically significant difference only with in the low risk group, according to the Norton scale RR 0.744 with 95% CI (0.584 - 0.949). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to perform comprehensive geriatric assessment of the neurological patient both on admission and hospital discharge, as it allows the detection of complications that may go unnoticed and prolong hospital stay.

La enseñanza problémica: su aplicación en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de las enfermedades cerebrovasculares / Problem-solving teaching: its application to the teaching-learning process in cerebrovascular diseases

RESUMEN Introducción: La revolución de la enseñanza ha permitido pasar de los métodos pasivos a los productivos, basados en la enseñanza a través de la actividad de los estudiantes. Entre estos últimos se destaca, de manera particular, la enseñanza problémica. Objetivo: Analizar la enseñanza problémica en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de las enfermedades cerebrovasculares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de revisión bibliográfica a través del motor de búsqueda Google Académico, en español e inglés, y sin límite de tiempo. Se emplearon los términos: enseñanza, aprendizaje, problémica y métodos. Se incluyeron aquellos estudios que trataban sobre la enseñanza problémica; también, libros impresos y programas de estudio al respecto. Se incluyeron todos los artículos de revisión bibliográfica o investigación original que tratasen algún aspecto relacionado con la enseñanza problémica, y que estuviesen escritos en español o inglés, con suficiente actualidad y calidad científica. Conclusiones: Se concluye que la enseñanza problémica se aplica al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la medicina tanto en pregrado como en posgrado. En la especialización, le permite al residente, frente a un paciente con enfermedad cerebrovascular u otra incluida en el programa de estudio, desarrollar mayor independencia y creatividad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The revolution of teaching has made it possible to move from passive to productive methods, based on teaching through student activity. Among the latter, problem-solving teaching stands out particularly. Objective: To analyze problem-solving teaching in the teaching-learning process of cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: A literature review study was carried out through the Google Scholar search engine, in Spanish and English, and without time limit. The following terms were used: enseñanza [teaching], aprendizaje [learning], problémica [problem-solving] and métodos [methods]. Studies that dealt with problem-solving teaching were included, together with printed books and study programs on the subject. All bibliographic review or original research articles were also included, if they dealt with any aspect related to problem-solving teaching, written in Spanish or English and with enough scientific update and quality. Conclusions: Problem-solving teaching is concluded to be applicable to the teaching-learning process of medicine both in undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In specialization, it allows the resident, when faced with a patient with cerebrovascular disease or another one including in the study program, to develop greater independence and creativity.

Medición de la mortalidad de pacientes internados por enfermedad cardiovascular mediante el desarrollo de un algoritmo de inteligencia artificial / Measurement of mortality during hospitalization due cardiovascular disease through the development of an artificial intelligence algorithm

Introducción: determinar la causa de muerte de los pacientes internados con enfermedad cardiovascular es de suma importancia para poder tomar medidas y así mejorar la calidad su atención y prevenir muertes evitables. Objetivos: determinar las principales causas de muerte durante la internación por enfermedades cardiovasculares. Desarrollar y validar un algoritmo para clasificar automáticamente a los pacientes fallecidos durante la internación con enfermedades cardiovasculares Diseño del estudio: estudio exploratorio retrospectivo. Desarrollo de un algoritmo de clasificación. Resultados: del total de 6161 pacientes, el 21,3% (1316) se internaron por causas cardiovasculares; las enfermedades cerebrovasculares representan el 30,7%, la insuficiencia cardíaca el 24,9% y las enfermedades cardíacas isquémicas el 14%. El algoritmo de clasificación según motivo de internación cardiovascular vs. no cardiovascular alcanzó una precisión de 0,9546 (IC 95%: 0,9351-0,9696). El algoritmo de clasificación de causa específica de internación cardiovascular alcanzó una precisión global de 0,9407 (IC 95%: 0,8866-0,9741). Conclusiones: la enfermedad cardiovascular representa el 21,3% de los motivos de internación de pacientes que fallecen durante su desarrollo. Los algoritmos presentaron en general buena performance, particularmente el de clasificación del motivo de internación cardiovascular y no cardiovascular y el clasificador según causa específica de internación cardiovascular. (AU)

Introduction: determining the cause of death of hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease is of the utmost importance in order to take measures and thus improve the quality of care of these patients and prevent preventable deaths. Objectives: to determine the main causes of death during hospitalization due to cardiovascular diseases.To development and validate a natural language processing algorithm to automatically classify deceased patients according to their cause for hospitalization. Design: retrospective exploratory study. Development of a natural language processing classification algorithm. Results: of the total 6161 patients in our sample who died during hospitalization, 21.3% (1316) were hospitalized due to cardiovascular causes. The stroke represent 30.7%, heart failure 24.9%, and ischemic cardiac disease 14%. The classification algorithm for detecting cardiovascular vs. Non-cardiovascular admission diagnoses yielded an accuracy of 0.9546 (95% CI 0.9351, 0.9696), the algorithm for detecting specific cardiovascular cause of admission resulted in an overall accuracy of 0.9407 (95% CI 0.8866, 0.9741). Conclusions: cardiovascular disease represents 21.3% of the reasons for hospitalization of patients who die during hospital stays. The classification algorithms generally showed good performance, particularly the classification of cardiovascular vs non-cardiovascular cause for admission and the specific cardiovascular admission cause classifier. (AU)

Tendência da mortalidade das doenças cardiovasculares, nas capitais brasileiras, no período entre 1990 e 2018 / Trends in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in brazilian capitals between 1990 and 2018

As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a principal causa de morte no Brasil e no mundo. As doenças isquêmicas do coração (DIC) e doenças cerebrovasculares (DCBV) estão entre as dez principais causas de mortes no Brasil. A análise de tendência da mortalidade por DCV permite definir populações prioritárias para intervenções, elaborar e avaliar ações em saúde pública. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a tendência da mortalidade por DIC e DCBV nas 27 capitais brasileiras, no período de 1990 a 2018. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico de série temporal, os dados de óbitos foram obtidos através do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Buscando corrigir problemas na qualidade da informação dos registros de óbito do SIM, realizou-se a correção dos óbitos referentes aos dados com sexo e/ou faixa etária ignorada e aos óbitos registrados com causas "mal definidas". As taxas de mortalidade por DIC e DBCV foram padronizadas pelo método direto, tomando-se como população padrão a população do Brasil no ano de 2010. A análise de tendência da mortalidade por DIC e DCBV para a população total, homens e mulheres foi realizada utilizando o modelo de regressão de Poisson. Os resultados mostraram tendência de redução da mortalidade por DCBV tanto para a população total como para homens e mulheres em todas as capitais brasileiras. Vitória, capital da região Sudeste, apresentou a maior redução da taxa de mortalidade total por DCBV dentre todas as capitais brasileiras, -5,6% ao ano (IC95%: -6,0; -5,1%). No entanto, Macapá, capital da região Norte, teve a menor dentre todas as capitais -1,7% ao ano (IC95%: -2,7; -0,7%). Paras as DIC foi observada tendência de redução da mortalidade tanto para a população total como para homens e mulheres nas capitais das regiões Sul, Sudeste e para a maioria das capitais da região Centro-Oeste. As capitais das regiões Norte e Nordeste apresentaram uma variabilidade na tendência da mortalidade por DIC. Conclui-se que as capitais das regiões Sul e Sudeste apresentaram as maiores reduções da tendência da mortalidade por DIC e DCBV. Os achados desse estudo são importantes para prover informações mais detalhadas buscando auxiliar a gestão local na promoção de políticas de saúde pública, planejamento de estratégias e elaboração de medidas e ações em saúde.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in Brazil and worldwide. Ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and cerebrovascular diseases (CBVD) are among Brazil's ten main causes of death. The trend analysis of mortality from CVD allows defining priority populations for interventions, designing and evaluating public health actions. In this sense, the study's objective was to analyze the mortality trend from IHD and CBVD in the 27 Brazilian capitals from 1990 to 2018. This is an ecological time-series study with the Mortality Information System (SIM) data. Seeking to correct the quality of the information in the SIM death records, the correction of deaths referring to data with anonymous sex and age group and deaths recorded with "ill-defined" causes was carried out. IHD and CBVD mortality rates were standardized by the direct method, using the population of Brazil in 2010 as the standard population. Trend analysis of IHD and CBVD mortality for the total population, men and women, was performed using the Poisson regression model. The results showed a reduction in the trend of mortality from CBVD for both the total population and for men and women in all Brazilian capitals. Vitória, the capital of the Southeast region, showed the greatest reduction in the total mortality rate from CVD among all Brazilian capitals, -5.6% per year (95%CI: -6.0; -5.1%). However, Macapá, the capital of the North region, had the lowest among all capitals -1.7% per year (95%CI: -2.7; -0.7%). For IHD, a decrease in the mortality trend was observed both for the total population and for men and women in the capitals of the South and Southeast regions and most capitals of the Center-West region. The capitals of the North and Northeast regions showed variability in the trend of IHD mortality. In conclusion, the capitals of the South and Southeast regions showed the greatest reductions in the mortality trend due to IHD and CBVD. The findings of this study are essential to provide more detailed information to assist local management in promoting public health policies, planning strategies, and designing health measures and actions.

Scourge of Peripheral Artery Disease in a Low-Income-Setting: The Role of VascularSurgery

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive disorder characterized by stenosis and/or occlusion of large and medium-sized arteries, other than those that supply the heart (coronary artery disease, CAD) or the brain (cerebrovascular disease). It is increasingly becoming a challenge in developing countries owing to poverty and ignorance. Objective: To review the scourge of peripheral artery diseases in our institution in a low-income setting with a view to determining the role of a vascular surgeon. Materials and method: Over a period of 15 years (2006 to 2021), patients with documented PAD were reviewed. Data of the patients were retrieved from the record department and such data included demography, aetiology/risk factors, clinical features and investigative parameters as well as modes of treatment especially vascular surgery. Results: There were 35 patients which comprised 20 males and 15 females with male to female ratio of 4:3. Age range affected most was 71-80 years. Aetiologically, artherosclerosis was dominant. Leriche Fontaine classification used in clinical evaluation showed that type III was dominant. 6 Ps (pain, pulselessness, paralysis, paraesthesie, pallor and poikilothermia) of vascular ischemia were evident. Doppler/duplex ultrasound and computer angiography were used in diagnosis. Medical and or surgical treatments were used in patients' management. Vascular and or orthopedic surgery played significant role. Conclusion: PAD affects the lower extremities more commonly than the upper extremity vessels especially in the elderly leading to intermittent claudicationn which is the most recognized symptomatic subset of lower extremity PAD. Morbidity and mortality emanating from inadequate revascularization are burden to emerging economy like ours.

A survey of selected cognitive-communication assessment and intervention practices of Filipino speech-language pathologists working with stroke patients: A preliminary practice patterns study

Background@#Speech and language pathologists (SLPs) are responsible for the management of cognitive-communication disorders brought about by cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). These disorders are managed to support positive and functional changes in the skills needed to participate in the social, education, and vocational responsibilities of an individual. @*Objective@#This study aimed to describe the demographic information and practices of Filipino SLPs through self-ratings of their knowledge, confidence, and experience in relation to their cognitive-communication assessment tools and intervention practices when working with clients with post-CVD and have cognitive-communication disorders. It also aimed to identify the felt needs of SLPs in this area of practice. @*Methodology@#The survey tool was patterned after the questionnaire used by Reideman and Turkstra (2018) in a similar study, validated by SLP experts in cognitive-communication disorders, and pilot tested by SLPs who met inclusion criteria for study participants. @*Results@#A total of 34 SLPs with at least one year of experience working with patients post-CVD responded to the survey. Results showed that the SLPs were most knowledgeable, experienced, and confident in the use of a nonstandardized translation of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and in the use of counseling and education as an intervention method for their patients with cognitive-communication disorders. Despite familiarity with the WAB, they showed a preference for informal assessment practices.@*Conclusion@#The SLPs felt the need for additional training on assessment and treatment practices in cognitive communication disorders and emphasized the need for culturally-appropriate materials and established practice guidelines for the Filipino clientele.

Stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection in a tertiary hospital: A retrospective study

Introduction@#Stroke can be a complication and/or a presenting sign of COVID-19 infection. Although there is growing evidence on stroke in COVID-19 infection, only a few of these studies were done in Asia and there is very scarce evidence in the local setting. @*Objective@#This study aimed to characterize the clinical profile, management, and functional outcome of patients with acute stroke and COVID-19 infection. @*Methods@#This was a single-center retrospective study from March 30 to October 20, 2020. The demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, risk factors, neuroimaging, stroke characteristics, ancillary test results, treatment given, and functional outcome were obtained through a review of medical records. Computation of the mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range, total count, and percentage was done for data analysis. @*Results@#Out of 2,018 patients with COVID-19 infection, 41 (2%) developed an acute stroke. The mean age of patients was 59.05 ± 14.04 years. Majority were men (n=24, 59%). Ischemic stroke (n=28, 68%) was the most common stroke with the anterior circulation commonly involved (n=21, 72%). The most common risk factors were hypertension (n=31, n=76%), cigarette smoking (n=18, 44%), dyslipidemia (n=16, 39%), and ethanol use (n=16, 39%). Among those with stroke and COVID-19 infection, 42% had mild infection and 29% had critical disease. The inflammatory markers were elevated in these patients. Upon discharge, 83% had a poor functional outcome (mRS 3–6). The overall mortality rate was high (n=24, 59%) with pulmonary cause as the most common cause of death. @*Conclusion@#Ischemic stroke was the most common stroke type in patients infected with COVID-19. The common risk factors were hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, ethanol use, and diabetes mellitus. The functional outcome was generally poor and the mortality rate was high. More studies are needed that compare these subsets of patients with a control group, including a longer follow up.

Analysis on mortality and premature death rates of 4 major chronic diseases in Ji'nan, 2015-2020 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To understand the characteristics and trend of the premature death rate of 4 major chronic diseases in Ji'nan from 2015 to 2020. Methods: The death cause surveillance data and population data during 2015-2020 in Ji'nan were collected, and abbreviated life table, Joinpoint regression analysis and other methods were used to analyze the characteristics and change trends of the premature death rates of 4 major chronic diseases. Results: The crude mortality rate and age standardized mortality rate changes for the 4 major chronic diseases from 2015 to 2020 range from 568.65/100 000 to 604.06/100 000 and 366.77/100 000 to 432.48/100 000, respectively. The annual premature death rate of 4 major chronic diseases declined by 3.33% averagely from 2015 to 2020 (95%CI: -6.25%--0.32%), which might be explained by the declines of the premature death rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases [average annual percentage change (AAPC)=-3.23%, 95%CI: -6.32%--0.05%] and cancer (AAPC=-3.58%,95%CI:-6.83%--0.21%). The average decline rate in women (AAPC=-4.19%,95%CI:-7.56%- -0.70%) was higher than that in men (AAPC=-2.92%,95%CI: -5.65%--0.11%). Conclusions: The premature death rate of 4 major chronic diseases showed a downward trend in Ji'nan from 2015 to 2020. Men should be considered as a key population in the prevention and control of 4 major chronic diseases, and attention should also be paid to the non-significant declines in the premature death rates of chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Prediction on the cardio-cerebrovascular death and probability of premature death caused by common risk factors in China in 2030 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: Predictive models were used to evaluate the impact of common risk factors on the number of cardio-cerebrovascular deaths and the probability of premature death. Methods: Using the data for China estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (GBD 2015), we calculated the population attribution fraction (PAF) of risk factors. The proportional change model was used to estimate the number of unattributable deaths by 2030, and to predict the number of deaths, mortality, standardized mortality and probability of premature death by 2030. Results: According to the natural change trend of risk factors from 1990 to 2015, the number of deaths and mortality would reach 6.12 million and 428.53/100 000 by 2030, with an increase of 59.92% and 52.87%. By 2030, the probability of premature death from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases among Chinese aged 30-70 years old would continue to decline, from 11.43% to 11.28% for men, and from 5.79% to 4.43% for women. If the goals of all included risk factors were reached by 2030, 2 289 200 cardio-cerebrovascular deaths would be avoided. If only the exposure to a single risk factor was achieved by 2030, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fine particulate matter exposure were the three most important factors affecting cardio-cerebrovascular deaths, which would reduce 1 332 800, 609 100 and 306 800 deaths, respectively. Among the involved risk factors, the control of blood pressure would mostly decrease the number of deaths due to ischemic heart disease and hemorrhagic stroke, about 677 300 and 391 100 deaths, accordingly. Conclusion: The control of risk factors is of great significance in reducing deaths and probability of premature death due to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. If the control targets of all risk factors could be achieved by 2030, the burden of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases would be reduced greatly.

Expert consensus on clinical application of GBE50 Dispersible Tablets for ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases / 中国中药杂志

Ginkgo biloba Extract( GBE50) Dispersible Tablets is a new standardized prescription,which is widely used in the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However,there are still many problems in its clinical application.Rational and safe use of GBE50 Dispersible Tablets is pivotal to the medication safety and clinical prognosis of patients. This consensus has been jointly formulated by clinical experts of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and followed the Manual for the Clinical Experts Consensus of Chinese Patent Medicine published by the China Association of Chinese Medicine. The present study identified clinical problems based on clinical investigation,searched the research papers according to PICO clinical problems,carried out evidence evaluation,classification,and recommendation by GRADE system,and reached the expert consensus with nominal group technique. The consensus combines evidence with expert experience. Sufficient evidence of clinical problems corresponds to " recommendations",while insufficient evidence to " suggestions". Safety issues of GBE50 Dispersible Tablets,such as indications,usage and dosage,and medication for special populations,are defined to improve clinical efficacy,promote rational medication,and reduce drug risks. This consensus needs to be revised based on emerging clinical issues and evidencebased updates in practical applications in the future.

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Induced by Air Pollution / 中国医学科学院学报

Air pollution has severe detrimental effects on public health.A substantial number of studies have demonstrated that air pollution exposure is a risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and a cause of non-communicable diseases.Both long-term and short-term exposure to air pollution are associated with respiratory diseases,stroke,coronary artery disease,and diabetes.Aiming to better understand the association,we reviewed the latest studies about the association of air pollution with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,especially stroke,coronary heart disease,arrhythmia,hypertension,and heart failure,and summarized the underlying mechanisms of the health damage caused by long-term and short-term exposure to air pollution.

Air Temperature Affects the Hospital Admission for Cardiovascular Diseases among Rural Residents in Dingxi City / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the effect of air temperature on the hospitalization of rural residents with cardiovascular diseases and its lag effect in Dingxi city. Methods The meteorological data and air pollution data of Dingxi city from 2018 to 2019,as well as the daily hospitalization data of rural residents due to cardiovascular diseases,were collected.The distributed lag non-linear models were employed to analyze the relationship between daily mean air temperature and the number of inpatients with cardiovascular diseases.Meanwhile,stratified analysis was carried out according to gender,age,and disease. Results There was a non-linear relationship between air temperature and the number of hospitalized rural residents with cardiovascular diseases in Dingxi city.The exposure-response curve approximated a bell shape.The curves for different cardiovascular diseases appeared similar shapes,with different temperature thresholds.Low temperature(-7 ℃) and moderately low temperature(0 ℃) exhibited a cumulative lag effect on the number of patients hospitalized with cardiovascular diseases.With a cumulative lag of 7 days at -7 ℃ and 14 days at 0 ℃,the RR values peaked,which were 1.121(95% CI=1.002-1.255) and 1.198(95% CI=1.123-1.278),respectively.With a cumulative lag of 14 days at 0 ℃,the RR values were 1.034(95% CI=1.003-1.077) and 1.039(95% CI=1.004-1.066) for the number of hospitalized patients with ischemic heart disease and heart rhythm disorders,respectively.The cumulative lag effects of moderately high temperature(17 ℃) and high temperature(21 ℃) on ischemic heart disease,heart rhythm disorders,and cerebrovascular disease all peaked on that day.Specifically,the RR values at 17 ℃ and 21 ℃ were 1.148(95% CI=1.092-1.206) and 1.176(95% CI=1.096-1.261) for ischemic heart disease,1.071(95% CI=1.001-1.147) and 1.112(95% CI=1.011-1.223) for heart rhythm disorders,and 1.084(95% CI=1.025-1.145) and 1.094(95% CI=1.013-1.182) for cerebrovascular disease,respectively.There was no cumulative lag effect of air temperature on the number of hospitalized patients with heart failure.In addition,stratified analysis showed that low temperature(-7 ℃) and moderately low temperature(0 ℃) affected the number of hospitalized female patients with cardiovascular diseases,and only moderately low temperature(0 ℃) affected males.The cumulative lag effect of high temperature on females was higher than that on males.Air temperature exhibited a stronger impact on female patients than on male patients. Additionally,the population aged<65 years old was more sensitive to low temperature and high temperature than that aged ≥65 years old. Conclusions Air temperature changes increase the hospitalization risk of rural residents with cardiovascular diseases in Dingxi city,which presents a lag effect.The effects of air temperature on patients hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases varied among different etiologies,genders,and ages.It is necessary to emphasize on the impact of temperature changes on health in residents,especially for key populations such as females,people aged<65 years old,and those with ischemic heart disease.