Chlorophyll fluorescence in sentinel plants for the surveillance of chemical risk.

This research aimed to develop natural plant systems to serve as biological sentinels for the detection of organophosphate pesticides in the environment. The working hypothesis was that the presence of the pesticide in the environment caused changes in the content of pigments and in the photosynthetic functioning of the plant, which could be evaluated non-destructively through the analysis of reflected light and emitted fluorescence. The objective of the research was to furnish in vivo indicators derived from spectroscopic parameters, serving as early alert signals for the presence of organophosphates in the environment. In this context, the effects of two pesticides, Chlorpyrifos and Dimethoate, on the spectroscopic properties of aquatic plants (Vallisneria nana and Spathyfillum wallisii) were studied. Chlorophyll-a variable fluorescence allowed monitoring both pesticides' presence before any damage was observed at the naked eye, with the analysis of the fast transient (OJIP curve) proving more responsive than Kautsky kinetics, steady-state fluorescence, or reflectance measurements. Pesticides produced a decrease in the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, in the proportion of PSII photochemical deexcitation relative to PSII non photochemical decay and in the probability that trapped excitons moved electrons into the photosynthetic transport chain beyond QA-. Additionally, an increase in the proportion of absorbed energy being dissipated as heat rather than being utilized in the photosynthetic process, was notorious. The pesticides induced a higher deactivation of chlorophyll excited states by photophysical pathways (including fluorescence) with a decrease in the quantum yields of photosystem II and heat dissipation by non-photochemical quenching. The investigated aquatic plants served as sentinels for the presence of pesticides in the environment, with the alert signal starting within the first milliseconds of electronic transport in the photosynthetic chain. Organophosphates damage animals' central nervous systems similarly to certain compounds found in chemical weapons, thus raising the possibility that sentinel plants could potentially signal the presence of such weapons.

Polypharmacy and high-alert medications in patients with nasally placed feeding tube on admission and at hospital discharge: Multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Polypharmacy and the use of high-alert medications in patients with nasally placed feeding tube (NPFT) increase the risks of drug related problems. Objective: Characterize drugs prescribed to patients with NPFT and compare the rates of polypharmacy and high-alert medication use at admission and hospital discharge. Design and setting: Multicenter cross-sectional study with 327 participants. Methods: Data of patients with NPFT were obtained from the medical records and recorded in an electronic data collection tool. Mean number of drugs, polypharmacy and number of high-alert medications prescribed on admission and at discharge were compared using Wilcoxon or McNemar's tests. Generalized Estimating Equations analyzed the relationship between polypharmacy and high-alert medications according to age and time point. Primary reason for hospital admission, level of consciousness, severity of comorbid diseases and patient care complexity were also assessed. Results: Most patients were male, older people, hospitalized for circulatory system diseases and had at least one comorbidity. On admission, a significant number of patients were alert (59.9%), at high risk for death (43.1%) and high dependent on nursing care (35.4%). Additionally, 92% patients were on polypharmacy on admission, versus 84.7% at hospital discharge (p = 0,0011). The occurrence of polypharmacy was independent of age (p = 0.2377). >17% of all drugs prescribed were high-alert medications, with no statistically significant difference between admission and discharge (p = 0,3957). There was no statistical evidence that the use of high-alert medications increases with age (n = 0,5426). Conclusions: These results support the planning of multidisciplinary qualified actions for patients using NPFT.

Incidence of drug-related adverse events related to the use of high-alert drugs: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: High-alert medication (HAM) is more predictable to cause significant harm to the patient, even when used as intended. The damage related to the HAM lead not only suffering to the patient, but also raise the additional costs associated with care. Objective: Evaluate the incidence of drug-related adverse events related to the use of high-alert medications. Methods: It was conducted an active search for information through COCHRANE databases, LILACS, SciELO, SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE and WEB OF SCIENCE. The search strategy included the following terms: "Patient safety", "Medication errors" and "Hospital" and "High Alert Medications" or "Dangerous Drugs" in different combinations. Then two reviewers independently conducted a preliminary evaluation of relevant titles, abstracts and finally full-text. Studies quality was evaluated according to PRISMA declaration. Results: The systematic review evaluated seven articles, which showed that only 11 HAM identified in the literature could have serious events. The most frequently cited were warfarin (22.2%) which progressed from deep vein thrombosis to gangrene, suggesting lower initial doses, followed by cyclophosphamide (22.2%) and cyclosporine (22.2%) which presented invasive fungal infection and death. In addition to these, morphine was compared with its active metabolite (M6G), with M6G causing fewer serious clinical events related to nausea and vomiting, reducing the need for concomitant use of antiemetics. Conclusions: The most reported drug classes in the articles included that were related to incidence of drug-related adverse events in use of high-alert medications: morphine, M6G-glucuronide, haloperidol, promethazine, ivabradine, digoxin, warfarin, ximelagatran, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and ATG. The formulate protocols for the use of these medications, with importance placed on evaluating, among the classes, the medication that causes the least harm.

Comparison of Clinical Decision Support Tools to Improve Pediatric Lipid Screening.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether different clinical decision support tools increase clinician orders and patient completions relative to standard practice and each other. STUDY DESIGN: A pragmatic, patient-randomized clinical trial in the electronic health record was conducted between October 2019 and April 2020 at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania, with 4 arms: care gap-a passive listing recommending screening; alert-a panel promoting and enabling lipid screen orders; both; and a standard practice-no guideline-based notification-control arm. Data were analyzed for 13 346 9- to 11-year-old patients seen within Geisinger primary care, cardiology, urgent care, or nutrition clinics, or who had an endocrinology visit. Principal outcomes were lipid screening orders by clinicians and completions by patients within 1 week of orders. RESULTS: Active (care gap and/or alert) vs control arm patients were significantly more likely (P < .05) to have lipid screening tests ordered and completed, with ORs ranging from 1.67 (95% CI 1.28-2.19) to 5.73 (95% CI 4.46-7.36) for orders and 1.54 (95% CI 1.04-2.27) to 2.90 (95% CI 2.02-4.15) for completions. Alerts, with or without care gaps listed, outperformed care gaps alone on orders, with odds ratios ranging from 2.92 (95% CI 2.32-3.66) to 3.43 (95% CI 2.73-4.29). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic alerts can increase lipid screening orders and completions, suggesting clinical decision support can improve guideline-concordant screening. The study also highlights electronic record-based patient randomization as a way to determine relative effectiveness of support tools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04118348.

Medicamentos potencialmente perigosos: a expertise dos enfermeiros que atuam em unidade de urgência e emergência / High-alert medications: the expertise of nurses who work in an emergency and emergency unit / Medicamentos potencialmente peligrosos: la experiencia de las enfermeras que trabajan en una unidad de emergencia y emergencia

Objetivo: Identificar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros de um setor de urgência e emergência sobre os medicamentos potencialmente perigosos. Métodos: Estudo descritivo quantitativo desenvolvido com 23 enfermeiros em hospital de nível terciário municipal. Foi aplicado o Questionário de Medicamentos Potencialmente Perigosos. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o software SPSS e foram utilizadas as medidas de tendência central e as medidas de dispersão. Resultados: A média±(DP) do tempo de formação foi 9,7 ± 3,0 anos e o tempo de serviço na instituição obteve média±(DP) 3,9 ± 3,8 anos. A média±(DP) de acertos no domínio 1 foi de 7 ± 1,74 e no domínio 2 foi 6,9 ± 1,55. Muitos profissionais referiram ter alguma dúvida relacionada ao uso de Medicamentos Potencialmente Perigosos. O domínio 2 obteve menor número de acertos quando comparado ao domínio 1. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros possuem conhecimento sobre a temática, pois a média de acertos nos dois domínios foram satisfatórias, mas apresentaram o menor número de acertos quanto ao uso de alguns fármacos, como prometazina e amiodarona. Com isso, reforça-se a importância de capacitar esses profissionais visando a segurança do paciente. (AU)

Objective: To identify the knowledge of nurses in an urgency and emergency sector about potentially dangerous drugs. Methods: Quantitative descriptive study developed with 23 nurses in a municipal tertiary level hospital. The Questionnaire of High-Alert Medicationswas applied. For data analysis, the SPSS software was used and measures of central tendency and dispersion measures were used. Results: The mean ± (SD) time since graduation was 9.7 ± 3.0 years and the length of service at the institution had a mean ± (SD) 3.9 ± 3.8 years. The mean ± (SD) of correct answers in domain 1 was 7 ± 1.74 and in domain 2 its was 6.9 ± 1.55. Many professionals reported having some doubt related to the use of Potentially Dangerous Medicines. Domain 2 had a lower number of correct answers when compared to domain 1. Conclusion: Nurses have knowledge on the subject, as the average of correct answers in the two domains were satisfactory, but they had the lowest number of correct answers regarding the use of some drugs, such as promethazine and amiodarone. With this, the importance of training these professionals is reinforced with a view to patient safety. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar el conocimiento de los enfermeros en un sector de urgencia y emergencia sobre medicamentos potencialmente peligrosos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo cuantitativo desarrollado con 23 enfermeras de un hospital municipal de nivel terciario. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de medicamentos potencialmente peligrosos. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el software SPSS y se utilizaron medidas de tendencia central y medidas de dispersión. Resultados: El tiempo medio ± (DE) desde la graduación fue de 9,7 ± 3,0 años y el tiempo de servicio en la institución tuvo una media ± (DE) 3,9 ± 3,8 años. La media ± (DE) de respuestas correctas en el dominio 1 fue de 7 ± 1,74 y en el dominio 2 fue de 6,9 ± 1,55. Muchos profesionales informaron tener alguna duda relacionada con el uso de medicamentos potencialmente peligrosos. El dominio 2 tuvo un número menor de respuestas correctas en comparación con el dominio 1. Conclusión: Los enfermeros tienen conocimiento sobre el tema, ya que el promedio de aciertos en los dos dominios fue satisfactorio, pero tuvieron el menor número de aciertos en cuanto al uso de algunos fármacos, como prometazina y amiodarona. Con ello, se refuerza la importancia de formar a estos profesionales con miras a la seguridad del paciente. (AU)

Impact of an Electronic Alert in Combination with a Care Bundle on the Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury.

Early diagnosis is essential for the appropriate management of acute kidney injury (AKI). We evaluated the impact of an electronic AKI alert together with a care bundle on the progression and mortality of AKI. This was a single-center prospective study that included AKI patients aged ≥ 18 years, whereas those in palliative care, nephrology, and transplantation departments were excluded. An AKI alert was issued in electronic medical records and a care bundle was suggested. A series of classes were administered to the multidisciplinary teams by nephrologists, and a clinical pharmacist audited prescriptions. Patients were categorized into pre-alert and post-alert groups. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the pre-alert (n = 1613) and post-alert (n = 1561) groups. The 30-day mortality rate was 33.6% in the entire cohort and was lower in the post-alert group (30.5% vs. 36.7%; p < 0.001). Age, pulmonary disease, malignancy, and ICU admission were associated with an increase in 30-day mortality. The electronic AKI alert together with a care bundle and a multidisciplinary education program was associated with a reduction in 30-day mortality in patients with AKI.

Factores asociados a malestar psicológico durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en personal de salud de un hospital público de Ecuador / Related factors to psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in the health staff of a public hospital in Ecuador

Fundamento: La pandemia por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, genera afectaciones en las esferas social, económica y sanitaria de un país, y de manera particular, consecuencias psicológicas negativas en el personal sanitario de hospitales públicos, considerados como la primera línea de atención a pacientes con esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir factores asociados a la presencia de malestar psicológico en el personal sanitario de un hospital general público en Ecuador, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Estudio no experimental, de corte transversal, con alcance descriptivo-correlacional. Los datos correspondieron a 276 funcionarios de la salud que respondieron un instrumento online, con un módulo de datos sociodemográficos y una escala de tamizaje de malestar psicológico, estos se aplicaron después de una intervención en salud dirigida al personal de salud realizada al inicio de la pandemia, en mayo del año 2020. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de asociación, mediante el software SPSS 25.0. Resultados: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 76.1 % de mujeres, 23.9 % de hombres, con una media de edad de 36 años, en mayor cantidad con profesionales de Enfermería (33.7 %), seguido de Medicina (24.3 %). El 70.7 % del personal de salud presentó malestar psicológico, de estos, el 26.1 % con indicativo de trastorno mental. Se encontraron tres variables asociadas a la presencia de malestar psicológico: clima laboral, teletrabajo y convivir con grupos de riesgo. Conclusiones: El personal de Salud ha presentado afectación en su salud mental asociado a las condiciones sociolaborales durante la pandemia.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic affects the social, economic and health spheres of a country, especially negative psychological consequences to the health staff of public hospitals, considered as the first line of care for patients with this disease. Objective: To describe factors related to the presence of psychological distress in the health personnel of a public general hospital in Ecuador, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Non-experimental, cross-sectional study with a descriptive-correlational scope. The data corresponded to 276 health officials who answered to an online instrument, with a sociodemographic data module and a psychological distress screening scale, these were applied after a health intervention aimed at health personnel conducted at the beginning of the pandemic, in May 2020. Descriptive and association analyzes were performed using SPSS 25.0 software. Results: The sample was made up of 76.1 % women, 23.9 % men, mean age of 36 years, with a greater number of Nursing professionals (33.7 %), followed by Medicine (24.3 %). 70.7 % of the health personnel presented psychological distress, out of these, 26.1 % showed mental disorder. Three variables related to the presence of psychological distress were found: work environment, teleworking and living with risk groups. Conclusions: Health staff has presented mental health distress related to socio-labor conditions during the pandemic.

Design of a Forest Fire Early Alert System through a Deep 3D-CNN Structure and a WRF-CNN Bias Correction.

Throughout the years, wildfires have negatively impacted ecological systems and urban areas. Hence, reinforcing territorial risk management strategies against wildfires is essential. In this study, we built an early alert system (EAS) with two different Machine Learning (ML) techniques to calculate the meteorological conditions of two Colombian areas: (i) A 3D convolutional neural net capable of learning from satellite data and (ii) a convolutional network to bias-correct the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model output. The results were used to quantify the daily Fire Weather Index and were coupled with the outcomes from a land cover analysis conducted through a Naïve-Bayes classifier to estimate the probability of wildfire occurrence. These results, combined with an assessment of global vulnerability in both locations, allow the construction of daily risk maps in both areas. On the other hand, a set of short-term preventive and corrective measures were suggested to public authorities to implement, after an early alert prediction of a possible future wildfire. Finally, Soil Management Practices are proposed to tackle the medium- and long-term causes of wildfire development, with the aim of reducing vulnerability and promoting soil protection. In conclusion, this paper creates an EAS for wildfires, based on novel ML techniques and risk maps.

Knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents. METHODS: Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study conducted in a state school in the municipality of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Twelve teachers participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. RESULTS: Three categories were built: "Warning signs of suicide", related to the signs identified by the professionals; "Risk factors for suicide", which indicate the reasons that may lead adolescents to present this type of behavior; and "Difficulties in dealing with the behaviors", referring to the behaviors adopted by adolescents and the difficulties of teachers before the theme. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to identify that teachers recognize some signs of suicidal behavior, as well as some risk factors. Nonetheless, it is necessary to qualify them to approach the subject, since they feel insecure to act in more critical moments, thus generating mainly feelings of sadness, guilt and powerlessness.

Impacto de la dispensación automatizada de medicamentos en la seguridad del paciente. Evidencia de una Unidad de Cuidado Crítico en Colombia

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de la dispensación automatizada en la seguridad del paciente en una unidad de cuidado crítico y medir el tiempo de dispensación para conocer los efectos en la atención del paciente y los trabajadores de la salud. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo observacional. La técnica fue documentar la dispensación tomando las bases de datos en el sistema tradicional y automatizado procesados en Microsoft Excel y medición del tiempo. Resultados: Con el sistema automatizado el uso de controles para el acceso en la dispensación de los medicamentos e insumos fue del 100 %. Y, el porcentaje de casos de problemas con el uso de medicamentos en el sistema tradicional fue de 0,38 y en el automatizado descendió a 0,007. Discusión: Pasar de manual a automatizado en la dispensación representa reducción del tiempo de un día a 22 segundos, el uso del 100 % de las alertas tecnológicas y la eficiencia en los procesos de dispensación reflejado por el 15,2 % de transacciones en el cargue de los dispositivos médicos y medicamentos. Conclusiones: La dispensación automatizada impacta en el paciente acortando el tiempo para que el medicamento sea administrado oportunamente, en los trabajadores este tiempo es una ventaja para invertir en los cuidados, el equipo de sistema automatizado adiciona controles que ayudan al doble chequeo en el alistamiento y cargue y la reducción de eventos adversos. Y, en la organización disminuye los eventos relacionados con roturas de envases, daño de empaques por la menor manipulación y disposición de medicamentos en gabinetes cerrados.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the impact of automated dispensing on patient safety in a Critical Care Unit and measure the dispensing time to know the effects on patient care and health workers. Methodology: Retrospective observational study. The technique was to document the dispensing taking the databases in the traditional and automated system processed in Microsoft Excel and measuring time. Results: With the automated system, the use of controls for access in the dispensing of medicines and supplies was 100 %. And, the percentage of cases of problems with the use of medicines in the traditional system was 0.38 and in the automated system it fell to 0.007. Discussion: Going from manual to automated in the dispensing represents a reduction in time from one day to 22 seconds, the use of 100 % of technological alerts and the efficiency in the dispensing processes reflected by 15.2 % of transactions in the load of medical devices and drugs. Conclusions: Automated dispensing impacts on the patient by shortening the time for the medication to be administered in a timely manner, in workers this time is an advantage to invest in care, the automated system equipment adds controls that help the double check in the readiness and burden and reducing adverse events. And, in the organization it reduces the events related to container breakage, packaging damage due to less manipulation and disposal of medicines in closed cabinets.

Objetivo: Determinar o impacto da dispensação automatizada na segurança do paciente em um unidade de terapia intensiva e medir o tempo de dispensação para conhecer os efeitos no paciente cuidadores e trabalhadores da saúde. Metodologia: Estudo observacional retrospectivo. O técnica foi documentar a dispensação tomando os bancos de dados na forma tradicional e sistema automatizado processado em Microsoft Excel e medição de tempo. Resultados: Com o sistema automatizado, o uso de controles para acesso na dispensação de medicamentos e suprimentos foi de 100%. E, a porcentagem de casos de problemas com o uso de medicamentos no sistema tradicional foi de 0,38 e no sistema automatizado caiu para 0,007. Discussão : Passar de manual para automatizado na dispensação representa redução do tempo de um dia para 22 segundos, o uso de 100% de tecnologia alertas e a eficiência nos processos de dispensação refletida em 15,2% das transações na carga de dispositivos médicos e medicamentos. Conclusões: dispensação automatizada impactos no paciente, diminuindo o tempo para a medicação ser administrada em tempo hábil, nos trabalhadores este tempo é uma vantagem para investir no atendimento, a automatização equipamentos do sistema adicionam controles que auxiliam na dupla verificação da prontidão e sobrecarga e redução de eventos adversos. E, na organização, reduz o eventos relacionados à quebra de contêineres, danos à embalagem devido à menor manipulação e descarte de medicamentos em armários fechados.

Community acceptability of dengue fever surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicles: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey.

Surveillance is a critical component of any dengue prevention and control program. There is an increasing effort to use drones in mosquito control surveillance. Due to the novelty of drones, data are scarce on the impact and acceptance of their use in the communities to collect health-related data. The use of drones raises concerns about the protection of human privacy. Here, we show how willingness to be trained and acceptance of drone use in tech-savvy communities can help further discussions in mosquito surveillance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey to assess knowledge of diseases caused by Aedes mosquitoes, perceptions about drone use for data collection, and acceptance of drones for Aedes mosquito surveillance around homes. Compared with people living in Turkey, Mexicans had 14.3 (p < 0.0001) times higher odds and Malaysians had 4.0 (p = 0.7030) times the odds of being willing to download a mosquito surveillance app. Compared to urban dwellers, rural dwellers had 1.56 times the odds of being willing to be trained. There is widespread community support for drone use in mosquito surveillance and this community buy-in suggests a potential for success in mosquito surveillance using drones. A successful surveillance and community engagement system may be used to monitor a variety of mosquito spp. Future research should include qualitative interview data to add context to these findings.

Knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents / Conocimiento de los profesores sobre el comportamiento suicida en los adolescentes / Conhecimento de professores sobre comportamento suicida em adolescentes

Objective. To identify the knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents. Methods. Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study conducted in a state school in the municipality of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Twelve teachers participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. Results. Three categories were built: "Warning signs of suicide", related to the signs identified by the professionals; "Risk factors for suicide", which indicate the reasons that may lead adolescents to present this type of behavior; and "Difficulties in dealing with the behaviors", referring to the behaviors adopted by adolescents and the difficulties of teachers before the theme. Conclusion. It was possible to identify that teachers recognize some signs of suicidal behavior, as well as some risk factors. Nonetheless, it is necessary to qualify them to approach the subject, since they feel insecure to act in more critical moments, thus generating mainly feelings of sadness, guilt and powerlessness.

Objetivo. Identificar el conocimiento de los profesores sobre el comportamiento suicida en adolescentes. Métodos. Estudio exploratorio-descriptivo y cualitativo realizado en una escuela pública del municipio de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Doce profesores participaron en el estudio. Los datos se recogieron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, que fueron analizadas utilizando el Análisis de Contenido de Bardin. Resultados. Se construyeron tres categorías: "Señales de alerta de suicidio", relacionada con las señales identificadas por los profesionales; "Factores de riesgo de suicidio", que indican las razones que pueden llevar a los adolescentes a presentar este tipo de comportamiento; y "Dificultades para lidiar con los comportamientos", relativa a las conductas adoptadas por los adolescentes y a las dificultades de los profesionales frente al tema. Conclusión. Se pudo identificar que los profesores reconocen algunas señales de comportamiento suicida, así como algunos factores de riesgo. Sin embargo, es necesario cualificarlas para el abordaje del problema, pues se sienten inseguros para actuar en los momentos más críticos, generando principalmente sentimientos de tristeza, culpa e impotencia.

Objetivo. Identificar o conhecimento de professores sobre comportamento suicida em adolescentes. Métodos. Estudo exploratório-descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em uma escola estadual no município de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Participaram no estudo 12 professores. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas analisadas por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados. Foram construídas três categorias: "Sinais de alerta para o suicídio", relacionada com os sinais identificados pelos profissionais; "Fatores de risco para o suicídio", que apontam os motivos que podem levar os adolescentes a apresentarem este tipo de comportamento; e, "Dificuldades em lidar com os comportamentos" referentes às condutas adotadas pelos adolescentes e as dificuldades dos professores frente ao tema. Conclusão. Foi possível identificar que os professores reconhecem alguns sinais de comportamento suicida assim como alguns fatores de risco. Porém, é preciso qualificá-los para a abordagem ao assunto, visto que se sentem inseguros para agir em momentos mais críticos, gerando principalmente sentimentos de tristeza, culpa e impotência.

Pediatric Acute Stroke Protocols in the United States and Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe existing pediatric acute stroke protocols to better understand how pediatric centers might implement such pathways within the context of institution-specific structures. STUDY DESIGN: We administered an Internet-based survey of pediatric stroke specialists. The survey included questions about hospital demographics, child neurology and pediatric stroke demographics, acute stroke response, imaging, and hyperacute treatment. RESULTS: Forty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents practiced at a large, freestanding children's hospital with a moderate-sized neurology department and at least 1 neurologist with expertise in pediatric stroke. Although there was variability in how the hospitals deployed stroke protocols, particularly in regard to staffing, the majority of institutions had an acute stroke pathway, and almost all included activation of a stroke alert page. Most institutions preferred magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT) and used abbreviated MRI protocols for acute stroke imaging. Most institutions also had either CT-based or magnetic resonance-based perfusion imaging available. At least 1 patient was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy at the majority of institutions during the year before our survey. CONCLUSIONS: An acute stroke protocol is utilized in at least 41 pediatric centers in the US and Canada. Most acute stroke response teams are multidisciplinary, prefer abbreviated MRI over CT for diagnosis, and have experience providing IV-tPA and mechanical thrombectomy. Further studies are needed to standardize practices of pediatric acute stroke diagnosis and hyperacute management.

Preservation of hearing in partial deafness patients who received two different regimes of corticosteroid therapy following cochlear implantation: one-year observations

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess how different modes of steroid therapy affect hearing preservation in Partial Deafness Treatment group of patients. In this study, the group consisted of 46 (24 women, 22 men; aged 18-78 years) cochlear implant patients divided into 3 subgroups. In the first subgroup (N = 13), patients underwent standard intravenous (IV) steroid therapy following implantation. In the second (N = 16), patients underwent prolonged treatment with a combination of oral and IV corticosteroids. Third subgroup (N = 17) was a control group who received no steroids therapy. The mean hearing preservation rate was 52.1% (SD = 36.7) in patients receiving standard steroid therapy, 71.4% (SD = 22.7) in patients with prolonged steroid therapy, and 22.1% (SD = 33.9) in control patients. The smallest variation of hearing preservation rate was observed in patients with prolonged steroid therapy and was 9.9 dB. In comparison, the mean change in patients with standard steroid therapy was 11.7 dB and for control patients the figure was 18.0 dB. A combination of intravenous and oral steroid therapy seems to be optimal and stabilizes hearing thresholds and preserves hearing.

Off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit of a Brazilian hospital

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the factors associated with off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) of a Brazilian hospital. An analytical, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in the adult ICU population from March 2018 to May 2018. Off-label use of medication was classified by indication, dosage, route of administration, type and volume of diluent, and duration of administration. Most patients were female (57.89%), non-elderly (56.14%), and had a mean age of 54.44 ± 17.15 years. The prevalence of off-label drug use was 70.31%, but was not associated with the clinical severity of the patients. A statistically significant association was observed between label use of drugs and prescribing potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM). The most common reasons for off-label drug use were therapeutic indication (19.58%) and volume of diluent (23.30%). Drug administration by enteral tubes accounted for the largest number of off-label uses due to route of administration (90.85%). There was a higher prevalence of off-label use of systemic antimicrobials (14.44%) and norepinephrine (9.28%). Our study provided a broad characterization of off-label drug use in an adult ICU and showed why it is important for health professionals to evaluate the specific risks and benefits of this practice

Evaluación del método de Petroff modificado con solución salina para el diagnóstico de micobacterias en el sistema Bact/Alert 3D / Assessment of Petroff method modified with saline solution for the diagnosis of mycobacteria in Bact/Alert 3D system

Introducción: Existen diferentes métodos de descontaminación de muestras pulmonares para el diagnóstico de micobacterias. El Programa Nacional de Control de Tuberculosis recomienda el método de Petroff modificado con solución salina, pero no existen evidencias documentadas que avalen este método. Objetivo: Evaluar el método de Petroff modificado con solución salina para el diagnóstico de micobacterias en el sistema Bact/Alert 3D. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de pruebas diagnósticas utilizando 100 muestras pulmonares recibidas en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia e Investigaciones de Tuberculosis, Lepra y Micobacterias del Instituto Pedro Kourí, abril 2016 enero 2017. La muestra se dividió en 3 alícuotas y se descontaminaron mediante 3 métodos; luego se inocularon en los medios de cultivo sólido y líquido. Se compararon los resultados del cultivo en cuanto: tiempo de detección de crecimiento, tasa de contaminación, por ciento de positividad, además se calcularon indicadores de desempeño. Resultados: Al comparar el método Petroff modificado con solución salina con el Petroff modificado con solución fosfato en Löwenstein Jensen, el tiempo de detección de crecimiento, por ciento de positividad y la tasa de contaminación se comportaron de forma similar y la sensibilidad (93,75 por ciento), concordancia (96,47 por ciento) e índice de Youden (0,91) fueron elevadas. Al compararlo el Petroff modificado con solución salina con el N-Acetil-L-Cisteína, las variables no mostraron diferencias significativas y los Indicadores de Desempeño se comportaron por encima del 93 por ciento, para el medio sólido y líquido. Conclusiones: Los resultados avalan la continuidad del uso del Petroff modificado con solución salina como método de descontaminación de las muestras pulmonares en la red de laboratorios de Cuba y como alternativa en el pretratamiento de las muestras para el medio líquido (Bact/Alert 3D), además constituye un soporte para el Programa Nacional de Control de Tuberculosis(AU)

Introduction: There are different decontamination methods of pulmonary samples for the diagnosis of mycobacteria. The National Program for the Control of Tuberculosis recommends Petroff method modified with saline solution; but there are not documented evidences that endorse it. Objective: Assess Petroff method modified with saline solution for the diagnosis of mycobacteria in Bact / Alert 3D system. Methods: An observational analytic study of diagnostic tests was conducted; there were used 100 pulmonary samples received in the National Laboratory of References and Researches of Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Mycobacteria of Pedro Kourí Institute, from April 2016 to January 2017. The sample was divided in 3 aliquots and those were decontaminated using 3 methods; then, they were inoculated in the solid and liquid culture means. Cultures´ results were compared according to: growth's detection time, contamination rate, percent of positivity; in addition, performance indicators were calculated. Results: When comparing Petroff method modified with saline solution with Petroff method modified with phosphate solution in Löwenstein Jensen, the growth's detection time, the percent of positivity and the rate of contamination behaved similarly, and sensitivity (93,75percent), concordance (96,47percent) and Youden´s index (0,91) were high. When the Petroff method modified with saline solution was compared with N-Acetil-L- Cisteina, the variables did not show significative differences and the behaviour indicators were over 93percent for the solid and liquid mean. Conclusions: The results endorse the continuity of the use of Petroff method modified with saline solution as a decontamination method of pulmonary samples in the network of Cuban laboratories and as alternative to the pre-treatment of the samples for the liquid mean (Bact/Alert 3D); it also constitutes a support for the National Program for the Control of Tuberculosis(AU)

Incidence of Respiratory Depression in a Postanesthesia Care Unit in Patients Undergoing Anesthesia Using Opioids.

PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence of respiratory depression (RD) in patients undergoing anesthesia using opioids in a postanesthesia care unit. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Quantitative approach, performed by documentary analysis of medical records in the postanesthesia care unit. FINDINGS: A total of 330 patients were included in the study, with a prevalence of female (186; 56.36%) and nonobese patients (295; 89.39%). Five cases of RD in the immediate postoperative period were found, corresponding to an incidence of 1.52%. Each case in this study showed different risk factors related to opioid-induced RD. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing surveillance is essential in the decision-making process regarding the knowledge of physiological, pharmacologic, and risk factors to detect clinical signs of RD.

New drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013: analysis from the perspective of child health

This study aims to analyze the new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 from the perspective of childcare needs, drug safety and considering the disease burden of the country. This is a retrospective cohort study including new drugs registered in Brazil between 2003 and 2013. Drug indications were related to the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) of the 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study. Association between the number of new drugs and DALY was determined by Spearman's coefficient. Post-marketing safety alerts specific to the pediatric population have been identified in the WHO Drug Information Bulletin and on websites of drug regulatory agencies. A total of 134 new drugs were included in the cohort and 46 (34.3%) had a pediatric indication. There was no evidence of an association between the disease burden in children in Brazil and the number of pediatric drugs. The safety alert data associated with the pediatric population published after registration of the new drugs were scarce. The number of new drugs launched in Brazil with a pediatric indication was small, reflecting the international challenges of developing effective and safe medicines for children. No association was found between the number of new drugs and the disease burden.

TrackingStorm: Visualization Tool for a Storm Detector Network (SDN) in the LF Spectrum

Abstract During the last year the Group of Atmospheric Electricity Phenomena (FEA/UFPR) developed a short range lightning location network based on a sensor device called Storm Detector Network (SDN), along with a set of algorithms that enables to track storms, determining the Wide Area Probability (WAP) of lightning occurrence, risk level of lightning and Density Extension of the Flashes (DEF), using the geo-located lightning information as input data. These algorithms compose a Dashboard called Tracking Storm Interface (TSI), which is the visualization tool for an experimental short range Storm Detector network prototype in use on the region of Curitiba-Paraná, Brazil. The algorithms make use of Geopandas and clustering algorithms to locate storms, estimate centroids, determine dynamic storm displacement and compute parameters of thunderstorms like velocity, head edge of electrified cloud, Mean Stroke Rate, and tracking information, which are important parameters to improve the alert system which is subject of this research. To validate these algorithms we made use of a simple storm simulation, which enabled to test the system with huge amounts of data. We found that, for long duration storms, the tracking results, velocity and directions of the storms are coherent with the values of simulation and can be used to improve an alert system for the Storm Detector network. WAP can reach at least 75% of prediction efficiency when used 6 past WAP data, but can reach 98.86% efficiency when more data is available. We use storm dynamics to make improved alert predictions, reaching an efficiency of ~87%.

Factors associated with the clinical deterioration recognized by an early warning pediatric score / Factores asociados al deterioro clínico reconocido por una puntuación pediátrica de alerta temprana / Fatores associados à deterioração clínica reconhecida por um escore pediátrico de alerta precoce

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the factors associated with clinical deterioration recognized by a Pediatric Early Warning Score. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary pediatric public hospital with 271 children aged from zero to ten, hospitalized between May and October 2015. For the identification of the children with and without signs of clinical deterioration, the translated, adapted and validated version of the Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score was applied to the Brazilian context. Logistic regression analysis and prevalence ratio (PR) were used to measure the association between the variables studied. A 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p value were adopted as a measure of statistical significance to identify potential associated factors. Results: The factors associated with the clinical deterioration of the children studied were age ≤ 2 years old (p=0.000), hospitalization in the emergency unit (p=0.000), comorbidity (p=0.020) and clinical diagnosis of respiratory disease (p=0.000). Conclusion: Children ≤ 2 years old, with comorbidity, diagnosed with respiratory disease and hospitalized in the emergency unit showed an increased likelihood of clinical deterioration. The identification of factors associated with clinical deterioration may alert and direct the health team to children more susceptible to this phenomenon.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados al deterioro clínico reconocido por una Puntuación Pediátrica de Alerta Temprana. Método: estudio de corte transversal realizado en un hospital público pediátrico terciario con 271 niños de cero a diez años de edad, hospitalizados entre mayo y octubre de 2015. Para identificar a los niños con y sin signos de deterioro clínico, se aplicó la versión traducida, adaptada y validad del Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score para el contexto brasileño. Se utilizaron el análisis de regresión logística y la relación de prevalencia (RP) para medir la asociación entre las variables estudiadas. Se adoptaron el Intervalo de Confianza (IC) del 95% y el Valor de p como medida de significancia estadística para identificar los potenciales factores asociados. Resultados: los factores asociados al deterioro clínico de los niños estudiados fueron los siguientes: edad ≤ 2 años (p=0,000), internación en la unidad de emergencia (p=0,000), comorbilidad (p=0,020) y diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad respiratoria (p=0,000). Conclusión: los niños con una edad máxima de 2 años, con alguna comorbidad, con diagnóstico de enfermedad respiratoria e internadas en la unidad de emergencia presentaron una mayor probabilidad de deterioro clínico. Identificar factores asociados al deterioro clínico puede servir como alerta y orientar al equipo de salud hacia los niños más susceptibles a este fenómeno.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados à deterioração clínica reconhecida por um Escore Pediátrico de Alerta Precoce. Método: estudo de corte transversal, realizado num hospital público pediátrico terciário, com 271 crianças de zero a dez anos, hospitalizadas entre maio e outubro de 2015. Para a identificação das crianças com e sem sinais de deterioração clínica, foi aplicada a versão traduzida, adaptada e validada do Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score para o contexto brasileiro. Foram utilizadas a análise de regressão logística e a razão de prevalência (RP) para medir a associação entre as variáveis estudadas. O Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95% e Valor de p foram adotados como medida de significância estatística para a identificação dos potenciais fatores associados. Resultados: os fatores associados à deterioração clínica das crianças estudadas foram idade ≤ 2 anos (p=0,000), internamento na unidade de emergência (p=0,000), comorbidade (p=0,020) e diagnóstico clínico de doença respiratória (p=0,000). Conclusão: crianças ≤ 2 anos, portadoras de comorbidade, com diagnóstico de doença respiratória e internadas na unidade de emergência apresentaram aumento da probabilidade de deterioração clínica. A identificação de fatores associados à deterioração clínica pode alertar e direcionar a equipe de saúde para crianças mais suscetíveis a esse fenômeno.