Healthcare cost expenditure for robotic versus laparoscopic liver resection: a bottom-up economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is increasingly performed via the robot-assisted approach but may be associated with increased costs. This study is a post-hoc comparison of healthcare cost expenditure for robotic liver resection (RLR) and laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in a high-volume center. METHODS: In-hospital and 30-day postoperative healthcare costs were calculated per patient in a retrospective series (October 2015-December 2022). RESULTS: Overall, 298 patients were included (143 RLR and 155 LLR). Benefits of RLR were lower conversion rate (2.8% vs 12.3%, p = 0.002), shorter operating time (167 min vs 198 min, p = 0.044), and less blood loss (50 mL vs 200 mL, p < 0.001). Total per-procedure costs of RLR (€10260) and LLR (€9931) were not significantly different (mean difference €329 [95% bootstrapped confidence interval (BCI) €-1179-€2120]). Lower costs with RLR due to shorter surgical and operating room time were offset by higher disposable instrumentation costs resulting in comparable intraoperative costs (€5559 vs €5247, mean difference €312 [95% BCI €-25-€648]). Postoperative costs were similar for RLR (€4701) and LLR (€4684), mean difference €17 [95% BCI €-1357-€1727]. When also considering purchase and maintenance costs, RLR resulted in higher total per-procedure costs. DISCUSSION: In a high-volume center, RLR can have similar per-procedure cost expenditure as LLR when disregarding capital investment.

Outpatient and Ambulatory Extended Recovery Robotic Hepatectomy: Multinational Study of 307 Cases.

BACKGROUND: For open minor hepatectomy, morbidity and recovery are dominated by the incision. The robotic approach may transform this "incision dominant procedure" into a safe outpatient procedure. STUDY DESIGN: We audited outpatient (<2 midnights) robotic hepatectomies at six hepatobiliary centers in two nations to test the hypothesis that the robotic approach can be a safe and effective short-stay procedure. ERAS programs were active at all sites, and home digital monitoring was available at one of the institutions. RESULTS: Three hundred and seven outpatient (26 same-day, 281 next-day discharge) robotic hepatectomies were identified (2013-2023). Most were minor hepatectomies (194 single-segments, 90 bi-segmentectomies, 14 three-segments, 8 four-segments). Thirty-nine (13%) were for benign histology, while 268 were for cancer (33 hepatocellular carcinoma, 27 biliary, 208 metastatic disease). Patient characteristics were - median age 60 (18-93), 55% male, and median BMI 26 (14-63). Thirty (10%) had cirrhosis. One-hundred-eighty-seven (61%) had previous abdominal surgery. Median operative time was 163 minutes (30-433), with a median blood loss of 50 cc (10-900). There were no deaths and six complications (2%): 2 wound infections, 1 failure to thrive, and 3 perihepatic abscesses. Re-admission was required in 5 patients (1.6%).Of the 268 malignancy cases, 25 (9%) were R1 resections. Of the 128 with superior segment resections (segments 7/8/4A/2/1), there were 12 positive margins (9%) and two readmissions for abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient robotic hepatectomies in well-selected cases are safe (0 mortality, 2% complication, 1.6% re-admission), including resections in the superior or posterior portions of the liver that are challenging with non-articulating laparoscopic instruments.

Hybrid operating room applications for precision hepatobiliary surgery: A narrative review.

This review summarizes the key applications of a hybrid operating room (HOR) in hepatobiliary surgery and explores the advantages, limitations, and future directions of its utilization. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify articles reporting on the utilization of HORs in liver surgery. So far, the HOR has been limitedly applied in hepatobiliary surgery. It can offer an optimal environment for combining radiological and surgical interventions and for performing image-guided surgical navigation.

Robotic Versus Open Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Placement for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). HAIP chemotherapy requires a catheter inserted in the gastroduodenal artery and a subcutaneous pump. The catheter can be placed using an open or robotic approach. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of robotic versus open HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA. METHODS: We analyzed patients with unresectable iCCA included in the PUMP-II trial from January 2020 to September 2022 undergoing robotic or open HAIP placement at Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, and UMC Utrecht. The primary outcome was time to functional recovery (TTFR). RESULTS: In total, 22 robotic and 28 open HAIP placements were performed. The median TTFR was 2 days after robotic placement versus 5 days after open HAIP placement (p < 0.001). One patient (4.5%) in the robotic group underwent a conversion to open because of a large bulky tumor leaning on the hilum immobilizing the liver. Postoperative complications were similar-36% (8/22) after robotic placement versus 39% (11/28) after open placement (p = 1.000). The median length of hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group-3 versus 5 days (p < 0.001). All 22 robotic patients initiated HAIP chemotherapy post-surgery, i.e. 93% (26/28) in the open group (p = 0.497). The median time to start HAIP chemotherapy was 14 versus 18 days (p = 0.153). CONCLUSION: Robotic HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA is a safe and effective procedure and is associated with a significantly shorter TTFR and hospital stay than open HAIP placement.

Effects of boric acid on alveolar sockets filling after dental extraction in rats.

PURPOSE: After extraction, dental alveolus filling aims to reduce bone loss and maintain the alveolus volume during patient rehabilitation. Boric acid (BA) is a boron-derived compound with osteogenic properties and an interesting candidate for alveoli filling. This study aims to investigate the osteogenic capacity of the local application of BA in dental socket preservation. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were submitted to upper right incisor extraction and randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): control group (no intervention), BA (8 mg/kg) socket filling, bone graft (Cerabone®, Botiss, Germany), and BA + bone graft socket filling. Animals were euthanized 28 days after dental extraction. MicroCT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the newly formed bone on the dental alveolus. RESULTS: MicroCT analysis demonstrated that bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), bone surface/bone volume ratio (BS/BV), bone surface density (BS/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), total bone porosity (Po-tot), and total volume of pore space (Po.V(tot)) from BA and BA + bone graft rats were significantly different from the control group. Histological evaluation displayed a delayed bone repair in BA rats, with the presence of connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate. However, the BA + bone graft group demonstrated histological aspects like the bone graft animals, with less organized osteoblasts, suggesting inferior bone repair. CONCLUSION: Osteogenic capacity did not depend on the BA local application after 28 days of dental extraction. The presence of inflammation in the BA group can represent toxicity induced by the substance dosage used.

Fructose supplementation shifts rat brain metabolism in experimental migraine.

AIMS: We have previously demonstrated that fructose supplementation (FS), given in a scheme used for inducing metabolic syndrome (MS), elicited pain relief in the nitroglycerin (NTG)-elicited rat migraine model. Herein, we evaluated whether FS could reestablish the impaired metabolic pathways in NTG-injected rats. MAIN METHODS: Male Wistar rats (N = 40) were divided into two groups for receiving 10 % FS or tap water. After 45 days, they were subdivided into NTG-injected (10 mg/kg; 15 days) or controls. After the fourth NTG injection, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) micro-PET scanning was accomplished. The day after, euthanasia was performed, and blood was collected for glycemia and LDH analysis. The levels of energy molecules, TBARS, PGC-1α, and MCTS1 were evaluated in the brain cortices. The activated satellite glial cells (SGC) were assessed in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). KEY FINDINGS: There were no variations of glycemia or LDH serum levels. NTG-injected rats showed a significant increase in glucose uptake in the hypothalamus (HT) vs. NTG-free rats. The FS-NTG group showed increased metabolism in the superior colliculus (SC) vs. the NTG group. Moreover, the glucose uptake was amplified in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the FS-NTG vs. FS group. The cortical inosine levels were significantly higher in FS-NTG rats vs. NTG or FS groups, with no changes in TBARS or MCTS1 levels, despite a minor decrease of PGC1-α contents in the FS+NTG group. Finally, there was a significant increase of activated SGC around TG in the FS-NTG rats. SIGNIFICANCE: We provide novel evidence linking nutrition and metabolism with migraine.

Smoking in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate: prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with smoking in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, developed in a Brazilian public and tertiary hospital between November 2018 and August 2019. Adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years old, previously submitted to cheiloplasty and/or palatoplasty surgeries were included. Data collection was carried out through interviews, guided by questionnaires referring to sociodemographic issues, use and factors associated with smoking. For statistical analysis, Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-square, Student's t test and bivariate logistic regression were used, all with a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTS: 102 adolescents participated. The prevalence of smoking was 20.6% (n=21). Having cleft lip and palate was associated with smoking (p=0.012). The bivariate analysis showed that not dating (p=0.001; OR=0.19) and owning a home (p=0.032; OR=0.33) were configured as protective factors for the act of being a smoker, while believing that smoking facilitates interaction with young people or with the group of friends (p=0.043; OR=2.95), having friends who use alcoholic beverages (p=0.002; OR=8.40), having friends who use drugs, except cigarettes (p=0.002; OR=5.33), use alcoholic beverages (p<0.001; OR=10.67) and sexual initiation (p<0.001; OR=7.00), were associated with being a smoker. CONCLUSIONS: From the knowledge of the profile of adolescents most vulnerable to tobacco use, it is possible to plan and implement educational and preventive actions.

Maternal expression of miR-let-7d-3p and miR-451a during gestation influences the neuropsychomotor development of 90 days old babies: "Pregnancy care, healthy baby" study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on maternal microRNA expression have emerged to better understand regulatory mechanisms during the gestational period, since microRNA expression has been associated with pregnancy disorders. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the association between the expression of the maternal microRNAs miR-let-7d-3p and miR-451a during the second gestational trimester and neuropsychomotor development at 90 days of life of infants. METHODS: This is a case-control study nested within a cohort, with the groups being divided into dyads in which pregnant women presented Major Depressive Episode (MDE) (n = 64), these being the cases, and their respective controls (no MDE; n = 64). The Bayley Scale III was used to assess the outcome of child development, and MDE was assessed through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus. The analysis of miR-let-7d-3p and miR-451a was done via serum from the pregnant women, utilizing the qRT-PCR (n = 128). RESULTS: The results indicated a negative association between expression levels of miR-451a (ß -3.3 CI95% -6.4;-0.3) and a positive associated of the miR-let-7d-3p with the cognitive development domain (ß 1.7 CI95% 0.1; 3.0), and a positive association between expression of miR-let-7d-3p with motor development of the infants (ß 1.6 CI95% 0.3; 2.9). CONCLUSION: This is a pioneering study on the topic that indicates a biological interrelationship between the miRNAs miR-let-7d-3p and miR-451a evaluated during the pregnancy and the motor and cognitive domains of infant development at 90 days postpartum.

Antimicrobial and bone repair effects of boric acid in a rat model of dry socket (alveolar osteitis) following dental extraction.

BACKGROUND: Alveolitis occurs after dental extraction without blood clot formation, leading to an inflammatory process and bacterial contamination. Boric acid (BA) demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and osteogenic properties. This study aims to evaluate the possible antimicrobial effects and bone repair of BA in a rat model of alveolitis (dry socket). METHODS: 33 male Wistar rats were submitted to the extraction of the upper right incisor and dry socket induction. They were first divided into two groups: dry socket (n = 17) and dry socket + 0.75 % BA (n = 16). Samples for the microbiological analysis were collected immediately after dental extraction, at the detection of clinical alveolitis, 7, and 14 days after BA application. For microCT and histological analysis, samples from euthanized rats were used in 14 and 28 days after alveolitis detection. RESULTS: Higher bacterial counts were found in 4-5 days after alveolitis induction, compared to the baseline in both experimental groups, decreasing significantly after 7 and 14 days of treatment with BA (P < 0.05). The microCT evaluation displayed increased bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and bone mineral density in a time-dependent manner, regardless of BA treatment. On the other hand, the number of trabeculae and total bone porosity decreased over the 28 days of the experiment in the dry-socket group and both groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Histological analysis did not differ on bone repair in both experimental groups. CONCLUSION: This was the first report investigating the effects of BA in a rat model of alveolitis regarding microbiological and bone repair aspects. The BA local application decreased the total aerobic and facultative bacteria counts and does not seem to benefit the bone repair after alveolitis development. This study paves the way for more studies involving alveolitis and different BA applications.

Impact of stent-graft complexity on mid-term results in fenestrated endovascular aortic repair of juxtarenal and suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The impact of stent-graft complexity on clinical outcome after fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been conflicting in the literature. The objective of this study was to compare mid-term results of stent-grafts with renal fenestrations alone with more complex stent-grafts including mesenteric fenestrations. METHODS: A single center retrospective study was conducted on 154 patients, who underwent FEVAR from 2006 to 2020 at our institution. RESULTS: There were 54 (35.1%) patients in the renal FEVAR group and 100 (64.9%) patients in the complex FEVAR group. Median follow-up of the total group was 25 months (IQR 7-45). There were no significant differences in technical success and perioperative mortality. Intraoperative complications (4% vs. 18%, P=0.001), operative time (145 min vs. 191 min, P=0.001), radiation dose (119372 mGy*cm2 vs. 159573 mGy*cm2, P=0.004) and fluoroscopy time (39 min vs. 54 min, P=0.007) were significantly lower in the renal FEVAR group. During follow-up target vessel instability, endoleaks and reinterventions were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this single center retrospective study, renal FEVAR was a safe and effective treatment for patients with juxtarenal AAA demonstrating fewer intraoperative complications and similar mid-term outcomes as complex FEVAR. If the anatomy is compatible for renal FEVAR, it might be unnecessary to expose patients to potentially more complications by choosing a complex FEVAR strategy.

Smoking in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate: prevalence and associated factors / Tabagismo em adolescentes com fissura de lábio e/ou palato: prevalência e fatores associados

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with smoking in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, developed in a Brazilian public and tertiary hospital between November 2018 and August 2019. Adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years old, previously submitted to cheiloplasty and/or palatoplasty surgeries were included. Data collection was carried out through interviews, guided by questionnaires referring to sociodemographic issues, use and factors associated with smoking. For statistical analysis, Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-square, Student's t test and bivariate logistic regression were used, all with a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). Results: 102 adolescents participated. The prevalence of smoking was 20.6% (n=21). Having cleft lip and palate was associated with smoking (p=0.012). The bivariate analysis showed that not dating (p=0.001; OR=0.19) and owning a home (p=0.032; OR=0.33) were configured as protective factors for the act of being a smoker, while believing that smoking facilitates interaction with young people or with the group of friends (p=0.043; OR=2.95), having friends who use alcoholic beverages (p=0.002; OR=8.40), having friends who use drugs, except cigarettes (p=0.002; OR=5.33), use alcoholic beverages (p<0.001; OR=10.67) and sexual initiation (p<0.001; OR=7.00), were associated with being a smoker. Conclusions: From the knowledge of the profile of adolescents most vulnerable to tobacco use, it is possible to plan and implement educational and preventive actions.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao tabagismo em adolescentes com fissura de lábio e/ou palato. Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal, desenvolvido em um hospital público e terciário brasileiro entre novembro de 2018 e agosto de 2019. Foram incluídos adolescentes com idade entre 12 e 19 anos, submetidos previamente às cirurgias de queiloplastia e/ou palatoplastia. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista, guiada por questionários referentes a questões sociodemográficas, uso e fatores associados ao tabagismo. Para a análise estatística, utilizaram-se os testes: exato de Fisher, qui-quadrado, t de Student e regressão logística bivariada, todos com nível de significância de 5% (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: Participaram 102 adolescentes. A prevalência do tabagismo foi de 20,6% (n=21). Possuir fissura de lábio e palato associou-se ao tabagismo (p=0,012). A análise bivariada mostrou que não namorar (p=0,001; OR=0,19) e possuir habitação própria (p=0,032; OR=0,33) configuraram fatores de proteção para o ato de ser tabagista, enquanto acreditar que fumar facilita a interação com os jovens ou com o grupo de amigos (p=0,043; OR=2,95), ter amigos que usam bebida alcoólica (p=0,002; OR=8,40), ter amigos que usam drogas, exceto o cigarro (p=0,002; OR=5,33), usar bebida alcoólica (p<0,001; OR=10,67) e iniciação sexual (p<0,001; OR=7,00) associaram-se a ser tabagista. Conclusões: Pelo conhecimento do perfil dos adolescentes mais vulneráveis ao uso do tabaco, é possível planejar e programar ações educativas e preventivas.

Which social, gestational and mental health aspects are associated to maternal-fetal attachment? / Quais aspectos sociais, gestacionais e de saúde mental materna estão associados ao apego materno-fetal?

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to explore a set of factors associated with lower maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in pregnant women. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study corresponding to the second wave of a cohort study with a population-based sample of pregnant women in the South of Brazil. The maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) was used to measure MFA. Bivariate analysis was performed using the t-test and ANOVA. The variables that presented p<0.20 were taken for multivariate analysis, through linear regression, in order to control possible confounding factors. Results: a total of 840 pregnant women were included. Pregnant women who had lower MFA means were those who did not live with a partner (B=-3.8 [CI95%=-6.0; -1.7]), those between the first and second trimester of pregnancy (B=-4.3 [CI95%=-5.9; -2.6]), those who did not have support from their mother during pregnancy (B=-2.4 [CI95%=-4.6; -0.2]), and those with depressive symptoms (B=-4.9 [CI95%=-7.4; -2.5]). Conclusions: the results showed that a higher MFA it is associated with an adequate support network during pregnancy, better maternal mental health, and with an advanced pregnancy. Early evaluation of MFA and effort to promote an adequate prenatal bond, focusing on maternal psychological and emotional aspects are strongly suggested.

Resumo Objetivos: explorar um conjunto de fatores associados ao menor apego materno-fetal (AMF) em gestantes. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal, correspondente à segunda fase de um estudo de coorte com uma amostra de base populacional de gestantes no sul do Brasil. Foi utilizada a Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal (EAMF) para medir o AMF. A análise bivariada foi realizada através do teste t e ANOVA. As variáveis que apresentaram p<0,20 foram levadas para análise multivariada, por meio de regressão linear, a fim de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Resultados: foram incluídas 840 gestantes. As gestantes que apresentaram menores médias de AMF foram aquelas que não moravam com um companheiro (B=-3,8 [IC95%=-6,0; -1,7]), que estavam entre o primeiro e o segundo trimestre de gestação (B=-4,3 [IC95%=-5,9; -2,6]), que não tiveram o apoio da mãe durante a gestação (B=-2,4 [IC95%=-4,6; -0,2]) e que apresentaram sintomas depressivos (B=-4,9 [IC95%=-7,4; -2,5]). Conclusões: os resultados mostraram que um maior AMF está associado a presença de uma rede de apoio adequada na gravidez, melhor saúde mental materna e a uma gestação avançada. A avaliação precoce do AMF e a promoção de um vínculo pré-natal adequado, com foco nos aspectos psicológicos e emocionais maternos são fortemente sugeridos.

Ausência de acompanhamento familiar e fatores associados nos partos da zona urbana de uma cidade do sul do Brasil: fato ou ficção? / Absence of family support and associated factors in the urban births of a city in Southern Brazil: fact or fiction?

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência e identificar os fatores associados à ausência do acompanhante de parto em mulheres no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 466 parturientes, pertencentes a uma coorte de mulheres da zona urbana da cidade de Pelotas, RS. Aos 18 meses pós-parto, foi aplicado um questionário estruturado com dados sociodemográficos, gestacionais e questões relacionadas ao parto. Foi realizada regressão logística para ajustes de possíveis fatores de confusão. Resultados: A prevalência da ausência de acompanhante de parto entre as mulheres foi de 22,3%. As parturientes com até 8 anos de estudo (RP=2,0 [IC95% 1,1-3,8]), que não viviam com um companheiro (RP=2,3 [IC95% 1,2-4,3]), que realizaram o pré-natal no setor público (RP=1,9 [IC95% 1,0-3,7]) e que tiveram um parto via cesárea (RP=6,0 [IC95% 2,9-12,4]) apresentaram maior probabilidade de ausência de acompanhante de parto. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam evidências relevantes para o seguimento da verificação da presença do acompanhante de parto no sul do Brasil, indicando a necessidade de melhor aproveitamento e adesão desta prática. Além disso, a lei que aprova a presença do acompanhante de parto no Brasil parece não estar sendo colocada em prática de modo integral, desrespeitando um direito das parturientes e impactando nos benefícios para a saúde materno-infantil.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the prevalence and identify the factors associated with the absence of birth companions among women in Southern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 466 parturient women in a cohort of women from the urban area of the city of Pelotas, RS. At 18 months postpartum, a structured questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic, gestational data and questions related to childbirth. Logistic regression was performed to adjust for possible confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of the absence of a birth companion among women was 22.3%. Parturient women with up to 8 schooling years (PR=2.0 [95%CI 1.1-3.8]), who did not live with a partner (PR=2.3 [95%CI 1.2-4.3]), who performed their prenatal care in the public sector (PR=1.9 [95%CI 1.0-3.7]) and who had a cesarean delivery (PR=6.0 [95%CI 2.9-12.4]) were more likely to not have had a birth companion. Conclusion: The results shows relevant evidence for the verification of the presence of a companion in Southern Brazil, indicating the need for better use and adherence to this practice. In addition, the law that approves the presence of the birth companion in Brazil does not seem to be being fully implemented, disrespecting a right of parturient women and impacting the benefits for for maternal and child health.

Characterization of Associated Nonclassical Phenotypes in Patients with Deletion in the WAGR Region Identified by Chromosomal Microarray: New Insights and Literature Review.

WAGR syndrome (Wilms' tumor, aniridia, genitourinary changes, and intellectual disability) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome characterized by the joint deletion of PAX6 and WT1 genes, located in the short arm of chromosome 11. However, most deletions include other genes, leading to multiple associated phenotypes. Therefore, understanding how genes deleted together can contribute to other clinical phenotypes is still considered a challenge. In order to establish genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with interstitial deletions of the short arm of chromosome 11, we selected 17 patients with deletions identified by chromosomal microarray analysis: 4 new subjects and 13 subjects previously described in the literature with detailed clinical data. Through the analysis of deleted regions and the phenotypic changes, it was possible to suggest the contribution of specific genes to several nonclassical phenotypes, contributing to the accuracy of clinical characterization of the syndrome and emphasizing the broad phenotypic spectrum found in the patients. This study reports the first patient with a PAX6 partial deletion who does not present any eye anomaly thus opening a new set of questions about the functional activity of PAX6.

Does fructose have a protective role on migraine?-experimental evidence in a rat model of metabolic syndrome under omega-3 supplementation.

Background: Migraine is a highly disabling disease, for which current therapies are limited to symptom alleviation. There is compelling evidence linking migraine with metabolic disorders, but the causal relationship is not clear. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, with clear benefits in metabolic disorders, but its effects on migraine remains to be tested. We hypothesized that fructose-induced metabolic syndrome could aggravate migraine by increasing neuroinflammation and that n-3 treatment could mitigate it. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used. Animals that received 10% high fructose diet (HFD) or tap water were subdivided into two additional groups: with or without n-3 supplementation. Fifteen days before euthanasia, each group was subdivided into two additional groups: with or without nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine. Results: HFD lessened the migraine-like painful symptoms, as indicated by decreased grimace scores, which paralleled with reduced CGRP and leptin serum levels, increased hypothalamic CGRP, and decreased hypothalamic adiponectin and IL-6. There was a recovery of body and adipose tissue weight, besides a reduction of crown-like structures (CLS) in the inguinal adipose tissue. N-3 supplementation had no effect on NTG-related pain, but it decreased body and adipose tissue weight of HFD and tap water NTG-injected rats. N-3 improved NTG-related affective behavior and inflammatory parameters in tap water NTG-injected rats, with decreased hypothalamic TNF, serum CGRP and inguinal adipose-tissue CLS. Conclusions: HFD relieved NTG-induced pain, possibly due to decreased energy expenditure, minimizing migraine energy needs. N-3 exhibited favorable effects regarding affective behavior and central and peripheral inflammation, irrespective of HFD.

Population structure of ocular Streptococcus pneumoniae is highly diverse and formed by lineages that escape current vaccines.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of ocular infections including serious and sight-threatening conditions. The use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) has substantially reduced the incidence of pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal diseases, but has had limited impact on ocular infections. Additionally, widespread vaccine use has resulted in ongoing selective pressure and serotype replacement in carriage and disease. To gain insight into the population structure of pneumococcal isolates causing ocular infections in a post-PCV-13 time period, we investigated the genomic epidemiology of ocular S. pneumoniae isolates (n=45) collected at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 2014 and 2017. By performing a series of molecular typing methods from draft genomes, we found that the population structure of ocular S. pneumoniae is highly diverse with 27 sequence types (grouped into 18 clonal complexes) and 17 serotypes being identified. Distribution of these lineages diverged according to the site of isolation, with conjunctivitis being commonly caused by isolates grouped in the Epidemic Conjunctivitis Cluster-ECC (60 %), and ST448 (53.3 %) being most frequently identified. Conversely, S. pneumoniae keratitis cases were caused by a highly diverse population of isolates grouping within 15 different clonal complexes. Serotyping inference demonstrated that 95.5 % of the isolates were non-PCV-13 vaccine types. Most of the conjunctivitis isolates (80 %) were unencapsulated, with the remaining belonging to serotypes 15B, 3 and 23B. On the other hand, S. pneumoniae causing keratitis were predominantly encapsulated (95.2 %) with 13 different serotypes identified, mostly being non-vaccine types. Carriage of macrolide resistance genes was common in our ocular S. pneumoniae population (42.2 %), and usually associated with the mefA +msrD genotype (n=15). These genes were located in the Macrolide Efflux Genetic Assembly cassette and were associated with low-level in vitro resistance to 14- and 15-membered macrolides. Less frequently, macrolide-resistant isolates carried an ermB gene (n=4), which was co-located with the tetM gene in a Tn-916-like transposon. Our study demonstrates that the population structure of ocular S. pneumoniae is highly diverse, mainly composed by isolates that escape the PCV-13 vaccine, with patterns of tissue/niche segregation, adaptation and specialization. These findings suggest that the population structure of ocular pneumococcus may be shaped by multiple factors including PCV-13 selective pressure, microbial-related and niche-specific host-associated features.

Antenatal depression: Efficacy of a pre-post therapy study and repercussions in motor development of children during the first 18 months postpartum. Study: "Pregnancy care, healthy baby".

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of brief psychotherapeutic interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy to treat antenatal depression and verify the association between interventions and motor development of infants at 3 and 18 months of age. METHODS: Pre-post-intervention study nested a randomized clinical trial, both of which are extracts from a population-based cohort study of a southern Brazilian city. The major depressive episode was measured through Mini Plus, the severity of depressive symptoms by BDI-II and motor development using Bayley-III and AIMS. The follow-ups occurred during the gestational period (T2) and at 3 (T3) and 18 months (T4) after delivery. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 336 women in the control group (not intervened) and 108 from the group of depressed women who received intervention for antenatal depression. The effectiveness of the interventions for a major depressive episode was around 80% for both models in the two follow-up stages (3 and 18 months postpartum). In addition, the children whose mothers received intervention presented 3.7 (95% CI 0.7-6.6) points higher in Bayley-III at 3 months old when compared to the children in the control group (p = 0.01). There was no difference between the two psychotherapy models tested, both being equally effective (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the brief psychotherapeutic interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy for gestational depression were effective in causing remission of the condition both in the short and long term, besides indirectly causing benefits also to the children, with regard to their motor development.

Perspectivas de qualidade de vida no trabalho: um estudo com supervisores de call center / Perspectives of quality of work life: a study with call center supervisors

A centralidade do trabalho na vida das pessoas tornou necessária a reflexão sobre a complexa relação estabelecida entre a sociedade e o trabalho. Desta forma, surge o conceito de Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho (QVT) e estabelece de forma genérica, mesmo diante de diferentes definições, a preocupação com o bem-estar geral e a saúde de trabalhadores. O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar a perspectiva de supervisores de call center sobre a QVT, a partir de um estudo descritivo, transversal e qualitativo. Fizeram parte deste estudo 30 supervisores de duas organizações privadas do setor de call center, sendo eles os gestores diretos das equipes de atendimento. Foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram analisados através de análise de conteúdo temática na perspectiva de Bardin. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade latente de ações e práticas organizacionais efetivas voltadas à QVT por parte das empresas do segmento de call center.(AU)

The centrality of work in people’s lives made it necessary to reflect on the complex relationship determined between society and work. Thus, the Quality of Work Life (QWL) concept rises and generally establish, even if faced with different definitions, the concern with the workers well-being and health. The aim of this article is to identify the call center supervisor’s perspective about QWL, from a descriptive, cross sectional, qualitative study approach. Thirty supervisors from two private organizations in the call center sector collaborated with this study, being them the direct managers of the service teams. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and Bardin’s thematic analysis of the qualitative data were used as the research method. The results point to a latent need of effective organizational actions and practices toward a QWL by the companies in the call center business segment.(AU)

Religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem in adolescents with cleft lip and palate: a correlational study. / Religiosidade, espiritualidade e autoestima em adolescentes com fissura de lábio e palato: estudo correlacional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem in adolescents with uni- and bilateral cleft lip and palate. METHOD: Correlational and cross-sectional study developed in a public and tertiary hospital in Brazil between July 2018 and February 2019. The sample comprised 100 adolescents divided into two groups: G1 (unilateral cleft, 50 participants) and G2 (bilateral cleft, 50 participants). For data collection, three instruments were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, DUREL Religion index, Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Statistical analysis was performed with the tests Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, Pearson Correlation, and analysis of linear correlation strength, with a 5% significance level (p ≥ 0.05). RESULTS: Only organizational religiosity was higher in G1 when compared with G2 (p = 0.03). The overall self-esteem was satisfactory for both groups; however, there was no significant difference between them (p = 0.34). No correlation between religiosity and spirituality with self-esteem were identified for G1 and G2. CONCLUSION: The adolescents with uni- or bilateral cleft lip and palate presented high levels of religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem. However, no correlation between these variables was identified.

Brief cognitive behavioral therapy in pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression: Pre-post therapy study in a city in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a high number of women, often the first manifestation of a mood disorder that will occur later in life, bringing serious consequences for the patient and her offspring. Depression today is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a preventive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PPD. METHODS: Pre-post therapy study, as part of a population-based cohort study. Pregnant women without a diagnosis of depression participated, who were divided into two groups: risk of depression (CBT) and a control group (without therapy). The preventive therapy consisted of six sessions of CBT, administered weekly. The Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) was used in all sessions. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used on three occasions. The final statistical analyses were performed by Poisson regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPD in the risk group was 5.5% and in the control group 2.2%, with no difference between the groups (PR 1.66 95% CI 0.44-6.18). The OQ-45 averages gradually reduced during the therapy sessions, indicating therapeutic progress. Schooling was an associated factor, both with the manifestation of PPD and with the greater effectiveness of the therapy. LIMITATIONS: Rate of 40.5% refusal to preventive treatment and absence of a group with similar characteristics in another therapy model. CONCLUSIONS: Brief cognitive behavioral therapy applied by mental health professionals with basic training was effective in preventing the manifestation of PPD.