Validation of the HOSPITAL score as predictor of 30-day potentially avoidable readmissions in pediatric hospitalized population: retrospective cohort study.

Potentially avoidable pediatric readmissions are a burden to patients and their families. Identifying patients with higher risk of readmission could help minimize hospital costs and facilitate the targeting of care interventions. HOSPITAL score is a tool developed and widely used to predict adult patient's readmissions; however its predictive capacity for pediatric readmissions has not yet been evaluated. The aim of the study was to validate the HOSPITAL score application to predict 30-day potentially avoidable readmissions in a pediatric hospitalized population. This is a retrospective cohort study with patients under 18 years old admitted to a tertiary university hospital (n = 6,344). The HOSPITAL score was estimated for each admission. Subsequently, we classified the patients as low (0-4), intermediate (5-6), and high (7-12) risk groups. In order to estimate the discrimination power, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the calibration by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. The 30-day hospital readmission was 11.70% (745). The accuracy was 0.80 (CI 95%, 0.77, 0.83), with a sensitivity of 70.96% and specificity of 78.29%, and a good calibration (p = 0.34).    Conclusion: HOSPITAL score showed a good discrimination and can be used to predict 30-day potentially avoidable readmission in a large pediatric population with different medical diagnoses. Our study validates and expands the usefulness of the HOSPITAL score as a tool to predict avoidable hospital readmissions for pediatric population. What is Known: •   Pediatric readmissions burden patients, the family network, and the health system. In addition, it influences negatively child development. •   The HOSPITAL score is one of the tools developed and widely used to identify patients at high risk of hospital readmission, but its predictive capacity for pediatric readmissions has not been yet assessed. What is New: • The HOSPITAL score showed good ability to identify a risk of 30-day potentially avoidable readmission in a pediatric population in different clinical contexts and diagnoses. • Our study expands the usefulness of the HOSPITAL score as a tool for predicting hospital readmissions for children and adolescents.

Association between lifestyle and emotional aspects of food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adequate nutrition during infectious outbreaks require a personal management strategy, especially when there are emotional factors involved. To evaluate the association between lifestyle and emotional aspects of food consumption during the pandemic COVID-19. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional study using online self-applied questionnaire with 15,372 active schoolteachers who worked in primary education (kindergarten, elementary and high school) from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Poisson Regression model with robust variance was used to determine the association between lifestyle and emotional aspects and food consumption. Greater adherence to the healthy consumption profile showed a statistically significant association with decreased weight (PR = 1.58; p = 0.000), decreased physical activity (PR = 1.27; p = 0.000), reduced income, (PR = 1.26; p = 0.000), reduced alcohol consumption (PR = 1.22; p = 0.000), and changes in mental health (PR = 1.19; p = 0.000). Unhealthy consumption profile was significantly correlated with weight gain (PR = 1.54; p = 0.000), consuming more alcohol, or started drinking during the pandemic (PR = 1.44; p = 0.000), increased physical activity (PR = 1.43; p = 0.000); increased cigarette consumption (PR = 1.17; p = 0.000), and being a younger adult (PR = 1.17; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the food profiles of basic education teachers in the Minas Gerais state education system in a bidirectional manner, favoring the practice of consuming healthy or unhealthy foods.

Food consumption changes among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The present study aimed to analyze changes in food consumption among teachers of state schools in Minas Gerais in the context of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is a cross-sectional study of teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools in Minas Gerais. An online questionnaire was made available to all participants through the Google Forms platform. For the analysis, sociodemographic, economic, occupational profile, health conditions, and behavioral/habitual variables were used. Food consumption was assessed through the weekly frequency of eating foods considered healthy and unhealthy before and during the pandemic. The changes observed in the frequency were classified as: decreased intake, no change in intake, and increased intake during the pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed using bivariate and multiple analysis using the Multinomial Logistics Regression model. The data were tabulated with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 18.0. A total of 15,641 teachers participated in this study, with an average age of 42.96 (±9.27) years, and most of them were female (81.9%). During the pandemic, approximately 40% reported altered sleep quality and alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity with 60.4% of the professionals categorized as overweight. During this period, there was an increase in the consumption of sweets (19.5%), soft drinks (13.3%), sausages (12.0%), frozen foods (8.9%), salty foods (6.3%), vegetables (13.1%), fruits (12.6%), and wholegrain products (8.3%). In the regression analysis, several factors were found to be associated with changes in teachers' food consumption in a bidirectional way when associated with variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, occupational profile, general health, and lifestyle.

Health-related quality of life became worse in short-term during treatment in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is influenced in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients by a set of factors related to diagnosis, treatment and tumor impacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) changes in Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy). METHODS: QoL was evaluated prospectively in 63 HNC patients during radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy at three moments: before or at beginning (T0), in the middle (T1 ~ four weeks) and immediately at the end (T2 ~ eight weeks) of treatment. The differences between the scores at different time points was verified using Friedman's non-parametric test. Negative changes between time points were evaluated, with differences (delta) of ±10 points being considered to be clinically significant. RESULTS: The total mean age was 59.1 ± 9.5y, and 82.5% were male. The oral cavity and larynx were more frequent tumors. The functional score for 'role' was decreased at time points T1 and T2 as compared to T0, while an improvement in scores was observed for cognitive function. Several physical symptoms also worsened over time, such as: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and sticky saliva, swallowing and skin symptoms, senses and teeth problems. A high frequency of altered and clinically meaningful values were observed for most of domains, ranging from 6 to 74%. CONCLUSIONS: The QoL became worse at approximately one month after treatment beginning in HNC patients, and this remained until the end of therapy. Protocols directing to early nutritional counseling and management of symptoms of nutritional impact are important to improve clinical outcomes. This is part of preventive actions aiming to make the exhausting treatment process less traumatic and easier to complete.

Insulin, ghrelin and early return of hunger in women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have greater predisposition to obesity, but the mechanisms are still unknown. Hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and low levels of ghrelin are common in this group. For the purposes of the present study, it was assumed that such changes could have an influence on hunger. This study aimed to assess the hunger pattern before and after an ad libitum meal and the association between insulin and plasma ghrelin with hunger perception in women with obesity, with and without PCOS. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 53 women with obesity, 30 with PCOS, and 23 controls (with obesity but without PCOS). Insulin, ghrelin, glucose and subjective ratings of hunger (by 100 mm visual analogue scales) were analyzed in a fasting state, preprandially at 12:00 before the ad libitum meal, and postprandially 15, 45, 75 and 135 min after the beginning of the ad libitum meal. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in hunger one hour after the beginning of the ad libitum meal (75 min) in the PCOS group (p = .01) compared to 15 min, whereas this only occurred after 135 min in the control group (2 h later). The usual energy intake adjusted by the intra-individual variability was higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (2309 ±â€¯461 kcal·d-1 × 2124 ±â€¯480 kcal·d-1; p = .04). The concentrations of insulin and ghrelin, in both preprandial and postprandial periods, were not associated with the perception of hunger. CONCLUSIONS: Women with obesity and PCOS had an earlier return of hunger in the postprandial period after an ad libitum meal, but there was not associated with postprandial ghrelin and insulin levels.

Análise de diferentes métodos de avaliação do estado nutricional de pacientes em hemodiálise / Análisis de diferentes métodos de evaluación del estado nutricional en pacientes en hemodiálisis / Analysis of different methods for the assessment of nutritional status of patients in hemodialysis

Introdução: O paciente em diálise deve ser avaliado nutricionalmente e monitorado periodicamente desde o início do tratamento dialítico, possibilitando melhores propostas de intervenções e adequações dietéticas eficazes. Objetivo: Comparar estado nutricional de pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica em hemodiálise, classificados entre desnutridos e não desnutridos, por diferentes parâmetros clínicos, antropométricos, laboratoriais e verificar o nível de concordância dessas formas avaliativas. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado em 2010, com 90 pacientes de uma clínica de diálise em Belo Horizonte/MG. Foram coletados dados pessoais, socioeconômicos, nutricionais, clínicos, bioquímicos e antropométricos. Resultados e Discussão: Houve variação de 12,2% a 86,7% de indivíduos desnutridos conforme diferentes parâmetros avaliativos. Nas análises antropométricas, homens apresentaram pregas cutâneas menores que mulheres. Quanto à circunferência muscular do braço, quase 40% apresentaram classificação de desnutrição, sendo aproximadamente 30% destes do sexo masculino. Os valores médios Índice de Massa Corporal encontraram-se dentro da classificação de normalidade. Quanto à ingestão calórica e ingestão protéica, as proporções de pacientes com ingestão inferior ao desejado foram de 86,7% e 57,8% respectivamente. A média dos valores de albumina foi de 3,9g/dL e a classificação de desnutrição variou entre 25,6% e 50% dependendo da referência utilizada. Conclusões: A grande variação de classificação dos pacientes como desnutridos obtida, sugere a necessidade de padronização de rotinas, observação e acompanhamento cautelosos das referências e a necessidade de comitês de avaliação para determinação de novos pontos de corte para melhor classificação nutricional desta população.

Introducción: El paciente en diálisis debe ser evaluado por la nutrición y mantener seguimiento regular desde el inicio del tratamiento para así tener las mejores respuestas de intervenciones y dieta. Objetivo: Comparar la concordancia de la clasificación del estado nutricional de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis por medio de diferentes evaluaciones clínicas, antropométricas y parámetros bioquímicos. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal con 90 pacientes de una clínica de diálisis, en la ciudad de Belo Horizonte, Brasil en 2010. Se recogieron los datos socioeconómicos, nutricionales, clínicos, bioquímicos y antropométricos. Resultados y Discusión: La frecuencia de desnutrición fue de 12,2% hasta 86,7% de acuerdo con diferentes parámetros de evaluación. En los análisis antropométricos, los hombres presentaran pliegues cutáneos más pequeños que las mujeres. Casi 40% de los pacientes tenían la clasificación de la desnutrición en los análisis de la circunferencia muscular del brazo, siendo aproximadamente 30% de hombres. Los valores promedios de índice de masa corporal se encontraban en el rango adecuado. Considerando la ingesta de energía y proteínas, 86,7% y 57,8% fueran clasificados como desnutridos, respectivamente. El valor promedio de albúmina fue 3,9 g / dl y la frecuencia de desnutrición varió 35,6% y 50%, según la referencia.Conclusiones: La alta frecuencia de pacientes con desnutrición de acuerdo con diferentes clasificaciones sugiere la necesidad de estandarización de indicadores, la observación cuidadosa y el seguimiento de las referencias utilizadas y también la necesidad de que los comités de evaluación en determinar nuevos puntos de corte para la mejor clasificación nutricional de esta población.

Introduction: The patient undergoing dialysis must be nutritionally evaluated and keep in a regular monitoring since the start of dialytic procedures, thus providing the best proposals for effective interventions and diet. Objective: To compare the nutritional status of patients with chronic kidney disease with hemodialysis, considered malnourished and non-malnourished patients, through different clinical, anthropometric, biochemical parameters and verify the kappa level (concordance) of these assessment forms. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study done with 90 patients in a dialysis clinic, in the city of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais in 2010. Personal, socioeconomic, nutritional, and clinical, biochemical and anthropometric data were collected. Results and Discussion: The results ranged from 12.2% up to 86.7% of malnourished individuals according to different evaluation parameters. In the anthropometrical analyzes, men had smaller skinfolds than women. Almost 40% of the patients had classification of malnutrition in the analyses of arm muscle circumference, being approximately 30% of them males individuals. The mean values of Body Mass Index were in the adequate range. The energy and protein intake were classified as malnourished were 86.7% and 57.8% respectively. The mean value of albumin was 3.9g/dL the frequency of malnourished ranged 35.6% and 50% according the reference. Conclusions: The large range of malnourished patients according to different classifications suggests the need standardization of routines, careful observation and monitoring of used references and the need for evaluation committees to determine new cutoff points for best nutritional classification of this population.

Fatores intervenientes no seguimento do tratamento nutricional para redução de peso em mulheres atendidas em uma unidade básica de saúde do Brasil / Factores influyentes en el seguimiento del tratamiento nutricional para reducir el peso en mujeres atendidas en una unidad básica de salud de Brasil / Factors involved at the follow-up of nutritional treatment to reduce weight in women from one basic health unit in Brazil

Introdução: A prevalência de excesso de peso cresceu consideravelmente nos últimos 30 anos representando um desafio para a Saúde Pública. Além disso, o padrão estético magro tem contribuído para a procura por atendimento nutricional, entretanto, a não adesão ao tratamento para perda de peso é elevada. Objetivo: Identificar os principais fatores intervenientes no seguimento ao tratamento nutricional para redução de peso em mulheres. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo contendo dados socioeconômicos, comportamentais e percepção do tratamento nutricional foi realizado em mulheres com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde entre 2008-2010. Posteriormente, foram anotados dados antropométricos e número de consultas dos prontuários. Resultados: Aproximadamente 8% das mulheres melhoraram o estado nutricional e 3% atingiu os níveis de eutrofia. O diagnóstico de obesidade grau III se manteve na mesma proporção. Apenas 69,71% foram ao segundo retorno, 31,43% não perderam/ganharam peso, 58,29% perderam peso, sendo que 34,86% perderam até 3Kg. Os fatores intervenientes mais frequentes para não adesão ao tratamento foram: sensação de fome (38,31%), fracionamento da dieta (44,81%), controlar apetite/ansiedade/nervosismo (44,16%) e comer em menor quantidade (22,08%). Aproximadamente 40% considerou fácil a inclusão diária de frutas/hortaliças, preferência por preparações com menor teor de gordura/alimentos integrais, redução de açúcar/doces/refrigerantes/lanches. Discussão e Conclusões: Foram observadas baixa frequência de comparecimento às consultas e de perda de peso. Os fatores intervenientes mais frequentes foram relacionados ao controle emocional e fisiológico da fome. São necessárias estratégias motivacionais e focadas no indivíduo na tentativa de potencializar resultados do tratamento utricional.

Introducción: La prevalencia de sobrepeso há aumentado considerablemente en los últimos 30 años representando un desafío para la Salud Pública. Aún más, el patrón estético magro contribuye para la búsqueda por atención nutricional, mientras la falta de aderência és alta. Objetivo: Identificar los principales factores que intervenien en el seguimiento de la dieta para redución de peso en mujeres. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal fue realizado en mujeres con 18 años o más que buscaron atención nutricional en instituición pública para pérdida de peso (2008-2010). Fueran invitadas para una encuesta con datos socioeconómicos, aspectos de comportamento alimentario y percepción del paciente en el tratamiento nutricional. Datos antropométricos y del número de consultas fueron registrados. Resultados:Solamente 69.71% han venido para la segunda consulta, 31,43% no perdieran ni ganaran peso, 58.29% han perdido peso y 34.86% han perdido hasta 3kg. Los principales factores que han intervenido fueron: sensación de hambre (38,31%), frecuencia de comidas (44,81%), control del apetito/ansiedad/nerviosismo (44.16%) y comer una cantidad menor (22.08%). Acerca del 40% consideran fácil a inclusión diaria de frutas/verduras/alimentos integrales, la preferencia por preparaciones con menos grasa/azúcar/reductor/dulces/refrescos/petiscos y la práctica de actividad física. Discusión y Conclusiones: Hubo una baja frecuencia de seguimiento y pérdida de peso. Los factores que intervieron fueron relacionados al controle emocional e fisiológica de la hambre. Son necessárias estratégias de motivación con el foco en la persona con el intento de potencializar resultados del tratamiento nutricional.

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight increased in the last 30 years and it is a challenge of the public health. Moreover, the standard slim body had contributed to the search for nutritional treatment; however, the probability of nonadherence to lose weight is high. Objective: To identify the main factors involved in the following diet to lose weight in women. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in women with equal or more than 18 years and that searched for nutritional care in a public unity (2008-2010) with the focus on losing weight. Socioeconomic, behavior, and women’s perception about the nutritional treatment were collected. Anthropometric and details of treatment were collected from patient record. Results: Eight percent of women improve the nutritional state and 3% reached eutrophic. Only 69.71% were in a second appointment, 31.43% of women didn’t lose or gain weight, 58.29% lost weight and of these, 34.86% lost 3kg or less. The factors more frequently involved with the following diet were: starving feeling (38.31%), subdivision (44.81%), control or appetite/anxiety/stress (44.16%) and to eat in the smaller portions (22.08%). However, around 40% reported like easy to follow: to increase intake of fruits/vegetables and whole grains; preference for food with low fat/sugar/soda/snacks and to physical activity. Discussion and Conclusions: It was observed low frequencies of adherence and weight loss. The main factors that influence in following diet was related with emotional condition and starving feeling. It is necessary motivational strategies focused on the individual to optimize the results in nutritional treatment.

Leptin receptor polymorphism Gln223Arg (rs1137101) in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant oral lesions.

The purpose of this study was to assess the LEPR gene Gln223Arg polymorphism (rs1137101) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and in potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOL) in comparison to normal oral mucosa in a Brazilian population. Smokers (n = 89) were selected from a representative sample of 471 individuals from the general population of Montes Claros, Brazil. Participants were age and gender matched to patients with OSCC (n = 25) and oral epithelial dysplasia (n = 25). We investigated the LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism (A>G; rs1137101) in these groups. Genotype variants were assessed by RFLP-PCR, using MspI (HPAII) restriction endonuclease. The institutional review board of the Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros approved the study (process number 2667/2011). Written informed consent for this study was obtained from all participants. The GG genotype (Arg223Arg) appears to be the more relevant polymorphic variant in OSCC. It occurred, approximately, twice as frequently in OSCC patients than in the general population. In contrast, the A allele in its homozygosis form (Gln223Gln) is significantly associated with the development of PMOL; 80% of the samples from the PMOL group exhibit AA genotype. Our findings suggest new insights regarding LEPR gene variations in the development of OSCC and PMOL.