Prediction of visceral leishmaniasis incidence using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA) in the state of Maranhão, Brazil / Previsão da incidência da leishmaniose visceral usando o modelo de média móvel integrado autorregressivo sazonal (SARIMA) no Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease predominant in countries located in the tropics. The prediction of occurrence of infectious diseases through epidemiologic modeling has revealed to be an important tool in the understanding of its occurrence dynamic. The objective of this study was to develop a forecasting model for the incidence of VL in Maranhão using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). We collected monthly data regarding VL cases from the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) corresponding to the period between 2001 and 2018. The Box-Jenkins method was applied in order to adjust a SARIMA prediction model for VL general incidence and by sex (male or female) for the period between January 2019 and December 2013. For 216 months of this time series, 10,431 cases of VL were notified in Maranhão, with an average of 579 cases per year. With regard to age range, there was a higher incidence among the pediatric public (0 to 14 years of age). There was a predominance in male cases, 6437 (61.71%). The Box-Pierce test figures for overall, male and female genders supported by the results of the Ljung-Box test suggest that the autocorrelations of residual values act as white noise. Regarding monthly occurrences in general and by gender, the SARIMA models (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) and (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) were the ones that mostly adjusted to the data respectively. The model SARIMA has proven to be an adequate tool for predicting and analyzing the trends in VL incidence in Maranhão. The time variation determination and its prediction are decisive in providing guidance in health measure intervention.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença de natureza infecciosa, predominante em países de zonas tropicais. A predição de ocorrência de doenças infecciosas através da modelagem epidemiológica tem se revelado uma importante ferramenta no entendimento de sua dinâmica de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de previsão da incidência da LV no Maranhão usando o modelo de Média Móvel Integrada Autocorrelacionada Sazonal (SARIMA). Foram coletados os dados mensais de casos de LV através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) correspondentes ao período de 2001 a 2018. O método de Box-Jenkins foi aplicado para ajustar um modelo de predição SARIMA para incidência geral e por sexo (masculino e feminino) de LV para o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2023. Durante o período de 216 meses dessa série temporal, foram registrados 10.431 casos de LV no Maranhão, com uma média de 579 casos por ano. Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior registro no público pediátrico (0 a 14 anos). Houve predominância do sexo masculino, com 6437 casos (61,71%). Os valores do teste de Box-Pierce para incidência geral, sexo masculino e feminino reforçados pelos resultados do teste Ljung-Box sugerem que as autocorrelações de resíduos apresentam um comportamento de ruído branco. Para incidência mensal geral e por sexo masculino e feminino, os modelos SARIMA (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) e (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) foram os que mais se ajustaram aos dados, respectivamente. O modelo SARIMA se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada de previsão e análise da tendência de incidência da LV no Maranhão. A determinação da variação temporal e sua predição são determinantes no norteamento de medidas de intervenção em saúde.

Análisis del afrontamiento de la enfermera frente a la muerte de un paciente pediátrico / Analysis of how nurses cope facing the death of a paediatric patient

Objetivos Evaluar el afrontamiento ante la muerte de un paciente pediátrico que realizan las enfermeras, relacionarlo con las diferentes variables sociodemográficas y describir las estrategias de afrontamiento personal que utilizan estos profesionales para manejar el proceso y aceptar la muerte del paciente. Método Estudio observacional, descriptivo, correlacional y transversal, realizado de enero a junio de 2018 con enfermeras de las áreas de cuidados paliativos pediátricos, Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, Neonatología y Oncohematología de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel asistencial de la ciudad de Barcelona. Se administró un cuestionario ad hoc dividido en tres partes: datos sociodemográficos, escala de Bugen de afrontamiento a la muerte y dos preguntas abiertas. Resultados El 31,37% de los encuestados afronta el proceso de muerte del paciente pediátrico de forma adecuada, mientras que el 33,33% tiene un mal afrontamiento. El mejor afrontamiento se obtuvo en cuidados paliativos pediátricos, seguido de oncología pediátrica, neonatología y, por último, cuidados intensivos. Además, las variables relacionadas con este afrontamiento son el turno de trabajo, la muerte de un ser querido en menos de tres años y la formación previa. Por el contrario, la edad, la experiencia y los hijos no se relacionan con el afrontamiento. Los profesionales encuestados demandan una mayor formación sobre esta temática para mejorar su afrontamiento y la necesidad de contar en el ámbito de trabajo con un apoyo psicológico profesional. (AU)

Aims To evaluate how nurses cope with the death of a paediatric patient, relate it to the different sociodemographic variables, and to describe personal coping strategies used by nurses in managing the process and accepting the death of the patient. Methodology an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out from January to June 2018 with nurses from the palliative care area, intensive care unit, neonatology and oncohaematology area of a tertiary paediatric hospital in Barcelona city. An ad hoc questionnaire was applied, divided into three parts: socio-demographic data, the Bugen scale of coping with death and two open questions. Results 31.37% of the respondents faced the process of death of the paediatric patient adequately, while 33.33% did not cope well. The best coping was in paediatric palliative care, followed by paediatric oncohaematology, neonatology and, finally, the intensive care unit. In addition, the variables related to this coping are the work shift, the death of a loved one in less than 3 years and previous training. On the other hand, the age of the respondents, experience in the unit and having children are not related to coping. Moreover, the professionals surveyed demand more training to improve their coping in this area, as well as interdisciplinary sessions to discuss cases of deceased patients. (AU)

Preterm-related posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: Review of our institutional series with a long-term follow-up / Hidrocefalia poshemorrágica del prematuro: revisión de nuestra serie a largo plazo

Introduction Preterm-related posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a major cause of neurological impairment and a common indication for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in infants that are prone to diverse complications. Protocols of diagnosis and treatment are in continuous evolution and require evaluation of their results. Objective To review the clinical characteristics and results of a series of preterm-related posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus needing a definitive shunt from 1982 to 2020 in our institution. As a secondary objective we evaluated the safety of the changes in our protocol of treatment from 2015. Methods Retrospective review, clinical investigation. Results 133 patients were implanted a shunt in the study period. Shunt infection was diagnosed in 15 patients. Proximal shunt obstruction as the first complication was diagnosed in 30% of cases at one year, 37% at two years and 46% at five years. 61 patients developed very small or collapsed ventricles at last follow-up. Two thirds of our patients achieved normal neurological development or mild impairment. Changes in protocol did not significantly modify clinical results although improvement in most outcomes was observed. Mean follow-up was over nine years. Conclusions Clinical outcomes are comparable to previous reported data. Changes in protocol proved to be safe and improved our results. Programmable shunts can be used safely in preterm patients although they may not prevent tendency towards ventricular collapse, which is very common after long follow-up (AU)

Antecedentes La hidrocefalia poshemorrágica del prematuro continúa siendo una causa importante de lesión cerebral perinatal y una indicación frecuente de cirugía derivativa valvular en un grupo de pacientes particularmente vulnerable y expuesto a complicaciones. Los protocolos de diagnóstico y tratamiento están en continua evolución y requieren un análisis de los resultados asociados a ellos. Objetivo Revisar las características clínicas y los resultados de tratamiento en una serie de prematuros con hidrocefalia poshemorrágica en los que se implantó una derivación ventriculoperitoneal permanente en nuestro hospital entre 1982 y 2000. Como objetivo secundario evaluamos la seguridad de los cambios introducidos en nuestro protocolo desde 2015. Material y método Estudio clínico retrospectivo, serie de casos. Resultados 133 prematuros requirieron una derivación ventriculoperitoneal permanente en el tiempo de estudio. En 15 de ellos se diagnosticó una infección del sistema de derivación. La obstrucción proximal de la derivación como primera complicación posquirúrgica ocurrió en un 30% de los pacientes al primer año, en el 37% de los pacientes a los dos años y en el 46% de los casos a los 5 años de seguimiento. 61 pacientes desarrollaron un colapso ventricular clínico o radiológico. Dos tercios de los pacientes presentaron un desarrollo psicomotor normal o un retraso de carácter leve. Los cambios incorporados en nuestro protocolo de tratamiento no modificaron la evolución clínica significativamente, aunque se asociaron a una evolución globalmente más favorable. La media de seguimiento fue superior a los 9 años. Conclusiones Los resultados clínicos presentados se encuentran en línea con las series publicadas, Los cambios incorporados en nuestro protocolo actualizado demostraron ser seguros y pueden asociarse a una evolución más favorable (AU)

Decreased NK cells in cases of severe adenovirus pneumonia with liver dysfunction in pediatric intensive care unit: Evidence from 330 patients

Background: Although the human adenovirus infection is common, adenovirus infection with liver dysfunction is rare. Methods: To retrospectively analyze and compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with severe adenovirus pneumonia with and without liver dysfunction, who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of Hunan Children’s Hospital (South China University) between January 2018 and June 2022. Results: Of the 330 severe adenovirus pneumonia cases analyzed (mean age, 19.88 ± 18.26 months), 102 were girls and 228 were boys. They were divided into two groups: those with liver dysfunction (n = 54) and without liver dysfunction (n = 276). Comparison analysis showed no significant between-group differences in body mass index and levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, platelets, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, creatine kinase, procalcitonin, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. However, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (175.99 U/L vs 30.55 U/L) and aspartate transaminase (215.96 U/L vs 74.30 U/L) were significantly higher in patients with liver dysfunction compared to those without liver dysfunction. Further analysis showed that pediatric patients with liver dysfunction had a significantly lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells (6.93% vs 8.71%) and higher mortality rate (22% vs 9%) than those without liver dysfunction. Conclusion: A decrease in serum NK cell levels in pediatric patients with severe adenovirus pneumonia could serve as a marker for monitoring the onset or progression of hepatic damage (AU)

Pattern and management of maxillofacial fractures in Jordanian children and adolescents

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics, etiology and treatment of maxillofacial fractures among children and adolescents in northern part of Jordan. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study which included 91 children and adolescents patients who were treated for maxillofacial fractures during a period of three years between January 2019 and December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Jordan. Results: Over a period of three years, a total of 91 children between the age of 0 and 19 years were treated with 156 total maxillofacial fractures. Of these, 68 (74.73%) were males and 23 (25.27%) were females. One tenth of patients (10 (10.99%) were children of the preschool group and 55 patients (60.44%) were adolescents. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures, accounting for 57 (62.64%) of cases. Mandibular fractures were the most common and accounted for 82 (90.2%) of all fractures, followed by the zygomatic bone fractures 40 (44%). The most common treatment was intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with 53 (33.97%) fractures. Conclusions: Maxillofacial fractures are predominant among adolescents in comparison to children. RTA was the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures, mandibular fractures were the most common fractures, and intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was the most common treatment modality. (AU)

Valores de antitrombina, proteína C y proteína S en parejas madre-recién nacido durante el posparto / Thrombin, protein C, and protein S values in mother-infant dyads in the postpartum period

Introducción: El objetivo fue establecer valores de normalidad de antitrombina (AT), la proteína C (PC) y la proteína S (PS) dentro de la primera semana después del nacimiento en el binomio madre-recién nacido, ajustados por factores obstétricos y perinatales, según 2 métodos de laboratorio diferentes. Métodos: Se realizaron determinaciones en 83 neonatos a término sanos y sus madres, con 3 grupos de edad posparto: días 1-2, 3 y 4-7. Resultados :No hubo diferencias para ninguna de las proteínas en los distintos grupos de edad de los neonatos y las madres dentro de la primera semana posparto. El análisis ajustado no mostró ninguna asociación con factores obstétricos o perinatales. Los valores de AT y PC en las madres fueron mayores que en los neonatos (p<0,001), mientras que la PS mostró valores similares. La correlación global de los valores entre los pares madre-recién nacido fue escasa, salvo para la PS libre en los en los siguientes 2 días al parto. Aunque no se encontraron diferencias entre los 2 métodos de laboratorio, los valores absolutos fueron diferentes. (AU)

Introduction: The objective of the study was to establish the normal range for the levels of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), and protein S (PS) in the first week post birth in mother-infant dyads, adjusting for obstetric and perinatal factors, based on 2 different laboratory methods. Methods: We took measurements in 83 healthy term neonates and their mothers, establishing 3 postpartum age groups: 1-2 days, 3 days, and 4-7 days. Results: There were no differences in the levels of any of the proteins between the different age groups in neonates or mothers in the first week post birth. The adjusted analysis found no association with obstetric or perinatal factors. The AT and PC levels were higher in mothers compared to infants (P<.001), while the PS levels were similar in both. Overall, the correlation of maternal and infant protein values was poor, except for the levels of free PS in the first 2 days post birth. Although we found no differences based on which of the 2 laboratory methods was applied, the absolute values did differ. (AU)

Asinine milk mitigates stress-mediated immune, cortisol and behavioral responses of piglets to weaning: A study to foster future interventions in humans.

Introduction: The present study assessed whether asinine milk supplementation improved the immune and behavioral responses of piglets during an early life weaning stress event as a model for its future use in humans. Methods: For this, 48 piglets from 4 different litters were used. At 20 days of age, piglets were weighed and allocated with their litter and dam into group pens until 28 days of age. Four piglets from each litter were then randomly assigned to either (1) asinine milk supplementation (n = 16) (2), skimmed cow milk supplementation (n = 16) or (3) no supplementation (n = 16; control group). The supplementations were voluntarily administered for 3 days preweaning and 3 days postweaning using a baby bottle. The effects on the weaning stress response were assessed through salivary cortisol measurements; behavioral tests such as the open field, novel object end elevated plus maze tests; and gene expression of HSD11B1, NR3C1 and IL1B in PBMCs, which was determined by RT-qPCR and normalized to GAPDH and UBB. To test the effect of the supplementations on weight, milk intake, gene expression, and behavior, a randomized block design was used with repeated measurements over time by the PROC MIXED procedure. Results and discussion: The effects on salivary cortisol were determined using the ratio between the morning and afternoon concentrations, considering the time before and after the weaning event. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher's test were performed to evaluate the behavior test data. When comparing salivary cortisol concentrations between the pre- and postweaning periods, there was a difference (p < 0.05) between the supplementation groups in the afternoon period, suggesting that piglets fed asinine milk had lower afternoon cortisol concentrations postweaning than their counterparts. For the behavioral tests, the supplementations had no measurable effects. No difference was between groups pre- and postweaning for the expression of HSD11B2, which codes for an enzyme that breaks down cortisol. However, the expression of NR3C1, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, was significantly upregulated in piglets supplemented with cow milk (mean 1.245; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Asinine milk downregulated 1L1B gene expression, which codes for an inflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation with asinine milk may represent a strategy to diminish the damage associated with an early life event by modulating IL1B expression and reducing salivary cortisol levels in piglets undergoing weaning stress. Further transcriptomic and metabolomic studies may improve our understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate this systemic immune-mediated response.

Alberta Collaborative Quality Improvement Strategies to Improve Outcomes of Moderate and Late Preterm Infants (ABC-QI) Trial: a protocol for a multicentre, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) is a collaborative quality improvement method adopted by the Canadian Neonatal Network that led to decreased mortality and morbidity in very preterm neonates. The Alberta Collaborative Quality Improvement Strategies to Improve Outcomes of Moderate and Late Preterm Infants (ABC-QI) Trial aims to evaluate the impact of EPIQ collaborative quality improvement strategies in moderate and late preterm neonates in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: In a 4-year, multicentre, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial involving 12 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), we will collect baseline data with the current practices in the first year (all NICUs in the control arm). Four NICUs will transition to the intervention arm at the end of each year, with 1 year of follow-up after the last group transitions to the intervention arm. Neonates born at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation with primary admission to NICUs or postpartum units will be included. The intervention includes implementation of respiratory and nutritional care bundles using EPIQ strategies, including quality improvement team building, quality improvement education, bundle implementation, quality improvement mentoring and collaborative networking. The primary outcome is length of hospital stay; secondary outcomes include health care costs and short-term clinical outcomes. Neonatal intensive care unit staff will complete a survey in the first year to assess quality improvement culture in each unit, and a sample will be interviewed 1 year after implementation in each unit to evaluate the implementation process. INTERPRETATION: The ABC-QI Trial will assess whether collaborative quality improvement strategies affect length of stay in moderate and late preterm neonates. It will provide detailed population-based data to support future research, benchmarking and quality improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT05231200.

Adverse neonatal outcomes and associated factors among mothers who gave birth through induced and spontaneous labor in public hospitals of Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adverse neonatal outcomes are one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Empirical evidence across the world shows that induction of labor potentiates adverse neonatal outcomes. In Ethiopia, there has been limited data that compares the frequency of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor and to determine associated factors among women who gave birth in public hospitals of Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Awi Zone public hospitals from May 1 to June 30, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 788 (260 induced and 528 spontaneous) women. The collected data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 26. The Chi-square test and an independent t-test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. In the bivariate analysis, a p-value ≤ 0.2 at a 95% confidence interval was used to consider the variables in the multivariate analysis. Finally, statistical significance was stated at a p-value of less than 0.05. RESULT: The adverse neonatal outcomes among women who gave birth through induced labor were 41.1%, whereas spontaneous labor was 10.3%. The odds of adverse neonatal outcomes in induced labor were nearly two times higher than in spontaneous labor (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11-3.22). No education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.56, 6.44), chronic disease (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI: 1.87, 8.52), male involvement (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.06), preterm birth (AOR = 9.83, 95% CI: 8.74, 76.37), operative delivery (AOR = 8.60, 95% CI: 4.63, 15.90), cesarean section (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.94, 8.95), and labor complications (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI: 2.90, 9.18) were significantly associated factors with adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Adverse neonatal outcomes in the study area were higher. Composite adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher in induced labor compared to spontaneous labor. Therefore, it is important to anticipate the possible adverse neonatal outcomes and plan management strategies while conducting every labor induction.

Incidence and trends of 17 notifiable bacterial infectious diseases in China, 2004-2019.

BACKGROUND: Certain bacterial infectious diseases are categorized as notifiable infectious diseases in China. Understanding the time-varying epidemiology of bacterial infections diseases can provide scientific evidence to inform prevention and control measures. METHODS: Yearly incidence data for all 17 major notifiable bacterial infectious diseases (BIDs) at the province level were obtained from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System in China between 2004 and 2019. Of them 16 BIDs are divided into four categories, respiratory transmitted diseases (RTDs, 6 diseases), direct contact/fecal-oral transmitted diseases (DCFTDs, 3 diseases), blood-borne/sexually transmitted diseases (BSTDs, 2 diseases), and zoonotic and vector-borne diseases (ZVDs, 5 diseases), and neonatal tetanus is excluded in the analysis. We characterized the demographic, temporal, and geographical features of the BIDs and examined their changing trends using a joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: During 2004‒2019, 28 779 thousand cases of BIDs were reported, with an annualized incidence rate of 134.00 per 100 000. RTDs were the most commonly reported BIDs, accounting for 57.02% of the cases (16 410 639/28 779 000). Average annual percent changes (AAPC) in incidence were - 1.98% for RTDs, - 11.66% for DCFTDs, 4.74% for BSTDs, and 4.46% for ZVDs. Females had a higher incidence of syphilis than males, and other BIDs were more commonly reported in males. Among 0-5-year-olds, the diseases with the largest increases in incidence were pertussis (15.17% AAPC) and scarlet fever (12.05%). Children and students had the highest incidence rates of scarlet fever, pertussis, meningococcal meningitis, and bacillary dysentery. Northwest China had the highest incidence of RTDs, while South and East China had the highest incidences of BSTDs. Laboratory confirmation of BIDs increased from 43.80 to 64.04% during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: RTDs and DCFTDs decreased from 2004 to 2019 in China, while BSTDs and ZVDs increased during the same period. Great attention should be paid to BSTDs and ZVDs, active surveillance should be strengthened, and timely control measures should be adopted to reduce the incidence.

Measurement of maternal morbidity during postpartum with the WHO-WOICE tools in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity refers to any health problems or complications experienced by a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. Many studies have documented the, mostly negative, effects of maternal ill-health on functioning. Although, measurement of maternel morbidity remains underdeveloped. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities (including overall health, domestic and sexual violence, functionality, and mental health) in women during postpartum care and further analyze factors associated with compromised mental functioning and clinical health by administration of the WHO's WOICE 2.0 instrument. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 Health centers in Marrakech, Morocco with WOICE questionnaire included three sections: the first with maternal and obstetric history, sociodemographic data, risk and environment factors, violence and sexual health; the second considers functionality and disability, general symptoms and mental health; and the third includes data on physical and laboratory tests. This paper presents descriptive data on the distribution of functioning status among postpartum women. RESULTS: A total of 253 women averaging 30 years of age participated. For self-reported health status of women, more than 40% reported good health, and just 9.09% of women had a health condition reported by the attending physician. Among postpartum women with clinical diagnoses, 16.34% had direct (obstetric) conditions and 15.56% indirect (medical) problems. When screening for factors in the expanded morbidity definition, about 20.95% reported exposure to violence. Anxiety was identified in 29.24% of cases, and depression in 17.78%. Looking into gestational results, just 14.6% delivered by cesarean section and 15.02% had preterm birth. We found also that 97% reported "good baby health" in the postpartum evaluation, with 92% of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, improving the quality of care for women requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased research, better access to care, and improved education and resources for women and healthcare providers.

Life expectancy, mortality risks and cause of death in patients with serious mental illness in South East London: a comparison between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017.

BACKGROUND: People with serious mental illness (SMI) have a significantly shorter life expectancy than the general population. This study investigates whether the mortality rate in this group has changed over the last decade. METHODS: Using Clinical Record Interactive Search software, we extracted data from a large electronic database of patients in South East London. All patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder from 2008 to 2012 and/or 2013 to 2017 were included. Estimates of life expectancy at birth, standardised mortality ratios and causes of death were obtained for each cohort according to diagnosis and gender. Comparisons were made between cohorts and with the general population using data obtained from the UK Office of National Statistics. RESULTS: In total, 26 005 patients were included. In men, life expectancy was greater in 2013-2017 (64.9 years; 95% CI 63.6-66.3) than in 2008-2012 (63.2 years; 95% CI 61.5-64.9). Similarly, in women, life expectancy was greater in 2013-2017 (69.1 years; 95% CI 67.5-70.7) than in 2008-2012 (68.1 years; 95% CI 66.2-69.9). The difference with general population life expectancy fell by 0.9 years between cohorts in men, and 0.5 years in women. In the 2013-2017 cohorts, cancer accounted for a similar proportion of deaths as cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to the general population, life expectancy for people with SMI is still much worse, though it appears to be improving. The increased cancer-related mortality suggests that physical health monitoring should consider including cancer as well.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and exclusive breastfeeding during hospital stay.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding during maternity hospital stay (outcome) and to analyze the association between delivery in a Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFH) and the outcome. The hypothesis is that accreditation to this program improves exclusive breastfeeding during maternity hospital stay. Exclusive breastfeeding is essential in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This study is based on secondary data collected by the "Birth in Brazil: National Survey into Labour and Birth", a population-based study, conducted with 21,086 postpartum women, from February 1, 2011, to October 31, 2012, in 266 hospitals from all five Brazilian regions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted mostly within the first 24 hours after birth, regarding individual and gestational characteristics, prenatal care, delivery, newborn's characteristics, and breastfeeding at birth. A theoretical model was created, allocating the exposure variables in three levels based on their proximity to the outcome. This hierarchical conceptual model was applied to perform a multiple logistic regression (with 95%CI and p < 0.05). RESULTS: In this study, 76.0% of the babies were exclusively breastfed from birth until the interview. Babies born in public (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.10-2.87), mixed (AOR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.35-4.53) and private (AOR = 5.54; 95%CI: 2.38-12.45) BFHs were more likely to be exclusively breastfed during maternity hospital stay than those born in non-BFHs, as well as those born by vaginal birth (AOR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.79-2.61), with adolescent mothers (AOR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.47-2.26) or adults up to 34 years old (AOR =1 .31; 95%CI: 1.13-1.52), primiparous women (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.34-1.70), and mothers living in the Northern region of Brazil (AOR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.14-3.49). CONCLUSIONS: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative promotes exclusive breastfeeding during hospital stay regarding individual and hospital differences.

Uncertainty and probability in neonatal end-of-life decision-making: analysing real-time conversations between healthcare professionals and families of critically ill newborns.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of critically ill neonates face potentially adverse prognoses and outcomes, with some of them fulfilling the criteria for perinatal palliative care. When counselling parents about the critical health condition of their child, neonatal healthcare professionals require extensive skills and competencies in palliative care and communication. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the communication patterns and contents between neonatal healthcare professionals and parents of neonates with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions regarding options such as life-sustaining treatment and palliative care in the decision-making process. METHODS: A qualitative approach to analysing audio-recorded conversations between neonatal team and parents. Eight critically ill neonates and a total of 16 conversations from two Swiss level III neonatal intensive care units were included. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: the weight of uncertainty in diagnosis and prognosis, the decision-making process, and palliative care. Uncertainty was observed to impede the discussion about all options of care, including palliative care. Regarding decision-making, neonatologists oftentimes conveyed to parents that this was a shared endeavour. However, parental preferences were not ascertained in the conversations analysed. In most cases, healthcare professionals were leading the discussion and parents expressed their opinion reactively to the information or options received. Only few couples proactively participated in decision-making. The continuation of therapy was often the preferred course of action of the healthcare team and the option of palliative care was not mentioned. However, once the option for palliative care was raised, the parents' wishes and needs regarding the end-of-life care of their child were obtained, respected, and implemented by the team. CONCLUSION: Although shared decision-making was a familiar concept in Swiss neonatal intensive care units, parental involvement in the decision-making process illustrated a somewhat different and complex picture. Strict adherence to the concept of certainty might impede the process of decision-making, thereby not discussing palliation and missing opportunities to include parental values and preferences.

Effect of Hypoxia-Ischemia on the Expression of Iron-Related Proteins in Neonatal Rat Brains.

Hypoxic-ischemic white matter injury (WMI) pathogenesis in preterm infants is not well established, and iron-related proteins in the brain may play an important role in imbalanced iron metabolism. We aimed to investigate the iron-related protein changes in neonatal rats after hypoxia-ischemia (HI), clarify the role of iron-related proteins in hypoxic-ischemic WMI, and potentially provide a new target for the clinical treatment of hypoxic-ischemic WMI in preterm infants. We adopted a WMI animal model of bilateral common carotid artery electrocoagulation combined with hypoxia in neonatal 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. We observed basic myelin protein (MBP) and iron-related protein expression in the brain (ferritin, transferrin receptor [TfR], and membrane iron transporter 1 [FPN1]) via Western blot and double immunofluorescence staining. The expression of MBP in the WMI group was significantly downregulated on postoperative days (PODs) 14, 28, and 56. Ferritin levels were significantly increased on PODs 3, 7, 14, and 28 and were most significant on POD 28, returning to the sham group level on POD 56. FPN1 levels were significantly increased on PODs 7, 28, and 56 and were still higher than those in the sham group on POD 56. TfR expression was significantly upregulated on PODs 1, 7, and 28 and returned to the sham group level on POD 56. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ferritin, TfR, and FPN1 were expressed in neurons, blood vessels, and oligodendrocytes in the cortex and corpus callosum on POD 28. Compared with the sham group, the immune-positive markers of three proteins in the WMI group were significantly increased. The expression of iron-related proteins in the brain (ferritin, FPN1, and TfR) showed spatiotemporal dynamic changes and may play an important role in hypoxic-ischemic WMI.