[Financial and health impact of two models of providing prostheses in a public health systemImpacto econômico e sanitário de dois modelos de fornecimento de próteses em um sistema público de saúde]. / Impacto sanitario económico de dos modelos de provisión de prótesis desde un sistema público de salud.

Objective: Compare the health outcomes and financial outcomes of two systems for the procurement of prostheses: the traditional system, in which procurement is initiated when a product is requested; and the "Prosthesis Bank" model, based on a current inventory of supplies. Methods: Descriptive-analytical study of users of Ministry of Health services in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The patients belonged to two study groups: 1) prostheses were provided through the traditional computerized system for hospital procurement and contracting, known as SIPACH; and 2) prostheses were provided by the Prosthesis Bank. The study was limited to endovascular prostheses (coronary stents) and hip prostheses. Official government databases were used. The study period was from 01/01/2018 to 31/10/2022. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, diagnosis, hospital, type of implant or prosthesis, date of request, date received, unit price, direct and indirect costs, average cost of daily hospitalization, cost-effectiveness, and budgetary impact. Results: A total of 4 106 applications were analyzed. In the traditional system: 13.5% of patients did not get their prostheses; it took 50 days longer than with the Prosthesis Bank; and total costs were higher in SIPACH (coronary stent, +463%; hip prosthesis, +133%). The Prosthesis Bank saved USD 3.2 million annually and prevented 22 deaths through early provision of endovascular prostheses. Conclusions: The Prosthesis Bank proved to be superior to the traditional model for providing prostheses, both in terms of health-by achieving better access, shortening waiting times, and avoiding deaths-and financially-by significantly reducing unit and overall prices, achieving significant savings in allocated budgets.

Objetivo: Comparar os resultados econômicos e sanitários de dois sistemas de aquisição de próteses: um sistema tradicional, no qual a compra é iniciada mediante solicitação, e um modelo em estoque chamado Banco de Próteses (BDP). Métodos: Estudo descritivo-analítico com usuários do Ministério da Saúde da província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Os pacientes pertenciam a dois grupos de estudo: 1) próteses fornecidas pelo método tradicional do Sistema Informatizado de Aquisição e Contratações Hospitalares (SIPACH); e 2) próteses fornecidas pelo BDP. A análise se restringiu a próteses endovasculares do tipo stent coronariano e próteses de quadril. Foram utilizados bases de dados oficiais do governo. O período do estudo foi de 01/01/2018 a 31/10/2022. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, diagnóstico, hospital, tipo de implante ou prótese; data de solicitação; data de aquisição; preço unitário, custos diretos e indiretos; custo médio diário de internação, relação custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário. Resultados: Foram analisadas 4 106 solicitações. No sistema tradicional, 13,5% dos pacientes não receberam as próteses e houve 50 dias a mais de espera do que pelo BDP. Além disso, os custos totais foram maiores no SIPACH (+463% no caso dos stents coronários e +133% para as próteses de quadril). O BDP economizou US$ 3,2 milhões ao ano e evitou 22 mortes com o fornecimento precoce de próteses endovasculares. Conclusões: O BDP demonstrou superioridade em relação ao modelo tradicional de fornecimento de próteses, tanto em termos sanitários, ao oferecer maior acesso, diminuir o tempo de espera e evitar mortes, quanto em termos econômicos, ao reduzir significativamente os preços unitários e totais, gerando economias significativas nos orçamentos alocados.

Impacto sanitario económico de dos modelos de provisión de prótesis desde un sistema público de salud / Financial and health impact of two models of providing prostheses in a public health system

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Comparar los resultados sanitarios y económicos de dos sistemas de adquisición de prótesis: un sistema tradicional en el cual la compra se inicia al solicitar el insumo versus un modelo de insumos en existencia denominado Banco de Prótesis. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo-analítico, en usuarios del Ministerio de Salud de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los pacientes pertenecían a dos grupos de estudio 1) prótesis provistas por vía tradicional del Sistema Informático para Adquisición y Contrataciones Hospitalarias (SIPACH); 2) prótesis provistas por Banco de Prótesis (BDP). Se limitó el análisis a prótesis endovasculares del tipo stent coronario y prótesis de cadera. Se utilizaron bases de datos oficiales gubernamentales. El periodo de estudio comprendió del 01/01/2018 hasta el 31/10/2022. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico, hospital, tipo de implante o prótesis; fecha solicitud; fecha adquisición; precio unitario, costos directos e indirectos; costos promedio de la internación diaria, costo-efectividad e impacto presupuestario. Resultados. Se analizaron 4 106 solicitudes. En el sistema tradicional, 13,5% de los pacientes no consiguieron sus prótesis, hubo 50 días más de demora que con BDP, y los costos totales fueron superiores en SIPACH (stent coronarios +463%, prótesis de cadera +133%). El BDP ahorró US$ 3,2 millones anuales y evitó 22 muertes con la provisión temprana de prótesis endovasculares. Conclusiones. El BDP demostró superioridad al modelo tradicional de provisión de prótesis tanto en términos sanitarios, por lograr mayor acceso, acortar tiempos de espera y evitar muertes; como económicos, por reducir significativamente los precios unitarios y globales, logrando un notable ahorro en los presupuestos asignados.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Compare the health outcomes and financial outcomes of two systems for the procurement of prostheses: the traditional system, in which procurement is initiated when a product is requested; and the "Prosthesis Bank" model, based on a current inventory of supplies. Methods. Descriptive-analytical study of users of Ministry of Health services in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The patients belonged to two study groups: 1) prostheses were provided through the traditional computerized system for hospital procurement and contracting, known as SIPACH; and 2) prostheses were provided by the Prosthesis Bank. The study was limited to endovascular prostheses (coronary stents) and hip prostheses. Official government databases were used. The study period was from 01/01/2018 to 31/10/2022. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, diagnosis, hospital, type of implant or prosthesis, date of request, date received, unit price, direct and indirect costs, average cost of daily hospitalization, cost-effectiveness, and budgetary impact. Results. A total of 4 106 applications were analyzed. In the traditional system: 13.5% of patients did not get their prostheses; it took 50 days longer than with the Prosthesis Bank; and total costs were higher in SIPACH (coronary stent, +463%; hip prosthesis, +133%). The Prosthesis Bank saved USD 3.2 million annually and prevented 22 deaths through early provision of endovascular prostheses. Conclusions. The Prosthesis Bank proved to be superior to the traditional model for providing prostheses, both in terms of health—by achieving better access, shortening waiting times, and avoiding deaths—and financially— by significantly reducing unit and overall prices, achieving significant savings in allocated budgets.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Comparar os resultados econômicos e sanitários de dois sistemas de aquisição de próteses: um sistema tradicional, no qual a compra é iniciada mediante solicitação, e um modelo em estoque chamado Banco de Próteses (BDP). Métodos. Estudo descritivo-analítico com usuários do Ministério da Saúde da província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Os pacientes pertenciam a dois grupos de estudo: 1) próteses fornecidas pelo método tradicional do Sistema Informatizado de Aquisição e Contratações Hospitalares (SIPACH); e 2) próteses fornecidas pelo BDP. A análise se restringiu a próteses endovasculares do tipo stent coronariano e próteses de quadril. Foram utilizados bases de dados oficiais do governo. O período do estudo foi de 01/01/2018 a 31/10/2022. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, diagnóstico, hospital, tipo de implante ou prótese; data de solicitação; data de aquisição; preço unitário, custos diretos e indiretos; custo médio diário de internação, relação custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário. Resultados. Foram analisadas 4 106 solicitações. No sistema tradicional, 13,5% dos pacientes não recebe- ram as próteses e houve 50 dias a mais de espera do que pelo BDP. Além disso, os custos totais foram maiores no SIPACH (+463% no caso dos stents coronários e +133% para as próteses de quadril). O BDP economizou US$ 3,2 milhões ao ano e evitou 22 mortes com o fornecimento precoce de próteses endovasculares. Conclusões. O BDP demonstrou superioridade em relação ao modelo tradicional de fornecimento de próteses, tanto em termos sanitários, ao oferecer maior acesso, diminuir o tempo de espera e evitar mortes, quanto em termos econômicos, ao reduzir significativamente os preços unitários e totais, gerando economias significativas nos orçamentos alocados.

Risk assessment validation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: Data from a Southern Brazil registry (RESPHIRAR study).

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Registries are a valuable tool in the research of rare conditions such as PAH. Moreover, the risk assessment strategy has been validated in European and North American registries and has been reported to provide an accurate prediction of mortality and the clinical advantage of reaching low-risk status. However, there is no available data from Brazil. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of a sample of PAH from Southern Brazil and to retrospectively validate the risk assessment at our population. The RESPHIRAR is a retrospective and multicentric registry on pulmonary hypertension. With a join collaboration from nine centers in Southern Brazil, demographics, clinical presentation, and hemodynamics data of PAH were collected between 2007 and 2017. Moreover, the REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL 2.0 Lite risk assessments were validated in our population. Overall, 370 PAH patients were included in the present study. Patients were predominantly female (78.5%) and had a mean age of 41.8 ± 18.8 years. Most patients (33.4%) had idiopathic PAH, 30.2% had PAH associated with congenital heart disease, and 23.5% had PAH associated with connective tissue disease. The low-risk group showed significantly lower mortality than the intermediated- or high-risk group at diagnosis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL 2.0 Lite risk assessments can predict mortality risk in PAH patients in Southern Brazil.

Asthma control in Brazil: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To explore asthma control in patients undergoing pharmacotherapy on studies in the last 20 years in Brazil. Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease with a high prevalence worldwide. Even with a variety of drug treatment improvements, attaining asthma control is challenging, since it should have a personalized approach. In Brazil, studies on the prevalence of asthma control are scarce and usually from a small sample size. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was performed to assess asthma control in Brazilian population. Terms related to "asthma", "asthma control" and "Brazil" were used in the search strategies in PubMed, BVSalud, Embase and Cochrane Library, including Brazilian Journal of Allergy and Immunology as data sources. A narrative synthesis was performed to report key outcome. STUDY SELECTIONS: In total, 23 studies were included. Most of them were conducted in the Southeastern and Northeast regions, in a short duration. RESULTS: Pediatric and non-pediatric population were assessed, with a higher proportion of female. In pediatric population, those with poorly controlled asthma usually had severe or persistent disease. In elderly, an increased asthma severity was found, although proper treatment might be effective. Most studies (70%) also described exacerbations, hospitalizations (48%), quality of life (39%), and emergency visits (30%). Despite heterogeneity of outcomes and population, studies show an important prevalence of uncontrolled asthma even in patients being treated, with better disease control with treatment improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Studies in Brazil have shown that asthma control remains a challenge and there is still a need for improvement on disease management.

Impacto sanitario económico de dos modelos de provisión de prótesis desde un sistema público de salud / Financial and health impact of two models of providing prostheses in a public health system / Impacto econômico e sanitário de dois modelos de fornecimento de próteses em um sistema público de saúde

RESUMEN Objetivo. Comparar los resultados sanitarios y económicos de dos sistemas de adquisición de prótesis: un sistema tradicional en el cual la compra se inicia al solicitar el insumo versus un modelo de insumos en existencia denominado Banco de Prótesis. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo-analítico, en usuarios del Ministerio de Salud de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los pacientes pertenecían a dos grupos de estudio 1) prótesis provistas por vía tradicional del Sistema Informático para Adquisición y Contrataciones Hospitalarias (SIPACH); 2) prótesis provistas por Banco de Prótesis (BDP). Se limitó el análisis a prótesis endovasculares del tipo stent coronario y prótesis de cadera. Se utilizaron bases de datos oficiales gubernamentales. El periodo de estudio comprendió del 01/01/2018 hasta el 31/10/2022. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico, hospital, tipo de implante o prótesis; fecha solicitud; fecha adquisición; precio unitario, costos directos e indirectos; costos promedio de la internación diaria, costo-efectividad e impacto presupuestario. Resultados. Se analizaron 4 106 solicitudes. En el sistema tradicional, 13,5% de los pacientes no consiguieron sus prótesis, hubo 50 días más de demora que con BDP, y los costos totales fueron superiores en SIPACH (stent coronarios +463%, prótesis de cadera +133%). El BDP ahorró US$ 3,2 millones anuales y evitó 22 muertes con la provisión temprana de prótesis endovasculares. Conclusiones. El BDP demostró superioridad al modelo tradicional de provisión de prótesis tanto en términos sanitarios, por lograr mayor acceso, acortar tiempos de espera y evitar muertes; como económicos, por reducir significativamente los precios unitarios y globales, logrando un notable ahorro en los presupuestos asignados.

ABSTRACT Objective. Compare the health outcomes and financial outcomes of two systems for the procurement of prostheses: the traditional system, in which procurement is initiated when a product is requested; and the "Prosthesis Bank" model, based on a current inventory of supplies. Methods. Descriptive-analytical study of users of Ministry of Health services in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The patients belonged to two study groups: 1) prostheses were provided through the traditional computerized system for hospital procurement and contracting, known as SIPACH; and 2) prostheses were provided by the Prosthesis Bank. The study was limited to endovascular prostheses (coronary stents) and hip prostheses. Official government databases were used. The study period was from 01/01/2018 to 31/10/2022. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, diagnosis, hospital, type of implant or prosthesis, date of request, date received, unit price, direct and indirect costs, average cost of daily hospitalization, cost-effectiveness, and budgetary impact. Results. A total of 4 106 applications were analyzed. In the traditional system: 13.5% of patients did not get their prostheses; it took 50 days longer than with the Prosthesis Bank; and total costs were higher in SIPACH (coronary stent, +463%; hip prosthesis, +133%). The Prosthesis Bank saved USD 3.2 million annually and prevented 22 deaths through early provision of endovascular prostheses. Conclusions. The Prosthesis Bank proved to be superior to the traditional model for providing prostheses, both in terms of health—by achieving better access, shortening waiting times, and avoiding deaths—and financially—by significantly reducing unit and overall prices, achieving significant savings in allocated budgets.

RESUMO Objetivo. Comparar os resultados econômicos e sanitários de dois sistemas de aquisição de próteses: um sistema tradicional, no qual a compra é iniciada mediante solicitação, e um modelo em estoque chamado Banco de Próteses (BDP). Métodos. Estudo descritivo-analítico com usuários do Ministério da Saúde da província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Os pacientes pertenciam a dois grupos de estudo: 1) próteses fornecidas pelo método tradicional do Sistema Informatizado de Aquisição e Contratações Hospitalares (SIPACH); e 2) próteses fornecidas pelo BDP. A análise se restringiu a próteses endovasculares do tipo stent coronariano e próteses de quadril. Foram utilizados bases de dados oficiais do governo. O período do estudo foi de 01/01/2018 a 31/10/2022. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, diagnóstico, hospital, tipo de implante ou prótese; data de solicitação; data de aquisição; preço unitário, custos diretos e indiretos; custo médio diário de internação, relação custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário. Resultados. Foram analisadas 4 106 solicitações. No sistema tradicional, 13,5% dos pacientes não receberam as próteses e houve 50 dias a mais de espera do que pelo BDP. Além disso, os custos totais foram maiores no SIPACH (+463% no caso dos stents coronários e +133% para as próteses de quadril). O BDP economizou US$ 3,2 milhões ao ano e evitou 22 mortes com o fornecimento precoce de próteses endovasculares. Conclusões. O BDP demonstrou superioridade em relação ao modelo tradicional de fornecimento de próteses, tanto em termos sanitários, ao oferecer maior acesso, diminuir o tempo de espera e evitar mortes, quanto em termos econômicos, ao reduzir significativamente os preços unitários e totais, gerando economias significativas nos orçamentos alocados.

Prevalence of the eosinophilic phenotype among severe asthma patients in Brazil: the BRAEOS study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of the eosinophilic and allergic phenotypes of severe asthma in Brazil, as well as to investigate the clinical characteristics of severe asthma patients in the country. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients diagnosed with severe asthma and managed at specialized centers in Brazil. The study was conducted in 2019. RESULTS: A total of 385 patients were included in the study. Of those, 154 had a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 and 231 had a blood eosinophil count of ≤ 300 cells/mm3. The median age was 54.0 years, and most of the patients were female, with a BMI of 29.0 kg/m2 and a history of allergy (81.6%). The prevalence of patients with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 was 40.0% (95% CI: 35.1-44.9), and that of those with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 and a history of allergy was 31.9% (95% CI: 27.3-36.6). Age and BMI showed positive associations with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 (OR = 0.97, p < 0.0001; and OR = 0.96, p = 0.0233, respectively), whereas the time elapsed since the onset of asthma symptoms showed an increased association with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 (OR = 1.02, p = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed us to characterize the population of severe asthma patients in Brazil, showing the prevalence of the eosinophilic phenotype (in 40% of the sample). Our results reveal the relevance of the eosinophilic phenotype of severe asthma at a national level, contributing to increased effectiveness in managing the disease and implementing public health strategies.

A granular analysis of service delivery for surgical system strengthening: Application of the Lancet indicators for policy development in Colombia.

Background: The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) surgical indicators have given the surgical community metrics for objectively characterizing the disparity in access to surgical healthcare. However, aggregate national statistics lack sufficient specificity to inform strengthening plans at the community level. We performed a second-stage analysis of Colombian surgical system service delivery to inform the development of resource- and context-sensitive interventions to inform a revision of the Decennial Public Health Plan for access inequity resolution. Methods: Data from the year 2016 to inform total operative volume (TOV) and 30-day non-risk adjusted peri-operative mortality (POMR) were collected from the Colombian national health information system. TOV and POMR were sub-characterized by demographics, urgency, service line, disease pathology and facility location. Findings: In 2016, aggregate national mortality was 0·87%, while mortality attributable to elective and emergency surgery was 0·73% and 1·30%, respectively. The elderly experienced a 5·6-fold higher mortality, with 4·2% undergoing an operation within 30 days of dying. Individuals undergoing hepatobiliary, thoracic, cardiac, and neurosurgical operations experienced the highest mortality rates while obstetrics, general surgery, orthopaedics, and urology performed the largest procedure volume. Finally, analysis of operation and service line specific POMR reveals opportunities for improvement. Interpretation: This granular second-stage analysis provides actionable data which is fundamental to the development of resource and context-sensitive interventions to address gaps and inequities in surgical system service delivery. Furthermore, this analysis validates the modeling underlying development of the LCoGS indicators. These data will inform the assessment of implementation priorities and revision of the Colombian Decennial Public Health Plan. Funding: None.

Prevalence of the eosinophilic phenotype among severe asthma patients in Brazil: the BRAEOS study / Prevalência do fenótipo eosinofílico em pacientes com asma grave no Brasil: o estudo BRAEOS

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of the eosinophilic and allergic phenotypes of severe asthma in Brazil, as well as to investigate the clinical characteristics of severe asthma patients in the country. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients diagnosed with severe asthma and managed at specialized centers in Brazil. The study was conducted in 2019. Results: A total of 385 patients were included in the study. Of those, 154 had a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 and 231 had a blood eosinophil count of ≤ 300 cells/mm3. The median age was 54.0 years, and most of the patients were female, with a BMI of 29.0 kg/m2 and a history of allergy (81.6%). The prevalence of patients with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 was 40.0% (95% CI: 35.1-44.9), and that of those with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 and a history of allergy was 31.9% (95% CI: 27.3-36.6). Age and BMI showed positive associations with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 (OR = 0.97, p < 0.0001; and OR = 0.96, p = 0.0233, respectively), whereas the time elapsed since the onset of asthma symptoms showed an increased association with a blood eosinophil count > 300 cells/mm3 (OR = 1.02, p = 0.0011). Conclusions: This study allowed us to characterize the population of severe asthma patients in Brazil, showing the prevalence of the eosinophilic phenotype (in 40% of the sample). Our results reveal the relevance of the eosinophilic phenotype of severe asthma at a national level, contributing to increased effectiveness in managing the disease and implementing public health strategies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência dos fenótipos eosinofílico e alérgico da asma grave no Brasil e investigar as características clínicas dos pacientes com asma grave no país. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de asma grave atendidos em centros especializados no Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em 2019. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 385 pacientes. Destes, 154 apresentavam contagem de eosinófilos no sangue > 300 células/mm3 e 231 apresentavam contagem de eosinófilos no sangue ≤ 300 células/mm3. A mediana da idade foi de 54,0 anos, e a maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino, com IMC de 29,0 kg/m2 e história de alergia (81,6%). A prevalência de pacientes com contagem de eosinófilos no sangue > 300 células/mm3 foi de 40,0% (IC95%: 35,1-44,9), e a daqueles com contagem de eosinófilos no sangue > 300 células/mm3 e história de alergia foi de 31,9% (IC95%: 27,3-36,6). A idade e o IMC apresentaram associações positivas com contagem de eosinófilos no sangue > 300 células/mm3 (OR = 0,97, p < 0,0001 e OR = 0,96, p = 0,0233, respectivamente), ao passo que o tempo decorrido desde o início dos sintomas de asma apresentou associação aumentada com contagem de eosinófilos no sangue > 300 células/mm3 (OR = 1,02, p = 0,0011). Conclusões: Este estudo possibilitou a caracterização da população de pacientes com asma grave no Brasil, mostrando a prevalência do fenótipo eosinofílico (em 40% da amostra). Nossos resultados revelam a relevância do fenótipo eosinofílico da asma grave em nível nacional, contribuindo para aumentar a eficácia no manejo da doença e na implantação de estratégias de saúde pública.

2021 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of severe asthma.

Advances in the understanding that severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease and in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of asthma, with the identification of different phenotypes and endotypes, have allowed new approaches for the diagnosis and characterization of the disease and have resulted in relevant changes in pharmacological management. In this context, the definition of severe asthma has been established, being differentiated from difficult-to-control asthma. These recommendations address this topic and review advances in phenotyping, use of biomarkers, and new treatments for severe asthma. Emphasis is given to topics regarding personalized management of the patient and selection of biologicals, as well as the importance of evaluating the response to treatment. These recommendations apply to adults and children with severe asthma and are targeted at physicians involved in asthma treatment. A panel of 17 Brazilian pulmonologists was invited to review recent evidence on the diagnosis and management of severe asthma, adapting it to the Brazilian reality. Each of the experts was responsible for reviewing a topic or question relevant to the topic. In a second phase, four experts discussed and structured the texts produced, and, in the last phase, all experts reviewed and approved the present manuscript and its recommendations.

Algunas aproximaciones psicoanalíticas sobre las violencias de género y el feminicidio / Some psychoanalytic approaches to gender violence and femicide

El texto propone indagar posibles coordenadas psíquicas subyacentes a aquellas conductas descriptas como propias de las violencias de género y los crímenes de odio, en particular, el feminicidio. Inscripto en el marco del trabajo de investigación UBACyT sobre "Funciones psíquicas del crimen en la economía libidinal", el trabajo transitará por algunos de los interrogantes que interpelan a diversos saberes, en particular al psicoanalítico, respecto de dichas violencias y su manifestación extrema, el asesinato de una persona por su condición o identidad de género. Para ello, se utilizará como material de articulación y análisis: por un lado, relatos de casos reales de violencias de género y feminicidios plasmados de forma literaria en el libro "Romper Cadenas" de la autora Viviana Rodríguez y el autor Sergio Soler; y, por otro lado, escenas de la serie de televisión biográfica y policial "Monzón", creado por Pablo Bossi, basado en "Monzón, secreto de sumario" de María Adelina Staiolo

The text proposes to inquire possible psychic coordinates underlying to those behaviors described as typical of gender violence and hate crimes, in particular, femicide. Inscribed within the framework of the UBACyT research work on "Psychic functions of crime in the libidinal economy", the work will transit through some of the questions that interpellate various knowledge, in particular the psychoanalytic, regarding said violence and its extreme manifestation, the murder of a person because of their gender status or identity. To do this, It will be used as material for articulation and analysis: on the one hand, stories of real cases of gender violence and femicides captured in literary form in the book "Romper Cadenas" by the author Viviana Rodríguez and the author Sergio Soler; and, on the other hand, scenes from the biographical and police television series "Monzón", created by Pablo Bossi, based on "Monzón, summary secret" by María Adelina Staiolo

Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Inhibitors for Modulation of Osteoclastogenesis: Enhancement of Solubility and Stability.

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) activity has been correlated to breast cancer bone metastasis. It has been proposed that MMP-13 contributes to bone metastasis through the promotion of osteoclastogenesis. To explore the mechanisms of MMP-13 action, we previously described a highly efficacious and selective MMP-13 inhibitor, RF036. Unfortunately, further pursuit of RF036 as a probe of MMP-13 in vitro and in vivo activities was not practical due to the limited solubility and stability of the inhibitor. Our new study has explored replacing the RF036 backbone sulfur atom and terminal methyl group to create inhibitors with more favorable pharmacokinetic properties. One compound, designated inhibitor 3, in which the backbone sulfur and terminal methyl group of RF036 were replaced by nitrogen and oxetane, respectively, had comparable activity, selectivity, and membrane permeability to RF036, while exhibiting greatly enhanced solubility and stability. Inhibitor 3 effectively inhibited MMP-13-mediated osteoclastogenesis but spared collagenolysis, and thus represents a next-generation MMP-13 probe applicable for in vivo studies of breast cancer metastasis.

Optimizing organic electrosynthesis through controlled voltage dosing and artificial intelligence.

Organic electrosynthesis can transform the chemical industry by introducing electricity-driven processes that are more energy efficient and that can be easily integrated with renewable energy sources. However, their deployment is severely hindered by the difficulties of controlling selectivity and achieving a large energy conversion efficiency at high current density due to the low solubility of organic reactants in practical electrolytes. This control can be improved by carefully balancing the mass transport processes and electrocatalytic reaction rates at the electrode diffusion layer through pulsed electrochemical methods. In this study, we explore these methods in the context of the electrosynthesis of adiponitrile (ADN), the largest organic electrochemical process in industry. Systematically exploring voltage pulses in the timescale between 5 and 150 ms led to a 20% increase in production of ADN and a 250% increase in relative selectivity with respect to the state-of-the-art constant voltage process. Moreover, combining this systematic experimental investigation with artificial intelligence (AI) tools allowed us to rapidly discover drastically improved electrosynthetic conditions, reaching improvements of 30 and 325% in ADN production rates and selectivity, respectively. This powerful AI-enhanced experimental approach represents a paradigm shift in the design of electrified chemical transformations, which can accelerate the deployment of more sustainable electrochemical manufacturing processes.

Relationship between right atrium area and right ventricular ejection fraction on magnetic resonance imaging: comparison with other prognostic markers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the right atrium (RA) area and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) with other known prognostic markers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 74 patients diagnosed with PAH by right heart catheterization at a referral center between January 2018 and May 2018. All of the patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of the right heart catheterization (RHC), as well as undergoing echocardiography, a 6-minute walk test, and determination of the level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) within a month of the RHC. We attempted to determine whether the cardiac MRI-derived RA area correlated with ions between RVEF and RA area measured by that determined by echocardiography, as well as whether the cardiac MRI-derived RA area and RVEF correlated with the 6-minute walk distance and NT-proBNP level. RESULTS: The MRI-derived RA area demonstrated a weak correlation with the pulmonary vascular resistance measured by RHC (r = 0.268; p = 0.055) and a moderate correlation with the NT-proBNP (r = 0.429; p = 0.003). All correlations between clinical characteristics and the RVEF were statistically significant. In the univariate linear analysis, the RVEF showed stronger correlations with the clinical characteristics than did the RA area. CONCLUSION: In patients with PAH, cardiac MRI-derived RVEF appears to correlate more strongly with other prognostic factors than does RA area.

Quantitative computed tomography phenotypes, spirometric parameters, and episodes of exacerbation in heavy smokers: An analysis from South America.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quantitative computed tomography (QCT) phenotypes, airflow limitations, and exacerbation-like episodes in heavy smokers in Southern Brazil. METHODS: We enrolled 172 smokers with a smoking history ≥30 pack-years who underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT scan for lung cancer screening. Patients were classified regarding airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC <0.7 forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity) and the presence of emphysema on the QCT. The QCT were analyzed in specialized software and patients were classified in two disease-predominant phenotypes: emphysema-predominant (EP) and non-emphysema-predominant (NEP). EP was determined as ≥6% of percent low-attenuation areas (LAA%) with less than -950 Hounsfield units. NEP was defined as having a total LAA% of less than 6%. RESULTS: Most of our patients were classified in the EP phenotype. The EP group had significantly worse predicted FEV1 (60.6 ±22.9 vs. 89.7 ±15.9, p <0.001), higher rates of airflow limitation (85.7% vs. 15%; p <0.001), and had more exacerbation-like episodes (25.8% vs. 8.3%, p <0.001) compared to the NEP group. Smoking history, ethnicity, and BMI did not differ between the groups. The total LAA% was the QCT parameter with the strongest correlation to FEV1 (r = -0.669) and FEV1/FVC (r = -0.787). CONCLUSIONS: Heavy smokers with the EP phenotype on QCT were more likely to have airflow limitation, worse predicted FEV1, and a higher rate of exacerbation-like episodes than those with the NEP phenotype. Approximately 23% of patients with no airflow limitation on PFTs were classified in EP phenotype.

Cessação do tabagismo: revisão dos diferentes métodos / Tobacco cessation: a review of different methods

Objetivos: O artigo revisa os métodos de tratamento atualmente mais indicados para cessação do tabagismo. Métodos: Uma busca nas bases Medline/Pubmed e Lilacs foi realizada com termos referentes a cessação do tabagismo, produtos utilizados para cessar o tabagismo e taxa de abstinência. Foram selecionadas revisões sistemáticas e ensaios clínicos em texto completo, publicados nos últimos 5 anos, em língua inglesa ou portuguesa, tendo como participantes humanos adultos. Após análise foram incluídos 10 artigos para revisão. Resultados: Em relação à terapia comportamental, o emprego de aconselhamento telefônico teve pior desfecho em comparação aos contatos pessoais (p=0.01) e à combinação de ambos (p=0.01). A abordagem proativa favorece a taxa de abstinência (p<0.001). O incentivo financeiro, no entanto, não teve efeitos sobre a taxa de abstinência a longo prazo (p=0.95). Quanto à terapia farmacológica, a bupropiona (OR 1.84) e a vareniclina (OR 2.88), isoladamente, aumentaram a taxa de abstinência comparadas ao placebo, tendo a vareniclina demonstrado resultados superiores (OR 1.57). A Terapia de Reposição Nicotínica combinada com bupropiona ou nortriptilina não resultou em aumento na taxa de abstinência quando comparada à Terapia de Reposição de Nicotina em monoterapia (OR 0.99). A nortriptilina também aumentou a taxa de abstinência, com poucos efeitos adversos (RR 2.03). A associação de bupropiona e vareniclina gerou maior taxa de abstinência em um mês comparada à monoterapia com vareniclina (p=0.029). Não houve diferença significativa entre Terapia de Reposição de Nicotina por goma comparada ao adesivo transdérmico em relação à redução do tabagismo (p>0.05). Conclusões: Diversos medicamentos são eficazes e estão disponíveis para auxílio à cessação do tabagismo. Deve-se avaliar o contexto clínico de cada paciente, ofertando a terapia mais adequada a cada caso. Abordagens proativas e motivacionais, além da facilitação do acesso aos recursos de tratamento também melhoram as taxas de abstinência.

Aims: This article aims to present a review of tobacco cessation methods currently most indicated in order to update health professionals. Methods: It was performed a search in Medline/Pubmed and Lilacs using terms referring to smoking cessation, smoking cessation products and Abstinence Rate. Systematic reviews and clinical trials in full text articles, published in the last five years in English or Portuguese, having human adults as participants, were selected. After analysing adequacy to the subject, 10 articles were included to be reviewed. Results: Regarding to non-pharmacological therapies, telephone counselling showed worse results in comparison to personal therapy (p=0.01) and also comparing to the combination of them (p=0.01). Besides, a proactive approach enhances abstinence rate when compared to usual approach (p<0.001). Cash incentive did not result in a higher abstinences rates in long term when compared to control group (p=0.95). In relation to pharmacological therapy, bupropion (OR 1.84) and varenicline (OR 2.88), separately, increased abstinence rate in comparison to placebo, although varenicline showed superior results (OR 1.57). Nicotine Replacement Therapy in combination with bupropion or nortriptilin did not result in a higher abstinence rate when compared to Nicotine Replacement Therapy as monotherapy (OR 0.99). Nortriptilin enhances abstinence rate, with little adverse events (RR 2.03). Combination of bupropion and varenicline resulted in an increased abstinence rate in one month in comparison to varenicline as single therapy (p=0.029). There was no significant difference between Nicotine Replacement Therapy with nicotine gum and patch in relation to smoking reduction (p>0.05). Conclusions: Many medications were found to be effective and are available for smoking cessation. Clinical context of each patient should be evaluated, offering the most appropriate therapy. Proactive approaches and simplified access to resources also improve abstinence rates.

Historia del bocio. Parte 1: aproximación a su etiología / History of goiter. Part 1: approach to its etiology

El bocio es una de las enfermedades más antiguas de la raza humana. Su manejo actual y el de sus causas subyacentes resultan de un proceso de evolución y refinamiento de hipótesis que se despliega a lo largo de la historia. Es evidente cómo el bocio ha despertado la curiosidad de poblaciones de todo el mundo, incluyendo a ilustres médicos, exploradores y artistas; logrando un impacto cultural importante en dichas poblaciones. A pesar de ser un tema tratado con detalle en la literatura, la historia del bocio no ha sido abordada hasta ahora interdisciplinariamente, reuniendo su aproximación tanto epidemiológica, como clínica, quirúrgica y artística, e incluyendo datos históricos de Venezuela, compilado en tres partes. Este artículo tiene como objetivo hacer una revisión histórica del bocio y del desarrollo de su abordaje clínico-quirúrgico, con un enfoque cultural que permita al lector comprender el rico trasfondo histórico de esta enfermedad(AU)

Goiter is one of the most ancient diseases of the human race. Its workup and that of its underlying causes result from a process of evolution and refinement of hypotheses that are displayed throughout history. Goiter has evidently awakened the curiosity of civilizations from all over the world, including famed doctors, explorers and artists, and achieving an important cultural impact in these civilizations. Although treated with detail in the available literature, the history of goiter has not yet been approached in an interdisciplinary manner, gathering its most important epidemiological, clinical, chirurgical and artistical developments, and including historical information on Venezuela, in three parts. The objective of this paper is to present a historical revision of goiter and the development of its clinical and chirurgical approach, with a cultural perspective that allows readers to understand the rich historical background of this disease(AU)