INCIDENCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN URUGUAY. A PROSPECTIVE POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

Background The worldwide incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated at 0.5-10 cases per 100,000 person-years and is probably increasing. In 2014, a previous study estimated the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Uruguay at 1.2 cases per 100.000 person-years. Objectives We conducted an observational, prospective, population-based study to determine MS incidence from diagnosis in Uruguay. Methods The population studied included people older than 18 years of age, who were living in Uruguay between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021. The diagnosis was based on 2017 McDonald criteria. Multiple data sources were employed including neurologists, magnetic resonance imaging centers, laboratories performing oligoclonal band testing, neurophysiology laboratories, neurorehabilitation centers, the institution Fondo Nacional de Recursos, and the MS Patients' Association of Uruguay (EMUR). The capture-recapture method was used to estimate incidence. Results 155 new MS cases were confirmed after review. The median age was 35 (range 18-62). Thirteen patients (8.38%) were diagnosed with late onset MS. The crude incidence rate was 2.89 cases per 100,000 person-years, 3.95 among female and 1.72 among male patients. The incidence rate estimated using the capture-recapture method was 3.18 (95% CI 3.02-3.34). Conclusions According to the Atlas of MS, Uruguay has a low incidence rate (2.0-3.99), even though it is one of the highest in Latin America. Our country aligns with the global trend of increasing incidence. Age and sex distribution were similar to other studies, with a high incidence of patients with late onset multiple sclerosis. The capture-recapture method confirms the exhaustivity of our investigation.

Report of the Influenza Vaccination Program in Mexico (2006-2022) and Proposals for Its Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Influenza has continued to be an important public health challenge, and the WHO recommends that countries consider vaccination for persons at high risk. Mexico has such a program, and we sought to determine its current situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study has an ecological, longitudinal, and retrospective design based on secondary information on the acquisition and application of vaccines against influenza from official data from 2006 to 2022. RESULTS: We found annual variability in the numbers of purchases and application of doses, with coverage of less than 90% of the total population every year; in addition, 17 million vaccines were not used in this period. DISCUSSION: This study shows the situation of the program at the national level. Two institutions acquired fewer the vaccines, while one purchased more for its target population, but the necessary vaccinations were not acquired. On average, 1.7 million of the vaccines purchased annually were not used, but in some years, more vaccines were applied than were purchased in all of the institutions. We also observed that, between institutions, the vaccine coverage was very different, from 21% to 180%. On average, 6.2 million people were not vaccinated annually, between 16% and 22% of the target population, demonstrating low coverage. When we compared the coverage data that we calculated to the data published by the institutions, a great difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We found inconsistencies in the data, indicating their unreliability and potential disorganization within the program, as the target populations of each institution were not clear. In addition, the application data may have had reporting errors. Adequate coverage was not achieved, and the coverage was different from that reported in the official sources. We propose the implementation of different systems for control, evaluation, and access to the information of the program.

Reverse transcription loop­mediated isothermal amplification has a high performance in the detection of SARS­CoV­2 in saliva samples and nasal swabs from asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.

The detection of coronavirus disease 2019 cases represents a significant challenge at the epidemiological level. Limitations exist in effectively detecting asymptomatic cases, achieving good follow-up in hospitals without the infrastructure for reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) or in difficult-to-access areas and developing methods with the need for less invasive sampling procedures. Therefore, the present study evaluated the performance of the direct reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the saliva and nasal samples of asymptomatic individuals belonging to the university population. In addition, this test was also assessed for effectiveness in symptomatic individuals referred from a hospital with poor infrastructure in molecular biology and located outside the urban area. The RT-LAMP assay was compared with the results obtained from the RT-qPCR nasopharyngeal swab test, where the diagnosis was confirmed by lateral flow immunoassay test for rapid antigen detection. A total of 128 samples were analyzed, of which 43% were symptomatic positive individuals, 25% were asymptomatic positive individuals and 32% were SARS-CoV2-negative control individuals. Among positive individuals, no differences were found between the Cq values determined by RT-qPCR. A sensitivity of 96.5% and a specificity of 97.6% was reported for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic individuals by salivary and nasal RT-LAMP, as well as a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.6% for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic individuals. These findings indicated that performance of the direct RT-LAMP test using saliva and nasal samples has high sensitivity and specificity, which in turn suggest that it is a viable and reliable alternative for use in epidemiological monitoring.

Should asymptomatic bacteriuria be treated in lupus nephritis?

INTRODUCTION: The risk of infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with factors related to disease activity and immunosuppressive treatment. Recently, the persistence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) has been proposed as an environmental trigger for SLE and its flares, raising the question whether it should be treated systematically to reduce the risk of infection. To our knowledge, there is limited evidence on the screening and treatment of ASB in SLE. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to analyze the occurrence of infection and flare in patients with lupus nephritis with and without ASB. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a cohort of patients with lupus nephritis during induction therapy with high-dose cyclophosphamide regimen was carried out between January 2018 and 2020, with a total of 37 patients investigated. Urine and blood samples from the two groups (with ASB and without ASB) where taken before the administration of cyclophosphamide. RESULTS: From the sampled 37 patients, 19 (51.4%) had ASB and 18 (48.6%) without ASB; both groups were well balanced in their demographics and clinical characteristics. No statistically significant association was found between the presence of ASB and the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score (p = 0.604), and neither with the 24-h urine protein and leukocyte count (p > 0.177). Urinary tract infection occurred in 5.3% (1) of the patients with ASB, while 5.6% (1) of the patients in the group without ASB presented the infection, and the RR was 0.944 (0.06, 16.33) 95% CI; in addition, no statistically significant association was found between the presence of ASB and the occurrence of infection (p = 1,000). CONCLUSION: Our study did not find a statistically significant association of ASB with the occurrence of infection or disease activity. Further studies need it to clarify this, since treatment of ASB has been recognized as an important contributor to inappropriate antimicrobial use, which promotes emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Effect of the Intake of a Traditional Mexican Beverage Fermented with Lactic Acid Bacteria on Academic Stress in Medical Students.

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been associated with different illnesses and emotional disorders such as stress. Traditional fermented foods that are rich in probiotics suggest modulation of dysbiosis, which protects against stress-induced disorders. The academic stress was evaluated in medical students using the SISCO Inventory of Academic Stress before and after ingestion of an aguamiel-based beverage fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus brevis (n = 27) and a control group (n = 18). In addition, microbial phyla in feces were quantified by qPCR. The results showed that the consumption of 100 mL of a beverage fermented with lactic acid bacteria (3 × 108 cfu/mL) for 8 weeks significantly reduced academic stress (p = 0.001), while the control group (placebo intervention) had no significant changes in the perception of academic stress (p = 0.607). Significant change (p = 0.001) was shown in the scores for environmental demands, and physical and psychological factors. Consumption of the fermented beverage significantly increased the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but not Gammaproteobacteria. No significant changes were found in the control group, except for a slight increase in the phylum Firmicutes. The intake of this fermented beverage suggest a modulation of gut microbiota and possible reduction in stress-related symptoms in university students, without changing their lifestyle or diet.

Cambios Dimensionales en Técnicas de Preservación Alveolar Bartee y Bio-Col con Xenoinjerto Inteross®

RESUMEN: La preservación de las dimensiones y contorno del reborde alveolar posterior a una extracción es de suma importancia para evitar problemas subsecuentes para la colocación de un implante dental. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los cambios dimensionales mediante el análisis en tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) en sitios pre y post preservados con técnica Bartee y Bio-Col con xenoinjerto a los 6 meses de cicatrización. En un paciente de 62 años, se realizaron 6 preservaciones alveolares en órganos dentarios uniradiculares, con diagnóstico periodontal sin esperanza, grupo A la técnica de preservación alveolar Bartee (n= 3) y grupo B la técnica de preservación alveolar Bio-Col (n= 3). Se utilizó xenoinjerto (InterOss ® Anorganic Cancellous Bone Graft Granules 0,25- 1mm Sigma graft) en ambos grupos. En el grupo A se colocó injerto óseo en la totalidad del alveolo asistido por una membrana no reabsorbible de politetrafluoroetile no denso (Cytoplast ™ Regentex TXT-200 singles, Osteogenics Biomedical Inc, Lubbock, Texas). En el grupo B se colocó el injerto óseo en 3⁄4 del alveolo y el último 1⁄4 del alveolo fue ocupado por apósito de colágeno reabsorbible (CollaPlug ® Zimmer biomet). Se registraron mediciones obtenidas mediante CBCT inicial previa a la realización de preservaciones alveolares y se tomó una segunda CBCT a los 6 meses de cicatrización obteniendo la medición en sentido vertical y horizontal, coincidiendo en el plano de corte. Se observó mediante el análisis dimensional en grupo A y Grupo B obteniendo en sentido vertical un 13,58 % y 20,76 % de reabsorción y en sentido horizontal 13,45 % y 15,72 % respectivamente a los 6 meses de cicatrización, utilizando xenoinjerto por lo que no existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a los cambios dimensionales entre ambas técnicas p>0,05. La preservación alveolar proporciona una estabilidad dimensional contrarrestando el proceso de reabsorción fisiológica, siendo una opción predecible.

ABSTRACT: Preserving the dimensions and contour of the alveolar ridge after the dental extraction, it´s of utmost importance to avoidsubsequent problems for the placement of a dental implant. The objective of this study was compare the dimensional changes through the analysis in Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in pre and post sites preserved with the Bartee and Bio-Col technique with xenograft at 6 months of healing. In a 62-year-old patient, 6 alveolar preservations were performed in uniradicular dental organs, with a hopeless periodontal diagnosis, group A the Bartee alveolar ridge preservation technique (n = 3) and group B the Bio-Col alveolar ridge preservation technique (n = 3). Xenograft (InterOss ® Anorganic Cancellous Bone Graft Granules 0.25-1mm Sigma graft) was used in both groups. In the group A a bone graft was placed in the entire socket, assisted by a dense non-absorbable polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (Cytoplast ™ Regentex TXT-200 singles, Osteogenics Biomedical Inc, Lubbock, Texas). In the group B the bone graft was placed in 3⁄4 of the socket and the last 1⁄4 of the socket was occupied by an absorbable collagen dressing (CollaPlug ® Zimmer biomet). Measurements obtained by initial CBCT before recording alveolar ridge preservations were recorded, and the second CBCT was taken 6 months after healing obtaining the measurement vertically and horizontally, coinciding in the section plane. It was observed through dimensional analysis in group A and Group B, obtaining 13.58% and 20.76% of reabsorption vertically and 13.45% and 15.72% respectively at 6 months of healing, using xenograft, so there is no statistical difference significant in terms of dimensional changes between both techniques p> 0.05. Alveolar ridge preservation provides dimensional stability by counteracting the physiological resorption process, being a predictable option.

Complicaciones cerebrovasculares luego de angiografía coronaria en contexto de infarto agudo de miocardio. Estudio de cohorte / Cerebrovascular complications after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure for acute myocardial infarction in a patient cohort / Complicações cerebro-vasculares após procedimento coronário invasivo percutâneo para infarto do miocárdio aguda em um coorte do paciente

Resumen: Introducción: los eventos cerebrovasculares son una complicación grave, pero infrecuente, de los procedimientos coronarios invasivos. La angioplastia coronaria aumenta el riesgo de presentarla en 17 veces. Los pacientes que la sufren tienen más complicaciones agregadas y mayores tasas de mortalidad. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y evolutivas de los pacientes que desarrollaron un evento cerebrovascular luego de una angiografía coronaria de urgencia en el contexto de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Secundariamente, analizar la relación temporal entre ambos eventos e identificar factores previos asociados al desarrollo de la complicación neurológica. Método: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes que sufrieron un evento cerebrovascular de cualquier tipo dentro de los 30 días posteriores a un procedimiento coronario por IAM en el Centro Cardiovascular Universitario, entre 2008 y 2017. Se analizaron características demográficas, del procedimiento coronario y del evento cerebrovascular. Resultados: 24 pacientes, 54,2% hombres; 1/3 del total tenía ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) previo. El 66,7% sufrió IAM sin elevación del segmento ST. Todos los eventos cerebrovasculares fueron isquémicos; la mayoría sobre la circulación anterior. El 62% ocurrió en las primeras 48 horas luego del procedimiento coronario, asociándose a mayor duración del procedimiento y número de vasos tratados. En tres casos se utilizó activador tisular del plasminógeno recombinante para reperfusión del evento neurológico. La mediana de NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) fue de 4 puntos (IQ 2-8) en IAM sin elevación del ST, y 8 puntos (IQ 3-20) en IAM con elevación del ST (p=0,20). El 79% de los pacientes sufrió complicaciones adicionales durante la hospitalización; cinco fallecieron. Conclusiones: entre quienes sufrieron complicaciones cerebrovasculares luego de angiografía coronaria pos-IAM existió una proporción similar de ambos sexos y un porcentaje elevado de pacientes con antecedentes de ACV. La forma de presentación del evento cardiovascular fue predominantemente IAM sin elevación del ST. Los eventos cerebrovasculares fueron isquémicos, en su mayoría de la circulación cerebral anterior y ocurrieron en las primeras 48 horas. El ACV/AIT (ataque isquémico transitorio) en este contexto podría asociarse a una mayor estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad.

Summary: Introduction: cerebrovascular events are serious but infrequent complications of invasive percutaneous coronary procedure. Coronary angioplasty increases the risk 17 times. Patients suffering this complication have higher morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: to determine the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of the patients who developed a cerebrovascular event after an emergency coronary angiography in the context of an acute myocardial infarction. Secondly, analyze the temporal relationship between both events and identify previous factors associated with the development of neurological complications. Methods: demographic, characteristics of the angiographic procedure, and cerebrovascular features of a population of patients with stroke occurring within 30 days after of invasive percutaneous coronary procedure for myocardial infarctions are described. Data was retrospectively collected from the Cardiovascular University Center (Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay) between 2008-2017. Results: 24 patients, 54.2% were men; 1/3 had prior stroke; 66.7% presented non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. All of the cerebrovascular events were ischemic, most were from the anterior circulation. 62% occurred in the first 48 hours after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure, having this group a higher percentage of percutaneous coronary angioplasty and longer procedures. In three patients recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was used for stroke treatment. NIHSS median was 4 points (IQ 2-8) in patients without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 8 points (IQ 3-20) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (p=0.20). 79% of patients had complications during the hospitalization, and 5 died. Conclusions: there was a similar proportion of men and women, and a high percentage of patients with a history of stroke. The presentation of the cardiovascular events was predominantly non ST myocardial infarction. All the cerebrovascular events were ischemic, it occurred for most patients in the first 48 hours after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure, and the anterior brain circulation was most commonly affected. Stroke/transient ischemic attack after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure could be associated with longer hospital stays and death.

Resumo: Introdução: o acidente vascular cerebral é uma complicação séria, mas pouco frequente, da procedimiento coronário invasivo percutâneo. Angioplastia coronariana aumenta o risco 17 vezes. Pacientes que sofrem dessa complicação têm mais complicações e maiores taxas de mortalidade. Objetivo: determinar as características clínicas e evolutivas dos pacientes que desenvolveram um evento cerebrovascular após uma angiografia coronária de emergência no contexto de um infarto agudo do miocárdio. Em segundo lugar, analise a relação temporal entre os dois eventos e identifique os fatores anteriores associados ao desenvolvimento de complicações neurológicas. Métodos: uma coorte retrospectiva dos pacientes que sofreram um acidente vascular cerebral nos primeiros 30 dias de um procedimento coronário para o infarto agudo do miocárdio, e a análise dos seus dados demográficos e características de processo coronária e acidente vascular cerebral é realizada é descrito. Dados do Centro Cardiovascular Universitário do Hospital de Clínicas de Montevidéu, Uruguai, foram obtidos retrospectivamente a partir das datas entre 2008 e 2017. Resultados: 24 pacientes; 54,2% eram homens; 1/3 haviam sofrido um ataque cerebrovascular prévio; 66,7% apresentavam infarto agudo do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Todos os eventos cerebrovasculares foram isquêmicos, a maioria era da circulação anterior. 62% dos eventos cerebrovasculares ocorreram nas primeiras 48 horas após o procedimento coronário, tendo encontrado nesse grupo procedimentos mais longos e com mais angioplastias coronarianas realizadas. Em 3 pacientes, a ativador do plasminogênio tissular recombinante foi usada para tratar o acidente vascular cerebral. O NIHSS mediana foi de 4 pontos (IQ 2-8) no infarto agudo do miocárdio, sem elevação do segmento ST, e 8 pontos (IQ 3- 20) no infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (p = 0,20) . 79% dos pacientes sofreram complicações durante a internação e 5 morreram. Conclusões: houve uma proporção semelhante de ambos sexos e uma alta porcentagem de pacientes com história de acidente vascular cerebral. A apresentação do evento cardiovascular foi predominantemente IAM sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O ataque cerebrovascular foi isquêmico, ocorreu mais freqüentemente nas primeiras 48 horas e afetou principalmente a circulação cerebral anterior. Acidente vascular cerebral após intervenção coronária percutânea poderia estar associada a uma permanência hospitalar mais longa e mortalidade.

Meningitis tras anestesia espinal: reporte de un caso / Meningitis after spinal anesthesia: report of a case / Meningite após raquianestesia: relato de caso

Resumen: Introducción: La meningitis asociada a los cuidados de salud es aquella que aparece en pacientes que han sido sometidos a procedimientos invasivos que involucran punción de las meninges o pacientes portadores de dispositivos intratecales. La ocurrencia de la misma luego de procedimientos de anestesia raquídea es poco frecuente con una prevalencia que oscila entre 0-2 cada 10.000 casos, aunque es una entidad subreportada y subdiagnosticada. Materiales y métodos: Se realiza un análisis retrospectivo del caso de un paciente atendido en el Instituto de Neurología en el Hospital de Clínicas de Montevideo, Uruguay. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica a través de pubmed utilizando los siguientes términos mesh: "meningitis", "health care associated", "spinal anesthesia" "meningitis post dural puncture". Además, se analizaron guías actualizadas en cuanto a meningitis asociada a cuidados de salud. Caso Clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 24 años que a las 24hs de un procedimiento de anestesia raquídea por cirugía de hernia inguinal comienza con cefalea, vómitos y fiebre agregando en las siguientes 72hs rigidez de nuca, afectación del nervio motor ocular común bilateral, con compromiso pupilar y abducens derecho, realizándose diagnóstico de meningitis asociada a cuidados de salud el cual se confirma mediante el estudio del LCR. Se realiza tratamiento con antibioticoterapia con buena evolución a pesar del no aislamiento de gérmenes. Conclusiones: La meningitis asociada a atención en salud es una emergencia infectológica cuyo reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz guardan relación directa con el pronóstico. Su diagnóstico etiológico no siempre se logra con las técnicas convencionales como se evidencia en este caso. Para su prevención, se destaca la necesidad de mantener estrictas condiciones de asepsia y uso correcto de máscaras de protección facial en los procedimientos invasivos para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas.

Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare associated meningitis occurs in patients exposed to invasive procedures with dural puncture or who carry intrathecal devices. Meningitis associated to spinal anesthesia has a low frequency, 0-2/10,000 cases, though is thought to be an underreported and underdiagnosed entity. Materials and methods: This is a case report of a patient admitted to the Neurological Institute of the Hospital de Clinicas in Montevideo, Uruguay. The team conducted a literature research trough pubmed using the terms: "meningitis", "health care associated", "spinal anesthesia", and "meningitis post dural puncture". We also reviewed updated clinical practice guidelines on health-care associated meningitis. Case presentation: We report the case of a 24 years old patient who underwent inguinal hernia surgery with spinal anesthesia, presenting with headache, vomits and fever 24hs later. 72hs hours later the patient demonstrated bilateral compromise of oculomotor nerve and right abducens nerve. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirmed the diagnosis of healthcare associated meningitis. Antibiotic therapy was initiated with excellent response. No germ was isolated on blood and CSF cultures. Conclusion: Health-care associated meningitis is an emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment for good outcomes. Conventional techniques not always allow to reach microbiological diagnosis, as in the case reported above. We emphasize on the need to hold strict asepsia and to use facial protection masks when executing spinal puncture to prevent this potentially mortal complication.

Resumo: Introdução: A meningite associada aos cuidados de saúde é aquela que aparece em pacientes que foram submetidos a procedimentos invasivos envolvendo punção das meninges ou pacientes portadores de dispositivos intratecais. A ocorrência do mesmo depois de procedimentos de anestesia espinal é rara com uma prevalência variando entre 0-2 10000 casos, embora um underreported e pouco diagnosticada. Materiais e métodos: Uma análise retrospectiva do caso de uma paciente atendida no Instituto de Neurologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Montevidéu, Uruguai. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica através do PubMed, utilizando os seguintes termos de malha "meningite", "cuidados de saúde associados", "anestesia espinhal" "post meningite punção". Além disso, foram analisados guias atualizados sobre meningite associada à assistência à saúde. Caso clínico: o caso de um doente de 24 anos que 24 horas de um método de anestesia espinal para cirurgia hérnia inguinal começa com dor de cabeça, vómitos e febre adicionando nas 72 horas seguintes torcicolo, nervo oculomotor envolvimento é apresentado bilateral, com comprometimento pupilar e abducente direito, realizando diagnóstico de meningite associada à assistência à saúde, o que é confirmado pelo estudo do LCR. O tratamento com antibioticoterapia é realizado com boa evolução, apesar do não isolamento dos germes. Conclusões: A meningite associada aos cuidados de saúde é uma emergência infecciosa cujo reconhecimento e tratamento precoce estão diretamente relacionados ao prognóstico. Seu diagnóstico etiológico nem sempre é obtido com técnicas convencionais, como evidenciado neste caso. Para sua prevenção, destaca-se a necessidade de manter condições estritas de assepsia e uso correto de máscaras faciais em procedimentos invasivos para reduzir o risco de complicações infecciosas.

Beliefs and Determinants of Use of Traditional Complementary/Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Patients Who Undergo Treatment for Cancer in South America.

Purpose The use of traditional complementary/alternative medicine (TCAM) among children with cancer has been well documented. South America has a rich history of traditional healers and medicinal resources; however, little is known about the use of TCAM among children with cancer. We sought to investigate patterns, beliefs, and determinants of TCAM use among South American children with cancer. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to 199 children treated for cancer at institutions located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. Participants were queried about the type of TCAM and strength of beliefs associated with its use. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios with 95% CIs. Results We found that the use of TCAM was common in both Argentina (47%) and Uruguay (76%). Variations in the forms of TCAM used were observed between the countries; however, both countries used TCAM primarily for supportive care. Mother's education, wealth index, and TCAM belief system were significant predictors of TCAM. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the use of TCAM in pediatric oncology in South America. The study identifies several predictors of TCAM use, which may serve as target variables for educational and research initiatives. The finding that most families use TCAM for supportive care suggests that future efforts could evaluate the role of TCAM to enhance existing supportive care regimens, particularly in settings where access to conventional medications are limited.

[Management of ureteric colic with ketorolac and nifedipin vs. ketorolac and tamsulosin in the emergency room]. / Manejo del cólico ureteral con ketorolaco y nifedipina frente a ketorolaco y tamsulosina en el servicio de urgencias.

BACKGROUND: Ureteric colic is the most common symptom of lithiasis. It is caused by the presence of stones accumulated in the renal papillae. These stones often migrate down the ureter, causing a ureteric colic, characterized by a severe pain in the lumbar region. The aim of this study was to compare the use of ketorolac and nifedipine vs. ketorolac and tamsulosin for the medical treatment of pain caused by stones in the lower ureter. METHODS: Longitudinal study of 150 patients of 21-years or older with stones in the lower third of the ureter. 50% received ketorolac and nifedipine and the other 50%, ketorolac and tamsulosin. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used for the assessment of pain at admission and 4 and 12 hours after the treatment was administered. We used descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, chi-squared and Poisson regression). RESULTS: Mean age was 38.17 years; 54.7% were male and 45.3% female. NPRS mean was 9.69 (initially), 7.42 (at 4 hours) and 2.05 (at 12 hours). There were no significant differences in the initial measurement of pain between groups (p < 0.005); four and 12 hours later the pain decreased more in patients managed with ketorolac and nifedipine, p = 0.0041. There were no complications nor side effects in both treatments. CONCLUSION: The use of ketorolac and nifedipine is more effective than the use of ketorolac and tamsulosin for the management of pain caused by lower ureteral colic during the first 12 hours of treatment.

Introducción: el cólico renoureteral es la manifestación más común de la litiasis. Se trata de la presencia de cálculos en las papilas renales que frecuentemente migran hacia el uréter, ocasionando un cólico renoureteral, caracterizado por un dolor intenso en la región lumbar o en sus flancos. Se buscó comparar el uso del ketorolaco y nifedipino frente a ketorolaco y tamsulosina para el manejo del dolor ocasionado por litiasis en el tercio inferior del uréter. Métodos: estudio longitudinal en 150 pacientes mayores de 21 años con litiasis en tercio inferior del uréter. Al 50% se le administró ketorolaco y nifedipino y al otro 50% ketorolaco y tamsulosina. Se utilizó la escala numérica de dolor (END) al ingreso, a las 4 y a las 12 horas. La estadística fue descriptiva e inferencial (U de Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, chi cuadrada y regresión de Poisson). Resultados: la edad promedio fue 38.17 años y 54.7% de los pacientes fueron hombres. Inicialmente la END tuvo una media de 9.69, de 7.42 a las 4 horas y de 2.05 a las 12 horas. En la medición inicial del dolor no hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (p > 0.005); 4 y 12 horas después el dolor disminuyó más en los pacientes manejados con ketorolaco y nifedipino: p = 0.0041 y p = 0.000, respectivamente. No hubo complicaciones ni efectos secundarios en ambos tratamientos. Conclusión: la mancuerna ketorolaco y nifedipino es más efectiva que la del ketorolaco y la tamsulosina para el manejo del dolor del cólico renoureteral inferior durante las primeras 12 horas de tratamiento.

Improving our understanding of the use of traditional complementary/alternative medicine in children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Children with cancer in high-income and low-income countries often use traditional complementary/alternative medicine (TCAM). With efforts by the World Health Organization and international twinning programs improving access to conventional care for patients with childhood cancer, understanding the global use of TCAM is important because reliance on TCAM may affect time to presentation, adherence, and abandonment of care. In the current study, the authors describe the process and validation of an international survey documenting the use of TCAM among children with cancer. METHODS: The survey was designed to collect information on TCAM use and associated factors through both open-ended and close-ended questions. During the period between June 2012 and December 2013, the survey was administered to 300 children and adolescents (or their parents) who were undergoing treatment for cancer at a collaborating institution located in Mexico, Uruguay, and Nicaragua. RESULTS: For the majority of constructs, the survey demonstrated strong test-retest reliability as evidenced by an intraclass correlation of at least ≥0.79 in each of the participating countries. The survey demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability across countries (α range from. 77 to. 85 for the belief scale; and an α range from. 60 to. 86 for the cause scale) and convergent validity between TCAM beliefs and behavior constructs (adjusted correlation range, 0.35-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate the successful development of a cross-cultural survey that produced results that were reliable and valid. These findings will aid investigators in providing guidelines concerning TCAM, support the development of education and research priorities, and identify variables associated with TCAM that are region-specific.

Laminin-5 gamma 2 chain expression is associated with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Laminin-5 gamma 2 chain (laminin-5 γ2) is a protein associated to a migratory phenotype in epithelial neoplastic cells. Stromal myofibroblasts also play a significant role in tumor invasion, due to its ability to modify the extracellular matrix. Tumor budding is a morphologic marker of tumor invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of laminin-5 γ2 in OSCC and its association with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded archival samples of 57 OSCC patients were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect laminin-5 γ2, alpha smooth muscle actin (marker of stromal myofibroblasts), and multicytokeratin (to identify OSCC cells in tumor budding evaluation). Laminin-5 γ2 expression and its association with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts were analyzed. Association among intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts was also evaluated. RESULTS: Higher laminin-5 γ2 expression was associated with high-intensity tumor budding (P < 0.05) and with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts (P < 0.05). Moreover, high-intensity tumor budding was associated with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In OSCC, higher laminin-5 γ2 expression is associated with high-intensity tumor budding and with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts, suggesting that this expression is related to the establishment of an invasive phenotype of neoplastic cells and a permissive environment for tumor invasion in this neoplasia.

O desafio do diagnóstico oral em pacientes especiais / The challenge of oral diagnosis in psychiatric patients

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência de lesões estomatológicas em mucosa bucal dos usuários do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial II (Caps II) de Blumenau - SC. A população-alvo foi composta por duzentos pacientes psiquiátricos sem distinção de gênero ou idade. Para a coleta de dados sobre lesões estomatológicas foram realizados exames da cavidade bucal da população-alvo, observando-se em toda extensão da mucosa bucal a presença de nódulos, pápulas,vesículas, úlceras, placas, pústulas, máculas e tumores. Nessas lesões foram avaliados o tamanho, a cor, a consistência, a localização, a extensão, o formato e a presença de sintomatologia. Também foi realizado um exame anamnésico com a finalidade de registrar a doença sistêmica dos pacientes, a presença de próteses dentárias removíveis e de hábitos como o tabagismo e alcoolismo. Verificaram-se também a idade e o tipo de doença psiquiátrica por meio da consulta ao prontuário de cada paciente. Dos duzentos pacientes examinados, 57 apresentavam lesões em mucosa bucal e 143 encontravam- se livres de lesões. Assim, 28,5% dos pacientes examinados no Caps II de Blumenau apresentavam lesões bucais. Este percentual é considerado elevado, comparativamente com a prevalência de entidades estomatológicas na população em geral.

Grupo de apoio em busca do saber / Support group in search of knowledge

Formacao de grupo de apoio a portadores de transtorno mental em Unidade Basica de Saude, pertencente ao Programa Saude da Familia, Secretaria Municipal de Saude de Curitiba

Implementação de atendimentos preventivos e curativos de controle da cárie dentária em crianças do município de Imbé de Minas - MG

A cárie é uma doença de origem multifatorial e é a principal vilã do alto índice de perdas precoces dos dentes decíduos. Logo, este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de intervenção para a equipe de saúde bucal sobre a questão dos atendimentos preventivos e curativos de controle da cárie em crianças do município de Imbé de Minas - MG. Foi realizada, previamente, uma revisão de literatura e foram incluídos artigos a partir de 2002 dos bancos de dados da SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) e LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) e sites do Ministério da Saúde. A proposta de intervenção teve como objetivos implementar programas preventivos de escovação supervisionada e aplicação tópica de flúor e, reorganizar o processo de trabalho da equipe de saúde bucal. Porém, todas essas medidas não serão suficientes se não houver autocuidado dos usuários e redução das desigualdades e iniquidades entre as regiões, que constituem outro desafio à formulação de políticas públicas no país.