Data-driven, cross-disciplinary collaboration: lessons learned at the largest academic health center in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global research efforts to reduce infection impact, highlighting the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance research quality and efficiency. Methods: At the FMUSP-HC academic health system, we implemented innovative flow management routines for collecting, organizing and analyzing demographic data, COVID-related data and biological materials from over 4,500 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from 2020 to 2022. This strategy was mainly planned in three areas: organizing a database with data from the hospitalizations; setting-up a multidisciplinary taskforce to conduct follow-up assessments after discharge; and organizing a biobank. Additionally, a COVID-19 curated collection was created within the institutional digital library of academic papers to map the research output. Results: Over the course of the experience, the possible benefits and challenges of this type of research support approach were identified and discussed, leading to a set of recommended strategies to enhance collaboration within the research institution. Demographic and clinical data from COVID-19 hospitalizations were compiled in a database including adults and a minority of children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, covering 2020-2022, with approximately 350 fields per patient. To date, this database has been used in 16 published studies. Additionally, we assessed 700 adults 6 to 11 months after hospitalization through comprehensive, multidisciplinary in-person evaluations; this database, comprising around 2000 fields per subject, was used in 15 publications. Furthermore, thousands of blood samples collected during the acute phase and follow-up assessments remain stored for future investigations. To date, more than 3,700 aliquots have been used in ongoing research investigating various aspects of COVID-19. Lastly, the mapping of the overall research output revealed that between 2020 and 2022 our academic system produced 1,394 scientific articles on COVID-19. Discussion: Research is a crucial component of an effective epidemic response, and the preparation process should include a well-defined plan for organizing and sharing resources. The initiatives described in the present paper were successful in our aim to foster large-scale research in our institution. Although a single model may not be appropriate for all contexts, cross-disciplinary collaboration and open data sharing should make health research systems more efficient to generate the best evidence.

Expectations and reality: effects of a pedagogical intervention guided on physical activity self-regulatory strategies / Expectativa y realidad: efectos de una intervención pedagógica con estrategias autorreguladoras de actividad física / Expectativa e realidade: efeitos de uma intervenção pedagógica com estratégias autorregulatórias de atividade física

This study, a Doctorate Research excerpt, aimed to map the effects of an on-line pedagogical intervention guided on physical activity (PA) self-regulatory strategies during the pandemic at a public school. This is qualitative Research, of the pedagogical intervention type using an educational tool. 35 high school students (14 to 17 years old) were interviewed in 8 on-line focus groups. The software IRaMuTeQ was employed to interpret data. The results were organized in six classes: "Diary as in incentive to PA", "Strategies to increase motivation", "Choices and PA sociostructural factors", "How preferences and social support influences PA", "Goals and self-assessment reflections", "PA monitoring". Previously inactive, insufficiently active students (who identified themselves with the educational tool´s character) felt more confident to engage in PA (positive effect) using strategies taught in the intervention (PA diary). Previously physically active students rated the intervention effects as neutral, but praised critical debates on social inequalities and PA. During the intervention, some students employed simple self-regulatory strategies (graded goals), while others did not employ any due to not being something intuitive, lack of motivation, forgetting. This pedagogical intervention seems to be effective to teach the conceptual interfaces between PA, psychology, and society.

En este estudio, que forma parte de una investigación de Doctorado, nos propusimos mapear los efectos de una intervención pedagógica en línea anclada en estrategias autorreguladoras de actividad física (AF) durante la pandemia en un instituto público. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, del tipo intervención pedagógica con ayuda de recurso didáctico. Se realizaron 8 entrevistas semiestructuradas en grupo en línea con 35 alumnos (14 a 17 años) de la enseñanza secundaria. Se utilizó el software IRaMuTeQ para interpretar los datos. Los resultados se organizaron en seis clases: "Diario como estímulo para AF", "Estrategias para aumentar la motivación", "Elecciones y factores socioestructurales para AF", "Influencia del gusto y del incentivo para AF", "Reflexiones sobre metas y autoevaluación", "Monitoreo de la AF". Alumnos anteriormente inactivos o poco activos (identificados con el personaje del recurso didáctico) se sintieron más seguros para practicar AF (efecto positivo) con estrategias enseñadas en la intervención (diario de AF). Los estudiantes físicamente activos atribuyeron un efecto neutro a la intervención, pero valoraron las reflexiones críticas sobre las desigualdades sociales y la AF. Algunos estudiantes emplearon estrategias sencillas de autorregulación (metas graduales) de forma más consistente durante la intervención, mientras que otros no las emplearon porque: no eran intuitivas; les faltó motivación; se olvidaron de hacerlo. La intervención pedagógica parece ser eficaz para la enseñanza conceptual de las interfaces entre AF, psicología y sociedad.

Neste estudo, recorte de uma pesquisa de Doutorado, objetivou-se mapear os efeitos de uma intervenção pedagógica on-line ancorada em estratégias autorregulatórias de atividade física (AF) durante a pandemia em um colégio público. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo intervenção pedagógica com auxílio de recurso didático. Foram realizadas 8 entrevistas semiestruturadas em grupo on-line com 35 estudantes (14 a 17 anos) do Ensino Médio. Utilizou-se o software IRaMuTeQ para interpretar os dados. Os resultados foram organizados em seis classes: "Diário como estímulo para AF", "Estratégias para aumentar a motivação", "Escolhas e fatores socioestruturais para AF", "Influência do gosto e do incentivo para AF", "Reflexões sobre metas e autoavaliação", "Monitoramento da AF". Estudantes previamente inativos ou pouco ativos (identificados com o personagem do recurso didático) sentiram-se mais confiantes para praticar AF (efeito positivo) com estratégias ensinadas na intervenção (diário de AF). Estudantes ativos fisicamente atribuíram efeito neutro à intervenção, mas valorizaram as reflexões críticas sobre as desigualdades sociais e a AF. Alguns estudantes empregaram estratégias autorregulatórias simples (metas graduais) mais consistentemente durante a intervenção, enquanto outros não as empregaram por: não ser algo intuitivo; falta de motivação; esquecimento. A intervenção pedagógica parece ser eficaz para o ensino conceitual das interfaces entre AF, psicologia e sociedade.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Device acceptance is a crucial factor in identifying implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients at risk for psychosocial distress and unfavorable quality of life outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence of the validity of internal structure (construct) and reliability of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS) in a sample of ICD patients, comparing the psychometric indicators of the complete (FPAS-18 item) and abbreviated (FPAS-12 item) versions. The sample included 151 participants (97 males, mean age of 55.7 ± 14.1 years) who completed the cross-culturally adapted version of the FPAS instrument for the Brazilian context. The psychometric properties of both versions of the FPAS instrument were evaluated by two distinct approaches:•Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis: used to test the internal structure of the instrument•Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega: used to determine the reliability of the instrument The two versions of the FPAS-Br instrument showed consistent evidence of internal structure validity and reliability. However, the FPAS-Br 12-item showed a better psychometric adjustment, confirmed by the analysis of the quality indicators of the models.

The impact of data quality monitoring of a multicenter prospective registry of cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Data quality monitoring plays a crucial role in multicenter prospective registries. By maintaining high data accuracy, completeness, and consistency, researchers can improve the overall quality and reliability of the registry data, enabling meaningful conclusions and supporting evidence-based decisions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate data quality metrics (completeness, accuracy, and temporal plausibility) of a Multicenter Registry of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) and to perform a direct data audit of a random sample of records to assess the agreement levels with the source documents. The CIED Registry was a prospective, multicenter, real-world observational study carried out from January 2020 to December 2022 in five designated centers across Sao Paulo, Brazil. We assessed the data quality of the CIED Registry by using two distinct approaches:•Dynamic data monitoring using features of the REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) software, including data reports and data quality rules•Direct data audit in which information from a random sample of 10 % of cases from the coordinating center was compared with original source documents Our findings suggest that the methodological approach applied to the CIED Registry resulted in high data completeness, accuracy, temporal plausibility, and excellent agreement levels with the source documents.

Technical performance of a lateral flow immunoassay for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the outpatient follow-up of non-severe cases and at different times after vaccination: comparison with enzyme and chemiluminescent immunoassays.

This study assessed the technical performance of a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and compared LFIA results with chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) results and an in-house enzyme immunoassay (EIA). To this end, a total of 216 whole blood or serum samples from three groups were analyzed: the first group was composed of 68 true negative cases corresponding to blood bank donors, healthy young volunteers, and eight pediatric patients diagnosed with other coronavirus infections. The serum samples from these participants were obtained and stored in a pre-COVID-19 period, thus they were not expected to have COVID-19. In the second group of true positive cases, we chose to replace natural cases of COVID-19 by 96 participants who were expected to have produced anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies 30-60 days after the vaccine booster dose. The serum samples were collected on the same day that LFIA were tested either by EIA or CLIA. The third study group was composed of 52 participants (12 adults and 40 children) who did or did not have anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies due to specific clinical scenarios. The 12 adults had been vaccinated more than seven months before LFIA testing, and the 40 children had non-severe COVID-19 diagnosed using RT-PCR during the acute phase of infection. They were referred for outpatient follow-up and during this period the serum samples were collected and tested by CLIA and LFIA. All tests were performed by the same healthcare operator and there was no variation of LFIA results when tests were performed on finger prick whole blood or serum samples, so that results were grouped for analysis. LFIA's sensitivity in detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 90%, specificity 97.6%, efficiency 93%, PPV 98.3%, NPV 86.6%, and likelihood ratio for a positive or a negative result were 37.5 and 0.01 respectively. There was a good agreement (Kappa index of 0.677) between LFIA results and serological (EIA or CLIA) results. In conclusion, LFIA analyzed in this study showed a good technical performance and agreement with reference serological assays (EIA or CLIA), therefore it can be recommended for use in the outpatient follow-up of non-severe cases of COVID-19 and to assess anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody production induced by vaccination and the antibodies decrease over time. However, LFIAs should be confirmed by using reference serological assays whenever possible.

Timing to Intubation COVID-19 Patients: Can We Put It Off until Tomorrow?

BACKGROUND: The decision to intubate COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive respiratory support is challenging, requiring a fine balance between early intubation and risks of invasive mechanical ventilation versus the adverse effects of delaying intubation. This present study analyzes the association between intubation day and mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We performed a unicentric retrospective cohort study considering all COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted between March 2020 and August 2020 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 28 days after intubation, and a Cox model was used to evaluate the effect of time from onset of symptoms to intubation in mortality. RESULTS: A total of 592 (20%) patients of 3020 admitted with COVID-19 were intubated during study period, and 310 patients who were intubated deceased 28 days after intubation. Each additional day between the onset of symptoms and intubation was significantly associated with higher in-hospital death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.005-1.03). CONCLUSION: Among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were intubated and mechanically ventilated, delaying intubation in the course of symptoms may be associated with higher mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee (opinion number 3.990.817; CAAE: 30417520.0.0000.0068).

Distinct Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients with Positive or Negative RT-PCR Test.

Identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by RT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab sample is a common test for diagnosing COVID-19. However, some patients present clinical, laboratorial, and radiological evidence of COVID-19 infection with negative RT-PCR result(s). Thus, we assessed whether positive results were associated with intubation and mortality. This study was conducted in a Brazilian tertiary hospital from March to August of 2020. All patients had clinical, laboratory, and radiological diagnosis of COVID-19. They were divided into two groups: positive (+) RT-PCR group, with 2292 participants, and negative (-) RT-PCR group, with 706 participants. Patients with negative RT-PCR testing and an alternative most probable diagnosis were excluded from the study. The RT-PCR(+) group presented increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and 28-day mortality, when compared to the RT-PCR(-) group. A positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result was independently associated with intubation and 28 day in-hospital mortality. Accordingly, we concluded that patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis based on clinical data, despite a negative RT-PCR test from nasopharyngeal samples, presented more favorable outcomes than patients with positive RT-PCR test(s).

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC): a protocol for a multidisciplinary prospective observational evaluation of a cohort of patients surviving hospitalisation in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 may lead to persistent and potentially incapacitating clinical manifestations (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)). Using easy-to-apply questionnaires and scales (often by telephone interviewing), several studies evaluated samples of COVID-19 inpatients from 4 weeks to several months after discharge. However, studies conducting systematic multidisciplinary assessments of PASC manifestations are scarce, with thorough in-person objective evaluations restricted to modestly sized subsamples presenting greatest disease severity. METHODS AND ANALYSES: We will conduct a prospective observational study of surviving individuals (above 18 years of age) from a cohort of over 3000 subjects with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were treated as inpatients at the largest academic health centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo). All eligible subjects will be consecutively invited to undergo a 1-2-day series of multidisciplinary assessments at 2 time-points, respectively, at 6-9 months and 12-15 months after discharge. Assessment schedules will include detailed multidomain questionnaires applied by medical research staff, self-report scales, objective evaluations of cardiopulmonary functioning, physical functionality and olfactory status, standardised neurological, psychiatric and cognitive examinations, as well as diagnostic laboratory, muscle ultrasound and chest imaging exams. Remaining material from blood tests will be incorporated by a local biobank for use in future investigations on inflammatory markers, genomics, transcriptomics, peptidomics and metabolomics. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: All components of this programme have been approved by local research ethics committees. We aim to provide insights into the frequency and severity of chronic/post-COVID multiorgan symptoms, as well as their interrelationships and associations with acute disease features, sociodemographic variables and environmental exposures. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings. Additionally, we aim to provide a data repository to allow future pathophysiological investigations relating clinical PASC features to biomarker data extracted from blood samples. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-8z7v5wc; Pre-results.

Differences in children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cohort study in a Brazilian tertiary referral hospital

OBJECTIVES: To compare demographic/clinical/laboratory/treatments and outcomes among children and adolescents with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included patients diagnosed with pediatric COVID-19 (aged <18 years) between April 11, 2020 and April 22, 2021. During this period, 102/5,951 (1.7%) of all admissions occurred in neonates, children, and adolescents. Furthermore, 3,962 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection samples were processed in patients aged <18 years, and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred in 155 (4%) inpatients and outpatients. Six/155 pediatric patients were excluded from the study. Therefore, the final group included 149 children and adolescents (n=97 inpatients and 52 outpatients) with positive SARS-CoV-2 results. RESULTS: The frequencies of sore throat, anosmia, dysgeusia, headache, myalgia, nausea, lymphopenia, pre-existing chronic conditions, immunosuppressive conditions, and autoimmune diseases were significantly reduced in children and adolescents (p<0.05). Likewise, the frequencies of enoxaparin use (p=0.037), current immunosuppressant use (p=0.008), vasoactive agents (p=0.045), arterial hypotension (p<0.001), and shock (p=0.024) were significantly lower in children than in adolescents. Logistic regression analysis showed that adolescents with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 had increased odds ratios (ORs) for sore throat (OR 13.054; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.750-61.977; p=0.001), nausea (OR 8.875; 95% CI 1.660-47.446; p=0.011), and lymphopenia (OR 3.575; 95% CI 1.355-9.430; p=0.010), but also had less hospitalizations (OR 0.355; 95% CI 0.138-0.916; p=0.032). The additional logistic regression analysis on patients with preexisting chronic conditions (n=108) showed that death as an outcome was significantly associated with pediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (OR 22.300; 95% CI 2.341-212.421; p=0.007) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) (OR 11.261; 95% CI 1.189-106. 581; p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred in adolescents. Individuals belonging to this age group had an acute systemic involvement of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pediatric SARS and MIS-C were the most important factors associated with the mortality rate in pediatric chronic conditions with COVID-19.

Validity Evidence of the Brazilian Version of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale for Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators. / Evidências de Validade da Versão Brasileira da Florida Shock Anxiety Scale para Portadores de Cardioversor-Desfibrilador Implantável.

BACKGROUND: In spite of proven effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), shock therapy delivered by the device may result in increased levels of anxiety and depression, leading to deleterious effects on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To carry out the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) scale into Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: In this psychometric study, construct validity was performed by exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses, and by item response theory (IRT). The adjustment indexes of the CFA were: Robust Mean-Scaled Chi Square/df NNFI, CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (Goodness Fit Index), AGFI (Adjusted Goodness Fit Index), RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) and RMSR (Root Mean Square of Residuals). Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's Alpha, McDonald's Omega and Greatest Lower Bound (GLB). The analyses were carried out with the programs SPSS 23 and Factor 10.8.01. A 5 percent significance level was used. RESULTS: The final Portuguese version of the FSAS was administered to 151 ICD patients, with a mean age of 55.7 ± 14.1 years, and predominantly male. The parallel analysis indicated that the FSAS is unidimensional, with an explained variance of 64.4%. The correlations ranged from 0.31 to 0.77, factor loadings from 0.67 to 0.86, and communalities from 0.46 to 0.74. The adjustment indexes of the CFA were above the quality threshold. Satisfactory reliability evidence was provided by the FSAS. CONCLUSIONS: The FSAS-Br showed consistent validity and reliability evidence. Therefore, it can be used in ICD patients in Brazil. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(5):764-772).

FUNDAMENTO: A despeito da comprovada efetividade do cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável (CDI), as terapias de choque deflagradas pelo dispositivo podem causar níveis elevados de ansiedade e depressão, provocando efeitos deletérios na qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Realizar a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação do instrumento Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Nesse estudo psicométrico, a validade de construto foi realizada pela análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) e confirmatória (AFC) e pela Teoria de Resposta ao Item. Os índices de ajustamento da AFC foram: Robust Mean-Scaled Chi Square/df NNFI, CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (Goodness Fit Index), AGFI (Adjusted Goodness Fit Index), RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) e RMSR (Root Mean Square of Residuals). A confiabilidade foi verificada pelo Alfa de Cronbach, Ômega de McDonald e Greatest Lower Bound. As análises foram realizadas no SPSS 23.0 e Factor 10.8.01, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A versão final em português do FSAS foi administrada em 151 portadores de CDI, com idade média de 55,7 ± 14,1 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino. A análise paralela indicou que o FSAS é unidimensional, com variância explicada de 64,4%. As correlações variaram de 0,31 a 0,77; as cargas fatoriais de 0,67 a 0,86 e as comunalidades de 0,46 a 0,74. Os índices de ajustamento da AFC estabeleceram-se acima dos limites de qualidade. Encontramos evidências satisfatórias de confiabilidade da escala FSAS. CONCLUSÃO: O instrumento FSAS-Br apresentou evidências consistentes de validade e confiabilidade, podendo, portanto, ser utilizado em portadores de CDI do Brasil. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(5):764-772).

Evidências de Validade da Versão Brasileira da Florida Shock Anxiety Scale para Portadores de Cardioversor-Desfibrilador Implantável / Validity Evidence of the Brazilian Version of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale for Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Resumo Fundamento A despeito da comprovada efetividade do cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável (CDI), as terapias de choque deflagradas pelo dispositivo podem causar níveis elevados de ansiedade e depressão, provocando efeitos deletérios na qualidade de vida. Objetivo Realizar a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação do instrumento Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil. Métodos Nesse estudo psicométrico, a validade de construto foi realizada pela análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) e confirmatória (AFC) e pela Teoria de Resposta ao Item. Os índices de ajustamento da AFC foram: Robust Mean-Scaled Chi Square/df NNFI, CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (Goodness Fit Index), AGFI (Adjusted Goodness Fit Index), RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) e RMSR (Root Mean Square of Residuals). A confiabilidade foi verificada pelo Alfa de Cronbach, Ômega de McDonald e Greatest Lower Bound. As análises foram realizadas no SPSS 23.0 e Factor 10.8.01, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A versão final em português do FSAS foi administrada em 151 portadores de CDI, com idade média de 55,7 ± 14,1 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino. A análise paralela indicou que o FSAS é unidimensional, com variância explicada de 64,4%. As correlações variaram de 0,31 a 0,77; as cargas fatoriais de 0,67 a 0,86 e as comunalidades de 0,46 a 0,74. Os índices de ajustamento da AFC estabeleceram-se acima dos limites de qualidade. Encontramos evidências satisfatórias de confiabilidade da escala FSAS. Conclusão O instrumento FSAS-Br apresentou evidências consistentes de validade e confiabilidade, podendo, portanto, ser utilizado em portadores de CDI do Brasil. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(5):764-772)

Abstract Background In spite of proven effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), shock therapy delivered by the device may result in increased levels of anxiety and depression, leading to deleterious effects on quality of life. Objective To carry out the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) scale into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods In this psychometric study, construct validity was performed by exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses, and by item response theory (IRT). The adjustment indexes of the CFA were: Robust Mean-Scaled Chi Square/df NNFI, CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (Goodness Fit Index), AGFI (Adjusted Goodness Fit Index), RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) and RMSR (Root Mean Square of Residuals). Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's Alpha, McDonald's Omega and Greatest Lower Bound (GLB). The analyses were carried out with the programs SPSS 23 and Factor 10.8.01. A 5 percent significance level was used. Results The final Portuguese version of the FSAS was administered to 151 ICD patients, with a mean age of 55.7 ± 14.1 years, and predominantly male. The parallel analysis indicated that the FSAS is unidimensional, with an explained variance of 64.4%. The correlations ranged from 0.31 to 0.77, factor loadings from 0.67 to 0.86, and communalities from 0.46 to 0.74. The adjustment indexes of the CFA were above the quality threshold. Satisfactory reliability evidence was provided by the FSAS. Conclusions The FSAS-Br showed consistent validity and reliability evidence. Therefore, it can be used in ICD patients in Brazil. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(5):764-772)

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after transvenous lead replacement or upgrade procedures.

BACKGROUND: Venous obstructions are frequent in patients with transvenous leads, although related clinical findings are rarely reported. After lead replacement or upgrade procedures, these lesions are even more frequent, but there is still no evidence to support this observation. AIM: To investigate the incidence and possible risk factors for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after lead replacement or upgrade procedures. METHODS: Prospective cohort carried out between April 2013 and July 2016. Preoperative evaluation included venous ultrasound and pulmonary angiotomography. Diagnostic exams were repeated postoperatively to detect the study outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 84 patients included, 44 (52.4%) were female and mean age was 59.3 ± 15.2 years. Lead malfunctioning (75.0%) was the main surgical procedure indication. Lead removal was performed in 44 (52.4%) cases. The rate of postoperative combined events was 32.6%, with 24 (28.6%) cases of UEDVT and six (7.1%) cases of PE. Clinical manifestations of deep venous thrombosis occurred in 10 (11.9%) patients. Independent prognostic factors for UEDVT were severe collateral circulation in the preoperative venography (odds ratio [OR] 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-19.8; P = .037) and transvenous lead extraction (OR 27.4; 95% CI 5.8-128.8; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Reoperations involving previously implanted transvenous leads present high rates of thromboembolic complications. Transvenous lead extraction had a significant impact on the development of UEDVT. These results show the need of further studies to evaluate the role of preventive strategies for this subgroup of patients.

Effectiveness and Safety of Transvenous Removal of Cardiac Pacing and Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Leads in the Real Clinical Scenario. / Efetividade e Segurança da Remoção de Cabos-Eletrodos Transvenosos de Marca-Passos e Desfibriladores Implantáveis no Cenário da Prática Clínica Real.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is an uncommon procedure and requires specialized personnel and adequate facilities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the removal of CIED leads and to determine risk factors for surgical complications and mortality in 30 days. METHODS: Prospective study with data derived from clinical practice. From January 2014 to April 2020, we included 365 consecutive patients who underwent TLE, regardless of the indication and surgical technique used. The primary outcomes were: success rate of the procedure, combined rate of major complications and intraoperative death. Secondary outcomes were: risk factors for major intraoperative complications and death within 30 days. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Procedure success rate was 96.7%, with 90.1% of complete success and 6.6% of clinical success. Major intraoperative complications occurred in 15 (4.1%) patients. Predictors of major complications were: lead dwelling time ≥ 7 years (OR = 3.78, p = 0.046) and change in surgical strategy (OR = 5.30, p = 0.023). Functional class III-IV (OR = 6.98, p <0.001), renal failure (OR = 5.75, p = 0.001), CIED infection (OR = 13.30, p <0.001), number of procedures performed (OR = 77.32, p <0.001) and major intraoperative complications (OR = 38.84, p <0.001) were predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, which is the largest prospective registry of consecutive TLE procedures in Latin America, confirm the safety and effectiveness of this procedure in the context of real clinical practice. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1114-1124).

FUNDAMENTO: Remoção de cabos-eletrodos de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis (DCEI) é procedimento pouco frequente e sua realização exige longo treinamento profissional e infraestrutura adequada. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a efetividade e a segurança da remoção de cabos-eletrodos de DCEI e determinar fatores de risco para complicações cirúrgicas e mortalidade em 30 dias. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com dados derivados da prática clínica. De janeiro/2014 a abril/2020, foram incluídos, consecutivamente, 365 pacientes submetidos à remoção de cabos-eletrodos, independentemente da indicação e técnica cirúrgica utilizada. Os desfechos primários foram: taxa de sucesso do procedimento, taxa combinada de complicações maiores e morte intraoperatória. Os desfechos secundários foram: fatores de risco para complicações intraoperatórias maiores e morte em 30 dias. Empregou-se análise univariada e multivariada, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 96,7%, sendo 90,1% de sucesso completo e 6,6% de sucesso clínico. Complicações maiores intraoperatórias ocorreram em 15 (4,1%) pacientes. Fatores preditores de complicações maiores foram: tempo de implante dos cabos-eletrodos ≥ 7 anos (OR= 3,78, p= 0,046) e mudança de estratégia cirúrgica (OR= 5,30, p= 0,023). Classe funcional III-IV (OR= 6,98, p<0,001), insuficiência renal (OR= 5,75, p=0,001), infecção no DCEI (OR= 13,30, p<0,001), número de procedimentos realizados (OR= 77,32, p<0,001) e complicações maiores intraoperatórias (OR= 38,84, p<0,001) foram fatores preditores para mortalidade em 30 dias. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados desse estudo, que é o maior registro prospectivo de remoção de cabos-eletrodos da América Latina, confirmam a segurança e a efetividade desse procedimento no cenário da prática clínica real. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1114-1124).

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU in a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil - study protocol

OBJECTIVES: We designed a cohort study to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the largest public hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as Latin America becomes the epicenter of the pandemic. METHODS: This is the protocol for a study being conducted at an academic hospital in Brazil with 300 adult ICU beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients. We will include adult patients admitted to the ICU with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during the study period. The main outcome is ICU survival at 28 days. Data will be collected prospectively and retrospectively by trained investigators from the hospital's electronic medical records, using an electronic data capture tool. We will collect data on demographics, comorbidities, severity of disease, and laboratorial test results at admission. Information on the need for advanced life support and ventilator parameters will be collected during ICU stay. Patients will be followed up for 28 days in the ICU and 60 days in the hospital. We will plot Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate ICU and hospital survival and perform survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model to identify the main risk factors for mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04378582. RESULTS: We expect to include a large sample of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and to be able to provide data on admission characteristics, use of advanced life support, ICU survival at 28 days, and hospital survival at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide epidemiological data about critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, which could inform health policy and resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries.

Proposta de ensino de conceitos de saúde nas aulas de Educação Física pela abordagem da teoria social cognitiva / Teaching health concepts in Physical Education classes through a social cognitive theory perspective / Propuesta de enseñaza sobre conceptos de salud en las clases de Educación Física escolar bajo una mirada desde la teoría social cognitiva

Objetiva-se apresentar o processo de construção e avaliação de uma ferramenta educacional destinada a inserir estratégias autorregulatórias, durante a aprendizagem de conteúdos conceituais relacionados ao tema transversal saúde, no currículo de Educação Física do Ensino Médio. Trata-se de uma pesquisa-ação, quali-quantitativa, desenvolvida em um curso de mestrado profissional. Professores da Educação Básica, profissionais da educação e profissionais da saúde, selecionados e instrumentalizados em um curso de extensão, responderam um questionário de avaliação sobre a ferramenta. Os dados quantitativos oriundos das perguntas fechadas desse questionário foram analisados por estatística descritiva. Os dados qualitativos extraídos do espaço para inserção de comentários foram analisados pela análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Os resultados sugerem a aplicabilidade da ferramenta educacional, a potencialidade para melhorar práticas pedagógicas e promover processos autorregulatórios nas aulas da Educação Básica, destacando-se a clareza da linguagem, a organização e os debates possíveis a partir de conteúdos do tema transversal saúde.

This is a sample of a master´s degree dissertation developed in the Graduate Program in XXX at XXX. Herein the objective is to assess the potential of an educational kit based on social cognitive theory (SCT) designed to teach adolescents concepts of healthy food and physical activity habits through physical education classes. Five physical education teaching resources published since 1978 until 2013 have been examined, in order to identify how health concepts have been approached. We reveal that our educational kit is in line with a multidimensional perspective of health and that it is unique, especially given that it enables an active and reflexive participation of students in actions that may foster healthy lifestyles. As a conclusion, it is discussed how SCT, our educational kit and a broad view of health are intertwined.

Este artículo es un recorte de una tesis desarrollada en la Maestría Profesional en XXX del XXX. Uno de los objetivos de la investigación es analizar las potencialidades de un material didáctico fundamentado en la Teoría Social Cognitiva (TSC), para enseñar conceptos de alimentación saludable y de actividad física para adolescentes en las clases de Educación Física Escolar (EFE). Se analizaron cinco materiales didácticos de EFE publicados de 1978 a 2013 para identificar cómo el tema salud es abordado. Señalamos que el material de enseñanza producido en la investigación de Maestría está en consonancia con una mirada multidimensional sobre salud y se difiere de materiales existentes, especialmente, por incentivar la participación activa y reflexiva del estudiante en acciones que pueden favorecer estilos de vida saludables. Presentamos las interfaces entre ese recurso educativo, la TSC y la enseñanza de salud bajo una mirada amplia.

Efficacy, Safety, and Performance of Isolated Left vs. Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients with Bradyarrhythmias: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Considering the potential deleterious effects of right ventricular (RV) pacing, the hypothesis of this study is that isolated left ventricular (LV) pacing through the coronary sinus is safe and may provide better clinical and echocardiographic benefits to patients with bradyarrhythmias and normal ventricular function requiring heart rate correction alone. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, efficacy, and effects of LV pacing using an active-fixation coronary sinus lead in comparison with RV pacing, in patients eligible for conventional pacemaker (PM) implantation. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, and single-blinded clinical trial in adult patients submitted to PM implantation due to bradyarrhythmias and systolic ventricular function ≥ 0.40. Randomization (RV vs. LV) occurred before PM implantation. The main results of the study were procedural success, safety, and efficacy. Secondary results were clinical and echocardiographic changes. Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test were used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: From June 2012 to January 2014, 91 patients were included, 36 in the RV Group and 55 in the LV Group. Baseline characteristics of patients in both groups were similar. PM implantation was performed successfully and without any complications in all patients in the RV group. Of the 55 patients initially allocated into the LV group, active-fixation coronary sinus lead implantation was not possible in 20 (36.4%) patients. The most frequent complication was phrenic nerve stimulation, detected in 9 (25.7%) patients in the LV group. During the follow-up period, there were no hospitalizations due to heart failure. Reductions of more than 10% in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed in 23.5% of patients in the RV group and 20.6% of those in the LV group (p = 0.767). Tissue Doppler analysis showed that 91.2% of subjects in the RV group and 68.8% of those in the LV group had interventricular dyssynchrony (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: The procedural success rate of LV implant was low, and the safety of the procedure was influenced mainly by the high rate of phrenic nerve stimulation in the postoperative period.

Efficacy, Safety, and Performance of Isolated Left vs. Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients with Bradyarrhythmias: A Randomized Controlled Trial / Eficácia, Segurança e Desempenho da Estimulação Ventricular Esquerda versus Direita em Pacientes com Bradiarritmias: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado

Abstract Background: Considering the potential deleterious effects of right ventricular (RV) pacing, the hypothesis of this study is that isolated left ventricular (LV) pacing through the coronary sinus is safe and may provide better clinical and echocardiographic benefits to patients with bradyarrhythmias and normal ventricular function requiring heart rate correction alone. Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy, and effects of LV pacing using an active-fixation coronary sinus lead in comparison with RV pacing, in patients eligible for conventional pacemaker (PM) implantation. Methods: Randomized, controlled, and single-blinded clinical trial in adult patients submitted to PM implantation due to bradyarrhythmias and systolic ventricular function ≥ 0.40. Randomization (RV vs. LV) occurred before PM implantation. The main results of the study were procedural success, safety, and efficacy. Secondary results were clinical and echocardiographic changes. Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test were used, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: From June 2012 to January 2014, 91 patients were included, 36 in the RV Group and 55 in the LV Group. Baseline characteristics of patients in both groups were similar. PM implantation was performed successfully and without any complications in all patients in the RV group. Of the 55 patients initially allocated into the LV group, active-fixation coronary sinus lead implantation was not possible in 20 (36.4%) patients. The most frequent complication was phrenic nerve stimulation, detected in 9 (25.7%) patients in the LV group. During the follow-up period, there were no hospitalizations due to heart failure. Reductions of more than 10% in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed in 23.5% of patients in the RV group and 20.6% of those in the LV group (p = 0.767). Tissue Doppler analysis showed that 91.2% of subjects in the RV group and 68.8% of those in the LV group had interventricular dyssynchrony (p = 0.022). Conclusion: The procedural success rate of LV implant was low, and the safety of the procedure was influenced mainly by the high rate of phrenic nerve stimulation in the postoperative period.

Resumo Fundamento: Considerando-se os potenciais efeitos deletérios da estimulação do ventrículo direito (VD), a hipótese desse estudo é que a estimulação unifocal ventricular esquerda pelo seio coronário é segura e pode proporcionar melhores benefícios clínicos e ecocardiográficos aos pacientes com bradiarritmias que apresentam função ventricular normal, necessitando apenas da correção da frequência cardíaca. Objetivos: Avaliar a segurança, a eficácia e os efeitos da estimulação do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), utilizando um cabo-eletrodo com fixação ativa, em comparação à estimulação do VD. Métodos: Estudo clínico, randomizado, simples-cego em pacientes adultos com indicação de marca-passo (MP) devido a bradiarritmias e função ventricular sistólica ≥ 0,40. A randomização aleatória (VD vs VE) ocorreu antes do procedimento. Os desfechos primários do estudo foram: o sucesso, a segurança e a eficácia do procedimento proposto. Os desfechos secundários foram: a evolução clínica e alterações ecocardiográficas. Empregou-se os testes Qui-quadrado, Exato de Fisher e t de Student, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: De junho de 2012 a janeiro de 2014 foram incluídos 91 pacientes, sendo 36 no grupo VD e 55 no grupo VE. As características basais dos pacientes dos dois grupos foram similares. O implante de MP foi realizado com sucesso e sem nenhuma intercorrência em todos os pacientes do grupo VD. Dos 55 pacientes inicialmente alocados para o grupo VE, o implante do cabo-eletrodo em veias coronárias não foi possível em 20 (36,4%) pacientes. Dentre os 35 pacientes que permaneceram com o cabo-eletrodo no VE, a estimulação frênica foi a complicação mais frequente e foi detectada em 9 (25,7%) pacientes. Na fase de seguimento clínico, não houve hospitalizações por insuficiência cardíaca. Reduções superiores a 10% na fração de ejeção do VE foram observadas em 23,5% dos pacientes do grupo VD e em 20,6% dos pacientes do grupo VE (p = 0,767). A análise feita pelo Doppler tecidual mostrou que 91,2% dos indivíduos do grupo VD e 68,8% dos do grupo VE apresentaram dissincronia interventricular (p = 0,022). Conclusões: A taxa de sucesso do implante no VE foi baixa e a segurança do procedimento foi influenciada, principalmente, pela alta taxa de estimulação frênica no pós-operatório.

Usefulness of preoperative venography in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices submitted to lead replacement or device upgrade procedures / Utilidade da Venografia Pré-Operatória em Procedimentos de Troca de Cabos-Eletrodos ou Mudança do Modo de Estimulação

Abstract Background: Venous obstructions are common in patients with transvenous cardiac implantable electronic devices, but they rarely cause immediate clinical problems. The main consequence of these lesions is the difficulty in obtaining venous access for additional leads implantation. Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictor factors of venous lesions in patients referred to lead reoperations, and to define the role of preoperative venography in the planning of these procedures. Methods: From April 2013 to July 2016, contrast venography was performed in 100 patients referred to device upgrade, revision and lead extraction. Venous lesions were classified as non-significant (< 50%), moderate stenosis (51-70%), severe stenosis (71-99%) or occlusion (100%). Collateral circulation was classified as absent, discrete, moderate or accentuated. The surgical strategy was defined according to the result of the preoperative venography. Univariate analysis was used to investigate predictor factors related to the occurrence of these lesions, with 5% of significance level. Results: Moderate venous stenosis was observed in 23%, severe in 13% and occlusions in 11%. There were no significant differences in relation to the device side or the venous segment. The usefulness of the preoperative venography to define the operative tactic was proven, and in 99% of the cases, the established surgical strategy could be performed according to plan. Conclusions: The prevalence of venous obstruction is high in CIED recipients referred to reoperations. Venography is highly indicated as a preoperative examination for allowing the adequate surgical planning of procedures involving previous transvenous leads.

Resumo Fundamento: Obstruções venosas são frequentes em portadores de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis (DCEI) endocárdicos, mas raramente causam problemas clínicos imediatos. A principal consequência destas lesões é a dificuldade para obtenção de via de acesso para o implante de novos cabos-eletrodos. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de lesões venosas em candidatos a reoperações envolvendo o manuseio de cabos-eletrodos, e definir o papel da venografia pré-operatória no planejamento desses procedimentos. Métodos: De abril de 2013 a julho de 2016, 100 pacientes com indicação de troca de cabos-eletrodos, ou mudança no modo de estimulação, realizaram venografia com subtração digital no período pré-operatório. As lesões venosas foram classificadas em: não significativas (< 50%), moderadas (51-70%), graves (71-99%) ou oclusivas (100%), e a circulação colateral, em ausente, discreta, moderada ou acentuada. A estratégia cirúrgica foi definida a partir do resultado deste exame. Empregou-se análise univariada para a pesquisa de fatores de risco relacionados à ocorrência dessas lesões, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Obstruções venosas moderadas foram observadas em 23%, graves em 13% e oclusões em 11% dos pacientes estudados, não sendo identificadas diferenças significativas em sua distribuição em relação ao lado do implante, ou do segmento venoso. A utilidade do exame para definição da tática operatória foi comprovada, sendo que em 99% dos casos, a estratégia cirúrgica estabelecida pode ser executada. Conclusões: A prevalência de obstruções venosas é elevada em portadores de DCEI que serão submetidos a reoperações. A venografia é altamente indicada como exame pré-operatório para o adequado planejamento cirúrgico de procedimentos envolvendo cabos-eletrodos transvenosos previamente implantados.