Regional variations and drivers of essential and non-essential elements in Steller sea lion pups from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.

Exposure and resulting tissue concentrations of various elements from natural and anthropogenic sources are influenced by multiple factors, such as geographic location, age, diet, and metabolic rate, that can influence wildlife health. Essential and non-essential elements were assessed in lanugo and whole blood collected in 2019 from 102 Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups from two rookeries from the western and central Aleutian Islands: Agattu (WAI, n = 54) and Ulak Islands (CAI, n = 48). Rookery, sex, dorsal standard length, and trophic ecology (ẟ15N, ẟ13C values) effects on element concentration were evaluated. Significant differences in element concentrations of lanugo were exhibited across rookeries (p < 0.05), except for zinc (Zn). For example, higher mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) concentrations were observed in WAI than CAI, while other elements were lower in WAI. Whole blood showed higher sulfur (S) and Se concentrations in CAI compared to WAI, while WAI had elevated strontium (Sr) and Hg concentrations relative to CAI. Trophic ecology significantly influenced most element concentrations, possibly due to regional variations in adult female feeding and food web dynamics. Interactions between elements were found in lanugo across both rookeries, with varying strengths. Whole blood displayed less pronounced yet consistent associations, with variable intensities. Essential elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) formed a distinct group whose interaction is crucial for nervous system function and muscle contraction. Another group comprised zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), S, and Se, which are known for indirectly interacting with enzyme function and metabolic pathways. Hg and Se formed a distinct group probably due to their known chemical interactions and physiological protective interactions.

Strategies Used by Puerto Rican Children in the Cognitive Assessment System and Their Relationship with Planning Performance.

Studies involving the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) planning scale typically use only the subtest and scale scores without assessing the strategies employed by the participants. This study addressed this gap and examined the planning strategies used by children in the CAS2: Spanish version and their relationship with planning performance. We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study with 26 Puerto Rican children aged 8 to 11. Results showed that no strategies were consistently used by participants according to examinees' reports (f = 0-46%), but examiners observed consistent use of some strategies such as "coded left to right, top to bottom", f = 92%; "scanned the page for the next number or letter", f = 100%. Welch's t-tests did not show relationships between participants' performance and the strategies observed by examiners, | mean differences | = 0.05-0.81, ps ≥ 0.05, nor with the strategies reported by participants, | mean differences | = 0.05-1.69, ps ≥ 0.05. These findings suggest that although the examiners may observe the use of strategies, the examinees are unaware of the strategies they use, and the strategies used are not associated with their performance. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Low-pass whole genome sequencing as a cost-effective alternative to chromosomal microarray analysis for low- and middle-income countries.

Low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS) has been applied as alternative method to detect copy number variants (CNVs) in the clinical setting. Compared with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), the sequencing-based approach provides a similar resolution of CNV detection at a lower cost. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and reliability of LP-WGS as a more affordable alternative to CMA. A total of 1363 patients with unexplained neurodevelopmental delay/intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and/or multiple congenital anomalies were enrolled. Those patients were referred from 15 nonprofit organizations and university centers located in different states in Brazil. The analysis of LP-WGS at 1x coverage (>50kb) revealed a positive testing result in 22% of the cases (304/1363), in which 219 and 85 correspond to pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) CNVs and variants of uncertain significance (VUS), respectively. The 16% (219/1363) diagnostic yield observed in our cohort is comparable to the 15%-20% reported for CMA in the literature. The use of commercial software, as demonstrated in this study, simplifies the implementation of the test in clinical settings. Particularly for countries like Brazil, where the cost of CMA presents a substantial barrier to most of the population, LP-WGS emerges as a cost-effective alternative for investigating copy number changes in cytogenetics.

Identification of Predictors of Metastatic Potential in Paragangliomas to Develop a Prognostic Score (PSPGL).

Context: Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare tumors in adrenal and extra-adrenal locations. Metastasis are found in approximately 5% to 35% of PGLs, and there are no reliable predictors of metastatic disease. Objective: This work aimed to develop a prognostic score of metastatic potential in PGLs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of clinical data from a cohort with PGLs and tumor histological assessment. Patients were divided into metastatic PGL (presence of metastasis) and nonmetastatic PGL (absence of metastasis ≥96 months of follow-up) groups. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed to identify predictors of metastatic potential. A prognostic score was developed based on coefficients of multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to estimate disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: Out of 263 patients, 35 patients had metastatic PGL and 110 patients had nonmetastatic PGL. In multivariable analysis, 4 features were independently related to metastatic disease and composed the Prognostic Score of Paragangliomas (PSPGL): presence of central or confluent necrosis (33 points), more than 3 mitosis/10 high-power field (HPF) (28 points), extension into adipose tissue (20 points), and extra-adrenal location (19 points). A PSPGL of 24 or greater showed similar sensitivity with higher specificity than the Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) and Grading System for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP). PSPGL less than or equal to 20 was associated with a risk of metastasis of approximately 10%, whereas a PSPGL of 40 or greater was associated with approximately 80%. The presence of metastasis and Ki-67 of 3% or greater were related to lower DSS. Conclusion: The PSPGL, composed of 4 easy-to-assess parameters, demonstrated good performance in predicting metastatic potential and good ability in estimating metastasis risk.

Low-pass whole genome sequencing is a reliable and cost-effective approach for copy number variant analysis in the clinical setting.

INTRODUCTION: Next generation sequencing technology has greatly reduced the cost and time required for sequencing a genome. An approach that is rapidly being adopted as an alternative method for CNV analysis is the low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS). Here, we evaluated the performance of LP-WGS to detect copy number variants (CNVs) in clinical cytogenetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA samples with known CNVs detected by chromosomal microarray analyses (CMA) were selected for comparison and used as positive controls; our panel included 44 DNA samples (12 prenatal and 32 postnatal), comprising a total of 55 chromosome imbalances. The selected cases were chosen to provide a wide range of clinically relevant CNVs, the vast majority being associated with intellectual disability or recognizable syndromes. The chromosome imbalances ranged in size from 75 kb to 90.3 Mb, including aneuploidies and two cases of mosaicism. RESULTS: All CNVs were successfully detected by LP-WGS, showing a high level of consistency and robust performance of the sequencing method. Notably, the size of chromosome imbalances detected by CMA and LP-WGS were compatible between the two different platforms, which indicates that the resolution and sensitivity of the LP-WGS approach are at least similar to those provided by CMA. DISCUSSION: Our data show the potential use of LP-WGS to detect CNVs in clinical diagnosis and confirm the method as an alternative for chromosome imbalances detection. The diagnostic effectiveness and feasibility of LP-WGS, in this technical validation study, were evidenced by a clinically representative dataset of CNVs that allowed a systematic assessment of the detection power and the accuracy of the sequencing approach. Further, since the software used in this study is commercially available, the method can easily be tested and implemented in a routine diagnostic setting.

Propensity for Clinically Meaningful Improvement and Surgical Failure After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair.

Background: Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) confers an alternative to ACL reconstruction in appropriately selected patients. Purpose: To prospectively assess survivorship and to define the clinically meaningful outcomes after ACL repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were consecutive patients with Sherman grade 1-2 tears who underwent primary ACL repair with or without suture augmentation between 2017 and 2019. Patient-reported outcomes (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] subscales) were collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution-based method, whereas the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were calculated using an anchor-based method. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. The overall failure rate was 11.3% at 2 years postoperatively. Changes in outcome scores required to achieve the MCID ranged between 5.1 and 14.3 at 6 months, 4.6 and 8.4 at 1 year, and 4.7 and 11.9 at 2 years postoperatively. Thresholds for PASS achievement ranged between 62.5 and 89 at 6 months, 75 and 89 at 1 year, and 78.6 and 93.2 at 2 years postoperatively. Threshold scores (absolute/change based) for achieving the SCB ranged between 82.8 and 96.4/17.7 and 40.1 at 6 months, between 94.7 and 100/23 and 45 at 1 year, and between 95.3 and 100/29.4 and 45 at 2 years. More patients achieved the MCID and PASS at 1 year compared with 6 months and 2 years. For SCB, this trend was also observed for non-KOOS outcomes, while for KOOS subdomains, more patients achieved the SCB at 2 years. High-intensity signal of the ACL repair (odds ratio [OR], 31.7 [95% CI, 1.5-73.4]; P = .030) and bone contusions on MRI (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.7-25.2]; P = .041) at 1 year postoperatively were independently associated with increased risk of ACL repair failure. Conclusion: The rate of clinically meaningful outcome improvement was high early after ACL repair, with the greatest proportion of patients achieving the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 1 year postoperatively. Bone contusions involving the posterolateral tibia and lateral femoral condyle as well as high repair signal intensity at 1 year postoperatively were independent predictors of failure at 2 years postoperatively.

Bariatric surgery and its influence on alcohol consumption: Differences before and after surgery - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Through new publications on the subject, the main goal of this article is to seek a change in the pattern of alcohol use before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: We searched the National Library of Medicine, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. We included original articles regarding alcohol consumption before and after bariatric surgery to conduct the systematic review. RESULTS: Our systematic review, which included 18 articles, yielded mixed results. Meta-analysis of six articles did not reveal statistically significant differences in alcohol use behaviours before and one year after bariatric surgery. However, throughout the perspective of follow-up after bariatric surgery, nine out of the twelve articles showed improvement in the pattern of alcohol consumption when evaluated up to two years after the end of the surgical period, and four out of the five articles with monitoring beyond two years showed worsening in consumption, compared to pre-surgery alcohol use behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions about the relationship between alcohol consumption and bariatric surgery are challenging primarily because of the variety of the methods used and the alcohol consumption measures. Despite that, our research pointed to an increased risk of alcohol use disorders two years after bariatric surgery.

Biomecánica del pase con borde interno entre futbolistas prejuveniles y juveniles de Formativas y Academia / Biomecânica do passe com bordo interior entre os jogadores de futebol pré-juvenil e juvenil de formação e academia / Biomechanics of the pass with internal edge among prejuvenile and juvenile soccer players of Formative and Academy centers

RESUMEN La biomecánica es una ciencia que ayuda al estudio de los movimientos aplicados en distintos deportes, incluyendo el fútbol, que permite identificar y corregir errores técnicos. Esta es una base fundamental para el control de la preparación del deportista. En tal sentido, se planteó como propósito de la investigación analizar biomecánicamente el pase con borde interno del pie en futbolistas prejuveniles y juveniles de Formativas y Academia. La investigación es de tipo descriptiva-explicativa, de orden correlacional; se diagnostican biomecánicamente a 40 futbolistas en dos grupos independientes (grupo 1: Formativas; grupo 2: Academia; entre 14-18 años). Se analizan diez indicadores, se incluye la edad. Se demostraron diferencias significativas en el indicador "DB" (p=0.000), el indicador "ÁFRA" (p=0.006), el indicador "DPAE" (p=0.000), y los indicadores "VF", "A" y "TE" (p=0.000) respectivamente, mientras que las variables o indicadores "ÁFRE" (p=1.000), "EX" (p=0.102) y "EY" (p=0.056) no presentaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos independientes. En la comparación realizada con los jugadores de un equipo profesional y los jugadores de una Academia de formación, se pudo evidenciar que existen diferencias notables desde la fase inicial del pase con el borde interno del pie, mostrando la distancia del jugador con respecto al balón, así como en la fase previa donde los jugadores de Formativas poseen una mejor ejecución del movimiento técnico; esto se refleja en la fase de contacto donde se evidencia una mayor velocidad y aceleración al momento del impacto con el balón.

RESUMO A biomecânica é uma ciência que ajuda o estudo dos movimentos aplicados em diferentes desportos, incluindo o futebol, o que permite a identificação e correção de erros técnicos. Esta é uma base fundamental para o controlo da preparação do atleta. Neste sentido, o objectivo da investigação era analisar biomecanicamente o passe com a extremidade interna do pé em jogadores de futebol pré-juvenil e juvenil em treino e academia. A investigação é de tipo descritivo-explicativo, de ordem correlativa; 40 jogadores de futebol são diagnosticados biomecanicamente em dois grupos independentes (Grupo 1: Formação; Grupo 2: Academia; entre 14-18 anos de idade). Foram analisados dez indicadores, incluindo a idade. Foram demonstradas diferenças significativas no indicador "DB" (p=0,000), o indicador "ÁFRA" (p=0,006), o indicador "DPAE" (p=0,000), e os indicadores "VF", "A" e "TE" (p=0,000) respectivamente, enquanto que as variáveis ou indicadores "ÁFRE" (p=1,000), "EX" (p=0,102) e "EY" (p=0,056) não apresentavam diferenças significativas entre os grupos independentes. Na comparação feita com os jogadores de uma equipa profissional e com os jogadores de uma academia de treino, constatou-se que existem diferenças notáveis em relação à fase inicial do passe com a borda interior do pé, mostrando a distância do jogador em relação à bola, bem como na fase anterior em que os jogadores da academia de treino têm uma melhor execução do movimento técnico; isto reflete-se na fase de contato onde é evidente uma maior velocidade e aceleração no momento do impacto com a bola.

ABSTRACT Biomechanics is a science that helps the study of movements applied in different sports, including soccer, which allows identifying and correcting technical errors. This is a fundamental basis for the control of the athlete's preparation. In this sense, the purpose of the research was to analyze biomechanically the pass with the inner edge of the foot in pre-juvenile and youth soccer players of training and academy. The research is of descriptive-explanatory type, of correlational order; 40 soccer players were biomechanically diagnosed in two independent groups (Group 1: Formative; Group 2: Academy; between 14-18 years). Ten indicators are analyzed, including age. Significant differences were demonstrated in the "DB" indicator (p=0.000), the "ÁFRA" indicator (p=0.006), the "DPAE" indicator (p=0.000), and the "VF", "A" and " TE" (p=0.000) respectively, while the variables or indicators "ÁFRE" (p=1.000), "EX" (p=0.102) and "EY" (p=0.056) did not present significant differences between the independent groups. In the comparison made with the players of a professional team and the players of a training academy, it was possible to show that there are notable differences from the initial phase of the pass with the inner edge of the foot, showing the distance of the player with respect to the ball, as well as in the previous phase where the players in formatiom have a better execution of the technical movement; this is reflected in the contact phase where greater speed and acceleration are evident at the moment of impact with the ball.

Resolución laparoscópica de un caso de "candy cane" en un postoperatorio de by pass gástrico / Laparoscopic resolution of a case of "candy cane" in a postoperative period of gastric bypass / Resolução laparoscópica de um caso de "candy cane" em pós-operatório de bypass gástrico

El by pass gástrico (BPG) es una técnica de cirugía bariátrica de probada eficacia en el control de la obesidad y la resolución de enfermedades asociadas, como diabetes e hipertensión. El dolor abdominal en el postoperatorio alejado del BPG es un verdadero desafío, y exige para su diagnóstico etiológico comprender la técnica quirúrgica y las posibles causas que originan el dolor. Las principales causas de dolor son la úlcera de neoboca, las hernias internas (por el espacio de Petersen o la brecha mesentérica), la litiasis vesicular sintomática y el síndrome del "bastón de caramelo" (o "Candy Cane syndrome" por su nombre anglosajón). El mismo resulta de una excesiva longitud del cabo yeyunal ciego del asa alimentaria, luego de la anastomosis gastro yeyunal. Cuando mide más de 4 cm puede llenarse de alimentos, actuando como una bolsa o reservorio, generando dolor, náuseas o vómitos. El diagnóstico surge de la clínica y un estudio contrastado que demuestre la longitud excesiva del extremo del asa alimentaria. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y la desaparición de los síntomas confirma el diagnóstico.

The rapid transformation of triclosan in the liver reduces its effectiveness as inhibitor of hepatic energy metabolism.

Triclosan (5-chloro-2'-[2,4-dichlorophenoxi]-phenol) is a polychlorinated biphenolic antimicrobial, utilized as antiseptic and preservative in hygiene products and medical equipment. Triclosan causes mitochondrial dysfunction (uncoupling, inhibition of electron flow), as demonstrated in isolated rat liver mitochondria. These actions in the mitochondria could compromise energy-dependent metabolic fluxes in the liver. For this reason, the present work aimed at investigating how these effects on isolated mitochondria translate to the whole and intact hepatocyte. For accomplishing this, the isolated perfused rat liver was utilized, a system that preserves both microcirculation and the cell-to-cell interactions. In addition, the single-pass triclosan hepatic transformation was also evaluated by HPLC as well as the direct action of triclosan on gluconeogenic enzymes. The results revealed that triclosan decreased anabolic processes (e.g., gluconeogenesis) and increased catabolic processes (e.g., glycolysis, ammonia output) in the liver, generally with a complex pattern of concentration dependences. Unlike the effects on isolated mitochondria, which occur in the micromolar range, the effects on intact liver required the 10-5 to 10-4 M range. The most probable cause for this behavior is the very high single-pass transformation of triclosan, which was superior to 95% at the portal concentration of 100 µM. The concentration gradient along the sinusoidal bed is, thus, very pronounced and the response of the liver reflects mainly that of the periportal cells. The high rates of hepatic biotransformation may be a probable explanation for the low acute toxicity of triclosan upon oral ingestion.

Analysis of the cardiopulmonary endurance response of women to aerobic exercise / Análise da resposta de resistência cardiopulmonar de mulheres ao exercício aeróbico / Análisis de la respuesta de resistencia cardiopulmonar de las mujeres al ejercicio aeróbico

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main purpose of aerobic exercise is to enhance cardiopulmonary endurance, so it is necessary to build cardiopulmonary endurance response models based on different frequencies of aerobic exercise. Objective: To study the cardiopulmonary endurance response of women to different frequencies of aerobic exercise. Methods: Twenty young female desk workers (female teachers and civil servants) who worked out at a fitness club were randomly divided into two groups. Cardiopulmonary function, both before and after 16 weeks of aerobic exercise at different exercise loads, was studied and analyzed. Results: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise at different exercise loads, all the young women had significantly improved their vital capacity (VC), and their maximum oxygen uptake ability was improved to a certain extent. Compared with the 45-minute aerobic exercise group, the vital capacity (VC)of 90-minute aerobic exercise group was significantly increased (P>0.05). Conclusions: When performed at a consistent frequency level, aerobic exercise with a relatively high exercise load can better develop the body's respiratory system function. This may be due to deep stimulation of the respiratory system from high-load aerobic exercise, and ultimately to the intensive exercising of lung function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O principal objetivo do exercício aeróbico é aumentar a resistência cardiopulmonar, por isso é necessário construir modelos de resposta de resistência cardiopulmonar baseados em diferentes frequências de exercício aeróbico. Objetivo: Estudar a resposta de resistência cardiopulmonar de mulheres em diferentes frequências de exercício aeróbio. Métodos: Vinte jovens profissionais de escritório (professoras e funcionárias públicas) que frequentavam uma academia foram divididas randomicamente em dois grupos. A função cardiopulmonar foi estudada e analisada antes e depois de 16 semanas de exercício aeróbico com diferentes cargas de exercício. Resultados: Depois de 16 semanas de exercícios aeróbicos com diferentes cargas, todas as jovens tiveram melhora significativa da capacidade vital (CV), sendo que a capacidade máxima de captação de oxigênio melhorou até certo ponto. Comparada com o grupo de exercícios aeróbicos de 45 minutos, a capacidade vital (CV) do grupo de exercícios aeróbicos de 90 minutos foi significativamente maior (P > 0,05). Conclusões: Quando praticado com frequência regular, o exercício aeróbico com carga relativamente alta pode melhorar o desenvolvimento da função respiratória. Isso pode dever-se à estimulação profunda do sistema respiratório a partir de exercícios aeróbicos de alta carga e, em última instância,é devidoao exercício intensivo da função pulmonar. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El principal objetivo del ejercicio aeróbico es aumentar la resistencia cardiopulmonar, por lo que es necesario desarrollar modelos de respuesta de resistencia cardiopulmonar basados en diferentes frecuencias de ejercicio aeróbico. Objetivo: Estudiar la respuesta de resistencia cardiopulmonar de mujeres a diferentes frecuencias de ejercicio aeróbico. Métodos: Veinte jóvenes profesionales de oficina (profesoras y funcionarias públicas) que asistían a un gimnasio fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Se estudió y analizó la función cardiopulmonar antes y después de 16 semanas de ejercicio aeróbico con diferentes cargas de ejercicio. Resultados: Después de 16 semanas de ejercicio aeróbico con diferentes cargas, todas las mujeres jóvenes presentaron una mejora significativa de la capacidad vital (CV), siendo que la capacidad máxima de captación de oxígeno mejoró en cierta medida. En comparación con el grupo de ejercicio aeróbico de 45 minutos, la capacidad vital (CV) del grupo de ejercicio aeróbico de 90 minutos fue significativamente mayor (P > 0,05). Conclusiones: Cuando se practica con una frecuencia regular, el ejercicio aeróbico con una carga relativamente alta puede mejorar el desarrollo de la función respiratoria. Ello puede deberse a la profunda estimulación del sistema respiratorio por el ejercicio aeróbico de alta carga y, en última instancia, al ejercicio intensivo de la función pulmonar. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Implementation of the Frequency Scatter Index in Clinical Commercially Available Double-pass Systems.

A previous work has reported a methodology to quantify intraocular scattering using a high sensitivity double-pass instrument with a robust index, the frequency scatter index. The purpose of our study was to evaluate an adaptation of the frequency scatter index for use in clinical double-pass systems. A prospective observational study was carried out in a group of patients with nuclear cataracts (n = 52) and in a control group (n = 11) using conventional double-pass systems. The frequency scatter index and the objective scatter index were used to assess the scattering. The Spearman coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between both indexes, obtained from the double-pass images. Simultaneous measurements were performed with a double-pass and with a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor in the control group. The root-mean-square wavefront error and the full width at half maximum of the double-pass image were used to quantify the residual aberrations introduced by the variations in pupil size and retinal eccentricity. Measurement in eyes with different grades of cataracts shows a strong correlation (ρ = 0.929, p < .0001) between the frequency scatter index and the objective scatter index. A certain degree of correlation was observed between the objective scatter index and the root-mean-square and between the objective scatter index and the full width at half maximum, both for measurements with a different pupillary diameter and with a different retinal eccentricity (p < .05). No relationship was observed between the frequency scatter index and the root-mean-square or between the frequency scatter index and the full width at half maximum (p > .05). We have introduced and evaluated an adaptation of a methodology proposed recently for the measurement of intraocular scattering using the double-pass technique with a robust index, which is less affected by ocular aberrations. The frequency scatter index can be applied to conventional double-pass instruments available in clinical environments.

Análisis del pase de guardia de estudiantes de enfermería con la escala I-PASS / Nursing handoff using the I-PASS scale: A cross sectional study

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características del pase de guardia de los alumnos de enfermería en sus prácticas hospitalarias. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal de pases de guardia registrados en una base de datos secundaria. Los pases de guardia documentados fueron llevados a cabo por alumnos de enfermería durante sus prácticas hospitalarias en 5 hospitales públicos y privados de Argentina. La base de datos incluye las dimensiones de la escala I-PASS para evaluar la completitud del pase. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 452 pases de guardia; a) Tiempo promedio de 2,1 minutos, b) Completitud: 33 (7%) pases fueron completos, c) Seguridad del paciente: en 308 (72%) pases mencionaron la medicación del paciente, en 111 (27%) la identificación inequívoca del paciente, en 95 (21%) las alergias, en 93 (21%) las medidas sobre la prevención de caídas y en 68 (15%) el aislamiento; d) Forma en que se realizó el pase: 444 (100%) fueron verbales, 277 (62%) sucedieron en el pasillo, 152 (34%) en el office de enfermería y 5 (1%) en la cama, e) Interrupciones: el 74% de las interrupciones fueron producidas por personal de enfermería. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados arrojan un alto porcentaje de pases de guardia incompletos, siendo el nombre y apellido del paciente, junto con el motivo de ingreso, constantes vitales y aspectos relacionados con la medicación los que estuvieron presentes en la mayoría de los pases. Es necesario integrar el aprendizaje de habilidades comunicacionales del pase de guardia en la carrera de Enfermería.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the characteristics of the nursing shift handovers by nursing students in their hospital practices. METHOD: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study of handoff recorded in a secondary database. The documented shift handovers were carried out by nursing students during their practices/internships in 5 Argentinean hospitals. The I-PASS scale was used. RESULTS: 452 nursing shift handovers were observed; a) Average time of 2.1 minutes, b) Completeness: 33 (7%) of the handovers were complete, c) Patient's safety: in 308 (72%) handovers the patients' medication was mentioned, correct identification of patient 111 (27%), allergies 95 (21%), fall prevention safety measures in 93 (21%) and isolation in 68 (15%), d) Way in which the handover was done: 444 (100%) verbally, and 277 (62%) happened in the hallway, 152 (34%) in the office, and 5 (1%) at the patients' bedside, e) Interruptions: 74% of the interruptions were caused by nurses. CONCLUSION: The results show a big percentage of incomplete nursing shift handovers. Being, the patients' name and last name together with the hospital admission reason and medication related issues present in most of the handovers. The I-PASS scale evaluates the nursing students shift handovers in a simple way, easy to fill out and accepted by the whole team. The Safety syllabus at Nursing schools need to include the learning of nursing shift handovers communicational skills.

Development, in-vitro and ex-vivo evaluation of muco-adhesive buccal tablets of hydralazine hydrochloride

Abstract Hydralazine hydrochloride is an anti-hypertensive drug. The drug has poor oral bioavailability (BA) of about 30- 50% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Hence, the buccal delivery was used to enhance the BA of hydralazine hydrochloride. Buccal muco-adhesive tablets were prepared by direct compression technique, using carbopol 934P, HPMC K4M, sodium alginate and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC) as muco-adhesive polymers. Prepared formulations were evaluated for physico-chemical characterization, ex-vivo residence time and in-vitro release studies. The some of the parameters viz hardness, thickness, weight variation are showing the values within the pharmacopeial limits. However, the swelling and bio-adhesive strength were increased with increasing polymer concentrations. From the in-vitro release studies, F9 buccal tablets prepared with NaCMC exhibited better release (96.56%, 6 h) profile than all other formulations and considerd as optimized. The release mechanism from kinetic methods suggests that, the drug release follows zero-order kinetics with diffusion mechanism. Thus, the buccal tablets of hydralazine hydrochloride showed enhanced BA and were further confirmed by in-vivo studies.

Construction and validation of an observation tool of the imbalance pass in futsal / Construção e validação de uma ferramenta de análise do passe de desequilíbrio no futsal

Abstract This study aimed to construct a tool for observing the imbalance pass in futsal through Microsoft Excel® software and to establish its content validity and intra- and interobserver reliability based on the calculation of the content validity coefficient (CVC) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For the construction of the tool, futsal specialists (n = 10) with an average age of 44.1 ± 12.34 years and 19 ± 7.21 years of experience in the field participated in the study. 60% of the specialists have international-level expertise and 50% are active in practice and in academic field (higher education professor). According to the methodology, 23 items were proposed to assess the imbalance pass in futsal. CVC was calculated based on language clarity, practical pertinence and theoretical relevance for each item of the instrument and for the instrument as a whole; ICC was calculated based on intra- and interobserver agreement. Language clarity, practical pertinence and theoretical relevance revealed a result of 0.92, 0.93 and 0.95, respectively, and the values ​​for intra- and interobserver agreement reliability were excellent according to the literature (> 0.75). Thus, it is concluded that the items proposed in the tool obtained satisfactory psychometric properties.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo construir uma ferramenta de observação do passe de desiquilíbrio no futsal por meio do software Microsoft Excel® e estabelecer sua validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade intra e interobservador, a partir do cálculo do coeficiente de validade de conteúdo (CVC) e do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Para construção da ferramenta participaram do estudo especialistas de futsal (n=10) com média de idade de 44,1±12,34 anos de experiência na área de 19±7,21 anos, sendo 60% dos especialistas com nível internacional e 50% atuantes na prática e no ambiente acadêmico (professor do ensino superior). Propuseram-se 23 itens para avaliação do passe de rutura no futsal. Foi calculado o CVC, a partir da clareza da linguagem, da pertinência prática e da relevância teórica, para cada item do instrumento e para o instrumento como um todo, o ICC foi calculado a partir da concordância intra e interobservador. O resultado para clareza da linguagem foi de 0,92, para pertinência prática foi de 0,93 e para relevância teórica foi de 0,95, e os valores para confiabilidade da concordância intra e interobservador foram excelentes de acordo com a literatura (>0,75). Conclui-se que os itens propostos na ferramenta obtiveram propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias.

Pruebas monoaurales de habla de baja redundancia: Evaluación de la separación/cierre monoaural

Resumen La separación y el cierre monoaural son mecanismos del procesamiento auditivo que permiten mantener interacciones comunicativas significativas en ambientes reales, con condiciones acústicas adversas, ruido competitivo e interlocutores no ideales. Estas habilidades dependen de la redundancia intrínseca, que está determinada por las estructuras y fisiología del sistema nervioso auditivo central, y de la redundancia extrínseca, que está determinada por las pistas acústicas, lingüísticas y contextuales de la señal auditiva. Estos procesos se han evaluado a través de distintas formas de degradación de la redundancia extrínseca, dando origen a tres categorías de prueba: pruebas de habla filtrada de pasa baja, pruebas de habla en ruido y pruebas de habla de tiempo comprimido. Últimamente, se han popularizado las pruebas de habla en ruido, sin embargo, las tres categorías cuentan con documentación que avalan su utilidad, se encuentran disponi-bles en español y es posible aplicarlas tanto en niños como en adultos. A pesar de que algunas cuentan con valores normativos establecidos, es necesario interpretar los resultados considerando su validez ecológica y algunas variables como escolaridad, nivel socio-económico y otros determinantes sociales de la salud que podrían influenciar el rendimiento.

Abstract Monaural separation and closure are auditory processing mechanisms that allow to maintain significant communicative interactions in real environments, with adverse acoustic conditions, competitive noise and non-ideal speakers. These skills depend on intrinsic redundancy, which is determined by the structures and physiology of the central auditory nervous system, and extrinsic redundancy, which is determined by the acoustic, linguistic and contextual cues of the auditory signal. These processes have been assessed through different forms of degradation of extrinsic redundancy, giving rise to three test categories: low-pass filtered speech tests, speech in noise tests and time-compressed speech tests. Speech in noise tests have become popular in recent years, however, all three categories have documentation to support their usefulness, are available in Spanish and can be applied to both children and adults. Although some have established normative values, it is necessary to interpret the results considering their ecological validity and some variables such as schooling, socioeconomic status and other social determinants of health that could influence performance.

La evaluación del pase de visita como actividad docente asistencial: propuesta de guía de observación / The evaluation of the round teaching assistance activity: proposed observation guide

RESUMEN La importancia del pase de visita docente asistencial en la formación médica está ampliamente reconocida, razón por la que constituye una ejecución sometida a frecuente control. El obejtivo de este trabajo es proponer una guía de observación para la evaluación de la actividad de pase de visita docente asistencial. Además de requisitos organizativos, la guía contiene varios elementos a observar relacionados, separadamente, con el cumplimiento de los objetivos asistencial y formativo del pase de visita; cada uno de los acápites es valorado a través de una escala de calificación cualitativa de cuatro rangos. Para la valoración global de la actividad se propone utilizar cinco categorías de calificación, con sus correspondientes criterios; mediante estos se integran diferentes grados de dominio de la actividad por parte del profesor, tanto de su dimensión asistencial como de su dimensión formativa. También contiene un espacio para las recomendaciones que le permitan al profesor evaluado perfeccionar su desempeño. Se reconoce la complejidad para la evaluación del pase de visita, dada la diversidad de condiciones asistenciales y didácticas que le son inherentes a esta actividad.

ABSTRACT The importance of round teaching assistance in medical training is widely recognized, which is why it constitutes an execution subject to frequent control. The objective of this work is to propose an observation guide for the evaluation of the activity of rounding the educational visit. In addition to organizational requirements, the guide contains several elements to observe related, separately, with the fulfillment of the assistance and training objectives of the visitation round; each of the sections is assessed through a qualitative rating scale of four ranges. For the global assessment of the activity, it is proposed to use five rating categories, with their corresponding criteria; through these, different degrees of mastery of the activity are integrated by the teacher, both in its care dimension and in its training dimension. It also contains a space for recommendations that allow the evaluated teacher to improve their performance. The complexity for the evaluation of the visit round is recognized, given the diversity of care and didactic conditions that are inherent to this activity.

A Digital Filter-Based Method for Diagnosing Speech Comprehension Deficits.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the diagnostic efficiency of current tests for auditory processing disorders (APDs) by creating new test signals using digital filtering methods. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from August 1, 2014, to August 31, 2019, using 3 low speech redundancy tests with novel test signals that we created with specially designed digital filters: the binaural resynthesis test and the low pass and high pass filtered speech tests. We validated and optimized these new tests, then applied them to healthy individuals across different age groups to examine how age affected performance and to children with APD before and after acoustically controlled auditory training (ACAT) to assess clinical improvement after treatment. RESULTS: We found a progressive increase in performance accuracy with less restrictive filters (P<.001) and with increasing age for all tests (P<.001). Our results suggest that binaural resynthesis and auditory closure mature at similar rates. We also demonstrate that the new tests can be used for the diagnosis of APD and for the monitoring of ACAT effects. Interestingly, we found that patients having the most severe deficits also benefited the most from ACAT (P<.001). CONCLUSION: We introduce a method that substantially improves current diagnostic tools for APD. In addition, we provide information on auditory processing maturation in normal development and validate that our method can detect APD-related deficits and ACAT-induced improvements in auditory processing.

Emergency CABG for a migrated stent in a COVID-19 positive patient.

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have become a standard of treatment worldwide. Despite high safety rates, iatrogenic complications caused by stent dislodgements do exist in 0.21% of cases and most require emergency coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG). Here we present a case of a coronavirus disease 2019 positive 40-year-old male patient presenting with STEMI due to thrombotic lesions in his left coronary trunk. The patient is taken to PCI and stent placement. Stent dislodgement results in the need for emergency CABG and stent removal. Informed consent and ethics approval were obtained.

Aortic root replacement in a patient with previous coronary artery bypass.

Acute type A thoracic aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. Prior cardiac surgery is recognized as a predisposing risk factor. Here, we report a rare case and successful surgical repair of a late presenting acute type A thoracic aortic dissection four years after a three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting. Resection of the aortic valve and aneurysmal tissue was required, reconstruction was done with a composite graft, and the native coronary ostia and aorto-saphenous buttons were preserved.