Synthetic hemozoin as a nanocarrier for cross-presentation.

It is known that conventional antigen presentation involves phagocytosis of antigens followed by its internalization in endocytic compartments and presentation of epitopes through MHC class II molecules for CD4 T cells. However, since 1976 a cross-presentation pathway has been studied, in which CD8 T cells are activated via MHC class I with antigens acquired through phagocytosis or endocytosis by dendritic cells (DCs). Among some important molecules involved in the cross-presentation, the C-type lectin receptor of the Dectin-1 cluster (CLECs), particularly the CLEC9A receptor, not only is expressed in dendritic cells but also presents a pivotal role in this context. In special, CLEC12A has been highlighted as a malaria pigment hemozoin (HZ) receptor. During Plasmodium infection, hemozoin crystals defend the parasite against heme toxicity within erythrocytes, as well as the released native HZ elicits pro-inflammatory responses and can induce cross-presentation. Particularly, this crystal can be synthesized from hematin anhydride and mimics the native form, and the gaps generated between the nanocrystal domains during its synthesis allow for substance coupling followed by its coating. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether synthetic hemozoin (sHz) or hematin anhydride could be a nanocarrier and promote cross-presentation in dendritic cells. Firstly, it was verified that sHz can carry coated and coupled antigens, the compounds can associate to LAMP1-positive vesicles and decrease overall intracellular pH, which can potentially enhance the cross-presentation of ovalbumin and Leishmania infantum antigens. Thus, this study adds important data in the molecular intricacies of antigen presentation by showing not only the sHz immunomodulatory properties but also its potential applications as an antigen carrier.

The newborn screening tests in Brazil: regional and socioeconomic prevalence and inequalities in 2013 and 2019

Abstract Objective: To analyze the prevalence evolution of Guthrie, hearing, and eye screening testing among newborns in Brazil, between 2013 and 2019, according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data from 5231 infants from the Pesquisa Nacional de Saude (PNS), in 2013, and 6637 infants, in 2019, for the Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests. The authors analyzed the outcomes according to the region of residence, self-reported color/race, having health insurance, and per capita household income. By using bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models, the prevalence ratios and their respective 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI95%) were calculated for each year. Results: In 2013, Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests were performed in 96.5 % (95%CI 95,8;97,0), 65.8 % (95%CI 63,9;67,7), and 60.4 % (95%CI 58,5;62,3) of infants, respectively. In 2019, the prevalence was 97.8 % (95%CI 97,3;98,2) in the Guthrie test, 81.6 % (95%CI 80,3;82,9) in the hearing test, and 78.6 % (95%CI 77,1;79,9) in the red reflex test. The testing frequency was higher among residents of the Southeast and South regions of Brazil, among infants whose mother or guardian was white, had health insurance, and was in the higher income strata; and the most evident differences were in the eye and hearing testing. Conclusions: The coverage inequalities according to the region of residence, income, and having health insurance highlight the need to use strategies that enable exams to be carried out, with more information about their importance, encompassing actions from primary care, prenatal care to the puerperium, aiming at universal access and equity.

The newborn screening tests in Brazil: regional and socioeconomic prevalence and inequalities in 2013 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence evolution of Guthrie, hearing, and eye screening testing among newborns in Brazil, between 2013 and 2019, according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with data from 5231 infants from the Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), in 2013, and 6637 infants, in 2019, for the Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests. The authors analyzed the outcomes according to the region of residence, self-reported color/race, having health insurance, and per capita household income. By using bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models, the prevalence ratios and their respective 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI95%) were calculated for each year. RESULTS: In 2013, Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests were performed in 96.5 % (95%CI 95,8;97,0), 65.8 % (95%CI 63,9;67,7), and 60.4 % (95%CI 58,5;62,3) of infants, respectively. In 2019, the prevalence was 97.8 % (95%CI 97,3;98,2) in the Guthrie test, 81.6 % (95%CI 80,3;82,9) in the hearing test, and 78.6 % (95%CI 77,1;79,9) in the red reflex test. The testing frequency was higher among residents of the Southeast and South regions of Brazil, among infants whose mother or guardian was white, had health insurance, and was in the higher income strata; and the most evident differences were in the eye and hearing testing. CONCLUSIONS: The coverage inequalities according to the region of residence, income, and having health insurance highlight the need to use strategies that enable exams to be carried out, with more information about their importance, encompassing actions from primary care, prenatal care to the puerperium, aiming at universal access and equity.

Dietary Patterns in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period and the Relationship with Maternal Weight up to One Year after Pregnancy Complicated by Gestational Diabetes.

This multicentric cohort study aimed to describe changes in dietary patterns during pregnancy and postpartum and the association with BMI variation at six and twelve months postpartum in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Between 2014 and 2018, we enrolled women with GDM in prenatal clinics of the Brazilian National Health System and followed them for one year postpartum. The dietary patterns during pregnancy and the postpartum period were obtained by factorial analysis. The relationship between these patterns and variation in postpartum BMI was evaluated by Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for confounders. We identified three dietary patterns in 584 women, two healthy (generally healthy and Dash type), which were associated with less weight gain (RR 0.77 CI 95% 0.62-0.96 and RR 0.71 CI 95% 0.57-0.88, respectively). The high-risk pattern (based on ultra-processed, high-calorie foods and sweetened drinks) was associated with weight gain (RR 1.31 CI 95% 1.07-1.61 and RR 1.26 CI 95% 1.01-1.59) in six and twelve months postpartum, respectively. Although the participants learned about healthy dieting during pregnancy, dietary habits worsened from pregnancy to postpartum, especially, with lower consumption of fruits and dairy and higher consumption of sweetened beverages, with consequent weight gain postpartum. Postpartum support is needed to prevent weight gain and obesity.

Chest physiotherapy techniques administered by certified specialists to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil: A look towards future practice.

BACKGROUND: Chest physiotherapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has been poorly reported. Although recommendations were published to guide physiotherapists, practice might have differed depending on education and training. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in chest physiotherapy applied for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between certified specialists and non-certified specialists. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was developed for physiotherapists involved in the management of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The questionnaire inquired about professional information and characteristics of physiotherapy practice. RESULTS: There were 485 respondents, yielding a completion rate of 76%. Of these, 61 were certified specialists and 424 non-certified specialists. The certified specialists were older, had more years of professional experience, were more qualified, and had better job conditions. For mechanically ventilated patients, the certified specialists used the ventilator hyperinflation maneuver more frequently (50.4% vs 35.1%, p = 0.005), and the hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (ERCC) (26.9% vs 48.3%, p = 0.016), soft/long ERCC (25.2% vs 39.1%, p = 0.047), and manual chest compression-decompression (MCCD) maneuver (22.4% vs 35.6%, p = 0.001) less often. For spontaneously breathing patients, the certified specialists used the active cycle of breathing technique (30.8% vs 67.1%, p<0.001), autogenic drainage (7.7% vs 20.7%, p = 0.017), and MCCD maneuver (23.1% vs 41.4%, p = 0.018) less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Certified specialists with higher levels of expertise seem to prefer the use of chest physiotherapy techniques that are applied with the mechanical ventilator over manual techniques. Furthermore, they use techniques that could potentially increase the work of breathing less frequently, mitigating the risk of exacerbating respiratory conditions in patients with COVID-19.

Physiotherapy practice for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the indications for physiotherapy and to evaluate physiotherapy practices in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (on mechanical ventilation) or to the ward (spontaneously breathing). METHODS: An online, 50-item survey was completed by physiotherapists who had been treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. RESULTS: Of the 644 physiotherapists who initiated the survey, 488 (76%) completed it. The main reasons for indications for physiotherapy in both settings reported as "very frequently" and "frequently" both in the ICU and the ward by most respondents were oxygenation improvement (> 95%) and prevention of general complications (> 83%). Physical deconditioning was considered an infrequent indication. When compared with mobilization strategies, the use of respiratory interventions showed great variability in both work settings, and techniques considered effective were underutilized. The most frequently used respiratory techniques in the ICU were positioning (86%), alveolar recruitment (73%), and hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (46%), whereas those in the ward were active prone positioning (90%), breathing exercises (88%), and directed/assisted cough (75%). The mobilization interventions reported by more than 75% of the respondents were sitting on the edge of the bed, active and resistive range of motion exercises, standing, ambulation, and stepping in place. CONCLUSIONS: The least common reason for indications for physiotherapy was avoidance of deconditioning, whereas oxygenation improvement was the most frequent one. Great variability in respiratory interventions was observed when compared with mobilization therapies, and there is a clear need to standardize respiratory physiotherapy treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Physiotherapy practice for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 / Prática fisioterapêutica para pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the indications for physiotherapy and to evaluate physiotherapy practices in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (on mechanical ventilation) or to the ward (spontaneously breathing). Methods: An online, 50-item survey was completed by physiotherapists who had been treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. Results: Of the 644 physiotherapists who initiated the survey, 488 (76%) completed it. The main reasons for indications for physiotherapy in both settings reported as "very frequently" and "frequently" both in the ICU and the ward by most respondents were oxygenation improvement (> 95%) and prevention of general complications (> 83%). Physical deconditioning was considered an infrequent indication. When compared with mobilization strategies, the use of respiratory interventions showed great variability in both work settings, and techniques considered effective were underutilized. The most frequently used respiratory techniques in the ICU were positioning (86%), alveolar recruitment (73%), and hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (46%), whereas those in the ward were active prone positioning (90%), breathing exercises (88%), and directed/assisted cough (75%). The mobilization interventions reported by more than 75% of the respondents were sitting on the edge of the bed, active and resistive range of motion exercises, standing, ambulation, and stepping in place. Conclusions: The least common reason for indications for physiotherapy was avoidance of deconditioning, whereas oxygenation improvement was the most frequent one. Great variability in respiratory interventions was observed when compared with mobilization therapies, and there is a clear need to standardize respiratory physiotherapy treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as indicações de fisioterapia e avaliar as práticas fisioterapêuticas em pacientes com COVID-19 internados na UTI (em ventilação mecânica) ou na enfermaria (em respiração espontânea). Métodos: Questionário online, com 50 questões, respondido por fisioterapeutas que atendiam pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 no Brasil. Resultados: Dos 644 fisioterapeutas que iniciaram o questionário, 488 (76%) o concluíram. As principais indicações de fisioterapia relatadas como "muito frequente" e "frequentemente" tanto na UTI quanto na enfermaria pela maioria dos respondentes foram melhora da oxigenação (> 95%) e prevenção de complicações gerais (> 83%). Descondicionamento físico foi considerado uma indicação pouco frequente. Em comparação com as estratégias de mobilização, as intervenções respiratórias apresentaram grande variabilidade em ambos os setores de trabalho, e técnicas consideradas eficazes foram subutilizadas. As técnicas respiratórias mais utilizadas na UTI foram posicionamento (86%), recrutamento alveolar (73%) e compressão torácica expiratória forte e rápida (46%), enquanto, na enfermaria, as mais utilizadas foram posição prona ativa (90%), exercícios respiratórios (88%) e tosse assistida/dirigida (75%). As intervenções de mobilização relatadas por mais de 75% dos respondentes foram sedestação a beira leito, exercícios ativos e resistidos de membros superiores/inferiores, ortostatismo, deambulação e marcha estacionária. Conclusões: A indicação menos frequente de fisioterapia foi prevenção do descondicionamento, enquanto melhora da oxigenação foi a mais frequente. Observou-se grande variabilidade nas intervenções respiratórias em comparação com as terapias de mobilização, e há uma clara necessidade de padronização do tratamento fisioterapêutico respiratório para pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19.

A Brazilian cost-utility analysis of trabecular micro-bypass with iStent inject® for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma / Análise de custo-utilidade do implante trabecular iStent inject® para o tratamento do glaucoma de ângulo aberto no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the cost-utility of the iStent inject® for the treatment of mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Methods A Markov model was developed, in which the effectiveness outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER: R$ / QALY quality-adjusted life-year). Direct medical costs were obtained from the SUS perspective. The base case comprised of a hypothetical cohort of patients with OAG using topical medication and being managed according to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) and a real-world setting based on data from Datasus. The model's robustness through sensitivity analyses was tested. Results In the PCDT base case setting, the trabecular micro-bypass implant provided gains of 0.47 QALYs and an ICER of R$7,996.66/QALY compared to treatment with topical medication. In the real-world setting based on data from Datasus, the trabecular micro-bypass implant, provided gains of 0.47 QALYs and an ICER of R$4,485.68/QALY compared to treatment with topical medication. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Incorporating iStent inject® to SUS provides an improvement in the patient's quality of life with an additional cost that warrants the benefit provided to patients. Results may be considered cost-effective compared to topical medication.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a relação custo-utilidade do iStent inject® para o tratamento do glaucoma de ângulo aberto leve a moderado no Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos Foi desenvolvido um modelo de Markov, no qual a medida de resultado de efetividade foi a razão custo-efetividade incremental (razão de custo-efetividade incremental: R$/ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade). Os custos médicos diretos foram obtidos por meio da perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. O caso base foi composto de uma coorte hipotética de pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto em uso de medicação tópica tratados de acordo com o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas e um cenário do mundo real baseado em dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Foi testada a robustez do modelo por meio de análises de sensibilidade. Resultados No cenário base do Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas, o implante trabecular micro-bypass proporcionou ganhos de 0,47 ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade e razão de custo-efetividade incremental de R$7.996,66/ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade em relação ao tratamento com medicação tópica. No cenário real baseado em dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, o implante trabecular proporcionou ganhos de 0,47 ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade e razão de custo-efetividade incremental de R$ 4.485,68/ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade em relação ao tratamento com medicação tópica. Os resultados foram robustos para análises de sensibilidade. Conclusão A incorporação do iStent inject® ao Sistema Único de Saúde proporciona melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente com um custo adicional que garante o benefício proporcionado a eles. Os resultados podem ser considerados custo-efetivos em comparação com a medicação tópica.

Cuidados paliativos oncológicos: visão de familiares de pacientes acompanhados por uma equipe de consultoria / Palliative care oncological: view of relatives of patients accompanied by consulting team / Cuidados paliativos oncológicos: visión de familiares de los pacientes acompañados por equipo de consultoría

RESUMOObjetivo: conhecer a visão da família de pacientes com câncer acompanhados por uma equipe de consultoria, a respeito dos cuidados paliativos em hospital. Método: estudo qualitativo e descritivo realizado com dez familiares de pacientes com câncer em cuidados paliativos acompanhados por uma equipe de consultoria em cuidados paliativos intra-hospitalar de um hospital de ensino. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de novembro de 2017 a janeiro de 2018, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram analisados seguindo a proposta de análise temática de Braun e Clarke. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes demonstrou ter alguma aproximação ou vivencia do conceito de cuidados paliativos. Após o reconhecimento da doença como incurável, os participantes pareciam reconhecer a exposição a tratamentos antineoplásicos e a medidas invasivas como possíveis fontes de sofrimento para seu familiar. Para os familiares e pacientes com câncer, é esperado que a abordagem paliativa seja capaz de possibilitar qualidade de vida, integrando a essa concepção o alívio dos sintomas físicos e emocionais. Conclusão: as visões atribuídas à abordagem paliativa hospitalar demonstram a necessidade do respeito às particularidades dos indivíduos, para a desconstrução da ótica biomédica

ABSTRACTObjective: to know the view of the family of cancer patients accompanied by a consulting team,regarding palliative care in a hospital. Method:a qualitative and descriptive study with ten relatives of patients undergoing palliative care, accompanied by a palliative care consulting team, intra-hospital, of a teaching hospital. Data collection took place from November 2017 to January 2018, through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed following the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis proposal. Results: most participants demonstrated to have some approach or experience with the concept of palliative care. After recognizing the disease as incurable, participants seemed to recognize exposure to anticancer treatments and invasive measures as possible sources of suffering for their family member. For family members and cancer patients, it is expected that the palliative approach will be able to provide quality of life, integrating the relief of physical and emotional symptoms to this conception.Conclusion:the views attributed to the hospital palliative approach demonstrate the need to respect the particularities of individuals, for the deconstruction of the biomedical perspective.

RESUMENObjetivo:conocer la visión de la familia de pacientes oncológicos acompañados de un equipo consultor, respecto a los cuidados paliativos en un hospital. Método:estudio cualitativo y descriptivo realizado con diez familiares de pacientes oncológicos en cuidados paliativos, acompañados de un equipo de consultoría de cuidados paliativos, intrahospitalario, de un hospital de enseñanza. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo desde noviembre de 2017 hasta enero de 2018, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los datos se analizaron siguiendo la propuesta de análisis temático de Braun y Clarke.Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes demostraron tener algún enfoque o experiencia con el concepto de cuidados paliativos. Después de reconocer la enfermedad como incurable, los participantes parecieron reconocer la exposición a tratamientos contrael cáncer y medidas invasivas como posibles fuentes de sufrimiento para su familiar. Para los familiares y pacientes oncológicos, se espera que el abordaje paliativo sea capaz de brindar calidad de vida, integrando el alivio de los síntomas físicos y emocionales a esta concepción. Conclusión: las visiones atribuidas al abordaje paliativo hospitalario demuestran la necesidad de respetar las particularidades de los individuos, para la deconstrucción de la perspectiva biomédica.

The connection between Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles by Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis: A threat to human health in an area susceptible to desertification in the Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

An outbreak of Chagas disease, possibly involving its vector Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, was identified in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Given the historical significance of this vector in public health, the study aimed to evaluate its role in the transmission dynamics of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi in an area undergoing desertification in the Seridó region, RN, Brazil. We captured triatomines in sylvatic and anthropic ecotopes. Natural vector infection was determined using parasitological and molecular methods and we identified discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi by analyzing the COII gene of mtDNA, 24Sα rDNA, and mini-exon gene. Their blood meals sources were identified by amplification and sequencing of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene. A total of 952 T. b. brasiliensis were captured in peridomestic (69.9%) and sylvatic ecotopes (30.4%). A wide range of natural infection rates were observed in peridomestic (36.0% - 71.1%) and sylvatic populations (28.6% - 100.0%). We observed the circulation of TcI and TcII DTUs with a predominance of Tcl in sylvatic and peridomestic environments. Kerodon rupestris, rocky cavy (13/39), Homo sapiens, human (8/39), and Bos taurus, ox (6/39) were the most frequently detected blood meals sources. Thus, Triatoma b. brasiliensis is invading and colonizing the human dwellings. Furthermore, high levels of natural infection, coupled with the detection of TcI and TcII DTUs, and also the detection of K. rupestris and H. sapiens as blood meals sources of infected T. b. brasiliensis indicate a risk of T. cruzi transmission to human populations in areas undergoing desertification.

The role of grandparents of children with cancer in the hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of grandparents of hospitalized children with cancer. METHODS: In a qualitative study, we interviewed eleven grandparents of children with cancer hospitalized at a referral center for pediatric oncology in São Paulo. The data were analyzed using the Hybrid Framework of Thematic Analysis. RESULTS: Six themes were found to describe the role of grandparents in this context: Being the family's support, Sharing love to my child and my grandchild, Being there for my child and my grandchild, Offering spiritual support to my child and my grandchild, Making an effort to be able to manage my own feelings and Balancing the demands of hospitalization with available resources. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The findings show the significance of the grandparents' role in this experience and emphasize the value of being considered, by health professionals, as part of the family and care.

Uso de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação YouTube para produção e divulgação de conteúdo sobre o curso de medicina: experiências dos acadêmicos / Use of the Information and Communication Technology YouTube for production and diffusion of content about a medical course: students' experiences / Uso de la tecnología de la información y la comunicación de YouTube para la producción y difusión de contenido sobre el curso de medicina: experiencias de los estudiantes

Este artigo objetivou descrever a experiência e a avaliação do uso de tecnologias digitais como estratégia de divulgação por discentes de um curso de medicina criado pelo Programa Mais Médicos. Trata-se de relato de experiência sobre o desenvolvimento de um canal no YouTube para divulgar a graduação de medicina da Universidade Federal de Jataí. Procedeu-se avaliação quantitativa e qualitativa dos indicadores do canal. A partir de setembro de 2017, a equipe se organizou em cinco grupos de trabalho: pauta, redação, atualização, gravação e edição. Ressaltam-se como resultados: 17 vídeos, 607 inscritos e 34.757 visualizações. Percebeuse engajamento e demanda de informações pelos usuários, aumento contínuo do número de acessos e picos em períodos de abertura de vagas de vestibulares e comentários. As experiências contribuíram para aprimoramento de habilidades extracurriculares dos estudantes envolvidos. O canal pôde auxiliar ingressantes no Ensino Superior na tomada de decisão e motivação pela escolha do curso.

This article aimed at describing the experience and evaluation of use of digital technologies by medical students as a dissemination strategy of a course created by "More Doctors" Program. This is an experience report on the development of a YouTube channel to publicize the medical degree at the Federal University of Jataí. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of channel indicators was carried out. From September 2017, the team was organized into five working groups: timetable, writing, updating, recording and editing. The main results were 17 videos, 603 subscribers and 34,757 views. We noticed users' engagement and direct demand for information, a continuous increase in the number of accesses, and peaks in vestibular opening periods, in addition to comments. The experiences contributed to improvement of students' extracurricular skills. The channel was able to assist interested people in Higher Education in decision making and motivation for choosing the course.

Este artículo describe la experiencia y evaluación del uso de las tecnologías digitales como estrategia de difusión por parte de los estudiantes de un curso de medicina creado por el Programa "Mais Médicos". Relato de experiencia sobre el desarrollo de un canal de YouTube para dar a conocer la graduación médica de la Universidad Federal de Jataí. Se realizó una evaluación cuantitativa y cualitativa de los indicadores del canal. En septiembre de 2017, equipo se organizó en grupos: agenda, redacción, actualización, grabación y edición. Resultados: 17 videos, 603 suscriptores y 34,757 visualizaciones. Se notó el compromiso y demanda de información de los usuarios, aumento continuo en el número de accesos y picos en los períodos de apertura de exámenes de ingreso. Las experiencias contribuyeron a la mejora de las habilidades extracurriculares de los estudiantes. El canal pudo ayudar a los estudiantes en la toma de decisiones para elegir el curso.

Humanistic and Economic Burden of Blindness Associated with Retinal Disorders in a Brazilian Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Vision impairment and blindness have been significantly associated with high medical care expenditures, decrease in health utility, and loss or reduction of productivity. The objective of this study was to assess the humanistic and economic burden of blindness in a Brazilian sample from a societal perspective. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, and multicenter study enrolling individuals with blindness (defined as the best corrected visual acuity less than 6/60 in the better-seeing eye) caused by retinal disorders. Data collection was performed between December 2012 and December 2014 through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire and three standardized patient-reported outcomes instruments. Direct costs were estimated by multiplying the amount of resources used (12-month recall period) by the corresponding unit cost. Productivity losses were measured using the human capital method. All data were collected in Brazilian real (BRL) and converted to United States dollar (USD), using the exchange rate of 1 USD = 3.0415 BRL (May 7, 2015). RESULTS: A total of 146 subjects from 17 research sites were included with a mean age of 68 (SD = 14.8) years and equal gender distribution. Blindness negatively affected both general and vision-specific health-related quality of life. One-half of patients presented some level of anxiety and depression; of these, about 50% with moderate or severe symptoms. Around one-third of subjects (34.2%) reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months due to vision impairment; of these subjects, 14% reported fractures. Emergency room visits and hospitalization were reported by around 25% and 5% of subjects, respectively. The short-term costs (annual costs) of severe vision impairment or blindness for the studied subjects was USD 128,389.09 (USD 879.37 per person). Total medical direct costs summed USD 116,182.00 (USD 795.77 per person), 61.7% of which was due to outpatient visits (with physicians and other healthcare professionals). The long-term costs (lifetime productivity loss) totalized USD 1,962,599.50 (USD 13,442.47 per person). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that blindness imposes both humanistic and economic burden for individuals and for Brazilian society. It also pointed out that there is room to improve blindness management, especially for the poorest people, including health education for individuals, availability of services, and reduction of barriers to patients' access to healthcare assistance. This was a good starting point; however, further research is needed.

Instrumentos para avaliar a sobrecarga e a qualidade de vida de cuidadores / Instrumentos para evaluar la carga y la calidad de vida de los cuidadores / Instruments to evaluate the work overload and quality of life for caregivers

Objetivo: identificar na literatura instrumentos para avaliar a qualidade de vida e a sobrecarga em cuidadores e sua aplicabilidade com essa população. Síntese de conteúdo: revisão integrativa da literatura em dois períodos de busca. Em setembro de 2017, foram selecionados 604 resumos na PubMed e 33 na LiLAcS, totalizando 637. Em seguida, para a atualização de dados, em setembro de 2020, foram escolhidos 137 resumos na PubMed e quatro na LiLAcS, totalizando 141. Após a leitura dos resumos, 106 artigos foram lidos na íntegra, dos quais 62 artigos atenderam os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos. Após a identificação de 80 instrumentos aplicados em cuidadores nessas publicações, buscouse identificar a existência de validação brasileira, bem como sua aplicabilidade com cuidadores. Desses instrumentos, 39 não foram validados no Brasil, 13 eram elaborações próprias dos autores e 28 validações brasileiras. Desses 28 validados, sete são voltados para cuidadores e os demais, para populações gerais. Na análise de adequação da aplicação desses instrumentos gerais a essa população, verificouse que os objetivos dos estudos foram atingidos, pois aspectos relativos à sobrecarga e à qualidade de vida também se aplicam ao cuidador que assume o cuidado do paciente em casa. Conclusões: os achados apon-tam que, para além da criação de novos instrumentos, é preciso identificar na literatura os já existentes

Objetivo: identificar en la literatura instrumentos para evaluar la calidad de vida y la carga de los cuidadores y su aplicabilidad en esta población. Síntesis de contenido: revisión integral de la literatura en dos períodos de búsqueda. En septiembre de 2017 se recopilaron 604 resúmenes en PubMed y 33 en LiLAcS, totalizan-do 637 resúmenes. Posteriormente, para actualizar datos, en septiembre de 2020 se añadieron 137 resúmenes provenientes de PubMed y cuatro de LiLAcS, para un total de 141. Después de revisar los resúmenes, se procedió con la lectura de 106 artículos a texto completo, de los cuales 62 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión definidos. Tras identificar 80 instrumentos aplicados en cuidadores en esas publicaciones, se buscó determinar cuáles de ellos habían sido valida-dos para su uso en Brasil y cuáles podrían ser aplicados en cuidadores. De estos instrumentos, 39 no habían sido validados en Brasil, 13 eran elaboraciones propias y 28 contaban con validez en este país. De los 28 instrumentos validados, siete se enfocan en los cuidadores, mientras que los 21 restantes están diseñados para estudiar población general. Al analizar la adecuación y aplicación de dichos instrumentos sobre la población de cuidadores se verificó que los objetivos de los estudios fueran alcanzados, puesto que los aspectos relacionados con la sobrecarga y la calidad de vida también se aplican a los cuidadores de pacientes en casa. Conclusiones: los resultados indican que, además de la creación de nuevos instrumentos, es necesario identificar los ya existentes en la literatura.

Objective: To identify on litera-ture instruments for evaluating the quality of life and work overload of caregivers and their applicability with this population. Content synthesis: Integrative literature review in two research periods. In September 2017, 604 abstracts were gathered from PubMed database and 33 more from LiLAcS, totaling 637 abstracts. An update in September 2020 allowed collecting 137 additional abstracts from PubMed and 4 from LiLAcS, adding 141 entries to the previ-ous sample. After reading these abstracts, the full texts of 106 articles were examined, from which 62 articles met the inclusion criteria. In total, 80 instruments applied to caregivers were identified in these publications. From this, we sought to determine the existence of validation studies in Brazil, as well as their applicability to caregivers. From the sample of 80 instruments, 39 were not validated in Brazil, 13 were elaborated by authors, and 28 corresponded to validated tools in this country. Out of these, seven were applied to caregivers and the rest of them to general populations. In the analysis of the adequacy and application of the general instruments to this specific population, it was found that the objectives of the studies were met, since several aspects related to work overload and quality of life also apply to the caregiver in charge of a patient at home. Conclusions: Findings pointed out the need of creating new instruments and also identify the existing tools available in the literature.

Preventing glaucoma progression using the trabecular micro-bypass implant iStent inject®. A cost-effectiveness analysis / Prevenindo a progressão do glaucoma por meio do implante de by-pass trabecular iStent inject®. Uma análise de custo-efetividade

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the economic impact of reducing glaucoma progression by using the trabecular micro-bypass implant, iStent inject®, in the Reference Centers for glaucoma treatment within the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Methods In a cost-effectiveness analysis, a Markov model was developed, and the costs were obtained from the SUS perspective (medical direct costs). Effectiveness was measured in progression-free life-years. The time horizon was the mean life expectancy of the Brazilian population. The model parameters were obtained through a review and a critical analysis of the literature. The base case comprised a hypothetical cohort of patients with open-angle glaucoma, using anti-glaucoma eye drops and followed up at Reference Centers of SUS. We tested whether the incorporation of iStent inject® as an alternative second-line therapy would be cost-effective. The outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (R$/progression-free life-years). We tested the robustness of the model by univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results The use of iStent inject® led to decreased progression rate of glaucoma, evidenced by the amount of progression-free life-years obtained with each treatment strategy (7.82 progression-free life-years with iStent inject® versus 6.33 progression-free life-years with medical treatment), thereby improving glaucoma control. There was also a reduction in future costs associated with eye drops, filtering surgeries, and treatment complications. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ranged from R$ 6,429.30 to R$ 7,550.97/progression-free life-years. The model proved to be robust in the sensitivity analyses. Conclusion This analysis showed that iStent inject®, when used after the failure of the first-line therapy, is able to reduce the rate of glaucoma progression at an acceptable cost.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o impacto econômico da redução da progressão do glaucoma pelo uso do implante de by-pass trabecular iStent inject® no ambiente dos Centros de Referência para tratamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos Em uma análise de custo-efetividade, elaborou-se um modelo de Markov, cujos custos foram obtidos a partir da perspectiva do SUS financiador (custos médicos diretos). A efetividade foi medida em anos de vida livres de progressão. O horizonte temporal foi a expectativa de vida média da população brasileira. Os parâmetros do modelo foram obtidos pela revisão e pela análise crítica da literatura. O caso base foi composto de uma coorte hipotética de portadores de glaucoma de ângulo aberto em uso de colírios antiglaucomatosos e em acompanhamento nos Centros de Referência do SUS. Testou-se se a incorporação do iStent inject® como alternativa à segunda linha de tratamento seria custo-efetiva. A medida de desfecho foi a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (R$/anos de vida livres de progressão). A robustez do modelo foi testada por meio de análises de sensibilidade univariada e probabilística. Resultados A utilização do iStent inject® proporcionou uma diminuição da velocidade de progressão do glaucoma, evidenciada pela quantidade de anos de vida livres de progressão obtida com cada estratégia de tratamento (7,82 anos de vida livres de progressão com iStent inject® versus 6,33 anos de vida livres de progressão com tratamento com colírios), melhorando, dessa forma, o controle do glaucoma. Houve ainda redução nos custos futuros associados aos colírios, às cirurgias filtrantes e às complicações do tratamento. A razão de custo-efetividade incremental variou de R$6.429,30 a R$7.550,97/anos de vida livres de progressão. O modelo mostrou-se robusto nas análises de sensibilidade. Conclusão O iStent inject®, quando usado após a falha do primeiro medicamento, é capaz de reduzir a taxa de progressão do glaucoma a um custo aceitável.

The role of grandparents of children with cancer in the hospital / El papel de los abuelos de niños com cáncer hospitalizados / O papel dos avós de crianças com câncer hospitalizadas

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the role of grandparents of hospitalized children with cancer. Methods: In a qualitative study, we interviewed eleven grandparents of children with cancer hospitalized at a referral center for pediatric oncology in São Paulo. The data were analyzed using the Hybrid Framework of Thematic Analysis. Results: Six themes were found to describe the role of grandparents in this context: Being the family's support, Sharing love to my child and my grandchild, Being there for my child and my grandchild, Offering spiritual support to my child and my grandchild, Making an effort to be able to manage my own feelings and Balancing the demands of hospitalization with available resources. Final considerations: The findings show the significance of the grandparents' role in this experience and emphasize the value of being considered, by health professionals, as part of the family and care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender el papel de los abuelos de niños con cáncer hospitalizados. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo en el que fueron entrevistados once abuelos de niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia en oncología pediátrica del interior de São Paulo. Datos analizados a partir del Modelo Híbrido de Análisis Temático. Resultados: Fueron encontrados seis temas para describir la función de los abuelos en este contexto: Ser el puntal de la familia; Transmitir amor a mi hijo y a mi nieto; Estar presente para mi hijo y para mi nieto; Brindar soporte espiritual para mi hijo y para mi nieto; Luchar por conseguir manejar los propios sentimientos; y Equilibrar las demandas de la internación con los recursos disponibles. Consideraciones finales: Los datos evidencian la relevancia del papel de los abuelos en esta experiencia y destacan la importancia de que sean considerados parte de la familia y del cuidado por los profesionales de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender o papel dos avós de crianças com câncer hospitalizadas. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, no qual foram entrevistados onze avós de crianças com câncer hospitalizadas em um centro de referência em oncologia pediátrica no interior de São Paulo. Os dados foram analisados a partir do Modelo Híbrido de Análise Temática. Resultados: Foram encontrados seis temas para descrever a função dos avós nesse contexto: Ser o alicerce da família, Transmitir amor para o meu filho e meu neto, Estar presente para o meu filho e o meu neto, Oferecer suporte espiritual para o meu filho e o meu neto, Lutar para conseguir manejar os próprios sentimentos e Equilibrar as demandas da hospitalização com os recursos disponíveis. Considerações finais: Os dados evidenciam a relevância do papel dos avós nessa experiência e ressaltam a importância de serem considerados, pelos profissionais da saúde, como parte da família e do cuidado.

Public financing of human insulins in Brazil: 2009-2017.

BACKGROUND: From 2006 to 2017, the Brazilian federal government provided free of charge traditional insulins for diabetes treatment. This involved public tendering by the Department of Health Logistics of the Ministry of Health (DLOG-MOH) and the reimbursement after direct contracting for supply with commercial private retailers (Brazilian Popular Pharmacy Program - PFPB). OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the budget of the Brazilian federal government committed to for the acquisition of insulin, as well as corresponding prices and treatment availability from 2009 to 2017. METHODS: Insulin volume and expenditure data were obtained in official administrative databases and in the Electronic System of the Information Service to Citizens. Data were analyzed according to the total provision by the federal government, DLOG-MOH and PFPB. Moreover, data were presented according to insulin type. Volumes were calculated in number of defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 inhabitants/day. RESULTS: Budgetary commitments due to insulin over nine years amounted to U$1,027 billion in 2017, with an approximate average of U$114.1 million per year. DLOG-MOH was the main insulin provider, despite the increase in PFPB provision along period. DLOG-MOH and PFBP together provided an average of 6.08 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day for nine years. Average prices in PFPB were higher than those in the DLOG series, with a downward trend over the years, narrowing to 2.7 times in 2017, when compared to 2009. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil evidenced a moderately sustainable and effective, albeit imperfect, policy for public provision of traditional insulins in the period preceding mandatory free supply of insulin analogues. Future studies must address treatment availability and financial sustainability in the new scenario.

Destination of pesticide residues on biobeds: State of the art and future perspectives in Latin America.

Land-use intensification with a high demand for pesticides is a consequence of human population increase. Feasible alternatives for correct concentrated residues discharge are necessary to avoid soil and water resources contamination. Biobeds are in situ bioreactors for treating pesticide residues, used by several European and American countries due to its low cost and simple construction, whose efficiency has been scientifically proved for over 20 years. This review presents the state of the art of biobeds in Latin America (LA), identifying advances and future research needs. Factors affecting the efficiency of biobeds are discussed, like ideal temperature, moisture, and microbial communities, followed by methods for evaluating the bioreactor's efficiency. It was necessary to adapt this technology to the climatic and economic conditions of Latin-American countries, due to its European origins. Guatemala is the LA country that uses biobeds as official technology. Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica and Chile are examples of countries that are actively investigating new substrates and pursuing legal aspects for the establishment of the biobeds. Robust scientific evidences may enable farmers start using this technology, which is an environmentally safe system to protect water resources.