Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources-Based Support System for Predicting Delivery Type: Model Development and Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: The escalating prevalence of cesarean delivery globally poses significant health impacts on mothers and newborns. Despite this trend, the underlying reasons for increased cesarean delivery rates, which have risen to 36.3% in Portugal as of 2020, remain unclear. This study delves into these issues within the Portuguese health care context, where national efforts are underway to reduce cesarean delivery occurrences. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to introduce a machine learning, algorithm-based support system designed to assist clinical teams in identifying potentially unnecessary cesarean deliveries. Key objectives include developing clinical decision support systems for cesarean deliveries using interoperability standards, identifying predictive factors influencing delivery type, assessing the economic impact of implementing this tool, and comparing system outputs with clinicians' decisions. METHODS: This study used retrospective data collected from 9 public Portuguese hospitals, encompassing maternal and fetal data and delivery methods from 2019 to 2020. We used various machine learning algorithms for model development, with light gradient-boosting machine (LightGBM) selected for deployment due to its efficiency. The model's performance was compared with clinician assessments through questionnaires. Additionally, an economic simulation was conducted to evaluate the financial impact on Portuguese public hospitals. RESULTS: The deployed model, based on LightGBM, achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 88%. In the trial deployment phase at a single hospital, 3.8% (123/3231) of cases triggered alarms for potentially unnecessary cesarean deliveries. Financial simulation results indicated potential benefits for 30% (15/48) of Portuguese public hospitals with the implementation of our tool. However, this study acknowledges biases in the model, such as combining different vaginal delivery types and focusing on potentially unwarranted cesarean deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a promising system capable of identifying potentially incorrect cesarean delivery decisions, with potentially positive implications for medical practice and health care economics. However, it also highlights the challenges and considerations necessary for real-world application, including further evaluation of clinical decision-making impacts and understanding the diverse reasons behind delivery type choices. This study underscores the need for careful implementation and further robust analysis to realize the full potential and real-world applicability of such clinical support systems.

ONLAY VERSUS RIVES-STOPPA TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT OF INCISIONAL HERNIAS.

BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the polypropylene prosthesis. AIMS: To compare the onlay and Rives-Stoppa techniques in the correction of incisional hernias, their immediate results, complications, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Two groups of patients with incisional hernias were analyzed, submitted to the onlay (19 patients) and Rives-Stoppa (17 patients) techniques, and that used polypropylene prostheses. General epidemiological variables, perioperative data variables, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' epidemiologic profile was similar between both groups. The majority were women (58.4%), with a mean age of 65.5 years and a previous mean body mass index of 41.5 kg/m². The Rives-Stoppa technique was employed in most patients (52.7%). Those submitted to the onlay technique had longer abdominal drainage time and longer hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of seromas and surgical wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The incisional herniorrhaphy technique with the placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh by the Rives-Stoppa technique was superior to the onlay due to lower rates of drain use, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

The Role of Novel Digital Clinical Tools in the Screening or Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Digital clinical tools are a new technology that can be used in the screening or diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), notwithstanding the crucial role of polysomnography, the gold standard. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify, gather, and analyze the most accurate digital tools and smartphone-based health platforms used for OSA screening or diagnosis in the adult population. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies evaluating the validity of digital tools in OSA screening or diagnosis until November 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for diagnostic test accuracy studies. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were used as discrimination measures. RESULTS: We retrieved 1714 articles, 41 (2.39%) of which were included in the study. From these 41 articles, we found 7 (17%) smartphone-based tools, 10 (24%) wearables, 11 (27%) bed or mattress sensors, 5 (12%) nasal airflow devices, and 8 (20%) other sensors that did not fit the previous categories. Only 8 (20%) of the 41 studies performed external validation of the developed tool. Of these, the highest reported values for AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.99, 96%, and 92%, respectively, for a clinical cutoff of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)≥30. These values correspond to a noncontact audio recorder that records sleep sounds, which are then analyzed by a deep learning technique that automatically detects sleep apnea events, calculates the AHI, and identifies OSA. Looking at the studies that only internally validated their models, the work that reported the highest accuracy measures showed AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values of 1.00, 100%, and 96%, respectively, for a clinical cutoff AHI≥30. It uses the Sonomat-a foam mattress that, aside from recording breath sounds, has pressure sensors that generate voltage when deformed, thus detecting respiratory movements, and uses it to classify OSA events. CONCLUSIONS: These clinical tools presented promising results with high discrimination measures (best results reached AUC>0.99). However, there is still a need for quality studies comparing the developed tools with the gold standard and validating them in external populations and other environments before they can be used in clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023387748; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=387748.

Exploring the Potential of Heterosis to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Popcorn Plants.

Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth and development, and improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a viable strategy for reducing dependence on nitrogen inputs and promoting sustainability. While the benefits of heterosis in corn are well known, the physiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in popcorn are less understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of heterosis on growth and physiological traits in four popcorn lines and their hybrids under two contrasting nitrogen conditions. We evaluated morpho-agronomic and physiological traits such as leaf pigments, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, and leaf gas exchange. Components associated with NUE were also evaluated. N deprivation caused reductions of up to 65% in terms of plant architecture, 37% in terms of leaf pigments, and 42% in terms of photosynthesis-related traits. Heterosis had significant effects on growth traits, NUE, and foliar pigments, particularly under low soil nitrogen conditions. N-utilization efficiency was found to be the mechanism favoring superior hybrid performance for NUE. Non-additive genetic effects were predominant in controlling the studied traits, indicating that exploring heterosis is the most effective strategy for obtaining superior hybrids to promote NUE. The findings are relevant and beneficial for agro farmers seeking sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop productivity through the optimization of nitrogen utilization.

Association of Training in Basic Life Support with the Evolution of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed by Firefighters.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the results of professional technical and anthropometric anamnesis data with the transmission of external chest compressions performed by military firefighters at different execution times. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the performance and perceived effort of the sequence of external chest compressions performed in two minutes, as well as the evolution of the technique over time. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, correlational study involving adult firefighters who were members of a specific firefighter group, comprising a population of 105 individuals with a voluntary sample of 44 participants. The study used a Bayesian statistical approach to provide probabilistic expressions. Results: The participants had an average work experience of 17 years, an average age of 38.6 years, an average weight of 81.48 kilograms, an average height of 176 centimeters, and an average of 2.5 qualifications. The results indicated that the firefighters performed external chest compressions with excellent technique and a moderate level of perceived effort in a two-minute evaluation. The evaluation of the evolution of the technique over time showed that the participants were able to maintain high-quality compressions for an average of 6 minutes, with a maximum of 20 uninterrupted minutes. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of professional firefighters in performing and maintaining high-quality external chest compressions, which has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality in cases of cardiorespiratory arrest.

Current Clinical Landscape and Global Potential of Bacteriophage Therapy.

In response to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance, there is an increased demand for novel and innovative antimicrobials. Bacteriophages have been known for their potential clinical utility in lysing bacteria for almost a century. Social pressures and the concomitant introduction of antibiotics in the mid-1900s hindered the widespread adoption of these naturally occurring bactericides. Recently, however, phage therapy has re-emerged as a promising strategy for combatting antimicrobial resistance. A unique mechanism of action and cost-effective production promotes phages as an ideal solution for addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. As the number of phage-related research labs worldwide continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to encourage the expansion of well-developed clinical trials, the standardization of the production and storage of phage cocktails, and the advancement of international collaboration. In this review, we discuss the history, benefits, and limitations of bacteriophage research and its current role in the setting of addressing antimicrobial resistance with a specific focus on active clinical trials and case reports of phage therapy administration.

Case report: Successful anterior temporal lobectomy in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy associated with Sotos syndrome.

The Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by haploinsufficiency of NSD1 gene, with some individuals affected by epilepsy and, rarely, drug-resistant seizures. A 47-years-old female patient with Sotos syndrome was diagnosed with focal-onset seizures in left temporal lobe, left-side hippocampal atrophy, and neuropsychological testing with decreased performance in several cognitive domains. Patient was treated with left-side temporal lobe resection and developed complete awake seizure control in 3-years of follow-up, with marked improvement in quality-of-life. In selected, clinically concordant patients, resective surgeries may play a significant role in improving patient's quality of life and seizure control.

Impact of multimorbidity patterns in hospital admissions: the case study of asthma.

Background: Most previous studies assessing multimorbidity in asthma assessed the frequency of individual comorbid diseases. Objective: We aimed to assess the frequency and clinical and economic impact of co-occurring groups of comorbidities (comorbidity patterns using the Charlson Comorbidity Index) on asthma hospitalizations. Methods: We assessed the dataset containing a registration of all Portuguese hospitalizations between 2011-2015. We applied three different approaches (regression models, association rule mining, and decision trees) to assess both the frequency and impact of comorbidities patterns in the length-of-stay, in-hospital mortality and hospital charges. For each approach, separate analyses were performed for episodes with asthma as main and as secondary diagnosis. Separate analyses were performed by participants' age group. Results: We assessed 198340 hospitalizations in patients >18 years old. Both in hospitalizations with asthma as main or secondary diagnosis, combinations of diseases involving cancer, metastasis, cerebrovascular disease, hemiplegia/paraplegia, and liver disease displayed a relevant clinical and economic burden. In hospitalizations having asthma as a secondary diagnosis, we identified several comorbidity patterns involving asthma and associated with increased length-of-stay (average impact of 1.3 [95%CI=0.6-2.0]-3.2 [95%CI=1.8-4.6] additional days), in-hospital mortality (OR range=1.4 [95%CI=1.0-2.0]-7.9 [95%CI=2.6-23.5]) and hospital charges (average additional charges of 351.0 [95%CI=219.1-482.8] to 1470.8 [95%CI=1004.6-1937.0]) Euro compared with hospitalizations without any registered Charlson comorbidity). Consistent results were observed with association rules mining and decision tree approaches. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance not only of a complete assessment of patients with asthma, but also of considering the presence of asthma in patients admitted by other diseases, as it may have a relevant impact on clinical and health services outcomes.

Los significados de la violencia obstétrica en el proceso de parto y nacimiento / The meanings of obstetric violence in the labor and birth process

Introducción: La violencia obstétrica está presente en el día a día de la maternidad y en la práctica de los profesionales de salud, donde es necesaria una atención ética y humanizada. Objetivo: Analizar los valores expresados por los significados de los profesionales de salud sobre la violencia obstétrica en el proceso de parto y nacimiento. Métodos: Estudio fenomenológico basado en la Teoría de los Valores de Max Scheler, realizado con 48 profesionales de salud de cuatro maternidades de Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brasil, por medio de muestreo de conveniencia. Información recogida mediante entrevista fenomenológica entre abril/2017 y abril/2018 y analizada mediante el marco metodológico de la Teoría de la Interpretación de Paul Ricoeur. Resultados: Algunos profesionales desconocían o no reconocían la violencia obstétrica, se expresó un contravalor para la formación sanitaria. El valor científico apuntó a la posibilidad de resignificar la atención obstétrica como valor ético-vital en la práctica protectora contra los actos de violencia. Conclusión: Los valores vitales, éticos y científicos constituyen la base de una práctica segura y cualificada, y son valores protectores frente a la violencia obstétrica. Sin embargo, no se valora la formación sanitaria, lo que contribuye a la invisibilidad de las mujeres y de la propia violencia(AU)

Introduction: Obstetric violence is in the daily life of maternity hospitals and in the practice of healthcare professionals, where there is a need for humanized and ethic care. Goal: To analyze values expressed by the meanings of healthcare professionals about obstetric violence in the process of labor and birth. Methods: This is a phenomenological study, based on Max Scheler's Values Theory, carried out with 48 healthcare professionals of four maternity hospitals in Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil. The participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data was collected between April/2017 and April/2018 by phenomenological interview and analyzed using the methodological framework of Paul Ricoeur's Theory of Interpretation. Results: Some professionals were unaware or did not recognize obstetric violence, expresses itself a counter-value for health education. The scientific value points out to the possibility of re-signification of the obstetric care, as a vital-ethical value in protective practice against violence acts. Conclusion: Values in the vital-ethical and scientific field constitute a foundation for safe and qualified practice, being protective values in the face of obstetric violence. However, there is no appreciation for health education, which contributes to the invisibility of women and obstetric violence itself(AU)

Onlay versus rives-stoppa techniques in the treatment of incisional hernias / Técnicas onlay versus rives-stoppa no tratamento das hérnias incisionais

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the polypropylene prosthesis. AIMS: To compare the onlay and Rives-Stoppa techniques in the correction of incisional hernias, their immediate results, complications, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Two groups of patients with incisional hernias were analyzed, submitted to the onlay (19 patients) and Rives-Stoppa (17 patients) techniques, and that used polypropylene prostheses. General epidemiological variables, perioperative data variables, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' epidemiologic profile was similar between both groups. The majority were women (58.4%), with a mean age of 65.5 years and a previous mean body mass index of 41.5 kg/m². The Rives-Stoppa technique was employed in most patients (52.7%). Those submitted to the onlay technique had longer abdominal drainage time and longer hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of seromas and surgical wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The incisional herniorrhaphy technique with the placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh by the Rives-Stoppa technique was superior to the onlay due to lower rates of drain use, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Na correção cirúrgica das grandes hérnias incisionais, independente da técnica escolhida, na maioria das vezes, o uso de uma prótese é imprescindível. A preferência é pelas próteses de polipropileno. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a técnicas onlay e Rives-Stoppa na correção de hérnias incisionais, os seus resultados imediatos, as complicações, as vantagens e desvantagens. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dois grupos de portadores de hérnias incisionais, submetidos à técnica onlay (19 pacientes) e técnica Rives-Stoppa (17 pacientes), utilizando prótese de polipropileno. As variáveis gerais epidemiológicas, variáveis de dados perioperatórios e complicações pós-operatórias foram analisados. RESULTADOS: O perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes foi semelhante entre os grupos, a maioria eram mulheres (58.4%), com média de idade de 65.5 anos e com índice de massa corpórea (IMC) médio prévio de 41,5kg/m². A técnica de Rives-Stoppa foi utilizada na maioria dos pacientes (52.7%). Pacientes submetidos a técnica onlay apresentaram maior tempo de uso de dreno abdominal e maior tempo de internação hospitalar, além de maior incidência de seromas e infecção de ferida operatória. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de herniorrafia incisional com colocação de tela de polipropileno pré-peritoneal, pela técnica de Rives-Stoppa apresentou-se superior à técnica onlay, devido menor taxa de uso de drenos, menor taxa de tempo de internação hospitalar, bem como menor taxa de complicações pós-operatórias.

Uso de Ivermectina e Atazanavir no tratamento da Covid-19: uma revisão de escopo / Use of Ivermectin and Atazanavir in the treatment of Covid-19: a scoping review / Uso de Ivermectina y Atazanavir en el tratamiento de Covid-19: una revisión de alcance

Objetivo: Examinar e mapear as evidências científicas sobre a eficácia do uso de ivermectina e atazanavir no tratamento de COVID-19. Metodologia: Scoping Review, baseado nos procedimentos recomendados pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs. Estabeleceu-se a pergunta norteadora: "Quais são as evidências científicas sobre o uso de ivermectina e atazanavir no tratamento de pacientes com sintomas leves de COVID-19?". Foram realizadas buscas em seis bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, sobre trabalhos publicados até dezembro de 2022. Dos 357 estudos encontrados, 22 foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra, resultando em uma amostra final de 11 estudos analisados. Resultados: As 11 publicações analisadas foram publicadas de 2020 a 2022 durante período pandêmico, de âmbito nacional e internacional com delineamento de estudos experimentais, do tipo ensaio clínico com randomização. Apenas 03 estudos (25%) testaram o atazanavir como intervenção conjugada a outras drogas, não evidenciando melhorias significativas em relação ao seu uso. Já no tratamento com Ivermectina, dos oito (75%) estudos que a testaram, apenas três (37,5%) recomendaram seu uso e cinco (62,5%) não suportam seu uso para tratamento de COVID-19 leve. O tempo de resolução dos sintomas variou de 8 a 10 dias nos braços tratados com ivermectina e em média 07 dias no tratamento com atazanavir. Não se detectou eventos adversos graves relacionados ao uso das duas drogas. Conclusão: As evidências que recomendavam o uso de ivermectina datam do início do período pandêmico, 2020, mas posteriormente, com a realização de ensaios clínicos robustos e controlados, novas evidências não suportam o uso de ivermectina e atazanavir no tratamento de COVID-19 leve mostrando que não houve diferença no tempo de resolução dos sintomas, na taxa de mortalidade, taxa de internação na UTI e tempo de hospitalização.

Objective: To examine and map the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of using ivermectin and atazanavir in the treatment of COVID-19. Methodology: Scoping Review, based on the procedures recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The guiding question was established, "What is the scientific evidence on the use of ivermectin and atazanavir in the treatment of patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19?" Searches were conducted in six national and international databases on papers published until December 2022. Of the 357 studies found, 22 were selected for reading in full, resulting in a final sample of 11 studies analyzed. Results: The 11 publications analyzed were published from 2020 to 2022 during pandemic period, of national and international scope with experimental study design, of clinical trial type with randomization. Only 03 studies (25%) tested atazanavir as a combined intervention with other drugs, showing no significant improvements in relation to its use. As for the treatment with Ivermectin, of the eight (75%) studies that tested it, only three (37.5%) recommended its use and five (62.5%) did not support its use for treating mild COVID-19. The time to symptom resolution ranged from 8 to 10 days in the ivermectin-treated arms and on average 07 days in the atazanavir treatment. No serious adverse events related to the use of the two drugs were detected. Conclusion: evidence recommending the use of ivermectin dates back to the beginning of the pandemic period, 2020, but subsequently, with robust controlled clinical trials, new evidence does not support the use of ivermectin and atazanavir in the treatment of mild COVID-19 showing that there was no difference in time to symptom resolution, mortality rate, ICU admission rate, and length of hospital stay.

Objetivo: Examinar y mapear la evidencia científica sobre la eficacia del uso de ivermectina y atazanavir en el tratamiento de COVID-19. Metodología: Scoping Review, basada en los procedimientos recomendados por el Instituto Joanna Briggs. La pregunta guía era: "¿Cuál es la evidencia científica sobre el uso de ivermectina y atazanavir en el tratamiento de pacientes con síntomas leves de COVID-19? Se realizaron búsquedas en seis bases de datos nacionales e internacionales, en artículos publicados hasta diciembre de 2022. De los 357 estudios encontrados, se seleccionaron 22 para su lectura completa, lo que dio lugar a una muestra final de 11 estudios analizados. Resultados: Las 11 publicaciones analizadas fueron publicadas entre 2020 y 2022 durante el periodo pandémico, de ámbito nacional e internacional con diseño de estudio experimental, de tipo ensayo clínico con aleatorización. Apenas 03 estudios (25%) probaron el atazanavir como intervención combinada con otras drogas, sin evidenciar mejoras significativas en relación con su uso. En cuanto al tratamiento con Ivermectina, de los ocho (75%) estudios que la probaron, sólo tres (37,5%) recomendaron su uso y cinco (62,5%) no apoyaron su uso para tratar la COVID-19 leve. El tiempo transcurrido hasta la resolución de los síntomas osciló entre 8 y 10 días en los brazos tratados con ivermectina y una media de 07 días en el tratamiento con atazanavir. No se detectaron acontecimientos adversos graves relacionados con el uso de los dos fármacos. Conclusión: las pruebas que recomiendan el uso de ivermectina se remontan al inicio del periodo pandémico, 2020, pero posteriormente, con ensayos clínicos controlados sólidos, las nuevas pruebas no apoyan el uso de ivermectina y atazanavir en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 leve, lo que demuestra que no hubo diferencias en el tiempo hasta la resolución de los síntomas, la tasa de mortalidad, la tasa de ingreso en la UCI y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.

Nuevas tecnologías de adsorción y factores de influencia para iones Cd (II) y Pb (II) - una revisión

La contaminación por metales pesados es un problema de salud pública y ambiental; la contaminación por plomo (Pb) y cadmio (Cd) causa graves daños a la salud humana y a los ecosistemas, especialmente a los acuáticos. En vista de este problema, el estudio tiene como objetivo buscar en la literatura investigaciones relevantes sobre tecnologías de adsorción para iones Cd (II) y Pb (II), en aguas superficiales y efluentes industriales. La búsqueda de trabajos se realizó en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science, CAB, ScienceDirect e Engineering Village, utilizando los términos "Tecnologías de adsorción", "Cd (II)", "Pb (II)", "Adsorción iónica", "Medios de influencia" y "Adsorción de Cd (II) y Pb (II)", y analizados con la ayuda del software Rayyan y el Microsoft Excel. El análisis de los estudios mostró una extensa diversidad de materiales con capacidad adsorbente, como nanocompuestos, aplicación de microorganismos y biomasas vegetales. Entre los materiales adsorbentes destacó el uso de bacterias del género Bacillus sp. y la aplicación de quitosano libre o asociado; los nanocompuestos basados en quitosano mostraron una capacidad de adsorción de hasta el 98% para el ion Pb (II). El uso del macrófito Potamogetón malaianus permite obtener altos resultados en la adsorción de cadmio en agua; por medio de la fitorremediación la adsorción se produce rápidamente (2 h) y logra un equilibrio dinámico en menos de 72 h. La adsorción media para iones Cd (II) es del 94%, con una capacidad de adsorción en equilibrio de 6,296,97 mg/kg. Entre los medios de influencia, el pH, la temperatura, la dosis de adsorbente, el tiempo de contacto y la concentración de iones son los principales factores que interfieren en la actividad adsorbente.

Heavy metal contamination is a public and environmental health problem, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination cause serious damage to human health and ecosystems, especially aquatic. In view of this problem, the study aimed to search the literature for relevant research on adsorption technologies for Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions, in surface water and industrial effluents. The search for works took place in the databases Scopus, Web of Science, CAB, ScienceDirect and Engineering Village, using the terms "Adsorptive Technologies", "Cd (II)", "Pb (II)", "Ion adsorption", "Means of influence" and "Adsorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II)", and analyzed with the help of Rayyan and Microsoft Excel software. The analysis of the studies showed an extensive diversity of materials with adsorbent capacity, such as nanocomposites, application of microorganism, and plant biomasses. Among the adsorbent materials highlighted the use of bacteria of the genus Bacillus sp. and application of chitosan freely or associated, nanocomposites based on chitosan showed adsorptive capacity of up to 98% for Pb ion (II). The use of the macrophyte Potamogetón malaianus allows to obtain high results in the adsorption of cadmium in water, through phytoremediation, adsorption occurs quickly (2 h) and achieves a dynamic equilibrium in less than 72 h. The average adsorption for Cd (II) ions is 94%, with an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 6.29-6.97 mg/kg. Among the means of influence, pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, contact time and ion concentration are the main factors that interfere in adsorbent activity.

A contaminação por metais pesados é um problema de saúde pública e ambiental, contaminação por chumbo (Pb) e cadmio (Cd) provocam graves danos à saúde humana e aos ecossistemas, principalmente aquático. Em vista dessa problemática, o estudo objetivou buscar na literatura pesquisas relevantes sobre tecnologias de adsorção para íons Cd (II) e Pb (II), em águas superficiais e efluentes industriais. A busca por trabalhos se deu nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, CAB, ScienceDirect e Engineering Village, com uso dos termos "Tecnologias adsortivas", "Cd (II)", "Pb (II)", "Adsorção de íons", "Meios de influência" e "Adsorção de Cd (II) e Pb (II)", e analisados com auxílio do software Rayyan e Microsoft Excel. A análise dos trabalhos demostrou uma extensa diversidade de materiais com capacidade adsorvente, como nanocompósitos, aplicação de microrganismo e biomassas vegetais. Entre os materiais adsorventes de destacou a utilização de bactérias do gênero Bacillus sp. e aplicação de quitosana de forma livre ou associada, nanocompósitos a base de quitosana demostraram capacidade adsortiva de até 98% para íon Pb (II). O uso da macrófita Potamogeton malaianus permite obter altos resultados na adsorção de cádmio em água, através da fitorremediação, a adsorção ocorre rapidamente (2 h) e atinge um equilíbrio dinâmico em menos de 72 h. A adsorção média para íons Cd (II) é de 94%, com uma capacidade de adsorção de equilíbrio de 6,296,97 mg/kg. Entre os meios de influência, o pH, temperatura, dosagem do adsorvente, tempo de contato e concentração de íons são os principais fatores que interferem na atividade adsorvente.

Enabling Early Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis With Machine Learning: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines suggest that clinical prediction algorithms can be used to screen patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without replacing polysomnography, the gold standard. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify, gather, and analyze existing machine learning approaches that are being used for disease screening in adult patients with suspected OSA. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases to evaluate the validity of different machine learning techniques, with polysomnography as the gold standard outcome measure and used the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd) to assess risk of bias and applicability of each included study. RESULTS: Our search retrieved 5479 articles, of which 63 (1.15%) articles were included. We found 23 studies performing diagnostic model development alone, 26 with added internal validation, and 14 applying the clinical prediction algorithm to an independent sample (although not all reporting the most common discrimination metrics, sensitivity or specificity). Logistic regression was applied in 35 studies, linear regression in 16, support vector machine in 9, neural networks in 8, decision trees in 6, and Bayesian networks in 4. Random forest, discriminant analysis, classification and regression tree, and nomogram were each performed in 2 studies, whereas Pearson correlation, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, artificial immune recognition system, genetic algorithm, supersparse linear integer models, and k-nearest neighbors algorithm were each performed in 1 study. The best area under the receiver operating curve was 0.98 (0.96-0.99) for age, waist circumference, Epworth Somnolence Scale score, and oxygen saturation as predictors in a logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Although high values were obtained, they still lacked external validation results in large cohorts and a standard OSA criteria definition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021221339; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=221339.

14-weeks combined exercise epigenetically modulated 118 genes of menopausal women with prediabetes.

Background: Pre-diabetes precedes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disease and is a critical period for hyperglycemia treatment, especially for menopausal women, considering all metabolic alterations due to hormonal changes. Recently, the literature has demonstrated the role of physical exercise in epigenetic reprogramming to modulate the gene expression patterns of metabolic conditions, such as hyperglycemia, and prevent DM development. In the present study, we hypothesized that physical exercise training could modify the epigenetic patterns of women with poor glycemic control. Methods: 48 post-menopause women aged 60.3 ± 4.5 years were divided according to their fasting blood glucose levels into two groups: Prediabetes Group, PG (n=24), and Normal Glucose Group, NGG (n=24). All participants performed 14 weeks of physical exercise three times a week. The Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip measured the participants' Different Methylated Regions (DMRs). Results: Before the intervention, the PG group had 12 DMRs compared to NGG. After the intervention, five DMRs remained different. Interestingly, when comparing the PG group before and after training, 118 DMRs were found. The enrichment analysis revealed that the genes were related to different biological functions such as energy metabolism, cell differentiation, and tumor suppression. Conclusion: Physical exercise is a relevant alternative in treating hyperglycemia and preventing DM in post-menopause women with poor glycemic control.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) blockage reduces acute inflammation and delayed wound healing in oral ulcer of rats.

Oral traumatic ulcers (OTU) are common in dental routine, and the control of proinflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), may interfere with OTU repair. Our aim was to evaluate the role of TNF-α in the healing process of OTU in rats. Wistar male rats were divided into six groups: a control-group (treated with 0.1 mL/kg of saline) and five groups treated with anti-TNF-α infliximab (INF) at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/kg immediately before OTU production. The animals were weighed (day 0) and euthanized on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after ulceration. The ulcers were clinically measured, and the mucosa samples were histologically (scores 0-4), histochemically (collagen assay (pircrosirius)), histomorphometrically (cell counting), and immunohistochemically (TNF-α, α-smooth-muscle-actin (α-SMA), monocyte-chemoattractive-protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and fibroblast-growth-factor (FGF)) analyzed. The Evans blue assay was used to measure the vascular permeability. ANOVA-1-2-way/Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and correlation analyses were performed (GraphPad Prism 5.0, p < 0.05). High doses of INF reduced the OTU area (p = 0.043), body mass loss (p = 0.023), vascular permeability (p < 0.001), and reduced delayed histologic scores (p < 0.05), polymorphonuclear (p < 0.001) and mononuclear (p < 0.001) cells, blood vessel counting (p = 0.006), and total (p < 0.001), type-I (p = 0.018), and type-III (p < 0.001) collagen. INF treatment reduced TNF-α immunostaining and delayed MPC-1, FGF, and α-SMA expression, with little/none influence in IL-8 immunostaining. TNF-α blockage by INF reduced acute inflammation in OTU but delayed cell migration and wound healing.

Ações de promoção da saúde para aqualidade de vida detrabalhadores da saúde / Health promotion actions for the quality of life of health workers / Acciones de promoción de la salud para la calidad de vida de trabajadores de la salud

Objetivo: identificar na literatura as contribuições das ações de promoção da saúde para melhoria da qualidade de vida do trabalhador da saúde.Método: revisão integrativa de artigos publicados entre2011e 2021, utilizando a estratégia PICo para a formação da questão de pesquisa. Asbuscas ocorreramem artigos indexados na Medline, LilacseBDENF, no idioma português ou inglês, com uso padrão de descritores e operador booleano AND. Resultados: foram identificados um total de 312 artigos, dos quais 10 foram incluídos nesta revisão. A promoção da saúde emergiu nos estudos comouma série de comportamentos adotadospara promover o bem-estar, a realização pessoal e para reduzir a incidência de doenças crônicas. Quanto às estratégias de promoção da saúde adotadas, focam-se na análise e conhecimento do perfil socioeconômico dos trabalhadores de saúde e fomento à prática de atividade física e relaxamento.Conclusão:as atividades de promoção da saúde tiveram efeito e alcance limitado para melhoria da qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores.

Objective:to identify in the literature the contributions of health promotion actionsto improve the quality of life of health workers. Method:integrative review of articles published between 2011 and 2021, using the PICostrategy to form the research question. The searches were carried out in articles indexed in Medline, Lilacs and BDENF, in Portuguese or English, with standard use of descriptors and the Boolean operator AND. Results:a total of 312 articles were identified, of which 10 were included in this review. Health promotion emerged in studies as a series of behaviors adopted to promote well-being, personal fulfillment and to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. As for the health promotion strategies adopted, they focus on the analysis and knowledge of the socioeconomic profile of health workers and promotion of physical activity and relaxation. Conclusion:health promotion activities had a limited effect and scope to improve workers' quality of life.

Objetivo:identificar en la literatura las contribuciones de las acciones de promoción de la salud para mejorar la calidad de vida de los trabajadores de la salud. Método:revisión integradora de artículos publicados entre 2011 y 2021, utilizando la estrategia PICopara formar la pregunta de investigación. Las búsquedas se realizaron en artículos indexados en Medline, Lilacs y BDENF, en portugués o inglés, con uso estándar de descriptores y del operador booleano AND. Resultados:Se identificaron un total de 312 artículos, de los cuales 10 se incluyeron en esta revisión. La promoción de la salud surgió en los estudios como una serie de comportamientos adoptados para promover el bienestar, la realización personal y reducir la incidencia de enfermedades crónicas. En cuanto a las estrategiasde promoción de la salud adoptadas, se centran en el análisis y conocimiento del perfil socioeconómico de los trabajadores de la salud y la promoción de la actividad física y la relajación. Conclusión:las actividades de promoción de la salud tuvieron efecto y alcance limitados para mejorar la calidad de vida de los trabajadores.

Dyslipidemia Secondary to the Use of HAART in Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection affects millions of people globally. Currently, although several drugs have brought an improvement in the quality and life expectancy of these individuals, they are accompanied by several adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of studies examining the relationship between antiretroviral therapy (ART) uses and secondary dyslipidemia. METHODS: The review followed the criteria defined by PRISMA. Only articles that completely evaluated the lipid profile were included, which consisted of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL cholesterol (LDL-c), HDL cholesterol (HDL-c). RESULTS: It was observed that the use of nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI and NNRTI respectively) drugs and protease inhibitors are the most used in ART and are associated with changes in lipid profiles. The main changes observed were increases in TC, TG, and LDL-c in addition to a decrease in HDL-c. These patients had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease not only due to the use of therapy, but also due to the presence of other comorbidities evaluated in these studies, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The increase in age, the difference between genders, CD4 T-cell count, and viral load, were observed as risk factors for worsening dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, anti-HIV therapy is linked to dyslipidemia, which may or may not be the primary cause, and is frequently connected with a number of metabolic problems that can exacerbate the illness.

Process Evaluation of a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study to Identify Hospital Patients with Palliative Care Needs in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence shows most patients are not recognised by their attending healthcare professionals as having palliative needs. This feasibility study aimed to aid healthcare professionals identify hospital patients with palliative needs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mixed-methods, cross-sectional, observational study. The patient inclusion criteria comprised: age over 18 years old, being mentally capable to give consent judged as such by participating healthcare professionals, and if unable, having a legal substitute to consent, having a diagnosis of an incurable, potentially life-threatening illness. Field notes were taken for reflexive purposes. Outcome measures included: Integrated Palliative Care Outcome scale, surprise question, phase of illness, referral request status, The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status and social needs assessment. An interim data collection period meeting assessed implementation outcomes in each context. A web-based survey was sent to all participating healthcare professionals at the end of data collection period to explore overall experiences of participation and implementation outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-two departments in four hospitals were contacted. The study was presented in nine departments. The field notes were vital to understand the recruitment process and difficulties experienced: time constraints, fear of additional work, department dynamics and organisation, relationships between departments and need of training in palliative care and research. One department agreed to participate. There were six participating healthcare professionals and only 45 patients included. Three participating healthcare professionals responded to the web-based survey. DISCUSSION: The response rate was very low. Legislating palliative care is not enough, and an integrated palliative care plan needs to be implemented at country and institution level. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to provide generalist palliative care training to clinicians.

Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes não são reconhecidos pelos seus profissionais de saúde como tendo necessidades paliativas.Este estudo de viabilidade visou ajudar os profissionais de saúde a identificar doentes hospitalares com necessidades paliativas. Material e Métodos: Método misto, transversal e observacional. Os critérios de inclusão dos doentes compreenderam: idade igual ou superior a 18 anos; capacidade mental para dar consentimento informado, avaliado pelos profissionais de saúde participantes ou, caso não tenham essa capacidade, presença de um representante legal para consentir; ser portador de doença incurável, ameaçadora do tempo de vida. As notas de campo serviram fins reflexivos. As medidas de resultados utilizadas foram: escala integrada de cuidados paliativos, pergunta surpresa, fase da doença, estatuto de pedido de encaminhamento, Estado de Desempenho do Grupo de Oncologia Cooperativa Oriental (ECOG) e avaliação das necessidades sociais. A reunião intercalar no período de recolha de dados auxiliou-nos a avaliar os resultados da implementação em cada contexto. No final do período de recolha de dados enviámos um inquérito eletrónico aos profissionais de saúde participantes para explorar experiências globais de participação e resultados de implementação. Resultados: Contactámos 42 serviços em quatro hospitais. Apresentámos o estudo em nove serviços. As notas de campo foram vitais para compreender o processo de recrutamento e as dificuldades vividas: restrições de tempo, medo de trabalho acrescido, dinâmica de serviços e organização, relações entre serviços e necessidade de formação em cuidados paliativos e investigação. Contámos com a participação de um serviço, seis profissionais de saúde e 45 doentes. Três profissionais de saúde participantes responderam ao inquérito eletrónico. Discussão: A taxa de participação foi muito baixa. Não é suficiente legislar sobre os cuidados paliativos. É também necessário implementar um plano integrado de cuidados paliativos a nível nacional e institucional. Conclusão: É urgente a formação em cuidados paliativos generalistas a médicos que trabalham em hospitais.

Quality of life of parents with children with congenital abnormalities: a systematic review with meta-analysis of assessment methods and levels of quality of life.

PURPOSE: To quantify and understand how to assess the quality of life and health-related QoL of parents with children with congenital abnormalities. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. The search was carried out in 5 bibliographic databases and in ClinicalTrials.gov. No restriction on language or date of publication was applied. This was complemented by references of the studies found and studies of evidence synthesis, manual search of abstracts of relevant congresses/scientific meetings and contact with experts. We included primary studies (observational, quasi-experimental and experimental studies) on parents of children with CA reporting the outcome quality of life (primary outcome) of parents, independently of the intervention/exposure studied. RESULTS: We included 75 studies (35 observational non-comparatives, 31 observational comparatives, 4 quasi-experimental and 5 experimental studies). We identified 27 different QoL instruments. The two most frequently used individual QoL instruments were WHOQOL-Bref and SF-36. Relatively to family QoL tools identified, we emphasized PedsQL FIM, IOFS and FQOL. Non-syndromic congenital heart defects were the CA most frequently studied. Through the analysis of comparative studies, we verified that parental and familial QoL were impaired in this population. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the relevance of assessing QoL in parents with children with CA and explores the diverse QoL assessment tools described in the literature. Additionally, results indicate a knowledge gap that can help to draw new paths to future research. It is essential to assess QoL as a routine in healthcare providing and to implement strategies that improve it.