Study supports for rural mature-aged university health students: a Stakian multicase study.

BACKGROUND: The participation and success of university health students in rural areas is critical in addressing the maldistribution of the rural health workforces internationally. Particular attention to the experiences of mature-aged health students is needed to build a sustainable rural health workforce, given the higher proportions of mature-aged university students in rural, regional and remote areas compared with metropolitan areas and rural mature-aged students wanting to stay in their communities. However, little is known about the kinds of supports rural mature-aged students require to succeed with their studies. METHODS: Drawing on rural standpoint theory and using structural inequality as a retention lens, we explored the current and potential supports that rural mature-aged nursing and allied health students require to successfully participate and complete their pre-professional university course. A Stakian multicase study was undertaken with cases at three rural university campuses in Australia. The data collection was primarily qualitative, with semi-structured interviews, campus surveys and focus groups involving 36 participants (including students, academic and professional staff, and placement supervisors). RESULTS: This study found supports were provided formally and informally by the university, by the community and manifested by students. Several support gaps as well as potential supports to alleviate them were identified. These include formally acknowledging the mature-aged cohort and their diverse experiences and non-university commitments; fostering connections between mature-aged students; making university affordable; preparing mature-aged students for university; adapting course content and delivery; and restructuring placements for mature-aged students. CONCLUSIONS: We argue that rural mature-aged nursing and allied health students require supports that are age-specific, appropriate to the community context, and harness existing relational processes of rural university campus activity. Rural university campuses need to involve rural mature-aged students and other stakeholders relevant to each context in the process of identifying and implementing student supports for this cohort.

Cholesterol redistribution triggered by CYP46A1 gene therapy improves major hallmarks of Niemann-Pick type C disease but is not sufficient to halt neurodegeneration.

Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) is an exclusively neuronal cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol, which serves as the primary pathway for eliminating cholesterol in the brain. We and others have shown that increased activity of CYP46A1 leads to reduced levels of cholesterol and has a positive effect on cognition. Therefore, we hypothesized that CYP46A1 could be a potential therapeutic target in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cholesterol accumulation in endolysosomal compartments. Herein, we show that CYP46A1 ectopic expression, in cellular models of NPC and in Npc1tm(I1061T) mice by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy improved NPC disease phenotype. Amelioration in functional, biochemical, molecular and neuropathological hallmarks of NPC disease were characterized. In vivo, CYP46A1 expression partially prevented weight loss and hepatomegaly, corrected the expression levels of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, and promoted a redistribution of brain cholesterol accumulated in late endosomes/lysosomes. Moreover, concomitant with the amelioration of cholesterol metabolism dysregulation, CYP46A1 attenuated microgliosis and lysosomal dysfunction in mouse cerebellum, favoring a pro-resolving phenotype. In vivo CYP46A1 ectopic expression improves important features of NPC disease and may represent a valid therapeutic approach to be used concomitantly with other drugs. However, promoting cholesterol redistribution does not appear to be enough to prevent Purkinje neuronal death in the cerebellum. This indicates that cholesterol buildup in neurons might not be the main cause of neurodegeneration in this human lipidosis.

Understanding and optimising support resources to facilitate CALD student and supervisor allied health fieldwork experiences.

BACKGROUND: Although fieldwork supervisors and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students can experience challenges during allied health placements, there is little holistic understanding of how they view and use support resources to address these challenges. This study sought to identify, codify, and map the perceived value attached to support resources used or sought by CALD students and fieldwork supervisors and to ascertain areas where they could be optimised and better presented to users. METHODS: We conducted a thematic analysis to examine interview and open-ended survey responses from CALD students (n = 18) and fieldwork supervisors (n = 161) respectively. FINDINGS: The six generated themes depicted different patterns of perceived value in university and non-university support resources and spanned three levels of specificity: general, discipline-contextualised, and individualised. Fieldwork supervisors valued a staged approach to support resource design and use for CALD students commencing with general level resources to build foundational language skills and socio-cultural familiarisation and moving on to include disciple-contextualised supports, preplacement mechanisms to monitor student readiness, and formalised mechanisms to enable tailoring of placements. CALD students, however, often undervalued institutional general resources relative to discipline-contextualised resources. The commonality of support resources valued and sought by supervisors from different fields suggests they could be optimised for delivery via an inter-professional community of practice. CONCLUSION: Identifying and mapping the perceived value attached to support resources provides actionable insights into how to enhance the 'fit' between resources and user needs. Drawing the often-fragmented support resources into a cohesive ecosystem focused around perceived value at different levels of specificity allows CALD students and educators to better conceptualise the types of benefits that can accrue from taking a broader and staged approach to fieldwork placement preparations. Knowing this ecosystem encapsulates what prior uses find of value may enhance perceptions of resource relevance in the minds of new users.

Relación de triglicéridos y estimación de riesgocardiovasculares en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Triglyceride ratio and cardiovascular risk estimation inpostmenopausal women

Objetivo: Determinar la relación de triglicéridos basales, con el riesgo a desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Método: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, donde a 31 pacientes posmenopáusicas y sin antecedentes de enfermedades cardiometabólicas, se les determinó parámetros antropométricos (peso, talla, índice de masa corporal -IMC-); perfil lipídico en ayunas (colesterol total, triglicéridos o TG, lipoproteínas de baja y alta densidad -LDL, HDL-), por método enzimático colorimétrico, apolipoproteína B 100 (Apo B-100) por inmunodifusión radial, índices matemáticos LDL/Apo B-100y TG/HDL y cálculo de colesterol no-HDL. Resultados: los promedio y desviación de las variables fueron: edad:59±5 años con tiempo de posmenopausia: 8,77±3,92 años; IMC:27,6±4,4 kg/m.; colesterol total: 194±36 mg/dl; triglicéridos: 85±35 mg/dl; HDL: 33±8 mg/dl; LDL: 144±33 mg/dl; no-HDL: 159±37 mg/dl; Apo B-100: 172±246 mg/dl; LDL/Apo B-100: 1,15±0,03 y TG/HDL: 4,46±1,28. Discusión: Las pacientes se encontraron con sobrepeso, triglicéridos normales, colesterol total y LDL aumentado y las HDL bajas. El LDL-C/Apo B-100-100, que se relaciona con el tamaño y densidad de LDL, estuvo por debajo de 1,3 indicando la presencia de partículas pequeñas-densas, mientras TG/HDL, que se usa para estimar riesgo cardiovascular, estuvo por encima del corte establecido de 3,5. Conclusiones: Al relacionar los triglicéridos basales con LDL/Apo B-100 y TG/HDL, se observa que a partir del valor de triglicéridos de 100 mg/dl, se observa la presencia de partículas de lipoproteínas pequeñas-densas, y un alto riesgo cardiovascular, por lo que es necesario en mujeres posmenopáusicas el seguimiento a partir del valor de triglicéridos en 100 mg/dL ya que pudiera implicar el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, en esta población(AU)

Objective: To determine the relationship of basal triglycerides with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Method: Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study, where 31 postmenopause patients with no history of cardiometabolic disease were determined anthropometric parameters (weight, height, BMI); fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides or TG, LDL,HDL, by colorimetric enzymatic method), Apo B-100 (byradial immunodiffusion), LDL/Apo B-100 and TG/HDL mathematical indices and calculation of non-HDL cholesterol. Results: the mean and deviation of the variables were: age:59±5 years with postmenopause time: 8.77±3.92 years; BMI:27.6±4.4 kg/m2; total cholesterol: 194±36 mg/dl; triglycerides:85±35 mg/dl; HDL: 33±8 mg/dl; LDL: 144±33 mg/dl; non-HDL: 159±37 mg/dl; Apo B-100: 172±246 mg/dl; LDL/Apo B-100: 1.15±0.03 and TG/HDL: 4.46±1.28. Discussion: Patients were found to be overweight, normal triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol high, and low HDL. LDL-C/ApoB-100-100, which is related to LDL size and density, was below 1.3 indicating the presence of small-dense particles, while TG/HDL, which is used to estimate cardiovascular risk, was above the established cut-off of 3.5. Conclusions: When relating the basal triglycerides with LDL/Apo B-100 and TG/HDL, it is observed that from the triglyceride value of 100mg/dl, the presence of small-dense lipoprotein particuals anda high cardiovascular risk is observed, so it is necessary in postmenopausal women to follow up from the triglycerid evalue in 100 mg/dL since it could imply the development of cardiovascular diseases, in this population(AU)

Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery in Upper Gastrointestinal Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Aims: Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) combines advantages of endoscopy and laparoscopy in order to resect upper gastrointestinal lesions. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LECS in patients with EGJ (esophagogastric junction), gastric and duodenal lesions, as well as to compare LECS with pure endoscopic and pure laparoscopic procedures. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched. Efficacy (R0, recurrence) and safety (conversion rate, procedure and hospitalization time, adverse events, mortality) outcomes were extracted and pooled (odds ratio or mean difference) using a random-effects model. Study quality was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and heterogeneity by Cochran's Q test and I2 . Subgroup analysis according to location was performed. Results: This meta-analysis included 24 studies/1,336 patients (all retrospective cohorts). No significant differences were found between LECS and preexisting techniques (endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)/laparoscopy) regarding any outcomes. However, there was a trend to shorter hospitalization time, longer procedure duration, and fewer adverse events in LECS versus Laparoscopy and ESD. R0 tended to be higher in the LECS group. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in gastric versus EGJ lesions (mean 7.3 vs. 13.7 days, 95% CI: 6.6-7.9 vs. 8.9-19.3). There were no significant differences in conversion rate, adverse events, or mean procedural time according to location. There was a trend to higher conversion rate and longer procedure durations in EGJ and higher rate of adverse events in duodenal lesions. Conclusion: LECS is a valid, safe, and effective treatment option in patients with EGJ, gastric, and duodenal lesions, although existing studies are retrospective and prone to selection bias. Prospective studies are needed to assess if LECS is superior to established techniques. Key Messages: LECS is safe and effective in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal lesions, but there is no evidence of superiority over established techniques.

Introdução e objetivos: A Cirurgia cooperativa laparoscópica e endoscópica (LECS) combina vantagens da endoscopia e laparoscopia na resseção de lesões gastrointestinais superiores. O nosso objetivo é avaliar a eficácia e segurança da LECS em pacientes com lesões na junção esofagogástrica (EGJ), estômago e duodeno, e comparar a LECS com procedimentos puramente endoscópicos e laparoscópicos. Métodos: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge foram pesquisadas. Dados sobre eficácia (R0, recorrência) e segurança (taxa de conversão, duração do procedimento e hospitalização, recorrência, eventos adversos, mortalidade) foram colhidos e agrupados (odds ratio ou média das diferenças), usando modelo de efeitos randomizados. Qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada pela Escala Newcastle-Ottawa e heterogeneidade pelos testes Q da Cochran e I2. Foi realizada análise de subgrupos, consoante a localização. Resultados: Esta meta-análise incluiu 24 estudos/1336 pacientes (todos coortes retrospetivos). Não encontramos diferenças significativas entre LECS e as técnicas pré-existentes (Disseção endoscópica da submucosa (ESD)/Laparoscopia) em nenhum aspeto. Porém, encontramos uma tendência para hospitalização mais curta, procedimentos mais longos e menos efeitos adversos na LECS versus Laparoscopia e ESD. R0 tende a ser maior no grupo LECS. Hospitalização foi significativamente menor em lesões gástricas versus EGJ (média 7.3 vs. 13.7 dias, 95% CI: 6.6­7.9 vs. 8.9­19.3). Não encontramos diferenças significativas na taxa de conversão, eventos adversos nem tempo médio de procedimento. Porém encontramos uma tendência para taxas de conversão maiores e procedimentos mais longos na EGJ e maior taxa de eventos adversos no duodeno. Conclusão: LECS é um tratamento válido, seguro e eficaz em pacientes com lesões na EGJ, estômago e duodeno, apesar dos estudos retrospetivos existentes estarem propensos a viés de seleção. São necessários estudos prospetivos para avaliar a superioridade da LECS face às técnicas existentes. Mensagens-chave: LECS é um tratamento seguro e eficaz para lesões gastrointestinais superiores, mas sem evidência de superioridade face às técnicas existentes.

“RespirArFundo”: Um programa de promoção de exercício físico em professores e funcionários em contexto escolar -Estudo quantitativo e qualitativo / “RespirArFundo”: Un programa para promover el ejercicio físico en profesores y personal en un contexto escolar -Estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo / “RespirArFundo”: A program to promote physical exercise for teachers and employees in the school context -Quantitative and qualitative study

O projeto RespirArFundo, através de uma metodologia mista quantitativa e qualitativa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de um programa de intervenção (22 “sessões teórico-práticas”), com realização de diferentes tipos de atividades, para melhorar os níveis de aptidão física, bem-estar e qualidade de vida (QdV) em professores e funcionários de uma escola secundária da região centro de Portugal. Pretendeu-se ainda avaliar os níveis de satisfação dos participantes com o projeto e identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores à sua participação. A fase de intervenção deste projeto decorreu entre janeiro e junho de 2021. A amostra foi constituída por 26 profissionais da escola (19 professores e 7 funcionários não docentes), sendo na sua maioria (92.3%) do sexo feminino (53.7 ± 5.0 anos). Para a avaliação da aptidão física foram utilizados os testes “levantar e sentar da cadeira”, “levantar, percorrer 2.44m e sentar” e o “teste de preensão manual”. Para a avaliação do bem-estar recorreu-se às escalas PANAS, SWLS e SVS enquanto o WHOQOL-Bref foi utilizado para a avaliação da QdV. Foi ainda realizado um grupo focal. Apóso programa, verificou-se que os participantes melhoraram no teste “levantar e sentar na cadeira” (η2=0.51), em relação ao momento inicial. Para além disso, os participantes revelaram níveis elevados de satisfação com o programa e percecionaram a existência de benefícios físicos e de bem-estar associados ao projeto, adotando hábitos saudáveis. A importância do projeto foi reconhecida pela Direção da escola, tendo sido atribuídas horas específicas para que o projeto continuassea funcionar nos seguintes anos letivos. (AU)

The project RespirArFundo, through a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative), aimed to assess the effect of an intervention program (22 theoretical-practical sessions). It carried out different types of activities to improve physical fitness levels, well-being,and quality of life (QoL) in teachers and employees of a higher school in the centre region of Portugal. It was also intended to assess the satisfaction levels of the participants that participated in the project as well as to identify the main barriers and facilitators to their participation. The intervention phase of this project took place between January and June 2021. The sample consisted of 26 school professionals (19 teachers and 7 employees). The majority was female (92.3%) with a mean age of 53.7 (± 5.0 years old). In order to assess physical fitness we used the following tests “chair stand”, “8-Ft Up-&-Go” and “hand grip”. For the assessment of well-being, the PANAS, SWLS and SVS scales were used, while the WHOQOL-Bref was used to assess QoL. A focusgroup was also performed. After the program, it was found that participants improved on the test “chair stand” (η2=0.51), in relation to the initial moment. Moreover, participants revealed high levels of satisfaction with the program and perceived the existence of physical and well-being benefits associated with the project, adopting healthy habits. The importance of the project was recognized by the school's management, and specific hours were assigned so that the project continues to function in the following academic years. (AU)

El proyecto RespirArFundo, a través de una metodología mixta cuantitativa y cualitativa, tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de un programa de intervención (22 "sesiones teórico-prácticas"), con diferentes tipos de actividades, para mejorar los niveles de aptitud física, el bienestar y la calidad de vida (CdV) en profesores y empleados de una escuela secundaria en la región central de Portugal. También queríamos evaluar el grado de satisfacción de los participantes con el proyecto e identificar los principales obstáculos y facilitadores de su participación. La fase de intervención de este proyecto tuvo lugar entre enero y junio de 2021. La muestra estaba compuesta por 26 profesionales (19 profesores y 7 personal no docente), siendo la mayoría (92.3%) mujeres (53.7 ± 5.0 años). Para la evaluación de la aptitud física se utilizaron las pruebas "levantarse y sentarse de una silla", "levantarse, caminar 2.44 m y sentarse" y la " fuerza de prensiónmanual ". Se utilizaron las escalas PANAS, SWLS y SVS para evaluar el bienestar, mientras que el WHOQOL-Bref se utilizó para evaluar la CdV. También se realizó un grupo de discusión. Tras el programa, se comprobó que los participantes mejoraron en la prueba "levantarse y sentarse en una silla” (η2=0.51). Además, los participantes revelaron altos niveles de satisfacción con el programa y percibieron la existencia de beneficios físicos y de bienestar asociados al proyecto, adoptando hábitos saludables. La dirección de la escuela reconoció la importancia del proyecto y le asignó horas específicas para que continuara en los años siguientes.

Grado de oxidación en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 / Oxidation degree in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

La peroxidación lipídica es un proceso complejo que hace referencia a la degradación oxidativa de los lípidos, a través del cual los radicales libres capturan electrones de los lípidos en las membranas celulares, lo cual compromete la integridad y la función de la membrana. Mediante una serie de reacciones en cadena, se forman los peróxidos lipídicos que se degradan para formar compuestos reactivos como el malondialdehído (MDA) y 4-hidroxinonenal, los cuáles pueden ser cuantificados por diferentes metodologías. Objetivo: El presente trabajo se realizó con la finalidad establecer el grado de oxidación en una población con diabetes tipo 2 (DM2).Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, analítico y transversal; muestra de 55 personas, conformada por 30 controles entre 25-35 años y 25 pacientes con DM2 entre 25-50 años, se les determinó glicemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total, HDL-Colesterol y LDL-Colesterol por método colorimétrico enzimático, así como se determinó la concentración de 4-hidroxinonenal como un marcador de estrés oxidativo Resultados: Los valores de 4-hidroxinonenal en la población control oscilaron entre 2,61y 6,83 µmol/L y en los diabéticos de 28,99 y 73,74 µmol/L., encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambas poblaciones, así como en el perfil lipídico y en la glicemia entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran una elevación de la peroxidación lipídica en pacientes diabéticos, lo cual es indicativo de estrés oxidativo y riesgo adicional en estos pacientes que podrían conllevar a las complicaciones crónicas dela diabetes tipo 2(AU)

Lipid peroxidation is a complexprocess that refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids, through which free radicals capture electrons from lipids incell membranes, which compromises the integrity and functionof the membrane. Trough a series of chain reactions, lipidperoxides are formed that degrade to form reactive compoundssuch as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal, whichcan be quantified by different methodologies. Objective: The present work was carried out with the purpose ofestablishing the degree of oxidation in a population withtype 2 diabetes (DM2). Methods: the sample was 55 people,made up of 30 controls between 25-35 years and 25 patientswith DM2 and between 25-50 years, glycemia, triglycerides,total cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol were etermined by colorimetric method. enzymatic, as well as theconcentration of 4-hydroxynonenal was determined as a markerof oxidative stress. Results: The values of 4-hydroxynonenal inthe control population ranged between 2.61 and 6.83 µmol/Land in diabetics 28.99 and 73.74 µmol/L., finding statisticallysignificant differences between both populations, as well as inthe lipid profile and glycemia between both groups. Conclusion:The results show an elevation of lipid peroxidation in diabeticpatients, which is indicative of oxidative stress and additionalrisk in these patients that could lead to chronic complications oftype 2 diabetes(AU)

An Exploratory Study on Participation Following Brachial Plexus Injury.

Consequences of brachial plexus injuries (BPI) would likely impact participation, but outcomes are not well understood. This exploratory study aimed to report the participation in productive, leisure and social roles for individuals following BPI. Fourteen male participants were diagnosed with a traumatic, BPI. Descriptive data reported included demographic, injury, surgical, and participation measures. Two-sample t-tests were conducted for comparative analysis with other studies following life altering conditions.Just over two-thirds reported feeling satisfied to very satisfied with their participation in everyday life. This long-term follow up study found on-going and profound impact on participation in a range of life situations for this diagnostic group. Participation in productive roles, home duties, and physical exercise were particularly impacted and need to be prioritized during rehabilitation.

Ácidos grasos omega-3 y función endotelial en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Omega-3 fatty acids and endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, manifestándose principalmente como enfermedad isquémica coronaria. El pronóstico y desenlace del Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA) depende en gran proporción de la disfunción endotelial asociado a este cuadro. Objetivo:Evaluar el efecto de los ácidos grasos omega­3, sobre la función endotelial en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA). Métodos: Se realizó estudio con 16 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) tratados con Omega-3 a dosis de 3 gramos/día+Terapia Convencional (O3+Tc) durante 30 días. Se les realizó a las 12 horas del ingreso y los a 30 días, perfil lipídico, proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus), Endotelina 1 (ET-1), y Péptido Natriurético cerebral (NTproBNP). Resultados: Durante 4 semanas de seguimiento, el uso de 3 gramos/día de ácidos grasos omega-3, añadido a la terapia convencional en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo, mostró una reducción significativa de la concentración plasmática de NTproBNP (p = 0,000), PCRus (p =0,000) y triglicéridos (p = 0,004). Conclusión: Tres gramos al día de ácidos grasos omega-3 contribuye a la reducción de la concentración plasmática de Triglicéridos y NTproBNP en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo(AU)

Mainly as coronary ischemic disease. the prognosis and outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) depend largely on the endothelial dysfunction associated with this condition. Objective: To evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on endothelial function in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Method: A study was conducted with 16 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with Omega-3 at a dose of 3 grams/day+Conventional erapy (O3+Tc) for 30 days. Lipid profile, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), Endothelin 1 (ET-1), and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) were performed 12 hours aer admission and 30 days later. Results: During 4 weeks of follow-up, the use of 3 grams/day of omega-3 fatty acids, added to conventional therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome, showed a significant reduction in the plasma concentration of NTproBNP (p = 0.000), hsCRP (p =0.000) and Triglycerides (p = 0.004). Conclusion: three grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to the reduction of the plasmatic concentration of Triglycerides and NTproBNP in patients with acute coronary syndrome(AU)

Effective long-term management of brachial plexus injury following surgery: What is needed from hand therapists' perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic, brachial plexus injuries (BPI) result represent a significant cost to the individual and society. Recovery involves multiple surgeries, takes years, and often results in permanent physical dysfunction. While the last couple of decades have seen advancements in surgical management, the BPI rehabilitation literature has not kept pace with these developments. PURPOSE: We aim to explore the experience of public and privately employed hand therapists' in delivering effective long-term rehabilitation services to inviduals with BPI in Australia. METHODS: An interpretative qualitative study. Two focus groups were conducted with Australian hand therapists' (n = 10). Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Three key themes were generated from the data. The first theme 'Falling through the gaps: overlooked components of therapy for BPI' captures participants' thoughts on postinjury health care and rehabilitation services. The second 'Developing a therapeutic alliance: underpinned by time and trust' relates to the relationship building challenges and opportunities following trauma that will withstand the long-term recovery of individuals following BPI. The last theme, 'Factors required for professional development: knowledge and support,' considers the variation seen with these clients in relation to therapy needs and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the need to better equip hand therapists' skills and knowledge in responding to pain and psychological management post BPI. Our results reinforce the benefit of interdisciplinary models of care in the management of individuals with BPI.

Influence of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel renewal on color change during in-office dental photobleaching with violet LED: A split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To clinically evaluate the effect of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel renewal in association with violet LED (405-410nm) through a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: The treatment consisted in 3 bleaching sessions of 15 min each, with an interval of 7 days between them, using 35% hydrogen peroxide combined to violet LED irradiation. Selected patients had two experimental segments for the split-mouth design: No change of the bleaching gel during each session (NBGR) and 3 changes of the bleaching gel every 5 min for each session (BGR). During the 3 bleaching sessions, the selected quadrant received the same treatment. Patients had their upper canines and central incisors teeth color measured with a subjective (color scale - VITA Classical) and an objective (spectrophotometer - VITA Easyshade) method and their teeth sensitivity measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before, immediately after each bleaching session, and 14 days and 2 months (60 days) after the end of the treatment. RESULTS: The protocol adopted in the present study reached satisfactory results regarding color change. No statistical difference between groups was observed immediately after the end of the treatment and in the follow-up analysis for both subjective and objective color evaluation. No difference in tooth sensitivity between segments was observed. CONCLUSION: There is no need for bleaching gel renewal when following the clinical protocol of 3 sessions of 15 min in a bleaching protocol of 35% hydrogen peroxide combined with violet LED.

Niveles séricos de interleucina-6 en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y su correlación con el perfil lipídico / Serum levels of interleukin-6 in patients with type 2 diabetes and its correlation with the lipid profile

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad metabólica caracterizada por hiperglucemia, a consecuencia de defectos en la producción, secreción y/o acción de la insulina, produciendo alteraciones en el metabolismo de los hidratos de carbono, lípidos y proteínas; asociado a un proceso inflamatorio crónica en un plazo variable, que provocara lesiones macro y microvasculares. Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 y su correlación con el perfil lipídico. Métodos: Se realizó estudio descriptivo analítico y transversal, comprendido por 60 adultos de ambos sexos entre 30 a 60 años, con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que acudieron a consulta de Endocrinología del Hospital Militar Universitario Dr. Carlos Arvelo. Se les determino glucemia basal, interleucina-6, perfil lipídico, resultados relacionados con parámetros antropométricos, composición corporal, la edad y tiempo de evolución de la diabetes. Resultados: La edad promedio de 51,60 años ± 6,51, donde el 71,6% correspondieron al sexo femenino y el 28,3% al masculino, tiempo de evolución de la diabetes entre 1 mes y 37 años, con un promedio de 10,97 años. Se presentó correlación positiva baja y estadísticamente significativa entre interleucina 6 y los parámetros de triglicéridos, VLDL y no-HDL Conclusión: Se encontró valores elevados de IL-6 en todos los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2, así como una correlación positiva entre IL-6 y las lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos. Esto respalda la idea de que la hipertrigliceridemia puede causar cambios inflamatorios en pacientes diabéticos y esto elevaría el riesgo cardiovascular de estos pacientes(AU)

Influence of Human Milk on Very Preterms' Gut Microbiota and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity.

The FEEDMI Study (NCT03663556) evaluated the influence of infant feeding (mother's own milk (MOM), donor human milk (DHM) and formula) on the fecal microbiota composition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in extremely and very preterm infants (≤32 gestational weeks). In this observational study, preterm infants were recruited within the first 24 h after birth. Meconium and fecal samples were collected at four time points (between the 2nd and the 26th postnatal days. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by RT-PCR and by 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal ALP activity, a proposed specific biomarker of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), was evaluated by spectrophotometry at the 26th postnatal day. A total of 389 fecal samples were analyzed from 117 very preterm neonates. Human milk was positively associated with beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides ovatus, and Akkermancia muciniphila, as well as bacterial richness. Neonates fed with human milk during the first week of life had increased Bifidobacterium content and fecal ALP activity on the 26th postnatal day. These findings point out the importance of MOM and DHM in the establishment of fecal microbiota on neonates prematurely delivered. Moreover, these results suggest an ALP pathway by which human milk may protect against NEC.

Use of Therapeutic Hypothermia in Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sudden and unexpected postnatal collapse is a rare event with potentially dramatic consequences. Intervention approaches are limited, but hypothermia has been considered after postnatal collapse. The aim of this study was to analyse sudden and unexpected postnatal collapse cases that underwent therapeutic hypothermia in the five Portuguese hypothermia centres. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicentre, retrospective and descriptive study, clinical, ultrasonography, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography and brain magnetic resonance findings of newborns with postnatal collapse that underwent therapeutic hypothermia are reported (2010 - 2018). Statistical analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of sudden and unexpected postnatal collapse were referred for therapeutic hypothermia (82% outborn), all ≥ 36 weeks, with Apgar 5´ ≥ 8. Collapse occurred during the first two hours in 73% (all < 24 hours), 50% during skin-to-skin care, 55% related to feeding and 23% during co-bedding. Moderate-severe encephalopathy and severe acidosis were observed (median: Thompson score 16, pH 6.90, base deficit 22 mmol/L). Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram was abnormal in 95% and magnetic resonance imaging showed severe brain injury in 46%. The mortality rate was 50%. A possible cause was identified in 27%. DISCUSSION: The incidence rate of 2.7 sudden cases of postnatal collapse per 100 000 births, is possibly under-estimated. All infants suffered the collapse in the first day, mostly within the first two hours, as reported before. Possible causes were identified in less than a third of cases, but multiple predisposing conditions were identified, suggesting that prevention may be possible. Newborn positioning and skin-to-skin care have been the most discussed practices. A significant proportion of infants had poor outcomes. Lower Thompson score, electroencephalogram amplitude normalization and normal magnetic resonance imaging seemed to indicate better outcomes. Although conclusive trials on therapeutic hypothermia after postnatal collapse are not available, its use has been considered individually. No severe adverse effects directly related to hypothermia were registered in this study, but the results do not allow drawing meaningful conclusions. CONCLUSION: In our national sample of 22 infants who suffered sudden and unexpected postnatal collapse and underwent therapeutic hypothermia, a significant proportion had poor outcomes. Absolute conclusions from our experience with hypothermia in postnatal collapse cannot be drawn, but systematic reporting of cases and long-term clinical evaluation would facilitate understanding of the real benefits of hypothermia. As this procedure has not been validated with clinical trials for this indication, its use should be considered on a case-by-case approach. The potentially avoidable nature of unexpected postnatal collapse is evident from its association with certain behaviours and risk factors. Surveillance practices during the first hours should be implemented, whilst the benefits of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care should continue to be widely promoted.

Introdução: O colapso pós-natal súbito inesperado, apesar de raro, condiciona potenciais consequências dramáticas. As intervenções terapêuticas são limitadas, mas a hipotermia induzida tem sido considerada após estes eventos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os casos de colapso pós-natal súbito inesperado submetidos a hipotermia induzida nos cinco centros portugueses que a realizam. Material e Métodos: Estudo descritivo retrospetivo multicêntrico dos recém-nascidos submetidos a hipotermia induzida após colapso pós-natal entre 2010 e 2018. Foram analisadas as variáveis clínicas, a monitorização por eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada e imagem por ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnética cerebral. A análise estatística foi efetuada com apoio do IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Resultados: Foram submetidos a hipotermia terapêutica por colapso súbito 22 recém-nascidos, 82% outborn, todos com 36 ou mais semanas de gestação e Apgar 5´ ≥ 8. A situação ocorreu nas primeiras duas horas de vida em 73% (todos com menos de 24 horas de vida), 50% no contacto pele-a-pele, 55% associados à amamentação e 23% durante partilha de cama. Os recém-nascidos observados apresentaram encefalopatia moderada a grave e acidose grave (mediana: Thompson 16, pH 6,90, défice bases 22 mmol/L). Entre os recém-nascidos, 95% registaram alteração no eletroencefalograma e 46% padrões graves de ressonância cerebral. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 50%. Identificaram-se possíveis causas em 27%. Discussão: Estimou-se uma incidência de 2,7 casos de colapso pós-natal súbito inesperado por cada 100 000 nascimentos, um valor possivelmente subestimado. O colapso ocorreu no primeiro dia em todas as crianças, a maioria nas primeiras duas horas, tal como descrito em publicações anteriores. Identificaram-se possíveis causas em menos de um terço dos casos, mas múltiplas condições predisponentes foram referidas, o que sugere a possibilidade de adoção de medidas preventivas. O posicionamento do recém-nascido e o contacto pele-a-pele têm sido as práticas mais discutidas. Uma proporção significativa das crianças teve uma evolução desfavorável. Um desfecho mais positivo parece ter ocorrido nos casos em que se verificaram valores inferiores na escala de Thompson, normalização do eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada e ressonância magnética normal. Embora não estejam disponíveis ensaios conclusivos sobre a utilização da hipotermia terapêutica após o colapso pós-natal, o seu uso tem sido considerado individualmente. Nesta revisão não foram observados efeitos adversos diretamente relacionados com o procedimento, mas os resultados não permitem obter conclusões significativas. Conclusão: Na nossa amostra nacional de 22 crianças que sofreram colapso súbito pós-natal e submetidas a hipotermia terapêutica, uma proporção significativa teve uma evolução desfavorável. A nossa experiência e a raridade da entidade clínica não permitem delinear conclusões precisas sobre a aplicação da hipotermia induzida no colapso pós-natal súbito inesperado, pelo que se considera essencial a prevenção. O benefício desta terapêutica poderá ser clarificado através do registo sistemático dos casos e do seguimento a longo prazo das crianças. Embora não existam ensaios clínicos que permitam a sua validação após estes eventos, a hipotermia induzida deve ser uma opção a considerar individualmente. A associação do colapso pós-natal com determinados comportamentos e fatores de risco evidenciam a sua potencial prevenção. Devem ser implementadas estratégias de monitorização nas primeiras horas de vida que permitam simultaneamente a contínua promoção da amamentação e do contacto pele-a-pele.

The lived experience following free functioning muscle transfer for management of pan-brachial plexus injury: reflections from a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic, pan-brachial plexus injuries result in major functional disability. Surgical advancements, such as free-functioning muscle transfers, are restoring physical capacity that was not achieved 3-4 decades ago. Despite reconstructive procedures, brachial plexus injury patients report chronic pain, changes in work circumstances, concerns about their appearance, increased reliance on others, and difficulty completing daily activities. This suggests that recovery needs to be considered to better deliver post-injury health services. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the lived-experience of patients following free-functioning muscle transfers for management of traumatic, pan-brachial plexus injuries.Better understand issues during recovery and implications for rehabilitation with this population. METHODS: A phenomenological, qualitative design was employed that involved 5 participants who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2015. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Three interrelated themes were generated from the data. The first theme 'Experience of health care systems' captures the participants' reflections of their post-injury experience and health care received. The second 'Psychosocial considerations' consists of emotional responses, relationship disturbance, and coming to terms with the permanence of their changed arm. The last theme, 'Creating a new self-identity', relates to the participants experience of adjustment to their new circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that comprehensive medical coverage and access to expert brachial plexus injury health providers support patients following injury. However, recovery also requires the need for the patient to adjust and establish a new self-concept. Health care providers can assist patients by establishing positive therapeutic relationships, as well as, reducing the number of care providers by providing a continuity of care from the same health professionals.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndividuals with pan-brachial plexus injuries felt it was beneficial to work with health care providers with extensive brachial plexus injury knowledge.Stable, long-term relationships with health providers during rehabilitation were reported as beneficial to recovery.Greater consideration of the process of adjustment and creating a new self-identity following pan-brachial plexus injury needs to be considered during rehabilitation.

Extremely preterm neonates have more Lactobacillus in meconium than very preterm neonates - the in utero microbial colonization hypothesis.

Growing evidence suggests that maternal microbiota can influence the neonates' gut colonization. However, the mechanisms of vertical bacterial transmission remain poorly defined. We believed that the first colonizers of the newborn come from the mother's gut and vagina during pregnancy and that this is independent of the mode of delivery. We conducted an observational longitudinal study to evaluate the link between the maternal gut microbiota and the meconium's microbiota in extremely and very preterm neonates. Bacterial DNA was extracted from samples and specific bacterial groups were quantified by RT-PCR. In this cohort of 117 preterm neonates, we detected bacterial DNA in 88% of meconium samples. Meconium microbiota of neonates born after 28 gestational weeks (very preterm neonates) showed stronger correlations with their mothers' fecal microbiota. However, neonates born before 28 gestational weeks (extremely preterm neonates) had more Lactobacillus - genus that dominated the vaginal microbiota - than very preterm neonates, regardless of the mode of delivery. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that maternal bacteria from the gut and vagina can play a role in shaping neonates' gut microbiota and that mother-to-infant bacterial transmission is a controlled and time-specific process. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03663556.

Potential of methane and carbon dioxide in vitro production by Urochloa hybrid subjected to periods of coexistence with weeds / Potencial de produção in vitro de metano e dióxido de carbono por híbrido Urochloa submetido a períodos de coexistência com plantas daninhas

The increased world population has raised the demand for animal proteins, forcing livestock to become productive, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. This study aimed to assess the effect of weed coexistence on productivity, nutritional quality, and potential production of greenhouse gases (GHG) by Convert HD364 grass (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) under pasture renovation conditions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications and treatments consisting of eight coexistence periods: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 days after seedling emergence. Phytosociological assessments were performed in the weed community at the end of each coexistence period. The Convert HD364 grass was assessed for the morphological and chemical-bromatological parameters and for the GHG emission potential. Productivity, nutritional quality, and energy value of the Convert HD364 grass decreased proportionally with the increased period of weed coexistence. The non-coexistence with weeds results in a better in vitro digestibility of organic matter and, consequently, decreases the potential of GHG emission by the dry matter of the Convert HD364 grass.

O aumento da população mundial tem elevado a demanda por proteínas de origem animal, obrigando a pecuária a tornar-se produtiva, eficaz e ao mesmo tempo sustentável. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da convivência de plantas daninhas sobre a produtividade, qualidade nutricional e potencial de produção de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) pelo capim Convert HD364 (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) em condição de renovação de pastagem. O experimento foi instalado no delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições e os tratamentos constituídos por oito períodos de convivência: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 e 120 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Avaliações fitossociológicas foram realizadas na comunidade infestante ao final de cada período de convivência. O capim Convert HD364 foi avaliado quanto aos parâmetros morfológicos, químico-bromatológicos e quanto ao potencial de emissão de GEE. Verificou-se que a produtividade, a qualidade nutricional e o valor energético do capim Convert HD364 diminui proporcionalmente ao aumento do período de convivência com as plantas daninhas. A não convivência com plantas daninhas condiciona melhor digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica e, consequentemente, diminui o potencial de emissão de GEE pela matéria seca do capim Convert HD364.

FEEDMI: A Study Protocol to Determine the Influence of Infant-Feeding on Very-Preterm-Infant's Gut Microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are especially vulnerable to gut microbiota disruption and dysbiosis since their early gut microbiota is less abundant and diverse. Several factors may influence infants' gut microbiota, such as the mother's diet, mode of delivery, antibiotic exposure, and type of feeding. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the factors associated with very-preterm neonate's intestinal microbiota, namely: (1) type of infant-feeding (breast milk, donor human milk with or without bovine protein-based fortifier, and preterm formula); (2) maternal diet; and (3) mode of delivery. METHODS: This is an observational study conducted in a cohort of very preterm infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa. After delivery, the mothers are asked to collect their own fecal samples and are invited to complete a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The maternal diet will be classified in accordance to the Mediterranean Diet adherence score. Stool samples have been collected from very premature infants every 7 days for 21 days. DNA has been extracted from the fecal samples, and different bacterial genus and species will be quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It is hypothesized that significant differences in the microbiota composition and clinical outcomes of very preterm infants will be observed depending on the type of infant feeding. In addition, this study will clarify how pasteurized donor's milk influences the intestinal microbiota colonization of preterm infants. This is a pioneer study developed in collaboration with the country's Human Milk Bank. We also expect to find microbiota alterations in infants according to the mode of delivery and to maternal diet. This study will contribute to increase the evidence on the effects of breast or donor human milk and its fortification with a bovine protein-based fortifier on infant microbiota.

Improving the theoretical description of charge transport in organic crystals.

Charge hopping based on Marcus theory is often used to predict charge carrier mobilities in organic crystals, although it is known to systematically underestimate the values. Here we show that this deficiency may lie on a fundamental aspect of quantum statistical averages, rather than on the approximation itself. Under adequate Boltzmann weighing procedure used to evaluate electron and hole transfer integrals, a kinetic Monte Carlo model is employed to describe mobilities in an azacene derivative. The values are in good agreement with experimental data suggesting that the evaluation of transfer integrals may be the weak link in hopping transport models.

Relación entre la ingesta de antioxidantes, factores nutricionales e indicadores bioquímicos en voluntarios sanos / Relationship between antioxidant intake, nutritional factors and biochemical indicators in healthy volunteers

El estrés oxidativo constituye un factor importante en el desarrollo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (ECVs) debido a los daños graves que provocan las especies reactivas de oxígeno en las biomoléculas, por lo que el consumo adecuado de vitaminas con propiedades antioxidantes podría prevenir o retrasar la aparición de estas enfermedades. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre la ingesta de antioxidantes, factores nutricionales y marcadores bioquímicos en un grupo de individuos sanos de Caracas, Venezuela. El estudio incluyó 29 participantes entre 18-40 años de edad a los cuales se les realizó tres recordatorios dietéticos de 24h, mediciones antropométricas [peso, estatura, circunferencia de cintura (CC), índice cintura cadera (ICC) y % grasa corporal (% GC)] según normativa del Programa Internacional de Biología (IBP). Adicionalmente, se determinó el perfil lipídico y la concentración de 8-isoprostano como marcador de estrés oxidativo. Los participantes tomaron 1 cápsula diaria de vitaminas antioxidantes por 30 días. Posterior al tratamiento con antioxidante, no hubo cambios significativos en las concentraciones de triglicéridos (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL) y colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (c-HDL). Por su parte, el 8-isoprostano registró una correlación significativa entre antes y después del tratamiento (r=0,374; p<0,05); siendo el mayor descenso en los individuos que presentaron mayor % GC y CC. Los hallazgos sugieren que el suplemento de antioxidantes tiende a disminuir el estrés oxidativo en un corto período de tiempo, particularmente en individuos con mayor % GC, previniendo el desarrollo de ECVs(AU)

Oxidative stress is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to the serious damage caused by reactive oxygen species to biomolecules, thus, adequate intake of vitamins with antioxidant properties could prevent or delay the onset of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antioxidant intake, nutritional factors and biochemical markers in a group of healthy individuals in Caracas, Venezuela. The study included 29 participants between 18-40 years of age who underwent three 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements [weight, height, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and % body fat (% BF)] according to the International Biology Program (IBP) methodology. In addition, the lipid profile and the concentration of 8-isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress was determined. The participants took one daily capsule of antioxidant vitamins for 30 days. After treatment with antioxidants, no significant changes in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were observed. Meanwhile, the 8-isoprostane recorded a significative correlation between before and after treatment (r=0.374; p<0.05). The decline in 8-isoprostane levels was more evident in those individuals with the highest % BF and WC. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation decreases oxidative stress in a short period of time, particularly in higher % BF individuals, and might help prevent CVDs(AU)