Validation of M-CHARTS for Quantitative Assessment of Metamorphopsia Following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair.

PURPOSE: To validate the quantitative assessment of metamorphopsia in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD) using M-CHARTS by determining its correlation with subjective reporting of metamorphopsia with a validated metamorphopsia questionnaire(modified MeMoQ). METHODS: Research Ethics Board approved, prospective observational study carried out at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Patients with primary, unilateral RRD and healthy controls were included. Metamorphopsia at 3-months was assessed with modified MeMoQ and M-CHARTS. RESULTS: 100 patients(50 with RRD,50 controls) were included. 70%(35/50) of the RRD group had metamorphopsia with M-CHARTS and 80%(40/50) with MeMoQ. The modified MeMoQ and total M-CHARTS scores were significantly higher in patients with RRD compared to controls(p<0.0001). Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.934 in the RRD group. Horizontal, vertical, and total M-CHARTS scores were significantly correlated with MeMoQ scores(rs=0.465,p=0.0007;rs=0.405,p=0.004;rs=0.475,p=0.0005,respectively). M-CHARTS was 72.7% sensitive and 94.6% specific for detection of metamorphopsia(positive score≥0.2), with an area under the ROC curve=0.801. A stronger correlation was found in patients who scored ≥0.2 on the M-CHARTS and reported metamorphopsia with the MeMoQ(rs=0.454,p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We have validated M-CHARTS as a tool to quantitatively assess metamorphopsia in patients with RRD, which is significantly correlated with patient-reported outcomes using the metamorphopsia questionnaire(MeMoQ). A total score of ≥0.2 with M-CHARTS was more strongly correlated with MeMoQ.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help in reducing blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension, both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), this being the primary outcome. This was a systematic review with a meta-analysis that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The keywords used for the searches were CBT and hypertension and their respective synonyms, and were applied to the Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Eligibility and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. They assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane's RoB 2 tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence. The data was pooled on the basis that all the analyses had a random effects model. Twenty-two studies were included in this review. In the meta-analysis, 11 studies were included in the analyses of the BP outcomes (SBP and DBP), five studies were included in the follow-up evaluation, and two studies in the body mass index (BMI) analysis. The searches included a total of 2897 patients. The studies presented a high risk of bias and very low quality of evidence. We observed an effect of -0.65 (95% CI: -0.91; -0.39) for CBT-based interventions on SBP with high heterogeneity (I2 85%) and a higher effect of -0.78% (95% CI: -1.13; -0.43) on DBP with even greater heterogeneity (I2 92%). We observed that CBT did have an effect on reducing BP and BMI in hypertensive adults. However, due to the considerable heterogeneity between the studies, the high risk of bias, and the low overall quality of evidence, confidence in these findings should be limited.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY MORPHOLOGY AFTER RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR: ALIGN Post Hoc Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare foveal avascular zone (FAZ) geometric indices using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) versus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). FAZ morphology was assessed as a possible imaging feature of retinal displacement. METHODS: This ALIGN post hoc analysis included primary fovea-off RRDs that underwent successful PnR or PPV, and performed OCTA, and fundus autofluorescence at (FAF) 3 months postoperatively at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. FAZ area (mm 2 ), axial ratio, circularity, and roundness were measured, and FAF images were assessed for retinal displacement. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included, 78% (56/72) were male mean age was 60 ± 9 years, and 60% (43/72) were phakic. Sixty-five percent (47/72) and 35% (25/72) underwent PnR and PPV, respectively. The mean baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.49 ± 0.76. FAZ circularity was lower after PPV (0.629 ± 0.120) versus PnR (0.703 ± 0.122); P = 0.016. Sixty-six patients had gradable FAF images. Retinal displacement was present in 29% (19/66), 84.2% (16/19) of which had displacement in the macula. FAZ circularity was lower in eyes with displacement in the macula (0.613 ± 0.110) versus those without displacement (0.700 ± 0.124); P = 0.015. There was a moderate negative correlation between 12-month aniseikonia and FAZ circularity(r = -0.262; P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: FAZ circularity was lower after PPV and in eyes with retinal displacement in the macula. Circularity was negatively correlated with 12-month aniseikonia scores. FAZ circularity may be another imaging feature to consider postoperatively after RRD repair.

Bone thickness and height of the buccal shelf area and the mandibular canal position for miniscrew insertion in patients with different vertical facial patterns, age, and sex.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article were the following: (1) to analyze bone thickness and height (BTH) of the buccal shelf area (BS) quantitatively in four different potentially eligible sites for miniscrew insertion; (2) to compare and contrast BTH and the changes in spatial position of the inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC); and (3) to assess differences with age among vertical facial patterns (hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent) and well as by sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 205 individuals (110 women and 95 men) were divided into groups according to age, vertical facial pattern, and sex. The BTH of the BS and the BTH to the IANC were measured in the mesial and distal roots of the first and second molars. RESULTS: BTH progressively increased in a posterior direction (P < .001), while BTH to the IANC increased and decreased (P < .001) for thickness and height, respectively, in the same direction in all age groups, for the three different vertical facial patterns, and in both sexes. Women showed significantly less BTH to the IANC (P < .002). Hypodivergent patients had greater BTH (P < .024) and a smaller bone height to the IANC (P < .018) only in the first molar region. Patients over 40 years of age had lower bone height in the second molar area (P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: The ideal place for BS miniscrew insertion is the region of the distal root of the second molars, regardless of facial pattern, sex, and age. The BS in women has less BTH and less BTH to the IANC.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Properties in Extracts of Developing Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seeds.

We investigated changes in the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties in the extracts of developing seeds of açaí (Euterpe oleracea). Four developmental stages were evaluated, with earlier stages displaying higher antioxidant activity and polyphenols content, while mass spectrometry analysis identified procyanidins (PCs) as the major components of the extracts in all stages. B-type PCs varied from dimers to decamers, with A-type linkages in a smaller number. Extracted PCs decreased in average length from 20.5 to 10.1 along seed development. PC composition indicated that (-)-epicatechin corresponded to over 95% of extension units in all stages, while (+)-catechin presence as the starter unit increased from 42 to 78.8% during seed development. This variation was correlated to the abundance of key enzymes for PC biosynthesis during seed development. This study is the first to report PC content and composition variations during açaí seed development, which can contribute to studies on the plant's physiology and biotechnological applications.

Bauhinia forficata Link Infusions: Chemical and Bioactivity of Volatile and Non-Volatile Fractions.

This study aimed to evaluate Bauhinia forficata infusions prepared using samples available in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As such, infusions at 5% (w/v) of different brands and batches commercialized in the city (CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4) and samples of plant material botanically identified (BS) were evaluated to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP assays), phytochemical profile, volatile compounds, and inhibitory effects against the α-amylase enzyme. The results showed that infusions prepared using BS samples had lower TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential than the commercial samples (p < 0.05). The batch averages presented high standard deviations mainly for the commercial samples, corroborating sample heterogeneity. Sample volatile fractions were mainly composed of terpenes (40 compounds identified). In the non-volatile fraction, 20 compounds were identified, with emphasis on the CS3 sample, which comprised most of the compounds, mainly flavonoid derivatives. PCA analysis demonstrated more chemical diversity in non-volatile than volatile compounds. The samples also inhibited the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 value: 0.235−0.801 mg RE/mL). Despite the differences observed in this work, B. forficata is recognized as a source of bioactive compounds that can increase the intake of antioxidant compounds by the population.

A Novel Method of Quantifying Retinal Displacement Using Ultra-Widefield Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging.

PURPOSE: To introduce a novel method of quantifying retinal displacement in three dimensions (3D) using ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF). DESIGN: Prospective clinical cohort study. METHODS: Patients with primary macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) or vitrectomy were included. Masked graders selected corresponding points on retinal vasculature and retinal vessel printings (RVPs) within Zone 1, a circular region centered on the fovea with a radius extending to the optic disc (OD) center. Two-dimensional (2D) UWF-FAF was projected to 3D using OD and foveal coordinates. Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal distances between corresponding vessel and RVPs were calculated. Vector displacement of the RVPs to vessels were averaged. RESULTS: A total of 170 retinal vessel-RVP pairs were identified from 54 UWF-FAF images. Mean displacement in Zone 1 was 0.36 ± 0.38 mm, with an absolute mean angle of displacement of 94.93 ± 41.48° and directionality of 191.84 ± 97.39°. Mean Zone 1 displacement was 0.44 ± 0.42mm and 0.21 ± 0.27 mm in vitrectomy (n = 35) and PnR (n = 19) eyes, respectively (P = .041), with no differences in mean angle of displacement/directionality. CONCLUSIONS: A novel method of quantifying the magnitude and direction of retinal displacement is presented, accounting for the spherical 3D curvature of the eye by using corresponding points on retinal vessels and RVPs using UWF-FAF. This provides a 3D vector of displacement agnostic of a singular fixation point such as the optic disc. Accurately quantifying the magnitude and angle/direction of displacement may allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in retinal displacement in various surgical techniques, and a better assessment of the association with functional outcomes.

Retinal displacement following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Retinal displacement following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair is an important consideration when assessing the integrity of reattachment, with potential implications on functional outcomes. There are limited data comparing various surgical techniques. We conducted a review of retinal displacement following RRD repair through October 2021, finding 21 studies encompassing 1,258 unique eyes. Outcome measures included the frequency of retinal displacement, visual acuity, metamorphopsia, and displacement direction. A meta-analysis was performed with data reported as risk ratios (RR) or mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. Retinal displacement was found in 35 ± 20% of RRD repairs. Scleral buckle (SB) without tamponade had the lowest rate of retinal displacement, followed by pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) and finally pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (RR in PPV vs SB: 9.60 [2.01-45.95], P = 0.005). Silicone oil may reduce risk of displacement following PPV compared to gas (RR in gas vs SO: 2.16 [1.22-3.83], P = 0.009), as may immediate face-down positioning for 2 hours. Retinal displacement following PPV occurred in the downward direction in 92 ± 14% of cases and does not appear to significantly impact visual acuity (0.05 [-0.21 to 0.31], P = 0.70), although it may increase distortion. SB, PnR, PPV with silicone oil, and immediate face-down positioning are likely associated with less retinal displacement. Additional prospective studies are required to increase the certainty of these findings.

Longitudinal Assessment of Ellipsoid Zone Recovery Using En Face Optical Coherence Tomography After Retinal Detachment Repair.

PURPOSE: Suboptimal functional outcomes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair may be related to photoreceptor abnormalities, including alterations of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) that may not be apparent on cross-sectional optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study assessed EZ recovery using en face OCT after RRD repair and its association with visual acuity. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with macula-off RRD were monitored at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. En face OCT of the EZ slab were analyzed. Hyporeflective areas were colocalized with EZ abnormalities on cross-sectional OCT B-scans and measured by 2 masked graders. Primary outcome was change in area of EZ hyporeflectivity from 3 to 24 months, and its association with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity recovery was also assessed. RESULTS: In total, 271 images of 61 patients were assessed. Mean area of hyporeflectivity significantly decreased from 3 to 24 months (-2.98 mm2; 95% CI, 1.82-4.13 mm2; P < .0001), with further reductions up to 4 years. Linear regression revealed an association between change in hyporeflective area and change in the ETDRS letter score from 3 to 24 months (ß = -0.31, P = .009, R2 = 14.8%) and between duration of macula-off and change in hyporeflective area from 3 to 24 months (ß = -0.37, P = .018, R2 = 13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: En face OCT provides a novel biomarker for visualizing and quantifying EZ recovery after RRD repair that is associated with ETDRS visual acuity recovery. A steady decline in the area of EZ hyporeflectivity was observed over many years with delayed recovery in patients with longer duration of macula-off.

Pneumatic retinopexy as a treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pediatric patients meeting PIVOT criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) as the initial treatment in pediatric patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) fulfilling The Pneumatic Retinopexy versus Vitrectomy for the Management of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Outcomes Randomized Trial (PIVOT) criteria. DESIGN: A retrospective multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric patients who underwent outpatient PnR as the initial treatment for RRD from January 2006 to July 2019 who met PIVOT criteria. METHODS: Patients underwent anterior chamber paracentesis followed by intravitreal injection of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. Either laser retinopexy was performed following retinal reattachment or cryopexy was performed at the time of the initial procedure. RESULTS: A total of 20 eyes of 20 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Mean (± standard deviation [SD]) follow-up time was 42.2 ± 38.0 months. Mean patient age was 14.4 years (range, 9-18). There were 17 males and 3 females. The mean (± SD) logMar visual acuity improved from 0.73 ± 0.82 (Snellen equivalent approximately 20/100) to 0.37 ± 0.46 (Snellen equivalent approximately 20/50; p = 0.02) at 3 months and to 0.40 ± 0.54 (Snellen equivalent approximately 20/50; p = 0.05) at last follow-up. Primary reattachment rate was 85% (17/20) at 3 months and 75% (15/20) at last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: PnR may be an effective treatment option for RRD in pediatric patients meeting PIVOT criteria.

MINIMAL GAS VITRECTOMY TECHNIQUE FOR REDUCING RISK OF RETINAL DISPLACEMENT FOLLOWING RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR.

PURPOSE: To present a novel technique, minimal gas vitrectomy, as a means of potentially minimizing retinal displacement compared with standard vitrectomy for select cases. METHODS: A patient with a macula off retinal detachment and break at 12 o'clock underwent a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, endodiathermy of the superior break in detached retina and endolaser of the inferior break in attached retina, without air-fluid exchange. Suturing of sclerotomies, anterior chamber paracentesis of 0.3 mL followed by intravitreal injection of 0.6 mL pure SF 6 was then performed. Positioning was face down for 6 hours and then steamroll up with laser retinopexy to the superior break the following day. RESULTS: Postoperative fundus autofluorescence imaging demonstrated no retinal displacement. CONCLUSION: The minimal gas vitrectomy technique has the potential to minimize retinal displacement by using a smaller gas tamponade compared to standard vitrectomy in certain cases with specific postoperative positioning instructions.

Understanding the mechanism of retinal displacement following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: A computer simulation model.

PURPOSE: Retinal displacement is common following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. A computer simulation was developed to assess forces applied by a gas tamponade of various sizes in the setting of pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) versus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). DESIGN: Computer simulation model. METHODS: The contact angle and pressure between the tamponade and the retina were calculated using interfacial tension and the densities of gas and vitreous. A simulation determined the dynamics of fluid motion in the subretinal space and calculated deformations of the retina. RESULTS: Bulk flow of fluid away from the tamponade in a direction along gravity stretched the retina and caused displacement in the simulations. Extent of displacement is attributable to the subretinal fluid layer thickness, and area of contact and contact pressure applied by the tamponade. Larger gas tamponades have greater contact pressure applied to the retina. Reducing gas bubble size from 93% to 6.25% with PPV versus PnR, there was a 79% reduction in the mean contact pressure (1.4 mmHg-0.29 mmHg), and a 93% reduction in the surface area of contact (11 cm2 -0.8 cm2 ). Therefore, the contact force applied to the entire retina decreases by 97% from 83 mN (PPV) to 2.9 mN (PnR). The model resembling PnR had more than three times less displacement compared to PPV. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides a framework to study retinal displacement. Our findings suggest that proportional to their size, gas tamponades stretched the retina by displacing subretinal fluid following RRD repair.

Autocuidado para hipertensos: desenvolvimento de um e-book como material educativo / Self-care to hipertensives: development of an e-book as an educative material

Objetivo: apresentar o desenvolvimento do material educativo intitulado "Auto-cuidado para Hipertensos: um guia para cuidar da sua saúde". Métodos: este material foi desenvolvido com base nas orientações para construção de materiais de orientação para o cuidado em saúde, teve como ponto de partida o estudo multicêntrico: "Efetividade de uma estratégia NUtricional para controle PRESSórico em pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde: estudo NUPRESS". Para a elaboração do material foi feito um levantamento bibliográfico. Em seguida, foi realizada a escrita dos temas abordados em forma de capítulos e, por último, foi montada a parte gráfica. Quando finalizado, o e-book foi enviado a 10 juízes que o avaliaram e validaram conforme a sua organização, estilo da escrita, aparência e apelo do material. Foram aceitas as sugestões dos juízes e realizadas as alterações. Resultados: os juízes (n=10), com média de idade de 43,7±17,6 anos e sendo 70% do sexo feminino, avaliaram em sua maioria, com concordância que o conteúdo do e-book possuía boa organização e aparência. Já os domínios de estilo de escrita e apelo foram os que apresentaram menor percentual de concordância entre os juízes, embora tenham obtido uma aprovação de 83,3% em cada dimensão. Conclusões: o e-book desenvolvido pode ser utilizado tanto por profissionais da saúde quanto por pessoas com hipertensão com o propósito de educação sobre a doença, saúde e autocuidado. O material tem linguagem objetiva e de fácil compreendimento, sem usar termos técnicos, além disso foram utilizados recursos gráficos para cativar e facilitar a leitura.

Aims: to present the development of the educational material entitled: "Autocuidado para Hipertensos: um guia para cuidar da sua saúde". Methods: this material was developed based on the guidelines for the construction of orientation materials for health care, taking as its starting point the multicenter study: "Effectiveness of a NUTRITION strategy for PRESSURE control in patients with systemic arterial hypertension users of the Unified Health System: NUPRESS study". For the elaboration of the material, a bibliographical surveywas made, then the themes were written in chapters, and finally, the graphic part was assembled. When finished, the e-book was sent to 10 judges who evaluated and validated it according to its organization, writing style, appearance, and appeal. The judges' suggestions were accepted, and the changes were made. Results: the judges (n=10), with a mean age of 43.7±17. 6 years and wich 70% were female, mostly agreed that the E-book content had good organization and appearance. The domains of writing style and appeal, on the other hand, presented the lowest percentage of agreement among the judges, although they obtained 83.3% approval in each dimension. Conclusions: the e-book developed can be used both by health professionals and people with hypertension for the purpose of education about the disease, health and self-care. The material has an objective and easy-to-understand language, without using technical terms, and graphic resources were used to captivate and facilitate reading.

Longitudinal Higher-Order OCT Assessment of Quantitative Fluid Dynamics and the Total Retinal Fluid Index in Neovascular AMD.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of assessing quantitative longitudinal fluid dynamics and total retinal fluid indices (TRFIs) with higher-order optical coherence tomography (OCT) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: A post hoc image analysis study was performed using the phase II OSPREY clinical trial comparing brolucizumab and aflibercept in nAMD. Higher-order OCT analysis using a machine learning-enabled fluid feature extraction platform was used to segment intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) volumetric components. TRFI, the proportion of fluid volume against total retinal volume, was calculated. Longitudinal fluid metrics were evaluated for the following groups: all subjects (i.e. treatment agnostic), brolucizumab, and aflibercept. Results: Mean IRF and SRF volumes were significantly reduced from baseline at each timepoint for all groups. Fluid feature extraction allowed high-resolution assessment of quantitative fluid burden. A greater proportion of brolucizumab participants achieved true zero and minimal fluid (total fluid volume between 0.0001 and 0.001mm3) versus aflibercept participants at week 40. True zero fluid during q12 brolucizumab dosing was achieved in 36.6% to 38.5%, similar to the 25.6% to 38.5% during the corresponding q8 aflibercept cycles. TRFI was significantly reduced from baseline in all groups. Conclusions: Higher-order OCT analysis demonstrates the feasibility of fluid feature extraction and longitudinal volumetric fluid burden and TRFI characterization in nAMD, supporting a unique opportunity for fluid burden assessment and the impact on outcomes. Translational Relevance: Detection and characterization of disease activity is vital for optimal treatment of nAMD. Longitudinal assessment of fluid dynamics and the TRFI provide important proof of concept for future automated tools in characterizing disease activity.

Assessment of the reliability of the IHI Global Trigger Tool: new perspectives from a Brazilian study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Global Trigger Tool (IHI-GTT) between nurses and medical students as primary reviewers to measure adverse events (AEs). DESIGN: Interrater reliability study. SETTING: A 500-bed general public hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: A randomly selected sample of 220 hospital admissions of adults (≥18 years) from Oct-Nov, 2016. INTERVENTION: Two 4th-5th year-medical students and two experienced nurses applied a Portuguese-translated version of the IHI-GTT to medical records. The role of medical reviewer was performed by two senior physicians specialists in Internal Medicine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ability to identify AEs was compared between pairs and against medical reviewer through percentage inter-examiner agreement and Kappa coefficient (K). Two outcomes -- "AE identification" and "category of harm" -- were evaluated according to two different denominators -- "admissions" (the total number of admissions evaluated in the sample; reflects the presence or not of at least one AE in each admission) and "all possibilities of agreement" (obtained by adding each identified AE to the admissions without events; allows agreement assessment to be performed for each AE individually). RESULTS: Were identified 199 adverse events in 90 hospitalizations, with rates of 40.9% of admissions with AEs, 76.1 AEs/1,000 patient-days and 90.5 AEs/100 admissions. Comparing student-pair and nurse-pair, we found K = 0.76 (95% IC 0.62-0.88) and K = 0.17 (95% IC 0.06-0.27) for "AE identification" outcome and K = 0.28 (95% IC 0.01-0.55) and K = 0.46 (95% IC 0.28-0.64) for "category of harm" outcome to denominators "admission" and "all possibilities of agreement", respectively. There was no significant difference between the performances of the different primary reviewers composed in any analyses. CONCLUSION: IHI-GTT reliability varies considerably depending on the denominator used to calculate agreement. As the purpose of the tool is, in addition to measuring, promoting opportunities for quality of care improvement, the individual analysis of the AEs seems more appropriate. Further studies are needed to assess the implications of the slight agreement reached between primary reviewers on the test's overall accuracy. Moreover, advanced medical students may be considered for primary review in settings where unavailability of staff is a barrier to IHI-GTT adoption.

Open Practical Laboratories in the Neurosciences: An outreach program for neuroscience communication in middle schools.

The Open Practical Laboratory in the Neurosciences is an outreach program that seeks to improve the knowledge of the neurosciences by elementary school students and to promote better attitudes in relation to neuroscience, science in general, and scientists. It consists in practical and demonstration activities on the theme of the neurosciences. This outreach strategy was applied in four public schools in a municipality in Southeastern Pará, Brazil characterized by low performance in educational reviews in Brazil. Students from both sexes from 9th grade (last grade before high school) were enrolled in the program. The outreach program improved students' knowledge about the neurosciences, and promoted better attitudes in relation to science and scientists, in comparison to students who did not go through the activities. Results suggest that scientific outreach strategies can produce results beyond immediate increases in knowledge, promoting better attitudes in relation to science.