Bioadhesive Perivascular Microparticle-Gel Drug Delivery System for Intimal Hyperplasia Prevention: In Vitro Evaluation and Preliminary Biocompatibility Assessment.

Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is an undesirable pathology occurring after peripheral or coronary bypass surgery. It involves the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to a reduction in the diameter of the vascular lumen, which can lead to stenosis and graft failure. Topically applied atorvastatin (ATV) has been shown to slow down this process. To be effective, the drug delivery system should remain at the perivascular site for 5-8 weeks, corresponding to the progression of IH, and be capable of releasing an initial dose of the drug followed by a sustained release. Ideally, bioadhesion would anchor the gel to the application site. To meet these needs, we encapsulated ATV in a 2-component system: a hyaluronic acid-dopamine bioadhesive gel for rapid release and biodegradable microparticles for sustained release. The system was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, rheology, bioadhesion on porcine arteries, and a release profile. The rheological properties were adequate for perivascular application, and we demonstrated superior bioadhesion and cohesion compared to the control HA formulations. The release profile showed a burst, generated by free ATV, followed by sustained release over 8 weeks. A preliminary evaluation of subcutaneous biocompatibility in rats showed good tolerance of the gel. These results offer new perspectives on the perivascular application towards an effective solution for the prevention of IH.

Bioadhesive Hyaluronic Acid/Dopamine Hydrogels for Vascular Applications Prepared by Initiator-Free Crosslinking.

Intimal hyperplasia, a vascular pathology characterized by vessel wall thickening, is implicated in vein graft failures. For efficient prevention, a biodegradable drug delivery system should be applied externally to the graft for an extended time. Finding a gel suitable for such a system is challenging. We have synthesized HA-Dopamine conjugates (HA-Dop) with several degrees of substitution (DS) and used two crosslinking methods: initiator-free crosslinking by basic pH shift or commonly used crosslinking by a strong oxidizer, sodium periodate. The rheological properties, bioadhesion to vascular tissue, cytocompatibility with fibroblasts have been compared for both methods. Our results suggest that initiator-free crosslinking provides HA-Dop gels with more adequate properties with regards to vascular application than crosslinking by strong oxidizer. We have also established the cytocompatibility of the initiator-free crosslinked HA-Dop gels and the cytotoxicity of dopamine-sodium periodate combinations. Furthermore, we have incorporated a drug with anti-restenotic effect in perivascular application, atorvastatin, into the gel, which showed adequate release profile for intimal hyperplasia prevention. The oxidizer-free formulation with improved bioadhesion holds promise as an efficient and safe drug delivery system for vascular applications.

Pharmacological prevention of intimal hyperplasia: A state-of-the-art review.

Intimal hyperplasia (IH) occurs in a considerable number of cases of blood vessel reconstruction by stenting or balloon angioplasty, venous bypass grafting, and arteriovenous dialysis accesses. It is triggered by endothelial injury during the vascular intervention and leads to vessel restenosis with life-threatening consequences for patients. To date, the drugs used for IH prevention in clinics-paclitaxel and rapalog drugs-have been focusing primarily on the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation pathway of IH development. Limitations, such as endothelial toxicity and inappropriate drug administration timing, have spurred the search for new and efficient pharmacological approaches to control IH. In this state-of-the-art review, we present the pathways of IH development, focusing on the key events and actors involved in IH. Subsequently, we discuss different drugs and drug combinations interfering with these pathways based on their effect on peripheral circulation IH models in animal studies, or on clinical reports. The reports were obtained through an extensive search of peer-reviewed publications in Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar, with search equations composed based on five concepts around IH and their various combinations. To improve vascular intervention outcomes, rethinking of conventional therapeutic approaches to IH prevention is needed. Exploring local application of drugs and drug combinations acting on different pathophysiological pathways of IH development has the potential to provide effective and safe restenosis prevention.

Analysis on mental-insanity and cessation-of-dangerousness examinations in three Brazilian custodial institutions: a retrospective cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the right to healthcare and the incorporation of best scientific evidence in public health are universally guaranteed by law. However, the treatment offered to patients with mental disorders in custodial hospitals in this country has not been rigorously evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the psychiatric diagnoses and treatments implemented in three Brazilian custodial institutions. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study on patients held in custody in three Brazilian institutions, as judicially-determined safety measures due to their mental disorders, and the tools used in diagnoses and treatments. These institutions are in Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District. METHODS: The data from medical and judicial records that were made available were assessed regarding the diagnoses that were made and the instruments that were used. RESULTS: None of these inpatients were evaluated using validated tools, and only a few medical records presented clear descriptions of the cases. No patient with substance involvement had undergone laboratory toxicological assays. It was not possible to verify the adequacy of treatments because the procedures were inadequately described in the records. CONCLUSIONS: No standardized protocols or instruments for diagnosing mental health disorders or assessing use of psychoactive substances had been applied among the inpatients at these custodial institutions in Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District. The treatments that were prescribed to these inpatients consisted mainly of drugs.

Analysis on mental-insanity and cessation-of-dangerousness examinations in three Brazilian custodial institutions: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the right to healthcare and the incorporation of best scientific evidence in public health are universally guaranteed by law. However, the treatment offered to patients with mental disorders in custodial hospitals in this country has not been rigorously evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the psychiatric diagnoses and treatments implemented in three Brazilian custodial institutions. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study on patients held in custody in three Brazilian institutions, as judicially-determined safety measures due to their mental disorders, and the tools used in diagnoses and treatments. These institutions are in Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District. METHODS: The data from medical and judicial records that were made available were assessed regarding the diagnoses that were made and the instruments that were used. RESULTS: None of these inpatients were evaluated using validated tools, and only a few medical records presented clear descriptions of the cases. No patient with substance involvement had undergone laboratory toxicological assays. It was not possible to verify the adequacy of treatments because the procedures were inadequately described in the records. CONCLUSIONS: No standardized protocols or instruments for diagnosing mental health disorders or assessing use of psychoactive substances had been applied among the inpatients at these custodial institutions in Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District. The treatments that were prescribed to these inpatients consisted mainly of drugs.

Non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy for improving erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with several chronic diseases, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The association of OSAS and ED is far more common than might be found by chance; the treatment of OSAS with non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy is associated with improvement of respiratory symptoms, and may contribute to the improvement of associated conditions, such as ED. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy for improving erectile dysfunction in OSAS. SEARCH METHODS: We identified studies from the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED EBSCO, and LILACS, the US National Institutes of Health ongoing trials register ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organisation international clinical trials registry platform to 14 June 2021, with no restriction on date, language, or status of publication. We checked the reference lists of all primary studies, and review articles for additional references, and relevant manufacturers' websites for study information. We also searched specific conference proceedings for the British Association of Urological Surgeons; the European Association of Urology; and the American Urological Association to 14 June 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a parallel or cross-over design, or cluster-RCTs, which included men aged 18 years or older, with OSAS and ED. We considered RCTs comparing any non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy (such as continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), variable positive airway pressure (VPAP), or similar devices) versus sham, no treatment, waiting list, or pharmacological treatment for ED. The primary outcomes were remission of ED and serious adverse events; secondary outcome were sex-related quality of life, health-related quality of life, and minor adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. A third review author solved any disagreement. We used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool to assess the risk of bias of the included RCTs. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the body of evidence. To measure the treatment effect on dichotomous outcomes, we used the risk ratio (RR); for continuous outcomes, we used the mean difference (MD). We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI) for these measures. When possible (data availability and homogeneous studies), we used a random-effect model to pool data with a meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We included six RCTs (all assessing CPAP as the non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy device), with a total of 315 men with OSAS and ED. All RCTs presented some important risk of bias related to selection, performance, assessment, or reporting bias. None of included RCTs assessed the ED remission rate, and we used the provided ED mean scores as a proxy. CPAP versus no CPAP There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on mean ED scores after 4 weeks, using the International index of erectile function (IIEF-5, higher = better; MD 7.50, 95% CI 4.05 to 10.95; 1 RCT; 27 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and after 12 weeks (IIEF-ED, ED domain; MD 2.50, 95% CI -1.10 to 6.10; 1 RCT; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on sex-related quality of life after 12 weeks, using the Self-esteem and relationship test (SEAR, higher = better; MD 1.00, 95% CI -8.09 to 10.09; 1 RCT; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision); no serious adverse events were reported after 4 weeks (1 RCT; 27 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). CPAP versus sham CPAP One RCT assessed this comparison (61 participants), but we were unable to extract outcomes for this comparison due to the factorial design and reporting of this trial. CPAP versus sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) Sildenafil may slightly improve erectile function at 12 weeks when compared to CPAP, measured with the IIEF-ED (MD -4.78, 95% CI -6.98 to -2.58; 3 RCTs; 152 participants; I² = 59%; low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations). There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on sex-related quality of life after 12 weeks, measured with the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire (EDITS, higher = better; MD -1.24, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.67; 2 RCTs; 122 participants; I² = 0%; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations). No serious adverse events were reported for either group (2 RCTs; 70 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). There is uncertainty about the effects of CPAP when compared to sildenafil for the incidence of minor adverse events (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.34 to 5.21; 1 RCT; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). The confidence interval was wide and neither a significant increase nor reduction in the risk of minor adverse events can be ruled out with the use of CPAP (4/20 men complained of nasal dryness in the CPAP group, and 3/20 men complained of transient flushing and mild headache in the sildenafil group). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When compared with no CPAP, we are uncertain about the effectiveness and acceptability of CPAP for improving erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnoea. When compared with sildenafil, there is some evidence that sildenafil may slightly improve erectile function at 12 weeks.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: An overview of 46 systematic reviews.

AIMS: To summarize the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus placebo or active comparators for type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched six databases between 2014 and 2021. We assessed the quality of evidence using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and summarized the main outcome results according to their evidence of benefit (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019132431). RESULTS: We included 46 SRs, comprising 175 RCTs and 136 096 participants. The results showed "clear evidence of benefit" in relation to: myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]/hazard ratio [HR] 0.85 to 0.91); cardiovascular mortality (OR/HR 0.67 to 0.86); heart failure (OR/HR 0.64 to 0.69); albuminuria progression and composite renal outcome (relative risk [RR]/HR 0.55 to 0.63); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus placebo (mean difference [MD] -0.49% to -0.77% [5.4 to 8.4 mmol/mol]); and weight versus placebo (MD -1.09 kg to -2.99 kg). "Possible benefit" was observed in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (OR/HR 0.80 to 0.89), all-cause mortality and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. SGLT2 inhibitors showed "clear evidence of no effect or equivalence" in relation to stroke and fractures. "Clear evidence of harm" was observed in relation to genital infections (RR/OR 2.06 to 5.25) and ketoacidosis (HR/OR 1.36 to 2.20). Regarding amputation risk and urinary tract infections, we found "no conclusions possible due to lack of evidence". CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects in relation to renal and cardiovascular outcomes (except for stroke), HbA1c and weight. Further studies are needed to assess urinary infections and amputation risk.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - Systematic Review and Metanalysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic steatosis is a frequent condition that afflicts, especially, obese and insulin-resistant patients. Diagnosis is usually made through imaging tests. Despite the high prevalence and risk of complications, there is no specific treatment approved, though a vast number of medications have been tested. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (i DPP- IV) in the treatment of NAFLD. METHODS: We searched the electronic databases of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS, as well as reference lists of the included studies and grey literature; 9 studies were selected for inclusion. RESULTS: 7 studies were used for metanalysis for 3 outcomes. i DPP-IV showed an ALT-reducing power of MD -10.83 (95% CI 35.23 to 13.57) at 3 months and MD -9.27 (95% CI 10.92 to -7.62) at 6 months of intervention, as well as a reduction of hepatic steatosis via MRI of SMD 0.10 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.50); the overall incidence of adverse events was very low. The studies were considered of low and very low quality by the GRADE evaluation. CONCLUSION: Because of the overall poor quality of the studies and heterogeneity of the population analyzed, i DPP-IV did not show efficacy on inflammatory markers or fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

Suicidabilidad y apoyo social percibido en estudiantes universitarios con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles / Suicidality and perceived social support in university students with chronic non-communicable diseases

Resumen El objetivo fue identificar las asociaciones entre apoyo social percibido, riesgo suicida y presencia de enfermedad crónica no transmisible en estudiantes universitarios. Utilizando un diseño de casos y controles, con 41 estudiantes universitarios por grupo. La mediana de edad fue de 22 años (R = 9), un 81,8% eran mujeres, el 26,8% de los sujetos tenía Asma y el 26,8% Hipotiroidismo, y el 63,6% pertenecía a la Facultad de Educación. No se comprobó la asociación entre enfermedad crónica, apoyo social, ni tampoco con riesgo suicida. Hay asociación indirecta entre riesgo suicida y apoyo social, no así cuando se evalúa el intento de suicidio previo. El nivel de riesgo suicida y apoyo social se asocian independiente de la presencia de enfermedad crónica. Esperamos que nuestros resultados permitan fomentar el apoyo social como una herramienta fundamental para la prevención de la suicidabilidad, especialmente en sujetos con enfermedad crónica.

Abstract The objective was to identify associations between perceived social support, suicidal risk and the presence of chronic or communicable disease in university students. Using a case-control design, consisting of 41 subjects in each group. The median age was 22 years (R = 9), 81,8% were women, 26,8% of the subjects had asthma and 26,8% had hypothyroidism, 63,6% were students of the faculties of Education. The association between chronic disease and social support was not proven, nor was there a suicidal risk. There is an indirect association between suicide risk and social support, not so when assessing the previous suicide attempt. The levels of suicide risk and social support are associated, independent of an existing chronic disease. We are hopeful that our results will be effective in promoting social support as a basic tool for suicide prevention, especially in subjects with chronic disease.

Intraoperative ventilation strategies for obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global epidemic, and it is widely known that increased Body mass index (BMI) is associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics. Bariatric surgery is established as an effective treatment for this condition. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of different ventilation strategies in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials aimed at evaluating ventilation strategies for obese patients was carried out. Primary outcomes: in-hospital mortality, adequacy of gas exchange, and respiration mechanics alterations. RESULTS: Fourteen clinical trials with 574 participants were included. When recruitment maneuvers (RM) vs Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were compared, RM resulted in better oxygenation p = 0.03 (MD 79.93), higher plateau pressure p < 0.00001 (MD 7.30), higher mean airway pressure p < 0.00001 (MD 6.61), and higher compliance p < 0.00001 (MD 21.00); when comparing RM + Zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) vs RM + PEEP 5 or 10 cmH2O, RM associated with PEEP led to better oxygenation p = 0.001 (MD 167.00); when comparing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) 40 cmH2O + PEEP 10 cmH2O vs CPAP 40 cmH2O + PEEP 15 cmH2O, CPAP 40 + PEEP 15 achieved better gas exchange p = 0.003 (MD 36.00) and compliance p = 0.0003 (MD 3.00). CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that the alveolar recruitment maneuvers associated with PEEP lead to better oxygenation and higher compliance. There is no evidence of differences between pressure control ventilation (PCV) and Volume control ventilation (VCV).

Relato de Experiência Docente: A Primeira Disciplina no Brasil sobre a Prática da Psicologia Baseada em Evidências Ministrada no Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo / Teaching Experience Report:The First Discipline in Brazil on the Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology Offered by the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo

RESUMO Este artigo relata a experiência de ensino da primeira disciplina no Brasil sobre a Prática da Psicologia Baseada em Evidências (PPBE), oferecida pelo Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo. O curso instruiu os alunos sobre os conceitos da PPBE, fontes de evidências primárias e secundárias, adequação da pergunta de pesquisa ao delineamento, delineamento experimental de caso único, estudos observacionais, ensaios clínicos randomizados e sobre a execução de revisões sistemáticas, com ou sem metanálise. É importante destacar que o desenvolvimento da disciplina oportunizou a reflexão sobre a importância da PPBE no âmbito clínico, acadêmico, institucional e na gestão de políticas públicas na saúde mental. Recomenda-se a inserção da disciplina na grade curricular dos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação na área da Psicologia.

ABSTRACT This article reports the experience of teaching the first course in Brazil on the Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology (EBPP), offered by the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo. The course instructed students on the concepts of EBPP, primary and secondary sources of evidence, adequacy of the research question to the experimental design, single-subject design, observational studies, randomized controlled trials and implementation of systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis. It is noteworthy that the development of the discipline allowed reflections on the importance of EBPP in clinical, academic, institutional and public policy management on mental health. It is recommended the inclusion of EBPP course in the curriculum of undergraduate and graduate students in Psychology.

Transport accident mortality in Chile: trends from 2000 to 2012.

The aim of this study is to describe the trends of transport accident mortality in Chile from 2000 to 2012 by year, geographic distribution, gender, age group, and type of accident. Population-based study. Data for transport accident mortality in Chile between 2000 and 2012 were used. The crude and adjusted per region transport accident mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants. The annual percentage change (APC) of the rates and relative risks (RR) were calculated. The average transport accident mortality rate (TAMR) in Chile (2000-2012) was 12.2. The rates were greater in men (19.7) than in women (4.8), with a RR of 4.1. The rates were higher in the country's southern zone (15.9), increasing in recent years in the southern zone, with a significant positive APC in the northern and central zones. The Maule region had the highest rate (21.1), although Coquimbo was the region with the most significant APC (2.2%). The highest rate (20.3) was verified in the 25-40 age group. The highest rate (14.3) was recorded in 2008. The most frequent type of accident was pedestrian. In general the APC trends of the rates are increasing significantly. This, added to rapid annual automotive growth, will only exacerbate mortality due to transport accidents.

Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in eating disorders: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.

Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions originated from and perpetuated by individual, family and sociocultural factors. The psychosocial approach to treatment and prevention of relapse is crucial. To present an overview of the scientific evidence on effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in treatment of eating disorders. All systematic reviews published by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Cochrane Library on the topic were included. Afterwards, as from the least recent date of these reviews (2001), an additional search was conducted at PubMed with sensitive search strategy and with the same keywords used. A total of 101 primary studies and 30 systematic reviews (5 Cochrane systematic reviews), meta-analysis, guidelines or narrative reviews of literature were included. The main outcomes were: symptomatic remission, body image, cognitive distortion, psychiatric comorbidity, psychosocial functioning and patient satisfaction. The cognitive behavioral approach was the most effective treatment, especially for bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and the night eating syndrome. For anorexia nervosa, the family approach showed greater effectiveness. Other effective approaches were interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, support therapy and self-help manuals. Moreover, there was an increasing number of preventive and promotional approaches that addressed individual, family and social risk factors, being promising for the development of positive self-image and self-efficacy. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary approaches on all eating disorders, as well as the cost-effectiveness of some effective modalities, such as the cognitive behavioral therapy. RESUMO Transtornos alimentares são doenças psiquiátricas originadas de e perpetuadas por fatores individuais, familiares e socioculturais. A abordagem psicossocial é essencial para o tratamento e a prevenção de recaídas. Apresentar uma visão geral das evidências científicas sobre a efetividade das intervenções psicossociais no tratamento de transtornos alimentares. Foram incluídas todas as revisões sistemáticas publicadas no Banco de Dados de Revisões Sistemáticas da Cochrane Library. Posteriormente, a partir da data menos recente destas revisões (2001), realizou-se uma busca adicional no PubMed, com estratégia de busca sensibilizada e com os mesmos descritores utilizados antes. No total, foram incluídos 101 estudos primários e 30 revisões sistemáticas (5 revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane), metanálises, diretrizes ou revisões narrativas da literatura. Os principais desfechos foram remissão de sintomas, imagem corporal, distorção cognitiva, comorbidade psiquiátrica, funcionamento psicossocial e satisfação do paciente. A abordagem cognitivo-comportamental foi o tratamento mais efetivo, principalmente para bulimia nervosa, transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica e síndrome do comer noturno. Para anorexia nervosa, a abordagem familiar demonstrou maior efetividade. Outras abordagens efetivas foram psicoterapia interpessoal, terapia comportamental dialética, terapia de apoio e manuais de autoajuda. Além disso, houve um número crescente de abordagens preventivas e promocionais que contemplaram fatores de risco individuais, familiares e sociais, sendo promissoras para o desenvolvimento da autoimagem positiva e autoeficácia. São necessários mais estudos que avaliem o impacto de abordagens multidisciplinares em todos transtornos alimentares, além da relação custo-efetividade de algumas modalidades efetivas, como a terapia cognitivo-comportamental.

Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in eating disorders: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews / Efetividade de intervenções psicossociais em transtornos alimentares: um panorama das revisões sistemáticas Cochrane

ABSTRACT Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions originated from and perpetuated by individual, family and sociocultural factors. The psychosocial approach to treatment and prevention of relapse is crucial. To present an overview of the scientific evidence on effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in treatment of eating disorders. All systematic reviews published by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Cochrane Library on the topic were included. Afterwards, as from the least recent date of these reviews (2001), an additional search was conducted at PubMed with sensitive search strategy and with the same keywords used. A total of 101 primary studies and 30 systematic reviews (5 Cochrane systematic reviews), meta-analysis, guidelines or narrative reviews of literature were included. The main outcomes were: symptomatic remission, body image, cognitive distortion, psychiatric comorbidity, psychosocial functioning and patient satisfaction. The cognitive behavioral approach was the most effective treatment, especially for bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and the night eating syndrome. For anorexia nervosa, the family approach showed greater effectiveness. Other effective approaches were interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, support therapy and self-help manuals. Moreover, there was an increasing number of preventive and promotional approaches that addressed individual, family and social risk factors, being promising for the development of positive self-image and self-efficacy. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary approaches on all eating disorders, as well as the cost-effectiveness of some effective modalities, such as the cognitive behavioral therapy.

RESUMO Transtornos alimentares são doenças psiquiátricas originadas de e perpetuadas por fatores individuais, familiares e socioculturais. A abordagem psicossocial é essencial para o tratamento e a prevenção de recaídas. Apresentar uma visão geral das evidências científicas sobre a efetividade das intervenções psicossociais no tratamento de transtornos alimentares. Foram incluídas todas as revisões sistemáticas publicadas no Banco de Dados de Revisões Sistemáticas da Cochrane Library. Posteriormente, a partir da data menos recente destas revisões (2001), realizou-se uma busca adicional no PubMed, com estratégia de busca sensibilizada e com os mesmos descritores utilizados antes. No total, foram incluídos 101 estudos primários e 30 revisões sistemáticas (5 revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane), metanálises, diretrizes ou revisões narrativas da literatura. Os principais desfechos foram remissão de sintomas, imagem corporal, distorção cognitiva, comorbidade psiquiátrica, funcionamento psicossocial e satisfação do paciente. A abordagem cognitivo-comportamental foi o tratamento mais efetivo, principalmente para bulimia nervosa, transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica e síndrome do comer noturno. Para anorexia nervosa, a abordagem familiar demonstrou maior efetividade. Outras abordagens efetivas foram psicoterapia interpessoal, terapia comportamental dialética, terapia de apoio e manuais de autoajuda. Além disso, houve um número crescente de abordagens preventivas e promocionais que contemplaram fatores de risco individuais, familiares e sociais, sendo promissoras para o desenvolvimento da autoimagem positiva e autoeficácia. São necessários mais estudos que avaliem o impacto de abordagens multidisciplinares em todos transtornos alimentares, além da relação custo-efetividade de algumas modalidades efetivas, como a terapia cognitivo-comportamental.

Efficacy and Safety of 308-nm Monochromatic Excimer Lamp Versus Other Phototherapy Devices for Vitiligo: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various phototherapy methods are used to treat vitiligo; however, the recent emergence of new devices has heightened debate concerning the best treatment method. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze published data comparing the efficacy and adverse effects of monochromatic excimer lamps versus excimer laser and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in treating vitiligo. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinical trials registries identified randomized controlled trials that included vitiligo patients, regardless of age, sex, or study language. We evaluated studies comparing excimer lamps with excimer laser or NB-UVB phototherapy. RESULTS: The review included six studies (411 patients, 764 lesions). No study found significantly different efficacy between excimer lamps and excimer laser using the outcomes of ≥50% repigmentation [risk ratio (RR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-1.11] and ≥75% repigmentation (RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.71-1.30). Likewise, no study found significant differences between excimer lamps and NB-UVB (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.88-1.48 for ≥50% repigmentation; RR = 1.81, 95% CI 0.11-29.52 for ≥75% repigmentation). Adverse effects were mild, including pruritus, burning sensation, and dryness, none of which interrupted treatment. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the efficacy and safety of excimer lamp treatment for vitiligo. Excimer lamps, excimer laser, and NB-UVB are all safe and effective in repigmentation of vitiligo lesions. Safety, effectiveness, and cost are considerations when choosing treatment. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42014015237.

Transport accident mortality in Chile: trends from 2000 to 2012 / A mortalidade por acidentes de transporte em Chile: tendências de 2000 a 2012

Abstract The aim of this study is to describe the trends of transport accident mortality in Chile from 2000 to 2012 by year, geographic distribution, gender, age group, and type of accident. Population-based study. Data for transport accident mortality in Chile between 2000 and 2012 were used. The crude and adjusted per region transport accident mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants. The annual percentage change (APC) of the rates and relative risks (RR) were calculated. The average transport accident mortality rate (TAMR) in Chile (2000-2012) was 12.2. The rates were greater in men (19.7) than in women (4.8), with a RR of 4.1. The rates were higher in the country's southern zone (15.9), increasing in recent years in the southern zone, with a significant positive APC in the northern and central zones. The Maule region had the highest rate (21.1), although Coquimbo was the region with the most significant APC (2.2%). The highest rate (20.3) was verified in the 25-40 age group. The highest rate (14.3) was recorded in 2008. The most frequent type of accident was pedestrian. In general the APC trends of the rates are increasing significantly. This, added to rapid annual automotive growth, will only exacerbate mortality due to transport accidents.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as tendências da mortalidade por acidente em transporte no Chile, entre 2000-2012, por ano, distribuição geográfica, gênero, idade e tipo de acidente. Estudo populacional. Foram usados dados de mortalidade por acidentes de transporte entre 2000-2012. Taxas brutas e ajustadas de mortalidade por acidentes no transporte por região foram calculadas por 100.000 habitantes. A variação percentual anual (APC) da taxa e os riscos relativos (RR) foram calculados. A taxa média de mortalidade por acidentes no transporte (TAMR) no Chile (2000-2012) foi de 12,2. As taxas dos homens (19.7) foram maiores que as das mulheres (4.8), com RR de 4.1. As taxas foram mais elevadas no sul do país (15.9), apresentando crescimento nos últimos anos, com uma APC significativa e positiva nas áreas norte e central. A região de Maule teve a maior taxa (21.1), embora a de Coquimbo tenha apresentado APC (2.2%) significativa. A taxa mais elevada (20.3) foi verificada no grupo de 25-40 anos. Em 2008 foi registrada a taxa mais elevada (14.3). O tipo mais frequente de acidente é o que envolve pedestres. Em geral, a APC tende a apresentar crescimento significativo. Isto, somado a um rápido crescimento automotivo anual, só irá agravar a mortalidade por acidentes de transporte.

Homicide in Chile: Trends 2000-2012.

BACKGROUND: Homicide, an external cause of morbidity and mortality, caused 473,000 deaths worldwide in 2012, a rate of 6.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. The aim of this study was to describe homicide mortality trends in Chile between 2000 and 2012 by year, gender, age group, geographic distribution (by zone and by region) and type of homicide. METHODS: This was a population-based study. Data for homicide mortality in Chile between 2000 and 2012 were used and they were provided by the Chilean Ministry of Health's Department of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) and PAHO/WHO. The homicide mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants. The study variables were year, geographic distribution, gender, age group and type of homicide. The annual percentage change (APC) of the rates was analyzed, and a logarithm of the rates by year and region was fitted by applying linear regression models. In addition, relative risks (RR) were calculated. 95% confidence intervals were considered in all the analyses. RESULTS: The average yearly rate of homicide (HMR) in Chile (2000-2012) was 4.9. The rates were higher in men (8.7) than in women (1.1), with a RR of 8.2. The rates were higher in the country's central zone (5.0), increasing in recent years in the southern zone, with a significant positive APC of 1.1%. The Aisén Region had the highest rate (7.6), although Antofagasta was the region with the most significant APC (3.1%). The highest rate (9.2) was verified in the 25 to 39 age group. The highest rate (5.5) was recorded in 2005. The most frequent type of homicide was assault with an object (44.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the homicide rates are higher in the southern zone of the country, the northern zone is showing a tendency to increase, becoming an even more serious problem, which not only affects those directly involved, but society as a whole.

Combined palliative and anti-inflammatory medications as treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of self-care combined with anti-inflammatory medications in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain associated with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was done by the authors. The databases searched were Medline (1966 to July 2012); EMBASE (1980 to July 2012); and LILACS (from 1982 to July 2012). The review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility and methodological quality and also extracted all data. The data was double-checked for accuracy. There was no language restriction in the searches of EMBASE, PubMed, and LILACS databases, or in the manual search. The risk of bias and the heterogeneity of the studies taken into consideration were assessed. Two studies, randomizing 175 patients, were included in this review. The first study (n = 106) compared the following interventions: medical treatment, rehabilitation, arthroscopic surgery with postoperative rehabilitation, or arthroplastic surgery with post-operative rehabilitation. The second study (n = 69) compared the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and self-care instructions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, occlusal splint, and mobilization therapy. The third group received no treatment; patients were only informed of their prognosis. There is no sufficient evidence regarding efficacy and safety of the palliative treatments associated with anti-inflammatory versus other treatments, or absence of treatment on pain reduction in patients with TMJ DDWOR.

Interventions for vaginismus.

BACKGROUND: Vaginismus is an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles which makes sexual intercourse difficult or impossible. It is one of the more common female psychosexual problems. Various therapeutic strategies for vaginismus, such as sex therapy and desensitisation, have been proposed, and uncontrolled case series appear promising. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different interventions for vaginismus. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's Specialised Register (CCDANCTR-Studies and CCDANCTR-References) to August 2012. This register contains relevant randomised controlled trials from: The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE (1974 to date), MEDLINE (1950 to date) and PsycINFO (1967 to date). We searched reference lists and conference abstracts. We contacted experts in the field regarding unpublished material. SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled trials comparing treatments for vaginismus with another treatment, a placebo treatment, treatment as usual or waiting list control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review authors extracted data which we verified with the trial investigator where possible. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies were included, of which four with a total of 282 participants provided data. No meta-analysis was possible due to heterogeneity of comparisons within included studies as well as inadequate reporting of data. All studies were considered to be at either moderate or high risk of bias. The results of this systematic review indicate that there is no clinical or statistical difference between systematic desensitisation and any of the control interventions (either waiting list control, systematic desensitisation combined with group therapy or in vitro (with women under instruction by the therapist) desensitisation) for the treatment of vaginismus. The drop-out rates were higher in the waiting list groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A clinically relevant effect of systematic desensitisation when compared with any of the control interventions cannot be ruled out. None of the included trials compared other behaviour therapies (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy, sex therapy) to pharmacological interventions. The findings are limited by the evidence available and as such conclusions about the efficacy of interventions for the treatment of vaginismus should be drawn cautiously.