Oral hygiene care and the management of oral symptoms of the cancer patients in palliative care: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to examine the effectiveness of oral hygiene care in the management of oral symptoms of cancer patients under specialist palliative care and the patients' experience of such symptoms and care. INTRODUCTION: Oral symptoms, such as xerostomia, mouth pain or dysgeusia, are highly prevalent in specialist palliative care cancer patients and have a negative effect on their quality of life. Oral hygiene care can manage oral symptoms and could be improved with a more systematized approach, adequate guidelines, and training to properly integrate oral hygiene care into the care provided in specialist palliative care. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies on the effectiveness and experience of oral hygiene care intended to manage oral symptoms of adult cancer patients aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with any type of cancer, under specialist palliative care. METHODS: The search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (EBSCO), and MedicLatina (EBSCO). Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature to be searched will include Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations and Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal. Studies in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from 2000 to the present will be considered. Methodological quality will be assessed and data will be extracted. Synthesis and integration will follow the JBI segregated approach for mixed methods reviews. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023400554.

A successful nursing education promotes newly graduated nurses' job satisfaction one year after graduation: a cross-sectional multi-country study.

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is a key factor for the successful transition of newly graduated nurses (NGNs) and for retaining NGNs in their workplaces. However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between satisfaction regarding the nursing education program and NGNs' job satisfaction in the first year after graduation. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association of the nursing education related factors and NGNs' job satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design with the utilization of data collected from the same respondents one year earlier as educational factors was applied. The data were collected from NGNs (n = 557) in 10 European countries using an electronic survey between February 2019 and September 2020, and analyzed in detail for four countries (n = 417). Job satisfaction was measured with three questions: satisfaction with current job, quality of care in the workplace, and nursing profession. Nursing education related factors were satisfaction with nursing education program, level of study achievements, nursing as the 1st study choice, intention to stay in nursing, and generic nursing competence. The data were analyzed statistically using logistic regression. RESULTS: Most of the NGNs in the 10 countries were satisfied with their current job (88.3%), the quality of care (86.4%) and nursing profession (83.8%). Finnish, German, Lithuanian and Spanish NGNs' satisfaction with the nursing education program at graduation was statistically significantly associated with their job satisfaction, i.e., satisfaction with their current job, the quality of care, and the nursing profession. Moreover, NGNs who had fairly often or very often intention to stay in nursing at graduation were more satisfied with their current job, with the quality of care, and with the nursing profession compared with NGNs who had never or fairly seldom intention to stay in nursing at graduation. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing education plays a significant role in NGNs' job satisfaction one year after graduation, indicating the importance to start career planning already during nursing education. Both nursing education providers and healthcare organizations could plan in close collaboration a transition program for NGNs to ease the transition phase and thus increase the NGNs' job satisfaction and ultimately the high-quality care of the patients.

Perspectives on the Person-Centered Practice of Healthcare Professionals at an Inpatient Hospital Department: A Descriptive Study.

The characteristics of health professionals and their understanding of person-centeredness may have important implications for the development of person-centered practice in specific care settings. In this study, we characterized the perceptions of the person-centered practice of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals working in the internal medicine inpatient unit of a Portuguese hospital. Data were collected using a brief sociodemographic and professional questionnaire and the person-centered practice inventory-staff (PCPI-S), and the effect of different sociodemographic and professional variables on each PCPI-S domain was determined using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that a person-centered practice was positively perceived in the major constructs of prerequisites (M = 4.12; SD = 0.36), the practice environment (M = 3.50; SD = 0.48), and person-centered process (M = 4.08; SD = 0.62) domains. The highest scored construct was developed interpersonal skills (M = 4.35; SD = 0.47), and the lowest was supportive organization systems (M = 3.08; SD = 0.80). Gender was found to influence the perceptions of knowing self (F(2,75) = 3.67, p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.089) and the physical environment (F(2,75) = 3.63, p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.088), as was profession on shared decision-making systems (F(2,75) = 5.38, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.125) and commitment to the job (F(2,75) = 5.27, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.123), and the educational level on being professionally competent (F(1,75) = 4.99, p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.062) and having commitment to the job (F(2,75) = 4.49, p = 0.04, partial η2 = 0.056). In addition, the PCPI-S proved to be a reliable instrument for characterizing healthcare professionals' perceptions of the person-centeredness of care in this context. Identifying personal and professional variables that influence these perceptions could provide a starting point for defining strategies to move practice toward person-centeredness and for monitoring changes in healthcare practice.

Transition from parents to caregivers of a child with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to map and summarize the existing scientific evidence on parents' transition experience to exercise the caregiver role of a child with 1DM, identifying gaps in knowledge of this experience. METHODS: a scoping review was carried out based on JBI methodology, in two databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. RESULTS: we included 31 articles. From the studies, constitutive elements of parents' transition experience to caregiver role of a child with 1DM were found, which focused on the nature of the experience, the feelings and emotions experienced, the hindering conditions, the facilitating conditions, the strategies used by parents and the results or effects obtained. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the transition process' characterizing elements were identified, but not a theoretical explanation of it. Additional research should be carried out in order to allow a deeper understanding of this process.

Transition from parents to caregivers of a child with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a scoping review / Transición de padres a cuidadores de un niño con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1: revisión de alcance / Transição de pais para cuidadores de um filho com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1: scoping review

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map and summarize the existing scientific evidence on parents' transition experience to exercise the caregiver role of a child with 1DM, identifying gaps in knowledge of this experience. Methods: a scoping review was carried out based on JBI methodology, in two databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Results: we included 31 articles. From the studies, constitutive elements of parents' transition experience to caregiver role of a child with 1DM were found, which focused on the nature of the experience, the feelings and emotions experienced, the hindering conditions, the facilitating conditions, the strategies used by parents and the results or effects obtained. Final considerations: the transition process' characterizing elements were identified, but not a theoretical explanation of it. Additional research should be carried out in order to allow a deeper understanding of this process.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear y resumir la evidencia científica existente sobre la experiencia de transición de los padres para ejercer el rol de cuidador de un niño con DM1, identificando los vacíos existentes en el conocimiento de esta experiencia. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de alcance basada en la metodología JBI, en dos bases de datos, siguiendo la lista de verificación Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: se incluyeron 31 artículos. A partir de los estudios se encontraron elementos constitutivos de la experiencia de transición de los padres al rol de cuidador de un niño con DM1, los cuales se centraron en la naturaleza de la experiencia, los sentimientos y emociones experimentados, las condiciones obstaculizadoras, las condiciones facilitadoras, las estrategias utilizados por los padres y los resultados o efectos obtenidos Consideraciones finales: se identificaron elementos caracterizadores del proceso de transición, pero no una explicación teórica del mismo. Se deben realizar investigaciones adicionales para permitir una comprensión más profunda de este proceso.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear e resumir a evidência científica existente sobre a experiência de transição dos pais para o exercício do papel de cuidador de um filho com DM1, identificando lacunas existentes no conhecimento dessa experiência. Métodos: efetuada revisão scoping baseada na metodologia do JBI, em duas bases de dados, seguindo a checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: foram incluídos 31 artigos. A partir dos estudos, foram encontrados elementos constitutivos da experiência de transição dos pais para o papel de cuidador de um filho com DM1, que se centraram na natureza da experiência, nos sentimentos e emoções experimentadas, nas condições dificultadoras, nas condições facilitadoras, nas estratégias utilizadas pelos pais e nos resultados ou efeitos obtidos. Considerações finais: identificaram-se elementos caracterizadores do processo de transição, mas não uma explicação teórica do mesmo. Investigação adicional deverá ser realizada, a fim de permitir compreender aprofundadamente este processo.

Accompaniment of young adults at the end-of-life: The spouse's lived experience.

PURPOSE: Studies with the spouses of young adults with cancer at the end-of-life are scarce, and it is little known how they experience care. This study aims to understand the lived experience of the phenomenon of accompaniment for young adults at end-of-life by their spouse. METHOD: This was a qualitative study, with a hermeneutic-phenomenological design, guided by the conceptual principles of Heidegger and Gadamer. Seven phenomenological interviews were carried out with spouses of young adults, whose narratives were analyzed according to the Gadamerian perspective. RESULTS: The phenomenon of accompaniment unfolded into eight topics: "Accompanying as a human commitment", "Anticipating loss", "Setting limits", "Navigating under the shadow of death through the health services", "Keeping away the shadow of death by infusing life", "Being with", "Initiating the unknown path step by step, seeking to rebuild and co-construct oneself", "The subjectivity and paradoxicality of the lived time". CONCLUSIONS: The accompaniment showed to be the most challenging lived experience for these spouses. They were faced with the threat of their partner's untimely death, which determined their expectations from institutions and health professionals. Faced with this threat, they showed to be diligent in the care of their partner, seeking to provide them with more time to live and a meaningful life. This experience was characterized by multiple losses that resulted in suffering, which left marks on the spouses that conditioned the way they saw the present and the future. These results suggest the need for a differentiated intervention to mitigate the suffering of this spouses.

Person-Centered Practice in Hospitalized Older Adults with Chronic Illness: Clinical Study Protocol.

The aging trend in the population, the high rate of hospitalization, the affliction by multiple chronic illnesses, and the increased vulnerability of older people when hospitalized undoubtedly require a person-centered approach to healthcare-an approach that values a person's participation in the healthcare relationship, supports shared decision making and mutual understanding, and respects a person's values, preferences, and beliefs. However, despite widespread recognition that the adoption of such a clinical practice paradigm is paramount, its implementation and development are still challenging for various health systems and professionals worldwide. The implementation strategy for such a healthcare paradigm must be based on each country's health system organization and practice contexts, as well as the professionals involved. The present work aims to provide guidelines for the understanding of the state of development of person-centered practice in the daily care of hospitalized older adults with chronic illnesses within the internal medicine department of a secondary hospital in an urban area of Portugal. We focus on the characterization of (i) the perceptions of a multidisciplinary team working at an inpatient hospital department of person-centered practice, (ii) the perceptions of hospitalized older adults with chronic illnesses about person-centered practice, (iii) the work culture of an inpatient hospital department with a high prevalence of older adults with chronic illnesses, (iv) the Person-Centred Practice Framework at the organizational and structural levels of the healthcare system, and (v) the elements that influence the implementation of person-centered practice at the individual, organizational, and structural levels in this specific hospital context. To this end, a mixed-methods analysis with a convergent design was planned to use questionnaire instruments to collect data in parallel and independently from distinct samples of health professionals and older inpatient adults within this department. Furthermore, health policies and strategic plans will be analyzed to identify and evaluate references and guidelines for the practice of person-centered care. Studying the dimensions of clinical practice in this specific healthcare context following the Person-Centred Practice Framework can allow us to understand the extent of its development in terms of prerequisites, care environment, care processes, and the macro-context of the healthcare system. Therefore, it is possible to identify and characterize the dimensions achieved and those that need to be improved and, thus, establish a starting point for the definition of new strategies to advance practice towards person-centeredness and monitor changes in healthcare practice.

Nursing students' self-directed learning abilities and related factors at graduation: A multi-country cross-sectional study.

AIM: To describe nursing students' level of self-directed learning abilities and identify possible factors related to it at graduation in six European countries. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparative design across the countries. METHODS: The study was conducted from February 2018 to September 2019. Nursing students (N = 4,135) from the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain were invited to respond to the research instruments (the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning and the Nurse Competence Scale) at graduation. The data were analysed using the chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient and the linear model. RESULTS: The nursing students' (N = 1,746) overall self-directed learning abilities were at high level in all countries. Statistically significant differences occurred between countries. Spanish nursing students reported the highest level of self-directed learning abilities while students from the Czech Republic reported the lowest. Higher level of self-directed learning abilities was related to several factors, particularly with the self-assessed level of competence and country.

Periodized combined training in physically active overweight women over 50 years

Abstract Aim: This quasi-experimental study, analyzes if periodized combined training's influence on plasma cytokine levels, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness in physically active women with overweight and/or obesity over 50 years. Methods: The sample was composed of 33 physically active women who were randomly allocated to three groups: Non-Periodized (NP) (n = 11); Undulating Periodization (UP) (n = 9); and Flexible Undulating Periodization (FUP) (n = 13). This study was conducted for 17 weeks, which included adaptation (weeks 1-3), baseline testing (week 4), training program (weeks 5-16), and post-evaluation (week 17). The training frequency comprised of three weekly sessions, with 30 min of aerobic exercise and 45 min of strength exercises. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results: No differences were observed in weight parameters, plasma levels of cytokines, and biochemical parameters in any group, before and after the completion of the training period. Participants demonstrated increase in strength of the upper limbs in the UP (p = 0.032) and FUP (p = 0.021) groups, an increase in aerobic fitness in the NP (p = 0.041) and UP (p = 0.005) groups, and an increase in the amount of time of vigorous activity per week in the NP group (p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study shows that periodized combined training in physically active women with overweight and/or obesity over 50 years proved to be beneficial for all groups; although, the UP group exhibited better performance.

The level of competence of graduating nursing students in 10 European countries-Comparison between countries.

AIM: To analyse graduating nursing students' self-assessed competence level in Europe at graduation, at the beginning of nursing career. DESIGN: An international cross-sectional evaluative design. METHODS: Data were collected in February 2018-July 2019 from graduating nursing students in 10 European countries. Competence was assessed with a validated instrument, the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). The sample comprised 3,490 students (response rate 45%), and data were analysed statistically. RESULTS: In all countries, graduating nursing students assessed their competence as good (range 50.0-69.1; VAS 0-100), albeit with statistically significant differences between countries. The assessments were highest in Iceland and lowest in Lithuania. Older students, those with working experience in health care, satisfied with their current degree programme, with excellent or good study achievements, graduating to 1st study choice and having a nursing career plan for future assessed their competence higher.

Validation of visual instrument for location and measurement of pain intensity / Validação de instrumento visual para localização e mensuração da intensidade da dor

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are very few instruments in the literature that allow for the precise identification of neuropathic pain, that are easy to apply and can represent the pain intensity and location within the plexus path, as well as be used for pain management. The objective of this study was to validate a visual instrument made from a color scale and a body diagram to locate and measure the pain intensity in adults with brachial plexopathy. METHODS: This exploratory study used a quantitative approach. The sample was composed of 35 patients presenting brachial plexus pain and who underwent surgery. The instrument is composed of a four-color scale and a body diagram. Each patient identified a color on the scale for each pain intensity and then colored the representative pain area in the diagram using one or more colors. Criterion validation was used to prove the correlation between the scores obtained by the instrument and the surgical reports, which were used as the external criterion. RESULTS: A significant agreement was observed between the representation of pain in the diagram and the surgical report in all nerve trunks. CONCLUSION: The instrument was found to be useful for locating the pain and measuring its intensity in patients with brachial plexopathy.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Na literatura são escassos os instrumentos que permitem identificar precisamente a dor neuropática, sejam de fácil aplicação, possam representar a intensidade e a localização da dor dentro do trajeto plexular e ser utilizados no manejo da dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi validar um instrumento visual composto por escala de cores e diagrama corporal para localização e mensuração da intensidade da dor em adultos com plexopatia braquial. MÉTODOS: Estudo exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 35 pacientes com plexobraquialgia submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Foi utilizado um instrumento imagético composto por uma escala de quatro cores e um diagrama corporal. Os pacientes identificaram na escala uma cor para cada intensidade de dor e coloriram no diagrama a sua área representativa, utilizando uma ou mais cores. A validação de critério foi utilizada para comprovar a correlação entre os escores do instrumento criado e os laudos cirúrgicos que corresponderam ao critério externo. RESULTADOS: Observou-se concordância significativa entre a representação da dor no diagrama corporal e o laudo cirúrgico em todos os troncos nervosos. CONCLUSÃO: O instrumento imagético se mostrou útil para localização e mensuração da intensidade da dor em pacientes com plexopatia braquial.

Prevalence and management of refractory meralgia paresthetica in lumbar spine surgery: 5 years of experience / Prevalência e manejo da meralgia parestésica refratária em cirurgia de coluna lombar: experiência de cinco anos / Prevalencia y manejo de la meralgia parestésica refractaria en cirugía de columna lumbar: experiencia de 5 años

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of our study was to report 5 years of experience in the recognition and management of refractory meralgia paresthetica (MP) in patients who had undergone posterior approach lumbar surgery. Methods Patients who were submitted to procedures in the lumbar spine from January 2010 to January 2015 in three different hospital centers in Belo Horizonte/MG were selected for an evaluation of the postoperative development of MP. A prospective observational comparative case series study. Level of evidence III. Evaluation of the following parameters: type of support for the patient, surgical time, body mass index. Results 367 posterior approach lumbar spine surgeries for degenerative pathologies of the lumbar spine were performed. MP was observed in 81 patients (22%). In 65 of those patients (80%), there was complete resolution of the symptoms with conservative management (local measures and medications for neuropathic pain) in less than two months. Twelve patients improved with a corticosteroid depot injection in the inguinal ligament and four patients required a surgical procedure in the third month. Pneumatic support was the least involved in the development of MP, as well as surgical time <1h and body mass index <25. Conclusion Refractory MP may occur in patients submitted to posterior approach lumbar spine surgeries. Management includes local measures, medications for neuropathic pain, and corticosteroid injection in the inguinal ligament. Decompression surgery is reserved for rare refractory cases. Level of evidence III; Prospective observational study with comparative case series.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo consiste em relatar a experiência de cinco anos no reconhecimento e manejo da meralgia parestésica (MP) refratária em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias lombares por via posterior. Métodos Pacientes submetidos a procedimentos na coluna lombar, no período de janeiro de 2010 a janeiro de 2015, em três diferentes centros hospitalares de Belo Horizonte/MG, foram selecionados para avaliação do desenvolvimento da MP pós-operatória. Estudo prospectivo observacional com série de casos comparativos. Nível III de evidência. Avaliação dos seguintes parâmetros: tipo de suporte para o paciente, tempo de cirurgia, índice de massa corporal. Resultados Foram feitas 367 cirurgias por via posterior da coluna lombar para patologias degenerativas da coluna lombar. A MP foi observada em 81 pacientes (22%). Em 65 pacientes (80%), houve resolução completa dos sintomas com manejo conservador (medidas locais e medicamentos para dor neuropática) em menos de dois meses. Doze pacientes melhoraram através de infiltração com corticoide de depósito e anestésico no local no ligamento inguinal e, em quatro pacientes houve necessidade de procedimento cirúrgico no terceiro mês. O suporte pneumático foi o menos envolvido no desenvolvimento da MP, assim como o tempo cirúrgico <1h e índice de massa corporal <25. Conclusão A MP refratária pode ocorrer em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias na coluna lombar por via posterior. O manejo inclui medidas locais, medicamentos para dor neuropática e infiltração com corticoide no ligamento inguinal. A cirurgia descompressiva está reservada para os raros casos refratários. Nível de evidência III; Estudo prospectivo observacional com série de casos comparativos.

RESUMEN Objetivo El objetivo del presente estudio consiste en relatar la experiencia de 5 años en el reconocimiento y manejo de la meralgia parestésica (MP) refractaria en pacientes sometidos a cirugías lumbares por vía posterior. Métodos Pacientes sometidos a procedimientos en la columna lumbar, en el período de enero de 2010 a enero de 2015, en tres diferentes centros hospitalarios de Belo Horizonte/MG, fueron seleccionados para evaluación del desarrollo de la MP postoperatoria. Estudio prospectivo observacional con serie de casos comparativos. Nivel III de evidencia. Evaluación de los siguientes parámetros: tipo de soporte para el paciente, tiempo de cirugía, índice de masa corporal. Resultados Se realizaron 367 cirugías por vía posterior de la columna lumbar para patologías degenerativas de la columna lumbar. La MP fue observada en 81 pacientes (22%). En 65 pacientes (80%) hubo resolución completa de los síntomas con manejo conservador (medidas locales y medicamentos para el dolor neuropático) en menos de 2 meses. Doce pacientes mejoraron a través de infiltración de corticoide de depósito y anestésico en el local en el ligamento inguinal y, en cuatro pacientes, hubo necesidad de procedimiento quirúrgico en el tercer mes. El soporte neumático fue el menos involucrado en el desarrollo de la MP, así como el tiempo quirúrgico <1h e índice de masa corporal <25. Conclusión La MP refractaria puede ocurrir en pacientes sometidos a cirugías en la columna lumbar por vía posterior. El manejo incluye medidas locales, medicamentos para el dolor neuropático e infiltración con corticoide en el ligamento inguinal. La cirugía descompresiva está reservada para los raros casos refractarios. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio prospectivo observacional con serie de casos comparativos.

A literacia em saúde mental acerca da depressão numa população adulta / Mental health literacy about depression in an adult population

Enquadramento: A literacia em saúde mental define-se pelo conjunto de conhecimentos e crenças que o indivíduo possui sobre perturbação mental que lhe permitem o seu reconhecimento, gestão e prevenção (Jorm et al., 1997, citado por Jorm, 2014). Em Portugal, as perturbações psiquiátricas afetam mais de um quinto da população (DGS, 2014), sendo que as perturbações depressivas apresentam a maior prevalência nacional na região centro do país (DGS, 2015). A evolução da prescrição de psicofármacos tem revelado um aumento do seu consumo, sendo os antidepressivos aqueles que registaram maior aumento entre 2010 e 2012 (Infarmed, 2013). Objetivos: Os objetivos deste estudo consistem em avaliar a literacia em saúde mental acerca da depressão numa população adulta e investigar as suas atitudes em relação ao uso de psicofármacos para o seu tratamento. Metodologia: Na tentativa de responder a questões relacionadas com a literacia em saúde mental no âmbito da depressão, a relação entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e as componentes da LSM e as atitudes relativamente ao uso de psicofármacos no tratamento da depressão, foram utilizados o QuALiSMental na versão validada para a população portuguesa (Loureiro, 2014) e o ICSP (Inventário de Crenças sobre os Psicofármacos). A amostra do tipo probabilístico acidental constitui-se de 102 adultos. Resultados: O reconhecimento da depressão foi elevado (72.5%), sendo que as variáveis sociodemográficas não se mostraram estatisticamente relevantes para esse reconhecimento. Apenas a escolha do psiquiatra, como profissional adequado a procurar, e os comprimidos para dormir, como tratamento, se mostraram preditores do reconhecimento da depressão. Não se encontraram relações estatisticamente significativas entre as variáveis sociodemográficas ou o reconhecimento com as atitudes em relação ao uso dos psicofármacos no tratamento da depressão. A atitude em relação aos psicofármacos que mais se evidenciou foi a atitude de neutralidade em que se aceitam como coadjuvantes de outras intervenções. A familiaridade com os psicofármacos foi a única variável que se mostrou preditora da atitude de neutralidade.

C1-C4 Dorsal Column Stimulation for Refractory Occipital Neuralgia Treatment. Case Report

Introduction Refractory occipital neuralgia is a difficult medical condition, especially when the patient has already been submitted to occipital nerve neurectomy and radiofrequency rhizotomy. There is no case report of spinal cord stimulation in the C1- C4 cervical segments for this condition. Objective To evaluate if C1-C4 dorsal spinal cord stimulation is effective in a patient with refractory occipital neuralgia who was already submitted to neurectomy and rhizotomy. Methods After obtaining the approval from the Ethics Committee of one of our institutions, a unilateral laminectomy was performed between C3 and C4, and a neurostimulator lead was conducted until the posterior portion of the C1 arc was in full view. Then we performed an intraoperative test to evaluate the correspondence between pain location and stimulation-induced paresthesias. We could not put the subcutaneous lead for such condition because of the scar tissue of the area and the previous neurectomy. Results After one year of follow up, we noticed a dramatic improvement in pain control, as well as medication withdrawal. The score of the visual analogue scale was 9 before the surgery, and it dropped to 2 after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion Spinal cord stimulation between the C1 and C4 cervical segments can be an option for selected cases of refractory occipital neuralgia, including those patients who have already been submitted to neurectomy or rhizotomy.

Neuralgia occipital refratária é uma condição médica difícil, especialmente em pacientes submetidos previamente a neurectomia nos nervos occipitais e rizotomia por radiofrequência. Não há na literatura relato de estimulação da medula espinhal entre os níveis C1 e C4 para essa condição. Objetivos Avaliar se a estimulação da coluna dorsal da medula nos níveis C1 a C4 é eficaz no controle da dor em paciente com neuralgia occipital refratária já submetido a neurectomia e rizotomia. Métodos Após aprovação do Conselho de Ética de uma de nossas instituições, foi realizada laminectomia unilateral de C3 e C4, com posterior introdução do conjunto de eletrodos em placa, que foi posicionado até que a porção anterior do arco de C1 estivesse sob visão direta. Posteriormente, foi realizado um teste intraoperatório para avaliar a correspondência entre a área dolorosa e a parestesia induzida pela estimulação. Não possível optar pelo uso de eletrodo subcutâneo devido ao extenso tecido cicatricial secundário às cirurgias prévias. Resultados Melhora significativa da dor ocorreu ao longo de um ano de acompanhamento, com redução progressiva da dose da medicação. O valor da escala visual analógica no pré-operatório era 9, e após 1 ano de acompanhamento, reduziu para 2. Conclusão Estimulação da coluna dorsal da medula espinhal entre os seguimentos C1 e C4 pode, em casos selecionados, ser uma opção terapêutica na neuralgia occipital refratária, incluindo pacientes que já foram submetidos a neurectomia e rizotomia.

Risk factors in the domestic environment for falls in children under five years of age. / Fatores de risco no ambiente doméstico para quedas em crianças menores de cinco anos.

Objective To analyze the risk factors in the domestic environment for the occurrence of falls in children under five years of age. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in May and in June of 2016 with 344 caregivers of children from Northeast Brazil. A socio-economic questionnaire and a checklist for environmental observation were used. Bivariate analyzes were performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results They were associated with the risk of falls in children under 5 years of age: High net (p = 0.015), presence of stairs or steps without a handrail (p=0.003), and exits and passages kept with toys, furniture, boxes or other items that may be obstructive (p=0.002). Conclusion The factors in the domestic environment identified as associated with the risk of falls in children under five years of age demonstrate that there is a need to construct prevention strategies related to the structure and organization of this environment.

Fatores de risco no ambiente doméstico para quedas em crianças menores de cinco anos / Factores de riesgo en el ambiente doméstico para caídas en niños menores de cinco años / Risk factors in the domestic environment for falls in children under five years of age

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os fatores de risco no ambiente doméstico para a ocorrência de quedas em crianças menores de cinco anos. Método Estudo transversal realizado em maio e junho de 2016 com 344 cuidadores de crianças do Nordeste do Brasil. Utilizou-se um formulário referente às questões socioeconômicas e um check-list para observação do ambiente. Realizaram-se análises bivariadas, utilizando-se teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados Estiveram associados ao risco de quedas em crianças menores de cinco anos: Rede alta (p=0,015), presença de escada ou degraus sem corrimão (p=0,003) e saídas e passagens mantidas com brinquedos, móveis, caixas ou outros itens que possam ser obstrutivos (p=0,002). Conclusão Os fatores no ambiente doméstico identificados como associados ao risco de quedas em crianças menores de cinco anos demonstram que existe a necessidade de construir estratégias de prevenção relacionadas à estrutura e organização desse ambiente.

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar los factores de riesgo en el ambiente doméstico para la ocurrencia de caídas en niños menores de cinco años. Método Estudio transversal, realizado en mayo y junio de 2016 con 344 cuidadores de niños del Nordeste de Brasil. Se utilizó un formulario referente a las cuestiones socioeconómicas y un check-list para observación del ambiente. Se realizaron análisis bivariados, utilizando la prueba Chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados Se han asociado al riesgo de caídas en niños menores de cinco años: Red alta (p=0,015), presencia de escalera o escalones sin barandilla (p=0,003) y salidas y pasajes mantenidos con juguetes, muebles, cajas u otros elementos que puedan ser obstructivos (p=0,002). Conclusion Los factores en el ambiente doméstico identificados como asociados al riesgo de caídas en niños menores de cinco años demuestran que existe la necesidad de construir estrategias de prevención relacionadas a la estructura y organización de ese ambiente.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the risk factors in the domestic environment for the occurrence of falls in children under five years of age. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in May and in June of 2016 with 344 caregivers of children from Northeast Brazil. A socio-economic questionnaire and a checklist for environmental observation were used. Bivariate analyzes were performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results They were associated with the risk of falls in children under 5 years of age: High net (p = 0.015), presence of stairs or steps without a handrail (p=0.003), and exits and passages kept with toys, furniture, boxes or other items that may be obstructive (p=0.002). Conclusion The factors in the domestic environment identified as associated with the risk of falls in children under five years of age demonstrate that there is a need to construct prevention strategies related to the structure and organization of this environment.

Análise microbiológica de copos de liquidificador e placas de corte em cantinas de escolas públicas do Guará ­ DF / Microbiological analysis of blender cups and cutting boards in canteens of Guará public schools - DF

A maioria das escolas da rede brasileira de ensino possui estabelecimentos que distribuem alimentos cuja qualidade higiênica pode ser questionada. Tal situação desperta preocupação, visto que os consumidores desses alimentos são frequentemente mais susceptíveis a doenças de origem alimentar. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a existência de contaminação microbiana em copo de liquidificador e placa de corte em cantinas de escolas públicas do Guará - Distrito Federal. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter exploratório realizado em 10 cantinas de escola públicas. A coleta das amostras foi realizada através da técnica do swab e analisado em laboratório a existência de micro-organismos Aeróbios Mesófilos, Coliformes termotolerantes, e Staphylococcus aureus. Verificou-se que as amostras apresentaram a existência de micro-organismos, necessitando de melhor controle das condições higienicossanitárias para garantir a qualidade de vida e prevenção de doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Most schools in the Brazilian school system has establishments that distribute food whose hygienic quality can be questioned. This situation raises concern, since the consumers of these foods are often more susceptible to food-borne illness. The objective of this study was to analyze the existence of microbial contamination in a blender bowl and cutting board in public schools canteens of Guara - Federal District. It is an exploratory study conducted in 10 public school canteens. The collection of samples was performed by the swab technique and analyzed in the laboratory the existence of mesophilic aerobic, coliforms thermotolerant, and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. It was found that the samples showed the presence of microorganisms, requiring better control of sanitary conditions to maintain quality of life and prevention of foodborne illness.

Epidemiologic Profile of Brachial Plexus Traumatic Lesions in Adults at an Outpatient Clinic in Minas Gerais

This study aimed to raise demographic and epidemiological aspects as well as the time until surgery in patients with brachial plexus injury in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forty-seven patients who underwent surgery were evaluated retrospectively in the period 2010 to 2011. The majority (91.5%) were male, mean age 34.4 years; 56.5% were single or separated; 55.3%, from the countryside of Minas Gerais. With regard to schooling, 47.8% had not completed elementary school level. Most of them (43.5%) had a heavy duty job, including houseworking, agriculture, industry. Traffic accidents were the main cause of the injury (97.9%); and motorcycle accidents accounted for 68.1% of the lesions. The time between the accident and the first view by brachial plexus specialist ranged from 1 month to 30 months. The time between query and specialized surgical treatment ranged from 5 to 18 months, mean 10 months. This study points out the epidemiological characteristics of patients with brachial plexus injuries in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Most of the injuries occurred after motorcycle accident in male patients with unfavorable social and economic conditions. In addition, the surgical timing was far above the recommended, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis for functional recovery.

O presente estudo objetivou levantar aspectos sociodemográficos e epidemiológicos, bem como o intervalo de tempo até a cirurgia, dos pacientes com trauma do plexo braquial em Belo Horizonte (MG). Quarenta e sete pacientes submetidos à cirurgia foram avaliados retrospectivamente no período de 2010 a 2011. A maioria (91,5%) era do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 34,4 anos; 56,5% eram solteiros ou separados; 55,3%, provenientes do interior do estado de Minas Gerais. No que se refere ao nível de escolaridade, 47,8% não haviam completado o nível de ensino fundamental. A maioria deles (43,5%) exercia atividade braçal (serviços gerais, agricultura, indústria e construção civil). Os acidentes de trânsito foram os principais causadores de trauma (97,9%), sendo os acidentes de motocicleta responsáveis por 68,1% das lesões. O tempo entre o acidente e o atendimento pelo médico especialista variou de 1 mês a 30 meses. O tempo entre a consulta especializada e o tratamento cirúrgico variou de 5 a 18 meses com média de 10 meses. O presente estudo aponta as características epidemiológicas dos pacientes com lesões de plexo braquial em Minas Gerais. A maior parte das lesões ocorreu após acidente de moto, em pacientes do sexo masculino, com condições sociais e econômicas desfavoráveis. Além disso, o tempo até o reparo das lesões foi bem acima do preconizado, implicando em prognóstico desfavorável para recuperação funcional.

How Portuguese and American teachers plan for literacy instruction.

This study explored American and Portuguese elementary teachers' preferences in planning for literacy instruction using the Language Arts Activity Grid (LAAG; Cunningham, Zibulsky, Stanovich, & Stanovich, 2009), on which teachers described their preferred instructional activities for a hypothetical 2-h language arts block. Portuguese teachers (N = 186) completed Portuguese versions of a background questionnaire and LAAG electronically, in Survey Monkey; American teachers (N = 102) completed identical English measures using paper and pencil. Results showed that teachers in both groups usually addressed comprehension and reading fluency on their LAAGs and that they also allocated the most time to these two areas. However, American teachers were more likely to include teacher-directed fluency activities, whereas Portuguese teachers were more likely to include fluency activities that were not teacher directed. Significantly more American than Portuguese teachers addressed phonics in their planning, whereas significantly more Portuguese than American teachers addressed writing processes such as revision. Both groups of educators demonstrated large variability in planning, with many teachers omitting important components of literacy identified by researchers, for writing as well as reading. The study highlights the importance of providing teachers with comprehensive, research-based core literacy curricula as well as professional development on key components of literacy. Study findings also suggest significant relationships between orthographic transparency and teachers' instructional planning.

Impacts of Lithological and Anthropogenic Factors Affecting Water Chemistry in the Upper Paraguay River Basin.

Located in the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB), the Pantanal is considered the world's largest wetland, being rather pristine although increasingly threatened by development programs. The main objective of this paper is to provide a baseline of water chemistry for this region, which is largely unknown as a result of poor accessibility. We used two datasets (70 and 122 water samples) collected in the Pantanal floodplain and surrounding uplands during the wet season occurring from November to March. From the major-ion mineral chemistry, dissolved silica, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and the ionic forms of N, principal components analysis (PCA) treatments were used to identify and rank the main factors of variability and decipher the associated processes affecting the water chemistry. The results revealed that the water mineral concentration was a major factor of variability and it must be attributed first to lithology and second to agricultural inputs from extensive crop cultivation areas that mainly affects sulfate (SO) concentration on the eastern edge of the Pantanal. These processes influence the floodplain, where (i) the mixing of waters remains the main process, (ii) the weight of the biological and redox processes increased, and (iii) the chemical signature of the extensive cropping is transferred along the São Lourenço Basin down to its confluence with the Cuiaba River. Optimized parameters based on projections in the main factorial score plots were used for the mapping of lithological and agricultural impacts on water chemistry.