Full-body resistance training promotes greater fat mass loss than a split-body routine in well-trained males: A randomized trial.

While significant progress has been made in understanding the resistance training (RT) strategy for muscle hypertrophy increase, there remains limited knowledge about its impact on fat mass loss. This study aimed to investigate whether full-body is superior to split-body routine in promoting fat mass loss among well-trained males. Twenty-three participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: full-body (n = 11, training muscle groups 5 days per week) and split-body (n = 12, training muscle groups 1 day per week). Both groups performed a weekly set volume-matched condition (75 sets/week, 8-12 repetition maximum at 70%-80 % of 1RM) for 8 weeks, 5 days per week with differences only in the routine. Whole-body and regional fat were assessed using DXA at the beginning and at the end of the study. Full-body RT elicited greater losses compared to split-body in whole-body fat mass (-0.775 ± 1.120 kg vs. +0.317 ± 1.260 kg; p = 0.040), upper-limb fat mass (-0.085 ± 0.118 kg vs. +0.066 ± 0.162 kg; p = 0.019), gynoid fat mass (-0.142 ± 0.230 kg vs. +0.123 ± 0.230 kg; p = 0.012), lower-limb fat mass (-0.197 ± 0.204 kg vs. +0.055 ± 0.328 kg; p = 0.040), and a trend in interaction in android fat mass (-0.116 ± 0.153 kg vs. +0.026 ± 0.174 kg; p = 0.051), with large effects sizes (η2 p ≥ 0.17). This study provides evidence that full-body is more effective in reducing whole-body and regional fat mass compared to split-body routine in well-trained males.

Unlocking the complete blood count as a risk stratification tool for breast cancer using machine learning: a large scale retrospective study.

Optimizing early breast cancer (BC) detection requires effective risk assessment tools. This retrospective study from Brazil showcases the efficacy of machine learning in discerning complex patterns within routine blood tests, presenting a globally accessible and cost-effective approach for risk evaluation. We analyzed complete blood count (CBC) tests from 396,848 women aged 40-70, who underwent breast imaging or biopsies within six months after their CBC test. Of these, 2861 (0.72%) were identified as cases: 1882 with BC confirmed by anatomopathological tests, and 979 with highly suspicious imaging (BI-RADS 5). The remaining 393,987 participants (99.28%), with BI-RADS 1 or 2 results, were classified as controls. The database was divided into modeling (including training and validation) and testing sets based on diagnostic certainty. The testing set comprised cases confirmed by anatomopathology and controls cancer-free for 4.5-6.5 years post-CBC. Our ridge regression model, incorporating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, red blood cells, and age, achieved an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI 0.64-0.65). We also demonstrate that these results are slightly better than those from a boosting machine learning model, LightGBM, plus having the benefit of being fully interpretable. Using the probabilistic output from this model, we divided the study population into four risk groups: high, moderate, average, and low risk, which obtained relative ratios of BC of 1.99, 1.32, 1.02, and 0.42, respectively. The aim of this stratification was to streamline prioritization, potentially improving the early detection of breast cancer, particularly in resource-limited environments. As a risk stratification tool, this model offers the potential for personalized breast cancer screening by prioritizing women based on their individual risk, thereby indicating a shift from a broad population strategy.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Brazilian Pregnant Women at the Beginning of the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the presence of PTSD symptoms and their risk among the pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of pregnant women that received receiving prenatal care at two university hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic, from April to June 2020. The sociodemographic and health data of the participants and their exposure to individuals suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 were evaluated. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess PTSD and anxiety symptoms, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 149 pregnant women were included in this study. The risk of PTSD among the participants was 55.1%. The independent risk factors for PTSD were state anxiety (ORadj = 2.6), trait anxiety (ORadj = 10.7), changes in routine due to the pandemic (ORadj = 4.7) and contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 person (ORadj = 7.1). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the mental health of pregnant women, more than half of the participants of the present study showed a risk of PTSD, exacerbated by anxiety symptoms and exposure to individuals with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Routine Outcome Monitoring from Psychotherapists' Perspectives: A Framework Analysis Study of Expected Benefits and Difficulties.

Psychotherapists' attitudes and expectations towards routine outcome monitoring can impact the likelihood of its fruitful implementation. While existing studies have predominantly focused on Europe and North America, research in Latin America remains limited. The aim of this study is to explore therapists' expected benefits and difficulties prior to implementing a routine outcome monitoring system in a university psychotherapy service in Ecuador. An exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out with 20 participants aged 21 to 47. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' knowledge about routine outcome monitoring, their expectations of the difficulties, benefits, usability and risks of using a monitoring system, as well as their expectations about their role in the process. The data analysis adhered to the framework analysis methodology, leading to the identification of six overarching themes, 36 specific themes and 82 subthemes. The interviews highlighted a spectrum of positive and negative expectations at several levels: institutional/general, therapeutic process, therapists, and clients. Perceived benefits encompassed various aspects, including the availability of supplementary information, continuous adaptation of the therapeutic process, facilitation of organization and treatment planning, opportunities for professional development, and fostering patient trust and empowerment. On the other hand, anticipated difficulties comprised concerns such as discomfort among therapists and clients, increased workload, system usage and technical difficulties, and the risk of excessive quantification. Overall, participants expressed more anticipated benefits than difficulties. We present recommendations that can support and optimize the current local implementation efforts of routine outcome monitoring, both within this service and in other settings. These recommendations consider ways to meet positive expectations and address or mitigate negative ones.

Routine regularity during a global pandemic: Impact on mental health outcomes and influence of chronotype.

Among the public health recommendations for supporting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, many strategies had an impact on biological rhythms, like sleep hygiene, physical exercise and healthy eating habits. Considering the known relationship between circadian organization and mental health, our aim was to test the association between behavioral regularity and mental health, and its interaction with chronotype, in a large sample surveyed in Brazil. We collected longitudinal data using online questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral routines, mental health (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5 scales), and chronotype estimation based on midpoint of sleep on free days - MSF (µMCTQ), in a sample of 1390 participants (81% females). We computed a Routine Regularity Score (RRS) that reflects regularity across four behaviors: sleep, eating, working, exercising. There was a strong negative association between RRS and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms (GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores), which was weaker among participants with late MSF, and a strong positive association with well-being (WHO-5 scores). RRS was a mediator of the MSF-mental health association and a predictor of mental health states. This study provides empirical evidence that maintaining behavioral routines during times of hardship may serve as tools to alleviate the negative impact on mental health.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of a novel algorithm to sequentially diagnose leprosy based on manufactured tests under the SUS perspective / Análise de custo-efetividade de um novo algoritmo para exame sequencial de hanseníase baseado em testes fabricados sob a perspectiva do SUS / Análisis de costo-efectividad de un nuevo algoritmo para el examen secuencial de lepra basado en pruebas fabricadas bajo la perspectiva del SUS

Abstract: Brazil has the second largest number of leprosy cases (a disease with a significant burden) in the world. Despite global and local efforts to eliminate this public health problem, inadequate or late diagnosis contribute to perpetuate its transmission, especially among household contacts. Tests such as the rapid IgM antibody detection (RT) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were developed to overcome the challenges of early diagnosis of leprosy. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of a new diagnostic algorithm recommended by the Brazilian government to diagnose leprosy in household contacts of confirmed leprosy cases, which includes the RT and RT-PCR tests. A decision tree model was constructed and the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and a 1-year time horizon were adopted. Only direct medical costs related to diagnostic tests were included. Effectiveness was measured as the number of avoided undiagnosed leprosy cases. Different scenarios were analyzed. The sequential use of RT, slit-skin smear (SSS) microscopy, and RT-PCR as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health was compared to a base case (isolated SSS microscopy), yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD 616.46 per avoided undiagnosed leprosy case. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the prevalence of leprosy among household contacts was the variable that influenced the model the most. This is the first economic model to analyze a diagnostic algorithm of leprosy. Results may aid managers to define policies and strategies to eradicate leprosy in Brazil.

Resumo: O Brasil tem o segundo maior número de casos de hanseníase (doença com carga significativa) do mundo. Apesar dos esforços globais e locais para eliminar esse problema de saúde pública, o diagnóstico inadequado ou tardio contribui para perpetuar sua transmissão, especialmente entre contatos intradomiciliares. Exames como o teste rápido de anticorpos IgM (RT) e a reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) foram desenvolvidos para superar as barreiras do diagnóstico precoce da hanseníase. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação custo-efetividade de um novo algoritmo de diagnóstico recomendado pelo governo brasileiro para diagnosticar a hanseníase em contatos domiciliares de casos confirmados de hanseníase, que inclui os testes RT e RT-PCR. Foi construído um modelo de árvore de decisão e adotada a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) considerando o período de um ano. Foram incluídos apenas os custos médicos diretos relacionados aos exames diagnósticos. A efetividade foi medida considerando o número de casos evitados de hanseníase. Diferentes cenários foram analisados. O uso sequencial de RT, baciloscopia e RT-PCR, conforme recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde, foi comparado a um caso base (baciloscopia isolada), obtendo-se uma razão de custo-efetividade incremental de USD 616,46 por caso evitado de hanseníase. A análise de sensibilidade univariada mostrou que a prevalência de hanseníase entre contatos intradomiciliares foi a variável que mais influenciou o modelo. Este é o primeiro modelo econômico a analisar um algoritmo diagnóstico da hanseníase. Os resultados poderão auxiliar os gestores na definição de políticas e estratégias para a erradicação da hanseníase no Brasil.

Resumen: Brasil tiene el segundo mayor número de casos de lepra (enfermedad con carga significativa) del mundo. A pesar de los esfuerzos globales y locales para eliminar ese problema de salud pública, el diagnóstico inadecuado o tardío contribuye a perpetuar su transmisión, sobre todo entre contactos intradomiciliarios. Los exámenes como la prueba rápida de anticuerpos IgM (RT) y la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (RT-PCR) se desarrollaron para superar las barreras del diagnóstico precoz de la lepra. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación de costo-efectividad de un nuevo algoritmo de diagnóstico recomendado por el gobierno brasileño para diagnosticar la lepra en contactos domiciliarios de casos confirmados de lepra, que incluye las pruebas RT y RT-PCR. Se construyó un modelo de árbol de decisión y se adoptó la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) teniendo en cuenta el periodo de un año. Solo se incluyeron los costos médicos directos relacionados con los exámenes diagnósticos. Se midió la efectividad teniendo en cuenta el número de casos de lepra evitados. Se analizaron distintos escenarios. Se comparó el uso secuencial de RT, baciloscopia y RT-PCR, conforme el Ministerio de Salud recomienda, con un caso base (baciloscopia aislada), y se obtuvo un cociente de costo-efectividad incremental de USD 616,46 por cada caso de lepra evitado. El análisis de sensibilidad univariante mostró que la prevalencia de lepra entre contactos intradomiciliarios fue la variable que más influyó el modelo. Este es el primer modelo económico que analiza un algoritmo diagnóstico de lepra. Los resultados podrán ayudar los gestores a definir políticas y estrategias para erradicar la lepra en Brasil.

Impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on climacteric women's health: Websurvey.

OBJECTIVE: The menopausal transition is an important milestone in female reproductive life. Many studies have been conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, but few of them focus on the climacteric population. This study aimed to investigate changes in the health and health care of climacteric women aged 40-70 years residing in Brazil during the pandemic period. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an electronic form with questions related to sociodemographic, clinical and gynecological data, treatments, access to health services and changes in behavior. RESULTS: A total of 419 women answered the questionnaire. Sixty percent reported weight gain and 50.8% reported reduced physical activity practice. More than 80% reported worsening mental health and 66.1% had a change in their sleep pattern. More than half reported having difficulty accessing gynecological consultations and routine examinations. Women living in capital cities reported a greater change in alcohol consumption (p = 0.002). Income change was associated with a higher prevalence of weight gain (p = 0.033) and changes in sleep quality (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: We observed an important reduction in the health care of climacteric women during the pandemic period, such as a decrease in medical consultations and preventive examinations, worsening of life habits and deterioration in mental health.

Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with variations in daily routines in elementary schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between child ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and home-school learning environment characteristics during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic in schoolchildren with low- and middle income in Chile. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. UPF consumption was collected using the Nova screener. We apply the structured days hypothesis (SDH) to assess home-school learning environment characteristics with three constructs that summarised school preparedness for online teaching and learning, school closure difficulties for caregivers and child routine. We explored associations between child UPF consumption and home-school environment characteristics using multivariate linear regression analyses after controlling for child demographic and school characteristics. SETTING: Low- and middle-income neighbourhoods in southeastern Santiago, Chile. PARTICIPANTS: Children from the Food Environment Chilean Cohort (n 428, 8-10 years old). RESULTS: Based on the Nova score, child mean consumption of UPF was 4·3 (sd 1·9) groups. We found a statistically significant negative association between child routine for eating, play and study and child UPF consumption when we adjusted for child sociodemographic (model 1: ß = -0·19, (95 % CI -0·40, 0·02)) and school characteristics (model 2: ß = -0·20, (95 % CI -0·41, 0·00)). Associations between school preparedness for online teaching or school closure difficulties and UPF were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in child routines during the COVID-19 pandemic were negatively associated with UPF intake in schoolchildren with low- and middle income. Our findings are consistent with the SDH, suggesting the school environment helps regulate eating behaviours. Future research should evaluate what happens when children return to in-person classes at school.

Nondestructive Methods of Pathogen Detection: Importance of Mosquito Integrity in Studies of Disease Transmission and Control.

Mosquitoes are vectors of many pathogens, including viruses, protozoans, and helminths, spreading these pathogens to humans as well as to wild and domestic animals. As the identification of species and the biological characterization of mosquito vectors are cornerstones for understanding patterns of disease transmission, and the design of control strategies, we conducted a literature review on the current use of noninvasive and nondestructive techniques for pathogen detection in mosquitoes, highlighting the importance of their taxonomic status and systematics, and some gaps in the knowledge of their vectorial capacity. Here, we summarized the alternative techniques for pathogen detection in mosquitoes based on both laboratory and field studies. Parasite infection and dissemination by mosquitoes can also be obtained via analyses of saliva- and excreta-based techniques or of the whole mosquito body, using a near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) approach. Further research should be encouraged to seek strategies for detecting target pathogens while preserving mosquito morphology, especially in biodiversity hotspot regions, thus enabling the discovery of cryptic or new species, and the determination of more accurate taxonomic, parasitological, and epidemiological patterns.

Abnormalities in preoperative examinations of plastic surgery patients / Anormalidades em exames pré-operatórios de pacientes de cirurgia plástica

Introduction: Preoperative tests (EPO) aim to detect abnormalities and give greater safety to the procedure. However, the request for these tests is still controversial, either because they do not bring about changes in conduct for the procedure or result in some harm to the patient. The objective is to assess the frequency of EPO requests and abnormalities in aesthetic plastic surgery patients, to verify what these abnormalities are, what preoperative management should be done based on the finding, and to associate the data obtained with the patient's profile and the planned surgery. Method: Retrospective study evaluating medical records of aesthetic plastic surgery patients who underwent routine EPO in a plastic surgery hospital in 2019. Results: 978 patients were studied, and 51% had some abnormality in EPO. 93.7% were women, with a mean age of 46.5 years. 12.3 exams were performed per patient, and abnormality was observed in 6.1% of EPO. The exams that had the most abnormalities were the lipidogram (23.8%) and the cardiac evaluation (14.1%). Hypothyroidism was the most common comorbidity (18.4% of patients); 70% of diabetics had a glycemic level above the recommended level. Only 3.4% of the patients suffered a change in preoperative management due to EPO abnormality, and in 57.9% of these cases, the surgery was postponed. Test alterations were more frequent in male patients (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The performance of routine EPO showed a low frequency of altered exams (3.4%) and implied changes in the preoperative conduct of plastic surgery patients.

Introdução: Os exames pré-operatórios (EPO) visam detectar anormalidades e dar maior segurança ao procedimento. No entanto, a solicitação desses exames ainda é controversa, seja por não trazerem mudanças de conduta para o procedimento ou resultar em alguns malefícios para o paciente. O objetivo é avaliar a frequência de solicitações e de anormalidades dos EPO em pacientes de cirurgia plástica estética, verificar quais são estas anormalidades, qual conduta pré-operatória mediante o achado e associar os dados obtidos com o perfil do paciente e cirurgia prevista. Método: Estudo retrospectivo avaliando prontuários de pacientes de cirurgia plástica estética que realizaram EPO de rotina em um hospital de cirurgia plástica durante o ano de 2019. Resultados: Foram estudados 978 pacientes e 51% desses apresentaram alguma anormalidade nos EPO. 93,7% eram mulheres, com média de idade 46,5 anos. Foram realizados 12,3 exames por paciente e observada anormalidade em 6,1% dos EPO. Os exames que mais tiveram anormalidades foram o lipidograma (23,8%) e os da avaliação cardíaca (14,1%). Hipotireoidismo foi a comorbidade mais achada (18,4% dos pacientes); 70% dos diabéticos estavam com o nível glicêmico acima do recomendado. Apenas 3,4% dos pacientes sofreram alteração da conduta pré-operatória devido anormalidade dos EPO e em 57,9% desses casos houve adiamento da cirurgia. Alterações de exames foram mais frequentes em pacientes do sexo masculino (p<0,0001). Conclusão: A realização de EPO de rotina mostrou baixa frequência de exames alterados (3,4%) e implicou em mudanças na conduta pré-operatória em pacientes de cirurgia plástica.

Utilidad de la proteína C-reactiva para determinar la gravedad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en Perú / Usefulness of C-reactive protein to determine the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Peru

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años se han estudiado diversos biomarcadores para determinar los casos graves de COVID-19. La proteína C-reactiva (PCR) ha mostrado alta sensibilidad en la identificación de pacientes con enfermedad grave y utilidad comparable a la tomografía. OBJETIVO: Determinar la utilidad de la PCR para predecir gravedad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes hospitalizados en el Centro Médico Naval del Perú durante el periodo enero-septiembre del año 2021. MÉTODOS: Se empleó un diseño de tipo cuantitativo, observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, y de tipo prueba diagnóstica. Se calculó un tamaño muestral de 503 pacientes, quienes fueron divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo a su gravedad. RESULTADOS: Se determinó un punto de corte óptimo de 10,92 mg/L de los valores de PCR para el diagnóstico de enfermedad grave por COVID-19. Se calculó un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0,762 y se obtuvieron valores de sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictores positivo, negativo y precisión diagnóstica de 78,88%, 66,4%; 41,42%; 87,01%; y 67,27%, respectivamente. El normograma de Fagan mostró una probabilidad posprueba de 41%. En el modelo ajustado fueron significativas la PCR (ORa = 4,853; IC95% 2,987-7,886; p = 0,001), además de la ferritina (ORa = 1,001; IC 95%: 1,001-1,002; p = 0,001) e hipotiroidismo (OR ajustado = 4,899; IC 95%: 1,272-18,872; p = 0,021). CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio mostró la asociación entre la PCR y la gravedad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un modelo ajustado, mostrando su potencial utilidad y contribuyendo a determinar el punto de corte de la PCR en población peruana y su comparación a nivel internacional.

BACKGROUND: Recently, many biomarkers have been studied to determine severe cases of COVID-19. C-reactive protein (CRP) has shown high sensitivity in identifying patients with severe disease and utility comparable to computed tomography. AIM: To determine the usefulness of CRP to predict the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients hospitalized at the Naval Medical Center of Peru during the period January-September in the year 2021. METHODS: A quantitative, observational, analytical, retrospective, and diagnostic test type design was used. A sample size of 503 patients was calculated, which were divided into two groups according to their severity. RESULTS: An optimal cut-off point of 10.92 mg/L for CRP levels was determined for the diagnosis of severe COVID-19. An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.762 was calculated and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy values of 78.88%, 66.4%; 41.42%; 87.01%; and 67.27%; respectively. Fagan's normogram showed a post-test probability of 41%. In the adjusted model, CRP (aOR = 4.853; 95% CI 2.987-7.886; p = 0.001), ferritin (aOR = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.001-1.002; p = 0.001) and hypothyroidism (adjusted OR = 4899; 95% CI: 1272-18872; p = 0.021) showed significance. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed an association between CRP and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in an adjusted model, showing its potential utility and contributing to determine the cut-off point of CRP in the Peruvian population and its international comparison.

Diseases with neurological manifestations diagnosed in cattle in the hospital routine: a retrospective epidemiological study (2009-2019) / Enfermidades com manifestações neurológicas diagnosticadas em bovinos na rotina hospitalar: estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo (2009-2019)

Abstract Neurological disorders in cattle comprise a group of economically relevant diseases with high occurrence and mortality. In this way, the objective was to carry out an epidemiological study of the diseases with neurological manifestations in cattle admitted (alive or dead) to the Garanhuns Bovine Clinic/Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (CBG/UFRPE) from January 2009 to December 2019. Epidemiological information was collected from the clinical records regarding the age group, rearing system, time of year, and area of origin of the animals. The diseases were grouped into categories according to their origin: toxic or toxi-infectious, viral, traumatic/physical, parasitic, metabolic degenerative, bacterial, neoplastic, and others. A total of 6103 cattle were treated during the study period, of which 604 (10.1%) were diagnosed with diseases that had neurological manifestations. Of these, 331 cases were of single occurrence, and 231 cases occurred as outbreaks in the herd. Death was the outcome in almost 80% of the cases (465/596). The frequencies of the different categories were toxic or toxi-infectious (25.2%), viral (21.5%), traumatic/physical (13.6%), parasitic (9.8%), metabolic (9.3%), degenerative (2.3%), bacterial (2.2%), neoplastic (1.2%), and others (1.2%). It was found that almost half of the animals were older than 24 months (229/475), almost 80% were females, more than 60% were submitted to a semi-intensive to intensive rearing system, and the occurrence of disease was higher during the dry period of the year (363/614). The three most frequent neurological diseases in this study were rabies, trauma, and botulism.

Resumo Os distúrbios neurológicos em bovinos abrangem um grupo de enfermidades economicamente relevantes de elevada ocorrência e mortalidade. Desta forma, objetivou-se realizar um estudo epidemiológico das enfermidades que cursaram com manifestações neurológicas que deram entrada (vivos ou mortos) na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns/Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2019. Nos prontuários clínicos, foram coletadas informaçõe epidemiológicas referentes ao sexo; a faixa etária; ao sistema de criação, época do ano e a área de procedência dos animais. As doenças foram agrupadas em categorias de acordo com sua origem: tóxica ou toxi-infecciosa, viral, traumática, parasitária, degenerativa, metabólica, bacteriana, neoplásica e outras. Um total de 6103 bovinos foram atendidos no período estudado, dos quais 604 (10,1 %) foram diagnosticados com enfermidades que cursaram com manifestações neurológicas. Destes, 331 casos foram de ocorrência individual, 231 casos cursaram como surtos no rebanho. Quase 80% dos casos (465/596) teve o óbito como desfecho. As frequências das distintas categoria foram tóxica ou toxi-infecciosa (25,2%), viral (21,5%), traumática/física (13,6%), parasitária (9,8%), metabólica (9,3%, degenerativa (2,3%), bacteriana (2,2%), neoplásica (1,2%), outras (1,2%). Verificou-se que quase metade dos animais apresentavam idade superior a 24 meses (229/475), quase 80% eram fêmeas, mais de 60% eram submetidos a um sistema de criação de semi-intensivo a intensivo e a ocorrência foi maior durante o período seco do ano (363/614). As três enfermidades com manifestações neurológicas de maior ocorrência neste estudo foram a raiva, os traumatismos e o botulismo.

A Pilot Feasibility Study to Establish Full Pulpotomy in Mature Permanent Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis as a Routine Treatment in Mexican Public Healthcare Services.

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a common dental disease for which root canal treatment (RCT) has been the standard treatment. However, in many countries, RCT is considered a high-cost treatment that is not covered by public healthcare services; this forces patients to have dental extraction as their only option to relieve pain. In the last decade, several investigations have provided evidence that an alternative treatment known as full pulpotomy (FP) could be an alternative for patients who could not afford the cost of an RCT. Nevertheless, evidence is lacking on the success rate that could be obtained if it is performed in a public dental care clinic (PDCC). The present investigation has two main objectives. To be the first approach of a multicentric feasibility study to find out whether an FP performed by a general practice dentist (GPD) in a PDCC could be suitable and establish its success rate and patient satisfaction. Patients attending a PDCC with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were invited to participate. FP was performed and followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The treatment success was assessed by combining three variables, patient satisfaction, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Forty-one patients from 17 to 78 years old received the intervention. In total, 97.5% were completely satisfied with the treatment and were considered successful since none of the clinical or radiographic variables were present in any of the follow-ups. An FP performed by a GPD in a PDCC could be suitable as a routine treatment for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis due to the excellent success rate and patient satisfaction.

Rotina, possibilidades e desafios familiares de crianças e adolescentes com adoecimento mental acompanhados pelo Centro de Atenção Psicossocial / Routine, possibilities and family challenges of children and adolescents with mental disorders assisted in the Psychosocial Care Center

Objetivo: Comprender las representaciones sociales de familiares de personas menores de edad en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial sobre este servicio. Método: Se trata de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo y exploratorio basada en el marco teórico-metodológico de representaciones sociales, desarrollada con 19 familiares en un servicio situado en el interior del Pernambuco, Brasil, después de la aprobación por el Comité de Ética (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196). Se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas como técnica para la recolección de datos, procesadas por el software Iramuteq, con posterior análisis de contenido de Bardin para la interpretación de los datos, mostrándolos gráficamente a través del dendrograma. Resultados: Los familiares basan sus representaciones en la rutina establecida por el servicio, la cual se vuelve parte de su vida diaria y juega un papel importante en la interacción social de las personas participantes. Además, en las posibilidades que tanto la misma persona atendida como toda la familia desarrollan a través de la acogida y el acompañamiento. Por último, en los desafíos que aún quedan por delante para una atención más eficaz. Conclusión: Las personas participantes representaron al servicio como importante para establecer una rutina que, si bien modifica la vida diaria de todas las personas integrantes de la familia, juega un valioso papel en su interacción social.

Objetivo: Compreender as representações sociais de familiares das crianças e adolescentes acompanhados por um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil acerca deste serviço. Método: Trata-se de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória embasada no referencial teórico-metodológico das Representações Sociais, desenvolvida com 19 familiares das crianças e adolescentes em um serviço localizado no sertão médio de Pernambuco, Brasil, após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196). Foi utilizada como técnica para coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas, processadas pelo software Iramuteq, com posterior Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin para interpretação dos dados, expondo-os graficamente através do dendrograma. Resultados: Os familiares pautaram suas representações na rotina estabelecida pelo serviço, que passa a fazer parte do seu cotidiano e desempenha importante função na interação social dos participantes; nas possibilidades que o mesmo desenvolve na criança/adolescente e em toda a família que frequenta o espaço através do acolhimento e acompanhamento; e nos desafios que ainda se colocam para o cuidado mais efetivo. Conclusão: Os participantes representaram o CAPSij como um serviço importante por estabelecer uma rotina que, embora modifique o cotidiano de todos os membros familiares, desempenha valorosa função na interação social dos usuários.

Objective: To understand the social representations of family members of children and adolescents with mental disorders about the Psychosocial Care Center. Method: This was a qualitative and exploratory research based on the theoretical and methodological Social Representations framework developed with 19 family members in a service located in the middle backlands of Pernambuco, Brazil; this happened after the Ethics Committee (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196) approval. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews processed by the Iramuteq software; they were later interpreted through the Bardin's Content Analysis, displaying them graphically through a dendrogram. Results: The family members base their representations on the routine established by the service, which becomes part of their daily lives and plays an important role in: the social interaction of the participants, the possibilities that the service develops for the child/adolescent and in the whole family that attends the space through welcoming and monitoring, and the challenges that are still faced for a more effective care. Conclusion: The participants represented the service as important for establishing a routine that, despite the fact that it modifies the daily life of all family members, plays a valuable function in the user's social interaction.

Diagnostic Value of D-Dimer and INR in Patients Suspected to Have Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prosthetic valve dysfunction is a potentially critical complication of heart valve replacement. An easy and quickly applicable diagnostic procedure is required for recognizing the prosthetic valve dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to prospectively define the diagnostic value of D-dimer and INR level in predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 70 patients suspected to have prosthetic valve dysfunction admitted to Imam Ali Hospital, affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah Province, Iran. Cinefluoroscopy, as the gold standard diagnostic test, was used for the diagnosis of prosthetic valve dysfunction in enrolled patients. Two milliliters of blood from each patient were taken into a tube containing sodium citrate anticoagulant. To evaluate D-dimer, the cutoff value was set at 500 ng/ml. Also, to evaluate international normalized ratio (INR), the cutoff value was set at 2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of the serum markers were used to describe predictive properties. Results: Of 70 patients, 27 (38.6%) were male and 43 (61.4%) were female, and the mean age was 54.67±15.11 years (range, 18 to 80 years). Of 70 patients, 27 (38.6%) had prosthetic heart valve malfunction demonstrable by fluoroscopy, and 19 patients (27.1%) had D-dimer levels >500 ng/ml. Elevated D-dimer levels (>500 ng/ml) have been indicated to have sensitivity of 70.4%, and hence an NPV of 84.3%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NLR of 0.3, and the infinity value of PLR for predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. There was a significant relationship between fluoroscopy and D-dimer test (P=0.001). A kappa coefficient value of 0.745 indicated a substantial agreement between D-dimer and fluoroscopy testing. Mixing test (combination of D-dimer and INR) showed to have 100% sensitivity, and hence a NPV of 69.8%, specificity of 69.8%, PPV of 51.8%, NLR of 1.41, and PLR of 1.44 for predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. Conclusion: D-dimer with moderate sensitivity and high specificity is an ideal marker for the diagnosis of prosthetic valve dysfunction in suspected patients. Enhanced plasma D-dimer level is not by itself diagnostic of a prosthetic valve dysfunction but may alert physicians to refer the patient for more detailed examination, preferably by fluoroscopy. Mixing test with 100% sensitivity can apply as a rule-out test.

Use of prescribed psychotropic drugs among medical students and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: The worldwide prevalences of anxiety and depressive disorders are 3.6% and 4.4%, respectively. Among medical students, many studies have indicated that the prevalences of these mental disorders vary between 19.7% and 47.1%, but there is a lack of information on psychotropic drug usage in this group of students. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of psychotropic drug use, adherence to therapy and main clinical and diagnostic indications relating to psychotropic drug use among medical students. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at a Brazilian private university in the city of Sorocaba, state of São Paulo. METHODS: Observational analytical cross-sectional study, conducted during the second semester of 2019, through a semi-structured online questionnaire, answered by first to sixth-year medical students. RESULTS: Among the 263 participants (41.7% of the 630 enrolled students), the current prevalence of psychotropic drug usage was 30.4%. This prevalence increased over the course and 90.7% of the drugs were prescribed at regular medical consultations (85.5% by psychiatrists). The main indications for psychotropic drug usage were anxiety (30.0%), depression (22.8%), insomnia (7.2%), panic (5.3%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (3.8%). Women were more likely to present diagnoses of depression and panic. Most of the participants used antidepressants and had good adherence to medications. Adequate sleep and regular physical activity were identified as protective factors against mental disorders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental disorders among medical students is high, which justifies the use of psychotropic drugs. This study provides valuable information and recommendations for institutional educational actions to improve students' mental health.

Situación epidemiológica de la tuberculosis en Chile 2020-2021: repercusiones de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Chile 2020-2021: repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic

La situación epidemiológica y operacional de la tuberculosis en el mundo se vio afectada por la pandemia de COVID-19 durante los años 2020 y 2021. A nivel global, el número de casos de tuberculosis notificados disminuyó en un 18% el año 2020 con respecto al año anterior, y el número de muertes por esta causa mostró un aumento en el mismo año. En Chile, se observó una caída similar en el número de casos diagnosticados el año 2020, en directa relación con una disminución del 70% en el número de muestras procesadas para diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar. El presente trabajo detalla indicadores epidemiológicos y operacionales del control de la tuberculosis en Chile para los años 2020 y 2021, y analiza su relación con el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre las actividades del Programa Nacional de Tuberculosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021 affected the epidemiological and operational situation of tuberculosis control worldwide. Globally, there was a reduction of 18% in the number of notified cases of tuberculosis in 2020 in comparison to the previous year, and the number of deaths increased in the same year. In Chile, there was a similar fall in the number of notified cases, in direct relation to a decrease of 70% in the number of diagnostic tests performed for pulmonary tuberculosis at a national level. This article details the epidemiological and operational indicators of tuberculosis control in Chile during 2020-2021, and analyzes their relation with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of the National Tuberculosis Program.

Implementing routine outcome monitoring in the treatment of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

This work presents a case study in which Cognitive-Integrative psychotherapy was used to treat a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder with the implementation of routine outcome monitoring (ROM) at Aiglé Foundation in Argentina. The patient, a 34-year-old female with a university degree reports having obsessive ideas about dirt or pollution, causing harm to others, and religious and superstitious topics on a daily basis. The therapeutic process carried out during the first 17 psychotherapy sessions is described: construction of the therapeutic alliance, psychoeducation, and main interventions. The purpose of the article is to describe a case in which the measures' results did not show clinically relevant improvement even though the clinical indicators assessed by the therapist and the patient's subjective evaluation were positive. The article, shows the application of ROM during the supervision process, proposes interpretations of these results, and discusses decision-making processes in the light of this discrepancy.

Achieving high immunogenicity against poliovirus with fractional doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine in Ecuador-results from a cross-sectional serological survey.

Background: In January 2018, Ecuador changed its routine immunization schedule by replacing one full dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) administered intramuscularly at 2 months of age with two doses of fractional IPV (1/5th of full dose, fIPV) administered intradermally at 2 and 4 months of age; and bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (serotypes 1 and 3, bOPV) continues to be used. We compared seroprevalence and titres of polio antibodies achieved by the past and the current immunization schedules. Methods: This was a cross-sectional serological survey in children in Ecuador who received bOPV and either one IPV dose in 2017 or two fIPV doses in 2018. One blood sample was collected between October 2020 and March 2021 and analysed for presence of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies at CDC, Atlanta by microneutralization assay. Findings: We obtained 321 analysable samples from 329 (97·6%) enrolled children (160 received IPV and 161 fIPV). For serotype 2, seroprevalence was 50·0% (CI95%= 44·2-55·8%) for IPV and 83·2% (CI95%=78·5-87·1%) for fIPV recipients (p<0·001). Median antibody titers for serotype 2 were significantly lower for IPV than for fIPV recipients (3·0, CI95%= 3 - 3·5 vs. 4·8, CI95%= 4·5 - 5·2, p<0·001). Seroprevalence for serotypes 1 and 3 was above 90% and was not significantly different between IPV and fIPV recipients. Interpretation: Ecuador achieved significantly better poliovirus serotype 2 immunogenicity with two fIPV doses than with one IPV dose, while preserving vaccine supply and reducing costs. Our data provide further evidence that fIPV is a beneficial and potentially a cost-effective option in polio immunization. Funding: WHO obtained funds for the study from Rotary International.