Goal Shifts Structure Memories and Prioritize Event-defining Information in Memory.

Every day, we encounter far more information than we could possibly remember. Thus, our memory systems must organize and prioritize the details from an experience that can adaptively guide the storage and retrieval of specific episodic events. Prior work has shown that shifts in internal goal states can function as event boundaries, chunking experiences into distinct and memorable episodes. In addition, at short delays, memory for contextual information at boundaries has been shown to be enhanced compared with items within each event. However, it remains unclear if these memory enhancements are limited to features that signal a meaningful transition between events. To determine how changes in dynamic goal states influence the organization and content of long-term memory, we designed a 2-day experiment in which participants viewed a series of black-and-white objects surrounded by a color border on a two-by-two grid. The location of the object on the grid determined which of two tasks participants performed on a given trial. To examine if distinct types of goal shifts modulate the effects of event segmentation, we changed the border color, the task, or both after every four items in a sequence. We found that goal shifts influenced temporal memory in a manner consistent with the formation of distinct events. However, for subjective memory representations in particular, these effects differed by the type of event boundary. Furthermore, to examine if goal shifts lead to the prioritization of goal-relevant features in longer lasting memories, we tested source memory for each object's color and grid location both immediately and after a 24-hr delay. On the immediate test, boundaries enhanced the memory for all concurrent source features compared with nonboundary items, but only if those boundaries involved a goal shift. In contrast, after a delay, the source memory was selectively enhanced for the feature relevant to the goal shift. These findings suggest that goals can adaptively structure memories by prioritizing contextual features that define a unique episode in memory.

Relationship between nutritional goals and pressure injuries in critical care patients receiving enteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between pressure injury (PI) development and achievement of nutritional goals (protein and caloric), as well as consider the clinical conditions, hospitalisation factors, and risk assessment for PI development in patients who are critically ill and receiving enteral nutrition (EN) in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHOD: An observational cohort study was conducted in the ICU of the University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥18 years; length of ICU stay ≥24 hours; without PI at ICU admission; and receiving EN exclusively during ICU stay. The development of PI was considered the dependent variable. The Chi-squared test was applied to compare categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables between groups of patients with and without a PI. The analysis of the achievement of nutritional goals was performed using Fisher's exact test. A significance level of 5% (p-value<0.05) and a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was adopted in all statistical tests. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 102 (56.4%) were male and 79 (43.6%) were female. Mean age was 55.1 years, and mean length of ICU stay was 17.5 days. PI development was associated with not achieving nutritional goals. There was a higher percentage (65.3%) of patients without a PI when both protein and caloric goals were achieved. In contrast, 45.6% of patients developed a PI when the goals were not achieved. The mean days for sedation, vasoactive drugs and mechanical ventilation were all significantly higher in patients who developed a PI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between patients developing a PI and deficits in caloric and protein intake. Patients who did not develop PIs had a greater calorie and protein intake compared with those who developed a PI.

Factors associated with the performance and achieving goals of specialized periodontal procedures in Brazilian dental specialties centers.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (CEO, in Portuguese) represent the strategy of the National Oral Health Policy to provide secondary-level dental care. They offer more complex procedures, such as the treatment of periodontitis. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with the performance and the achievement goals of specialized procedures and the achievement gols of periodontics in CEO. METHODOLOGY: Analytical and cross-sectional study using secondary data. The database of the second cycle of the External Evaluation of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in CEO (PMAQ-CEO, in Portuguese), was utilized, which assessed 1,042 CEO on-site in 2018. The data were analyzed using multiple Poisson regression, estimating the prevalence ratio (PR) (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A third of the CEO (n = 305) performed all specialized procedures, with a higher prevalence observed in those with more than one bicarbonate jet prophylaxis unit (RP = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.160-3.881; p = 0.015) and when they had a higher percentage of specialist professionals (RP = 1.004; 95% CI: 1.002-1.006; p < 0.001). The periodontics goal was achieved by 617 (59.2%) CEO, with a higher prevalence among those who had a manager with supplementary training (PR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.100-1.335; p < 0.001) and with a higher workload for the periodontist dentist (PR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.103-1.201; p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Although most CEOs do not perform allspecialized periodontics procedures, more than half achieved the established goals. The provision of specialized periodontics services in CEO and the achievement of goals are influenced by the quantity and professional qualifications, as well as the availability of equipment.

Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. METHODS: Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. RESULTS: Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. CONCLUSION: GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

Attainment of LDL-Cholesterol Goals in Patients with Previous Myocardial Infarction: A Real-World Cross-Sectional Analysis. / Atingimento das Metas de Colesterol LDL em Pacientes com Histórico de Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio: Estudo Transversal do Mundo Real.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend an LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL for patients with established cardiovascular disease. While the Friedewald equation to estimate LDL-C is still widely used, the newer Martin-Hopkins equation has shown greater accuracy. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess: A) the proportion of patients reaching LDL-C goal and the therapies used in a tertiary center; B) the impact of using the Martin-Hopkins method instead of Friedewald's on the proportion of controlled patients. METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional study including consecutive post-myocardial infarction patients followed by 20 cardiologists in a tertiary hospital. Data was collected retrospectively from clinical appointments that took place after April 2022. For each patient, the LDL-C levels and attainment of goals were estimated from an ambulatory lipid profile using both Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins equations. A two-tailed p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. RESULTS: Overall, 400 patients were included (aged 67 ± 13 years, 77% male). Using Friedewald's equation, the median LDL-C under therapy was 64 (50-81) mg/dL, and 31% had LDL-C within goals. High-intensity statins were used in 64% of patients, 37% were on ezetimibe, and 0.5% were under PCSK9 inhibitors. Combination therapy of high-intensity statin + ezetimibe was used in 102 patients (26%). Applying the Martin-Hopkins method would reclassify a total of 31 patients (7.8%). Among those deemed controlled by Friedewald's equation, 27 (21.6%) would have a Martin-Hopkins' LDL-C above goals. CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-third of post-myocardial infarction patients had LDL-C within the goal. Applying the Martin-Hopkins equation would reclassify one-fifth of presumably controlled patients into the non-controlled group.

FUNDAMENTO: As diretrizes da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia recomendam um nível de colesterol LDL (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL para pacientes com doença cardiovascular estabelecida. Embora a fórmula de Friedewald ainda seja amplamente utilizada para estimar o LDL-C, a fórmula mais recente de Martin-Hopkins mostrou maior precisão. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar: A) a proporção de pacientes que atingiram a meta de LDL-C e as terapias utilizadas em um centro terciário; B) o impacto da utilização do método de Martin-Hopkins em vez do método de Friedewald na proporção de pacientes controlados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal monocêntrico, incluindo pacientes consecutivos pós-infarto do miocárdio, acompanhados por 20 cardiologistas, em um hospital terciário. Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente de consultas clínicas realizadas após abril de 2022. Para cada paciente, os níveis de LDL-C e o atingimento das metas foram estimados a partir de um perfil lipídico ambulatorial, utilizando as fórmulas de Friedewald e Martin-Hopkins. Um valor-p bicaudal < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo para todos os testes. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 400 pacientes (com 67 ± 13 anos, 77% do sexo masculino). Utilizando a fórmula de Friedewald, a mediana de LDL-C sob terapia foi de 64 (50-81) mg/dL, e 31% tinham LDL-C dentro da meta. Estatinas de alta intensidade foram usadas em 64% dos pacientes, 37% estavam em uso de ezetimiba e 0,5% estavam em uso de inibidores de PCSK9. A terapia combinada de estatina de alta intensidade + ezetimiba foi utilizada em 102 pacientes (26%). A aplicação do método de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um total de 31 pacientes (7,8%). Entre aqueles considerados controlados pela fórmula de Friedewald, 27 (21,6%) teriam LDL-C estimado por Martin-Hopkins acima da meta. CONCLUSÕES: Menos de um terço dos pacientes pós-infarto do miocárdio apresentaram LDL-C dentro da meta. A aplicação da fórmula de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um quinto dos pacientes presumivelmente controlados no grupo de pacientes não controlados.

Unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes across Brazil's geographical landscape before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: are we truly advancing toward the sustainable development/end TB goal?

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is one of the most significant infectious diseases for global public health. The reallocation of healthcare resources and the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Increases in unfavorable outcomes of the disease have been observed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in Brazil before and during the pandemic. METHODS: An ecological study with spatial analysis was conducted with all 5569 municipalities in Brazil. All reported cases of tuberculosis between January 2010 and December 2021, as well as reported cases of COVID-19 from February 2020 to December 2021, were included. The outcomes studied encompass loss to follow-up, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and death. The Getis Ord GI* technique was employed to assess spatial association, and the Kernel density estimator was used to identify areas with concentrated increases or decreases in outcomes. Bivariate Local Moran's I was used to examine the spatial association between outcomes and COVID-19 incidence. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Ribeirão Preto Nursing School, University of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 134,394 cases of loss to follow-up, 10,270 cases of drug resistance, and 37,863 deaths. Clusters of high and low values were identified for all three outcomes, indicating significant changes in the spatial distribution patterns. Increases in concentrations were observed for lost to follow-up cases in the Southeast, while reductions occurred in the Northeast, South, and Midwest. Drug-resistant tuberculosis experienced an increase in the Southern and Southeastern regions and a decrease in the Northeast and South. TB-related deaths showed notable concentrations in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Southeast. There was an increase in high occurrence clusters for deaths after 2020 and 2021 in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has brought additional challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing efforts and disease control strategies, prioritizing early identification, treatment adherence, and follow-up. This commitment is vital for achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination.

De-escalating treatment indications for patients who achieve metabolic goals.

INTRODUCTION: Robust evidence exists regarding initiation, intensification or modification of treatments. Recommendations to de-escalate therapy are lacking, specifically in diabetes. A successful treatment de-intensification reduces overtreatment, polypharmacy, and risk of adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To encompass current recommendations for deprescribing common drugs and create a consensus among health professionals. METHODS: We reviewed four databases for deprescribing approaches published between 2010 and 2022. Articles were divided into different groups of drugs (for uric-acid, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and psychotropic drugs). RESULTS: Hypoglycemic agents: strategies were limited to newer agents and insulin regimens for elderly individuals. Reducing insulin was associated with 1.1% reduction of A1c over time. SGLT2i and GLP-1RAs dose reduction depends on adverse events. Lipid-lowering agents: studies show that patients with very low cholesterol have fewer cardiovascular events without associated increased risk. Antihypertensive agents: Younger patients, lower systolic blood pressure, and few comorbidities are ideal characteristics for discontinuation. Uric acid therapy: we found no recommendation for dose de-escalation. Poor treatment adherence is associated with episodes of gout and deforming arthritis in the long term. CONCLUSION: Deprescribing hypoglycemic, statins, antihypertensives, and urate-lowering agents may be feasible in selected patients, but periodic surveillance is important. More evidence is necessary to support this decision entirely.

Remote nutrition care during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic: Did it impact nutrition therapy goals?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nutrition societies recommended remote hospital nutrition care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the pandemic's impact on nutrition care quality is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between remote nutrition care during the first COVID-19 wave and the time to start and achieve the nutrition therapy (NT) goals of critically ill patients. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in an intensive care unit (ICU) that assisted patients with COVID-19 between May 2020 and April 2021. The remote nutrition care lasted approximately 6 months, and dietitians prescribed the nutrition care based on medical records and daily telephone contact with nurses who were in direct contact with patients. Data were retrospectively collected, patients were grouped according to the nutrition care delivered (remote or in person), and we compared the time to start NT and achieve the nutrition goals. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-eight patients (61.5 ± 14.8 years, 57% male) were evaluated, and 54.4% received remote nutrition care. The median time to start NT was 1 (1-3) day and to achieve the nutrition goals was 4 (3-6) days for both groups. The percentage of energy and protein prescribed on day 7 of the ICU stay concerning the requirements did not differ between patients with remote and patients with in-person nutrition care [95.5% ± 20.4% × 92.1% ± 26.4% (energy) and 92.9% ± 21.9% × 86.9% ± 29.2% (protein); P > 0.05 for both analyses]. CONCLUSION: Remote nutrition care in patients critically ill with COVID-19 did not impact the time to start and achieve the NT goals.

Improving perioperative care in low-resource settings with goal-directed therapy: a narrative review.

Perioperative Goal-Directed Therapy (PGDT) has significantly showed to decrease complications and risk of death in high-risk patients according to numerous meta-analyses. The main goal of PGDT is to individualize the therapy with fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors, during and after surgery, according to patients' needs in order to prevent organic dysfunction development. In this opinion paper we aimed to focus a discussion on possible alternatives to invasive hemodynamic monitoring in low resource settings.

Early Goal-Directed Hemostatic Therapy for Severe Acute Bleeding Management in the Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review.

This is a narrative review of the published evidence for bleeding management in critically ill patients in different clinical settings in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to describe "The Ten Steps" approach to early goal-directed hemostatic therapy (EGDHT) using point-of-care testing (POCT), coagulation factor concentrates, and hemostatic drugs, according to the individual needs of each patient. We searched National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE for publications relevant to management of critical ill bleeding patients in different settings in the ICU. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched to identify additional relevant studies. English-language systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials, observational studies, and case reports were reviewed. Data related to study methodology, patient population, bleeding management strategy, and clinical outcomes were qualitatively evaluated. According to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, EGDHT guided by viscoelastic testing (VET) has been associated with a reduction in transfusion utilization, improved morbidity and outcome in patients with active bleeding. Furthermore, literature data showed an increased risk of severe adverse events and poor clinical outcomes with inappropriate prophylactic uses of blood components to correct altered conventional coagulation tests (CCTs). Finally, prospective, randomized, controlled trials point to the role of goal-directed fibrinogen substitution to reduce bleeding and the amount of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion with the potential to decrease mortality. In conclusion, severe acute bleeding management in the ICU is still a major challenge for intensive care physicians. The organized and sequential approach to the bleeding patient, guided by POCT allows for rapid and effective bleeding control, through the rational use of blood components and hemostatic drugs, since VET can identify specific coagulation disorders in real time, guiding hemostatic therapy with coagulation factor concentrates and hemostatic drugs with individual goals.

People can use the placement of objects to infer communicative goals.

Beyond words and gestures, people have a remarkable capacity to communicate indirectly through everyday objects: A hat on a chair can mean it is occupied, rope hanging across an entrance can mean we should not cross, and objects placed in a closed box can imply they are not ours to take. How do people generate and interpret the communicative meaning of objects? We hypothesized that this capacity is supported by social goal inference, where observers recover what social goal explains an object being placed in a particular location. To test this idea, we study a category of common ad-hoc communicative objects where a small cost is used to signal avoidance. Using computational modeling, we first show that goal inference from indirect physical evidence can give rise to the ability to use object placement to communicate. We then show that people from the U.S. and the Tsimane'-a farming-foraging group native to the Bolivian Amazon-can infer the communicative meaning of object placement in the absence of a pre-existing convention, and that people's inferences are quantitatively predicted by our model. Finally, we show evidence that people can store and retrieve this meaning for use in subsequent encounters, revealing a potential mechanism for how ad-hoc communicative objects become quickly conventionalized. Our model helps shed light on how humans use their ability to interpret other people's behavior to embed social meaning into the physical world.

Caloric reductions needed to achieve obesity goals in Mexico for 2030 and 2040: A modeling study.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, obesity prevalence among adults increased from 23% in 2000 to 36% in 2018, approximately. Mexico has not defined short- or long-term obesity goals, obscuring the level of effort required to achieve a relevant impact. We aimed to explore potential obesity goals for 2030 and 2040 in Mexico and to estimate the required caloric reductions to achieve them. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We obtained anthropometric and demographic information on the Mexican adult population (age ≥20 years) from the Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted in 2000, 2006, 2012, 2016, and 2018 (n = 137,907). Each survey wave is cross-sectional, multistage, and representative of the Mexican population at the national, regional, and urban/rural levels. Obesity prevalence was projected for 2030 and 2040 by combining population projections of energy intake by socioeconomic status (SES) with a weight-change microsimulation model taking into account individual-level information on sex, age, physical activity, and initial body weight and height. If current trends continue, Mexico's obesity prevalence is expected to increase from 36% (95% CI 35% to 37%) in 2018 to 45% (uncertainty interval [UI] 41% to 48%) in 2030 and to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040. Based on expert opinion, we identified 3 obesity goals scenarios: (1) plausible (38% in 2030 and 36% in 2040); (2) intermediate (33% in 2030 and 29% in 2040); and (3) ideal based on the average prevalence of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (OECD; 19%). We estimated the caloric reductions needed to achieve the goal scenarios using the microsimulation model. Obesity was projected to increase more rapidly in the low SES (around 34% in 2018 to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040), than in the middle (around 38% to 52% (UI 45% to 56%)), or high SES group (around 36% to 45% (UI 36% to 54%)). Caloric reductions of 40 (UI 13 to 60), 75 (UI 49 to 95), and 190 (UI 163 to 215) kcal/person/day would be needed to reach the plausible, intermediate, and the ideal (OECD) average scenarios for 2030, respectively. To reach the 2040 goals, caloric reductions of 74 (UI 28 to 114), 124 (UI 78 to 169), and 209 (UI 163 to 254) kcal/person/day would be required, respectively. Study limitations include assuming a constant and sedentary physical activity level, not considering cohort-specific differences that could occur in the future, and assuming the same caloric trends under no intervention and the obesity goal scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: To reach the 3 obesity goals in 2040, caloric reductions between 74 and 209 kcal/day/person would be needed in Mexico. A package of new and stronger interventions should be added to existing efforts such as food taxes and warning labels on non-nutritious food.

Disaster risk reduction, the Sustainable Goals agenda and the principles of the SUS, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. / A redução de risco de desastres, a agenda dos Objetivos Sustentáveis e os princípios do SUS, no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to analyze the connections between the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the principles of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) in the context of the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential implications for population health. This qualitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study collected data from health professionals with experience in emergency and disaster risk management and treatment practices, which were then processed using the Iramuteq software for lexical analysis. The textual corpus was presented through a descending hierarchical classification that resulted in seven classes grouped into three categories: disaster response in the context of SUS; prevention of future disaster risks; and preparedness and recovery actions based on the Sendai Framework and the SDGs. The study highlighted aspects related to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges related to disaster risk reduction as advocated by the Sendai Framework, emphasizing the need to strengthen the culture of safety and sustainability within the SUS, which aligns with the ODS and social determinants of health.

O objetivo foi analisar os nexos entre o Marco de Sendai para a Redução do Risco de Desastres, os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e os princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no contexto da emergência de saúde pública da pandemia de COVID-19, e suas potenciais implicações para a saúde da população. O estudo é qualitativo, transversal, exploratório, com dados coletados junto a profissionais de saúde com experiência em práticas assistenciais e de gestão de risco de emergências e desastres, e tratados pelo software Iramuteq para análise lexical. O corpus textual foi apresentado através da classificação hierárquica descendente, que originou sete classes aglutinadas em três categorias denominadas: resposta a desastres no contexto do SUS; prevenção de futuros riscos de desastres; e ações de preparação e recuperação a partir do Marco de Sendai e dos ODS. Ressaltou-se aspectos sobre os efeitos diretos e indiretos da pandemia de COVID-19 e os desafios relacionados à redução do risco de desastres preconizados no Marco de Sendai, apontando a necessidade de fortalecer a cultura de segurança e sustentabilidade no âmbito do SUS, o que se coaduna com os ODS, bem como aos determinantes sociais da saúde.

Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Thymectomy in the Myasthenia Gravis Patient Registry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patient attitudes and beliefs toward thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America administered a questionnaire to the MG Patient Registry, an ongoing longitudinal survey of adult MG patients. Questions assessed reasons for or against thymectomy and how hypothetical scenarios would have affected their decision. RESULTS: Of 621 respondents, 190 (31%) reported a history of thymectomy. Of those who underwent thymectomy for nonthymomatous MG, 97 (51.6%) ranked symptom improvement as most important and 100 (53.2%) ranked reducing medication as least important. Among 431 nonthymectomy patients, the most frequent reason for not undergoing thymectomy was that their doctor did not discuss it (152 of 431 = 35.2%) and 235 (56.8%) said that they would have considered it more strongly if their doctor spent more time discussing it. CONCLUSIONS: Thymectomies are motivated more by symptoms than by medication, and a lack of neurologist discussion is the most common barrier to thymectomy.

Aceptación, rechazo y vacilación a recibir la vacuna contra COVID-19: estudio multicéntrico / Acceptance, rejection and hesitancy to receive the vaccine against COVID-19: a multicenter study

Objetivos: Determinar la predisposición a recibir esta vacuna contra SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó un diseño observacional de corte transversal en la población adulta del Paraguay entre mayo y octubre 2022. se aplicó el cuestionario de Kotta et al previamente validado, el cual fue difundido por redes sociales. Resultados: Se incluyeron 303 encuestados, con edad media 34 ± 12 años y predominio del sexo femenino (64,0%). En la muestra, 51,8% padeció COVID-19 y 97,3% ya recibió al menos una dosis de la vacuna. Se detectó que 58,4% aceptada la vacuna, 17,8% vacilaba en recibirla y 23,7% la rechazaba. La aceptación fue más frecuente en los varones (p 0,05). Conclusión: En el momento epidemiológico de disponibilidad universal de la vacuna y habiendo aún sujetos afectados por COVID-19, el rechazo a la misma fue 23,7%.

Objectives: To determine the predisposition to receive this vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional design was applied in the adult population of Paraguay between May and October 2022. The previously validated questionnaire of Kotta et al was applied, which was disseminated through social networks. Results: 303 respondents were included, with a mean age of 34 ± 12 years and predominance of the female sex (64.0%). In the sample, 51.8% suffered from COVID-19 and 97.3% have already received at least one dose of the vaccine. It was detected that 58.4% accepted the vaccine, 17.8% hesitated to receive it and 23.7% rejected it. Acceptance was more frequent in males (p 0.05). Conclusion: At the epidemiological moment of universal availability of the vaccine and with subjects still affected by COVID-19, rejection of it was 23.7%.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea: comparing the American Academy of Sleep Medicine proposed criteria with the STOP-Bang, NoSAS, and GOAL instruments.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the performance of the 2017 American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria (AASM2017) in screening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and compared them with 3 other validated instruments: NoSAS score, STOP-Bang, and GOAL questionnaires. METHODS: From July 2019 to December 2021, 4,499 adults undergoing overnight polysomnography were included. The AASM2017 instrument considers an increased high risk for moderate-to-severe OSA in the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness and at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: loud snoring; observed apnea, gasping, or choking; and hypertension. OSA severity was based on polysomnography-derived apnea-hypopnea index cutoffs: 5.0 events/h, 15.0 events/h, and 30.0 events/h. Predictive performance was evaluated by the area under the curve and contingency tables. RESULTS: When screening for any OSA severity, AASM2017 displayed a sensitivity of 31.0-40.6% and a specificity of 80.8-89.6%. For all apnea-hypopnea index thresholds, AASM2017, unlike the GOAL, STOP-Bang, and NoSAS, exhibited superior specificity but markedly lower sensitivity. GOAL, STOP-Bang, and NoSAS, but not AASM2017 criteria, emerged as an adequate screening tool for any OSA severity (all areas under the curve > 0.7) and performed significantly better than AASM2017 in predicting any OSA severity (all P < .001). For all severity OSA levels, GOAL, STOP-Bang, and NoSAS displayed similar performance when compared to each other (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: GOAL, STOP-Bang, and NoSAS instruments, but not AASM2017 criteria, emerge as useful OSA screening tools in a large referral single-center clinical cohort. CITATION: Duarte RLM, Magalhães-da-Silveira FJ, Gozal D. Screening for obstructive sleep apnea: comparing the American Academy of Sleep Medicine proposed criteria with the STOP-Bang, NoSAS, and GOAL instruments. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(7):1239-1246.