Treatment of mucositis with combined 660- and 808-nm-wavelength low-level laser therapy reduced mucositis grade, pain, and use of analgesics: a parallel, single-blind, two-arm controlled study.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignant neoplasia. As consequence of OSCC treatment, oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common adverse effects of OSCC treatment. Currently, there is no consensus for OM treatment. The purpose of the current study was to test the combination of red and infrared low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for OM treatment. Primary culture of human fibroblast was performed to identify LLLT dose. After laboratory tests, a two-arm parallel, single-blind, controlled study was conducted. The two arms were group 1, both 660- and 808-nm wavelengths (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2), and group 2, only 660-nm wavelength (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2). Both treatments were performed twice a week. Group 1 presented a reduction of mucositis grade in comparison to group 2. Group 1 also presented reduction of analgesics prescription. But no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were observed according to the pain scale. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that a combination of red and infrared at a higher dose (300 J/cm2) reduced both oral mucositis grade and analgesics prescription. The effects of the combination of RT and LLLT are unclear and need more studies.

The combination of traditional and auricular acupuncture to prevent xerostomia and anxiety in irradiated patients with HNSCC: a preventive, parallel, single-blind, 2-arm controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on xerostomia in irradiated patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). STUDY DESIGN: A preventive, 2-arm, parallel, single-blind trial was performed. Patients with HNSCC (N = 296) were checked for eligibility, and 107 patients were enrolled in the study. The study comprised 1 group that did not receive the intervention (n = 55) and the interventional group that received traditional and auricular acupuncture (n = 52). The primary outcome was the reduction of the patients' xerostomia after treatment. In addition, the secondary outcome was the reduction of anxiety. RESULTS: The current acupuncture protocol reduced the xerostomia score and increased saliva volume and density without changing salivary pH. Additionally, acupuncture decreased the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score after radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: Combining traditional and auricular acupuncture reduced xerostomia and increased saliva volume without changing the saliva's pH in irradiated patients with HNSCC. Additionally, the combination of traditional and auricular acupuncture reduced BAI scores.

Implementação da Prática Avançada de Enfermagem no enfrentamento do atraso vacinal: um relato de experiência / Implementation of Advanced Practice Nursing in coping with vaccine delay: an experience report

OBJETIVO: Descrever a implementação de práticas avançadas de enfermagem para abordar o atraso na imunização em crianças menores de dois anos de idade. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um relato de experiência que monitorou a situação vacinal de crianças menores de dois anos e descreveu práticas avançadas de enfermagem para melhorar a adesão à vacinação. RESULTADOS: Foi monitorado o estado vacinal das crianças e realizadas ações e intervenções individuais e coletivas, como consultas individuais, buscas ativas, ligações telefônicas e mensagens via aplicativo de celular, educação continuada e produção de materiais educativos para conscientização entre a comunidade, pais/responsáveis e profissionais de saúde sobre a importância de manter o calendário vacinal atualizado, conforme proposto pelo Programa Nacional de Imunizações. CONCLUSÃO: As intervenções neste relatório demonstraram implicações importantes para a saúde pública e podem sugerir que as práticas avançadas de enfermagem têm um impacto positivo na melhoria da cobertura vacinal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation of advanced practice nursing to address delayed immunization in children under two years of age. METHOD: This experience report monitored the immunization status of children under two years of age and described advanced practice nursing to improve immunization compliance. RESULTS: The immunization status of children was monitored, and individual and collective actions and interventions were carried out, such as individual consultations, active searches, telephone calls and messages via a mobile phone application, ongoing education, and the production of educational materials to raise awareness among the community, parents/guardians and health professionals about the importance of keeping the immunization schedule up to date, as proposed by the Brazilian National Immunization Program. CONCLUSION: The interventions in this report have demonstrated important public health implications and may suggest that advanced nursing practices positively impact improving immunization coverage.