Effectiveness of spontaneous pain coping strategies for acute pain management: A laboratory study.

The aim of the present study has been to analyze the relationship between the use of not previously trained, diverse acute pain coping strategies and levels of pain intensity and pain tolerance in a group of healthy participants. Previous research has analyzed the usefulness of the training of these strategies after several training sessions, but adequate patient training requires a great deal of time. Two hundred and forty healthy people participated in the study. Pain coping strategies was evaluated with a version of CSQ-S. Subsequently, the participants completed a cold pressor test and tolerance test. After that, subjects filled in the adaptation of the CSQ-S about the strategies which they had employed throughout the test. Correlation analyses showed a positive relationship between pain intensity and catastrophizing, distractor behaviors, hoping and ignoring the pain. Pain tolerance correlated with self-instructions, ignoring the pain, reinterpreting the pain, catastrophizing and faith and praying. Regression analyses showed that catastrophizing was found to be the strategy that most predicts the variance of pain intensity, and catastrophizing (negative) and ignoring the pain (positive) and praying (negative) were the most predictive ones for pain tolerance. This is the first laboratory study that identifies the more useful pain coping strategies which can be used by patients without previous training in an acute pain context. The results of this study could be useful in the development of protocols for nurses and other health professionals, especially for situations where potentially painful techniques are to be applied to patients.

Answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines in children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2020 evolved into a global pandemic, and COVID-19 vaccines became rapidly available, including for pediatric patients. However, questions emerged that challenged vaccine acceptance and use. We aimed to answer these questions and give recommendations applicable for use in pediatric patients with cancer by healthcare professionals and the public. METHODS: A 12-member global COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Oncology Working Group made up of physicians and nurses from all world regions met weekly from March to July 2021. We used a modified Delphi method to select the top questions. The Working Group, in four-member subgroups, answered assigned questions by providing brief recommendations, followed by a discussion of the rationale for each answer. All Working Group members voted on each recommendation using a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being complete agreement. A "pass" recommendation corresponded to an agreement ≥7.5. RESULTS: We selected 15 questions from 173 suggested questions. Based on existing published information, we generated answers for each question as recommendations. The overall average agreement for the 24 recommendations was 9.5 (95% CI 9.4-9.6). CONCLUSION: Top COVID-19 vaccine-related questions could be answered using available information. Reports on COVID-19 vaccination and related topics have been published at record speed, aided by available technology and the priority imposed by the pandemic; however, all efforts were made to incorporate emerging information throughout our project. Recommendations will be periodically updated on a dedicated website.

Co-infection with Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous infection in tuberculosis (TB) is rare. The mixed infection between Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) and M. tuberculosis (MTB) has not been reported in children. The aim of this report was to describe a pediatric case with a pulmonary abscess caused by the duality SAG-MTB co-infection. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old boy with an acute onset of throbbing pain of two-day evolution located in the anterior chest wall. The patient reported a history of fever, cough and rhinorrhea during the last seven days. An anterior chest radiography revealed a heterogenic opacity at the lower right lobe while the lateral projection showed an obliteration at the anterior diaphragmatic insertion. Parenteral Ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day) and Dicloxacillin (200 mg/kg/day) was started. The abscess was subsequently drained and analyzed. After a year of follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: This case represents the first reported case of pulmonary co-infection involving MTB and SAG in an immunocompetent pediatric patient.

Origin variations of the superior thyroid, lingual, and facial arteries: a computed tomography angiography study.

PURPOSE: To determine the anatomical variations and morphology of the external carotid artery (ECA) and its anterior branches. METHODS: Using computed tomography angiography (CTA), the origin, internal diameter, and surface laterality emergence of the superior thyroid (STA), lingual (LA), and facial (FA) arteries were evaluated retrospectively evaluated and classified. The bifurcation level of the common carotid artery (CCA) in relation to the cervical vertebrae and disc was also determined. RESULTS: A total of 76 CTA were included in the study. STA originated from the carotid bifurcation (CB) (type I), CCA (type II) and ECA (type III) in 20.4 (31/152), 17.1 (26/152) and 50.7% (77/152) cases, respectively. Also 10.5% (16/152) arose from a shared trunk with LA as a thyrolingual trunk (TLT) (type IVa), and absent in 1.3% (2/152). LA originated in the CB in only one case. A linguofacial trunk (LFT) was present in 14.5% (22/152). Mean diameters of STA, LA and FA were 1.70, 1.95 and 2.45 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, surface laterality were predominately from anteromedial, medial, and anterior, respectively. CB was mainly on C3 or C3-C4 (55.9% of cases). CONCLUSIONS: STA origin below the ECA is a common finding. Our population presented the highest percentage of TLT (10.5%) and high CB (9.8%) in literature. Considering these variations are important to prevent complications in neck surgical procedures.

Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A comparison between balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common and has been related to higher mortality and major complications. No comparison between balloon-expandable (BEV) and self-expanding valves (SEV) regarding drop platelet count (DPC) has been reported to date. The objectives of this study were to analyze the differences in DPC between BEVs or SEVs and their prognostic implications in clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing TAVI. Platelet counts after TAVI were collected. Two groups were created: DPC ≤ 30% and DPC > 30%. VARC-2 criteria were used to define outcomes. RESULTS: Study population was composed of 195 patients (age 77.5 ± 6.7, 57.4% males). All of them but one experienced DPC (mean DPC 31.9 ± 15.3%). DPC was significantly higher among the patients treated with BEV compared to those treated with SEV (36.3 ± 15.1% vs 27.7 ± 14.4, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, the use of BEV was independently associated with a higher rate of DPC > 30% (67.4% vs 36.0%; OR 3.4; 95% CI, 1.42-8.16). At 30 days, the DPC > 30% was associated with a higher rate of life-threatening/major bleeding, major vascular complications, in-hospital sepsis and mortality. At one year, there were no statistically significant differences in the mortality rate between groups (6.35% vs 10.0%, HR 1.54; 95% CI, 0.56-4.25). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the use of BEV was associated with a higher risk of DPC after TAVI. A DPC rate > 30% was associated with an increased risk of major complications at 30 days.

Robotic surgery in the management of complex pelvic endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis consists in the proliferation of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, predominantly in the ovaries but also in the urinary bladder or bowel. About 10% of fertile women are affected and the main symptoms are pain, menstrual disorders and infertility. Surgery is the treatment option for those symptomatic patients in which medical treatment had no success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report on a case of a 43 - years - old patient without urologic personal history submitted to our office because of a grade - III right - hydronephrosis. The patient, with an endometriosis diagnosis since years, presents chronic pelvic pain with the daily necessity of strong opioids intake. CT scan revealed several endometriosis implants in the uterine wall and rectum that caused right ureteral entrapment. Renography revealed a 24% function in the right kidney. After right nephrostomy a multidisciplinary committee decided surgical intervention. With robotic approach, we performed an hysterectomy with right salpingo - oophorectomy; release, resection and right ureteral reimplantation; anterior resection of the rectum and protective ileostomy. Vaginal extraction of the specimen. In this video we show the key steps of the procedure. RESULTS: Total operative time: 330 minutes. Total bleeding: 250 cc. Nephrostomy removal: 4 th day. Urethral catheter removal: 5 th day. Patient was discharged in the 7 th day. Ureteral JJ - stent removal: 30 th day. CT urography reveals a permeable ureteral tract with no urine leakage. Renography shows a progressive improvement of the kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery allows a correct handling of endometriosis, mainly in complex cases. It is a safe and reproducible technique with correct outcomes in selected patients. A multidisciplinary team is required.

The medical movement and Dr. Ismael Cosío Villegas. At half a century. / El movimiento médico y el doctor Ismael Cosío Villegas. A medio siglo.

In 1964, medical residents and interns of the Mexican Republic decided to carry out a work stoppage that stretched over for several months. Several prominent doctors decided to join the causes that motivated the movement, among which Dr. Ismael Cosío Villegas, who at that moment was the director general of the Huipulco hospital for tuberculosis patients; his participation and dedication are historical, and his determination caused for his resignation to be demanded. His trajectory remains practically unknown by the medical community.

En 1964, los médicos residentes e internos de la República Mexicana decidieron realizar un paro de labores que se extendió por meses; varios médicos notables decidieron unirse a las causas que motivaron dicho movimiento, entre ellos el director general en ese momento del Sanatorio para Tuberculosos de Huipulco, el doctor Ismael Cosío Villegas, cuya participación y entrega es histórica. La determinación del doctor Cosío Villegas provocó que se le exigiera su renuncia. La comunidad médica aún se desconoce su trayectoria.

[Medical movement in Mexico. To 50 years. Open file]. / Movimiento médico en México. A 50 años. Expediente abierto.

Gutiérrez-Samperio hace una excelente narrativa del movimiento denominado «blanco¼ hace medio siglo, encabezado por médicos y otros trabajadores de salud, principalmente enfermeras. Es importante revisar los logros y limitaciones que dicho fenómeno alcanzó. Por ejemplo, actualmente el residente que cursa una especialidad cuenta con un reconocimiento institucional, universitario y de profesiones al término de su formación, además de tener una beca económica (probablemente insuficiente) y días de vacaciones programados.

[Leadership and CETREMI]. / Liderazgo y CETREMI.

Según la Real Academia Española, el término «líder¼ significa «persona que dirige u orienta a un grupo, que reconoce su autoridad¼. Es importante este término ya que es muy ambiguo, porque no reconoce el nivel moral o la empatía que puede ejercer una persona en determinado grupo al reconocerlo como líder, y no solo con la autoridad que este puede ejercer en el mismo, siendo este último concepto algo muy común en el mundo anglosajón, denominándose líder a alguien que tiene un puesto de autoridad, lo cual se puede confundir con lo que conocemos como «jefe¼.

[Health obligation or health fascism]. / Obligatoriedad en la salud o fascismo sanitario.

El Dr. Lifshitz presenta un editorial interesante sobre la campaña de una región de Italia que pretendía que la salud debía ser obligatoria y que quien no la obedeciera tendría pena de muerte. Esta pretensión, que de entrada resulta simpática, quizá muestra la desesperación de un sistema de salud que se ve rebasado presupuestalmente con el incremento de la esperanza de vida y, por ende, de la presentación de enfermedades crónicas degenerativas en la población.

Chest trauma of Alexander the Great, a pneumology approach.

Delgado-García, et al. presentan una disertación amplia, con revisión histórica profunda, de la lesión torácica que sufrió Alejandro Magno por el disparo de una saeta de dos codos de largo (88 cm) en la batalla contra los malios, donde a través de diversas narraciones se ha considerado que sufrió un neumotórax y que debido a la gravedad de la lesión sus médicos decidieron retirar el objeto punzocortante, obteniéndose aire y sangre posextracción; el emperador perdió el estado de alerta, recuperándose posteriormente la herida y permitiéndole montar a caballo a los pocos días. Los autores finalizan con la frase «Lo sucedido después del flechazo torna inverosímil la posibilidad de un neumotórax¼.

Metaevidencia: ¿qué evidencia hay sobre los resultados de la aplicación de la evidencia?

The evidence-based medicine has enjoyed wide acceptance in the last two decades as the necessary tool for the adequate management of information, but it is necessary to reflect that exists after making an analysis of the written and possible implementation to the patient.

Effectiveness of cognitive reappraisal and distraction for induced acute pain: A laboratory study.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive reappraisal and distraction modulate pain; however, little is known about their effectiveness at different levels of pain intensity. Thus, the aim of this study has been to analyze the differential efficacy of both strategies to reduce perceived pain intensity and pain unpleasantness in low and moderate pain levels. METHOD: 3 (emotion regulation strategy: cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and control) × 2 (intensity of the painful stimuli: low and moderate intensity) × 2 (time: pretest and posttest) mixed factorial design. Ninety healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions. Pain-heat stimuli were administered with an advanced thermal stimulator. All participants completed the experimental pretest and posttest phases; in each phase, 12 pain stimuli were administered. Participants received brief training on how to apply cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and the control condition for the posttest phase. Data were collected from May 2022 to November 2022. RESULTS: Analyses of repeated-measure analysis of variance showed that at posttest cognitive reappraisal and distraction were equally effective in reducing perceived pain intensity in low pain levels, while distraction was more effective than cognitive reappraisal in decreasing perceived pain intensity in moderate pain levels. Both distraction and cognitive reappraisal were effective in decreasing pain unpleasantness regardless of the intensity of the painful stimuli. CONCLUSION: These findings highlighted the beneficial use of both strategies in the short term for pain relief, distraction being more effective in moderate pain levels. Applying both strategies to everyday situations that may cause short-term acute pain could be of great clinical relevance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Processing and Recovery of Heavy Crude Oil Using an HPA-Ni Catalyst and Natural Gas.

To maintain economic profitability and stabilize fuel prices, refineries actively explore alternatives for efficiently processing (extra) heavy crude oils. These oils are challenging to process due to their complex composition, which includes significant quantities of asphaltenes, resins, and sulfur and nitrogen heteroatoms. A critical initial step in upgrading these oils is the hydrogenation of polyaromatic compounds, requiring substantial hydrogen sources. Methane from natural gas streams is known to act as an effective hydrogen donor. This study investigates the use of a heteropolyacid (HPA) catalyst modified with nickel and methane to enhance the quality of heavy crude oil with an initial 8.0°API (at 15.5 °C) and 2200 cSt viscosity (at 37.5 °C). After treatment in a batch reactor at 380 °C and 4.4 MPa for 2 h, the oil properties markedly improved: API gravity increased from 8.0 to 16.0 (at 15.5 °C), and kinematic viscosity reduced from 2200 to 125 cSt (at 37.5 °C). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in asphaltenes (from 38.7 to 16.4% by weight), sulfur (from 5.9 to 4.0% by weight), and nitrogen (from 971 to 695 ppm). This was accompanied by an increase in the volume of light distillates from 1.3 to 4.9%, and middle distillates from 8.8 to 21.0%. These results suggest that nickel-modified HPA catalysts, combined with methane as a hydrogen donor, are a promising option for upgrading heavy crude oils.

Case Report of a Young Adult with Fatal COVID-19 and Abundant SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Lipofuscin Accumulation in Tissues.

This is a case report of a young adult who died of COVID-19 twelve days after admission, with coronavirus nucleocapsid protein and lipofuscin found in the heart and kidney tissues, providing further evidence of the role of SARS-CoV-2 in cellular senescence.