Convalescent plasma as adjunctive therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19:The Co-CLARITY Trial

Background and Objective@#Convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) may reduce the risk of disease progression among patients with COVID-19. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CPT in preventing ICU admission among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.@*Methods@#In this open-label randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 in a 1:1 ratio to receive convalescent plasma as an adjunct to standard of care or standard of care alone. The primary endpoint was ICU admission within first 28 days of enrolment. Primary safety endpoints include rapid deterioration of respiratory or clinical status within four hours of convalescent plasma transfusion and cumulative incidence of serious adverse events during the study period including transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), severe allergic reactions, and transfusion-related infections.@*Results@#A total of 22 patients were assigned to receive convalescent plasma as an adjunct to standard of care and 22 to receive standard of care alone. The median time from onset of COVID-19 symptoms to study enrolment was eight days (IQR, 4 to 10). Two patients (9.1%) in the CPT group and one patient (4.5%) in the control group were admitted to the ICU. The primary outcome measure, ICU admission, was not different between the two groups (q-value >0.9). No patient who received convalescent plasma had rapid deterioration of respiratory/clinical status within four hours of transfusion and none developed TRALI, TACO, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions, or transfusion-related infections. There was also no significant difference in the secondary outcomes of 28-day mortality (two patients in the CPT group and none in the control group, q-value >0.90), dialysis-free days, vasopressor-free days, and ICU-free days.@*Conclusions@#Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, no significant differences were observed in the need for ICU admission between patients given CPT as adjunct to standard of care and those who received standard of care alone. Interpretation is limited by early termination of the trial which may have been underpowered to detect a clinically important difference.

Relationship of trust on selected health information sources and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among older adults / The Health Sciences Journal

Introduction@#In order to suppress the COVID-19 virus, several vaccines have been developed. The administration of COVID-19 vaccines entails its acceptance. However, misinformation and vaccine uncertainty are main factors that affect vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to determine the most trusted health information source, the most frequently accessed health information source, and health literacy of older adults within Metro Manila. @*Methods@#This study employed a quantitative non-experimental design utilizing correlational and descriptive approaches. Convenience sampling was utilized via Facebook to recruit participants. The survey was adapted from four different questionnaires and went through reliability testing and expert validation. @*Results@#The researchers collected responses from a total of 123 participants. The participants were noted to have an overall high level of acceptance for the COVID-19 vaccine ( 4.10, SD ± 0.22). The study revealed that doctors were the highly trusted health information source (( =3.69, SD ± 1.30), followed by government health agencies (( =3.18, SD ± 0.73), whereas religious organizations and leaders (( =2.45, SD ± 0.48) were the least trusted sources. However, despite being the least trusted source, religious organizations and leaders were shown to be positively related (p=0.049) and highly predictive of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The most frequently accessed health information source, health workers, have a weak correlation (r=.323) and were found to be significantly positively related (p=0.008) and highly predictive of the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The credibility of health information sources is likely to influence their selection, influencing decisions and behaviors.

Clinical presentation and outcome of pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted in Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC): The first 100 cases

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>There are numerous studies on adult patients admitted for COVID-19 but there is paucity of local data in children.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>This study aims to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of children admitted for COVID-19.</p><p><strong>METHODOLOGY: </strong>This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients 0 to 18 years old with COVID-19 admitted in Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC). Descriptive statistics summarized the clinical profile of the patients. Pearson's Chi-Square and Fischer's Exact Test were used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>There were 100 confirmed COVID-19 pediatric patients admitted at PCMC from March 2020 to March 2021. Most were within the 0-4 years of age (52%). Fever (63%), respiratory symptoms (31%), and shock (28%) were the predominant clinical manifestations. Most (78%) had no exposure to symptomatic household contacts but all came from communities with known local transmission. Fourteen cases of hospital-acquired COVID-19 were also identified. Out of the 100 cases, 53 had critical COVID-19 on admission and 82 had co-morbidities, mostly neurologic, hematologic and infectious diseases. Seventy-four patients recovered and 26 patients died.</p><p>Fever (p-value=0.014) and shock (p-value=0.000), thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis (p=0.030) and electrolyte imbalances (p=0.045) were significantly associated with critical COVID-19. There was no significant association between the presence of co-morbid conditions on admission and clinical outcome. O2 support by facemask (p=0.001) or by mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), and inotropic support (p=0.000) were significantly associated with mortality.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Children admitted for COVID-19 infection generally recover but those with critical COVID-19 is highly associated with mortality.</p>

Test-Retest Reliability of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Activation for a Vergence Eye Movement Task / 神经科学通报·英文版

Vergence eye movements are the inward and outward rotation of the eyes responsible for binocular coordination. While studies have mapped and investigated the neural substrates of vergence, it is not well understood whether vergence eye movements evoke the blood oxygen level-dependent signal reliably in separate experimental visits. The test-retest reliability of stimulus-induced vergence eye movement tasks during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment is important for future randomized clinical trials (RCTs). In this study, we established region of interest (ROI) masks for the vergence neural circuit. Twenty-seven binocularly normal young adults participated in two functional imaging sessions measured on different days on the same 3T Siemens scanner. The fMRI experiments used a block design of sustained visual fixation and rest blocks interleaved between task blocks that stimulated eight or four vergence eye movements. The test-retest reliability of task-activation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and that of spatial extent was assessed using the Dice coefficient. Functional activation during the vergence eye movement task of eight movements compared to rest was repeatable within the primary visual cortex (ICC = 0.8), parietal eye fields (ICC = 0.6), supplementary eye field (ICC = 0.5), frontal eye fields (ICC = 0.5), and oculomotor vermis (ICC = 0.6). The results demonstrate significant test-retest reliability in the ROIs of the vergence neural substrates for functional activation magnitude and spatial extent using the stimulus protocol of a task block stimulating eight vergence eye movements compared to sustained fixation. These ROIs can be used in future longitudinal RCTs to study patient populations with vergence dysfunctions.

Development of a clinical risk score to diagnose concurrent bacterial infections in children with dengue

Background@#The clinical course of dengue can be adversely affected by bacterial coinfection. Because of this, clinical manifestations may be severe and may lead to morbidity and mortality. Little is known about this dual infection in the pediatric population. @*Objectives@#This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with dengue infection and coinfection and subsequently develop a scoring system to diagnose bacterial coinfection in patients with dengue.@*Methods@#A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted among hospitalized pediatric patients with confirmed dengue infection between January 2019 to August 2019. Baseline characteristics, risk factors, clinical parameters, laboratory findings, management and outcomes were recorded. Cases with concurrent bacterial infections were further analyzed. A scoring system was created which assigned 1 point each for the following risk factors -age ≤9 years, fever >5 days, dengue severe, and 2 points for CRP >12 mg/l) @*Results@#A total of 154 pediatric dengue patients were enrolled with a mean age of 8.54 ± 4.15 years, and 99 patients (64%) had bacterial coinfection. Patients with coinfection were A total of 154 pediatric dengue patients were enrolled with a mean age of 8.54 ± 4.15 years, and 99 patients (%) had bacterial co-infection. Patients with coinfection were younger, have prolonged fever (>5 days), and were more frequently observed to have hypotension, tachycardia, desaturations and bleeding. Patients with coinfection also had higher white blood cell counts (>8 x109 cells/L), higher neutrophil counts (58.80 ± 18.42 % count), and elevated CRP (>12 mg/l) and procalcitonin (>4.01 ng/L). Utilizing the scoring system developed, a score of ≥3 had a sensitivity of 66.67% and specificity of 76.36%, in diagnosing concurrent bacterial infection in children with dengue. @*Conclusions@#Patients with dengue and bacterial coinfections were younger with comorbidities. They presented with significantly abnormal vital signs, physical examination findings, and elevated acute phase reactants. Using age ≤ 9 years, fever >5 days, dengue severe, and CRP >12mg/l, a scoring system was developed to diagnose bacterial coinfection in patients with dengue. A score of ≥3 can help diagnose patients with dengue and bacterial coinfection who will most likely need early empiric antimicrobial therapy.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and clinicodemographic profiles of patients with head and neck infections in a Philippine tertiary government hospital

@#Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients admitted for head and neck infections and describe their clinicodemographic features. Methods: Design: Retrospective Case Series Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Participants: Forty-two (42) patients Results: Out of 211 adult patients admitted for head and neck infections during the study period, 42 (20%) were diagnosed to have concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM). Only 6 (14%) were known to have DM before admission while 28 (67%) were found to have DM only after admission. The most common site of infection was the neck (11; 26%). More than half of the patients (24; 57.1%) had infections in the head only, 17 (40.5%) had infections in the neck only, and 1 (2.4%) had infections in both the head and neck regions. Among these, 26 (61.9%) had infection in one site only, 15 (35.7%) had infections in two sites and one (2.4%) had infections in three sites. The majority (28; 66.7%) had an unknown etiology of infection with spontaneous appearance of redness and swelling in the involved area. Six (14.3%) were odontogenic, five (11.9%) were due to skin trauma, and three (7.1%) were due to nasal mucosal trauma. Available cultures in 14 patients revealed 12 (86%) with aerobic microorganisms and two (14%) with anaerobic growths. Half of the aerobic cultures grew K. pneumoniae. All patients were started on empiric intravenous antibiotics and over half of them (52.4%) needed surgical management. More than half (27; 64.3%) suffered from diabetic head and neck-associated complications, categorized into orbital (56%), organ/systemic (26%), local (11%), and neural (7%). Despite these complications, the majority (37, 86%) went home improved while five (12%) expired. Conclusion: This study found that 20% of patients admitted for head and neck infections during the study period had concurrent DM. Guided by known clinicodemographic haracteristics, patients admitted with suspicious head and neck infections must be promptly screened for concomitant DM and properly managed before substantial morbidity and death ensue. Otolaryngologists - head and neck surgeons, endocrinologists, general practitioners and patients alike must be cognizant of diabetic head and neck infections so that they can be prevented or managed early before complications set in.

Predictors of treatment failure of medical management among patients with pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess admitted in a tertiary hospital

@#OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the predictors for treatment failure of medical management among admitted female patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess. METHODS: This was a retrospective nested case-control study, using chart review of all cases of pelvic inflammatory disease with tubo-ovarian abscess/complex (N = 49) admitted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philippine General Hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. RESULTS: Medical treatment failure was observed to be significantly higher (51.9%) among patients 40 years old and above as compared to patients less than 40 years old (13.6%). The risk of patients ≥40 years for failed management was 14x higher than those <40 years old (OR=14.00; 95% CI=1.06 to 185.5;p=0.04). The failed management group has significantly higher TOA size of 7.8 (7.8 ± 1.6) as compared to only 5.8 (5.8 ± 1.4) for medical treatment alone group. Correspondingly, those who failed have a significantly bigger volume of 120.4 ml (120.4 ± 84.5) as compared to only 55.2 ml (55.2 ± 40.6) for medical treatment alone group. Other predictive factors such as parity, admitting White blood cell count(WBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and neutrophil-lymphocytic ratio(NLR) were all not significant. CONCLUSION: Tubo-ovarian abscess size of more than or equal to 7 cm, or a volume of more than or equal to 120 ml and advanced age of >40 were all predictive of failed response to medical treatment. Early recognition and intervention whether surgery or drainage may be beneficial to reduce morbidity and long-term sequelae of PID.

Eficácia hepatoprotetora do extrato metanólico de Indigofera suffruticosa (Mill) em lesão hepática induzido por paracetamol em camundongos / Hepatoprotective efficacy of methanolic extract of indigofera suffruticosa (mill) on paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (Fabaceae) is abundant in northeastern Brazil and popularly used in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes. Several biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, hepatoprotective and low toxicity, are reported for this plant. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated hepatoprotective activity and the antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of I. suffruticosa leaves (MEIS) on Swiss albino mice submitted to experimental models of acetaminophen-induced liver injury. METHODS: MEIS (50 mg/kg; p.o.) was standardized according to the LD50 and its hepatoprotective property on Swiss albino mice evaluated during a 7-day period. On the eighth day, the acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury was performed. Histomorphometric analysis of liver tissue, antioxidant activity and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin were measured. RESULTS: MEIS (50 mg/kg; p.o.) restored serum enzyme levels and results were close to those of positive control (silymarin) when compared to the negative control. Histopathological and histomorphometric analyzes confirmed MEIS hepatoprotective activity, showing reorganization of structural units of cells, nuclei and sinusoidal capillaries of hepatocytes, reducing the damage on liver tissue and increasing organ regeneration rate. MEIS showed high antioxidant potential at concentrations of 1000 and 500 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MEIS has hepatoprotective activity and high antioxidant potential.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (Fabaceae) é abundante no nordeste do Brasil e popularmente utilizada no tratamento de processos infecciosos e inflamatórios. Várias propriedades biológicas, como anti-inflamatório, anticâncer, antitumoral, hepatoprotetor e baixa toxicidade, são relatadas para esta planta. OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou a atividade hepatoprotetora e o efeito antioxidante do extrato metanólico de folhas de I. suffruticosa (MEIS) em camundongos albinos suíços submetidos a modelos experimentais de lesão hepática induzida por paracetamol. MÉTODOS: O MEIS na dose de 50 mg/kg (via oral) foi padronizado de acordo com a LD50 e sua propriedade hepatoprotetora em camundongos albinos Swiss avaliados durante um período de sete dias. No oitavo dia, a lesão hepática foi induzida por paracetamol em todos grupos pre-tratados. Foram medidos os níveis sericos enzimaticos, alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase e bilirrubina, análise histomorfométrica do tecido hepático e atividade antioxidante. RESULTADOS: O MEIS restaurou os níveis séricos de enzimas e os resultados foram próximos aos do controle positivo (silimarina) quando comparados ao controle negativo. As análises histopatológicas e histomorfométricas confirmaram a atividade hepatoprotetora do MEIS, mostrando reorganização das unidades estruturais das células, núcleos e capilares sinusoidais dos hepatócitos, reduzindo os danos no tecido hepático e aumentando a taxa de regeneração de órgãos. O MEIS apresentou alto potencial antioxidante nas concentrações de 1000 e 500 µg/mL. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que I. suffruticosa tem atividade hepatoprotetora e alto potencial antioxidante.

Hepatitis B virus infection among oncohematologic disease patients in Central Brazil: prevalence, risk factors and immunization

ABSTRACT Introduction: Carriers of oncohematological diseases are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Objective and method: To investigate the epidemiology of HBV infection in Goiânia, Central Brazil, 322 individuals with oncohematological diseases (leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) were interviewed and blood samples were collected for the detection of serological markers of HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Medical records of participants were also reviewed. Results: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (n = 99) and chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 108) were the most frequent oncohematological diseases. The overall prevalence of HBV was 13.97% (45/322). Of the total participants, 8.69% (28/322) presented isolated positivity for anti-HBs, suggesting low vaccine coverage. HBV-DNA was detected in 25% (1/4) of HBsAg positive samples and in 25% (3/12) of anti-HBc isolated, suggesting HBV occult infection. All samples were identified as subgenotype A1. Entries in patient records and the findings of this investigation suggest anti-HBc seroconversion during oncologic treatment. Age 50 years or over and use of a central catheter during therapy were associated with HBV exposure. Conclusion: The low frequency of hepatitis B immunized individuals, detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg negative samples, and the suggestion of HBV exposure during treatment evidenced the potential for health-related viral dissemination in people with oncohematological diseases in our region, reinforcing the importance of serological monitoring, vaccination against hepatitis B, and adoption of strict infection control measures in these individuals.

Retrospective analysis of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection among patients admitted at an academic university hospital from 2011 to 2015: A five-year review

Introduction@#The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a challenge in the management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). @*Objective@#To describe the epidemiology of MRSA SSTIs among admitted patients at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH).@*Methods @#This was a retrospective study of inpatients with MRSA SSTIs from 2011-2015. MRSA infections were classii ed as community-associated (CA-MRSA) and healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA). Demographic characteristics, clinical proi le, comorbidities, complications, risk factors, antibiotic susceptibility and resistance, treatment used, and clinical outcome were determined.@*Results@#Out of the 331 inpatients with Staphylococcus aureus SSTIs, 211 had MRSA with a prevalence of 63.7%, 80.1% of MRSA were CAMRSA while 19.9% were HA-MRSA. The mean age was 41.58 years with male predominance. The majority presented with abscess (62.9%), on the legs (21.8%). The abscess was signii cantly associated with CA-MRSA while infected wounds, previous hospitalization, and surgery were correlated with HA-MRSA. Growing resistance to ciprol oxacin, tetracycline, macrolides, co-trimoxazole, and clindamycin was noted. A low percentage of resistance to vancomycin and linezolid was observed. Almost all cases improved with appropriate antibiotic therapy and 3.3% mortality@*Conclusion@#More than half of the patients with Staphylococcus aureus SSTIs had MRSA. and were mostly CA-MRSA and males. Abscess on the leg was the common presentation and signii cantly associated with CA-MRSA. Infected wounds, previous hospitalization, and surgery were associated with HA-MRSA. There was high resistance of MRSA to ciprol oxacin and tetracycline while low resistance to vancomycin and linezolid. Almost all improved with appropriate treatment.

Tuberculosis of the temporomandibular region

Objective:@#To describe a unique case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) of the temporomandibular area focusing on its insidious and destructive course over a 2-year period with insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls encountered throughout its clinical development. @*Methods:@#Study Design: Case Report. Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital. Patient: One. @*Results@#A 33-year old man initially presented with right pre-auricular swelling and trismus that were unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. On subsequent follow-ups, initial symptoms were accompanied by a non-healing right pre-auricular wound, right ear discharge, trismus, and right facial paralysis (House-Brackmann III). Cranial and temporal bone computed tomography scans revealed osteolytic destruction of the right temporomandibular region extending to the auditory canal and of the right mastoid bone extending to the right mandibular condyle and parotid. Infected malignancy of the parotid, mandible and temporal bone were considered, but definitive diagnosis from an incision biopsy revealed caseating granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis. He was started on anti-tuberculosis medications with significant resolution of pre-auricular swelling, non-healing pre-auricular wound, facial paralysis and ear discharge but minimal improvement in mouth opening.@*Conclusion@#Tuberculosis of temporomandibular region is rare and is associated with nonspecific manifestations. Delay in diagnosing and initiating appropriate treatment can lead to morbidity and serious complications involving destruction of the temporal bone, middle ear, mandible and parotid gland over its progression. A high index of suspicion by the physician and awareness of the patient’s health seeking behaviors could have aided in the early diagnosis and treatment of this extrapulmonary TB.

A case of Nevus Lipomatosus Superficialis in a 14-year-old Filipino female

Introduction@#Nevus lipomatosus superficialis is a rare benign hamartomatous skin lesion. It is classified into 2 types: solitary and multiple. Lesions consist of multiple, flesh-colored or yellow papules and/or nodules in a segmental pattern, with a linear, zosteriform, or along the lines of skin folds distribution. Surfaces are smooth, but may also have verrucous or cerebri-form appearance. Pathogenesis is unknown, but there is speculation that precursor cells around dermal blood vessels give rise to mature fat cells in a mosaic pattern. Incidence is presently unknown, but this is the first reported case in this institution. Histopathology reveals presence of aggregates of mature adipose tissue among the collagen bundles of the dermis. @*Case Summary@#DF is a 14-year-old, Filipino, female, who consulted due to multiple, pedun-culated, soft papules over the right lower back, and extending to the right flank, with a clustered arrangement. There was no history of trauma or manipulation, nor was there pain, pruri-tus, or other associated symptoms. Past medical, family, and social history were non-contributory. Initial impression was acrochordon. Excision biopsy revealed mature adipose tissue in the dermis, which is diagnostic for nevus lipomatosus superficialis. Serial excision was done. @*Conclusion@#Excision is the treatment of choice. Other treatment options that can be ex-ploredare COz laser, cryotherapy, and intralesional injection of phosphatidylcholine, which yield promising results recommended by other studies. Dermatopathology plays a vital role in the diagnosis of this condition. A high index of suspicion, a good clinical eye, and dermatopa-thologic analysis are essential tools in clinching the diagnosis.

The efficacy of Dunstan baby language in decreasing the parenting stress levels of housewives with 0-2 month old infants: A quasi-experimental study / The Health Sciences Journal

Introduction@#Literature shows that infant distress and care-giving can be sources of stress of primary care givers, especially for first-time mothers. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Dunstan baby Language in decreasing parenting stress among first time mothers compared with those receiving standard newborn care alone.@*Methods@#This research utilized a quasi-experimental approach, where 18 first-time mothers with babies 0-2 months old were allocated to receive standard care plus Dunstan baby language training or standard care alone. Maternal stress was measured at baseline and after the intervention period with the Parental Stress Scale. The scores were compared within and between the two study arms. A repeated measures mixed model was used for the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) results.@*Results@#A total of 27 participants were enrolled in the study. The Dunstan baby language group had 18 participants, while the control group had 9 participants. An apparent decrease was noted in the week 1 to week 2 and the week 2 to week 3 Parental Stress Scale scores in the Dunstan baby language group compared with the control group which had minimal changes in their mean scores. The mean difference between the two groups was not significant.@*Conclusion@#The use of Dunstan baby language in addition to standard care may decrease stress among first time mothers with 0-2 month old babies.

The role of prehealth student volunteers at a student-run free clinic in New York, United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The medical student-run Einstein Community Health Outreach Clinic provides free healthcare to the uninsured adult population of New York, the United States. During the summer, prehealth student volunteers are recruited to assist with clinic operations. METHODS: We designed a survey study to identify the baseline characteristics of the volunteers between June and August of 2013 and 2014 in order to evaluate the influence of working in a medical student-run free clinic on their education, impressions, and career goals. RESULTS: A total of 38 volunteers (response rate, 83%) participated in the study. The volunteers were demographically diverse and interested in primary care specialties and community service. CONCLUSION: After the Einstein Community Health Outreach program, the volunteers showed an improved understanding of the healthcare process and issues relevant to uninsured patients. They also developed favorable attitudes towards primary care medicine and an increased level of interest in pursuing careers in primary care.

Effect of Bolus Volume and Consistency on Swallowing Events Duration in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Swallowing is a complex function with the control of the swallowing center being located in the brain stem. Our aim in this investigation was to evaluate, in healthy volunteers, the oral and pharyngeal transit of 2 bolus volumes and 2 consistencies, and the influence of these boluses on the proportion of pharyngeal clearance duration/hyoid movement duration. METHODS: Videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallows was performed in 30 healthy volunteers, aged 29-77 years (mean 58 years). The subjects swallowed in duplicate of 5 mL and 10 mL of thick liquid barium and honey thick barium. We measured the duration of oral transit, pharyngeal transit, pharyngeal clearance, upper esophageal sphincter opening, hyoid movement, oropharyngeal transit, and the relation pharyngeal clearance duration/hyoid movement duration. RESULTS: A 10 mL bolus volume caused a longer UES opening duration than a 5 mL bolus volume, for both consistencies. The pharyngeal transit was longer for honey thick bolus consistency than for thick liquid, with both the volumes of 5 mL and 10 mL. For pharyngeal clearance, the difference was significant only with the 10 mL bolus volume. There was no difference associated with bolus volume or consistency in the relation between pharyngeal clearance duration and hyoid movement duration. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in the swallowed bolus volume causes a longer UES opening duration and an increase in bolus consistency from thick liquid to honey thick causes a longer pharyngeal transit duration. The proportion between pharyngeal clearance and hyoid movement does not change with bolus volume or bolus consistency.

Aplicação da SWVads sobre eletrodo AgSIE

O ácido fólico (AF) é uma vitamina hidrossolúvel do complexo B, pertencente ao grupo dos folatos, conhecida como vitamina B9, folacina ou ácido pteroilglutâmico. È a forma mais estável dentre os folatos, sendo a escolhida para o enriquecimento de alimentos. O AF auxilia na prevenção de malformações do cérebro, da medula óssea, na diminuição de homocisteína e na produção da serotonina no organismo. Assim, a complementação da dieta diária com o AF se faz necessária uma vez que, o consumo diário deve ser da ordem de 0,2 mg (para gestante:0,4 mg). No Brasil, a obrigatoriedade do enriquecimento é aplicada a farinhas de trigo e de milho, segundo a RDC nº 344 (ANVISA, MS, 2002).

Validação do método iodométrico para determinação do ácido ascórbico e cálculo da estimativa da incerteza da medição

O termo vitamina, originária da expressão vital amin, foi utilizado para se referir as certas substâncias alimentares imprescindíveis à saúde. Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi (1928) descobriu e isolou o fator antiescorbútico em vários alimentos, denominando-o vitamina C ou ácido ascórbico (AA). Foi popularizado (1970) por Linus Pauling (Nobel), que recomendava megadoses para combater doenças comuns, degenerativas e na prevenção do câncer.

Clones de leveduras patogênicas em água de consumo humano

A garantia da saúde humana está relacionada a diversos fatores, entre eles à qualidade da água, que para estar em condições ideais, tanto para o consumo humano quanto no preparo de alimentos, deve atender os padrões microbiológicos. A genética molecular tem sido utilizada para identificação de clones destes micro-organismos. Neste sentido, destacam-se a técnica de RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) e PFGE (Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis) para detecção de correlações genéticas entre organismos da mesma espécie.

Indicadores microbiológicos e físico-químicos de potabilidade e identificação fúngica em águas subterrâneas

A utilização de águas subterrâneas tem aumentado muito nos últimos anos, sendo crescente o número de comunidades que têm optado pelo uso exclusivo desse recurso em substituição à captação de água superficial. A potabilidade da água deve obedecer aos padrões bacteriológicos e físico-químicos estabelecidos na Portaria 2914/11 do Ministério da Saúde, não incluindo os fungos como parâmetro de qualidade.

Dor nas unidades de internação de um hospital universitário / Pain management at inpatient wards of a university hospital / Dolor en las unidades de ingreso de un hospital universitario

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Estudo exploratório-descritivo, transversal, com objetivo de determinar a prevalência, caracterização, localização, mensuração e discussão de medidas farmacológicas analgésicas em dor aguda em cinco unidades de internação de um hospital universitário. MÉTODO: Participaram 856 sujeitos, dos quais 272 com dor no momento. As informações relacionadas à dor foram obtidas através de entrevista estruturada junto ao leito. Usou-se a escala numérica de dor e diagrama corporal. RESULTADOS: A analgesia foi verificada no prontuário. A prevalência geral de dor foi de 31,8%, sendo intensa em 44,2% e a média de 6,6 na escala numérica de dor. O motivo principal foi traumatismo, o local mais frequente, o abdômen. O analgésico mais usado foi a dipirona em 76,1%, com/sem associação. Opioide forte foi prescrito em 4,4%. Para 27,5% não houve melhoria. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a dor é de alta prevalência, pouco avaliada, subtratada, com uso incorreto de analgésicos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is an exploratory, descriptive and transversal study aiming to determine the prevalence, characterization, location, and measurement and discuss pharmacological analgesic measures for acute pain management in five inpatient wards of a university hospital. METHOD: We enrolled 856 subjects in the study, of whom 272 were in pain at the time. Information related to pain was obtained using a bedside structured interview. Numeric pain scale and body diagram were used. RESULTS: Analgesia was assessed through medical records. The overall prevalence of pain was 31.8%, with severe pain in 44.2% and mean of 6.6 on numeric pain scale. The main reason was trauma and the most common site the abdomen. The most widely used analgesic was dipyrone (76.1%) with/without combination. Strong opioid was prescribed to 4.4%. For 27.5% there was no improvement. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pain is highly prevalent, poorly evaluated, undertreated, with inappropriate use of analgesics.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal, con el objetivo de determinar la prevalencia, la caracterización, la ubicación, la mensuración y la discusión de las medidas farmacológicas analgésicas en dolor agudo, en cinco unidades de ingreso de un hospital universitario. MÉTODO: Participaron 856 sujetos, de los cuales 272 tenían dolor en ese momento. Las informaciones relacionadas con el dolor se obtuvieron por medio de una entrevista estructurada con el paciente y junto a la cama de hospital. Se usó la escala numérica de dolor y el diagrama corporal. RESULTADOS: La analgesia fue verificada en la historia clínica del paciente. La prevalencia general de dolor fue de un 31,8% siendo intensa en un 44,2% y con un promedio de 6,6 en la escala numérica de dolor. El motivo principal fue el traumatismo y la región más frecuente fue el abdomen. El analgésico más usado fue la dipirona en un 76,1%, con/sin asociación. Se prescribió opioide fuerte en un 4,4%. Para el 27,5% no se registró mejoría. CONCLUSIONES: Llegamos a la conclusión de que el dolor es de alta prevalencia, poco evaluado, mal tratado, y con el uso incorrecto de analgésicos.