Diagnostic properties of sensitivity changes in patients with maxillofacial fractures: a systematic review

Aim: Verify the accuracy of objective assessments compared to subjective tests in detecting changes in somatosensory perception in individuals affected by maxillofacial trauma. Methods: The review (PROSPERO n ° CRD42019125546) used the databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, LILACS and other bibliographic resources. Prospective and retrospective studies that used objective and subjective methods of assessing facial sensitivity in maxillofacial fractures were included. There was no restriction on language or publication date. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2. Data extraction and analysis were performed using a form developed for the study. Results: 21 studies were included. The clinical objective examination mainly includes assessments of: tactile sensitivity (95.24%) and nociceptive sensitivity (57.14%). The subjective assessment was based on the patient's report, spontaneously (61.90%), guided by structured questionnaires (33.33%) and/or using scales (9.52%) to measure the degree of impairment. In risk of bias assessment, were observed no adequate interpretation and classification of changes in subjective sensitivity, subject to inappropriate analysis of the data. In addition, the studies bring several instruments without standardization for assessing sensory modalities. Conclusion: The objective assessment is a complement to the subjective assessment, using the touch assessment as the main parameter in the profile of the facial peripheral integrity, associated or not with nociceptive assessment. Lack of consensus on the indication of specific instruments for testing is a limiting factor. Thus, based on the studies, is proposed a minimum battery of sensitivity assessment to obtain an overview of the patient's peripheral nervous situation

Open-source real-time quantitative RT-PCR-based on a RNA standard for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 viral load

BACKGROUND Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) target genes by molecular methods has been chosen as the main approach to identify individuals with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. OBJECTIVES In this study, we developed an open-source RNA standard-based real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for quantitative diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharynx, oropharynx, saliva and plasma samples. METHODS AND FINDINGS We evaluated three SARS-CoV-2 target genes and selected the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, given its better performance. To improve the efficiency of the assay, a primer gradient containing 25 primers forward and reverse concentration combinations was performed. The forward and reverse primer pairs with 400 nM and 500 nM concentrations, respectively, showed the highest sensitivity. The LOD95% was ~60 copies per reaction. From the four biological matrices tested, none of them interfered with the viral load measurement. Comparison with the AllplexTM 2019-nCoV assay (Seegene) demonstrated that our test presents 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We developed an efficient molecular method able to measure absolute SARS-CoV-2 viral load with high replicability, sensitivity and specificity in different clinical samples.

Innovating the fight against syphilis: SIM Project / Inovando a luta contra a sífilis: Projeto SIM

Introduction: Syphilis is a major public health problem. Its incidence has increased in Brazil, particularly in the Southern Region. New tools are available, and immediate action is necessary. Objective: To describe the pilot study of an investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV and evaluate three strategies for adherence to syphilis treatment. Methods: A spontaneous sample of participants was evaluated with a structured questionnaire and underwent rapid tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C after signing an informed consent form (ICF). Rapid tests reagent for syphilis were confirmed by quantitative venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Participants with confirmation of syphilis were randomized into three groups for follow-up: telephone calls, SIM app, and usual care at the health unit. Results: During a two-day pilot, 68 participants were included. Fourteen (20.6%) had tests reagent for syphilis, 1 (1.5%) for hepatitis B, 3 (4.4%) for hepatitis C, and 1 (1.5%) for HIV. Eight (57.1%) of the initial 14 individuals with rapid tests reagent for syphilis agreed to participate in the study. Out of the 8 rapid tests for syphilis, 2 (25%) were confirmed as active syphilis (>1/8). Conclusion: The prevalence of active syphilis estimated in this population was 3.5%. The demand for tests was high. The COVID-19 epidemic had a negative impact on the development of the study, which is ready for implementation. Discussions on the role of such a testing unit and the coverage of the research project in a context that requires increasing COVID-19-focused testing are fundamental for the future development of the project.

Introdução: A sífilis é um importante problema de saúde pública. A incidência tem aumentado no Brasil, principalmente na Região Sul. Novas ferramentas estão disponíveis e uma ação imediata é necessária. Objetivo: Descrever o estudo piloto de uma pesquisa que avalia a prevalência de sífilis, hepatites B e C e HIV e três estratégias de aderência ao seguimento do tratamento. Métodos: Uma amostra espontânea de participantes foi avaliada com um questionário estruturado e testes rápidos para sífilis, HIV e hepatites B e C foram realizados após assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE). Os testes rápidos reagentes para sífilis foram confirmados por VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) quantitativo e hemaglutinação para sífilis (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay ­ TPHA). Os participantes com confirmação de sífilis foram randomizados em três grupos para acompanhamento: ligações telefônicas, aplicativo do SIM e cuidados habituais na unidade de saúde. Resultados: Durante um piloto de dois dias, 68 participantes foram incluídos. Quatorze (20,6%) tiveram testes reagentes para sífilis, 1 (1,5%) para hepatite B, 3 (4,4%) para hepatite C e 1 (1,5%) para HIV. Oito (57,1%) dos 14 casos iniciais com teste rápido reagente para sífilis aceitaram participar do estudo. Dos 8 testes rápidos para sífilis, 2 (25%) foram confirmados como sífilis ativa (>1/8). Conclusão: A prevalência de sífilis ativa estimada nesta população foi de 3,5%. A demanda por exames foi alta. A epidemia de COVID-19 impactou negativamente o desenvolvimento do estudo, que está pronto para implementação. A discussão sobre o papel desta espécie de unidade de teste e a abrangência do projeto de pesquisa em um contexto que pede a expansão de testes focados na COVID-19 são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento futuro do projeto.

Consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde segundo o tipo de assistência e participação no Bolsa Família / Food consumption of users of the Brazilian Unified Health System by type of assistance and participation in the "Bolsa Família"

Resumo Foi realizado estudo transversal com objetivo de avaliar e comparar o consumo alimentar de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo tipo de assistência (Unidades Básicas de Saúde-UBS e Estratégias de Saúde da Família-ESF) e participação no Programa Bolsa Família (PBF). A amostra foi composta por indivíduos de 18 a 78 anos, de ambos sexos, de Porto Alegre-RS. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, clínicos e de consumo alimentar através de questionário adaptado dos inquéritos nacionais SISVAN e VIGITEL. As análises foram realizadas no software R3.1. Dos 187 entrevistados, 91 pertenciam à ESF, 96 à UBS e 40 eram beneficiários do PBF. O padrão alimentar saudável foi identificado em apenas 41% dos usuários do SUS. Entre os beneficiários do PBF, consumo de hortaliças foi menor (67,5% vs 75,9;p = 0,02) e 55% não consumiam salada crua (37%;p = 0,04). Não houve diferença significativa no consumo considerando o tipo de assistência recebida (ESF ou UBS). O padrão de consumo saudável não foi associado às variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. A maioria dos beneficiados pelo PBF também não demonstrou padrão alimentar saudável. Portanto, maiores esforços para efetiva promoção e prevenção da saúde são necessários para essa população, principalmente entre os beneficiados pelo PBF.

Abstract A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate and compare dietary intake, type of assistance (Basic Health Units - UBS and Family Health Strategies - ESF) and participation in the "Bolsa Família" Program (PBF) among users of the Brazilian Unified Health System, (SUS). The sample was composed of individuals of both sexes between 18 and 78 years of age in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Socioeconomic, clinical and food consumption data were collected via a questionnaire adapted from the SISVAN and VIGITEL national surveys. The analyses were conducted using R3.1 software. Of the 187 patients, 91 were affiliated to the ESF, 96 to UBS and 40 were registered with the PBF. A healthy eating pattern was identified in only 41% of SUS users. It was observed that 55% did not consume raw salad (37% p = 0.04) and vegetable consumption was lower among the PBF users (67.5% versus 75.9%; p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in food consumption considering the kind of assistance (ESF or UBS). A healthy consumption pattern was not associated with demographic and socioeconomic variables. The majority of beneficiaries of the PBF did not admit to healthy eating patterns. Therefore, effective health promotion and prevention is needed for this population, mainly among the beneficiaries of the PBF.

Prevalência e fatores associados à obesidade em mulheres usuárias de serviços de pronto-atendimento do Sistema Único de Saúde no sul do Brasil / The prevalence and factors associated with obesity in women attended at First Aid Units of the Unified Health System in southern Brazil

A obesidade é uma das principais epidemias modernas, sendo importante problema de saúde pública e estando associado a um aumento de doenças crônicas. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e seus fatores associados em mulheres de 20 a 59 anos, usuárias de serviços de pronto atendimento do Sistema Único de Saúde. Realizou-se entrevista padronizada e foram tomadas as medidas antropométricas em 440 mulheres. O modelo de Poisson foi usado para avaliar a associação entre obesidade e características selecionadas. A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade (64,3 por cento) e de obesidade central (44,1 por cento) em usuárias de serviços de pronto atendimento é maior do que a encontrada na população geral e está associada a um aumento do número de agravos à saúde. Atividade física insuficiente (RP=1,44; IC 95 por cento 1,24-1,66), história de três ou mais gestações (RP=1,45; IC 95 por cento 1,05-2,00), idade maior que 50 anos (RP=1,34; IC 95 por cento 1,00-1,82) e obesidade central estão associadas a uma prevalência maior de obesidade. A implantação de políticas de saúde voltadas para a prevenção da obesidade certamente terá um impacto importante na prevenção primária de doenças crônicas na população feminina.

Obesity is currently one of the major epidemics, representing an important public health problem that is associated with an increase in chronic disease. The scope of this study is to investigate the prevalence of excess weight and obesity and associated factors in 20 to 59-year-old women attended at First Aid Units of the Unified Health System. Standardized interviews and anthropometric measurements were conducted with 440 women. Factors associated with the presence of excess weight/obesity were investigated using the Poisson model with robust variance. The prevalence of excess weight and obesity (64.3 percent) as well as central obesity (44.1 percent) in women attended at First Aid Units is higher than that in the population in general and is associated with an increased incidence of health problems. Insufficient physical activity (PR=1.44; 95 percent CI 1.24-1.66), a history of three pregnancies or more (PR=1.45; 95 percent CI 1.05-2.00), age above 50 (PR=1.34; 95 percent CI 1.00-1.82) and central obesity (PR=1.92; 95 percent CI 1.64-2.25) are associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. The implementation of public health polices focused on the prevention of obesity would undoubtedly have a major impact on primary prevention of chronic diseases in the female population.