Adapting the Nominal Group Technique to a virtual version: an experience report / Adaptación de la Técnica del Grupo Nominal a una versión virtual: informe de una experiencia / Adaptação da Técnica de Grupo Nominal para versão virtual: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT Objective: To report on the adaptations made to the original Nominal Group Technique (NGT), allowing it to be applied to the virtual format, preserving all its key elements. Method: An experience report on the adaptations and adjustments made to the original NGT to the virtual format using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), using digital tools that are available free of charge or are low cost and easy to use. Results: The NGT was carried out entirely virtually and underwent adaptations in each of its four stages through the incorporation of specific digital resources. It was possible to present the most voted ideas and obtain final approval from the participants. The participants had no difficulty in using the virtual resources provided and, based on the reaction evaluation, they were satisfied with the tools provided. Conclusion: The adapted NGT proved to be an effective method when used in a virtual setting, capable of producing a significant number of ideas and developing consensus. The adapted tool can be used by other researchers in countries with similar resources or dimensions to Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Informar sobre las adaptaciones realizadas a la Técnica de Grupo Nominal (TGN) original, permitiendo su aplicación al formato virtual, preservando todos sus elementos clave. Método: Se trata de un informe de experiencia sobre las adaptaciones y ajustes realizados a la TGN original para el formato virtual mediante el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), utilizando herramientas digitales disponibles de forma gratuita o de bajo coste y fácil uso. Resultados: El TGN se realizó íntegramente de manera virtual y sufrió adaptaciones en cada una de sus cuatro etapas mediante la incorporación de recursos digitales específicos. Fue posible presentar las ideas más votadas y obtener la aprobación final de los participantes. Los participantes no tuvieron dificultades para utilizar los recursos virtuales proporcionados y, según los comentarios recibidos, se mostraron satisfechos con las herramientas facilitadas. Conclusión: El TGN adaptado demostró ser un método eficaz cuando se utiliza en un entorno virtual, capaz de producir un número significativo de ideas y desarrollar el consenso. La herramienta adaptada puede ser utilizada por otros investigadores en países con recursos o dimensiones similares a las de Brasil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar as adaptações realizadas na Técnica de Grupo Nominal (TGN) original, permitindo sua aplicação ao formato virtual, preservando todos os seus elementos-chave. Método: Relato de experiência sobre as adaptações e adequações realizadas na TGN original ao formato virtual aplicando as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC), por meio de ferramentas digitais disponibilizadas gratuitamente ou de baixo custo e de fácil manejo. Resultados: A TGN foi realizada integralmente de forma virtual e sofreu adaptações em cada uma das suas quatro etapas através da incorporação de recursos digitais específicos. Foi possível apresentar as ideias mais votadas e obter a aprovação final dos participantes. Os participantes não apresentaram dificuldade para utilizar os recursos virtuais disponibilizados, e, partir da avaliação de reação, mostram-se satisfeitos com as ferramentas disponibilizadas. Conclusão: A TGN adaptada mostrou-se um método efetivo quando utilizada em cenário virtual, sendo capaz de produzir um significativo número de ideias e desenvolver consenso. A ferramenta adaptada pode ser usada por outros pesquisadores em países com recursos ou dimensões semelhantes ao Brasil.

Let’s Get That Bread Clip: Mechanical or Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction?

A 60-year-old female presented with symptoms consistent with a large bowel obstruction (LBO). Following confirmation of LBO using imaging, she progressed to a laparotomy which potentially revealed a large rectosigmoid tumor with surrounding adhesions, deemed unresectable. The postoperative course was complicated by an enterocutaneous fistula. She was transferred to a tertiary center and underwent a repeat laparotomy which revealed a large fibrotic mass associated with an intra-luminal bread clip (expiry date 2002). This case report details the interesting causative nature of this LBO and the subsequent surgical management, and complicated postoperative course.

A randomized trial evaluating the safety profile of sugammadex in high surgical risk ASA physical class 3 or 4 participants / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:The aim of this randomized, double-blind trial was to evaluate the safety and tolerability profile, including cardiac safety, of sugammadex-mediated recovery from neuromuscular block in participants undergoing surgery who met the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Class 3 or 4 criteria.Specifically, this study assessed the impact of sugammadex on cardiac adverse events (AEs) and other prespecified AEs of clinical interest.Methods:Participants meeting ASA Class 3 and 4 criteria were stratified by ASA Class and NMBA (rocuronium or vecuronium) then randomized to one of the following: 1) Moderate neuromuscular block, sugammadex 2 mg/kg; 2) Moderate neuromuscular block, neostigmine and glycopyrrolate (neostigmine/glycopyrrolate); 3) Deep neuromuscular block, sugammadex 4 mg/kg; 4) Deep neuromuscular block, sugammadex 16 mg/kg (rocuronium only). Primary endpoints included incidences of treatment-emergent (TE) sinus bradycardia, TE sinus tachycardia and other TE cardiac arrhythmias.Results:Of 344 participants randomized, 331 received treatment (61% male, BMI 28.5 ± 5.3 kg/m 2, age 69 ± 11 years). Incidence of TE sinus bradycardia was significantly lower in the sugammadex 2 mg/kg group vs neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.The incidence of TE sinus tachycardia was significantly lower in the sugammadex 2 and 4 mg/kg groups vs neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.No significant differences in other TE cardiac arrythmias were seen between sugammadex groups and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.There were no cases of adjudicated anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity reactions in this study. Conclusions:Compared with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate, incidence of TE sinus bradycardia was significantly lower with sugammadex 2 mg/kg and incidence of TE sinus tachycardia was significantly lower with sugammadex 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg.These results support the safety of sugammadex for reversing rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced moderate and deep neuromuscular block in ASA Class 3 or 4 participants.

Fertility trends during successive novel infectious disease outbreaks: Zika and COVID-19 in Brazil / Tendências de fecundidade durante sucessivas epidemias de doenças infecciosas novas: Zika e COVID-19 no Brasil / Tendencias de fecundidad durante los sucesivos brotes de nuevas enfermedades infecciosas: Zika y COVID-19 en Brasil

This study aims to estimate fertility trends in Brazil in the 2010s and early 2020s during a period of back-to-back novel infectious disease outbreaks - Zika virus and COVID-19. We use Brazilian Ministry of Health and Association of Civil Registrar data from 2011-2021 to measure general fertility rates at the national and state levels. We also used seasonal ARIMA model to forecast fertility rates by month and state in 2021 and compared these forecasts with observed fertility rates. We find that fertility rates were steady over 2011-2015 with no statistically significant variation, followed by a sharp decline during the Zika outbreak in 2016 followed by a return to pre-Zika levels after the end of the epidemic. Furthermore, to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, we make comparisons with observed and forecast rates from 2020-2021, showing that declines were generally larger for observed than for forecast rates, yet statistically insignificant. We argue that the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 might lead to further declines, as women might have not had enough time to adjust rebound from either the effects of the Zika epidemic. We also discuss the importance of timely availability of live births data during a public health crisis with immediate consequences for fertility rates.

O objetivo desta contribuição de dados é estimar as tendências de fecundidade no Brasil nos anos 2010 e início dos anos 2020 durante epidemias consecutivas de doenças infecciosas novas, ou seja, Zika vírus e COVID-19. Utilizamos dados do Ministério da Saúde e do Registro Civil Nacional de 2011-2021 para calcular as taxas mensais de fecundidade nos níveis nacional e estadual. Também utilizamos o modelo ARIMA sazonal para prever taxas de fecundidade por mês e por estado em 2021, e comparamos essas previsões com as taxas de fecundidade observadas. Encontramos que as taxas de fecundidade eram estáveis entre 2011 e 2015, sem variação significativa, seguido por um declínio abrupto durante o surto de Zika em 2016, e seguido por sua vez por um retorno aos níveis pré-Zika depois do fim da epidemia. Além disso, para avaliar o efeito da pandemia de COVID-19, comparamos as taxas observadas e previstas de 2020-2021, mostrando que as quedas geralmente eram maiores nas taxas observadas do que nas previstas, porém sem significância estatística. Argumentamos que o recrudescimento da pandemia de COVID-19 em 2021 poderá levar a mais quedas nas taxas, na medida em que as mulheres não tenham tido tempo suficiente para reagir e se ajustarem aos efeitos da epidemia de Zika. Também discutimos a importância da disponibilidade oportuna de dados sobre nascidos vivos durante uma crise de saúde pública com consequências imediatas para as taxas de fecundidade.

El objetivo de esta aportación de datos es estimar las tendencias de fecundidad en Brasil en la década de 2010 y principios de 2020, durante el período de brotes consecutivos de nuevas enfermedades infecciosas -ZIKV y COVID-19. Se usaron datos procedentes del Ministerio de Salud y del Registro Civil Nacional (ARPEN) desde 2011-2021 para calcular mensualmente las tasas de fecundidad en nivel nacional y en el estado. Se utilizó el ARIMA estacional para pronosticar las tasas de fecundidad por mes y estado en 2021, y se compararon estas predicciones con las tasas de fecundidad observadas. Encontramos que las tasas de fecundidad se mantuvieron estables entre 2011 y 2015, sin variaciones significativas, seguido de un fuerte descenso durante el brote de Zika en 2016, para posteriormente volver a los niveles anteriores al Zika tras el fin de la epidemia. Asimismo, con el fin de evaluar el efecto de la pandemia de COVID-19, hicimos comparaciones con lo observado y la previsión de tasas desde 2020-2021, que muestran que los descensos fueron en general mayores para los índices observados que para los previstos, aunque insignificantes desde el punto de vista estadístico. Sostenemos que el resurgimiento de la pandemia de COVID-19 en 2021 podría provocar nuevos descensos, ya que las mujeres podrían no haber tenido suficiente tiempo para adaptarse a los efectos de la epidemia de Zika. También se discute la importancia de disponer a tiempo de los datos de los nacidos vivos durante una crisis de salud pública con consecuencias inmediatas para las tasas de fecundidad.

Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en adolescentes que viven con el VIH en Lima, Perú / Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on adolescents living with HIV in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Los adolescentes que viven con el VIH (AVVIH) tienen tasas más bajas de supresión virológica y tasas más altas de deterioro inmunológico en comparación con sus contrapartes mayores, colocándolos potencialmente en alto riesgo de enfermedad severa por SARS-CoV-2. Los AVVIH que están transicionando hacia el cuidado de adultos enfrentan dificultades adicionales para permanecer en el cuidado y adherirse al tratamiento antirretroviral. En esta sección especial reportamos el impacto observado en AVVIH transicionando al servicio de VIH para adultos durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. En primer lugar, el acceso a la atención del VIH se ha visto perjudicado por la restricción del transporte público, la falta de antirretrovirales, y la suspensión de citas médicas y laboratoriales. Adicionalmente, dificultades financieras, incertidumbre sobre el futuro, estresores emocionales, alteración del estilo de vida y el temor de divulgar el diagnóstico involuntariamente han desafiado aún más la continuidad en la atención de esta población adolescente.

ABSTRACT Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) have lower rates of virologic suppression and higher rates of immunologic decline compared to their older counterparts, potentially placing them at high-risk for developing severe SARS-CoV-2 disease. ALWH who are transitioning to adult care face additional challenges to remaining in care and adhering to treatment. In this special section we report the experiences of ALWH in the process of transitioning to adult HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In first place, the government-mandated stay-at-home order has substantially limited access to full HIV care by restricting public transportation, HIV medication stock-outs, and the suspension of routine medical and laboratory appointments. In addition, financial hardship, uncertainty about their future plans, emotional stressors, lifestyle disruptions, and concerns of involuntary disclosure have further challenged continuity in care for this adolescent population.

Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en adolescentes que viven con el VIH en Lima, Perú / Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on adolescents living with HIV in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Los adolescentes que viven con el VIH (AVVIH) tienen tasas más bajas de supresión virológica y tasas más altas de deterioro inmunológico en comparación con sus contrapartes mayores, colocándolos potencialmente en alto riesgo de enfermedad severa por SARS-CoV-2. Los AVVIH que están transicionando hacia el cuidado de adultos enfrentan dificultades adicionales para permanecer en el cuidado y adherirse al tratamiento antirretroviral. En esta sección especial reportamos el impacto observado en AVVIH transicionando al servicio de VIH para adultos durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. En primer lugar, el acceso a la atención del VIH se ha visto perjudicado por la restricción del transporte público, la falta de antirretrovirales, y la suspensión de citas médicas y laboratoriales. Adicionalmente, dificultades financieras, incertidumbre sobre el futuro, estresores emocionales, alteración del estilo de vida y el temor de divulgar el diagnóstico involuntariamente han desafiado aún más la continuidad en la atención de esta población adolescente.

ABSTRACT Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) have lower rates of virologic suppression and higher rates of immunologic decline compared to their older counterparts, potentially placing them at high-risk for developing severe SARS-CoV-2 disease. ALWH who are transitioning to adult care face additional challenges to remaining in care and adhering to treatment. In this special section we report the experiences of ALWH in the process of transitioning to adult HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In first place, the government-mandated stay-at-home order has substantially limited access to full HIV care by restricting public transportation, HIV medication stock-outs, and the suspension of routine medical and laboratory appointments. In addition, financial hardship, uncertainty about their future plans, emotional stressors, lifestyle disruptions, and concerns of involuntary disclosure have further challenged continuity in care for this adolescent population.

Effectiveness and Complication Rate of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement in Pediatric Oncology Patients / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#Malnutrition is a significant issue for pediatric patients with cancer. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and complication rate of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in pediatric oncology patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective chart review was performed on 49 pediatric oncology patients undergoing PEG placement at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital between 2000 and 2016.Demographic and clinical characteristics, complications, absolute neutrophil count at time of PEG placement and at time of complications, length of stay, and mortality were identified.Weight-for-age Z-scores were evaluated at time of- and six months post-PEG placement. @*Results@#The overall mean weight-for-age Z-score improved by 0.73 (p<0.0001) from pre-(–1.11) to post- (–0.38) PEG placement. Improvement in Z-score was seen in patients who were malnourished at time of PEG placement (1.14, p<0.0001), but not in those who were not malnourished (0.32, p=0.197). Site infections were seen in 12 (24%), buried bumper syndrome in five (10%), and tube dislodgement in one (2%) patient. One patient (2%) with fever was treated for possible peritonitis. There were no cases of other major complications, including gastric perforation, gastrocolic fistula, clinically significant bleeding, or PEGrelated death documented. @*Conclusion@#Consistent with previous studies, our data suggests a relationship between site complications (superficial wound infection, buried bumper syndrome) and neutropenia.Additionally, PEG placement appears to be an effective modality for improving nutritional status in malnourished pediatric oncology patients. However, larger prospective studies with appropriate controls and adjustment for potential confounders are warranted to confirm these findings.

Dose-volume histogram parameters and patient-reported EPIC-Bowel domain in prostate cancer proton therapy

Purpose@#To analyze rectal dose and changes in quality of life (QOL) measured with the Expanded Prostate and Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) bowel domain in patients being treated for prostate cancer with curative-intent proton beam therapy (PBT) within a large single-institution prospective registry. @*Materials and Methods@#Data was collected from 243 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with PBT from 2016 to 2018. The EPIC survey was administered at baseline, end-of-treatment, 3, 6, and 12 months, then annually. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters for the rectum were computed, and rectal dose was analyzed using BED (α/β = 3), EQD2Gy, and total dose. Repeated measures mixed models were implemented to determine the effect of patient, clinical, and treatment factors (including DVH) on patient-reported bowel symptom burden (EPIC-Bowel). @*Results@#Treatment overall resulted in changes in EPIC-Bowel scores (baseline score = 93.7), most notably at end-of-treatment (90.6) and 12 months (89.7). However, they returned to baseline at 36 months (92.9). On multivariate modeling, rectal BED D25 (Gy) ≥23% was significantly associated with decline in QOL scores measuring bother (p < 0.01; 4.06 points different). @*Conclusion@#Rectal doses, specifically BED D25 (Gy) ≥23%, are significantly associated with decline in bowel bother-related QOL in patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. This study demonstrates BED as an independent predictor of bowel QOL across dose fractionations of PBT.

Dose-volume histogram parameters and patient-reported EPIC-Bowel domain in prostate cancer proton therapy

Purpose@#To analyze rectal dose and changes in quality of life (QOL) measured with the Expanded Prostate and Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) bowel domain in patients being treated for prostate cancer with curative-intent proton beam therapy (PBT) within a large single-institution prospective registry. @*Materials and Methods@#Data was collected from 243 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with PBT from 2016 to 2018. The EPIC survey was administered at baseline, end-of-treatment, 3, 6, and 12 months, then annually. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters for the rectum were computed, and rectal dose was analyzed using BED (α/β = 3), EQD2Gy, and total dose. Repeated measures mixed models were implemented to determine the effect of patient, clinical, and treatment factors (including DVH) on patient-reported bowel symptom burden (EPIC-Bowel). @*Results@#Treatment overall resulted in changes in EPIC-Bowel scores (baseline score = 93.7), most notably at end-of-treatment (90.6) and 12 months (89.7). However, they returned to baseline at 36 months (92.9). On multivariate modeling, rectal BED D25 (Gy) ≥23% was significantly associated with decline in QOL scores measuring bother (p < 0.01; 4.06 points different). @*Conclusion@#Rectal doses, specifically BED D25 (Gy) ≥23%, are significantly associated with decline in bowel bother-related QOL in patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. This study demonstrates BED as an independent predictor of bowel QOL across dose fractionations of PBT.

Myomectomy during cesarean section: is it a contraindication these days?

Myomectomy during the cesarean section is a debatable procedure because of raised risk of associated uncontrollable hemorrhage and postoperative morbidity. 38 years, elderly primigravida, who conceived after primary infertility with large leiomyoma in the lower uterine segment, underwent myomectomy during the cesarean section. Her intra-operative hemorrhage was within normal limits and post-partum period was uneventful. Conclusion of this study is Safety and feasibility of myomectomy along with cesarean largely depends upon the case selection, experience of the obstetrician and backup ICU and transfusion facilities.

Robotics in Pediatric Urology

ABSTRACT Robotic surgery has been slow to be fully accepted in the world of pediatric urology largely because of its initial application directed towards adult use and because of the inherent high cost associated with it. However, as previously shown, it has now become the gold standard for adolescent pyeloplasty in The United States. As the adoption of robotic surgery in children has become more widespread, its use has been applied to a broader spectrum of procedures with similar success rates to standard laparoscopy. These procedures include nephrectomy, heminephrectomy, ureteral reimplantation, and ureteroureterostomy. However, it has also shown feasibility and comparable success when compared to open surgery in procedures that were previously deemed too complex to be done by standard laparoscopy. For example, bladder neck reconstruction with Mitrofanoff and Malone procedure as well as bladder augmentation. This review objective is to provide an overview of robotic surgery in pediatric urology, with a focus on the more common cases such as pyeloplasty and reimplantation as well as more complex bladder reconstruction procedures.

Being a resident of family medicine in Africa in 2019: a picture from the 6th WONCA Africa Conference in Kampala / Ser residente em medicina de família na África em 2019: um retrato da sexta conferência WONCA África em Kampala / Ser residente en medicina familiar en África en 2019: un retrato de la sexta conferencia WONCA África en Kampala

Training young doctors in family medicine is challenging in any setting and many variables can influence the success or failure of a residency program. This article is the end result of a collaborative work that started in June 2019 at the WONCA Africa Regional Conference in Kampala, during a workshop lead by the Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine at the College of Family Physicians of Canada. We present here the perspective of a small group of young African family physicians on the experience of being a resident in family medicine in Africa in 2019, hoping that the picture we depict here helps to promote the necessary improvements in the training programs in Africa for the near future.

Formar novos médicos de família é um desafio em qualquer cenário e muitas variáveis podem influenciar o sucesso ou o fracasso de um programa de residência. Este artigo é o resultado final de um trabalho colaborativo iniciado em junho de 2019, na Conferência Regional WONCA África em Kampala, Uganda, durante um workshop liderado pelo Centro Besrour do Colégio Canadense de Medicina de Família. Apresentamos aqui a perspectiva de um pequeno grupo de jovens médicos de família africanos sobre a experiência de ser residente em medicina de família na África em 2019, esperando que a imagem que representamos aqui ajude a promover as melhorias necessárias nos programas de residência na África em um futuro próximo.

La formación de nuevos médicos de familia es un desafío en cualquier lugar y muchas variables pueden influir en el éxito o el fracaso de un programa de residencia. Este artículo es el resultado final del trabajo colaborativo iniciado en junio de 2019 en la Conferencia Regional de África WONCA en Kampala, Uganda, durante un taller dirigido por el Centro Besrour del Colegio Canadiense de Medicina Familiar. Presentamos aquí la perspectiva de un pequeño grupo de jóvenes médicos de familia africanos sobre la experiencia de ser residente en medicina familiar en África en 2019, con la esperanza de que la imagen que representamos aquí ayude a promover mejoras en los programas de residencia en África en un futuro próximo.

Developing standardized competencies to strengthen immunization systems and workforce

Despite global support for immunization as a core component of the human right to health and the maturity of immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries throughout the world, there is no comprehensive description of the standardized competencies needed for immunization programs at the national, multiple sub-national, and community levels. The lack of defined and standardized competencies means countries have few guidelines to help them address immunization workforce planning, program management, and performance monitoring. Potential consequences resulting from the lack of defined competencies include inadequate or inefficient distribution of resources to support the required functions and difficulties in adequately managing the health workforce. In 2015, an international multi-agency working group convened to define standardized competencies that national immunization programs could adapt for their own workforce planning needs. The working group used a stepwise approach to ensure that the competencies would align with immunization programs' objectives. The first step defined the attributes of a successful immunization program. The group then defined the work functions needed to achieve those attributes. Based on the work functions, the working group defined specific competencies. This process resulted in three products: (1) Attributes of an immunization program described within eight technical domains at four levels within a health system: National, Provincial, District/Local, and Community; (2) 229 distinct functions within those eight domains at each of the four levels; and (3) 242 competencies, representing eight technical domains and two foundational domains (Management and Leadership and Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Program). Currently available as a working draft and being tested with immunization projects in several countries, the final document will be published by WHO as normative guidelines. Vertical immunization programs as well as integrated systems can customize the framework to suit their needs. Standardized competencies can support immunization program improvements and help strengthen effective health systems.

Down the Rabbit Hole-Considerations for Ingested Foreign Bodies / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

We report the case of a seven-year-old boy with an ingested foreign body, which was retained within the appendix for a known duration of ten months, ultimately requiring appendectomy. The ingested foreign body was incidentally discovered by abdominal x-ray at an emergency room visit for constipation. Despite four bowel cleanouts, subsequent x-rays showed persistence of the foreign body in the right lower quadrant. While the patient did not have signs or symptoms of acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to the risk of this foreign body causing appendicitis in the future. A small metallic object was found within the appendix upon removal. This case highlights the unique challenge presented by foreign body ingestions in non-verbal or developmentally challenged children and the importance of further diagnostic workup when concerns arise for potential retained foreign bodies.

Estudio descriptivo de la irrigación de la tuberosidad tibial y cresta tibial en muestras cadavéricas de perros ( Canis lupus familiaris ), mediante repleción arterial con tinta china y medio de contraste radiográfico / Descriptive study of tibial tuberosity and tibial crest blood supply in dog carcass samples ( Canis lupus familiaris ) by arterial injection with indian ink and radiographic contrast

La ruptura del ligamento cruzado craneal corresponde a la causa más común de cojera en el canino, siendo poco clara su etiología. En la práctica el diagnóstico de la patología se realiza mediante pruebas clínicas ortopédicas, las que corresponden a la prueba de cajón y la prueba de compresión tibial. El desarrollo de diferentes soluciones quirúrgicas incorpora osteotomías a nivel de la tuberosidad tibial, proceso que presenta riesgos frente a una isquemia ósea postquirúrgica. Las descripciones de la anatomía vascular de esta zona de la articulación son escasas y permanecen pobremente representadas en los textos de anatomía. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el origen de la irrigación de la epífisis proximal y diáfisis en su tercio proximal de la tibia en el perro, mediante la inyección de medio de contraste mezclado con tinta china a través de dos vías arteriales diferentes, incluyendo una radiografía simple previa a la inyección y otra contrastada posterior a la inyección. Se evaluó un total de 48 miembros pélvicos de perros, organizados en tres grupos. En todos los grupos se obtuvo presencia de tinción en la tuberosidad tibial, tanto por vasos originados desde la arteria poplítea, así como también por vasos originados desde la arteria femoral.

The rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes of lameness in the dog, and etiology of this disease is not yet clear. The diagnosis of the pathology is performed by clinical orthopedic tests, typically the drawer test and the tibial compression test. The development of different surgical techniques and treatments incorporate surgical osteotomies at the tibial tuberosity level, but the procedure may not be successful due to post-surgical bone ischemia. The descriptions of the vascular anatomy of this joint area are scarce and remain poorly represented in anatomical texts. The objective of this study was to describe the origin of the blood supply to the proximal epiphysis and diaphysis at its proximal third of the tibia in the dog. Contrast medium mixed with Indian ink was injected into two different arterial pathways, visualized with simple radiography prior to the injection and contrasted radiography postinjection. A total of 48 pelvic limbs of dogs were evaluated and organized in three groups based upon the arterial injection pathway. The group injected through the popliteal artery, as well as the group injected through the femoral artery, was observed to have staining in the tibial tuberosity.

Testosterone treatment and cardiovascular events in prescription database studies / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in the number of men who are treated with testosterone. Despite this increase in the use of testosterone, the risks of adverse cardiovascular events are unclear as meta-analyses have reported conflicting findings and no clinical studies have been large enough or long enough to adequately assess for cardiovascular risks. The goal of this paper is to review large prescription database studies of testosterone treatment and adverse cardiovascular events and mortality with the aim of providing some guidance for clinicians and researchers in this controversial area.

Rapid assessment of institutional research ethics capacity: a case study from Zambia / Evaluación rápida de la capacidad institucional de investigación ética: un estudio de caso en Zambia / Avaliação rápida da capacidade institucional de ética em pesquisa: um estudo de caso na Zâmbia

Abstract: Recently, there has been a remarkable increase in biomedical research being conducted in low and middle-income countries. This increase has brought attention to the need for high quality research ethics systems within these countries and a greater focus on research ethics training. Though most programs tend to concentrate on training individuals, less attention has focused on institutions as the target of such training. In this paper we demonstrate a rapid approach to evaluating institutional research capacity. The method adapts the Octagon Model, which evaluates institutional research ethics using eight domains: basic values and identity, organization of activities, implementation, relevance, proper skills, financing and administration, target groups, and working environment. The framework was applied to the University of Zambia in order to conduct a baseline assessment of university research ethics capacity. Internal and external assessments were conducted. The domains of working environment and proper skills scored highest, while relevance, target groups and identity scored lower. Consistent with previous work, a systems approach to evaluating institutional research development capacity can provide a rapid assessment of an institutional bioethics program. This case study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the university's research ethics program and provides a framework for future capacity growth.

Resumen: Recientemente, ha habido un notable aumento en la investigación biomédica en países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Este aumento ha llamado la atención sobre la necesidad de sistemas éticos de investigación de alta calidad en estos países y un mayor enfoque en la formación en ética de la investigación. Aunque la mayoría de los programas tienden a concentrarse en la formación de los individuos, menos atención se ha centrado en las instituciones como objetivo de dicha formación. En este trabajo se demuestra un enfoque rápido para evaluar la capacidad de investigación institucional. El método adapta el modelo Octagon, que evalúa la ética institucional de la investigación utilizando ocho dominios: valores básicos e identidad, organización de actividades, implementación, relevancia, habilidades adecuadas, financiamiento y administración, grupos objetivo y ambiente de trabajo. El marco se aplicó a la Universidad de Zambia, con el fin de realizar una evaluación inicial de la capacidad de ética de la investigación universitaria. Se realizaron evaluaciones internas y externas. Los ámbitos del entorno de trabajo y de las competencias apropiadas obtuvieron el puntaje más alto, mientras que la relevancia, los grupos objetivo y la identidad obtuvieron calificaciones más bajas. De acuerdo con trabajos previos, un enfoque sistémico para evaluar la capacidad de desarrollo institucional de la investigación puede proporcionar una evaluación rápida de un programa institucional de bioética. Este estudio de caso revela las fortalezas y debilidades del programa de ética de la investigación de la universidad y proporciona un marco para el futuro crecimiento de la capacidad.

Resumo: Recentemente, tem havido um notável aumento na investigação biomédica em países de renda baixa e média. Este aumento tem chamado a atenção para a necessidade de sistemas éticos de pesquisa de alta qualidade nesses países e um maior foco na formação em ética em pesquisa. Embora a maioria dos programas tende a se concentrar na formação dos indivíduos, menos atenção centrou-se em instituições como objetivo dessa formação. Este trabalho demonstra uma aproximação rápida para avaliar a capacidade de pesquisa institucional. O método adapta o modelo Octagon, que avalia a ética institucional de pesquisa usando oito domínios: valores básicos e identidade, organização das atividades, implementação, pertinência, competências adequadas, financiamento e administração, os grupos-alvo e ambiente de trabalho. O quadro foi aplicado para a Universidade da Zâmbia, a fim de fazer uma primeira avaliação da capacidade de ética em pesquisa universitária. Foram realizadas avaliações internas e externas. Os campos do ambiente trabalho e competências adequadas, obtiveram a maior pontuação, enquanto a relevância, grupos-alvo e identidade obtiveram qualificações inferiores. De acordo com trabalhos anteriores, uma abordagem sistêmica para avaliar a capacidade dedesenvolvimento institucional de pesquisa pode fornecer uma avaliação rápida de um programa institucional de bioética. Este estudo de caso revela os pontos fortes e pontos fracos do programa de ética em pesquisa da Universidade e fornece uma estrutura para o crescimento futuro da capacidade.

Patient feedback for acupuncture practice improvement: A survey from Mayo Clinic / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand patient satisfaction with acupuncture appointment duration for the first and subsequent appointments in the plan of care, time spent with the acupuncture provider, willingness to pay for longer duration appointments, and lack of insurance coverage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients who were referred for an acupuncture consult to the Center for Integrative Medicine at Mayo Clinic were asked to participate in the survey in August 2014. Patients were given paper survey at time of appointment check-in and entered into Research Electronic Data Capture Survey database tool to reveal patient-reported outcomes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In total, 104 of 329 patients receiving acupuncture treatment responded to the survey with a 32% response rate. Insight and recommended changes to the duration of the initial and subsequent appointments were obtained. Most patients reported that time spent with the provider (76 cases, 74%) and appointment length (74 cases, 68%) were "just right". Seventy cases (70%) of respondents indicated that they wanted longer treatment. Patients reported return appointments with duration of 30 min was not enough. Fifty-three patients (62%) were willing to pay for additional costs not covered by insurance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We used patient feedback to assess the acupuncture practice in a complementary and integrative medicine program. Most patients referred for the acupuncture consult appeared to be satisfied with the current level of practice. These findings were used to establish a quality improvement plan that may be implemented to improve patient satisfaction with the acupuncture practice.</p>

Assessment of the Abbreviated National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ 9) in blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis / Avaliação do Questionário Abreviado de Função Visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ 9) em blefaroptose e dermatocálase

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the Abbreviated National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ 9), which is shorter than those previously published, as a tool for assessing vision-related quality of life in patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis. Methods: This is a cohort study of 46 patients who underwent blepharoptosis and/or upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery by a single surgeon (CN) in 2013 in a public, academic, ambulatory care referral center. Patients included 29 who underwent blepharoplasty, 11 who underwent ptosis surgery, and 6 who underwent combined surgery. The NEI-VFQ 9 was administered pre- and postoperatively, and the composite scores were compared using Student's t-test. Survey duration was timed in a subset of patients. The hypothesis was that the NEI VFQ 9 could detect a statistically significant improvement in composite score after surgical intervention. Results: The mean pre- and postoperative NEI VFQ 9 composite scores were 74.9 and 86.8, respectively, in the blepharoplasty-only group (P<0.0001), 72.07 and 86.41, respectively, in the ptosis-only group (P=0.004), and 75.8 and 87.2, respectively, in the combined group (P=0.022). There was no correlation between the gain in composite score and the change in upper eyelid margin to reflex distance. Twenty-five patients were timed filling out the survey, and the mean was 2.3 min. Conclusions: The NEI VFQ 9 consistently demonstrates a significant increase in visual function for blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis patients. Thus, it may be a useful tool for assessing vision-related quality of life in patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o Questionário Abreviado de Função Visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ 9) como uma ferramenta para avaliar a visão relacionada com a qualidade de vida (QoL) em pacientes com blefaroptose e dermatocálase. Método: Estudo de coorte de blefaroptose e dermatocálase pacientes tratados por um único cirurgião (CN) em 2013. O acompanhamento foi de 2-3 meses. Pacientes em um centro de referência acadêmico para a atenção pública ambulatorial com ptose funcional e/ou dermatocálase de pálpebra superior foram avaliados prospectivamente utilizando o NEI-VFQ 9. Quarenta e seis pacientes completaram o estudo: 29 pacientes se submeteram somente à blefaroplastia, 11 apenas à cirurgia de ptose, e 6 pacientes à cirurgia combinada. Foram excluídos pacientes com outra cirurgia simultânea da pálpebra. O teste foi repetido em uma visita pós-operatória. A duração teste foi cronometrada em um subgrupo de pacientes. Escores compostos pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados com o teste T de Student. O desfecho principal foi a pontuação composta. Os autores propõem que a NEI VFQ 9 seria capaz de detectar uma melhora estatisticamente significativa na pontuação composta após a intervenção cirúrgica. Resultados: No grupo de blefaroplastia apenas, o NEI VFQ 9 apresentou a média composta de 74,9 e 86,8 no pré e pós-operatório, respectivamente (p<0,0001). Para os pacientes submetidos apenas à cirurgia de ptose, a pontuação média composta foi 72,07 e 86,41, no pré e pós-operatório, respectivamente (p=0,004). No grupo de cirurgias combinadas combinação, a pontuação composta média pré-operatória foi de 75,8, e a pós-operatória foi de 87,2 (p=0,022). Não houve correlação entre o ganho de pontuação composta e a mudança no MRD1. Vinte e cinco pacientes foram cronometrados ao preencher o teste, a média foi de 2,3 minutos. Conclusões: O NEI VFQ 9 demonstra consistentemente um aumento na função visual para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de blefaroptose e dermatocálase, sendo um instrumento de pesquisa mais curto do que daqueles publicados anteriormente.

Puncturing the myths of acupuncture / 中西医结合学报

Acupuncture is a widely practiced system of medicine that has been in place for thousands of years. Consumer interest and use of acupuncture are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as it is used to treat a multitude of symptoms and disease processes as well as to maintain health and prevent illness. A growing body of evidence increasingly validates the practice of acupuncture. Further developing scientific data will play an important role in the future of acupuncture and other complementary and alternative medicines in public health. Acupuncture is commonly used concurrently with conventional medicine. Although acupuncture is embraced by consumers and medical professionals, misconceptions abound. We have explored and dispelled ten misconceptions common to the practice of acupuncture, utilizing an evidence-based approach. As the trend of merging conventional medical care with acupuncture treatment grows, it is important to develop a conceptual model of integrative medicine. Using a scientific evidence approach will create a structure from which to begin and grow confidence among conventional medical providers. Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality when performed properly by trained professionals. Educating both the consumer and medical community is important to enable appropriate and evidence-based applications of acupuncture and integration with conventional medicine for high-quality patient care.