Terapia inalatória em ventilação não-invasiva em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Inhalation therapy during noninvasive ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os aspectos técnicos e cuidados a serem observados durante a administração de medicamentos inalatórios contidos em inalador pressurizado (pMDI) em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica em ventilação não-invasiva (VNI). Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa elaborada em quatro fases: (1) busca na literatura; (2) consulta às sociedades médicas; (3) pesquisaem bulas e monografias dos fármacos inalatórios; e (4) contato com empresas de ventiladores, medicamentos e espaçadores. A busca aos estudos foi conduzida a partir de palavras-chaves e restringida a publicações até 31 de dezembro de 2019, nos idiomas português e inglês. Foram selecionados 9 artigos, sendo 1 estudo primário, 6 estudos de revisão e 2 estudos em modelos experimentais de ventilação. Foram incluídas 2 diretrizes a partir da consulta às sociedades médicas e das 8 empresas contatas, quatro fizeram recomendações quanto à técnica inalatória. Não foram encontradas informações sobre a administração dos fármacos em VNI nas bulas e monografias. Recomenda-se atentar para as medidas que podem aumentar a deposição pulmonar dos fármacos inalatórios, como uso de aerocâmara com pMDI, minimização de escape indesejável de ar, sincronia entre paciente-ventilador, disparo do jato na fase inspiratória e inserção de porta de vazamento na máscara ou circuito. (AU)

The aim of this study is to describe the technical aspects and cautions to be observed during the administration of inhaled medications contained in a pressurized inhaler (pMDI) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on noninvasive ventilation. This integrative review consisted of 4 phases: (1) search in the literature; (2) consultation with medical societies; (3) research on package inserts and monographs of inhaled drugs; and (4) contact with ventilator, medication and spacer companies. The search for studies was based on keywords and restricted to articles published until December 31, 2019, written in Portuguese and English. Nine articles were selected, including 1 primary study, 6 review studies and 2 studies on experimental ventilation models. Two guidelines were included from the consultation with medical societies, and of the 8 companies contacted, 4 made recommendations regarding the inhalation technique. No information was found on the administration of noninvasive ventilation drugs in package inserts and monographs. Attention should be given to measures that increase the pulmonary deposition of inhaled drugs, such as the use of an air chamber with pMDI, minimization of undesirable air leakage, patient-ventilator synchronization, jet firing in the inspiratory phase and insertion of a leak port in the mask or circuit. (AU)

Comparison of in vivo versus in vitro fabrication of bone cement spacers in Masquelet technique for bone defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare in vivo versus in vitro fabrication of bone cement spacers in the treatment of bone defects by Masquelet technique. Methods:The data of 128 patients were analyzed retrospectively who had been treated for bone defects by Masquelet technique at Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi No. 9 People’s Hospital from January to August 2019. They were 74 males and 54 females, aged from 13 to 77 years. Their bone defects were traumatic in 54 cases and infectious in 74 cases. In 76 of them ( in vivo group), after a bone cement spacer was implanted into a bone defect during its dough phase, it was fabricated in vivo to form a cylindrical structure which was as large as or slightly larger than the defect size. In the other 52 cases ( in vitro group), before a bone cement spacer was implanted into a bone defect, it was fabricated in vivo during its dough phase into a cylindrical or block or bead chain or spherical form which was naturally solidificated at room temperature. The 2 groups were compared in terms of spacer filling time, bone healing time, delayed healing rate, infection control rate, spacer removal time, incidence of induced membrane or broken end bone lesion, as well as upper limb function evaluated by the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and the Paley lower limb grading at the last follow-up. Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference between them in gender, age, ratio of infected to non-infected cases, combined injuries, comorbidities or number of operations ( P>0.05). All the patients were followed up for 12 to 50 months (mean, 18.6 months). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in spacer filling time, bone healing time, delayed healing rate, infection control rate or functional recovery for upper or lower limbs or for large or small bone defects (all P>0.05). In the in vivo group, for upper and lower limbs and for large and small bone defects respectively, the spacer removal time [(3.6±1.0) min, (4.1±1.1) min, (4.0±1.1) min and (3.9±1.0) min] and the incidence of induced membrane or broken end bone lesion [48.1%(13/27), 73.5%(36/49), 82.6%(39/46) and 66.7%(20/30)] were significantly longer or higher than those in the in vitro group [all (0.4±0.2) min; 3.2%(1/31), 9.5%(2/21), 0 (0/21) and 0 (0/31)] (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of bone defects by Masquelet technique, in vivo and in vitro fabrication of bone cement spacers may lead to similar therapeutic effects. In vivo fabrication may be more suitable for lower limb, large or unstable bone defects but the spacer is not easy to remove and the induced membrane or bone ends are likely to get injured while in vitro fabrication may be more suitable for partial, small or upper limb defects because it may produce a variously shaped spacer.

Caracterización de Fusarium spp. asociado con la pudrición basal de la cebolla de rama / Characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with the basal rot of the green onion

RESUMEN El departamento de Nariño ocupa el cuarto lugar como productor de cebolla de rama, a nivel nacional. En los últimos años, su producción y área de cultivo se han reducido por múltiples limitantes, destacándose, como la más importante, la susceptibilidad al ataque de hongos causantes de pudriciones radicales, los cuales, perjudican el sistema productivo y la rentabilidad. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar morfológica y molecularmente las poblaciones de Fusarium, asociados a la enfermedad de pudrición basal de cebolla de rama. Para ello, en los municipios de Pasto, Potosi y Buesaco, se colectaron plantas con síntomas de pudrición basal, acompañada de necrosis de raíces y ablandamiento de tejido. En el laboratorio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Universidad de Nariño, se sembraron tejidos en medio PDA y, a continuación, se purificaron los aislamientos para su posterior caracterización morfológica y molecular. El estudio morfológico, se realizó usando claves taxonómicas para el género Fusarium y la caracterización molecular con cebadores específicos para el género Fusarium y mediante secuenciación. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis filogenético de la variabilidad intraespecífica. Los resultados de la caracterización morfológica y molecular corroboran la presencia de dos especies dentro del género asociadas a esta patología, F. oxysporum f sp. cepae y F. solani. Los análisis filogenéticos muestran alta variabilidad intraespecífica entre los aislamientos de F. oxysporum y F. solani, formando dos complejos Fusarium oxysporum (FOSC) y Fusarium solani (FSSC), manifestando que estas especies no parten de un ancestro común.

ABSTRACT The department of Nariño occupies the fourth place as producer of green onion nationwide. In recent years, its production and cultivation area has been reduced by multiple limitations, highlighting as the most important, the susceptibility to the attack of fungi causing radical problems, which harm the productive system and profitability. This study was carried out in order to morphologically and molecularly characterizes Fusarium populations associated with green onion basal rot disease. For this, in Pasto, Potosi and Buesaco municipalities, plants were collected with basal rot symptoms, tissue deterioration and root necrosis. In the Plant Health laboratory of the University of Nariño, tissues were planted in PDA medium and subsequently the isolates were purified for further morphological and molecular characterization. The morphological study was carried out using taxonomic keys for the genus Fusarium and molecular characterization with specific primers for the genus Fusarium, and by sequencing. Finally, a phylogenetic analysis of the intraspecific variability was carried out. Morphological and molecular characterization results corroborate the presence of two species within the genus associated with this pathology, F. oxusporum f sp. cepae and F. solani. Phylogenetic analyzes show high intraspecific variability between the isolates of F. oxysporum and F. solani, forming two Fusarium oxysporum (FOSC) complexes and Fusarium solani (FSSC), evidencing that these species do not start from a common ancestor.

Effectiveness of administration of bronchodilator by spacers, home-made spacers and nebulizers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchodilator therapy using dry powder inhaler (DPI) or a measured dose inhaler (MDI) is more convenient at a lower cost than nebulizer therapy. Mistakes in the use of MDI often occur due to lack of coordination but with the addition of spacers, drawbacks in the use of this MDI can be overcome so that it does not require coordination. Commercial spacers are relatively expensive and not available anywhere while home-made spacers made from bottles of mineral water are very cheap and can be made alone. Study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of each device, namely a spacer, a home-made spacer and nebulizer.Methods: This study is an experimental study of 62 COPD patients who received bronchodilators using spacers, home-made spacers, and nebulizers. Spirometry is performed for each sample before and after bronchodilator administration to assess FEV1, KVP and changes in VAS dyspnea. The difference in the effectiveness of bronchodilators for various devices in COPD patients was statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test.Results: There were significant differences in the values of VEP1, KVP and VAS dyspnoea after bronchodilator administration through the spacer, home-made spacer and nebulizer (p<0.001), (p=0.002), (p<0.001). The increase in% VEP1 with a nebulizer device was higher than that of a spacer (p=0.001) and the increase in% VEP1 with the nebulizer device was also significantly significant compared to home-made spacer (p<0.001). The increase in% KVP with the nebulizer device was higher than that of home-made spacer (p<0.001), as well as between spacers and home-made spacers and this was significant (p=0.038). The decrease in VAS dyspnoea in patients using nebulizer device than the spacer (p<0.001). Decreasing VAS dyspnoea with nebulizer devices is higher compared to home-made spacers, also gives significant results (p<0.001). There were no differences in the decrease in VAS dyspnoea between spacers and home-made spacers.Conclusions: The administration of bronchodilators by use of three devices (spacers, home-made spacers and nebulizers) can significantly increase the values of FEV1, KVP and VAS dyspnoea. On the use of spacers and home-made spacers, the increase of pulmonary physiological values is not significantly different.

Sonication of antibiotic loaded cement spacers: A valuable technique for detection of infection persistence in two-stage revision for infected joint arthroplasty

We evaluated the diagnostic utility of sonication of antibiotic loaded cement spacers comparing with periprosthetic tissue cultures for the detection of persisting infection in 14 patients undergoing staged procedures. Sonication improved microbial detection of intraoperative cultures from 14.2% to 28.5% (P = 0.481). Routine sonication of spacers is recommended.

Asma e a técnica inalatória do inalador pressurizado dosimetrado acoplado ao espaçador: revisão integrativa / Asma y la técnica de inhalación con inhalador presurizado con dosificador acoplado a la cámara espaciadora: revisión integral / Asthma and the inhalation technique for the pressurized metered-dose inhaler with spacer: an integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar quais técnicas inalatórias do Inalador Pressurizado Dosimetrado, acoplado ao espaçador, têm sido utilizadas em pacientes com asma. Método: trata-se de revisão integrativa, realizada em janeiro de 2018, nas bases de dados US National Library of Medicine e na Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências de Saúde. Foram selecionados 14 artigos, publicados entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2017, que continham a descrição da sequência de passos da técnica inalatória. Resultados: os artigos, predominantemente, estudaram indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 14 anos e justificaram a adoção dos passos da técnica inalatória em referências da literatura. Os passos indicados por cada artigo foram revisados por pares e realizou-se uma quantificação daqueles mais citados, em que 15 passos foram definidos. Conclusão: a síntese do conhecimento gerado pode auxiliar profissionais de saúde no manejo adequado da asma, uma vez que traz evidências relacionadas à eficácia de cada passo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las técnicas de inhalación del inhalador presurizado con dosificador acoplado al espaciador que se utilizan en pacientes con asma. Método: revisión integral, que se realizó en enero de 2018, en las bases de datos US National Library of Medicine y en Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de Salud. Se eligieron 14 artículos, publicados entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2017, con la descripción de la secuencia de procedimientos de la técnica de inhalación. Resultados: los artículos, de modo predominante, abordaron individuos con edad igual o superior a 14 años y justificaron la adopción de los procedimientos de la técnica de inhalación en referencias de la literatura. Se revisaron los procedimientos apuntados por cada artículo por pares y se realizó una cuantificación de aquellos más mencionados, en la cual se definieron 15 procedimientos. Conclusión: la síntesis del conocimiento que se generó puede ayudar a los profesionales de salud en el manejo adecuado del asma, pues trae evidencias asociadas con la eficacia de cada procedimiento.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify which Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler with spacer inhalation techniques have been used in patients with asthma. Method: this was an integrative review, conducted in January 2018, in the US National Library of Medicine and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases. 14 articles, published between January 2011 and December 2017, which contained the description of the sequence of inhalation technique steps, were selected. Results: the articles predominantly studied individuals aged 14 years or over and justified the adoption of the steps of the inhalation technique from literature references. The steps indicated by each article were reviewed by experts and a quantification of those most cited was performed, with 15 steps being defined. Conclusion: the synthesis of the knowledge generated can help healthcare providers in the proper management of asthma, since it provides evidence related to the efficacy of each step.

Padronização de multiplex PCR para detecção de dermatófitos em pelos e crostas de cães e gatos / Standardization of a PCR multiplex for the detection of dermatophytes in dogs and cats fur and crusts

Objetivou-se padronizar uma reação do tipo multiplex PCR (mPCR) para detectar Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum e o complexo Trichophyton mentagrophytes em amostras de pelos e/ou crostas de cães e gatos. 250 amostras de pelos e/ou crostas de cães e gatos foram analisadas por meio de exame direto e cultura, o DNA das mesmas foi extraído para mPCR. Primers foram desenhados e como controle positivo da reação utilizou-se o DNA extraído de colônias de M. canis (URM 6273), M. gypseum (URM 6921) e T. mentagrophytes (URM 6211), provenientes da Coleção de Culturas (Micoteca URM), Departamento de Micologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (CCB/UFPE). Como controles negativos de reação, utilizou-se água destilada esterilizada e DNA extraído de Alternaria sp. para verificar a especificidade dos primers. Do total de amostras analisadas, 15 (6%) foram identificadas, em cultura, como dermatófitos, e destas, 10 foram M. canis, três M. gypseum e dois T. mentagrophytes (complexo). Destas 15 amostras positivas, 11 (73,3%) foram detectadas por meio da mPCR. Além destas, seis outras, negativas em cultura, foram identificadas como M. gypseum. Verificou-se uma boa concordância entre os resultados da cultura e mPCR (Kappa: 0,66). O protocolo padronizado neste estudo pode ser utilizado como um método de triagem, por apresentar uma sensibilidade maior que a da cultura, usado paralelamente aos exames de rotina, permitindo um diagnóstico em menor tempo.(AU)

The aim of this study was to standardize a multiplex PCR (mPCR) reaction to detect Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex in dog and cat fur and/or crusts. 250 fur and/or crusts samples from dogs and cats were analyzed by direct examination and culture, DNA from them was extracted for mPCR. Primers were designed and the DNA extracted from colonies of M. canis (URM 6273), M. gypseum (URM 6921) and T. mentagrophytes (URM 6211) from the Collection of Cultures - URM Micoteca - Department of Mycology, Biological Sciences Center of the Federal University of Pernambuco (CCB / UFPE). As negative controls, sterile distilled water and DNA extracted from Alternaria sp., were used to verify the specificity of the primers. Of the total samples analyzed, 15 (6%) were identified in culture as dermatophytes, and of these, 10 were M. canis, three M. gypseum and two T. mentagrophytes (complex). Of these 15 positive samples, 11 (73.3%) were detected by mPCR. Besides these, six others, negative in culture, were identified as M. gypseum. There was good agreement between culture results and mPCR (Kappa: 0.66). The protocol standardized in this study can be used as a screening method, because it has a sensitivity greater than that of the culture, used in parallel to the routine exams, allowing a diagnosis in a shorter time.(AU)

PCR Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Trichomonas gallinae from Domestic Pigeons in Guangzhou, China

Avian trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas gallinae is a serious protozoan disease worldwide. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is the main host for T. gallinae and plays an important role in the spread of the disease. Based on the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA of this parasite, a pair of primers (TgF2/TgR2) was designed and used to develop a PCR assay for the diagnosis of T. gallinae infection in domestic pigeons. This approach allowed the identification of T. gallinae, and no amplicons were produced when using DNA from other common avian pathogens. The minimum amount of DNA detectable by the specific PCR assay developed in this study was 15 pg. Clinical samples from Guangzhou, China, were examined using this PCR assay and a standard microscopy method, and their molecular characteristics were determined by phylogenetic analysis. All of the T. gallinae-positive samples detected by microscopic examination were also detected as positive by the PCR assay. Most of the samples identified as negative by microscopic examination were detected as T. gallinae positive by the PCR assay and were confirmed by sequencing. The positive samples of T. gallinae collected from Guangzhou, China, were identified as T. gallinae genotype B by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, providing relevant data for studying the ecology and population genetic structures of trichomonads and for the prevention and control of the diseases they cause.

Internal transcribed spacer guided multiplex PCR for species identification of Convolvulus prostratus and Evolvulus alsinoides

Shankhpushpi is a reputed drug from an Indian system of medicine for treating mental disorders and enhancing memory. Two herbs, namely Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. and Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L., are commonly known as Shankhpushpi. Ambiguous vernacular identity can affect the scientific validity of the Shankpushpi-based herbal drug therapy. In the present investigation, a novel and sensitive multiplex PCR method based on polymorphism in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was developed to establish the molecular identity of C. prostratus and E. alsinoides. DNA was isolated and the ITS region was amplified, sequenced and assembled. Sequences were aligned to identify variable nucleotides in order to develop plant-specific primers. Primers were validated in singleplex reactions and eventually a multiplex assay was developed. This assay was tested for sensitivity and validated by amplifying DNA isolated from the simulated blended powdered plant material. Primers developed for C. prostratus resulted into a 200 bp amplicon and 596 bp for E. alsinoides. The assay was found to be sensitive enough for amplification of low quantities of DNA. The method can detect 10% of the mixing of plants with each other in blended material. This PCR assay can be used for rapid botanical identification of Shankhpushpi plant materials and will improve evidence-based herbal drug therapy.

Evaluación del conocimiento de los padres de la técnica de aerosolterapia con aerocámara / Evaluation of parental knowledge of the aerosol technique with holding chamber

Introducción. Los episodios de tos, disnea y sibilancias son causa frecuente de consulta pediátrica. Su tratamiento de elección es la administración de fármacos a través de la aerosolterapia. El éxito de esta estrategia depende de la correcta aplicación de la técnica inhalatoria. Objetivo. Evaluar el conocimiento de padres de niños con patología obstructiva recurrente de la vía aérea en el uso de la aerosolterapia con aerocámara. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron aleatoriamente padres de niños menores de 6 años con tos, disnea y/o sibilancias con antecedentes de uso de aerocámara en la consulta al Servicio de Pediatría y/o de Alergia e Inmunología. Se evaluó el conocimiento en el empleo del inhalador mediante observación de la técnica. Resultados. Se incluyeron 114 niños, 51% masculino, con una edad promedio de 29,23 meses (DE=18,30). La persona a cargo de realizar la aerosolterapia tenía una media de edad de 32,28 años (DE=5,29); la mayoría de los responsables evaluados fueron madres (92,98%), con nivel de educación superior (71,05%). La forma de aprendizaje de la técnica fue demostrativa visual en 62 casos (54,4%), y el principal instructor de la misma fue el pediatra. Se demostró que 68 (72%) padres no realizaban en forma correcta la técnica y se encontró asociación entre edad del paciente y la correcta realización de la aerosolterapia (r=0,21; p=0,03). Conclusión. La mayoría de los padres realizan la aerosolterapia de forma incorrecta y la edad del niño influye en la técnica de la terapia inhalatoria.(AU)

Introduction. Symptoms of cough, dyspnea and wheezing are common cause for medical consultation. Their treatment is the administration of drugs through the aerosol. The success of this strategy depends on the correct application of inhalation technique. Objective. To evaluate the knowledge of parents of children with recurrent obstructive airway disease in the use of aerosol therapy with valved holding chamber. Population and Methods. Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study. Randomly included parents of children under six years with cough, dyspnea and / or wheezing with a background of use in the office holding chamber of Pediatric and / or of Allergy and Immunology section of an Hospital. We evaluated the knowledge about the inhaler technique by medical observation. Results. We included 114 children, 51% male, with an average age of 29.23 months (SD=18.30). The median age o the caregiver responsible for conducting the aerosol therapy was 32.28 years (SD=5.29); the majority of evaluated makers were mothers (92.98%) with higher education level (71.05%). The most frequent way for learning was the visual demonstration technique in 62 cases (54.4%), and the main instructor was the pediatrician. Sixty-eight (72%) of parents did not perform properly the inhalation technique and a positive association was found between patient age and the proper realization of the aerosol (r=0.21; P=0.03). Conclusion. Most parents perform incorrectly aerosol therapy with valved holding chamber and the child's age influences the inhalation technique.(AU)

Utilização e eficácia de espaçadores no tratamento farmacológico de pacientes asmáticos: uma revisão integrativa / Use and effectiveness of spacers in the pharmacological treatment of patients with asthma: an integrative review / Uso y eficacia de espaciadores en el tratamiento farmacológico de pacientescon asma: una revisión integradora

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa que objetivou analisar a produção científica, publicada entre 1999 e 2010, referente ao uso e eficácia de dispositivos inalatórios acoplados a espaçadores no tratamento da asma. A seleção dos estudos foi realizada nas bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (MEDLINE/BVS) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e resultou em 20 artigos científicos. Foram evidenciadas diversas vantagens na utilização dos espaçadores, entre elas destaca-se a reversão mais rápida do broncoespasmo durante as crises agudas, a redução no tempo de preparo e administração das medicações, a menor evidência de efeitos colaterais e a redução de custos, especialmente quando se opta pelo uso de espaçadores artesanais. Desse modo, profissionais atuantes em programas de controle da asma, especialmente os enfermeiros envolvidos nesses serviços, precisam estar aptos a orientar os pacientes e relatar os benefícios da utilização dos espaçadores no tratamento farmacológico da asma.

This integrative review aimed to analyze the scientific production published between 1999 and 2010 on the useand effectiveness of inhaler devices connected to spacers in the treatment of asthma. Selection of studies in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (MEDLINE/BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases yielded 20 scientific articles. Use of spacers was shown to offer a number of advantages, particularly more rapid relief of bronchospasm in acute attacks, reduced drug preparation and administration times, fewer side-effects and lower costs, especially with homemade spacers. Accordingly, personnel – especially nurses – involved in asthma control programs must be capacitated to advise patients and to report the benefits of using spacers in pharmacological treatment of asthma.

Se trata de una revisión integradora que objetivó analizar la producción científica, publicada entre 1999 y 2010, respecto al uso y efectividad de los dispositivos inhaladores acoplados a espaciadores en el tratamiento de la asma. La selección de los estudios he sido realizada en las bases de datos: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/ Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (MEDLINE/BVS) y Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) y resultó en 20 artículoscientíficos. Fueron evidenciadas diversas ventajas en la utilización de los espaciadores, entre ellas se destaca la inversión más rápida del broncoespasmo durante los ataques agudos, la reducción del tiempo de preparación y administración de medicamentos, la más mínima evidencia de efectos secundarios y la reducción de costos, especialmente cuando se opta por el uso de espaciadores de fabricación artesanal. Así, los profesionales que participan en programas de control de la asma, sobre todo los enfermeros envueltos en esos servicios, deben ser capaces de enseñar y informar los beneficios del uso de losespaciadores en el tratamiento farmacológico de la asma.

Laboratory Experience in Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Blastomyces dermatitidis First Isolated in Korea / 대한임상미생물학회지

Blastomycosis, endemic in North America, has been hardly reported in Korea. We describe laboratory experience in phenotypic and molecular identification of Blastomyces dermatitidis first isolated in Korea. The patient was a 45-year-old male with pulmonary blastomycosis mimicking pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis was based on culture and dimorphism combined with DNA target sequencing of internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and D1/D2 regions.

Prova broncodilatadora na espirometria: efeito do uso de espaçador de grande volume com tratamento antiestático na resposta ao broncodilatador / Spirometry with bronchodilator test: effect that the use of large-volume spacers with antistatic treatment has on test response

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o uso de salbutamol inalatório através de inalador dosimetrado acoplado a espaçadores de grande volume com tratamento antiestático na espirometria com prova broncodilatadora modifica os resultados do teste quando comparado à técnica usual (sem espaçador). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 24 pacientes, com idades entre 18 e 45 anos e suspeita clínica de asma, atendidos no Ambulatório de Pneumologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, em Belo Horizonte (MG). Os pacientes foram submetidos a duas espirometrias com prova broncodilatadora realizadas com e sem o uso de espaçador de grande volume. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na variação do VEF1 antes e após o uso de broncodilatador entre as duas técnicas (ΔVEF1 média = 0,01 L; IC95 por cento: -0,05 a 0,06; p = 0,824). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as duas técnicas em relação ao resultado qualitativo da prova broncodilatadora (p = 1,00). Houve concordância dos resultados da prova broncodilatadora entre as técnicas (coeficiente kappa = 0,909; p < 0,005). CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, a utilização de espaçadores de grande volume não modificou de forma significativa os resultados da prova broncodilatadora.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the use of inhaled albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler with a large-volume spacer with antistatic treatment modifies the bronchodilator test results when compared with the usual technique (no spacer). METHODS: A prospective study involving 24 patients, 18-45 years of age, clinically suspected of having asthma, and under treatment at the Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All of the patients underwent two bronchodilator tests: one with and one without the use of a large-volume spacer. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the variation of FEV1 prior to and after bronchodilator use between the two techniques (mean ΔFEV1 = 0.01 L; 95 percent CI: -0.05 to 0.06; p = 0.824). No statistically significant difference was found between the two techniques regarding the qualitative results on the bronchodilator test (p = 1.00). There was concordance between the techniques in terms of the bronchodilator test results (kappa coefficient = 0.909; p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, the use of large-volume spacers does not significantly modify bronchodilator test results.

Uso de inaladores dosimetrados em pacientes com asma: conhecimentos e efeitos de uma orientação teórico-prática para pediatras / Metered-dose inhaler for asthma patients: knowledge and effects of a theoretical and practical guidance for pediatricians

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a theoretical and practical guidance on knowledge of pediatricians regarding the use of metered dose inhalers with spacers. To identify major deficiencies, correct them and train these physicians on the correct use of the devices. Methods: Pediatricians who participated in a theoreticalpractical program focusing on the use of inhaler devices answered a questionnaire with five questions about the use of these devices before and after the program. A comparison of the scores obtained in the pre- and post-training tests was performed by Wilcoxon test for related samples, and a significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Results: Twenty pediatricians performed pre- and post-training tests. The performance of pediatricians in the post-training test was significantly better than baseline (p<0.001). Conclusion: A brief orientation program for pediatricians significantly improved their knowledge on the use of metered-dose inhalers with spacers, which may translate into an improvement in quality and quantity of prescriptions of these devices in clinical practice. The questions with higher rates of errors in the pre-training test were the questions about the waiting time between two sprays in successive applications and about the correct way to attach the inhaler to the spacer, both with high levels of success in the post-training test.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma orientação teórico-prática sobre o conhecimento de pediatras a respeito do uso de inaladores dosimetrados com espaçadores. Detectar as principais deficiências, corrigi-las e capacitar esses médicos para a correta utilizaçãodesses inaladores. Métodos: Pediatras que participaram de um curso teórico-prático a respeito do uso de dispositivos inalatórios responderam a um questionário com cinco perguntas sobre o uso desses dispositivos antes e após o curso. A comparação entre asnotas obtidas no pré e no pós-teste foi feita por meio do teste de Wilcoxon para amostras relacionadas, sendo adotado um nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Vinte pediatras realizaram o pré e o pós-teste. O desempenho dos médicos no pós-teste foi significativamente melhor que o inicial (p<0,001). Conclusão: Um breve programa de orientação a pediatras melhorou de forma significativa o conhecimento desses médicos a respeito do uso de inaladores dosimetrados com espaçadores, fato que pode se traduzir em uma melhora na qualidade e na quantidade de prescrições desses dispositivos na prática clínica. As questões com maiores índices de erros no pré-teste foram a relativa ao tempo necessário entre dois jatos em aplicações sucessivas e a que diz respeito à maneira correta de se acoplar o inalador ao espaçador, todas com altos níveis de acertos no pós-teste.

Avanços na inaloterapia em pediatria / Advances in inhalation therapy in pediatrics

OBJETIVOS: Revisar os artigos mais relevantes a respeito dos aspectos técnicos da terapêutica inalatória, dos inaladores disponíveis e principalmente dos principais avanços obtidos na inaloterapia em pediatria. FONTES DOS DADOS: Foram revisados os artigos contidos na base de dados MEDLINE a partir de 1983, além de capítulos de livros, e selecionados os de maior importância de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos para este artigo. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os nebulizadores convencionais apresentam uma série de inconveniências, sendo que inaladores com desempenho melhorado pela respiração e os ativados pela respiração são opções mais atrativas. Dentre os inaladores de pó seco, destacam-se os que utilizam mecanismos passivos e ativos de dispersão de pó, que propiciam maiores taxas de deposição pulmonar das drogas. Entre os inaladores pressurizados dosimetrados destacam-se os ativados pela respiração, os coordenados pela respiração e os modificadores de velocidade. Devem ser usados preferencialmente em conjunto com espaçadores, pois a utilização deste aumenta em até duas vezes a deposição pulmonar das drogas. CONCLUSÕES: Para menores de 8 anos, os inaladores pressurizados dosimetrados com espaçadores são os mais adequados, dada a sua praticidade associada à elevada deposição pulmonar que proporcionam. Nos maiores de 8 anos capazes de gerar altos fluxos inspiratórios, os dispositivos de pó são os mais indicados.

OBJECTIVES: To review the most relevant articles regarding the technical aspects of inhalation therapy, inhalers currently available, and especially major advances in inhalation therapy in pediatrics. SOURCES: Articles of MEDLINE database from 1983 were reviewed, in addition to book chapters, and the most important studies were selected according to the criteria established for this article. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Conventional nebulizers have a number of inconveniences, and breath-enhanced and breath-actuated inhalers are more attractive options. Among dry powder inhalers, we highlight those using passive and active powder dispersion mechanisms, which provide higher rates of drug deposition in the lung. Among pressurized metered-dose inhalers, we highlight breath-actuated, breath-coordinated, and velocity-modifying inhalers. These inhalers should be used preferably together with spacers, since the use of spacers produces a twofold increase in pulmonary drug deposition. CONCLUSIONS: For children younger than 8 years, pressurized metered-dose inhalers with spacers are the most appropriate devices, since they provide a practical approach associated with greater lung deposition. In children older than 8 years who can generate high inspiratory flow rates, dry powder devices are best suited.

Treatment of Infected Hip Arthroplasty with Antibiotic-Loaded Cement Spacers

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers on the treatment of infected hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients, twenty-one cases that experienced infection after total hip arthroplasty, were treated with two-stage arthroplasty using antibiotic-loaded cement spacers between July 1995 and March 2005. The average age was 56.3 years (range, 36~84 years). The follow-up period was 7.2 years (range, 3~11.4 years). The period from the first operation to diagnosis of infection was 28 months (range, 1~49 months). Preoperative culture, Tc 99m scan or Gallium scan, intraoperative culture and biopsy were performed for the evaluation of infection. We postoperatively evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes, blood analysis including serologic study, complete blood cell count, differential count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Of a total of 21cases, acetabular cup, femoral head and femoral stem were substituted in 10 cases (48%). Acetabular cup and femoral head were substituted in 11 cases (52%). Revision arthroplasty was performed in 19 cases, on average 11.9 months (range 2~31 months) after insertion of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers. Infection recurred in 1 case. In 18 cases, excluding the reinfected one, the average Harris hip score, 46.8 points (range, 35~72 points) preoperatively, improved to 89.5 points (range, 78~100 points) at last follow-up in the revision group. In 2 cases in which revision total hip arthroplasty was not performed, the Harris hip score was 53 points (range, 36~70 points) preoperatively, and 86 points (range,72~100 points) at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in two-stage arthroplasty is an effective method for management of infection, preserving joint function until performing revision arthroplasty. Preservation of the femoral stem should be considered in cases in which were fixed firmly and in cases which show no evidence of the spreading of infection to the distal part of the stem on Tc 99m scan or Gallium scan performed preoperatively.

Avaliação do conhecimento sobre o uso de inaladores dosimetrados entre profissionais de saúde de um hospital pediátrico / Evaluation of the knowledge of health professionals at a pediatric hospital regarding the use of metered-dose inhalers

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os conhecimentos sobre o uso e manejo de inaladores pressurizados dosimetrados entre profissionais de um hospital pediátrico terciário. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas avaliações sobre o conhecimento do uso de inaladores pressurizados dosimetrados através de questionários teóricos e práticos, com médicos, fisioterapeutas, enfermeiras e auxiliares de enfermagem, atribuindo-se uma nota de 0 a 10 para cada avaliação. Calcularam-se as medianas das notas obtidas pelos profissionais de cada categoria, as questões com maiores e menores índices de erros, e foi feita a comparação descritiva do desempenho das diversas categorias profissionais. A análise estatística foi feita através do método de Kruskal-Wallis de comparação de medianas. Também foi realizada a análise através de regressão logística múltipla seqüencial. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 30 médicos residentes ou estagiários de pediatria, 23 médicos assistentes, 29 fisioterapeutas, 33 enfermeiras e 31 auxiliares de enfermagem. Os médicos residentes, fisioterapeutas e médicos assistentes obtiveram desempenho significativamente superior aos dos enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem. Apenas os médicos residentes obtiveram mediana superior a 6. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento a respeito do uso de inaladores dosimetrados entre os profissionais de saúde da instituição é insatisfatório, principalmente entre enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem, diretamente envolvidos na aplicação prática dos inaladores dosimetrados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate health professionals working at a tertiary pediatric hospital in terms of their knowledge regarding the practical use of metered-dose inhalers. METHODS: Practical and written tests on the use of metered-dose inhalers were applied to physicians, physical therapists, nurses and nursing assistants. A score from 0 to 10 was assigned to each evaluation, and median scores were calculated for each professional category. Questions with higher and lower correct values were identified, and a descriptive comparison was made regarding the performance of the various professional categories. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis method for comparison of medians. A sequential logistic multiple regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 30 resident physicians or interns in the pediatrics department, 23 attending physicians, 29 physical therapists, 33 nurses and 31 nursing assistants were evaluated. Resident physicians, physical therapists and attending physicians performed significantly better than did nurses and nursing assistants. Only resident physicians had a median score greater than 6. CONCLUSIONS: The health professionals evaluated, particularly the nurses and nursing assistants, who are directly involved in the practical use of metered-dose inhalers, possess insufficient knowledge regarding the use of such inhalers.

Identification of Candida Species by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / 대한임상미생물학회지

BACKGROUND: Polymerase chain reacation (PCR)-based methods have been described for rapid detection and identification of Candida spp. Multiplex PCR assay was developed using internal transcribed spacers and topoisomerase II gene for the accurate identification of Candida species. METHODS: We designed Dual Specificity Oligo (DSO) primers for multiplex PCR. Multiplex PCR was followed by agarose gel electrophoresis to test 8 type strains (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae, C. dubliniensis) and 96 clinical isolates (C. albicans 51 isolates, C. parapsilosis 10 isolates, C. glabrata 10 isolates, C. tropicalis 9 isolates, C. krusei 6 isolates, C. guilliermondii 5 isolates, C. lusitaniae 5 isolates) of Candida spp. RESULTS: With multiplex PCR using DSO primers, the eight Candida type strains each could be easily differentiated and all 96 clinical isolates were identified as the same species as were identified by the conventional method. CONCLUSION: Multiplex PCR followed by electrophoresis can be useful for the simple and rapid identification of Candida species in routine laboratories.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Caterpillar Fungi by Comparing ITS 1-5.8S-ITS 2 Ribosomal DNA Sequences

This study was carried out to identify the phylogenetic relationships among several caterpillar fungi by comparing the sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit. The sequences of ITS1, ITS2, and the 5.8S rDNA from 10 strains of Cordyceps species, 12 strains of Paecilomyces, 3 strains of Beauveria, 2 strains of Metarhizium and 1 strains of Hirsutella were amplified, determined and compared with the previously known Cordyceps species. The sequences of 5.8S rDNA were more conserved in length and variation than those of ITS regions. Although the variable ITS sequences were often ambiguously aligned, the conserved sites could be found. In the phylogenetic tree, the species generally divided into three clusters, supported by their morphology and/or host ranges. The 5.8S rDNA and ITS1 sequences among 10 species of Cordyceps militaris were identical and only one base pair in ITS2 sequence was different. Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps ophioglossoides were also clearly different, although they belonged to the same cluster. The GenBank database search of species revealed sister taxa of an entomogenous fungus. Metarhizium was used as an outgroup in all taxa.

Comparison on internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences of Tibetan medicine Saussurea medusa and its easily confusable species / 中草药

Object In order to identify the medicine at the molecular level, the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of Saussurea medusa Maxim and its easily confusable species were sequenced Methods The double stranded DNA was amplified using PCR systems 9 600 kits and sequenced on an ABI 377 automated sequencer from both directions Results The ITS sequences of S medusa of different populations showed no variation, but there existed distinct variation between S medusa and its confusable species Conclusion ITS sequences can be used for the molecular authentication between S medusa and its confusable species