A comparative analysis between Mexican and Chinese health systems / Un análisis comparativo entre los sistemas de salud de México y China

Abstract Objective: The comparative network analysis of national health macrosystems is an area whose academic development has not reached due relevance if its influence on decision-making related to the design of public health policies is considered; the establishment of comparative elements between two socially, economically and culturally distant countries, such as Mexico and China, is a complex process given the difficulty of locating equivalent evaluation indicators among some of its elements. Materials and methods: The present work reflects on the similarities and dissimilarities between the national health systems, with an impact on the care provided to the most vulnerable population segments, applying a comparative nodes and networks analysis considering social and economic factors. Results: The network analysis shows that, for practical purposes, the nodes considered in the Mexican health system is superior to those nodes identified in the Chinese health system in terms of quality, mainly in nodes such as convenience of the location, using cutting-edge technology in health institutions and the skill and competence of medical personnel; conversely, the Chinese system is superior to the Mexican in terms of efficiency, mainly involuntary co-payment insurance systems to reduce the catastrophic health expenditure of the vulnerable rural population. Conclusions: The conclusions drawn may serve for subsequent studies to identify opportunities for improvement, correlations and/or trends that could be implemented in the Mexican health system, once the pertinent feasibility studies have been carried out.

Resumen Objetivo: El análisis de redes comparativo de macrosistemas nacionales de salud es un ámbito cuyo desarrollo académico no ha alcanzado la relevancia debida si se considera su influencia en la toma de decisiones relativas al diseño de políticas de salud pública. Así, el establecimiento de elementos comparativos entre dos países social, económica y culturalmente distantes, como México y China, es un proceso complejo dada la dificultad de ubicar indicadores equivalentes de evaluación entre algunos de sus elementos. Materiales y método: El presente trabajo reflexiona sobre las similitudes y diferencias entre los mencionados sistemas nacionales de salud, con incidencia en la atención que se brinda a los segmentos poblacionales más vulnerables, aplicando un análisis comparativo de nodos y redes considerando factores sociales y económicos. Resultados: El análisis de red muestra que, para efectos prácticos, los nodos considerados en el sistema de salud mexicano son superiores a los nodos identificados en el sistema de salud chino en términos de calidad, principalmente en nodos como conveniencia de la ubicación, utilizando tecnología de punta en instituciones de salud y la habilidad y competencia del personal médico; Por el contrario, el sistema chino es superior al mexicano en términos de eficiencia, principalmente sistemas de seguro de copago involuntario para reducir el gasto catastrófico en salud de la población rural vulnerable. Conclusiones: Las conclusiones extraídas podrán servir a estudios posteriores para identificar oportunidades de mejora, correlaciones y/o tendencias que pudieran implementarse en el sistema mexicano de salud, una vez efectuados los estudios de viabilidad pertinentes.

Brasil e Espanha: uma análise comparada sobre a concepção das políticas esportivas / Brazil and Spain: a comparative analysis on the design of sports policies

O estudo busca analisar como o esporte é tratado nos ordenamentos legais e dispositivos políticos do Brasil e da Espanha. Para tanto foi realizado um estudo comparado através de levantamento documental e revisão bibliográfica. Observou-se que o esporte aparece como dever do Estado em ambos os países, entretanto, a legislação infraconstitucional e os dispositivos, em quase sua totalidade, caminha no sentido de consolidar as práticas esportivas como mercadorias.

The study seeks to analyze how sport is treated in the legal systems and political provisions of Brazil and Spain. For this purpose, a comparative study was carried out through documentary survey and bibliographic review. It was observed that sport appears as a duty of the State in both countries, however, the infra-constitutional legislation and the devices, in almost their entirety, are moving towards consolidating sports practices as commodities.

Similaridades e diferenças entre o Mestrado Acadêmico e o Mestrado Profissional enquanto política pública de formação no campo da Saúde Pública / Similarities and diferences between Academic and Professional Master Programs as Educational Public Policy in the field of Public Health

Resumo Ao buscar uma especificidade para o Mestrado Profissional (MP) em Saúde Pública, interrogamos, o que ele, ao se instituir, procurou do ponto de vista de seus meios e finalidades, conservar ou romper com os modelos de formação dos Mestrados Acadêmicos (MA). No campo da Saúde Pública, o tema ganha outros temperos se considerarmos que tanto o MP quanto o MA preservam na finalidade a formação para o Sistema Único de Saúde. Nesse sentido, a pesquisa buscou investigar a vocação heurística e inovadora do MP face ao MA como uma política pública de formação. Em uma perspectiva comparada, analisamos as principais características dos cursos de MP em saúde pública, frente ao processo de flexibilização da pós-graduação brasileira que o diferencia do MA, e discutimos se essas características tornam o MP uma política pública de formação. Na análise dos dados utilizamos o método da Análise de Conteúdo. Concluímos que as instituições de ensino tendem a reproduzir o modelo de formação do MA no MP e a expectativa de tornar o serviço de saúde matéria e motivo para a formação não é suficiente para distinguir ambas modalidades.

Abstract In the attempt to find a specificity for the Professional Master Program in Public Health (PM), we asked, what is, from the point of view of its means and purposes, kept or broke from the training models of the Academic (traditional) Masters Program (AM). In the public health field, this discussion possess an extra "flavor", as both program aim, in Brazil, to prepare health professionals to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Therefore, this research sought to investigate the heuristic and innovative vocation of the PM vis-à-vis the AM as an education public policy. From a comparative approach, we analyzed the main characteristics and differences among AM and PM, face the flexibilization process of graduate programs in Brazil, and discussed if these features would characterize the PM into an educational public policy. Data was analyzed by the Content Analysis method. We conclude that educational institutions tend to reproduce the AM training model in the PM and the expectation of making the health service matter and reason for training is not sufficient to distinguish both modes.

An effectiveness comparison of extensive and standard internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole with closed index less than 0.7 / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To evaluate and compare the curative effects between extensive and standard internal limited membrane peeling (ILMP) during vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole (IMH) with closed index＜0.7 and provide an alternative basis for IMH.Methods The clinical data of ninety-six eyes of 96 patients of IMH with closed index ＜0.7 who received vitrectomy with extensive (48 eyes) or standard ILMP (4-8 eyes) procedures from May 2012 to May 2016 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University under the informed consent of patients were retrospectively analyzed.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),central vision,direct ophthalmoscope examination,slit lamp microscope with preset lens,optical coherence tomography (OCT),intraocular pressure,Amsler grid table and fundus photography inspection were performed before surgery and 1 month,6 and 12 months after surgery.The healing rate of IMH and the correction rate of Amsler grid table were also observed.Based on the OCT image,U-like closure was thought to be normal fovea,V-like closure was steep fovea and W-like closure exhibited the defect of sensory layer.Three types were considered as hole closure.Results OCT showed that retinal nurosensory layer was defect at macular area in both extensive ILMP group and standard ILMP group before surgery.At 12 months after operation,43 cases had U type closure,1 case had V type closure and 1 case had W type closure in the extensive ILMP group,while 33 cases had U type closure,1 case had V type closure and 3 cases had W type closure in standard ILMP group.The BCVA was significantly better in the extensive ILMP group than that in the standard ILMP group in postoperative 1 month,6 months and 12 months (all at P＜0.05).Compared with preoperation BCVA,the number of eyes with central and paracentral scotomas was decreased in both extensive ILMP group and standard ILMP group at the end of the following up (central scotoma:x2 =80.98,56.99,both at P＜0.05;paracentral scotoma:x2 =88.21,80.98,both at P＜0.05),and the number of eyes with central scotoma in the extensive ILMP group was significantly less than that in the standard ILMP group (3 vs.11) (x2 =4.10,P＜0.05).The closure rate of IMH was 93.75％ in the extensive ILMP group and 77.08％ in the standard ILMP group,showing a significant difference between the two groups (x2 =4.10,P＜0.05).The corrected rate of Amsler grid abnormality was 93.75％ in the extensive ILMP group,which was evidently higher than 75.00％ in the standard ILMP group,with a significant difference between the two groups (x2 =5.06,P＜0.05).Conclusions Both extensive ILMP and standard ILMP during vitrectomy for IMH with MCHI＜0.7 are effective,and vitrectomy combined with extensive ILMP has a better outcome in comparison to vitrectomy combined with standard ILMP.

Analysis of the Regulatory Policies Progress of Biosimilars in Foreign Countries and Its Enlightenment to China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To explore the development status of regulatory policies of biosimilars in foreign countries,and to provide reference for perfecting biosimilars regulatory policies in China. METHODS:Comparative analysis was conducted,con-cerning biosimilar regulations and directories which had been issued by WHO,EMA and FDA,in aspects of biosimilars definition, the choice of reference drug,quality studies,non-clinical studies,clinical studies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:Three common points found in foreign regulatory policies were that:firstly,discrepancies were allowed between biosimilars and reference drugs;secondly,the comparison was itemized between biosimilars and reference drugs on safety and effectiveness,in order to guarantee the reliability of quality research;thirdly,clinical and non-clinical studies were reduced with a premise that similarity is confirmed. Given China's current situation,several parts of policies should be improved,including stressing pertinence of reference drug selec-tion,refining preclinical and clinical study directories and establishing supporting system after listing.

A comparative study on conbercept and triamcinolone acetoinde intravitreal injection for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Macular edema is one of the serious complications of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO),and the present therapies are laser coagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs.Conbercept is humanized-monoclonal VEGF antibody and used for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases.However,fewer studies were focused on its application in macular edema secondary to CRVO.Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of conbercept with triamcinolone acetonide(TA)by intravitreal injections for macular edema secondary to CRVO. Methods A non-randomized controlled study was carried out under the approval of the informed consent of patients.Sixty eyes of 60 patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO were included in Weifang Yidu Central Hospital from March 2012 to August 2013.The eyes were divided into the conbercept group and TA group with 30 for each group.Conbercept and TA of 0.05 ml were intravitreally injected in different groups,and the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT)measured by OCT,intraocular pressure(IOP)and relavant complications were examined before injection and 1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after injection.The treatment outcomes were compared intergrouply and along with time. Results The BCVA was evidently better in 1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after injection than that before injection both in conbercept group and TA group(all at P＜0.01),and the BCVA of TA group was better than that of conbercept group 1 week after injection(P＜0.05).The CMT values of Conbercept were(572.00± 100.01),(325.12±91.55),(280.00±92.37),(258.65 ±88.65),(300.00±87.64)μm,and those of TA group were(570.00± 102.21),(345.12±89.31),(290.00±80.27),(309.65 ±84.13)and(303.00±90.59)μm,and CMT value after injection was significantly lower in 1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after injection than that before injection both in the conbercept group and the TA group(all at P＜0.05),and CMT value was evidently reduced in the conbercept group compared with the TA group 3 months after injection(P＜0.05).The IOP was(15.20±3.52),(21.20±3.80),(26.40±4.00),(23.60±3.73)and(21.50±3.27)mmHg in the TA group before injection and 1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after injection,showing significnatly elavation after injection(all at P＜0.05),and the IOP at different time points was higher in the TA group than that in the conbercept group(all at P＜0.05).However,there was no considerable change of IOP before and after injection in conbercept group(all at P＜0.05). Conelutions Both conbercept and TA are effective for macular edema secondary to CRVO by intravtreal injection.Compared with TA,conbercept is much safer because of less risk of IOP rising after intravtreal injection.

Efficacy of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor in treatment of dry eye following phacoemulsification with IOL implantation / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The study on eye surface damage following phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is increasingly concerned,and these symptoms were associated with dry eye and often treated by polyethylene glycol eyedrops to remit the discomfortableness.Recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF) eyedrops contains neurotrophic factors, but its effect on eye surface damage is worth researching.Objective This study was to evaluate the repair effects of rb-bFGF on ocular surface injury after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.Methods A randomized controlled trail was designed.Ninety eyes of 72 consecutive patients with age-related cataract were enrolled in Fenyang Hospital of Shanxi Province from September 2010 to August 2013 under the informed consent.Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed on all the eyes, and tobramycin and dexamethasone eye drops was used for 15 days as basis therapy.According to the treatment sequence,the operative eyes were assigned to rb-bFGF eyedrops group, polyethylene glycol eyedrops group and basis therapy group.rb-bFGF drops and polyethylene glycol drops were topically administered 4 times per day since the first day after surgery for consecutive 30 days in corresponding group,and only basis therapy was maintained in the basis therapy grouply.Corneal fluorescence (FL) staining scores,breakup time of tear film (BUT) and Schirmer Ⅰ test (S Ⅰ t) without topical anesthesia were examined in 1 day before operation and 1 day,7 days, 15 days and 30 days after operation.The efficacy was intergrouply compared.Results No significant differences were seen in the demography and the relevant surface examinational outcomes among the rb-bFGF group, polyethylene glycol drops group and the basis therapy group before surgery (age : F =1.50;gender :x2 =0.336, both at ＞ 0.05;FL : F =0.31;BUT:F =0.65;S Ⅰ t: F =0.57;all at P ＞ 0.05).Compared with the before operation, FL scores were obviously increased,and BUT values were reduced and S Ⅰ t values were elavated in all the eyes early stage of surgey and then gradually improved with the lapse of postoperative time, showing significant differences (Ftime =7.83,7.32,7.17, all at P＜0.01).The FL scores,BUT and S Ⅰ t in 15 days after surgery in the rb-bFGF drops group and 30 days after surgery in the polyethylene glycol drops group was closed to those of before surgery (all at P＞0.05).However,there were still significant differences between the before and after operation in the basis were closed to those of before surgery therapy group (all at P＜0.05).In addition, significant differences were found in corneal FL scores, BUT and S Ⅰ t among these three groups (Fgroup =5.08,4.15,4.61, all at P＜0.05).In postoperative 15 days and 30 days, the S Ⅰ t values were (12.32±1.18) and (11.32±1.98) mm/5 rmin,which were significantly lower than (14.36±1.77) and (13.36±2.32) mm/5 min in the polyethylene glycol drops group and (17.25 ±2.24) and (13.25 ±2.53) mm/5 min in the basis therapy group (all at P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The topical application of rb-bFGF combined with tobramycin and dexamethasone eyedrops can improve the dry eye-related symptoms and promote the repair of the ocular surface injury after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation,and the clinical efficacy of rb-bFGF eyedrops is better than that of polyethylene glycol eyedrops or only tobramycin and dexamethasone eyedrops.

Comparison of repair effectiveness on pediatric orbit fracture between porous polyethylene (Medpor) and absorbable plate / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Orbital fracture in children has its own characteristics.Choosing the suitable plastic materials is the effective measurement to improve the successful rate of surgery.Absorbable plate filling provides a new material for children with orbital fracture.However,few studies compare the effectivity and safety between absorbable plate filling and conventional filling.Objective The aim of this study was to compare the longterm efficacy and safety between absorbable plate and Medpor implants in the repair of pediatric orbital fracture.Methods Clinical data of 72 eyes of 72 pediatric patients with orbital fracture who received surgicals reconstruction in Beijing Tongren Eye Center from 2008 April to 2014 August were respectively analyzed,including 28 patients with absorbable plates filling and 44 patients with Medpor implants.Demography and preoperative clinical signs were matched between the two groups.Operative procedure was same except the implanted materials.The functional training of extraocular muscle was performed since the second day after surgery in both groups.The imaging findings of the orbit were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) before and after surgery.The patients were followed-up for avarage 12.7 months after operation.The therapeutic effectiveness and safety were compared between the different implants,such as incidence of enophthalmos,extraocular movement impairment and diplopia,and the sensory deficit of skin and complications were documented.Results Extraocular muscle movement improved and diplopia alleviated or disappeared in 92.9％ (26/28) in the absorbable plate group and 90.9％ (40/44) in the Medporgroup,without significant difference between the two groups (P=0.57).The sensory deficit of skin was found in 13 eyes (46.4％) and 20 eyes (45.5％ in the absorbable plate group and Medpor group,respectively,and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P =0.56).CT revealed that the anatomical reconstruction of orbits could be achieved in all patients in both groups without the shifting of implants and extrusion.No enophthalmos and postoperative infection were found in absorbable plate group,however,the residual enophthalmos or late infection was found in I eye for each in the Medpor group.Conclusions Both the absorbable plate and Medpor implants show good results for reconstruction of pediatric orbital fracture.Absorbable plate is an ideal material for pediatric orbital blowout fracture because of fewer postoperative complications.

A comparative study of the in-vitro dissolution profiles of paracetamol and caffeine combination in different formulations using HPLC.

Dissolution testing is an in vitro technique of great importance in formulation and development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as it can be used as a substitute for in vivo studies under strictly defined and specified conditions. The main objective of the present study is to conduct the comparative dissolution studies of various brands of same dosage forms and treatment of obtained dissolution data by using ƒ2 to determine whether all the formulations used were equivalent or significantly different. Five different brands of drug containing paracetamol and caffeine from different manufacturers were used in the study, and dissolution testing in different dissolution media viz., water, 0.1 N HCl, phosphate buffer of pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 was conducted for 12 tablets from each brand for 60 min. by using dissolution testing apparatus USP type-II. Samples were withdrawn at 10 min. time interval and analyzed for drug content by using HPLC technique. Percent drug release at each time interval was calculated for tablets and the data obtained were treated with statistical technique to meet the FDA requirements for obtaining a waiver of bioavailability and bioequivalence studies.

Comparison of Image Quality Criteria between Digital Storage Phosphor Plate in Mammography and Full-Field Digital Mammography in the Detection of Breast Cancer

Background: Digital mammography is slowly replacing screen film mammography. In digital mammography, 2 methods are available in acquiring images: digital storage phosphor plate and full-field digital mammography. The aim of this study was to compare the image quality acquired from the 2 methods of digital mammography in the detection of breast cancer. Methods: The study took place at the National Cancer Society, Kuala Lumpur, and followed 150 asymptomatic women for the duration of 1 year. Participating women gave informed consent and were exposed to 4 views from each system. Two radiologists independently evaluated the printed images based on the image quality criteria in mammography. McNemar’s test was used to compare the image quality criteria between the systems. Results: The agreement between the radiologists for the digital storage phosphor plate was ĸ = 0.551 and for full-field digital mammography was, ĸ = 0.523. Full-field digital mammography was significantly better compared with the digital storage phosphor plate in right and left mediolateral oblique views (P < 0.05) in the detection of microcalcifications, which are early signs of breast cancer. However, both systems were comparable in all other aspects of image quality. Conclusion: Digital mammography is a useful screening tool for the detection of early breast cancer and ensures better prognosis and quality of life.

A comparative pharmacological and phytochemical analysis of in vivo & in vitro propagated Crotalaria species

Objective To compare the efficacy for phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of in vitro propagated plants and field grown plants of Crotalaria sps., for against five human pathogens. Methods The preliminary phytochemistry, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were evaluated using disc diffusion and DPPH radical scavenging methods. Results The ethanolic extract of in vitro raised Crotalaria retusa (C. retusa) was effective on tested microorganisms and optimal ZOI values of 38 mm was obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The optimal concentration (IC50) required for 50% inhibition of the DPPH radical scavenging was 57.6 μ g/mL obtained for ethanolic extract of in vitro propagated C. retusa. The in vitro propagated C. retusa has significant pharmacological activities while the Crotalaria prostrate (C. prostrate) and Crotalaria medicaginea (C. medicaginea) has low pharmacological activites. It was cleared that ethanolic extract of in vitro regenerated plants was most effective. Conclusions These findings indicate compounds isolated from ethanolic extracts of Crotalaria sps., possesses pharmacological properties and potential to develop natural compounds based pharmaceutical products. The IC

Bacteriological Quality of Foods and Water Sold by Vendors and in Restaurants in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Three Microbiological Methods.

Bacterial count in prepared food or water is a key factor in assessing the quality and safety of food. It also reveals the level of hygiene adopted by food handlers in the course of preparation of such foods. This comparative study evaluated the bacteriological quality of food and water consumed in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria, using three bacteria enumeration methods. Data obtained are assumed to reflect the level of personal and environmental hygiene in the study population. Ten types of foods—beans, yam, abacha, okpa, moimoi, pear, cassava foofoo, rice, agidi, and garri—and 10 water samples were evaluated for bacteriological quality, precisely determining the level of coliform contamination, using the most probable number (MPN), lactose fermentation count (LFC), and Escherichia coli count (ECC) methods. Bacterial counts differed significantly (p<0.05) among the various food samples. However, this did not differ significantly in the three methods used for the enumeration of coliforms, suggesting that any of the three methods could be validly used for such studies with confidence. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the two major coliforms identified among 98 coliform isolates obtained from the various food samples, of which 78 (79.6%) were assumed to be of human origin on account of their ability to grow at 44 oC. The level of coliform contamination in the food samples from vendors and restaurants (geometric mean count 7.64-9.21; MPN ≥50) were above the accepted 104 colony-forming unit/g or MPN ≤10 limits. The results of the study, therefore, call for stringent supervision and implementation of food-safety practices and regular education on food and personal hygiene among food vendors.

CT Imaging Findings of Ruptured Ovarian Endometriotic Cysts: Emphasis on the Differential Diagnosis with Ruptured Ovarian Functional Cysts

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of abnormal CT findings in patients with surgically proven ruptured endometriotic cysts, as compared with those abnormal CT findings of ruptured ovarian functional cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 13 retrospectively identified patients with surgically confirmed ruptured ovarian endometriotic cysts and who had also undergone preoperative CT scanning during the previous seven years. As a comparative group, 25 cases of surgically confirmed ruptured ovarian functional cysts were included. We assessed the morphologic features of the cysts and the ancillary findings based on CT. RESULTS: For the endometriotic cysts, the mean maximum cyst diameter was significantly larger than that of the functional cysts (70.1 mm versus 36.4 mm, respectively, p < 0.05). The endometriotic cysts frequently had a multilocular shape and a thicker cyst wall, as compared to that of functional cysts, and these differences were statistically significant. Among the ancillary findings, endometriotic cysts showed a significantly higher prevalence of loculated ascites, ascites confined to the pelvic cavity without extension to the upper abdomen, and peritoneal strandings and infiltrations (p < 0.05). Although 11 of the 25 cases of functional cysts showed active extravasation of contrast material at the ovarian bleeding site, only one of 13 cases of endometriotic cysts showed active extravasation. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of ruptured endometriotic cyst should be suspected for a woman in whom CT reveals the presence of multilocular or bilateral ovarian cysts with a thick wall and loculated ascites confined to the pelvic cavity with pelvic fat infiltrations.

Comparison of Costs of Home and Facility-based Basic Obstetric Care in Rural Bangladesh.

This study compared the costs of providing antenatal, delivery and postnatal care in the home and in a basic obstetric facility in rural Bangladesh. The average costs were estimated by interviewing midwives and from institutional records. The main determinants of cost in each setting were also assessed. The cost of basic obstetric care in the home and in a facility was very similar, although care in the home was cheaper. Deliveries in the home took more time but this was offset by the capital costs associated with facility-based care. As use-rates increase, deliveries in a facility will become cheaper. Antenatal and postnatal care was much cheaper to provide in the facility than in the home. Facility-based delivery care is likely to be a cheaper and more feasible method for the care provider as demand rises. In settings where skilled attendance rates are very low, home-based care will be cheaper.

Avaliação comparativa entre o desempenho dos reagentes paratoxoplasmose AxSYM, VIDAS e VIDIA em um país latinoamericano com alta soroprevalência / Comparative evaluation of AxSYM, VIDAS and VIDIA toxoplasmosis reagent performance in a high seroprevalence Latin American country

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of three automated immunoassays for the detection of IgM and IgG Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using sera of pregnant women living in Colombia, a Latin American country with a high seroprevalence. Methods: A total of 905 sera were tested for IgM antibodies and 914 for IgG antibodies with AxSYM, VIDAS and VIDIA immunoassays. Discrepancies were resolved by using the dye test for IgG antibodies, and the ISAGA test for IgM. Results: The overall agreement between AxSYM, VIDAS and VIDIA assays was excellent for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies, and discrepancies were relatively rare (3.6% and 5.5% of sera for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively). The performance of the three immunoassays was similar for the detection of IgG antibodies with high sensitivity (100.00% for VIDIA, 99.59% for VIDAS, 99.38% for AxSYM) and specificity (99.04% for VIDIA, 98.82% for AxSYM, 98.57% for VIDAS). The specificity for IgM antibodies was excellent for the three immunassays (99.88% for VIDIA, 99.76% for AxSYM and VIDAS). The sensitivity of the detection of IgM antibodies was higher with VIDIA (95.12%) than with VIDAS (76.74%) and AxSYM (61.90%) assays. The correlation between IgG titers was limited between AxSYM and VIDAS assays and between AxSYM and VIDIA assays, but was excellent between VIDIA and VIDAS assays. Conclusions: Our study performed with Latin American sera confirmed the excellent specificity of AxSYM, VIDAS and VIDIA assays for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies already reported in other countries. The sensitivity of the detection of IgG antibodies was slightly higher with VIDIA than with VIDAS and AxSYM assays. The sensitivity of the detection of IgM antibodies was higher with VIDIA than with VIDAS and AxSYM assays.

Estudo comparativo entre duas plataformas para realização de Lasik personalizado para correção de miopia e astigmatismo: Alcon CustomCornea® versus Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix® / Wavefront-Guided Lasik for low to moderate myopia: CustomCornea® versus Zyoptix®

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados obtidos após o Lasik personalizado utilizando duas plataformas diferentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado com 50 pacientes míopes submetidos a cirurgia refrativa em ambos os olhos. Foram selecionados para o estudo, pacientes com equivalente esférico semelhante entre os olhos. Todos foram submetidos a Lasik bilateral e simultâneo, sendo que um olho foi operado pela plataforma CustomCornea® e o outro pela Zyoptix®. Acuidade visual sem e com correção, refração dinâmica e estática, medida das aberrações oculares, teste de sensibilidade ao contraste foram realizados no período pré-operatório e pós-operatório de 1, 3 e 6 meses. RESULTADOS: No período pré-operatório a média do equivalente esférico era de -3,29 ± 1,56 D no grupo CustomCornea® e de -3,22 ± 1,50 D no Zyoptix® (p=0,267). No sexto mês de pós-operatório, a média do equivalente esférico no grupo CustomCornea® era de -0,077 ± 0,23 D e -0,282 ± 0,30 D no Zyoptix® (p<0,001*). Acuidade visual sem correção > 20/20 foi alcançada em 86 por cento dos olhos no grupo CustomCornea® e 70 por cento no grupo Zyoptix® (p=0,094). Nenhum paciente perdeu duas ou mais linhas da melhor acuidade visual corrigida. Cem por cento dos olhos CustomCornea® e 88 por cento dos Zyoptix® ficaram entre ± 0,50 D da emetropia (p=0,014*). Melhora da sensibilidade ao contraste em todas as frequências espaciais testadas foi observada em ambos os grupos. A aberração esférica apresentou aumento em ambos os grupos, porém este foi estatisticamente maior na plataforma Zyoptix® (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos quanto à eficácia e segurança. O tratamento com a plataforma Zyoptix® consumiu menor quantidade de estroma. Melhor previsibilidade da correção cirúrgica foi obtida pelo grupo CustomCornea®, bem como menor indução de aberração esférica.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual and clinical outcomes of Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) with Alcon CustomCornea® and Zyoptix® systems. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, masked and bilateral study was conducted. Fifty patients with preoperative spherical equivalent ranging from -1.00 to -6.50 D were enrolled for customized ablation in both eyes. All of them were submitted to Lasik CustomCornea® treatment in one eye and Zyoptix® in the other eye. Uncorrected visual acuity, best correct visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, wavefront measurements, and contrast sensitivity testing were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Preoperatively manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -3.29 ± 1.56 D in the CustomCornea® group and -3.22 ± 1.50 D in the Zyoptix® group. At 6 months, 86 percent of CustomCornea® eyes and 70 percent of Zyoptix® eyes had UCVA > 20/20. One hundred percent of the CustomCornea® group and 88 percent of the eyes in the Zyoptix® were within 0.50 D of emmetropia. In both groups, the contrast sensitivity improved. Spherical aberration increased in both groups, with the CustomCornea® group showing lower levels (p<0,001). CONCLUSION: There were no differences between the systems according to safety and effectiveness. The Zyoptix® platform showed greater spherical aberration.

Ressonância magnética vs cintilografia com pirofosfato marcado com tecnécio-99m para a detecção de necrose miocárdica perioperatória / Magnetic resonance vs technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy in the detection of perioperative myocardial necrosis

FUNDAMENTO: O infarto do miocárdio perioperatório (IMPO) é uma complicação da cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) com potencial impacto prognóstico. A cintilografia miocárdica (CM) com pirofosfato marcado com tecnécio-99m é utilizada no diagnóstico de IMPO, mas demonstra limitada sensibilidade para lesões subendocárdicas. A ressonância magnética cardiovascular (RMC), por sua vez, detém alta acurácia para a detecção de necrose miocárdica. OBJETIVO: Comparar a RMC e a CM para a detecção de IMPO após CRM. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 24 pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronária crônica, com a técnica de realce tardio pela RMC e com a CM, antes e depois da CRM, analisando-se o surgimento de áreas de necrose miocárdica perioperatória (IMPO). Mensuraram-se também marcadores bioquímicos de lesão miocárdica (CKMB e troponina I), antes e depois da cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes completaram o estudo. Desses, 6 (32 por cento) apresentaram IMPO à RMC, e 4 (21 por cento) à CM (p = NS). Dos 323 segmentos do ventrículo esquerdo avaliados, 17 (5,3 por cento) exibiram necrose perioperatória à RMC, e 7 (2,2 por cento) à CM (p = 0,013). Observou-se moderada concordância entre os métodos (kappa = 0,46), havendo divergência, quanto ao diagnóstico de IMPO, em 4 (21 por cento) casos, a maioria com pequenas áreas de necrose perioperatória à RMC, não visualizadas à CM. Em todos os casos com IMPO à RMC, houve elevação significativa de CKMB e troponina I. CONCLUSÃO: Houve moderada concordância diagnóstica entre os métodos para a detecção de IMPO, mas a RMC permitiu a visualização de pequenas áreas de necrose miocárdica perioperatória, não identificadas pela CM e associadas à elevação de marcadores bioquímicos de lesão miocárdica.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative myocardial infarction (POMI) is a complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a potential prognostic impact. Technetium-99m pyrophosphate myocardial scintigraphy (MS) is used in the diagnosis of POMI; however it shows a limited sensitivity for subendocardial lesions. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), in turn, has a high accuracy in the detection of myocardial necrosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare CMRI and MS for the detection of POMI after CABG. METHODS: A total of 24 patients with chronic coronary artery disease were studied using the delayed contrast enhanced CMRI and MS before and after CABG by analyzing the development of areas of perioperative myocardial necrosis (POMI). Biochemical markers of myocardial injury (CKMB and troponin I) were also determined before and after surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the study. Of these, 6 (32 percent) presented POMI on CMRI and 4 (21 percent) on MS (p = NS). Of the 323 left ventricular segments assessed, 17 (5.3 percent) showed perioperative necrosis on CMRI and 7 (2.2 percent) on MS (p = 0.013). Moderate agreement was observed between the methods (kappa = 0.46). There was disagreement regarding the diagnosis of POMI in 4 (21 percent) cases, most of them with small areas of perioperative necrosis on CMRI which were not visualized on MS. In all cases with POMI on CMRI, significant CKMB and troponin I elevations were observed. CONCLUSION: Moderate diagnostic agreement was observed between the methods for the detection of POMI, but CMRI enabled visualization of small areas of perioperative myocardial necrosis which were not identified on MS and were associated with elevation of biochemical markers of myocardial injury.

Avaliação comparativa da perda de extensão entre acessos cirúrgicos para revisão de artroplastia total do joelho / Comparative assessment of extension loss among different surgical approaches to the revision of total knee arthroplasty

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a possibilidade de perda de extensão do joelho, após artroplastias de revisão, realizadas com acessos do tipo quadriceps snip e osteotomia do tubérculo anterior da tíbia (TAT), comparativamente, entre ambos e com um grupo controle, em que foi utilizado o acesso parapatelar medial convencional. MÉTODO: Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do INTO. A perda de extensão do joelho foi avaliada em pacientes submetidos a artroplastias de revisão, unilaterais, realizadas pelo Grupo de Joelho do Instituto Nacional de Traumatologia e Ortopedia - INTO, em que foram utilizados um dos seguintes acessos: convencional - parapatelar medial, snip do quadríceps ou osteotomia do tubérculo anterior da tíbia. A amostra foi composta por 26 indivíduos, cuja idade variou entre 52 e 80 anos, distribuídos em três grupos: grupo I: acesso parapatelar medial convencional (n = 10); grupo II: quadriceps snip (n = 8); e grupo III: osteotomia do TAT (n = 8). O tempo de seguimento médio foi de 18,57 meses. A perda da extensão do joelho foi determinada pela diferença entre o grau de extensão ativa pré e pós-operatória. Na avaliação estatística, foi utilizado o teste de análise de variância ANOVA, de fator único, com o nível de significância a = 0,05 (5 por cento). RESULTADOS: A perda média de extensão da série foi igual a 8,57º, variando entre 2º e 30º. O p-valor obtido foi igual a 0,112, o que permite assumir a hipótese de igualdade entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos compostos pelos três tipos de acesso utilizados para as revisões de artroplastias, no que tange ao parâmetro perda de extensão.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of extension loss of the knee after revision arthroplasties performed with approaches like quadriceps snip and TAT osteotomy, comparing the two methods and using a control group in who the conventional medial parapatellar approach was used. METHOD: This study was approved by the INTO Research Ethics Committee. The loss of extension of the knee was evaluated in patients submitted to unilateral revision arthroplasties of the knee conducted by the Knee Group of the INTO - National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, the following approaches having been used: conventional - medial parapatellar, quadriceps snip, or anterior tibial tubercle osteotomy. The series included 26 individuals, ages ranging from 52 to 80, distributed into three groups: Group I: conventional - medial parapatellar approach (n = 10); Group II: quadriceps snip (n = 8); and Group III: TAT osteotomy (n = 8). Mean follow-up was 18.57 months. Extension loss of the knee was determined by the difference between the range of active extension before and after surgery. In the statistical assessment, the ANOVA variance analysis test was used, with a single factor, with significance level a = 0,05 (5 percent). RESULTS: Mean extension loss in the series was equal to 8.57º, varying between 2º and 30º. The p-value obtained was equal to 0.112, which leads to presume the hypothesis that groups are equal to one another. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed among the groups made up by the three types of approach used for arthroplasty revisions in terms of the loss of extension parameter.