Effect of Long-term Peripheral Nerve Stimulation on Neuro-Muscular Complex Morphologic Recovery in Experiment / Efecto de la Estimulación del Nervio Periférico a Largo Plazo sobre la Recuperación Morfológica del Complejo Neuromuscular en Experimento

SUMMARY: Peripheral nerve injury is an extremely important medical and socio-economic problem. It is far from a solution, despite on rapid development of technologies. To study the effect of long-term electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves, we used a domestically produced electrical stimulation system, which is approved for clinical use. The study was performed on 28 rabbits. Control of regeneration was carried out after 3 month with morphologic techniques. The use of long-term electrostimulation technology leads to an improvement in the results of the recovery of the nerve trunk after an injury, both directly at the site of damage, when stimulation begins in the early period, and indirectly, after the nerve fibers reach the effector muscle.

La lesión de los nervios periféricos es un problema médico y socioeconómico extremadamente importante. Sin embargo, y a pesar del rápido desarrollo de las tecnologías, aún no tiene solución. Para estudiar el efecto de la estimulación eléctrica a largo plazo de los nervios periféricos, utilizamos un sistema de estimulación eléctrica de producción nacional, que está aprobado para uso clínico. El estudio se realizó en 28 conejos. El control de la regeneración se realizó a los 3 meses con técnicas morfológicas. El uso de tecnología de electro estimulación a largo plazo conduce a una mejora en los resultados de la recuperación del tronco nervioso después de una lesión, tanto directamente en el lugar del daño, cuando la estimulación comienza en el período temprano, como indirectamente, después de que las fibras nerviosas alcanzan el músculo efector.

The "Phase Down" of Dental Amalgam Restorations - What are the Criteria for Replacement and Indication?

ABSTRACT Objective: To guide professionals about the criteria for replacing amalgam restorations and inform them about the new guidelines regarding the use/indication of this (amalgam) material after the Minamata Convention - COP-4. Material and Methods: The articles were selected from the databases (PubMed, Scielo, Bireme), and relevant articles on the subject between the years 2003-2021 were selected. Recently, social media have been flooded with dental treatments that aim to perform restorations only with composite resins or other types of esthetic material and completely replace all dental amalgam restorations, irrespective of their time in place, size, and functionality. Results: Although improperly, it has been noted that this information reaches patients, and they are led to believe in the inaccurate data that is passed on, such as, for example, (that amalgam leads to) permanent contamination by mercury, causing systemic problems and the loss of the tooth. Conclusion: The "phase down" of amalgam in research and teaching has previously been observed in several countries worldwide; however, its use is still necessary given particular circumstances, which, theoretically, make it a material with exact indication.

Construção e validação de conteúdo de instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em instituição de longa permanência para pessoas idosas / Development and content validation for a self-assessment instrument of care quality in long-term care facilities for older adults

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e realizar a validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), denominado QualificaILPI. Método Estudo metodológico realizado entre março e dezembro de 2021. O instrumento foi desenvolvido com base em modelo multidimensional de qualidade, legislação brasileira e pesquisa bibliográfica e contém padrões de qualidade para autoavaliação das ILPI nas dimensões: ambiente, lar, cuidado, envolvimento familiar e da comunidade, equipe de trabalho e gestão. Cada padrão é descrito e seguido por uma escala, com parâmetros para classificar o nível de qualidade da ILPI em incipiente, intermediário, consolidado. A Técnica Delphi modificada foi empregada para validação por um comitê de 10 especialistas quanto a pertinência do padrão para avaliação da qualidade da ILPI, da adequação dos objetivos e da escala de avaliação, clareza, podendo fazer comentários. O padrão foi mantido quando houve 75% de concordância entre os especialistas. O instrumento foi também avaliado pelo público-alvo, constituído por coordenadores de 10 ILPI, selecionadas por conveniência. Resultados No primeiro ciclo de avaliação, foram excluídos três padrões e dois novos foram criados. No segundo, alterou-se a dimensão de um padrão e dois padrões foram unidos. Ao final, permaneceram 29 padrões divididos em seis dimensões. O público-alvo, gestores de ILPI, sugeriu alterações na redação de alguns padrões. Houve consenso de 80% ou superior em todos os padrões. Conclusão O QualificaILPI poderá contribuir para o monitoramento das ILPI favorecendo a melhoria do cuidado ofertado aos residentes.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate the content of a self-assessment instrument for the quality of care in Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults (Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos - ILPIs), named QualificaILPI. Method A methodological study conducted between March and December 2021. The instrument was developed based on a multidimensional quality model, Brazilian legislation, and literature research. It contains quality standards for self-assessment of ILPIs in the dimensions of environment, home, care, family and community involvement, work team, and management. Each standard is described and followed by a scale with parameters to classify the level of ILPI quality as incipient, intermediate, or consolidated. The modified Delphi Technique was employed for validation by a committee of 10 experts regarding the relevance of the standard for ILPI quality assessment, the appropriateness of objectives, the evaluation scale, and clarity, allowing for comments. The standard was retained when there was 75% agreement among the experts. The instrument was also evaluated by the target audience, consisting of coordinators from 10 ILPIs selected for convenience. Results In the first assessment cycle, three standards were excluded, and two new ones were created. In the second cycle, the dimension of one standard was changed, and two standards were combined. In the end, 29 standards remained, divided into six dimensions. The target audience, ILPI managers, suggested changes in the wording of some standards. There was a consensus of 80% or higher for all standards. Conclusion QualificaILPI has the potential to contribute to monitoring ILPIs, promoting the improvement of care offered to residents.

Institutional care in four Latin American countries: the importance of fostering public information and evaluation strategies / Atención en centros de cuidados a largo plazo en cuatro países de América Latina: importancia de fomentar la información pública y las estrategias de evaluación / Cuidados institucionais em quatro países da América Latina: a importância de promover informações públicas e estratégias de avaliação

ABSTRACT More than 8 million older people in Latin America depend on long-term care (LTC), accounting for 12% of people aged ≥ 60 years and almost 27% of those aged ≥ 80. It is crucial to develop sustainable strategies for providing LTC in the area, including institutional care. This special report aims to characterize institutional LTC in four countries (Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico), using available information systems, and to identify the strategies adopted to support institutional care in these countries. This narrative review used nationwide, open-access, public data sources to gather demographic estimates and information about institutional LTC coverage and the availability of open-access data for the proportion of people with LTC needs, the number of LTC facilities and the number of residents living in them. These countries have a larger share of older people than the average in Latin America but fewer LTC facilities than required by the demand. National surveys lack standardization in defining disability, LTC and dependency on care. Information about institutional care is mainly fragmented and does not regularly include LTC facilities, their residents and workers. Data are crucial to inform evidence-based decisions to favor prioritization and to support advances in promoting policies around institutional LTC in Latin America. Although information about institutional care in the region is fragmented and insufficient, this paper profiles the four selected countries. It highlights the need for a better structure for data-driven LTC information systems. The lack of information emphasizes the urgency of the need to focus on and encourage research into this topic.

RESUMEN En América Latina, más de 8 millones de personas mayores dependen de los cuidados a largo plazo (CLP), lo que representa el 12% de las personas de 60 años o más y casi el 27% de las de 80 años o más Resulta crucial elaborar estrategias sostenibles para la prestación de CLP en la región, incluida la atención en centros de CLP. Este artículo especial tiene como finalidad determinar las características de la atención prestada en centros de CLP en cuatro países (Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica y México), utilizando los sistemas de información disponibles, así como determinar cuáles son las estrategias adoptadas en estos países para brindar apoyo a la atención en centros de CLP. En esta revisión descriptiva se utilizaron fuentes de datos públicas, de libre acceso y de ámbito nacional para recopilar estimaciones demográficas e información sobre la cobertura de la atención en centros de CLP, así como sobre la disponibilidad de datos de libre acceso acerca de la proporción de personas con necesidades de CLP, el número de centros de CLP y su correspondiente número de residentes. Estos países tienen una proporción de personas mayores superior a la media de América Latina, pero menos centros de CLP de los necesarios para cubrir la demanda. En las encuestas nacionales no hay una definición estandarizada de la discapacidad, los cuidados a largo plazo y la dependencia. La mayor parte de la información sobre la atención en centros de CLP está fragmentada y no incluye datos periódicos sobre los centros de CLP existentes, sus residentes o sus trabajadores. Estos datos son cruciales para fundamentar decisiones basadas en la evidencia destinadas a propiciar la priorización y brindar apoyo a los avances en la promoción de políticas en materia de centros de CLP en América Latina. Aunque la información sobre la atención en centros de CLP en la región es fragmentaria e insuficiente, en este artículo se presenta el perfil de los cuatro países seleccionados. Se resalta la necesidad de mejorar la estructura de los sistemas de información sobre CLP basados en datos. Esta falta de información pone de relieve la necesidad urgente de centrarse en este tema y fomentar la investigación al respecto.

RESUMO Na América Latina, mais de 8 milhões de pessoas idosas dependem de cuidados de longa duração (CLD), o que representa 12% das pessoas com mais de 60 anos e quase 27% das pessoas com mais de 80 anos. É fundamental criar estratégias sustentáveis para oferecer CLD na região, inclusive cuidados institucionais. O objetivo deste relatório especial é caracterizar CLD institucionais em quatro países (Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica e México), usando os sistemas de informação disponíveis, e identificar as estratégias adotadas para apoiar os cuidados institucionais nesses países. Esta revisão narrativa usou dados públicos de acesso aberto de âmbito nacional para coletar estimativas demográficas e informações sobre a cobertura de CLD institucionais e a disponibilidade de dados de acesso aberto sobre a porcentagem de pessoas com necessidades de CLD, o número de instituições de CLD e o número de residentes nessas instituições. Esses países têm uma parcela maior de pessoas idosas do que a média da América Latina, mas menos instituições de CLD do que a demanda exige. Falta padronização na definição de incapacidade, CLD e dependência de cuidados nas pesquisas nacionais. Em sua maior parte, as informações sobre cuidados institucionais são fragmentadas e não incluem instituições de CLD, seus residentes e trabalhadores de maneira regular. É essencial usar dados para guiar decisões baseadas em evidências a fim de favorecer a priorização e apoiar avanços que promovam políticas para CLD institucionais na América Latina. Embora as informações sobre cuidados institucionais na região sejam fragmentadas e insuficientes, este documento traça o perfil dos quatro países selecionados, destacando a necessidade de uma estrutura melhor para sistemas de informações de CLD orientados por dados. A falta de informações ressalta a urgência de aumentar o foco no tópico e encorajar pesquisas sobre o assunto.

Research progress of long-term efficacy after implantation of implantable collamer lens V4c / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

With the rapid development of science and technology and the wide application of electronic products, the number of patients with high myopia is gradually increasing. Meanwhile, owing to the continuous optimization of surgical skils and the continuous advancement in materials of posterior chamber intraocular lens and manufacturing processes, implantable collamer lens(ICL)V4c implantation has gradually become one of the main surgeries for the treatment of high myopia. In the rapid era of social information, people pay more attention to the long-term efficacy after ICL V4c implantation, they not only want clear vision, but also the pursuit of visual comfort and durability. Therefore, this paper will specifically discuss the research progress of the post-implantation efficacy of ICL V4c with at least 2 a of follow-up observation within 3 a, aiming to review the latest research progress on the long-term efficacy of ICL V4c implantation from the three dimensions of visual quality, safety, efficacy and stability and possible surgical complications after ICL V4c implantation.

Desarrollo del dolor fetal y neonatal / Development of fetal and neonatal pain

Resumen: El dolor es el principal síntoma reportado a nivel mundial, es la principal causa de sufrimiento humano. Se considera que para que un individuo sienta dolor deben estar presentes: nociceptores, neurotransmisores del dolor, vías que llevan el estímulo al cerebro, el tálamo y conexión con la corteza. Por un tiempo se consideró que en esta etapa no se contaba con la madurez suficiente del sistema nervioso para sentir dolor; sin embargo, en la actualidad hay evidencia de que el feto presenta dolor; y su presencia altera el desarrollo del sistema nervioso. La presente revisión proporciona una visión actualizada de la ontogenia del dolor fetal y neonatal.

Abstract: Pain is the main symptom reported worldwide, it is the main cause of human suffering. It is considered that for an individual to feel pain, the following must be present: nociceptors, pain neurotransmitters, pathways that carry the stimulus to the brain, the thalamus and connection with the cortex. For a time it was considered that at this stage the nervous system was not mature enough to feel pain, however, there is currently evidence that the fetus has pain; and its presence alters the development of the nervous system. This review provides an updated view of the ontogeny of fetal and neonatal pain.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas con anatomía aórtica compleja / Endovascular treatment of aneurysms with complex aortic anatomy

RESUMEN Introducción: la anatomía arterial es la principal limitante para el abordaje aórtico endovascular estándar. Presentamos nuestra experiencia para la reparación endovascular de aneurismas aórticos complejos. Material y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes con aneurismas complejos (yuxta/pararrenales y toracoabdominales) tratados en forma consecutiva mediante: endoprótesis fenestradas (FEVAR), ramificadas (BEVAR), con EndoAnchors (ESAR), o en chimenea (ChEVAR). La decisión de la técnica fue determinada con base en la anatomía arterial. Resultados: se evaluaron los últimos 50 procedimientos (6 mujeres; edad promedio 71,3 años; diámetro 69,6mm; 3 pacientes con aneurismas complicados), de los cuales 22 recibieron FEVAR (2,8 fenestraciones / paciente), 11 BEVAR, 11 ESAR y 6 ChEVAR (1,8 chimeneas /paciente). La tasa de éxito técnico fue del 100% (ausencia de endoleak I o III con permeabilidad adecuada de los vasos viscerales). A 30 días 3 pacientes fallecieron (6%). Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes presentaron oclusión de la arteria renal, repermeabilizada en 4. Cuatro pacientes desarrollaron un endoleak tipo IA (3 ESAR secundarios y un ChEVAR), un paciente un endoleak IC y un cuarto uno IIIB (22%, 3 de los 11 ESAR, ninguno de los FEVAR industriales). En el análisis de supervivencia, la supervivencia global fue del 88,6% al año, y libre de reoperación del 86,5%. Conclusiones: se trata de la primera publicación en nuestro medio que muestra un enfoque global del paciente con un aneurisma de aorta complejo, de acuerdo con sus características anatómicas. Estas tecnologías ya desempeñan un papel primario en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background: Arterial anatomy is the main limiting factor for standard endovascular aortic (EVAR) approach. We present our experience for endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study in patients with complex aneurysms (juxta/pararenal and thoracoabdominal) treated consecutively with: fenestrated (FEVAR), branched (BEVAR), EndoAnchors (ESAR), or chimney (ChEVAR) stents. The decision of the technique was determined based on the arterial anatomy. Results: The last 50 procedures were evaluated (6 women; mean age 71.3 years; diameter 69.6 mm; and 3 patients with complicated aneurysms), among whom 22 received FEVAR (2.8 fenestrated stents/patient), 11 BEVAR, 11 ESAR and 6 ChEVAR (1.8 chimney stents/patient). Technical success rate was 100% (absence of type I or III endoleak with adequate patency of the visceral vessels). Three patients died within the first 30 days (6%). During follow-up, 5 patients presented with renal artery occlusion, treated successfully in 4 cases. Four patients developed type IA endoleak (3 secondary ESAR and one ChEVAR), one patient IC endoleak and almost a quarter of cases type IIIB endoleak (22%, 3 out of 11 patients receiving ESAR, none of the industrial FEVAR group). In survival analysis, overall survival analysis was 88.6% at one year, and 86.5% of cases were free from reoperation. Conclusions: This is the first publication in our setting that shows a global approach to the patient with complex aortic aneurysm, according to the anatomical characteristics. These technologies already play a primary role in the treatment of these patients.

Avaliação das Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos no Brasil: um panorama das desigualdades regionais / Evaluation of Long-Term Institutions for Older People in Brazil: an overview of regional inequalities

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) brasileiras, segundo o Modelo Teórico Multidimensional Integrado de Qualidade e Atendimento (MIQA), e comparar o desempenho alcançado entre as regiões do país. Estudo ecológico descritivo realizado com dados secundários públicos das ILPI participantes do Censo do Sistema Único da Assistência Social de 2018. Uma Matriz de Avaliação foi construída a partir das variáveis do Censo e do Modelo Teórico MIQA. Parâmetros de qualidade foram empregados para classificar o desempenho das instituições para cada indicador em "incipiente", "em desenvolvimento" ou "desejável. O índice de disparidade foi obtido para cada indicador. Foram analisadas 1.665 instituições. Observaram-se diferenças nos percentuais de ILPI com desempenho "desejável" entre as regiões brasileiras, e a necessidade de aprimoramento na maioria das ILPI em relação à proporção de cuidadores de pessoas idosas, a composição da equipe multiprofissional, a acessibilidade e a oferta de ações de promoção de saúde. Verificou-se a necessidade de apoio governamental para a supressão dos critérios de diferenciações excludentes e para a expansão dos serviços para superar as superlotações.

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the Brazilian Long-Term Institutions for Older People (LTIE), according to the Integrated Multidimensional Theoretical Model of Quality and Service (MIQA), and compare the performance achieved between the regions of the country. Descriptive ecological study carried out with public secondary data from the LTIE participating in the 2018 Census of the Unified Social Assistance System. An Evaluation Matrix was constructed from the Census variables and the MIQA Theoretical Model. Quality parameters were used to classify the institutions' performance for each indicator as "incipient", "developing" or "desirable". The disparity index was obtained for each indicator. 1,665 institutions were analyzed. Differences were observed in the percentages of LTIE with "desirable" performance between Brazilian regions, and the need for improvement in most LTIE in relation to the proportion of caregivers of older people, the composition of the multidisciplinary team, accessibility and supply of health promotion actions. There was a need for government support for the suppression of exclusionary differentiation criteria and for the expansion of services to overcome overcrowding.

Seguimiento a largo plazo de pacientes traqueostomizados post injuria cerebral adquirida grave / Long-term follow-up of tracheostomized patients post severe acquired brain injury

Resumen Introducción: Alrededor del 50% de los pacientes hos pitalizados por injuria cerebral adquirida grave requie ren traqueostomía y cuidados a largo plazo. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue describir la evolución de enfermos con injuria cerebral adquirida grave (ICAg) traqueostomizados que ingresaron a rehabilitación. Se cundariamente se estudió el fracaso de la decanulación y la supervivencia a los 12 meses del alta. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo observacional prospec tivo de centro único. Se incorporó al estudio, de forma prospectiva y consecutiva, usuarios mayores de 18 años, traqueostomizados posterior a ICAg ingresados a un cen tro de rehabilitación entre abril de 2018 y marzo de 2020. Resultados: se incluyeron para el análisis 50 pacien tes. La estancia en el centro fue de 203 (RIQ 93-320) días. Al alta de la institución, 32 (64%) pacientes pudieron ser decanulados exitosamente. El tiempo transcurrido desde el ingreso al centro hasta la decanulación fue de 49 (12-172) días. No se observó fracaso de la decanula ción. La mortalidad a los 12 meses de seguimiento fue de 32%, cinco (16%) de los 32 pacientes que pudieron ser decanulados y 11 (61%) de los 18 que no lograron la decanulación fallecieron dentro de los 12 meses de seguimiento. La relación entre la decanulación y la mortalidad a los 12 meses de seguimiento resultó esta dísticamente significativa (p = 0.002). Discusión: La supervivencia global fue relativamente elevada, el proceso de decanulación resulta relevante ya que puede tener impacto en la supervivencia a largo plazo.

Abstract Introduction: About 50% of patients hospitalized for severe acquired brain injury require tracheostomy, and many of them need long-term care. The main objective of this study was to describe the evolution of patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) tracheotomized who entered rehabilitation. Secondarily, mortality re lated to the success or failure of decannulation and survival at 12 months of discharge were studied. Methods: A single-center prospective observational quantitative study. Users over 18 years of age were recruited prospectively and consecutively, tracheosto mized after sABI, and admitted to a rehabilitation center between April 2018 and March 2020. Results: Fifty patients were included for analysis. The stay in the center was 203 (RIQ 93-320) days. At discharge to the institution, 32 (64%) patients managed to be successfully decannulated. The median number of days from admission to the center to decannulation was 49 (12-172). No decannulation failure was observed. Mortality at 12 months follow-up was 32%, five (16%) of the 32 patients who managed to be decannulated, and 11 (61%) of 18 who failed to achieve decannulation died within 12 months of follow-up. The relationship between decannulation success and mortality at 12 months of follow-up was statistically significant (p= 0.002). Discussion: Addressing the decannulation process early and properly guided is relevant as it may impact long-term survival.

Study of musculoskeletal problems among long-term computer users in Ahmedabad City

Background: COVID-19 made many changes in life of persons and even after post COVID era these changes are integral to our life. Some of the changes were online classes, work from home, and online gaming. Computer work leads to static position of neck, shoulders, and upper limbs for extended hours. This leads to higher risk of developing visual, musculoskeletal and psychological problems. Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal health disorders, assess work distribution, and their probable interaction with musculoskeletal health problems in computer users of Ahmedabad city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 1-year time among 800 participants to study the musculoskeletal problems among computer users. Results: Out of 800 participants, 76.75% of participants had any computer related musculoskeletal problem. If participants work more than 4 h in a single spell prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was 82.95%. Regular exercise has significant role in preventing computer-related musculoskeletal problems. Conclusion: Computer-related musculoskeletal problems have relation with number of hours spent in single spell, total daily working hours, and years of computer-related work.

Bhramari Pranayama - A Unique Voice Culturing Technique

A good voice is the basic need of humans. For professional voice users, voice governs their livelihood and social attraction. A good singing voice is attained by the regular vocal exercises and vocal training. Singing involves the skills like respiration, phonation, resonance and articulation. Bhramari Pranayama (BP) involves both humming and respiration. Humming is the resultant of the activity vocal structures which may have effect on the quality of the voice. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Bhramari Pranayama (BP) on voice quality Settings and Design: The study is an open clinical trial involving 30 healthy prospective singers fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, consenting for the study, who were enrolled through a survey in music schools in the region of Belagavi, Karnataka. Methods and Material: The voice of the 30 healthy prospective singers was recorded using PRAAT software with standard vocal tasks on day 0 of the study. Participants practiced 21 cycles of Bhramari Pranayama in the morning for 30 days. On Day 30, after the practice the voice was re-recorded with same vocal tasks and standard operative procedures being maintained. The recorded voice samples were saved and were subjected for voice analysis using softwares PRAAT, Vaghmi, CSL at AIISH, Mysuru. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21 and Paired ‘t’ test was applied to derive the results. Statistical Significance was set up at p<0.05. Results: Bhramari pranayama showed highly significant results in the root mean square values of the Singing power ratio - SPR (p<0.01) and singing power difference (p<0.01). Significant results in the lowest value of the singing amplitude (p<0.05), singing amplitude range (p<0.01) and mean formant frequency of second formant of vowel /u/(p<0.05). Conclusion: Bhramari Pranayama improved the resonance characteristics of the voice and there by improved the quality of singing voice in prospective singers.

Natural history and treatment outcome of radiotherapy for Kimura抯 disease

Background: Kimura抯 disease is a rare inflammatory disease that usually appears in head and neck region. We reported natural history of the disease and treatment outcome of radiotherapy (RT) in Chiang Mai University Hospital. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all Kimura抯 disease patients treated with radiotherapy at our center between 2002 and 2017. Results: A total of 20 patients with Kimura抯 disease were reviewed. There were 14 men and 6 women. All patients presented with the mass in head and neck region. Eleven patients were treated with a definitive intent with RT, 9 patients were treated with RT after recurrence from other modalities. All patients were treated with local external beam RT with 2 Gy per fraction to a median total dose of 30 Gy (range 30�). The median follow-up time was 4 years (range 1�.5 years). One patient died from HIV opportunistic infection after 1.5 year of radiation with complete response of Kimura抯 disease. Most of the patients responded to radiotherapy and controlled the disease at the time of analysis. Two patients had multiple recurrences at new areas outside radiotherapy field. Skin toxicity grade 1 was the most common late side effect which was found in 8 (44%) patients. We did not find severe late toxicity or second malignancy in this patient cohort. Conclusion: Good local control of Kimura抯 disease can be achieved, with a radiation dose of 30� Gy, with insignificant late toxicities. We suggest that radi

Experiências dos prestadores de cuidados a idosos institucionalizados durante a pandemia de covid-19: uma perspectiva qualitativa / Experiences of providers of care for institutionalized elderly people during the covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative perspective / Vivencias de cuidadoras de personas mayores institucionalizadas, durante la pandemia por covid 19: mirada cualitativa

RESUMO Objetivo: Desvelar as vivências de cuidadores de idosos que residem em instituições de longa permanência, durante o confinamento no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Método: Método: pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, através de estudo de caso intrínseco. Amostra intencionada por critério e conveniência de seis cuidadores, Região de Los Ríos, Chile, entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada no ano de 2021. Análise através de comparação constante e redução progressiva. A validade foi garantida pelo cumprimento de critérios de rigor, triangulação por especialistas. Resultados: 489 unidades de significado deram origem a quatro grupos temáticos: Significado de ter vivido a experiência, fatores facilitadores, fatores dificultadores e recomendações. Emergiram dois domínios: Contribuição dos cuidadores para o reforço do seu papel durante a pandemia e Contribuição para o reforço da gestão. Conclusões: permite reconhecer e validar o vínculo afetivo, o empenho e a vocação dos prestadores de cuidados, aspectos fundamentais a reforçar através do aconselhamento e da formação para garantir a qualidade dos cuidados.

ABSTRACT Objective: Uncover the experiences of caregivers of elderly people living in long-term care institutions, during confinement in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Qualitative, descriptive research, through an intrinsic case study. Intentional sample by criteria and convenience of six caregivers, Los Ríos Region, Chile; a semi-structured interview was carried out in 2021. Analysis applying the constant comparative method and progressive focusing approach. Validity was ensured by compliance with the criteria of rigor and researcher triangulation. Results: 489 units of meaning gave rise to four thematic groups: Meaning of having lived the experience, facilitating factors, hindering factors and recommendations. Two domains emerged: Contribution of caregivers to strengthening their role during the pandemic and Contribution to strengthening management. Conclusions: it allows recognizing and validating the emotional bond, commitment and vocation of care providers, key aspects to be reinforced through counseling and training to guarantee the quality of care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: develar las vivencias de cuidadores de personas mayores que residen en instituciones de larga permanencia, durante el confinamiento en contexto de pandemia por Covid-19. Método: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva, mediante estudio intrínseco de casos. Muestra intencionada por criterios y conveniencia de seis cuidadoras, Región de Los Ríos, Chile, se realizó entrevista semiestructurada, en el año 2021. Análisis a través de comparación constante y reducción progresiva. Se cauteló validez cumpliendo criterios de rigor, triangulación por expertos. Resultados: 489 unidades de significado originaron cuatro núcleos temáticos: Significado de haber vivido la experiencia, factores facilitadores del trabajo, factores que lo dificultan y recomendaciones. Emergieron dos dominios: Aportes de las cuidadoras para fortalecer su rol durante la pandemia y Contribución para fortalecer la gestión. Conclusiones: permite reconocer y validar el vínculo afectivo, compromiso y vocación de las cuidadoras, aspectos fundamentales a fortalecer mediante consejería y capacitación para asegurar la calidad de los cuidados.

A Long-Term Follow-up Study for the Treatment of Snoring after Using Patterned Non-Ablative Erbium: YAG 2,940 nm Laser

Abstract Introduction Laser uvulopalatoplasty is an established operation for the treatment of snoring with good results on a short-term basis, while long-term follow-up studies, in addition to their scarcity, had conflicting results regarding recurrence, the change of snoring quality, and complications. Objective To assess the long-term follow-up results of using nonablative 2,940 nm Erbium: YAG for the treatment of snoring regarding outcomes and recurrence. Methods This 2-year follow-up study was conducted on 76 patients operated upon by non-ablative 2940 nm Erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) using a PS01 patterned headpiece. Subjective evaluation of the treatment was performed relying on a smartphone application to record snoring in addition to a questionnaire specially designed to report recurrence and change in the quality of snoring reported by a patient's spouse. The objective evaluation was done by computed tomography (CT) imaging of the soft palate. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 6 weeks postoperatively and after a 2-year follow-up period. Results Six week after the procedure, there was a significant improvement in 52 patients (68.4%). Out of the 52 patients, only 43 completed the 2-year follow-up; however, 15 of them complained of recurrence. Nevertheless, the patients who suffered from recurrence showed subjective improvement in snoring quality. Conclusions The nonablative mode of Erbium: YAG 2,940 nm laser proved to be efficient in soft palate tightening for the management of snoring. However, there was recurrence in 34.8% of the patients who presented objective and subjective improvement of the complaints, 6 weeks postoperatively and after a 2-year follow-up period.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery : A Narrative Review

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery is considered the standard treatment for revascularization in Coronary Artery Disease. The Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (OPCAB) which evades the use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) became a popular CABG procedure, due to the adverse effect of CPB. Hypothetically, OPCAB may improve the rates of perioperative Myocardial Injury, Neurocognitive Impairment, Stroke and Mortality. However, some studies showed no superior outcomes for OPCAB compared to on-pump CABG. This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of OPCAB versus On-Pump CABG. The results showed that OPCAB is probably a safe procedure for patients, especially for those with high-risk conditions. OPCAB procedure showed superior short-term outcomes in terms of Myocardial Infarction, Systemic Inflammatory Response, Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, Renal Failure, Stroke, Pulmonary Complication, Postoperative Transfusion, Hospital stay length and infection than On-pump CABG. However, regarding long-term outcomes, Off-Pump CABG had a higher rate of incomplete revascularization and repeat revascularization and a higher risk of long-term mortality as well as lower graft patency. Furthermore, the result showed that the higher experience of the surgeons in OPCAB improves the outcome of the Surgery.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in a Semi-urban Population from Calicut City

Though the prevalence of Diabetes is increasing worldwide, a thorough knowledge of the prevalence of undiagnosed Diabetes a pre-diabetes is lacking. This study from India is to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic diabetes among adults with comorbidities and without any history of Diabetes. Prevalence of asymptomatic individuals with Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerancewas 3% and 15%, respectively. The high prevalence found in the study raises concern over the health care indices and the need for urgent public health action to control the pandemic. Regular screening for Diabetes in adults is required to prevent complications of long-term diabetes

Thought and practice of long-term management for hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignant tumors / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Radical resection is the only measurement to cure patients of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors. The comprehensive application of endoscopy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy and systemic therapy can not only significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of the disease, and successfully transform some borderline resectable tumors into radical resectable states, but also reduce the recurrence rate of tumors after surgery, thus prolonging the survival time of patients. In recent years, the continuous emergence of new systemic therapeutic drugs has brought new opportunities for patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies, but the number of doctors participating in diagnosis and treatment has also increased accordingly. Therefore, the contradiction between the division system based on treatment methods and the orderly and standardized treatment is becoming more and more prominent. According to the latest progress of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer research at home and abroad, and combined with our clinical experience, we proposed a long-term management concept based on hepatobiliary and pancreatic comprehensive multi-technical team. Based on this concept, we have carried out new thought and practice on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignant tumors.

Long-term outcomes of definitive radiotherapy-based comprehensive treatment for inoperable stage I-III non-metastatic pancreatic cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To analyze long-term outcomes of inoperable non-metastatic pancreatic cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy-based comprehensive treatment.Methods:Clinical data of 168 patients with medically unfit, refusal to surgery or inoperable non-metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with radiotherapy-based comprehensive treatment in PLA General Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Survival outcomes,prognostic factors and patterns of treatment failure were analyzed in the radiotherapy ( n=95) and combined chemoradiotherapy ( n=73) groups. The survival analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier method. The survival curve was compared by log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were identified by Cox proportional harzard model. Results:With a median follow-up of 20.2 months in the entire group, the median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 18.0 and 12.3 months. The corresponding median OS and median PFS after receiving radiotherapy were 14.3 and 7.7 months. The 1-, 2-and 3-year OS rates were 72.1%, 36.6% and 21.5%, and the 1- and 2-year local control rates were 82.6% and 64.3%, respectively. The median OS for stage Ⅰ, stage Ⅱ and stage III were 27.1, 18.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in the median OS of patients with localized disease (stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ) between the radiotherapy and combined chemoradiotherapy groups (21.1 vs. 20.4 months, P=0.470). In patients with locally advanced disease (stage Ⅲ), combined chemoradiotherapy group showed better median OS compared with radiotherapy group (19.2 vs. 13.8 months, P=0.004). Clinical stage, CA19-9 before radiotherapy, comprehensive treatment and biological effective dose (BED 10) were identified as the independent prognostic factors for OS ( P=0.032, 0.011, 0.003 and 0.014). The cumulative 1- and 2-year actuarial rates of treatment failure, local-regional recurrence and distant metastasis were 48% and 74.4%, 15.0% and 27.4%, 23.6% and 33.1%, respectively. Liver metastasis (16.1%, 27/168) and local recurrence (11.9%, 20/168) were the primary patterns of treatment failure. Conclusions:Definitive radiotherapy-based comprehensive treatment effectively prolongs long-term survival in patients with inoperable non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. Definitive radiotherapy can be an alternative treatment option with curative intent for patients with localized pancreatic cancer who are medically unfit or refuse to undergo surgery. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains an effective treatment choice for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Open versus closed reduction and internal fixation in treatment of unstable pelvic fractures: a multicenter cohort study of long-term prognosis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the long-term prognosis between open versus closed reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.Methods:The data of 402 consecutive patients with unstable pelvic fracture were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated at The First Medical Center and The Fourth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital, and Strategic Support Force Specialty Medical Center from March 2011 to March 2017. This cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the reduction methods. In the open group of 194 cases subjected to open reduction and internal fixation, there were 133 males and 61 females with a median age of 43.0 (30.7, 51.0) years, and 35 cases of type B and 159 cases of type C by the Tile classification. In the closed group of 208 cases subjected to closed reduction and internal fixation, there were 115 males and 93 females with a median age of 45.5 (32.0, 56.0) years, and 40 cases of type B and 168 cases of type C by the Tile classification. The 2 groups were compared in terms of 12-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores [physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)] at the last follow-up, time from injury to operation, frequency of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, operation time, and quality of postoperative fracture reduction.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the preoperative general data except for the gender, showing the 2 groups were comparable ( P>0.05). This cohort of 402 patients was followed up for 7.8(6.2, 8.8) years. At the last follow-up, the PCS [49.9 (45.4, 55.4) points] and MCS [53.1 (46.4, 57.6) points] in the closed group were significantly higher than those in the open group [48.2 (41.4, 52.7) and 46.5 (40.6, 53.6) points] ( P<0.05). The closed group incurred significantly shorter time from injury to operation [6 (5, 8) d] and operation time [180 (126, 260) min] than the open group [9 (6, 13) d and 240 (165, 334) min], significantly less intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion [1.5 (0, 4.0) U] than the open group [5.0 (2.9, 8.0) U], significantly higher frequency of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy [104.5 (85.0, 132.0) times] than the open group [21.0 (18.0, 26.0) times], and a significantly higher excellent and good rate of postoperative fracture reduction (92.8%, 193/208) than the open group (86.6%, 168/194) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of patients with unstable pelvic fractures, compared with open reduction and internal fixation, closed reduction and internal fixation can not only significantly shorten the waiting time and operation time of patients, reduce the transfusion during operation, but also achieve better fracture reduction to ultimately improve the quality of life of patients.

N,N-dimethyltryptamine,a natural psychedelic,rap-idly improves spatial memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation:a potential rapid-acting therapy for dementia-associated wandering / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

There is no fast-acting treatment strate-gies against Alzheimer's disease(AD),in particular dementia-related wandering.N,N-dimethyltryptamine(DMT)is a natural psychedelic that may have rapid-onset nootropic effects.In this study,5×FAD transgenic mice which recapitulated amyloid neuropathological features of AD received one single injection of 6 or 12 mg·kg-1 DMT and tested at 0.5,1,and 2 h thereafter in Y-maze for spatial memory.5×FAD transgenic mice exhibited pro-nounced decreases in time spent,number entered,and distance travelled in the novel arm of Y-maze.DMT at 12 mg·kg-1 partially or completely reversed the three behavioral indices at multiple time points,up to 2 h post injection.The rapid-onset behavioral improvement was consistent with pharmacokinetic analysis of DMT,showing approximately 30 min to reach the maximum concentra-tion in the brain tissue.The transgenic mice also displayed dramatically impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation(LTP),an electrophysiological feature of memory forma-tion and consolidation.DMT potently enhanced LTP and restored intracellular calcium activity,expression and phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMK Ⅱ)and AMPA-type glutamate receptor 1(GluR1),the two key calcium-activated mediators involved in LTP induction.Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)is purinergic signalling molecules that are involved in LTP induction and maintenance.DMT rapidly increased mito-chondrial ATP dynamics in in vivo and in vitro models.These results suggest that DMT rapidly improve spatial memory and hippocampal LTP by restoring the CaMK Ⅱ-GluR1 signaling pathway and mitochondrial ATP produc-tion.It may be served as a fast-acting nootropic agent for the treatment of AD in particular wandering.