At-home bleaching versus whitening toothpastes for treatment of tooth discoloration: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching for the treatment of tooth discoloration. Methodology A cost-effectiveness economic analysis was conducted, and eight randomized clinical trials were selected based on the whitening agent product used: blue covarine dentifrices (BCD), hydrogen peroxide dentifrices (HPD), dentifrices without bleaching agents (CD, negative control), and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP10, positive control) for at-home bleaching. The consumer/patient perspective was adopted, macro-costing techniques were used and a decision tree model was performed considering the costs in the American and Brazilian markets. The color change evaluation (ΔE*ab) was used to calculate the effectiveness of tooth bleaching. A probabilistic analysis was performed using a Monte Carlo simulation and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were obtained. Results CP10 resulted in the highest cost-effectiveness compared to the use of dentifrices in both markets. In Brazil, HPD was more cost-effective than BCD and CD. In the US, the increased costs of HPD and BCD did not generate any whitening benefit compared to CD. Conclusions CP10 was more cost-effective than BCD and HPD for tooth bleaching from the perspectives of the Brazilian and American markets. Decision-making should consider the use of CP10 for treating tooth discoloration.

Beneficio clínico del tratamiento con cannabinoides para el dolor crónico no oncológico

Introducción: los cannabinoides pueden ser una opción válida para el tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico de acuerdo a los estudios publicados hasta el momento y a nuestra experiencia clínica. Objetivo: valorar el beneficio clínico de preparados de cannabis medicinal (CM) para dolor crónico no oncológico en pacientes que consultaron en la Clínica de Endocannabinología del Uruguay (CEDU). Material y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional, longitudinal, de una población atendida en un centro privado de salud. Se trata de una cohorte de 438 pacientes que consultaron espontáneamente en CEDU desde septiembre de 2016 a marzo de 2020. El motivo de consulta fue dolor crónico no oncológico que no respondió al tratamiento estándar. Resultados: en la cohorte estudiada predominaron las mujeres (74%), promedio 69 años, que se asisten en el sistema privado de salud en el 95% de los casos, en su mayoría con instrucción secundaria. El tipo de dolor más frecuente fue el dolor osteoarticular. El quimiotipo de CM más usado fue cannabidiol (CBD) al 5%, con buena respuesta al tratamiento en el descenso del nivel del dolor y suspensión o disminución de uso de opioides (y derivados) y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES). Se observaron escasos y leves efectos adversos (EA) en la gran mayoría de los pacientes. Abandonaron el tratamiento 12 pacientes (menos del 3%). Conclusiones: esta investigación retrospectiva mostró una caída del nivel del dolor de 3,14 (valor p ≤ 0,0001), indicando que el CM puede ser una opción para el tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico. Se requieren más estudios para demostrar la efectividad y seguridad de los cannabinoides. Esto depende de muchos factores (leyes que faciliten la accesibilidad a variedad de productos de CM de grado médico, incentivos a la ciencia e investigación). De todas formas, podemos afirmar que los resultados presentados son prometedores en relación con su potencial terapéutico.

Introduction: Cannabinoids can be a valid option for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, according to the studies published to date and our clinical experience. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical benefit of medicinal cannabis preparations (MCPs) for chronic non-cancer pain in patients seen at the Endocannabinology Clinic of Uruguay (CEDU). Method: Descriptive, observational, longitudinal study of a population treated at a private healthcare center. This involves a cohort of 438 patients who spontaneously consulted at CEDU from September 2016 to March 2020. The reason for consultation was chronic non-cancer pain that did not respond to standard treatment. Results: in the studied cohort, women prevailed and accounted for 74% of patients. Average age was 69 years old and 95% of them sought care within the private healthcare system. Most women had completed secondary school education. The most frequent type of pain was osteoarticular pain. The most used chemovar of Medicinal Cannabis (MC) was 5% cannabidiol (CBD), showing a favorable treatment response in reducing pain levels and the discontinuation or reduction of opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage. Few and mild adverse effects (AE) were observed in the vast majority of patients. Twelve patients (less than 3%) discontinued the treatment. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated a reduction in pain level of 3.14 (p-value ≤ 0.0001) indicating that MC could be an option for the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids. This depends on many factors (laws facilitating accessibility to a variety of medical-grade MC products, incentives for science and research). Nevertheless, we can assert that the presented results are promising in consideration of their therapeutic potential.

Introdução: os canabinoides podem ser uma opção válida para o tratamento da dor crônica não oncológica de acordo com estudos publicados até o momento e nossa experiência clínica. Objetivos: avaliar o benefício clínico das preparações de Cannabis Medicinal (CM) para dor crônica não oncológica em pacientes que consultaram a Clínica de Endocanabinologia do Uruguai (CEDU). Método: estudo descritivo, observacional, longitudinal de uma população atendida em um centro de saúde privado. Esta é uma coorte de 438 pacientes que consultaram espontaneamente no CEDU no período setembro de 2016 - março de 2020. O motivo da consulta foi dor crônica não oncológica que não respondeu ao tratamento padrão. Resultados: na coorte estudada, 74% eram mulheres, a idade média foi 69 anos, 95% frequentam a rede privada de saúde e a maioria com ensino médio. O tipo de dor mais frequente foi a osteoarticular. O quimiotipo de MC mais utilizado foi o Canabidiol 5% (CBD), com boa resposta ao tratamento em termos de redução do nível de dor e suspensão ou redução do uso de opioides (e derivados) e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs). A grande maioria dos pacientes apresentou poucos e leves efeitos adversos (EAs). Menos de 3% dos 12 pacientes abandonou o tratamento. Conclusões: Esta investigação retrospectiva mostrou uma queda no nível de dor de 3,14 (valor de p ≤ 0,0001), indicando que o MC pode ser uma opção para o tratamento da dor crônica não oncológica. São necessários mais estudos para demonstrar a eficácia e segurança dos canabinoides. Isso depende de muitos fatores (leis que facilitem o acesso a uma variedade de produtos CM de grau médico, incentivos para ciência e pesquisa). De qualquer forma, podemos afirmar que os resultados apresentados são promissores em relação ao seu potencial terapêutico.

Contribution margin per hour of operating room to reallocate unutilized operating room time: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Background and objectives: Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness. Methods: For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH. Results: Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random ''first come -first serve'' basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.

Barriers and Solutions Pertaining to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Implementation in a Block of West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Introduction: Improvement of maternal health care services will not only put a positive impact on maternal health, but also on the health of the new born. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the proportion of eligible beneficiaries who received the benefits provided by the scheme, to identify the barriers faced by the beneficiaries and health providers related to the scheme and to find possible solutions to overcome the barriers found as suggested by them in a block of West Bengal. Method: A cross-sectional study with sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was conducted in a block of West Bengal from January-December 2021. Quantitative data was collected from the digital portal of PMMVY. All beneficiaries who had their Last Menstrual Period (LMP) on and after 1st March 2020 up to 31st December 2020 were included. To identify the barriers faced and suggest possible solutions, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with the beneficiaries, ANMs and ASHAs and Key-Informant Interviews (KIIs) with the Block Medical Officer and Data Entry Operator. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed in the form of themes, codes and verbatim. Results: Total eligible beneficiaries for the three installments were 1066, 917 and 708 respectively. About 95.5% beneficiaries received the first installment, 93.0% received the second and 98.3% had received the third installment. The broad themes [codes] generated from the FGDs were challenges during antenatal care [ANC refused, home visit preferred, home ANC difficult, lockdown], challenges related to the PMMVY scheme [documents unavailable, incomplete forms, payment issues], possible solutions [prepare pre-requisites beforehand, provide cash]. Widely two main themes emerged from the KIIs: Form related issues and Payment issues. Conclusion: Coverage of PMMVY scheme in the block was satisfactory. However, speeding the payment process and stricter monitoring of the scheme is required

Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Preterm Neonates Assessed by Transcranial Doppler Sonography in Middle Cerebral Artery

Objective: To study the effect of KMC in premature newborns on cerebral hemodynamics in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial doppler sonography. Methods: In this descriptive study, 40 clinically stable preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our institute and undergoing Kangaroo mother care (KMC) were enrolled. Physiological and cerebral blood flow parameters of MCA were obtained by using transcranial doppler sonography at baseline, at 60 minutes of KMC, and after 60 minutes of stopping KMC. Results: Of the 40 enrolled neonates (24 males), the mean (SD) birth weight, gestation age, and postnatal age were 1698.25 (495.44) g, 33.00 (1.67) wk, and 6.80 (4.51) days, respectively. The mean (SD) cerebral blood flow velocities increased (peak systolic velocity (PSV), P=0.03; end diastolic velocity, P<0.001; mean velocity, P<0.001) and doppler indices decreased (resistive index, P=0.001; pulsatility index, P<0.001) significantly; whereas, heart rate (P<0.001) decreased but SpO2 (P=0.001) and mean blood pressure (P=0.003) increased significantly at 60 minutes of KMC as compared to baseline. Sixty minutes after stopping KMC, all parameters (except PSV) were higher than baseline, indicating post KMC effect. Conclusion: KMC improves cerebral hemodynamics in clinically stable preterm neonates.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of minimally invasive rotational surgery and open surgery for benign breast tumor / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To compare the cost-effectiveness between open surgery and minimally invasive rotational surgery in patients with benign breast tumor, and to provide a theoretical support for the choice of surgical approach.Methods:The clinical data of 1 389 benign breast tumor patients underwent surgery from January 2017 to January 2020 in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 374 patients were treated with open surgery (open group), and 1 015 patients were treated with minimally invasive rotational surgery (minimally invasive group). The surgery-related and cost-effectiveness analysis indexes were compared between two groups.Results:The operation time, incidence of hematoma/subcutaneous bruising and cosmetic result satisfactory rate in minimally invasive group were significantly higher than those in open group: (37.37 ± 6.66) min vs. (34.58 ± 8.95) min, 10.54% (107/1 015) vs. 5.35% (20/374) and 98.72% (1 002/1 015) vs. 95.99% (359/374); while the incision length, length of hospital stay and pain score were significantly less than those in open group: (5.00 ± 0.00) mm vs. (26.55 ± 4.73) mm, (1.03 ± 0.36) d vs. (2.85 ± 1.99) d, (1.76 ± 1.56) scores vs. (2.72 ± 1.27) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The patients were followed up until May 2022. There were no incision infection, recurrence and residual lesions in the two groups. The total cost and cost-effectiveness ratio in minimally invasive group were significantly lower than those in open group: (6 553 ± 1 150) yuan vs. (7 965 ± 3 323) yuan and 71.10 ± 13.61 vs. 88.96 ± 37.48, the benefit score was significantly higher than that in open group: (96.50 ± 3.89) scores vs. (88.92 ± 6.39) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Compared with open surgery, minimally invasive rotational surgery is less costly and more benefits, so minimally invasive surgery should be the preferred surgical procedure for benign breast tumor.

Intermediary effect of benefit finding in the mindfulness level and coping style of acute cerebral infarction patients who received interventional therapy / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To observe the level of mindfulness and coping style in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) after interventional therapy, and analyze the intermediary effect of benefit finding between them, so as to provide a theorectical basis of implement mindfulness intervention in clinical practice.Methods:The 130 patients with ACI after interventional treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2019 to October 2021 were included in this cross-sectional survey study. The general data questionnaire, Five-factor Mindfulness Scale (FFMQ), Benefit Finding Rating Scale (BFS), and Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to analyze the relationship between benefit finding, mindfulness level and coping style, and the intermediary effect of benefit finding between them.Results:The total FFMQ score of 130 ACI patients after interventional therapy was (123.34 ± 5.14) points. The BFS score, positive coping score and negative coping score were (49.73 ± 3.41), (20.35 ± 2.25), (13.18 ± 1.45) points, respectively. The level of mindfulness and benefit were positively correlated with positive coping ( r=0.687, 0.737, both P<0.05). The level of mindfulness and benefit were negatively correlated with negative coping( r=-0.654, -0.779, both P<0.05). It was found that mindfulness level played a partial intermediatory effect on positive coping and negative coping in ACI patients after interventional therapy, with contribution rates of 49.71% and 64.58%, respectively. Conclusions:Benefit finding plays a partial intermediary effect on the level of mindfulness and coping style of patients with ACI after interventional therapy.

Research progress of benefits finding for family caregivers of stroke patients / 中国实用护理杂志

The concept of benefit finding, the assessment tools and the status quo of benefit finding for family caregivers of stroke patients were elaborated, the influencing factors of benefit finding of family caregivers of stroke patients were summarized, the current problems and the development direction of future research were pointed out, aiming to provide a reference for clinical staff to conduct research on benefit finding of family caregivers of stroke patients in China.

Correlation analysis between family function and disease benefit in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate and analyze the correlation between family function and disease benefit perception among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A cross-sectional study, convenient sampling method, family function Assessment Scale (APGAR) and disease benefit scale were used to investigate the family function assessment and disease benefit of 172 COPD patients in the respiratory department of Yinchuan First People ′s Hospital from January to April 2021. Results:The total score of family function in COPD patients was (7.74 ± 2.50) points, and the total score of disease benefit was (53.24 ± 7.03) points. There was a positive correlation between family function and disease benefit in COPD patients ( r values were 0.041-0.275, P<0.05). Conclusions:The disease benefit of COPD patients was closely related to family function, and improving the level of family function support can improve the disease benefit of COPD patients.

Assessment of liver transplant benefit and a novel strategy for liver donor allocation in acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a type of complex clinical syndrome that is mainly characterized by acute deterioration of liver function based on chronic liver disease, hepatic and extrahepatic organ failures, and a high short-term mortality rate. The comprehensive medical treatment efficacy of ACLF is currently limited; thus, liver transplantation is the only viable potential treatment method. However, considering the severe liver donor shortage, economic and social costs, as well as the differences in disease severity and prognosis of different disease courses, it is particularly important to accurately assess the benefits of liver transplantation in patients with ACLF. Early identification and prediction, timing, prognosis, and survival benefits are discussed here by combining the latest research findings so as to optimize the liver transplantation treatment strategy for ACLF.

Optimized pathway to schistosomiasis elimination in China: a scrutiny using a marginal benefit approach / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Following concerted efforts for over 7 decades, great achievements have been gained in the national schistosomiasis control program of China. Currently, China is moving towards the stage of schistosomiasis elimination, when the major task is to make full use of available resources to improve schistosomiasis surveillance and response to sustainably consolidate gained schistosomiasis control achievements and prevent re-emerging schistosomiasis. There is therefore an urgent need for optimization of interventions for schistosomiasis elimination. Based on analysis of socioeconomic features at different stages of the national schistosomiasis control program in China, this review discusses the relationship between the needs of assessment of schistosomiasis elimination interventions and the optimized strategy of schistosomiasis elimination at different stages of the national schistosomiasis control program using a marginal benefit approach and proposes the optimized schistosomiasis elimination strategy that allows the highest marginal benefit with currently available schistosomiasis elimination costs, so as to provide the optimal strategic pathway to schistosomiasis elimination and facilitate the achievement of the targets set in Healthy China 2030.

Research progress on the disease burden of pneumoconiosis in China / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Pneumoconiosis is the largest and most serious disease among the legal occupational diseases in China, which causes long-term heavy disease burden to individuals, enterprises and society. How to scientifically and reasonably measure and reduce the health impact and economic loss caused by pneumoconiosis has become a key and difficult research topic. In recent years, with the development of global burden of disease (GBD) research, some scholars have adopted disease burden index to evaluate the disease burden of pneumoconiosis, but the research results and data are relatively independent, and there is a lack of systematic evaluation system and framework. This paper summarized the application of disease burden assessment index for pneumoconiosis, epidemiological and economic burden of pneumoconiosis, and the cost-effectiveness of reducing the burden. This paper aims to understand the present situation of pneumoconiosis disease burden in our country, discover the problems and challenges of pneumoconiosis disease burden research in our country now. It provides scientific basis for the research and application of pneumoconiosis and other occupational disease burden in China, as well as the formulation of comprehensive intervention measures, optimization of health resources allocation and reduction of disease burden.

Dengue control in the State of Goiás-Brazil using "wMel Wolbachia": a cost-effectiveness study

Dengue and other arboviruses have a considerable economic impact in Brazil. There are vector control strategies for dengue: traditional control with pesticides, Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) with "wMel Wolbachia", and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Objective: To analyze the cost-effectiveness ratio of the IIT/SIT strategy, compared to traditional vector control with pesticides, for dengue prevention from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) as the payer and from the societal perspective in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Methods: The two strategies were compared using a decision tree model developed in Amua® software. All estimated parameters were derived from published articles or SUS information systems. The willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), years of life gained, costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) were adopted as study outcomes and parameters. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: Form the BPHS perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is cost-effective, with an ICUR of R$ 72,200 per QALY gained, which is lower than the WTP of R$ 122,064.30/QALY gained. From the societal perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is dominant (cheaper and more effective than traditional vector control). Sensitivity analyses showed that these results are reliable. Conclusion: In the state of Goiás, Brazil, the IIT/SIT strategy is cost-effective from the perspective of BPHS and dominant from the societal perspective, when compared to traditional vector control

A dengue e demais arboviroses têm impacto econômico considerável no Brasil. Há estratégias para controle vetorial da dengue: controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas; Técnica do Inseto Incompatível (TII) com "wMel Wolbachia" e Técnica do Inseto Estéril (TIE). Objetivo: Analisar a razão de custo-efetividade da estratégia de TII/TIE, comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas, para prevenção da dengue, na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) como pagador e na perspectiva societal no Estado de Goiás, Brasil. Métodos: As duas estratégias foram comparadas usando um modelo de árvore de decisão desenvolvido no software Amua®. Todos os parâmetros estimados foram derivados de artigos publicados ou dos sistemas de informação do SUS. Limite de disposição para pagar (LDAP), Anos de vida ajustados pela qualidade (QALYs), anos de vida ganho, custos e razões de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) e custo-utilidade incremental (RCUI) foram adotados como desfechos e parâmetros do estudo. Análises de sensibilidade determinísticas e probabilísticas foram conduzidas. Resultados: Na perspectiva do SUS como pagador, a estratégia de TII-TIE é custo-efetiva, com RCUI de R$ 72,2 mil reais por QALY ganho, que é inferior ao LDAP de R$ 122.064,30/QALY ganho. Na perspectiva societal, a estratégia de TII-TIE é dominante (mais barata e mais efetiva que o controle vetorial tradicional). As análises de sensibilidade mostraram que esses resultados são confiáveis. Conclusão: No Estado de Goiás, Brasil, a estratégia de TII/TIE parece ser custo-efetiva na perspectiva do SUS e dominante na perspectiva societal, quando comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment

Abstract Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

Epidemiological portrait of pediatric scoliosis in a tertiary hospital in brazil / Retrato epidemiológico de escoliose pediátrica em um hospital terciário no brasil / Retrato epidemiológico de escoliosis pediátrica en un hospital terciario en brasil

ABSTRACT: Objective: To trace the epidemiological profile of patients with pediatric scoliosis in a tertiary hospital in the region of Campinas - SP, seeking to understand and evaluate the demand of these patients, the results of delay in treatment, and its impact on the progression of the deformity. Methods: An epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out in a digital database, including patients from 0 to 18 years of age, where sociodemographic variables, scoliosis classification, and institutional follow-up and treatment data were collected. Results: The sample had 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The age of the patients ranged from 5 years to 18 years, with a mean of 12.8 years. Neuromuscular scoliosis was the most prevalent etiology (40%), followed by congenital scoliosis (36.6%) and, to a lesser extent, idiopathic scoliosis (23.3%). The patient follow-up time between the first and last appointment has an average of 74.7 months. When the specialty monitors the patient, the initial and final Cobb angles are evaluated in degrees, with a percentage increase of 40.3%. Delay in care (outpatient care, conservative treatment, or surgery) was identified in 25 patients (83.3% of the sample). Conclusion: Most of the patients evaluated showed evolution of the scoliosis condition, especially due to the delay in care, failure to obtain surgical treatment, or even conservative treatment in an adequate time, with an increase in the magnitude of the curve and greater severity of the case. Level of Evidence III; Observational, Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes portadores de escoliose pediátrica em um hospital terciário na região de Campinas - SP, buscando conhecer e avaliar a demanda destes pacientes, os resultados do atraso no tratamento e seus impactos na progressão da deformidade. Método: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, observacional e transversal em um banco de dados digital, incluindo pacientes de 0 a 18 anos de idade, onde foram coletadas avaliação, variáveis sociodemográficas, classificação da escoliose e dados do acompanhamento e tratamento institucional. Resultados: A amostra contou com 30 pacientes que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 5 anos e 18 anos, com média de 12,8 anos. A escoliose neuromuscular a foi a etiologia mais prevalente (40%), seguido de escoliose congênita (36,6%) e, em menor número a escoliose idiopática (23,3%). O tempo de acompanhamento do paciente entre a primeira e última consulta possui média de 74,7 meses. Durante o tempo que o paciente é acompanhado pela especialidade, avaliou-se o ângulo de Cobb inicial e o final, em graus, com aumento percentual de 40,3%. Foi identificado atraso na assistência (atendimento ambulatorial, tratamento conservador ou cirurgia), em 25 pacientes (83,3% da amostra). Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes avaliados apresentou evolução do quadro de escoliose, especialmente devido ao atraso na assistência, na falta de obtenção de tratamento cirúrgico ou mesmo de tratamento conservador em tempo adequado, com aumento da magnitude da curva e maior gravidade do caso. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo Observacional, Transversal.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Rastrear el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes con escoliosis pediátrica en un hospital terciario en la región de Campinas - SP, buscando comprender y evaluar la demanda de estos pacientes, los resultados de la demora en el tratamiento y su impacto en la progresión de la deformidad. Método: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, observacional y transversal en una base de datos digital, incluyendo pacientes de 0 a 18 años, donde se recolectaron variables sociodemográficas, clasificación de la escoliosis y datos de seguimiento y tratamiento institucional. Resultados: La muestra estuvo conformada por 30 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La edad de los pacientes osciló entre 5 y 18 años, con una media de 12,8 años. La escoliosis neuromuscular fue la etiología más prevalente (40%), seguida de la escoliosis congénita (36,6%) y, en menor medida, la escoliosis idiopática (23,3%). El tiempo de seguimiento del paciente entre la primera y la última cita tiene una media de 74,7 meses. Durante el tiempo que el paciente está en seguimiento por la especialidad se evaluaron los ángulos de Cobb inicial y final, en grados, con un porcentaje de incremento del 40,3%. Se identificó retraso en la atención (ambulatoria, tratamiento conservador o cirugía) en 25 pacientes (83,3% de la muestra). Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes evaluados presentaron evolución del cuadro de escoliosis, sobre todo por la demora en la atención, la no obtención de tratamiento quirúrgico o incluso en el tratamiento conservador en tiempo adecuado, con un aumento de la magnitud de la curva y una mayor gravedad del caso. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio Observacional, Transversal.

Cost-effectiveness analysis and budgetary impact of anidulafungin treatment for patients with candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis in Brazil

ABSTRACT Candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis (C/IC) are serious conditions, especially for immunosuppressed individuals with prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units (ICU). This study analyzed the incremental cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact (BI) of treatment for IC with anidulafungin compared to amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) and amphotericin B deoxycholate (ABD) or conventional amphotericin B (CAB), in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). A decision model was conducted with a time horizon of two weeks from the perspective of SUS. The primary effectiveness endpoints were survival and treatment response rate. All patients were followed up until successful therapy or death. BI analysis was performed based on the measured demand method. A five-year time horizon was adopted based on the number of hospitalizations (per 1,000 hospitalizations). For effectiveness measured in the successful response rate (SRR), anidulafungin dominated the ABLC and ABD formulations. In the results of the analysis with the effectiveness measured according to survival, anidulafungin had a better cost-effectiveness ratio (R$988.26/survival) compared to ABD (R$16,359.50/survival). The BI estimate related to the incorporation of anidulafungin suggests savings of approximately 148 million reais in 5 years when comparing it to ABD. The economic evaluation of anidulafungin and its comparators found it to be cost-effective. The consensus of international scientific societies recommends it as a first-line drug for IC, and its incorporation by SUS would be important.

Professional Quality of Life of Chinese Nurses and Its Correlation with Benefit Findings / 中国医学伦理学

【Objective:】 To understand the current situation of nurses’ professional quality of life in China and its correlation with benefit findings, so as to provide reference for formulating targeted measures to improve nurses’ professional quality of life in China. 【Methods:】 Questionnaire star was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 11 924 registered nurses in China from January 2022 to April 2022 using the General Information Questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and the General Benefit Discovery Scale (GBFS). SPSS 22.0 software was used for data analysis. 【Results:】 The scores of various dimensions of nurses’ ProQOL scale were: compassion satisfaction was (32.71±6.81) points, burnout was (27.38±5.20) points, secondary traumatic stress was (28.44±6.67) points, and the total score of GBFS was (100.90±18.04) points. The results of multiple linear stepwise regression showed that the main influencing factors of compassion satisfaction were marital status, position, work unit level and educational background (P<0.05). The main influencing factors of burnout were position, professional title, work unit level and whether there were children to be taken care of at home (P<0.05). The main influencing factors of secondary traumatic stress were education background, marital status, professional title, whether there was an old person to be taken care of at home, whether to take care of COVID-19 patients, whether to be an epidemic support staff and position (P<0.05). Benefit finding independently predicted the three dimensions of nurses’ professional quality of life (P<0.001). 【Conclusions:】 Chinese nurses’ professional quality of life was at a moderate level and it was significantly affected by benefit finding. Attention should be paid to factors such as marital status, work unit level, position, professional title, education background, whether there was an old person to be taken care of at home, whether to take care of COVID-19 patients, so as to improve the level of nurses’ benefit finding, promote their personal growth, provide good job guarantee, and improve Chinese nurses’ professional quality of life.

A preliminary study on stereotactic ablative brachytherapy for lung metastases from cervical cancer / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To preliminarily study the effectiveness and safety of stereotactic ablative brachytherapy (SABT) for lung metastases from cervical cancer. Methods We analyzed the clinical data of 18 patients with cervical cancer with lung metastasis treated with SABT to compare gross tumor volume (VGTV) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen before and after SABT. The clinical benefit rate (CBR) and adverse reactions were recorded. Results After SABT treatment, there were significant decreases in VGTV (t=1.708, P<0.05) and the SCC antigen level (t=1.704, P<0.05). CBR reached 94.4%. Adverse reactions of grades 3-4 did not occur in any patient. Fourteen patients had mild complications, including 1 case of bloody sputum and 1 case of a small pneumothorax. Ten cases developed mild radiation-induced lung injury, with grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in 4 cases. The Karnofsky performance status score and needle depth were not associated with the occurrence of adverse reactions, while the radius of GTV and interstitial lung disease were associated with the occurrence of adverse reactions. Conclusion SABT is a safe and effective alternative to the treatment of lung metastases from cervical cancer.

Health and functional benefits of aquatic exercise rehabilitation for children with disabilities: a systematic review of systematic reviews based on ICD-11 and ICF / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of systematic reviews on benefits of health and functioning for children with disabilities in aquatic exercise rehabilitation, in reference to the PRISMA guidelines, based on ICD-11 and ICF. MethodsSystematic reviews about aquatic exercise rehabilitation for children with disabilities were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI from January, 2014 to August, 2023. A systematic review was conducted. ResultsSeven English reviews were included from Iran, Brazil, Spain, Australia, USA and Poland, involving 69 randomised controlled trials with a total of 1 825 participants. They were mainly from the journals in the fields of pediatric physics and occupational therapy, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and children with disabilities, and the publication date was mainly from 2014 to 2023. The main types of diseases were intellectual and developmental disability (Down's syndrome, mild or high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome), cerebral palsy (spastic cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia), developmental mental coordination disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc. The main impariment of functioning were consciousness function (b110), sleep function (b134), attention function (b140), memory function (b144), psychomotor function (b147), high-level cognitive function (b164), mobility (d4), interpersonal interactions and relationships (d7), community life (d910), recreation and leisure (d920). In the field of physical activity, the main barriers included insufficient participation in physical activity, less participation in aquatic exercise, low overall level of development, physical development as well as motor development and motor ability. The aquatic exercise rehabilitation program mainly included swimming exercises; water resistance and breathing training; water walking, running, jumping; shallow standing exercises; water aerobic activities, strength training and endurance exercises; as well as water games and spa programs. The intervention intensity of aquatic sports rehabilitation was low to moderate, and the frequency was 15 to 100 minutes a time, one to six times a week, lasting six to 40 weeks. The health and functional benefits of aquatic sports rehabilitation for children with disabilities were mainly reflected in improving cardiopulmonary function, enhancing respiratory muscle strength, improving core muscle strength, improving balance and coordination function, improving aerobic endurance, enhancing flexibility, and improving walking speed; reducing body mass, optimizing body mass index, reducing body fat percentage, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio; improving cognitive and intellectual function, and improving sleep quality. For children with autism spectrum disorder, it could also promote communication activities, reduce repetitive stereotyped behaviors, improve swimming skills and abilities, and increase aquatic physical activity behaviors. ConclusionAquatic exercise rehabilitation can improve the body functions of children with disabilities, promote activity and participation, and enhance their overall health, quality of life and well-being.

Effectiveness of S-curve leakage testing method on flexible endoscope / 中华消化内镜杂志

To investigate the effects of the S-curve leakage testing method on the detection of flexible endoscope and occurrence of medium to high-level faults of flexible endoscope. A convenience sampling method was used to study the information of endoscopic leak detection at the digestive endoscopic centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. From July 2016 to December 2017, 58 endoscopes which received conventional leakage testing were set as the control group (29 116 tests). From January 2018 to June 2019, 56 endoscopes which received S-curve leakage testing were set as the observation group (28 112 tests). The results showed that the detection proportion of angular abnormalities in the observation group was higher than that in the control group [65.6% (59/90) VS 40.4% (36/89), χ2=11.330, P<0.001]. However, the detection proportion of medium to high-grade faults such as damaged charge coupled device (CCD) components and broken insertion section in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [0.04% (10/28 112) VS 0.08% (23/29 116), χ2=4.680, P=0.030]. Moreover, the overall maintenance cost was lower in the observation group than that in the control group (313.7 thousand yuan VS 942.6 thousand yuan). It is indicated that the S-curve leakage testing method can detect low-level endoscopic faults early such as angular abnormalities, and reduce the occurrence of medium to high-level endoscopic faults, which contributes to cost reduction and efficiency increase.