Instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos en estado crítico: scoping review / Risk assessment instruments for pressure ulcer in adults in critical situation: a scoping review / Instrumentos para a avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão para adultos em situação crítica: scoping review*

Objetivo: mapear los instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos en situación crítica en una unidad de terapia intensiva; identificar los indicadores de desempeño de los instrumentos y la apreciación de los usuarios con respecto al uso/limitaciones de los instrumentos. Método: scoping review. Para redactar el estudio se utilizó la extensión Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. La investigación se realizó mediante la herramienta de búsqueda EBSCOhost en 8 bases de datos, resultando 1846 estudios, de los cuales 22 conforman la muestra. Resultados: se identificaron dos grandes grupos de instrumentos: los generalistas [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS y Waterlow]; y los específicos (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi y Sanada y el índice COMHON). En cuanto al valor predictivo, EVARUCI y CALCULATE mostraron los mejores resultados de indicadores de desempeño. En cuanto a las apreciaciones/limitaciones señaladas por los usuarios, destaca la escala CALCULATE, seguida de la EVARUCI y la RAPS-ICU, aunque aún necesitan ajustes futuros. Conclusión: el mapeo mostró que las evidencias son suficientes para indicar uno o más instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos críticos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Objective: to map the instruments for risk assessment of pressure ulcers in adults in critical situation in intensive care units; identify performance indicators of the instrument, and the appreciation of users regarding the instruments' use/limitations. Method: a scoping review. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews in the writing of the study. We carried out the searches in the EBSCOhost search tool for 8 databases, resulting in 1846 studies, of which 22 studies compose the sample. Results: we identified two big instrument groups: generalist [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS, and Waterlow]; and specific (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi and Sanada, and COMHON index). Regarding the predictive value, EVARUCI and CALCULATE presented better results for performance indicators. Concerning appreciation/limitations indicated by users, we highlight the CALCULATE scale, followed by EVARUCI and RAPS-ICU, although they still need future adjustments. Conclusion: the mapping of the literature showed that the evidence is sufficient to indicate one or more instruments for the risk assessment of pressure ulcers for adults in critical situation in intensive care units.

Objetivo: mapear os instrumentos para avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão nos adultos em situação crítica em unidade de cuidados intensivos; identificar os indicadores de desempenho dos instrumentos e a apreciação dos utilizadores quanto ao uso/às limitações dos instrumentos. Método: scoping review. O Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews foi utilizado para a redação do estudo. A pesquisa foi realizada na ferramenta de busca EBSCOhost em oito bases de dados, resultando em 1846 estudos, dos quais 22 compõem a amostra. Resultados: identificaram-se dois grandes grupos de instrumentos: os genéricos [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS e Waterlow]; e os específicos (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi e Sanada e o índice de COMHON). Quanto ao valor preditivo, a EVARUCI e a CALCULATE apresentaram os melhores resultados de indicadores de desempenho. Em relação à apreciação/às limitações apontadas pelos utilizadores, destacam-se a escala CALCULATE, seguindo-se da EVARUCI e da RAPS-ICU, embora ainda necessitem de ajustes futuros. Conclusão: o mapeamento mostrou que as evidências são suficientes para indicar um ou mais instrumentos para avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão nos adultos em situação crítica em unidade de cuidados intensivos.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de once indicadores para resistencia a la insulina en una muestra de pobladores peruanos

Introducción: La resistencia a la insulina (RI) es una de las principales causas del desarrollo de patologías crónicas. Es indispensable su detección temprana, por ello es importante estudiar métodos más asequibles y menos costosos como los biomarcadores. Objetivo: Determinar la precisión diagnóstica de once biomarcadores para RI en una muestra de pobladores peruanos. Metodología: Estudio de pruebas diagnósticas. Análisis de base de datos secundario del estudio PERU MIGRANT. Para medir RI se utilizó como referencia la evaluación del modelo homeostático (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2,8. Los biomarcadores se basaron en la ratio de lípidos, los indicadores de lípido visceral, los indicadores con triglicéridos y glucosa (TyG), y los indicadores con cintura abdominal. Para la precisión se utilizó el análisis de la curva de características operativas del receptor y el área bajo la curva (AUC) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Se estudió a 938 participantes. La prevalencia de RI fue del 9,91%. En relación con el análisis ROC, el índice TyG - índice de masa corporal (TyG - IMC) tuvo el mayor AUC, tanto en hombres: AUC=0,85 (0,81 - 0,90), corte=241,55; sens=92,5 (79,6 - 98,4) y esp=78,3 (73,9 - 82,2); como en mujeres: AUC=0,81 (0,76 - 0,85), corte=258,77; sens=79,2 (70,3 - 86,5) y esp= 82,1 (78,0 - 85,8). Discusión: Según los datos analizados, el índice TyG-IMC es el mejor indicador para medir RI. Es un índice simple que se puede tomar de manera rutinaria en la práctica clínica diaria. Es conveniente añadir futuros estudios prospectivos que confirmen su capacidad predictiva.

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the main causes of chronic disease. Early detection is essential, which is why it is important to study more affordable and less expensive methods, such as biomarkers. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 11 biomarkers of IR in a sample of Peruvian residents. Method: diagnostic tests. Secondary Database Analysis of the PERU-MIGRANT Study. To measure RI, a homeostatic model evaluation (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.8 was used as a reference. Biomarkers were based on the lipid ratio, visceral lipid indicators, indicators of triglycerides and glucose (TyG), and indicators of abdominal waist. For precision, the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used. Results: A total of 938 participants were studied. The prevalence of IR was 9.91%. In relation to the ROC analysis, the TyG index - body mass index (TyG - BMI) had the highest AUC, both in men: AUC=0.85 (0.81 - 0.90), cut-off=241.55; sens=92.5 (79.6 - 98.4) and sp=78.3 (73.9 - 82.2); as in women: AUC=0.81 (0.76 - 0.85), cut-off=258.77; sens=79.2 (70.3 - 86.5) and esp= 82.1 (78.0 - 85.8). Discussion: According to the data analyzed, the TyG-IMC index is the best indicator for measuring IR. It is a simple index that can be routinely used in clinical practice. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm its predictive capacity.

Escala predictiva de los resultados adversos en la hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa

Introducción: Existen varios sistemas de puntuación para predecir los resultados adversos en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa, pero no se han validado lo suficiente y cada uno pertenece a distintas poblaciones fuentes. Objetivo: Demostrar la utilidad de una escala propuesta para predecir las probabilidades de resangrado, de mortalidad y de necesidad de cirugía en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una prueba diagnóstica en el hospital de Prenda, Luanda, Angola desde enero del 2021 hasta mayo del 2022. El universo estuvo formado por 93 pacientes atendidos durante ese período con el criterio de inclusión de tener el diagnóstico de hemorragia digestiva alta de origen no varicoso. Resultados: De un total de 93 pacientes se obtuvo como desenlace primario una recurrencia del sangrado de 18 pacientes para un 19,35 % del total, seguido con 12 fallecidos para un 12,90 % del total y cuatro fallecidos para un 4,40 % del total. Los valores predictivos de la escala de forma general fueron, al ser aplicada una sensibilidad de 0,91, la especificidad de un 0,92, el valor predictivo negativo de un 0,95 y el valor predictivo negativo de un 0,86. Conclusiones: La escala propuesta tiene una sensibilidad y especificidad adecuada para predecir, en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa, la probabilidad de resangrado, de mortalidad y la necesidad de cirugía.

Introduction: Several scoring systems exist to predict adverse outcomes in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but they have not been sufficiently validated and each pertains to different source populations. Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of a proposed scoring scale to predict the probability of rebleeding, mortality, and need for surgery in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods: A retrospective study of a diagnostic test was performed at the hospital of Prenda, Luanda, Angola, from January 2021 to May 2022. The study universe consisted of 93 patients attended during that period, with the inclusion criterion of having a diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding of nonvariceal origin. Results: From a total of 93 patients, the primary outcome was a recurrence of bleeding in 18 patients, accounting for 19.35% of the total; followed by 12 deaths, representing 12.90% of the total, and four deaths, accounting for 4.40% of the total. After the scale was applied, the following general predictive values were obtained: sensitivity of 0.91, specificity of 0.92, negative predictive value of 0.95 and negative predictive value of 0.86. Conclusions: The proposed scale presents adequate sensitivity and specificity for predicting the probability of fatal rebleeding and the need for surgery in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings: a systematic review / Estudos de validação de ferramentas de diagnóstico de enxaqueca (migrânea) para uso em ambientes não clínicos: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Migraine underdiagnosis and undertreatment are so widespread, that hence is essential to diagnose migraine sufferers in nonclinical settings. A systematic review of validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools applicable to nonclinical settings can help researchers and practitioners in tool selection decisions. Objective To systematically review and critically assess published validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings, as well as to describe their diagnostic performance. Methods A multidisciplinary workgroup followed transparent and systematic procedures to collaborate on this work. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for studies up to January 17, 2022. The QUADAS-2 was employed to assess methodological quality, and the quality thresholds adopted by the Global Burden Disease study were used to tail signaling questions. Results From 7,214 articles identified, a total of 27 studies examining 19 tools were eligible for inclusion. There has been no high-quality evidence to support any tool for use of migraine diagnosis in nonclinical settings. The diagnostic accuracy of the ID-migraine, structured headache and HARDSHIP questionnaires have been supported by moderate-quality evidence, with sensitivity and specificity above 70%. Of them, the HARDSHIP questionnaire has been the most extensively validated. The remaining 16 tools have provided poor-quality evidence for migraine diagnosis in nonclinical populations. Conclusions Up till now, the HARDSHIP questionnaire is the optimal choice for diagnosing migraine in nonclinical settings, with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy supported by moderate methodological quality. This work reveals the crucial next step, which is further high-quality validation studies in diverse nonclinical population groups.

Resumo Antecedentes O sub-diagnóstico e o subtratamento da enxaqueca são tão difundidos que, portanto, é essencial para diagnosticar os portadores de enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos. Uma revisão sistemática dos estudos de validação das ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca aplicáveis a ambientes não-clínicos pode ajudar os pesquisadores e profissionais nas decisões de seleção de ferramentas. Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente e avaliar criticamente estudos de validação publicados sobre ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca para uso em ambientes não-clínicos, bem como descrever seu desempenho diagnóstico. Métodos Um grupo de trabalho multidisciplinar seguiu procedimentos transparentes e sistemáticos para colaborar neste trabalho. PubMed, Medline e Web of Science foram pesquisados por estudos até 17 de janeiro de 2022. O QUADAS-2 foi empregado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica, e os limites de qualidade adotados pelo estudo da Global Burden Disease foram usados para responder a questões de sinalização. Resultados De 7.214 artigos identificados, um total de 27 estudos examinando 19 ferramentas foram elegíveis para inclusão. Não houve evidência de alta qualidade para apoiar qualquer ferramenta para o uso de diagnóstico de enxaqueca em ambientes não clínicos. A precisão diagnóstica do ID-Migraine, questionário de dor de cabeça estruturada e questionário HARDSHIP foram apoiados por evidências de qualidade moderada, com sensibilidade e especificidade acima de 70%. Deles, o questionário HARDSHIP foi o mais amplamente validado. As 16 ferramentas restantes forneceram provas de má qualidade para o diagnóstico de enxaqueca em populações não-clínicas. Conclusões Até agora, o questionário HARDSHIP é a escolha ideal para o diagnóstico da enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos, com precisão diagnóstica satisfatória apoiada por uma qualidade metodológica moderada. Este trabalho revela o próximo passo crucial, que é a realização de mais estudos de validação de alta qualidade em diversos grupos populacionais não-clínicos.

Precisión diagnóstica de una versión abreviada de las pruebas de patrones de frecuencia y patrones de duración para la evaluación del ordenamiento auditivo temporal

Introducción: Las pruebas de patrones de frecuencia y patrones de duración son consideradas los gold standard de evaluación del ordenamiento auditivo temporal. A pesar de su amplia difusión, la extensión y duración de estas pruebas dificultan su utilización dentro de baterías de evaluación del procesamiento auditivo. Sin embargo, dadas sus características estructurales, pareciera ser posible reducirlas sin perder su precisión diagnóstica. Objetivo: Determinar las propiedades diagnósticas de versiones abreviadas de las pruebas de patrones de frecuencia y patrones de duración. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal de diseño observacional analítico. Se evaluaron 166 oídos de 88 sujetos con edades entre 18 y 33 años, los cuales fueron clasificados con normalidad o alteración del ordenamiento auditivo temporal. Se utilizaron las pruebas originales de Auditec de 30 ítems por oído como referencia y los primeros 10 ítems de cada oído como versión abreviada. Resultados: La versión abreviada de la prueba de patrones de frecuencia obtuvo una sensibilidad de un 94,33%, una especificidad del 94,29% y un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,980. La versión abreviada de la prueba de patrones de duración obtuvo una sensibilidad de un 89,58%, especificidad del 71,88% y un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,916. Ambas versiones tuvieron un índice de concordancia adecuado. Conclusiones: Las versiones abreviadas de la prueba de patrones de frecuencia y patrones de duración cuentan con excelentes propiedades diagnósticas para la evaluación del ordenamiento auditivo temporal y pueden ser utilizadas de manera intercambiable con las versiones originales.

Introduction: The frequency and duration pattern tests are considered the gold standard for assessing auditory temporal ordering. Despite their wide dissemination, the length and duration of these tests make it difficult to use them within auditory processing assessment batteries. However, given their structural characteristics, reducing them without losing their diagnostic accuracy seems possible. Aim: Determine the diagnostic properties of abbreviated versions of the Frequency Patterns and Duration Patterns tests. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study with an analytical observational design was carried out. 166 ears of 88 subjects aged between 18 and 33 years were evaluated, classified as normal or altered in temporal auditory order. The original Auditec tests of 30 items per ear were used as a reference, and the first 10 items of each ear as an abbreviated version. Results: The abbreviated version of the frequency patterns test obtained a sensitivity of 94.33%, a specificity of 94.29%, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.980. The abbreviated version of the duration pattern test obtained a sensitivity of 89.58%, a specificity of 71.88%, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.916. Both versions had an adequate concordance index. Conclusion: The abbreviated versions of the frequency patterns and duration patterns test have excellent diagnostic properties for assessing auditory temporal ordering and can be used interchangeably with the original versions.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates conducted in nares of psoriatic patients attending a public hospital in Argentina / Caracterización fenotípica y molecular de aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus portados en narinas de pacientes con psoriasis que concurren a un hospital público en Argentina

Abstract Although Staphylococcus aureus increases its relative abundance in psoriasis when compared with the microbiome of healthy subjects, it is not the most important microorganism underlying this disease. However, there is scant data on the role and molecular features of S. aureus strains in psoriasis; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate nasal carriage of this microorganism, its phenotypic and molecular characteristics as well as the impact of host factors on its carriage in psoriatic patients. The presence of S. aureus was analyzed in nasal swabs from 46 healthy volunteers and 50 psoriatic patients by conventional microbiology techniques. Nasal carriage of S. aureus was higher in psoriatic patients than in the control group (37.24% vs 22.98%, respectively), being associated to sex (male), age (adults) and severity of the disease (more frequent in moderate and severe cases). Determination of antibiotic resistance detected 12% of (-lactam resistant isolates, with variable accompanying resistance to macrolides, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. No resistance to rifampicin, vancomycin, mupirocin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was found. A preliminary molecular characterization of the isolates was performed by PCR amplification of virulence genes. Molecular characterization of the strains did not reveal a predominant strain in psoriatic patients. Although we established host factors related to increased carriage of S. aureus in psoriatic patients, we could not establish the predominance of one type of strain. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the isolated strains would be necessary to address this point.

Resumen A pesar de que Staphylococcus aureus incrementa su abundancia relativa en la psoriasis cuando se compara con el microbioma de personas sanas, no es el microorganismo más importante subyacente a la enfermedad. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos sobre el papel y las características moleculares de las cepas de S. aureus en pacientes con psoriasis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la portación nasal de este microorganismo, sus características fenotípicas y moleculares, y el impacto de factores del hospedador sobre dicha portación en estos pacientes. Se analizó la presencia de S. aureus en hisopados nasales de 46 voluntarios sanos y 50 pacientes con psoriasis mediante técnicas microbiológicas convencionales. Se encontró mayor portación en pacientes con psoriasis que en el grupo control (37,24% vs. 22,98%, respectivamente) y esta estuvo asociada al sexo (masculino), la edad (adultos) y la gravedad de la enfermedad (más frecuente en casos moderados a graves). El 12% de los aislamientos de S. aureus mostraron resistencia a betalactámicos, con resistencia acompañante a macrólidos, aminoglucósidos y fluoroquinolonas en grado variable. No se encontró resistencia a rifampicina, vancomicina, mupirocina o trimetroprima/sulfametoxazol. Se realizó una caracterización molecular preliminar de los aislamientos por amplificación de genes de virulencia mediante PCR. Si bien se identificaron factores relacionados con el hospedador que incrementan la portación nasal de S. aureus en pacientes con psoriasis, la caracterización molecular de las cepas no reveló ninguna característica genotípica predominante asociada a esta afección. Se necesitan más estudios genómicos y transcriptómicos para profundizar en esta caracterización.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia: diagnostic feasibility and accuracy of thermography

INTRODUCTION: Studies have suggested using thermography as a resource to diagnose fibromyalgia, although there has been no evidence confirming this hypothesis so far. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of computerized infrared thermography as an auxiliary method for diagnosing fibromyalgia. METHODS: It is a diagnostic accuracy studywith cross-sectional design. One hundred and three individuals were evaluated for global pain using the Visual Analogue Scale. The measurement of pain at tender points was assessed by algometry, and skin temperature was assessed by thermography. To evaluate sensitivity and specificity, the analysis was performed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, measured by the area under the curve with their respective confidence intervals. RESULTS: Thermography has not been very sensitive or specific for pain (tender points) and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, according to the evaluation of the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, with an area under the curve equal to or lower than 0.75. CONCLUSION: In this study the thermography was not sensitive and specific as a tool for diagnosing the fibromyalgia syndrome. This study highlights important clinical implications concerning the current methods for diagnosing it, which, despite all efforts, are still subjective and poorly reproducible.

Predictive Values of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated the relationship between the newly-defined systemic immune-inflammation index and the new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This study included 392 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided the participants into two groups as those with and without new-onset atrial fibrillation. Prior to coronary artery bypass grafting, we evaluated blood samples, including systemic immune-inflammation index, and other laboratory parameters of the patients. We formulized the systemic immune-inflammation index score as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Results: The findings revealed that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 80 (20.4%) of 392 patients during follow-ups. Such patients had higher systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels than those who did not develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.010, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammation index levels > 712.8 predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 61.2% (area under the curve: 0.781, 95% confidence interval: 0.727-0.835; P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, systemic immune-inflammation index, a novel inflammatory marker, may be used as a decisive marker to predict the development of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Evaluation of AIIMS Modified INCLEN Tool for Diagnosis of Epilepsy

Objectives: To evaluate the AIIMS Modified INCLEN tool for the diagnosis of epilepsy. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 250 children aged 1 month to 18 years presenting with complaints of abnormal body movements to either the pediatric or neurology outpatient departments in our institution between October 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) modified International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) diagnostic tool for epilepsy (AIIMS modified INDT-EPI) was administered and a diagnosis was made, which was further verified by a pediatrician or a neurologist. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results: The study tool had a sensitivity of 87.6% and specificity of 84.0%. The PPV and NPV of the study tool were 86.8% and 84.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The study tool has good psychometric properties for physician assessment with regard to diagnosis of epilepsy.

Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis: prevalence, associated factors, and performance of diagnostic tests

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal trichomoniasis are frequent causes of health care demand. Objective: To estimate the prevalence, identify associated factors, and investigate the performance of diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Methods: Cross-sectional study with participants over 18 years old. All of them were submitted to an interview and gynecological examination with evaluation of vaginal secretion, pH verification, collection of material for Pap smear, wet mount test, Whiff test, bacterioscopy, and polymerase chain reaction for trichomoniasis detection. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify associated factors with bacterial vaginosis. Diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis was evaluated following Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear, considering the Nugent score as the gold standard. As for trichomoniasis, diagnostic performance was evaluated through the Pap smear and the wet mount test, using the polymerase chain reaction as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 33.7%, and for trichomoniasis, 0.5%. The complaint of abnormal vaginal secretion was associated with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio 2.2). The diagnostic accuracy by Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear was 35.6, 97.0, and 84.2%, respectively. The sensitivity for trichomoniasis through wet mount test was 0.0%, and through the Pap smear, 100%. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high, and trichomoniasis was low. The only associated factor with bacterial vaginosis was the report of abnormal vaginal secretion. The methods with the most accurate diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis were the Ison and Hay score and the Pap smear and, for trichomoniasis, the Pap smear

Research progress on linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex and OTU deubiquitinase with linear linkage specificity in tumor / 药学实践杂志

Linear ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification that has been discovered in recent years. The linear ubiquitin chain is formed by the linkage of glycine residue of one ubiquitin protein to the methionine residue of another ubiquitin. This process is regulated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) and the OTU deubiquitinase with linear linkage specificity (OTULIN). Linear ubiquitination is involved in various biological processes, including immune response, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that linear ubiquitination is closely related to the occurrence, development, and drug resistance of tumors by affecting signaling pathways such as NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin. The research progress on the function of LUBAC and OTULIN in tumors was reviewed in this paper.

Deubiquitination complex platform: A plausible mechanism for regulating the substrate specificity of deubiquitinating enzymes

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) or deubiquitinases facilitate the escape of multiple proteins from ubiquitin‒proteasome degradation and are critical for regulating protein expression levels in vivo. Therefore, dissecting the underlying mechanism of DUB recognition is needed to advance the development of drugs related to DUB signaling pathways. To data, extensive studies on the ubiquitin chain specificity of DUBs have been reported, but substrate protein recognition is still not clearly understood. As a breakthrough, the scaffolding role may be significant to substrate protein selectivity. From this perspective, we systematically characterized the scaffolding proteins and complexes contributing to DUB substrate selectivity. Furthermore, we proposed a deubiquitination complex platform (DCP) as a potentially generic mechanism for DUB substrate recognition based on known examples, which might fill the gaps in the understanding of DUB substrate specificity.

Cholinergic dysfunction-induced insufficient activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor drives the development of rheumatoid arthritis through promoting protein citrullination via the SP3/PAD4 pathway

Both cholinergic dysfunction and protein citrullination are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the relationship between the two phenomena remains unclear. We explored whether and how cholinergic dysfunction accelerates protein citrullination and consequently drives the development of RA. Cholinergic function and protein citrullination levels in patients with RA and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were collected. In both neuron-macrophage coculture system and CIA mice, the effect of cholinergic dysfunction on protein citrullination and expression of peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) was assessed by immunofluorescence. The key transcription factors for PAD4 expression were predicted and validated. Cholinergic dysfunction in the patients with RA and CIA mice negatively correlated with the degree of protein citrullination in synovial tissues. The cholinergic or alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) deactivation and activation resulted in the promotion and reduction of protein citrullination in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Especially, the activation deficiency of α7nAChR induced the earlier onset and aggravation of CIA. Furthermore, deactivation of α7nAChR increased the expression of PAD4 and specificity protein-3 (SP3) in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that cholinergic dysfunction-induced deficient α7nAChR activation, which induces the expression of SP3 and its downstream molecule PAD4, accelerating protein citrullination and the development of RA.

Non-linear characteristic of acupoint resistance and its application / 中国针灸

Acupoint specificity is a key scientific issue in acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupoint electric resistance is a commonly-used biophysical index to study the functional specificity of acupoints. The non-linear characteristics of acupoint electric resistance have great impacts on the measured values, but it has been greatly ignored. By analyzing the non-linear characteristics of acupoint resistance and its application in the study of acupoint function specificity, a new idea of introducing chaos theory and technology into the study of acupoint function is proposed.

Relationship between the inserting sites of Fu's subcutaneous needling and traditional acupoints: revelation to acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

Focusing on the phenomenon of "de-acupoints" of the needle insertion sites in Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), the authors allocated the evolution and characteristics of the needle insertion sites of FSN. From six aspects, named morphology and structure, location, nomenclature, numbers and meridian tropism, indications and acupuncture manipulations, the comparison was made between the insertion sites of FSN and traditional acupoints. It is believed: ①The needle insertion sites of FSN has the basic attributes of acupoint, which not only refers to the operation site, but also indicates the reaction of disease; moreover, it is the treatment site with significant therapeutic effect. ②The optimized sites of insertion in FSN should be named differently and their locations and numbers should be specified relatively. ③The insertion sites of FSN should be further intersected and integrated with traditional acupoints, and a part of traditional acupoints should become the insertion sites of FSN. ④Accepting and integrating the insertion sites of FSN, and expanding the scope of traditional acupoints may be the new project in the research of traditional acupoints.

Acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva: uma revisão rápida / Accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a rapid review

Tecnologia: Detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro. Contexto: A aspergilose pulmonar invasiva (API) é uma infecção fúngica oportunista de grande risco para pacientes imunocomprometidos. A detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro por meio de um imunoensaio (ELISA) pode ser um teste não invasivo que auxilie no diagnóstico precoce da doença nestes pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva. Métodos: Revisão rápida sistematizada sobre acurácia de diagnóstico. As bases de dados utilizadas na pesquisa foram: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS e Cochrane Library. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos foi realizada por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR-2. Resultados: Foram selecionadas três revisões sistemáticas que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade com as quais foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados encontrados. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica demonstrou que duas das revisões sistemáticas (RS) apresentaram qualidade criticamente baixa e uma das RS apresentou qualidade alta. Conclusão: A detecção da galactomanana sérica por ELISA pode ser um teste auxiliar no diagnóstico de API, entretanto, possui várias limitações e deve ser utilizado juntamente com outros critérios diagnósticos do consenso do EORTC/MSG. Novas pesquisas devem ser fomentadas para avaliar a utilização do teste no tempo do diagnóstico e no monitoramento da API

Technology: Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum. Background: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an opportunistic fungal infection of serious risk for immunocompromised patients. Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum by immunoassay (ELISA) could be a noninvasive test that contributes to the early diagnosis of the disease in this group of patients. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Methods: Rapid review of diagnostic accuracy. Databases used in the search were: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS, and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: Three systematic reviews that satisfied the eligibility criteria were selected, and a descriptive analysis of the data found was performed. The methodological quality assessment showed that two of the systematic reviews (SR) presented critically low quality, and one of the SR presented high quality. Conclusion: Detection of serum galactomannan by ELISA may be a valuable test for diagnosing IPA; however, it has a series of limitations and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria of the EORTC/MSG consensus. Further research should be encouraged to evaluate the use of this assay, considering the time to diagnosis and IPA monitoring

Validation of pairs of antagonist teeth for the evaluation of shortened dental arch in epidemiological studies

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pairs of antagonist teeth (epidemiological criterion) for defining pairs of teeth in occlusal contact (clinical criterion) and to estimate the agreement between the prevalence of "shortened dental arch" (SDA) and "functional dentition" (FD) when occlusal units (OUs) or posterior occluding pairs (POPs) are defined by the epidemiological or clinical criterion. Data were collected in an epidemiological oral health survey conducted in a municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil. OUs and POPs were defined by the epidemiological criterion (dental crown status) or clinical criterion "gold standard" (carbon paper record of occlusal contacts during habitual maximum intercuspation). SDA corresponded to the presence of an intact anterior region and three to five OUs. FD was based on the concomitant presence of ≥ 1 tooth in each arch, 10 teeth in each arch, 12 anterior teeth, ≥ 3 premolar POPs, and ≥ 1 molar POP bilaterally. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the epidemiological criterion were calculated. The study included 197 adults. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 88.5, 87.9, 92.5, and 81.9%, respectively, and accuracy was 88.3%. The epidemiological criterion proved to be valid and could be used in epidemiological studies to calculate the prevalence of reduced dental configurations that consider POPs. The assessment of oral functionality is an aspect that should be included in the diagnosis of the clinical condition of patients, contributing to a more effective individual and collective oral health care plan.

Pontos de corte, sensibilidade e especificidade para rastreamento da fluência leitora em crianças / Cut-off point, sensitivity and specificity for screening the reading fluency in children

RESUMO Objetivo estabelecer pontos de corte para valores de velocidade e acurácia de leitura, a fim de obter valores mínimos para compreensão de textos, e permitir classificar alunos de 2º a 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental, de acordo com bom ou pobre desempenho em leitura. Método foram analisados ​​147 protocolos de avaliação de leitura oral e compreensão textual de escolares de 3º a 5º ano com e sem dificuldades de leitura. A taxa de leitura oral de texto e os valores de acurácia foram analisados. Curvas ROC foram construídas e a sensibilidade e a especificidade, calculadas para cada parâmetro de fluência de leitura por ano escolar. Resultados A sensibilidade e a especificidade para medidas de taxa e acurácia na leitura de texto foram calculadas para o 3º, 4º e 5º anos. A taxa e a precisão sob a curva ROC não diferiram estatisticamente. Os valores do 2º ano foram estimados matematicamente. Conclusão Foram identificados os valores de corte esperados para escolares do 2º ao 5º ano, com recomendações de utilização da taxa de leitura de texto oral para procedimentos de rastreamento da compreensão leitora.

ABSTRACT Purpose to establish cut-off point for reading speed and accuracy, to obtain minimum values for comprehending texts, and allow classifying students from 2nd to 5th grade of elementary school according to good or poor reading performance. Methods 147 assessment protocols for oral reading and text comprehension of students from 3rd to 5th grade of Elementary School with and without reading difficulties were analyzed. The oral text reading rate and accuracy values were analyzed. ROC curves were constructed, and sensitivity and specificity calculated for each reading fluency parameter, and each school grade. Results Sensitivity and specificity for measures of rate and accuracy in text reading were calculated for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Rate and precision under the ROC curve did not differ statistically. The values for the 2nd grade were mathematically estimated. Conclusion The cutoff values expected for students from 2nd to 3rd grade were identified, with recommendations for using the oral text reading rate for reading comprehension screening procedures

Performance of fecal S100A12 as a novel non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients are increasing. Currently, the diagnostic method for IBD is inconvenient, expensive, and difficult. S100A12, a type of calcium-binding protein, detected in the feces of patients with IBD has recently been suggested as a promising diagnostic tool. Hence, the authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy of fecal S100A12 in diagnosing IBD in pediatric patients by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: The authors performed a systematic literature search in five electronic databases for eligible studies up to July 15, 2021. Pooled diagnostic accuracies of fecal S100A12 were analyzed as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were standardized mean difference (SMD) of fecal S100A12 levels between IBD and non-IBD groups and a comparison of diagnostic accuracies between fecal S100A12 and fecal calprotectin. Results: Seven studies comprising 712 children and adolescents (474 non-IBD controls and 238 IBD cases) were included. Fecal S100A12 levels were higher in the IBD group than in the non-IBD group (SMD = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-2.58; p < 0.0001). Fecal S100A12 could diagnose IBD in pediatric patients with a pooled sensitivity of 95% (95% CI = 88%-98%), specificity of 97% (95% CI = 95%-98%), and area under the receiver operating summary characteristics (AUSROC) curve of 0.99 (95% CI = 0.97-0.99). Fecal S100A12 specificity and AUSROC curve values were higher than those of fecal calprotectin (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fecal S100A12 may serve as an accurate and non-invasive tool for diagnosing pediatric IBD. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Validade do autorrelato de hipertensão arterial em trabalhadores / Validity of workers self-reports of hypertension

Resumo Introdução O monitoramento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é realizado no Brasil, fundamentado no autorrelato, por meio do sistema VIGITEL. Tendo em vista lacunas acerca desse agravo em populações de trabalhadores, estas devem ser alvo da ação ampliada para o seu diagnóstico epidemiológico. Objetivo Testar a validade de critério do autorrelato de HAS, comparando-o com medidas aferidas de pressão arterial (PA). Método Realizou-se estudo de corte transversal com amostra aleatória do universo de 1.561 trabalhadores de um serviço judiciário na Bahia. Calcularam-se sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos e razões de probabilidade para o autorrelato de HAS, comparando-os com a aferição direta da PA, medida de referência. O diagnóstico de HAS foi a média de duas aferições com PA sistólica ≥ 140 mmHg, e/ou PA diastólica ≥ 90 mmHg, e/ou uso regular de anti-hipertensivos. Resultados Em amostra de 391 trabalhadores, verificou-se sensibilidade de 66,4% (57,1-74,6%), especificidade de 87,9% (83,2-91,4%), valor preditivo positivo de 70,5% (61,1-78,6%), valor preditivo negativo de 85,7% (80,9-89,4%), razões de probabilidade positiva e negativa de 5,5 (3,88-7,72) e de 0,4 (0,30-0,49), respectivamente. Conclusão Este estudo evidenciou o autorrelato como medida válida para o diagnóstico epidemiológico da HAS entre trabalhadores, recomendando seu uso. No entanto, esta validade depende do diagnóstico prévio do agravo.

Abstract Background Monitoring of hypertension, based on self-report, has been performed in Brazil through VIGITEL. In view of the gaps about this problem in worker populations, these should be the targets of the expanded action of epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension. Objective To test the validity of hypertension self-report in comparison to blood pressure (BP) measurements. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 1561 workers from a Judicial Service in Bahia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the hypertension self-report in comparison with direct BP measurement (reference). Hypertensive cases presented the mean of two BP measurements, with systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or regular use of antihypertensive drugs. Results In a sample of 391 workers, there was a sensitivity of 66.4% (57.1-74.6%), a specificity of 87.9% (83.2-91.4%), a positive predictive value of 70.5% (61.1- 78.6%), a negative predictive value of 85.7% (80.9-89.4%), a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 5.5 (3.88-7.72) and 0.4 (0.30-0.49) respectively. Conclusion This study showed self-report as a valid measure to implement the epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension among workers, recommending its use. However, its validity depends on the previous diagnosis.