The Progression of Postmortem Biochemistry Analysis in Forensic Discrimination of Cause of Death / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

The discrimination of the cause of death is an important part in forensic medicine. With the advantages of simple operation， high test efficiency， and easy sensitivity to the death mechanism of the deceased， postmortem biochemistry analysis has become a significant auxiliary analysis method for discrimination of the cause of death. In this paper， we discuss the development status， advantages and current problems of postmortem biochemical analysis， and then describe the application prospect of postmortem biochemistry in the discrimination of the cause of death by posing feasible solutions， so that to provide an idea for this research.

Research progress on dental materials for preventing root caries / 口腔疾病防治

@#The high incidence and untreated rate of root caries, a common and frequently occurring oral disease with challenging treatment in elderly individuals, is the main cause of tooth loss among elderly people, as rapid development results in pulpitis and periapical periodontitis or residual crown and root, which has been regarded as one of the common chronic oral diseases seriously affecting the quality of life of elderly people. Thus, early intervention and prevention are important. Traditional dental materials for preventing root caries have been widely used in clinical practice; however, they have the disadvantages of tooth coloring, remineralization and low sterilization efficiency. A series of new dental materials for preventing root caries have gradually become a research hotspot recently, which have the advantages of promoting the mineralization of deep dental tissue, prolonging the action time and enhancing adhesion. Future caries prevention materials should be designed according to the characteristics of root surface caries and the application population and should be developed toward simplicity, high efficiency and low toxicity. This review describes current research regarding anti-caries prevention material application, serving as a theoretical underpinning for the research of root caries prevention materials, which is important for both promotion in the effective prevention of root caries and improvement in the status of oral health and the quality of life among old people.

Deaths of children under 5 years old in Changsha in 2016 - 2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the death status and main causes of death among children under 5 years old in Changsha from 2016 to 2021, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating preventive measures for children's health care. Methods The data of 1 761 deaths of children under 5 years old in Changsha City from 2016 to 2021 were collected, and the mortality trend, the order of causes of death and the utilization of pre-death medical care services were retrospectively analyzed. Results The 7-day neonatal mortality, 28-day neonatal mortality, 0-1-year-old neonatal mortality, and the mortality rate of children under 5 years old (U5MR) in Changsha City from 2016 to 2021 were 0.76‰, 1.28‰, 2.41‰, and 3.86‰, respectively. All the mortality rates showed a decreasing trend (P<0.05). U5MR in males was significantly higher than that in females (P<0.05), and U5MR in rural areas was significantly higher than that in urban areas (P<0.05). The top five causes of U5MR were drowning, premature delivery or low birth weight, pneumonia, other congenital anomalies, and accidental asphyxia, respectively. The death places of children under 5 years old were mainly medical and health institutions, and 81.72% of them were treated in hospitals before death. Conclusion From 2016 to 2021, the mortality rate of children under the age of 5 in Changsha City has gradually decreased. Preventing congenital malformations, reducing preterm birth or low birth weight, improving the treatment level of pneumonia, and preventing accidents such as drowning and accidental suffocation are the key to reducing the mortality rate of children under 5 years old.

Navigating the waves in Colombia: a cohort study of inpatient care during four COVID-19 waves

ABSTRACT Introduction: Understanding the intricate dynamics between different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding variations in clinical outcomes is essential for informed public health decision-making. Comprehensive insights into these fluctuations can guide resource allocation, healthcare policies, and the development of effective interventions. This study aimed to compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 at peak transmission points by including all patients attended during the first four pandemic waves in a referral center in Colombia. Material and methods: In a prospective observational study of 2733 patients, clinical and demographic data were extracted from the Fundacion Valle de Lili's COVID-19 Registry, focusing on ICU admission, Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV), length of hospital stay, and mortality. Results: Our analysis unveiled substantial shifts in patient care patterns. Notably, the proportion of patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy and experiencing secondary infections exhibited a pronounced decrease across waves (p < 0.001). Remarkably, there was a significant reduction in ICU admissions (62.83% vs. 51.23% vs. 58.23% vs. 46.70 %, p < 0.001), Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) usage (39.25% vs. 32.22% vs. 31.22% vs. 21.55 %, p < 0.001), and Length of Hospital Stay (LOS) (9 vs. 8 vs. 8 vs. 8 days, p < 0.001) over the successive waves. Surprisingly, hospital mortality remained stable at approximately 18-20 % (p > 0.05). Notably, vaccination coverage with one or more doses surged from 0 % during the initial waves to 66.71 % in the fourth wave. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the critical importance of adapting healthcare strategies to the evolving dynamics of the pandemic. The reduction in ICU admissions, IMV utilization, and LOS, coupled with the rise in vaccination rates, underscores the adaptability of healthcare systems. Hospital mortality's persistence may warrant further exploration of treatment strategies. These insights can inform public health responses, helping policymakers allocate resources effectively and tailor interventions to specific phases of the pandemic.

Mortality related to sickle cell disease and COVID-19 in Brazil, 2020

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The ability to cause death is the definitive measure of an infectious disease severity, particularly one caused by a novel pathogen like severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This study describes sickle cell disease-related mortality issues during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: The provisional 2020 mortality data originated from the public databases of the Mortality Information System and were investigated using the multiple-cause-of-death methodology. RESULTS: In 2020, 688 sickle cell disease-related deaths occurred, of which 422 (61.3%) had an underlying cause of death and 266 (38.7%) had an associated cause of death. Furthermore, 98 COVID-19-related deaths occurred, of which 78 were underlying cause of death among sickle cell disease associated (non-underlying) cause of death. Sickle cell disease-related deaths occurred mostly among young adults aged 25-49 years. COVID-19 deaths occurred at ages older than among sickle cell disease-related deaths. Majority of deaths happened in the southeast (42.3%) and northeast regions (34.0%), while COVID-19 deaths prevailed in the northeast region (42.9%). Regarding overall deaths, the leading underlying cause of death was sickle cell disease itself, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases (14.8%), owing to COVID-19 deaths, and diseases of the circulatory system (8.9%). Next, in males, diseases of the digestive system (4.8%) occurred, while, in females, maternal deaths succeeded, included in the chapter on pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, accounting for 5.9% of female deaths. The leading overall associated (non-underlying) cause of deaths were septicemias (29.4%), followed by respiratory failure (20.9%), pneumonias (18.3%), and renal failure (14.7%). CONCLUSION: In Brazil, COVID-19 deaths produced trend changes in sickle cell disease-related causes of death, age at death, and regional distribution of deaths in 2020.

Análise da tendência da mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas no Brasil, 2000 a 2022 / Analysis of the trend of mortality from external causes in older adults in Brazil, 2000 to 2022

Resumo Objetivo analisar a tendência de mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas no Brasil no intervalo temporal entre os anos 2000 e 2022 e identificar o perfil sociodemográfico de mortalidade. Método estudo ecológico de série temporal utilizando dados secundários, envolvendo a mortalidade em pessoas idosas por causas externas no Brasil, no período de 2000 a 2022. Os dados foram coletados a partir das bases de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, das estimativas da população residente e de dados populacionais censitários disponibilizados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. A frequência absoluta e relativa dos dados foi analisada a partir do software Excel 2010. As análises das tendências das taxas de mortalidade e regressão linear segmentada foram realizadas por meio do Joinpoint, com significância estatística avaliada por meio do teste de Monte Carl Resultados No período investigado, foram identificados 572.608 óbitos por causas externas em pessoas idosas com 60 anos ou mais. Em relação ao comportamento da mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas, observou-se tendência de aumento nas taxas de mortalidade na maior parte do período estudado (2000 a 2013) com uma variação percentual anual (VPA: 1,86; IC95%: 1,5-2,2). Conclusão os resultados indicam uma tendência de crescimento da mortalidade de pessoas idosas por causas externas, refletindo a necessidade de priorização de políticas públicas que intervenham sobre esse evento.

Abstract Objective To analyze the trend of mortality due to external causes in older adults in Brazil within the temporal interval spanning from 2000 to 2022 and to identify the sociodemographic profile of mortality. Method Ecological time-series study utilizing secondary data, encompassing mortality in older adults due to external causes in Brazil, spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The data were collected from the databases of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, population estimates, and census population data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The absolute and relative frequency of the data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. The analysis of trends in mortality rates and segmented linear regression was conducted using Joinpoint, with statistical significance assessed through the Monte Carlo test. Results During the investigated period, 572,608 deaths due to external causes were identified in individuals aged 60 years or older. Regarding the mortality pattern due to external causes in older adults, an increasing trend in mortality rates was observed for the majority of the studied period (2000 to 2013) with an annual percent change (APC) of 1.86 (95% CI: 1.5-2.2). Conclusion The results indicate a growing trend in mortality among older individuals due to external causes, highlighting the need for prioritizing public policies that address this issue.

Continuidad de vínculos en hombres que experiencian duelo por un ser querido / Continuing bonds in men grieving a loved one / Manutenção de vínculos em homens em luto por um ente querido

Objetivo: examinar la continuidad de vínculos interna y externa en hombres que experiencian duelo por un ser querido. Método: estudio correlacional, descriptivo y transversal. Muestra a conveniencia de 170 hombres dolientes. Las variables fueron mediadores del duelo, continuidad de vínculos y datos sociodemográficos. Se utilizó un cuestionario en línea compuesto por mediadores de duelo, escala de continuidad de vínculos y datos sociodemográficos. Se empleó estadística descriptiva, análisis de varianza y coeficiente de Spearman. El nivel de significancia correspondió a p<0,05. Resultados: la media de edad de los participantes fue de 36,61 años (DE=13,40), y el 80,00% tenía educación superior. Los valores medios de continuidad de vínculos interna y externa fueron 24,85 (DE=7,93) y 7,68 (DE=2,33), respectivamente. Se establecieron diferencias significativas referentes a la continuidad de vínculos interna y externa entre parentesco de la persona fallecida (p<0,001), y ninguna con la causa de muerte o con el tiempo transcurrido desde el fallecimiento. No se precisaron correlaciones significativas entre continuidad de vínculos interna/externa y mediadores del duelo. Conclusión: los hombres dolientes expresan la continuidad de vínculos interna de manera frecuente y la externa en ocasiones, con diferencias respecto a quién era la persona fallecida. La Enfermería podría diseñar estrategias específicas que fortalezcan el afrontamiento del duelo en este grupo.

Objective: to examine internalized and externalized continuing bonds in men grieving a loved one. Method: a correlational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Convenience sample comprised by 170 mourning men. The variables were mediators of mourning, continuing bonds and sociodemographic data. The instrument used was an online questionnaire comprised by mediators of mourning, a continuing bonds scale and sociodemographic data. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Spearman's coefficient were used. The significance level adopted was p<0.05. Results: the participants' mean age was 36.61 years old (SD=13.40), and 80.00% had Higher Education. The mean values corresponding to internalized and externalized continuing bonds were 24.85 (SD=7.93) and 7.68 (SD=2.33), respectively. Significant differences were established referring to internalized and externalized continuing bonds in terms of kinship with the deceased person (p<0.001), and none with the cause of death or with the time elapsed since the event. No significant correlations were defined between internalized/externalized continuing bonds and mediators of mourning. Conclusion: grieving men express internalized and externalized continuing bonds frequently and occasionally, respectively, with differences according to who the deceased person was. The Nursing discipline might devise specific strategies that strengthen coping with grief in this population group.

Objetivo: examinar a manutenção de vínculos interna e externa em homens vivenciando o luto por um ser querido. Método: estudo correlacional, descritivo e de corte transversal. Amostra de conveniência de 170 homens em luto. As variáveis foram: mediadores do luto, manutenção de vínculos e dados sociodemográficos. Utilizou-se um questionário online composto por mediadores de luto, escala de manutenção de vínculos e dados sociodemográficos. Empregou-se estatística descritiva, análise de variância e coeficiente de Spearman. Nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados: os participantes tinham uma média de idade de 36,61 anos (DP=13,40) e 80,00% tinham ensino superior. A média de manutenção interna dos vínculos foi de 24,85 (DP=7,93) e a de manutenção externa foi de 7,68 (DP=2,33). Foram estabelecidas diferenças significativas para a manutenção dos vínculos internos e externos entre os parentes do falecido (p<0,001), nenhuma com a causa da morte ou o tempo decorrido desde a morte. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre a manutenção dos vínculos internos e externos e os mediadores do luto. Conclusão: os homens em luto expressaram a manutenção interna dos vínculos com frequência e a manutenção externa dos vínculos ocasionalmente, com diferenças a respeito de quem era a pessoa falecida. A enfermagem poderia criar estratégias específicas para fortalecer o enfrentamento do luto nesse grupo.

Análisis temporal de la mortalidad por causas evitables en las primeras 24 horas de vida, 2000-2021 / Temporal analysis of mortality from preventable causes in the first 24 hours of life, 2000-2021 / Análise temporal da mortalidade por causas evitáveis nas primeiras 24 horas de vida, 2000-2021

Objetivo: analizar el patrón temporal y estimar las tasas de mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida y por causas evitables en el estado de Pernambuco en el período de 2000 a 2021. Método: estudio ecológico, teniendo como unidad de análisis el trimestre. La fuente de datos se constituyó por el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad y el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Nacidos Vivos. El modelado de series temporales se realizó según el Modelo Autorregresivo Integrado de Promedio Móvil. Resultados: se registraron 14.462 óbitos en las primeras 24 horas de vida, siendo 11.110 (el 76,8%) evitables. Se observa para los pronósticos ( forecasts) que la tasa de mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida registro una variación de 3,3 a 2,4 por 1.000 nacidos vivos, y la tasa de mortalidad por causas evitables de 2,3 a 1,8 por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Conclusión: la predicción sugirió avances en la reducción de la mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida en el estado y por causas evitables. Los modelos ARIMA presentaron estimaciones satisfactorias para las tasas de mortalidad y por causas evitables en las primeras 24 horas de vida.

Objective: to analyze the temporal pattern and estimate mortality rates in the first 24 hours of life and from preventable causes in the state of Pernambuco from 2000 to 2021. Method: an ecological study, using the quarter as the unit of analysis. The data source was made up of the Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System. The time series modeling was conducted according to the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model. Results: 14,462 deaths were recorded in the first 24 hours of life, 11,110 (76.8%) of which being preventable. It is observed from the forecasts that the mortality rate in the first 24 hours of life ranged from 3.3 to 2.4 per 1,000 live births, and the mortality rate from preventable causes ranged from 2.3 to 1.8 per 1,000 live births. Conclusion: the prediction suggested progress in reducing mortality in the first 24 hours of life in the state and from preventable causes. The ARIMA models presented satisfactory estimates for mortality rates and preventable causes in the first 24 hours of life.

Objetivo: analisar o padrão temporal e estimar as taxas de mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida e por causas evitáveis no estado de Pernambuco no período de 2000 a 2021. Método: estudo ecológico, tendo como unidade de análise o trimestre. A fonte de dados foi constituída pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. A modelagem da série temporal foi conduzida segundo o Modelo Autorregressivo Integrado de Médias Móveis. Resultados: foram registrados 14.462 óbitos nas primeiras 24 horas de vida, sendo 11.110 (76,8%) evitáveis. Observa-se para os forecasts que a taxa de mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida variou de 3,3 a 2,4 por 1.000 nascidos vivos, e a taxa de mortalidade por causas evitáveis variou de 2,3 a 1,8 por 1.000 nascidos vivos. Conclusão: a previsão sugeriu avanços na redução da mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida no estado e por causas evitáveis. Os modelos ARIMA apresentaram estimativas satisfatórias para as taxas de mortalidade e por causas evitáveis nas primeiras 24 horas de vida.

Riesgo de muerte por insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva en pacientes anémicos de la población peruana / Risk of death due to congestive heart failure in anemic patients in the Peruvian population

Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de muerte por insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva subyacente en pacientes anémicos de la población peruana. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de casos y controles y retrospectivo basado en datos del Sistema Informático Nacional de Defunciones (Sinadef) del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa) peruano entre enero de 2021 y agosto de 2022. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, intencional por conveniencia según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes con y sin anemia que fallecieron por insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva u otras comorbilidades, que sumaron un total de 35 724 personas. Las variables fueron anemia, definida como un trastorno del tamaño o número de hematíes, de la hemoglobina, así como de la absorción y disponibilidad del hierro, e insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, definida como la incapacidad del miocardio para bombear sangre de forma competente. Se realizó la prueba de chi al cuadrado y de los coeficientes Phi y V de Cramer para determinar la existencia y grado de asociación de las variables y la razón de probabilidades para la estimación del riesgo. Se consideró un valor de p significativo menor del 0,05, con un intervalo de confianza al 95 %. Resultados: La anemia estuvo moderadamente asociada a la insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva: fallecieron 62,80 % de personas con anemia. Las variables están estadísticamente relacionadas y, según los coeficientes Phi y V de Cramer, se trata de una relación moderada. Se halló que los anémicos tuvieron 11,14 veces mayor riesgo de morir por insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva que las personas con otras comorbilidades. Conclusiones: La anemia se asocia a un alto riesgo de muerte por insuficiencia cardiaca subyacente en la población peruana. Es necesario el seguimiento de los niveles de hierro, hemoglobina y hematíes en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, así como tratar las causas de estas deficiencias, con el objetivo de reducir la morbimortalidad en este grupo de pacientes.

Objective: To determine the risk of death from underlying congestive heart failure among Peruvian patients with anemia. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, case-control and retrospective study based on data from the Sistema Informático Nacional de Defunciones (SINADEF National Death Computer System) of the Ministry of Health of Peru (MINSA) and conducted between January 2021 and August 2022. A non-probability purposive convenience sampling was used considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients with and without anemia who died from congestive heart failure or other comorbidities were included in the research, totaling 35,724 people. The variables were anemia, defined as a condition related to the amount or number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as to iron absorption and availability, and congestive heart failure, defined as the inability of the myocardium to pump blood efficiently. Chi-square test and phi and Cramer's V coefficients were used to determine the presence and degree of association of the variables and the odds ratio for risk estimation. A significant p value less than 0.05 with a 95 % confidence interval was considered. Results: Anemia was moderately associated with congestive heart failure: 62.80 % of people with anemia died from this disease. The variables were statistically related and, according to phi and Cramer's V coefficients, there was a moderate relationship. People with anemia had 11.14 times higher risk of dying from congestive heart failure than people with other comorbidities. Conclusions: Anemia is associated with high risk of death from underlying heart failure in the Peruvian population. It is necessary to monitor iron, hemoglobin and red blood cell levels among patients with heart failure, as well as to identify the causes of these deficiencies in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in this group of patients.

Caracterización de la mortalidad por accidentes en Cuba en el decenio 2010-2019

Fundamento: los accidentes constituyen cadenas de eventos y circunstancias que llevan a la ocurrencia de lesiones no intencionales. Son responsables de numerosas muertes cada año en el mundo. En el año 2019, los accidentes del tránsito y las caídas estuvieron entre las primeras 20 causas de muerte. En Cuba se erigieron como la quinta causa de mortalidad por todas las causas y edades en el decenio 2010-2019. Objetivo: caracterizar la mortalidad por accidentes en Cuba en el decenio 2010- 2019. Métodos: se realizó un estudio ecológico, longitudinal, descriptivo, de la mortalidad anual por accidentes en Cuba, a lo largo del decenio que comprende los años 2010 al 2019. Los anuarios estadísticos, publicados desde el año 2012 al 2022, por la Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Salud, del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba, constituyeron la principal fuente de información. Para su procesamiento estadístico, los datos obtenidos fueron incluidos en una hoja de cálculo en Microsoft Excel y los resultados se expresaron en figuras y tablas. Resultados: las tasas brutas de mortalidad por accidentes en Cuba en el decenio 2010- 2019 se incrementaron de 43 a 49,9 por 100 000 habitantes, las más elevadas fueron por caídas: 23,7 en el año 2018 y 23,4 por 100 000 habitantes en el 2019. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos por accidentes disminuyeron de 5,4 a 4,7 por 1 000 habitantes de 1 a 74 años. Conclusiones: en Cuba, en el decenio 2010- 2019, se observó un aumento en la mortalidad por accidentes a expensas de las caídas accidentales, estas con mayor frecuencia en el sexo femenino.

Background: accidents constitute chains of events and circumstances that lead to the occurrence of unintentional injuries. They are responsible for numerous deaths every year in the world. In 2019, traffic accidents and falls were among the top 20 causes of death. In Cuba, they stood as the fifth cause of mortality from all causes and ages in the decade 2010-2019. Objective: to characterize mortality from accidents in Cuba in the 2010-2019 decade. Methods: an ecological, longitudinal, descriptive study of annual mortality due to accidents in Cuba was carried out, throughout the decade from 2010 to 2019. The statistical yearbooks, published from 2012 to 2022, by the Directorate of Medical Records and Health Statistics, from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, constituted the main source of information. For its statistical processing, the data obtained were included in a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel and the results were expressed in figures and tables. Results: the gross mortality rates due to accidents in Cuba in the 2010-2019 decade increased from 43 to 49.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest being due to falls: 23.7 in 2018 and 23.4 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2019. The years of potential life lost due to accidents decreased from 5.4 to 4.7 per 1,000 inhabitants between 1 and 74 years of age. Conclusions: in Cuba, in the 2010-2019 decade, an increase in mortality from accidents was observed at the expense of accidental falls, these more frequently in the female sex.

"Never Event" en cirugía: Análisis Causa-Raíz / "Never Event" in surgery: Root-Cause Analysis

RESUMEN La seguridad del paciente es un elemento imprescindible de la calidad asistencial. Al menos la mitad de los eventos adversos en pacientes hospitalizados están en relación con la práctica quirúrgica. El Análisis Causa-Raíz es un estudio sistemático de estos eventos mediante una revisión paso a paso de la cronología de los hechos, para identificar las causas que podrían haber llevado a la producción del evento. El Diagrama de Ishikawa o "espina de pescado" es una herramienta gráfica es una herramienta útil. El éxito radica en lograr responder qué sucedió, por qué sucedió, y qué puede hacerse para evitar que suceda nuevamente algún evento que vulnera la seguridad del paciente. El propósito último es la mejora de los procesos asistenciales impidiendo la repetición del evento adverso y priorizando el aprendizaje y mejora a partir de su análisis. La comunicación institucional de los hallazgos del análisis y las medidas para implementar, la discusión de casos en ateneos de morbimortalidad y la educación continua del personal son pilares para el cambio en la cultura hacia una centrada en la seguridad y calidad, sustituyendo la cultura "reactiva" por una "proactiva", que toma los eventos como instrumento para el aprendizaje y la mejora continua.

ABSTRACT At least half of the adverse events on hospitalized patients are associated with surgery. Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic way of analyzing these events to find their causes through a step-by-step review of the chronology of facts, identifying those that could have caused the event. An Ishikawa diagram (also called fishbone diagram) is a visual method for root cause analysis that allows the identification and categorization of all possible causes of an event. The goal is to answer what happened, why did it happen, and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare processes by preventing the recurrence of the adverse event and prioritizing learning and improvement based on its analysis. Communicating the findings of the analysis and the measures to be implemented, discussing cases in morbidity and mortality meetings and continuous education of staff are the cornerstones for changing the culture towards one centered on safety and quality, replacing the "reactive" culture with a "proactive" culture, which considers events as an instrument for learning and continuous improvement.

Common Causes of Neonatal Death in Calabar, South-South Nigeria: An Autopsy Study

Background: Neonatal deaths are deaths of live born babies occurring before 28 completed days. The vast majority occur in low-income countries like Nigeria with a high neonatal mortality rate. There is paucity of autopsy studies due to refusal of family to give consent for such procedures. Aim: To identify the commonest causes of neonatal death in 53 neonatal autopsies in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Detailed postmortem was carried out using lettules techniques and bits taken for histological analysis to ascertain the cause of death. Other relevant contributory factors such as the gestational age, mode of delivery, place of birth, antemortem cause of deaths and maternal obstetric history were obtained from the medical records and autopsy request forms. Results: In the one-year retrospective study of 53 neonatal autopsies, male: female ratio was 1: 0.83 and mean age at death was 6.5 + 7.3 days, ranging from 1 to 28 days. The commonest cause of neonatal death was severe birth asphyxia seen in 10 cases (18.9%), followed by kernicterus in 6 cases (11.3%), birth trauma seen in 6 cases (11.3%), congenital heart disease seen in 5 cases (9.4%), and prematurity seen in 5 cases (9.4%). Conclusion: The study confirms the usefulness of neonatal autopsy in ascertaining the definitive cause of death. Severe birth Asphyxia was identified as the commonest cause of death in the neonatal period followed by birth trauma, kernicterus and congenital heart diseases.

Estrés académico en estudiantes de Medicina diagnosticados en la Unidad de Orientación Estudiantil / Academic stress in Medicine students diagnosed in the Student Direction Unit i: en

Introducción: La educación universitaria constituye un proceso generador de muchas tensiones para los estudiantes de todo el mundo, que se ha asociado a altos niveles de estrés, ansiedad y depresión. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones de estrés académico en estudiantes del tercer año de la carrera de Medicina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de 10 estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina No. 1 de Santiago de Cuba, diagnosticados con estrés académico en la Unidad de Orientación Estudiantil, desde enero hasta junio de 2022. Resultados: Predominó el estrés moderado en 70,0 % de los alumnos, con una primacía del sexo femenino (50,0 %). La frecuencia de intensidad de la preocupación fue expresada en el valor categorial mucho (70,0 %). Entre los principales factores estresores identificados figuraron: sobrecarga de tareas y trabajos, evaluaciones de los profesores y participación en clase, que en su totalidad forman parte de la dinámica del proceso formativo de la carrera. También prevaleció la diversidad de estrategias de afrontamiento a dicho estrés. Conclusiones: El estrés académico se presentó mayormente en las esferas afectiva y conductual de los estudiantes y se asoció a sucesos vivenciales como factores estresores.

Introduction: University education constitutes a process that generates many tensions for the students from all over the world, which has been associated with high stress levels, anxiety and depression. Objective: To describe the manifestations of academic stress in students from the third year of Medicine. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of 10 students from the Medicine Faculty No. 1 was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, diagnosed with academic stress in the Student Direction Unit, from January to June, 2022. Results: The moderated stress prevailed in 70.0 % of the students, with a primacy of female sex (50.0 %). The frequency of intensity of the concern was expressed in the categorical value (70.0 %) as many. Among the main identified factors that cause stress we can mention: excess of tasks and works, professors evaluations and participation in class that are part of the dynamics in the training process of the career. Also, the diversity of strategies to face this stress prevailed. Conclusions: The academic stress was mostly present in the affective and behavioral spheres of the students and was associated with events experienced as factors that cause stress.

Accuracy of mortality indicators due sepsis-associated deaths in the Federal District / Acurácia dos indicadores de mortalidade devido a sepse dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal / Precisión de los indicadores de mortalidad por sepsis de las defunciones ocurridas en el Distrito Federal

Background: Sepsis currently represents a challenge for health systems, this fact may be related to the spread of bacterial resistance, the increase in the population of elderly, immunosuppressed individuals, and the improvement of emergency care, favoring the survival of critically ill patients. This article aimed to evaluate the accuracy of mortality indicators due to sepsis in 2018. Method: Validation study of death certificates that occurred in the Federal District in 2018. Declarations whose basic causes of death identified were classified as garbage codes were identified, which were investigated by a multidisciplinary team, capable of reclassifying them with codes that allow for the improvement of health data. In order to assess accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios of death certificates from sepsis were calculated, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 6.244 statements were evaluated, of which 233 (3.74%) presented sepsis as the underlying cause before being investigated and only 35 (0.56%) maintained it after the investigation. The filling of statements with sepsis as the underlying cause by physicians showed a sensitivity of 0.9% (95%CI: 0.6 to 1.3) and a specificity of 92.0% (95%CI: 90.9 to 93.1). Conclusion: The low accuracy of the declarations demonstrates the non-reliability of the underlying cause of death from sepsis, especially the completion of death certificates that occurred in the Federal District in 2018.(AU)

Justificativa: A sepse, atualmente, representa um desafio para os sistemas de saúde, tal fato pode estar relacionado com a disseminação da resistência bacteriana, o aumento da população de idosos, os indivíduos imunossuprimidos, e a melhoria do atendimento de emergência, favorecendo a sobrevivência de pacientes críticos. Este artigo teve por objetivo avaliar a acurácia dos indicadores de mortalidade devido à sepse em 2018. Método: Estudo de validação da causa básica dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal em 2018. Foram identificadas as declarações de óbito cujas causas básicas de morte apontadas foram classificadas como garbage code sepse, as quais foram investigadas por uma equipe multidisciplinar, capacitada para reclassificá-las com códigos que permitem o aprimoramento dos dados em saúde. A fim de avaliar a acurácia, foram calculados os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivo e negativo, razões de verossimilhança positiva e negativa das declarações dos óbitos por sepse, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Um total de 6.244 declarações foram avaliadas, das quais 233 (3,74%) apresentavam a sepse como causa básica antes de serem investigadas e apenas 35 (0,56%) mantiveram-na após a investigação. O preenchimento das declarações com a sepse enquanto causa básica pelos médicos apresentou sensibilidade de 0,9% (IC95%: 0,6 a 1,3) e especificidade de 92,0% (IC95%: 90,9 a 93,1). Conclusão: A baixa acurácia das declarações demonstra a não fidedignidade da causa básica de óbito por sepse, sobretudo, do preenchimento das declarações dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal em 2018.(AU)

Justificación: Sepsis representa en la actualidad un desafío para los sistemas de salud, este hecho puede estar relacionado con propagación de resistencias bacterianas, aumento de la población de ancianos, inmunodeprimidos, y mejora de la atención de urgencias, favoreciendo la supervivencia de los pacientes críticos. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la precisión de los indicadores de mortalidad por sepsis en 2018. Método: Estudio de validación de causa básica de muertes ocurridas en Distrito Federal en 2018. Se identificaron actas de defunción cuyas causas básicas de muerte fueron clasificadas como sepsis código basura y fueron investigadas por un equipo multidisciplinario capacitado para reclasificarlas con códigos que permitan la mejora de datos de salud. Para evaluar la precisión, se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivo y negativo y razones de verosimilitud positiva y negativa de certificados de defunción por sepsis, con intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados: se evaluaron 6.244 declaraciones, de las cuales 233 (3,74%) tenían como causa básica la sepsis antes de ser investigadas y solo 35 (0,56%) mantuvieron después de investigación. Realización de declaraciones con sepsis como causa subyacente por parte de los médicos mostró sensibilidad del 0,9% (95%IC: 0,6 a 1,3) y especificidad del 92,0% (95%IC: 90,9 a 93,1). Conclusión: Baja precisión de las declaraciones demuestra la poca confiabilidad de la causa subyacente de muerte por sepsis, especialmente la finalización de los certificados de defunción ocurridos en Distrito Federal en 2018.(AU)

De que morrem as crianças de 5 a 14 anos no estado do Rio de Janeiro? Análise do período 2000-2019 / What do children aged 5 to 14 years die from in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Trend analysis of the period 2000-2019

Resumo Objetivou-se investigar a magnitude e a tendência da mortalidade de crianças de 5 a 14 anos por causas, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, de 2000 a 2019. Estudo ecológico de tendência temporal utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Calcularam-se taxas de mortalidade por 100 mil crianças, por capítulos, grupos e categorias (CID-10). Estimou-se a série temporal por regressão joinpoint. As taxas de mortalidade de 10 a 14 anos foram superiores às da faixa de 5 a 9 anos. As cinco principais causas foram as mesmas de 5 a 14 anos, com diferente ordem de importância. As duas principais foram causas externas e neoplasias (31% e 15% para 5 a 9 anos; 45% e 11% para 10 a 14 anos). De 5 a 9 anos, a tendência da mortalidade teve declínio anual (8%) entre 2011 e 2015. De 10 a 14 anos, o declínio anual foi 1,3%, de 2000 a 2019. A mortalidade por causas externas decresceu em ambas as faixas, menos para a categoria "Agressão por arma de fogo" (meninos,10-14 anos) e "Afogamento" (meninos, 5-9 anos). A mortalidade por neoplasias ficou estável para todos. Doenças infecciosas e respiratórias decresceram de forma diferenciada entre os grupos. A maioria das causas de morte é evitável ou tratável, apontando necessidade de investimentos em saúde e intersetoriais.

Abstract This study investigated the magnitude and trends of cause-specific mortality among children 5 to 14 years of age in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) from 2000 to 2019. We performed an ecological study, using data from the Mortality Information System (MIS). We calculated mortality rates per 100,000 children by chapters, groups, and categories of causes of death (ICD-10). Trends were estimated by joinpoint regression. Mortality rates among children aged 10 to 14 years were higher than those among children 5 to 9. The five leading causes of death were the same in both age groups, but they ranked differently. The two leading ones were external causes and neoplasms (31% and 15% among children aged 5 to 9 years; 45% and 11% among children aged 10 to 14 years). Among children 5 to 9 years, the mortality trend showed an annual decline (8%) from 2011 to 2015. Among children aged 10 to 14 years, the annual decline was 1.3% from 2000 to 2019. Mortality due to external causes decreased in both age groups, except for the category "Assault by unspecified firearm" (boys, 10 to 14 years) and "Unspecified drowning and submersion" (boys, 5 to 9 years). Mortality caused by neoplasms remained steady in both age groups. Infectious and respiratory diseases decreased differently between the two groups. Most causes of death are preventable or treatable, indicating the need for health and intersectoral investments.

Óbitos por condições de saúde posteriores à COVID-19 no Brasil / Deaths from post-COVID conditions in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a magnitude e o perfil dos óbitos por condições posteriores à COVID-19 no Brasil. Estudo descritivo com base nos dados preliminares de registro de óbitos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade ocorridos em 2021. Foram considerados os registros com código CID B94.8 como causa básica e com código U09 em alguma linha da parte I ou II da declaração de óbito. Foi avaliada a distribuição dos óbitos por região geográfica, semestre de ocorrência, sexo, faixa etária, raça/cor, escolaridade e local de ocorrência. Foram registrados 2.948 óbitos por condições posteriores à COVID-19, variando de 0,5 óbito por 1.000 registros na região Nordeste a 3,6/1.000 na região Centro-Oeste. Mais da metade ocorreu entre o sexo masculino (58,0%), aqueles com 60 anos ou mais de idade (66,9%) e de cor da pele branca (51,8%). Os óbitos por condições posteriores à COVID-19 apresentaram características sociodemográficas distintas entre as regiões.

Abstract This paper aims to assess the magnitude and profile of deaths from post-COVID conditions in Brazil. Descriptive study based on preliminary data from the 2021 Mortality Information System. Records with ICD code B94.8 as the Basic Cause and with code U09 in some lines of part I or II of the declaration were considered for analysis. The distribution of deaths by geographic region, semester of occurrence, sex, age group, ethnicity/skin color, schooling, and place of occurrence was evaluated. We identified 2,948 deaths from conditions subsequent to COVID-19 were recorded, ranging from 0.5 deaths per 1,000 records in the Northeast Region to 3.6/1,000 in the Midwest Region. More than half occurred among males (58.0%), those aged 60 years or older (66.9%), and whites (51.8%). Conclusion: Deaths from post-COVID conditions had distinct sociodemographic characteristics between regions.

Turnaround time for the issuing of packed red cells: A retrospective study in a tertiary care hospita

Introduction: Turnaround time (TAT) is one of the most crucial performance indicators for blood transfusion and laboratory services. It is especially crucial in transfusion services due to its seminal role as a determining factor in patient care outcomes. We examined our institution’s TAT for issuing blood units. Materials and Methods: The Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, MGM Medical College and Hospital in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, undertook this retrospective noninterventional study over 12 months from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2020. TAT was determined using a random audit of 10% of all monthly requests at the blood center. All requests for packed red cells (PRCs) received in the blood center during the study period were included in the evaluation. All requests for other blood components such as fresh-frozen plasma, random donor platelets, and cryoprecipitates were excluded along with all reservations for PRCs. A team of investigators tracked 369 requests for packed red cells over the year, noting the turnaround time. The standard TAT was set depending on the nature of the clinical case. Any significant deviation from institutionally established TAT was investigated, and root cause analysis was done. Results: The majority of transfusion requests were routine (72%) followed by emergency (23%) and lifesaving (5%). For routine cases, the average TAT was observed at 104 minutes. For emergency cases, the average TAT was observed at 39 minutes. For lifesaving cases, the average TAT was observed at 12 minutes. The highest number of cases were categorized under routine, followed by emergency cases and lifesaving categories. Conclusion: It was observed that there were no significant variations in turnaround time in routine, emergency, or lifesaving cases. Overall, as per our blood center standards, TAT for the issue of packed red cells was observed to fall under the normal range for routine, emergency, and lifesaving. Any outliers observed during the duration of the study were mainly due to inadequate samples or patient details received at the blood center or the presence of irregular antibodies encountered during the crossmatch.

Mortalidade de imigrantes bolivianos em São Paulo, Brasil: análise de causas evitáveis / Mortality of Bolivian immigrants in São Paulo, Brazil: analysis of avoidable causes

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar a mortalidade dos imigrantes bolivianos residentes no município de São Paulo comparada à dos brasileiros, com ênfase na análise das mortes evitáveis. Estudo descritivo dos óbitos do município de São Paulo entre 2007 e 2018 registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Foram analisados os óbitos de pessoas de 5 a 74 anos, conforme a lista de causas de mortes evitáveis por intervenções do Sistema Único de Saúde, segundo grupos e sexo; o teste de qui-quadrado foi utilizado na comparação das nacionalidades. A tendência temporal foi avaliada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten. Houve 1.123 óbitos de bolivianos e 883.116 de brasileiros, com predomínio de óbitos masculinos, com idade média ao morrer menor (-13,6 anos) para bolivianos. A proporção de óbitos por causas evitáveis foi semelhante entre bolivianos (71,0%) e brasileiros (72,8%) e a tendência não apresentou variação anual proporcional significante para ambas as nacionalidades. Para bolivianos, houve maior frequência de causas externas (27,6%) e de causas reduzíveis por ações de promoção, prevenção, controle e atenção às doenças infecciosas (20,8%). Os bolivianos exibiram mortalidade mais jovem, sem redução na proporção de causas evitáveis, o que pode indicar acesso desigual aos serviços de saúde.

Abstract The objective was to analyze the mortality of Bolivian immigrants compared to the Brazilian population, living in the city of São Paulo, with an emphasis on the analysis of avoidable deaths. Descriptive study of deaths in the city of São Paulo, between 2007 and 2018, registered in the Mortality Information System. Deaths of people aged 5 to 74 years were analyzed, according to "Brazilian List of Causes of Preventable Deaths", according to groups and sex; Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare nationalities. The temporal trend of avoidable deaths was evaluated by Prais-Winsten regression. There were 1.123 Bolivians deaths and 883.116 among Brazilians, with a predominance of male deaths and the Bolivians died on average 13.6 years younger. The proportion of deaths from preventable causes was similar between Bolivians (71.0%) and Brazilians (72.8%) and the trend did not show significant proportional annual variation for both nationalities. There is a higher frequency, among Bolivians, of external causes (27.6%) and of causes reducible by actions to health promotion, prevention, control, and care for infectious diseases (20.8%) than to Brazilians. Conclusion: Bolivians died younger and showed no reduction in the proportion of potentially avoidable causes, which may indicate unequal access to health services.

Health and safety incidents at a power utility in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa

Background: Many high-risk and construction-related activities are performed in the course of distributing electricity throughout South Africa, including working at heights, driving, operating electrical networks, excavation work, and maintenance of electrical structures. South Africa has one power utility that provides electricity to the entire country. Different sectors of the utility are distributed throughout the nine provinces, with eight sectors in the Eastern Cape province. Objective: We sought to compare health and safety incidents, and their causes, between the sectors in the Eastern Cape province. Methods: Incident data from 2015 to 2019 were extracted from the power utility's Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing of Environmental Health and Safety (SAP EH&S) database. The most common health and safety incidents and their reported causes are compared across sectors and described as counts and frequencies. Results: There were 614 health and safety incidents recorded in the study period with motor vehicle accidents being the most common overall (n = 482, 78.5%). Incidents related to damage to equipment (n = 48, 7.8%), operating errors (n = 16, 2.8%), falls (n = 15, 2.4%), hand injuries (n = 13, 2.1%), and insect/animal bites (n = 13, 2.1%) were also recorded. Workers ignoring safety rules was the most common reported cause of these health and safety incidents (n = 449, 73.1%). Conclusion: Motor vehicle accidents, damage to property, operating errors, falls, and hand injuries were frequently reported in the energy utility sectors in the Eastern Cape province. The most common recorded cause was workers ignoring health and safety rules. Training workers on the importance of reporting incidents, including near misses, can potentially reduce the frequency of health and safety incidents.

An etiogeno-pathological study on Kashin-Beck disease / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To find and identify the cause of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). 【Methods】 We reviewed the bone slices of the KBD autopsy cases preserved in our institute, and observed the leukocyte lesions in peripheral blood smears of KBD children under a light microscope and ultrastructural lesions of leukocytes in KBD children under an electron microscope. We also observed the damages in cultured chondrocytes induced by plasma of children with KBD in an experiment. 【Results】 From the chondrocytes, bone marrow blood cells in KBD autopsy cases and leukocytes of KBD children, the entire pathological process in all the three type cells showed the same specific coagulation necrosis: the nucleus was enlarged; eosinophilic red inclusion bodies in varying sizes appeared in the nucleus, which were accompanied by dissolution and decrease of nuclear chromatin. If the lesion continued to deteriorate and progress, the entire nucleus would transform into a large red mass, and then subsequent series of changes of the inclusion bodies occurred; the cell body shrank and the cytoplasm was stained red. The cultured chondrocytes had replicated a cytopathic model equivalent to specific chondrocyte necrosis in the autopsy cases of KBD, and the viral nucleocapsids were detected in the nuclei of the cultured chondrocytes, with outcomes induced by plasma of the KBD children in the experiment. The same viral nucleocapsids as previously mentioned were also found in the nuclei of the white blood cells of the children with KBD. In the bone marrows of the autopsy cases, hyperemia, edema, fibrin exudation, focal necrosis of hematopoietic matrix and trabecular bone, and fibrosis all appeared. 【Conclusion】 The inclusion body formations were showed in the nuclei of necrotic chondrocytes, bone marrow blood cells of KBD autopsy cases, and in the nuclei of leukocytes in peripheral blood smears of KBD children. The inclusion body formation is the most well-known pathomorphological result of the viral cytocidal infection. Especially important is the positive results of cultured chondrocytes induced by plasma of KBD children in the experiment. What caused the necrosis of the three types of cells in KBD seems to be the twice-detected virus nucleocapsids, suggesting that this virus may have been the cause of KBD. There was an acute osteomyelitis with infectious delayed hypersensitivity in the bone marrows of the autopsy cases of KBD. KBD is a systemic infectious disease caused by the virus. All lesions in the cartilage, bone marrow, and blood are only parts of the systemic lesions.