Clusters Espaço-Temporais de Alto Risco da Mortalidade Infantojuvenil em Mato Grosso, Brasil / High-risk space-time clusters of mortality in children 5 to 14 years of age in Mato Grosso state, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é detectar as áreas de maior risco para óbitos de crianças e adolescentes de 5 a 14 anos no estado de Mato Grosso entre os anos de 2009 e 2020. Estudo ecológico, tipo exploratório, cuja unidade de análise foram os municípios. Considerando dados de mortalidade do SIM e os demográficos do IBGE, o estudo utilizou a estatística multivariada para a identificação dos clusters espaço-temporais de sobrerrisco de mortalidade nesta faixa etária. Dos 5 aos 9 anos, dois clusters de alto risco de mortalidade foram detectados; o mais provável localizado na mesorregião sul (RR: 1,6; LRV: 8,53). Dentre os 5 clusters detectados na faixa etária dos 10 aos 14 anos, o principal foi localizado na mesorregião norte (RR: 2,26; LRV: 7,84). Foi identificada redução das taxas de mortalidade na faixa etária mais jovem e aumento destas taxas na faixa etária mais velha. A identificação destes clusters, cuja análise merece ser replicada a outras partes do território nacional, é a etapa inicial para a investigação de possíveis fatores associados à morbi-mortalidade deste grupo ainda pouco explorado e para o planejamento de intervenções adequadas.

Abstract The study aimed to detect high-risk areas for deaths of children and adolescents 5 to 14 years of age in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. This was an exploratory ecological study with municipalities as the units of analysis. Considering mortality data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and demographic data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the study used multivariate statistics to identify space-time clusters of excess mortality risk in this age group. From 5 to 9 years of age, two clusters with high mortality risk were detected; the most likely located in the state's southern mesoregion (RR: 1.6; LRT: 8,53). Among the 5 clusters detected in the 10-14-year age group, the main cluster was in the state's northern mesoregion (RR: 2,26; LRT: 7,84). A reduction in mortality rates was observed in the younger age group and an increase in these rates in the older group. The identification of these clusters, whose analysis merits replication in other parts of Brazil, is the initial stage in the investigation of possible factors associated with morbidity and mortality in this group, still insufficiently explored, and for planning adequate interventions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Depressive Episodes of Bipolar Disorder Based on Cluster Analysis and Bayesian Network：A Cross-sectional Study / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the elements， distribution and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes in depressive episodes of bipolar disorder （BD）. MethodsBasic information， along with the four examination information， the Hamilton Depression Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale scores， were collected from 293 outpatients with BD at Beijing Anding Hospital， Capital Medical University. The four examination information with an occurrence rate greater than 12% were retained. The R language “dist” function was used to calculate the distances between samples using the Euclidean distance method. The hierarchical clustering of the four examination information was performed using the “hclust” function and the squared Euclidean distance method. A team of five researchers was formed to determine the nature and location of the essential elements of TCM syndrome in BD based on the clustering results. The PC algorithm was used to construct a Bayesian network model of the essential elements. The working group combined the essential elements of TCM syndromes in the Bayesian network according to the reference model results， and then extracted common TCM syndromes. The score of each patient based on the essential elements was matched with the common TCM syndromes to determine the syndrome type of each patient. The working group then performs conformity and revision based on this， obtaining the final distribution of TCM syndromes for the patients. ResultsThere were 77 common TCM symptoms in BD with a frequency greater than 12%. The top 15 symptoms with higher frequencies were slippery pulse， mental fatigue and lack of strength， wiry pulse， excessive rumination， preference for solitude， vexation， agitation and irritability， dry mouth， palpitations， profuse dreaming， unwarranted worries， chest oppression， thin white coating， amnesia， frequent sighing， and poor appetite. TCM syndrome elements of BD can be grouped into 11 categories. The nature of disease-related essential elements included fire， qi deficiency， blood deficiency， qi counterflow， yin deficiency， dampness， heat， fire from constraint， and phlegm. The location of disease-related essential elements included heart， liver， spleen， stomach， kidney， bladder channel， and gallbladder. By constructing a Bayesian network model and considering the opinions from the experts， six common syndromes of BD were identified， among which the highest proportion was heart-stomach heat accumulation， accounting for 27.99% （82 cases）， followed by heart-spleen deficiency （55 cases， 18.77%）， non-interaction between the heart and the kidney （49 cases， 16.72%）， liver constraint and blood deficiency （42 cases， 14.33%）， heart qi deficiency （37 cases， 12.63%）， and damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder （28 cases， 9.56%）. ConclusionsThe nature of disease-related elements of BD are predominantly fire and heat， while the location of disease-related essential elements are primarily associated with the heart， liver， and spleen. The most common TCM syndromes are heart-stomach heat accumulation and heart-spleen deficiency.

Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Attenuates Cognitive Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathologies via ISCA1-Mediated Mitochondrial Modulation in APP/PS1 Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a time-saving and cost-effective repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regime, has been shown to improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the specific mechanism underlying iTBS-induced cognitive enhancement remains unknown. Previous studies suggested that mitochondrial functions are modulated by magnetic stimulation. Here, we showed that iTBS upregulates the expression of iron-sulfur cluster assembly 1 (ISCA1, an essential regulatory factor for mitochondrial respiration) in the brain of APP/PS1 mice. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that iTBS modulates mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly to facilitate mitochondrial respiration and function, which is required for ISCA1. Moreover, iTBS rescues cognitive decline and attenuates AD-type pathologies in APP/PS1 mice. The present study uncovers a novel mechanism by which iTBS modulates mitochondrial respiration and function via ISCA1-mediated iron-sulfur cluster assembly to alleviate cognitive impairments and pathologies in AD. We provide the mechanistic target of iTBS that warrants its therapeutic potential for AD patients.

Perfiles de resiliencia asociados al engagement académico y al apoyo social en estudiantes universitarios / Coping profiles associated with resilience, academic engagement, and social support in university students

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue observar los estilos de resiliencia entre estudiantes de pregrado y explorar la forma en la que cada uno de ellos se encontraba asociado al engagement académico y a las redes de apoyo social al inicio de los estudios universitarios. La muestra correspondió a 371 estudiantes de pregrado del Caribe Colombiano evaluados a partir de un análisis estadístico de clústeres, por el método jerárquico aglomerativo. Posteriormente se clasificaron en grupos de acuerdo con sus similitudes en las 12 dimensiones de resiliencia y finalmente se compararon en términos de engagement y redes personales. Los resultados señalaron cuatro perfiles de estudiantes: (1) sujetos con baja-resiliencia, alto engagement y fuertes vínculos relacionales; (2) resilientes-en-proceso, con niveles intermedios de resiliencia, bajo engagement y redes sociales con poca cercanía; (3) resilientes-autónomos con altos puntajes de resiliencia, niveles intermedios de engagementy redes sociales débiles; y (4) resilientes-con-redes, exhibieron altos niveles de resiliencia, con alto engagement y amplias redes de apoyo. Se concluye que la mayor porción de jóvenes que comienzan la universidad muestra perfiles de baja resiliencia; sin embargo, los altos niveles de motivación por los estudios y los recursos sociales como las redes de apoyo de los compañeros son las condiciones que más permiten afrontar los obstáculos de la vida universitaria. Es importante notar que solamente el último perfil integró los elementos de alta resiliencia, alto engagement y fuertes redes de apoyo que permiten confirmar la íntima asociación entre estos constructos. Los otros perfiles representan casos en los cuales los rasgos de resiliencia son independientes de los niveles de engagement y de la composición de las redes de apoyo personal.

Abstract Adjustment of first-year students to university environments, as well as their academic success, is not exclusively related to their academic aptitude; instead, this adjustment is associated with psychological characteristics, personal and even social resources that help students cope with stressors and new circumstances. A comprehensive assessment of the students' adjustment to university environment must transcend preoccupation on academic performance, and instead explore associations among psychological, academic, and social elements that promote adaptation during the initial years of higher education (Marenco-Escuderos et al., 2021). In this line of research, the objective of this work was to inquire how internal characteristics of students (psychological and academic) interplay with external elements in their support systems to promote adaptation in a higher education environment. Associations were explored among resilience, academic engagement, and social support as determining elements in the adjustment to the demands of the university context. The sample consisted of 371 undergraduate students (60 % female), of low socioeconomic status, enrolled in public universities in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Firstly, the resilience of university students was explored, as the ability to respond to obstacles with a positive view of the world, of others, and of one's own abilities to cope with stressors (Saavedra-Guajardo et al., 2019). Second, the level of engagement that drives young students to concentrate their energies on academic activities was reviewed; and third, the role of peers, and friends as the close-support system that facilitates the overcoming of personal and academic difficulties was investigated (Fernández-Martínez et al., 2017). Based on a statistical cluster analysis, by the agglomerative hierarchical method, individuals were classified according to their similarities in the expression of 12 dimensions of resilience (SV-RES scale), and subsequently compared in terms of engagement (UWES-S scale), and personal support networks (UNICET software). The results showed four student profiles: (1) the largest group consisting of students with low-resilience, high engagement and strong support networks; (2) a resilient group with low levels of engagement and support networks with little intimacy; (3) a resilient group with high characteristics of autonomy, intermediate levels of engagement, and support networks with weak structure; and (4) a very resilient group, high engagement, and wide and strong social support networks. The results point out the fact that the greatest proportion of students who start college show profiles of low resilience, however, high levels of motivation for studies and social resources such as peer support networks are the conditions that mostly allow for coping with adversity in the first years of college. These results could point to cultural aspects specific to the Caribbean region, where social networks are of great importance for daily functioning (Marenco-Escuderos et al., 2021). Regarding the association among the studied variables, it is important to note that only the last profile gathered all elements of high resilience, high engagement, and strong support networks that allow for confirming the association among these constructs. The other three profiles represent cases in which the resilience traits are independent of the students' levels of engagement and the composition of their personal support networks. This study is valuable as it provides a differentiating picture of the relationship of resilience with other psychological and social constructs, and in that it allows to better understand resilience in association with other elements that mediate its interpretation. Important gender differences among the profiles are additionally discussed.

Obesogenic behavior clusters associated with weight status among Brazilian students: a latent class analysis / Agrupamentos de comportamentos obesogênicos associados com status de peso em estudantes brasileiros: uma análise de classe latente

Abstract This study aimed to examine the association between clusters of physical activity (PA), diet, and television viewing (TV) with weight status among a representative sample of Brazilian students. Data from the National Health School-based Survey (PeNSE) 2015 were analyzed (n = 16,521; mean age 14.8, standard deviation 0.03 year). PA (minutes/week spent in leisure-time, and commuting to/from school), TV (hours/day), and weekly consumption of deep-fried empanadas, candies, sodas, ultra-processed foods, fast foods, green salads or vegetables, and fruits were self-reported on the validated PeNSE questionnaire. Latent class analysis defined behavior classes, and binary logistic regression assessed the association between clustering and weight status. Six classes' types with positive and negative behaviors were identified. Adolescents belonging to the "low TV time and high healthy diet" class had higher chances of being overweight (including obesity) compared to their peers in the "moderate PA and mixed diet" class. No associations were found in the other clusters. Mixed classes with healthy and unhealthy behaviors characterized adolescents' lifestyles and these profiles were related to weight status.

Resumo O estudo objetivou examinar a associação entre agrupamentos de atividade física (AF), dieta e tempo de televisão (TV) com o status do peso em uma amostra representativa de estudantes brasileiros. Foram analisados ​​dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) 2015 (n = 16.521; idade média 14,8, desvio padrão de 0,03 ano). AF (minutos/semana no lazer e deslocamento para/da escola), assistir televisão (TV) (horas/dia), consumo semanal de doces, refrigerantes, alimentos ultraprocessados/fast-foods, saladas/vegetais e frutas foram coletadas por questionário validado. Análise de classes latentes definiu os perfis de comportamento e a regressão logística binária a associação entre agrupamento e status de peso. Foram identificadas seis classes com comportamentos positivos e negativos. Adolescentes pertencentes à classe "baixo tempo de TV e alta alimentação saudável" apresentaram maior probabilidade de ter sobrepeso/obesidade em comparação com seus pares na classe "AF moderada e dieta mista". Não foram encontradas associações nos outros perfis. Classes com comportamentos saudáveis ​​e não saudáveis ​​caracterizaram o estilo de vida dos adolescentes e estiveram relacionadas com o status de peso.

The B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: An enigma to diagnose

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by an abnormal clonal proliferation of T-cells, B-cells, or both. Sometimes, tuberculosis and lymphoma presentation can share common symptoms and features. In this case report, we present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who came with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of the face for the past 6 months. Initially, it was not associated with pain but gradually developed severe pain over the region and reduced salivary flow. The patient was planned for surgery with a differential diagnosis of salivary gland pathology. Post-operatively, the histopathological report showed atypical cells which were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)20. Focally positive for CD45 and CD3 which was positive in reactive T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry pattern favors the diagnosis of B-cell type NHL. Through this case report, we want to share our experience in treating an aggressive tumor that mimics salivary gland pathology.

Os perfis de gamers adultos pagantes: uma análise sobre os valores preferidos em jogos / The profiles of paying adult gamers: an analysis of the preferred values in games

Os indivíduos constantemente tomam decisões de consumo, que também impactam na cadeia que participa direta ou indiretamente para a criação daquele produto ou serviço. Assim, compreender melhor os perfis dos consumidores de jogos digitais auxiliam os desenvolvedores locais a produzir jogos que despertem e mantenham o interesse desses gamers, tornando esse, o principal objetivo desta pesquisa. Para tal, utilizou-se a Análise de Clusters, através do método K-means para variáveis categóricas, onde foram encontradas quatro personas. Os grupos com mais idade e com renda mensal de R$ 2.200,01 a R$ 4.400,00 expressou um comportamento prudente em relação aos gastos com jogos (gastaram de 0 a 100 reais, nos últimos 6 meses). Os outros dois grupos restantes, mais jovens, apresentaram características financeiras distintas: o de menor renda mensal (até R$ 1.100,00) não foi o que menos gastou com jogos eletrônicos nos últimos 6 meses (101 a 250 reais). A pesquisa também concluiu que "autonomia para seguir vários caminhos" foi bastante valorizada pelos 4 perfis, nomeados de "jogador retraído", "jogador apaixonado", "jogador nostálgico" e "jogador vontade", refletindo as características principais de cada perfil.

Individuals constantly make consumption decisions, which impact not only the consumer, but also the entire chain that participates directly or indirectly in the creation of that product or service. Thus, there is a need to better understand the profiles of consumers of digital entertainment games, so that local developers can produce games that arouse and maintain the interest of these gamers, making this the main objective of this research. For this, Cluster Analysis was used, through the K-means method for categorical variables, where four personas were found, which were translated by their reference profiles (detailed in D descriptions), and represented a set of similar profiles in the sample space of the respondents, with homogeneous characteristics to this "focal profile". The groups composed of the oldest age group (31 ­ 40 years old) and with a monthly income of BRL 2,200.01 to BRL 4,400.00 expressed a prudent behavior in relation to spending on games (they spent from BRL 0.00 to BRL 100.00 in the last 6 months). The other two remaining groups, formed by the younger age group (21 ­ 30 years), had different financial characteristics: the one with the lowest monthly income (up to BRL 1,100.00) was not the one who spent the least on electronic games in the last 6 months. (BRL 101.00 to BRL 250.00). The survey also concluded that "autonomy to follow several paths" was highly valued by the 4 profiles, named "withdrawn player", "passionate player", "nostalgic player" and "willing player"" to reflect the main characteristics of each profile.

Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility

Abstract Objectives: Cluster headache is considered a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and may present with characteristic symptoms of sympathetic/parasympathetic activation on the affected side of the face, such as nasal discharge, tearing, and conjunctival injection. Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. Within this context, we sought to assess the feasibility of a new surgical technique for neurostimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a cadaver dissection model. Methods: The technique was developed through dissection of two cadaver heads. We divided the procedure into two stages: an endonasal endoscopic approach to expose the sphenopalatine ganglion and confirm electrode placement, and a cervicofacial approach to introduce the electrode array and position the internal pulse-generator unit. Computed tomography was performed to confirm implant placement at the end of the procedure. Results: The pulse-generator unit was successfully placed through a retroauricular incision, as is already standard for cochlear implant placement. This should reduce the incidence of perioperative sequelae, especially pain and swelling in the oral region, which are a common complication of previous approaches used for this purpose. Control imaging confirmed proper electrode placement. The device used in this study allows the patient to modulate the intensity of the stimulus, reducing or even obviating the need for drug therapy. Conclusion: The novel technique described herein, based on percutaneous access guided by transmaxillary endoscopy, can provide great precision in electrode array positioning and decreased perioperative morbidity, combining the advantages of endoscopic approaches with those of the retroauricular route. Level of evidence: 3.

Cluster de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e multimorbidade em trabalhadores da atençãoprimária à saúde / Cluster of chronic non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity in primary healthcare workers

Objetivo: Investigar a agregação das DCNT e a sua associação com as características sociodemográficas e os aspectos ocupacionais dos trabalhadores da APS. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal que analisou os dados parciais de uma coorte retrospectiva realizada em Vitória da Conquista (BA) e em São Geraldo da Piedade (MG) no mês de janeiro de 2022 com 105 trabalhadores da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), que preencheram um questionário eletrônico específico autoaplicável. As variáveis analisadas foram: sociodemográficas, caracterização do trabalho, presença de DCNT e de multimorbidade. Foram aplicados os seguintes procedimentos estatísticos: análise descritiva, análise de cluster, teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e regressão logística binária. Resultados:As cinco DCNT mais prevalentes foram a rinite/sinusite (30,5%), a cefaleia/enxaqueca (26,7%), o colesterol alto (26,7%), a gastrite (19,0%) e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (19,0%). A prevalência de multimorbidade foi de 26,7% e foram encontradas 11 combinações de cluster (34,4%), sendo o maior escore na combinação das cinco doenças mais prevalentes. Foi identificada a associação entre a presença de multimorbidade e o sexo, sendo a prevalência 24% menor entre os homens, e com a escolaridade, sendo a prevalência 26% maior nos indivíduos que não possuem ensino superior. Conclusão: Foram identificadas associações entre a presença de multimorbidade e o sexo feminino, e indivíduos que não concluíram o ensino superior. Observou-se, ainda, uma associação simultânea das cinco principais DCNT deste estudo com o nível de escolaridade (AU).

Objectives: Investigate the aggregation of NCDs and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and occupational aspects in primary healthcare workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed partial data from a cohort profile conducted in Vitória da Conquista (BA) and in São Geraldo da Piedade (MG) in January 2022 with 105 workers of "Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF)" who answered a self-report electronic questionnaire. The variables of this research were: sociodemographic characteristics, job aspects, and the presence of NCDs and multimorbidity. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression. Results: The five NCDs more prevalent were: rhinitis/sinusitis (30,5%), headache/migraine (26,7%), hypercholesterolemia (26,7%), gastritis (19,0%), and hypertension (19,0%). The prevalence of multimorbidity was 26,7%, and 11 cluster combinations were found (34,4%) since the higher score was identified in the aggregation of the five more prevalent diseases. There was an association between the presence of multimorbidity and the sex (the prevalence is 24% smaller for men) and between the presence of multimorbidity and the level of education (the prevalence is 26% higher in people without a college degree). Conclusion: The prevalence of multimorbidity was associated with the female sex and with people without a college degree. Furthermore, an association was observed between the five more prevalent NCDs in this study and the level of education (AU).

Clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors among first-year students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, there is substantial evidence that modifiable risk factors for CVD are increasing in adolescents. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and clustering of these risk factors in adolescents. OBJECTIVES: This study explores the modifiable risk factors for CVD among first-year students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 546 newly admitted students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, were recruited using stratified random sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from study participants between January and February 2016. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 19 ± 2.2 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The reported risk factors for CVD were smoking (1.6%), abdominal obesity (3.3%), alcohol consumption (3.7%), overweight/obesity (20.7%), unhealthy diet (85.3%), and physical inactivity (94.5%). Clustering of ≥ 2 risk factors was reported in 23.4% of students. Female students were twice as probably overweight/obese as male students (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.2; confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-3.43). Students whose fathers were skilled workers were 3.5 times more likely to be physically inactive (AOR = 1.7; CI = 0.97-2.96). The clustering of ≥ 2 risk factors was significantly higher among women and Muslims in bivariate analysis, whereas no significant association was found in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Public health strategies to prevent CVD risk factors should begin in schools and extend to the entire community.

Comparación de dos tipos de clasificación en dispepsia funcional; distrés postprandial o dolor epigástrico vs. un análisis multidimensional por conglomerados utilizando aprendizaje no supervisado

Los métodos de inteligencia artificial utilizando herramientas de aprendizaje no supervisado pueden apoyar la resolución de problemas al establecer patrones de agrupación o clasificación no identificados, que permiten tipificar subgrupos para manejos más individualizados. Existen pocos estudios que permiten conocer la influencia de síntomas digestivos y extradigestivos en la tipificación dispepsia funcional; esta investigación realizó un análisis de aprendizaje no supervisado por conglomerados basándose en dichos síntomas, para discriminar subtipos de dispepsia y comparar con una de las clasificaciones actualmente más aceptadas. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio de conglomerados en adultos con dispepsia funcional según síntomas digestivos, extradigestivos y emocionales. Se conformaron patrones de agrupación de tal manera que dentro de cada grupo existiera homogeneidad en cuanto a los valores adoptados por cada variable. El método de análisis de conglomerados fue bietápico y los resultados del patrón de clasificación se compararon con una de las clasificaciones más aceptadas de dispepsia funcional. De 184 casos, 157 cumplieron con criterios de inclusión. El análisis de conglomerados excluyó 34 casos no clasificables. Los pacientes con dispepsia de tipo 1 (conglomerado uno), presentaron mejoría al tratamiento en el 100% de los casos, solo una minoría presentaron síntomas depresivos. Los pacientes con dispepsia de tipo 2 (conglomerado dos) presentaron una mayor probabilidad de falla al tratamiento con inhibidor de bomba de protones, padecieron con mayor frecuencia trastornos de sueño, ansiedad, depresión, fibromialgia, limitaciones físicas o dolor crónico de naturaleza no digestiva. Esta clasificación de dispepsia por análisis de clúster establece una visión más holística de la dispepsia en la cual características extradigestivas, síntomas afectivos, presencia o no de trastornos de sueño y de dolor crónico permiten discriminar el comportamiento y respuesta al manejo de primera línea.

Artificial intelligence methods using unsupervised learning tools can support problem solving by establishing unidentified grouping or classification patterns that allow typing subgroups for more individualized management. There are few studies that allow us to know the influence of digestive and extra-digestive symptoms in the classification of functional dyspepsia. This research carried out a cluster unsupervised learning analysis based on these symptoms to discriminate subtypes of dyspepsia and compare with one of the currently most accepted classifications. An exploratory cluster analysis was carried out in adults with functional dyspepsia according to digestive, extra-digestive and emotional symptoms. Grouping patterns were formed in such a way that within each group there was homogeneity in terms of the values adopted by each variable. The cluster analysis method was two-stage and the results of the classification pattern were compared with one of the most accepted classifications of functional dyspepsia. Of 184 cases, 157 met the inclusion criteria. The cluster analysis excluded 34 unclassifiable cases. Patients with type 1 dyspepsia (cluster one) presented improvement after treatment in 100% of cases, only a minority presented depressive symptoms. Patients with type 2 dyspepsia (cluster two) presented a higher probability of failure to treatment with proton pump inhibitor, suffered more frequently from sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, physical limitations or chronic pain of a non-digestive nature. This classification of dyspepsia by cluster analysis establishes a more holistic vision of dyspepsia in which extradigestive characteristics, affective symptoms, presence or absence of sleep disorders and chronic pain allow discriminating behavior and response to first-line management.

Noncommunicable chronic diseases clusters in Brazilian adults and older adults: correlations as multimorbidity / Agrupamento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em adultos e idosos brasileiros: correlações como multimorbidade

Abstract Background Health has dynamic conditions and overlapping pathophysiological factors. For health prevention and promotion, actions are necessary to understand the most common risk combinations. Objective Describe noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) clusters and investigate specific multimorbidity combinations in Brazilian adults and older adults. Method This study used data from Vigitel 2013 survey held in the Brazilian capitals (52,929 interviews). A self-report of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity was used. The analyses were the descriptive cluster of NCDs and an adjusted binary logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]), stratified by age. Results Among adults, the clusters of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (O/E = 18.74) and diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (O/E = 16.83) were higher. There was a higher clustering between diabetes and obesity (O/E = 7.25). Among adults, diabetes was associated with dyslipidemia (OR: 3.04), hypertension (OR: 3.84), and hypertension with obesity (OR: 3.34). In older adults, hypertension was associated with diabetes (OR: 2.79), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.06), and obesity (OR: 2.26). Conclusion Other diseases combined with diabetes and hypertension were more frequent in adults and older adults. It is suggested to combine preventive and control measures for these diseases for the non-occurrence of new diagnoses.

Resumo Introdução A saúde apresenta condições dinâmicas e fatores fisiopatológicos sobrepostos. Para ações de prevenção e promoção da saúde é necessário entender as combinações comuns de risco. Objetivo Descrever os agrupamentos de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) e investigar combinações específicas de multimorbidade em adultos e idosos no Brasil. Método Este estudo utilizou dados da pesquisa Vigitel 2013, realizada nas capitais brasileiras (total de 52.929 entrevistas). Foi utilizado um relato de diabetes, dislipidemia, hipertensão e obesidade. Nas análises foram utilizados o agrupamento descritivo de DCNT e uma regressão logística binária ajustada (razão de odds [RO]), estratificada por idade. Resultados Entre os adultos, os grupos de diabetes, dislipidemia, hipertensão e obesidade (O / E = 18,74), bem como diabetes, hipertensão e obesidade (O / E = 16,83) foram maiores. Nos idosos, houve maior agrupamento entre diabetes e obesidade (O / E = 7,25). Entre os adultos, o diabetes foi associado à dislipidemia (RO: 3,04) e hipertensão (RO: 3,84), enquanto a hipertensão à obesidade (RO: 3,34). Nos idosos, a hipertensão foi associada a diabetes (RO: 2,79), dislipidemia (RO: 2,06) e obesidade (RO: 2,26). Conclusão Os agrupamentos de outras doenças combinadas com diabetes e hipertensão foram mais frequentes em adultos e idosos. Sugere-se que além das medidas existentes de prevenção para essas doenças também sejam propostas medidas de controle para a não ocorrência de novos diagnósticos.

Spatial clusters of diabetes: individual and neighborhood characteristics in the ELSA-Brasil cohort study / Aglomerados espaciais de diabetes: características individuais e de vizinhança no estudo longitudinal ELSA-Brasil / Grupos espaciales de diabetes: características individuales y vecinales en el estudio longitudinal ELSA-Brasil

This study identified spatial clusters of type 2 diabetes mellitus among participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) residing in two cities and verified individual and neighborhood socioeconomic environmental characteristics associated with the spatial clusters. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 4,335 participants. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting blood glucose ≥ 126mg/dL (7.0mmol/L), oral glucose tolerance test ≥ 200mg/dL (11.1mmol/L), or glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% (48mmol/L); by antidiabetic drug use; or by the self-reported medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics were obtained from the 2011 Brazilian census. A spatial data analysis was conducted with the SaTScan method to detect spatial clusters. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the magnitude of associations. In total, 336 and 343 participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State (13.5%) and Salvador, Bahia State (18.5%), respectively. Two cluster areas showing a high chance of type 2 diabetes mellitus were identified in Belo Horizonte and Salvador. In both cities, participants living in the high type 2 diabetes mellitus cluster area were more likely to be mixed-race or black and have a low schooling level and manual work; these were also considered low-income areas. On the other hand, participants in the low type 2 diabetes mellitus cluster area of Salvador were less likely to be black and have low schooling level (university degree) and live in a low-income area. More vulnerable individual and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics were associated with living in clusters of higher type 2 diabetes mellitus occurrence , whereas better contextual profiles were associated with clusters of lower prevalence.

Este estudo identificou aglomerados espaciais de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 entre participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto no Brasil (ELSA-Brasil) em duas cidades e verificou características socioeconômicas ambientais individuais e de vizinhança associadas aos aglomerados espaciais. Se trata de um estudo transversal com 4.335 participantes. Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 foi definido com base em glicemia de jejum ≥ 126mg/dL (7,0mmol/L); teste oral de tolerância à glicose ≥ 200mg/dL (11,1mmol/L); hemoglobina glicada ≥ 6,5% (48mmol/L); uso de drogas antidiabéticas; ou pelo autodiagnóstico médico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. As características socioeconômicas do bairro foram obtidas a partir do censo brasileiro de 2011. A análise dos dados espaciais foi realizada pelo método SaTScan para detectar os aglomerados espaciais. Os modelos de regressão logística foram ajustados para estimar a magnitude das associações. Um total de 336 e 343 participantes apresentaram diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (13,5%) e Salvador, Bahia (18,5%), respectivamente. Foram identificadas duas áreas de aglomerados com alta probabilidade de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em Belo Horizonte e Salvador. Em ambas as cidades, os participantes residentes nos aglomerados com alta taxa de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tinham maior probabilidade de relatar cor de pele parda ou preta, baixa escolaridade e ocupação de trabalho manual; essas áreas também foram consideradas de baixa renda. Por outro lado, os participantes do aglomerado com baixa taxa de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de Salvador tinham menor probabilidade de serem negros e maior probabilidade de terem diploma universitário, além de morarem em áreas de alta renda. Características socioeconômicas individuais e de vizinhança mais vulneráveis estavam associadas à residência em aglomerados de maior ocorrência de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, enquanto o oposto foi observado para perfis contextuais melhores.

Este estudio identificó grupos espaciales de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 entre los participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto en Brasil (ELSA-Brasil) en dos ciudades y verificó las características socioeconómicas ambientales individuales y de vecindario asociadas con los grupos espaciales. Se trata de un estudio transversal con 4.335 participantes. La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se definió en base a glucosa en ayunas ≥ 126mg/dL (7,0mmol/L); prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa ≥ 200mg/dL (11,1mmol/L); hemoglobina glicosilada ≥ 6,5% (48mmol/L); uso de medicamentos antidiabéticos; o por autodiagnóstico médico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Las características socioeconómicas del barrio se obtuvieron a partir del censo brasileño de 2011. El análisis de datos espaciales se realizó utilizando el método SaTScan para detectar grupos espaciales. Los modelos de regresión logística se ajustaron para estimar la magnitud de las asociaciones. Un total de 336 y 343 participantes presentaron diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (13,5%) y Salvador, Bahia (18,5%), respectivamente. Se identificaron dos áreas de grupos con alta probabilidad de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Belo Horizonte y Salvador. En ambas ciudades, los participantes que residían en las áreas del grupo con una alta tasa de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tenían más probabilidades de informar el color de piel pardo o negro, la baja educación y la ocupación del trabajo manual; estas áreas también se consideraron de bajos ingresos. Por el contrario, los participantes en el área del grupo con baja tasa de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de Salvador tenían menos probabilidades de ser negros y más probabilidades de tener un título universitario, además de vivir en áreas de altos ingresos. Las características socioeconómicas individuales y de vecindario más vulnerables se asociaron con la residencia en grupos de mayor incidencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, mientras que se observó lo contrario para mejores perfiles contextuales.

High-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the spatial distribution and identify high-risk spatial clusters of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya (ZDC), in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their socioeconomic status. METHODS An ecological study based on data from a seroprevalence survey. Using a rapid diagnostic test to detect the arboviruses, 2,114 individuals were tested in 2018. The spatial distribution was analyzed using kernel estimation. To detect high-risk spatial clusters of arboviruses, we used multivariate scan statistics. The Social Development Index (SDI) was considered in the analysis of socioeconomic status. RESULTS Among the 2,114 individuals, 1,714 (81.1%) were positive for at least one arbovirus investigated. The kernel estimation showed positive individuals for at least one arbovirus in all regions of the city, with hot spots in the North, coincident with regions with very low or low SDI. The scan statistic detected three significant (p<0.05) high-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. These clusters correspond to 35.7% (n=613) of all positive individuals of the sample. The most likely cluster was in the North (cluster 1) and overlapped regions with very low and low SDI. Clusters 2 and 3 were in the West and overlapping regions with low and very low SDI, respectively. The highest values of relative risks were in cluster 1 for CHIKV (1.97), in cluster 2 for ZIKV (1.58), and in cluster 3 for CHIKV (1.44). Regarding outcomes in the clusters, the Flavivirus had the highest frequency in clusters 1, 2, and 3 (42.83%, 54.46%, and 52.08%, respectively). CONCLUSION We found an over-risk for arboviruses in areas with the worst socioeconomic conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Moreover, the highest concentration of people negative for arboviruses occurred in areas considered to have better living conditions.

National health surveys: overview of sampling techniques and data collected using complex designs / Encuestas nacionales de salud: descripción general de las técnicas de muestreo y los datos recopilados por diseños complejos / Inquéritos nacionais de saúde: visão geral sobre técnicas de amostragem e dados coletados por desenhos complexos

Abstract This article aimed to present an overview of national health surveys, sampling techniques, and components of statistical analysis of data collected using complex sampling designs. Briefly, surveys aimed at assessing the nutritional status of Brazilians and maternal and child health care were described. Surveys aimed at investigating access to and use of health services and funding, those aimed at surveillance of chronic noncommunicable diseases and associated behaviors, and those focused on risk practices regarding sexually transmitted infections were also addressed. Health surveys through social networks, including online networks, deserved specific attention in the study. The conclusion is that the development of health surveys in Brazil, in different areas and using different sampling methodologies, has contributed enormously to the advancement of knowledge and to the formulation of public policies aimed at the health and well-being of the Brazilian population.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar una descripción de las encuestas nacionales de salud, las técnicas de muestreo y los componentes del análisis estadístico de diseños de muestreo complejos. Brevemente, se describieron encuestas destinadas a evaluar el estado nutricional y la atención a la salud materno-infantil. También se abordaron las encuestas dirigidas a investigar el acceso y uso de los servicios de salud y el financiamiento, las dirigidas a la vigilancia de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y comportamientos asociados, y las enfocadas a las prácticas de riesgo para las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Las encuestas de salud a través de las redes sociales, incluidas las virtuales, merecieron atención específica en el estudio. Se concluye que el desarrollo de encuestas de salud en Brasil ha contribuido enormemente para el avance del conocimiento y para la formulación de políticas públicas dirigidas a la salud y el bienestar de la población brasileña.

Resumo O artigo teve por finalidade apresentar um panorama dos inquéritos nacionais de saúde, técnicas de amostragem e componentes da análise estatística de dados coletados por desenhos complexos de amostragem. Foram descritos, brevemente, os inquéritos dirigidos à avaliação do estado nutricional dos brasileiros e da atenção à saúde materno-infantil. Inquéritos voltados à investigação do acesso, utilização dos serviços e financiamento da saúde, aqueles dedicados à vigilância das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e comportamentos associados e os focados nas práticas de risco às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis foram também abordados. As pesquisas de saúde por redes sociais, incluindo as virtuais, mereceram atenção específica. Conclui-se que o desenvolvimento de inquéritos de saúde no Brasil, em diferentes áreas e por distintas metodologias de amostragem, contribuiu enormemente para o avanço do conhecimento e a formulação de políticas públicas dirigidas à saúde e bem-estar da população brasileira.

Perfil epidemiológico e distribuição espacial dos casos de hanseníase na Paraíba / Epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of leprosy cases in Paraíba

Resumo Introdução A hanseníase se apresenta de forma heterogênea, o que requer o reconhecimento do perfil e distribuição espacial para a efetivação de ações de controle. Objetivo Descrever o perfil epidemiológico e a distribuição espacial dos casos de hanseníase na Paraíba. Método Estudo ecológico, de base secundária e abordagem quantitativa. Os loci do estudo foram os 223 municípios do estado. Os dados foram coletados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação/Hanseníase correspondentes ao período de 2015 a 2019. Utilizou-se de estatística descritiva e análise espacial com auxílio do software R. Resultados Foram analisados 3.218 casos para o perfil epidemiológico e 3.212 para a análise espacial. Verificou-se maior registro no ano de 2019 (n=778;24,2%); no sexo masculino (n=1.783; 55,5%); faixa etária 40 a 59 anos (n=1.236; 38,4%); classificação multibacilar (n=2.095; 65,2%); forma dimorfa (n= 970; 30,2%), e grau de incapacidade física 0 (n=1.611; 50,2%). Identificaram-se 171 (76,7%) municípios que notificaram casos, e houve detecção de conglomerados simples e compostos envolvendo 31 municípios, situados mais ao Leste e Oeste do estado. Conclusão Ressalta-se que a hanseníase permanece com cadeia de transmissão ativa na Paraíba e com distribuição geográfica heterogênea, reafirmando a importância de planejar e executar ações de controle mais resolutivas.

Abstract Background Leprosy presents itself heterogeneously, which requires the recognition of profile and spatial distribution for the effectuation of control actions. Objective To describe the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of leprosy cases in the Paraíba, Brazil. Method Ecological study on a secondary basis with a quantitative approach. The study site was the 223 municipalities in the state of Paraíba. The data were collected in the Notifiable Diseases Information System/Leprosy for the period from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive statistics and spatial analysis were used with the aid of the R software. Results 3,218 cases were analyzed for the epidemiological profile and 3,212 for the spatial analysis. There was a greater record in the year of 2019 (n = 778;24.2%); in males (n = 1,783; 55.5%); age group 40 to 59 years (n = 1,236; 38.4%); multibacillary classification (n = 2,095; 65.2%); dysmorphic form (n = 970; 30.2%); and degree of physical disability 0 (n = 1,611; 50.2%). 171 (76.7%) municipalities that reported cases were identified, and simple and compound conglomerates were detected involving 31 municipalities located further east and west of the state. Conclusion It should be noted that leprosy remains an active transmission chain in Paraíba and has a heterogeneous geographic distribution, reaffirming the importance of planning and executing more resolute control actions.

Insights on the terminology and on some pathophysiological aspects of cluster headache and related conditions / Insights sobre a terminologia e alguns aspectos fisiopatológicos da cefaléia em salvas e condições relacionadas

Introduction: Cluster headache and the more recently reported "related conditions",namely Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Short lasting, unilateral, Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT) Syndrome and (possibly also) Hemicrania Continua, are one of the fascinating groups of conditions in Neurology whose cardinal features are the almost absolute unilaterality of pain, its excruciating severity, besides the prominent mainly facial autonomic disturbances and overall the intriguing biorhythmicity. Beyond any doubt, the progress of our knowledge about the mechanisms of these conditions has been considerable, but there is always room for reflection on where we are and where we can go. Objective: The objectives of the present study are to analyze the metrics of publications on the pathophysiology of these conditions, to explore in detail how proper the term "Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgia" is, and to comment on their numerous synonyms. Comment: Much is needed to know the exact structures and circuitry involved in the pathophysiology of these conditions; accordingly, a non-compromising and just descriptive term might be useful. Along this line of reasoning and bearing in mind the cardinal points of such conditions, namely, pain in the trigeminal territory, prominent autonomic symptoms, prominent chronobiological features, and the excruciating character of the pain, a terminological possibility would be: Unilateral with Prominent Rhythmicity and Autonomic Symptoms Excrutiating Cephalgia (UPRASEC).

Introdução: Cefaleia em salvas e as "condições relacionadas" relatadas mais recentemente, nomeadamente Hemicrania Paroxística Crónica, Cefaleia Neuralgiforme unilateral de curta duração com Síndrome de Injecção e Lacrimejamento Conjuntival (SUNCT) e (possivelmente também) Hemicrania Continua, são um dos grupos fascinantes de condições em Neurologia cujas características cardinais são a unilateralidade quase absoluta da dor, sua gravidade excruciante, além dos proeminentes distúrbios autonômicos principalmente faciais e, em geral, da intrigante biorritmicidade. Sem dúvida, o progresso do nosso conhecimento sobre os mecanismos destas condições tem sido considerável, mas há sempre espaço para reflexão sobre onde estamos e para onde podemos ir. Objetivo: Os objetivos do presente estudo são analisar as métricas das publicações sobre a fisiopatologia dessas condições, explorar detalhadamente o quão adequado é o termo "Cefalgia Autonômica Trigeminal" e comentar seus numerosos sinônimos. Comentário: É necessário muito conhecimento das estruturas e circuitos exatos envolvidos na fisiopatologia dessas condições; consequentemente, um termo não comprometedor e apenas descritivo pode ser útil. Nessa linha de raciocínio e tendo em mente os pontos cardeais de tais condições, a saber, dor no território trigêmeo, sintomas autonômicos proeminentes, características cronobiológicas proeminentes e o caráter excruciante da dor, uma possibilidade terminológica seria: Unilateral com Ritmicidade Proeminente e sintomas autonômicos excruciantes da cefalgia (UPRASEC).

Análise de variáveis com potencial discriminante para classificação de escolas médicas / Analysis of discriminant variables for classification of medical schools

Resumo: Introdução: Este estudo metodológico pretendeu identificar em qual medida um conjunto de variáveis características de escolas médicas possui capacidade discriminante na classificação dos cursos por meio da análise de agrupamento. Nas últimas décadas, houve um aumento expressivo do número de vagas ofertadas para cursos médicos. Esse advento impôs desafios para os programas de avaliação, tanto pela necessidade de expandir o processo como pela necessidade de implantação de novos indicadores de qualidade. Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo propor técnicas de análise para aprimorar a capacidade discriminante na classificação de cursos médicos mediante variáveis objetivas relacionadas a aspectos estruturais e operacionais que possam ser incorporadas aos métodos já utilizados. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, analítico-metodológico e quantitativo que utilizou dados dos cursos médicos de São Paulo, em dezembro de 2020. Foi realizada análise por agrupamentos hierárquico e não hierárquico dos cursos para identificar variáveis com capacidade discriminante em busca de padrões que cooperem para a classificação das escolas médicas. As variáveis estudadas foram: início do curso, carga horária, regime letivo, metodologia, hospital universitário, categoria administrativa da instituição e gratuidade. Para a construção dos agrupamentos, adotaram-se o método de Ward e a distância euclidiana para estimar a discriminação entre os grupos. No agrupamento não hierárquico, a definição da quantidade de grupos foi determinada pela análise da diminuição da variância. Avaliou-se a correlação entre as variáveis por meio de mapas de calor. Resultado: As análises de agrupamento mostraram a existência de três grupos de escolas médicas por similaridade: um grupo composto por escolas mais antigas e com maior carga horária, e, nos outros dois, consideraram-se as escolas não gratuitas sem hospital universitário, diferenciando-se pela idade das escolas. Além disso, as correlações reforçaram que as variáveis adotadas cooperavam para a discriminabilidade entre grupos. Há reconhecida heterogeneidade entre os cursos de graduação no Brasil, e esse dado também se aplica aos cursos médicos que impõem desafios metodológicos para os processos de avaliação estabelecidos. Entretanto, a inclusão de variáveis requer métodos capazes de refinar a capacidade discriminante da análise. Conclusão: A análise aqui proposta mostrou-se capaz de identificar grupos de escolas médicas por meio de indicadores objetivos e pode auxiliar o processo de avaliação das escolas médicas.

Abstract: Introduction: This is a methodological study that aims to identify the extent to which a set of variables characteristic of medical schools have a discriminating capacity to classify the courses through cluster analysis. In the last two decades, there has been a significant increase of vacancies in medical courses. This advent has posed challenges for evaluation programs, both because of the need to expand the evaluation process and the need to implement new quality indicators. Objective: To propose analysis techniques to improve the discriminating capacity to classify medical courses through variables related to structural, operational, and objective aspects that can be incorporated into the already used methods. Method: Descriptive, analytical-methodological, quantitative study that used data from existing medical courses in December 2020, in the state of São Paulo. Analysis by hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering of courses was performed to identify the discriminating elements that provide standards that cooperate for the classification of medical schools. The studied variables were: course start, workload, academic regime, methodology, University-Hospital, administrative category of the institution, gratuity. For the construction of the clusters, the Ward method and the Euclidean distance were used to estimate the discrimination between the groups. In the non-hierarchical clustering, the definition of the number of groups was determined by the analysis of the decrease in variance. The correlation between the variables was also evaluated through heatmaps. Results: The cluster analysis showed the existence of three groups of medical schools by similarity, with one group consisting of older schools with greater workload, and the other two consisting of private schools without a university-hospital, differing by the course time. Furthermore, the correlations reinforced that the adopted variables cooperated for the discriminability between the groups. Discussion: There is a known heterogeneity among undergraduate courses in Brazil and this also applies to medical courses, which poses methodological challenges for the established assessment processes. However, the inclusion of variables requires methods capable of refining the discriminant capacity of the analysis. Conclusion: The analysis proposed here proved to be capable of identifying groups of medical schools through objective indicators that can support the evaluation process of medical schools.

Characteristics of individuals with moderate to severe asthma who better respond to aerobic training: a cluster analysis / Características de indivíduos com asma moderada a grave que melhor respondem a treinamento aeróbio: análise de conglomerados

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the characteristics of individuals with asthma who are responsive to aerobic training. Methods: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from previous randomized controlled trials involved 101 individuals with moderate to severe asthma who underwent aerobic training. Participants underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and completed the Asthma Control Questionnaire and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire before and after a 24-session aerobic training program. Better and worse responders to aerobic training were identified by cluster analysis. Results: Two clusters were identified according to the improvement in peak VO2 after aerobic training (better and worse responders). Characteristics of the better responder group were being older, being female, having higher BMI, and having higher cardiac reserve at baseline when compared with the worse responder group. Also, better responders had worse clinical control, worse quality of life, and lower physical capacity at baseline. After training, worse responders, in comparison with better responders, showed half the improvement in Δpeak VO2 (7.4% vs. 13.6%; 95% CI, −12.1 to −0.92%; p < 0.05) and worse asthma control. A weak, negative, but significant association (r = −0.35; p < 0.05) was observed between clinical control and aerobic fitness only in the better responder group. Both groups showed significant improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: Obese individuals with worse exercise capacity, clinical control, and quality of life showed improvement with aerobic training. Moreover, worse responders also improved with training, but to a lesser extent.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar as características de indivíduos com asma responsivos a treinamento aeróbio. Métodos: Esta análise post hoc de dados agrupados provenientes de ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados anteriores envolveu 101 indivíduos com asma moderada a grave submetidos a treinamento aeróbico. Os participantes foram submetidos a um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar máximo e responderam ao Asthma Control Questionnaire e ao Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire antes e depois de um programa de treinamento aeróbio de 24 sessões. Melhores e piores respondedores ao treinamento aeróbio foram identificados por análise de conglomerados. Resultados: Foram identificados dois conglomerados de acordo com a melhora do VO2 de pico após o treinamento aeróbio (melhores e piores respondedores). As características do grupo melhor respondedor foram maior idade, sexo feminino, IMC mais elevado e maior reserva cardíaca basal em comparação com o grupo pior respondedor. Os melhores respondedores também apresentavam pior controle clínico, pior qualidade de vida e menor capacidade física basal. Após o treinamento, os piores respondedores, em comparação com os melhores respondedores, apresentaram metade da melhora no ΔVO2 de pico (7,4% vs. 13,6%; IC95%: -12,1 a -0,92%; p < 0,05) e pior controle da asma. Observou-se uma associação negativa fraca, mas significativa (r = −0,35; p < 0,05) entre controle clínico e aptidão aeróbia apenas no grupo melhor respondedor. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora significativa da qualidade de vida. Conclusões: Os indivíduos obesos com pior capacidade de exercício, controle clínico e qualidade de vida apresentaram melhora com o treinamento aeróbio. Além disso, os piores respondedores também melhoraram com o treinamento, mas em menor grau.

Class-imbalance Prediction and High-dimensional Risk Factor Identification of Adverse Reactions of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Centralized Monitoring in Real-world Hospitals / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo achieve high-dimensional prediction of class imbalanced of adverse drug reaction（ADR） of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） and to classify and identify risk factors affecting the occurrence of ADR based on the post-marketing safety data of TCM monitored centrally in real world hospitals. MethodThe ensemble clustering resampling combined with regularized Group Lasso regression was used to perform high-dimensional balancing of ADR class-imbalanced data， and then to integrate the balanced datasets to achieve ADR prediction and the risk factor identification by category. ResultA practical example study of the proposed method on a monitoring data of TCM injection performed that the accuracy of the ADR prediction， the prediction sensitivity， the prediction specificity and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve（AUC） were all above 0.8 on the test set. Meanwhile， 40 risk factors affecting the occurrence of ADR were screened out from total 600 high-dimensional variables. And the effect of risk factors on the occurrence of ADR was identified by classification weighting. The important risk factors were classified as follows：past history， medication information， name of combined drugs， disease status， number of combined drugs and personal data. ConclusionIn the real world data of rare ADR with a large amount of clinical variables， this paper realized accurate ADR prediction on high-dimensional and class imbalanced condition， and classified and identified the key risk factors and their clinical significance of categories， so as to provide risk early warning for clinical rational drug use and combined drug use， as well as scientific basis for reevaluation of safety of post-marketing TCM.