COVID-19 Computed tomography patterns in renal replacement therapy patients / Padrões de tomografia computadorizada da COVID-19 em pacientes em terapia renal substitutiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lung diseases are common in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), making differential diagnosis with COVID-19 a challenge. This study describes pulmonary chest tomography (CT) findings in hospitalized ESKD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with clinical suspicion of COVID-19. Methods: ESKD individuals referred to emergency department older than 18 years with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 were recruited. Epidemiological baseline clinical information was extracted from electronic health records. Pulmonary CT was classified as typical, indeterminate, atypical or negative. We then compared the CT findings of positive and negative COVID-19 patients. Results: We recruited 109 patients (62.3% COVID-19-positive) between March and December 2020, mean age 60 ± 12.5 years, 43% female. The most common etiology of ESKD was diabetes. Median time on dialysis was 36 months, interquartile range = 12-84. The most common pulmonary lesion on CT was ground glass opacities. Typical CT pattern was more common in COVID-19 patients (40 (61%) vs 0 (0%) in non-COVID-19 patients, p < 0.001). Sensitivity was 60.61% (40/66) and specificity was 100% (40/40). Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 62.3%, respectively. Atypical CT pattern was more frequent in COVID-19-negative patients (9 (14%) vs 24 (56%) in COVID-19-positive, p < 0.001), while the indeterminate pattern was similar in both groups (13 (20%) vs 6 (14%), p = 0.606), and negative pattern was more common in COVID-19-negative patients (4 (6%) vs 12 (28%), p = 0.002). Conclusions: In hospitalized ESKD patients on RRT, atypical chest CT pattern cannot adequately rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19.

RESUMO Introdução: Doenças pulmonares são comuns em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET), dificultando o diagnóstico diferencial com COVID-19. Este estudo descreve achados de tomografia computadorizada de tórax (TC) em pacientes com DRET em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) hospitalizados com suspeita de COVID-19. Métodos: Indivíduos maiores de 18 anos com DRET, encaminhados ao pronto-socorro com suspeita de COVID-19 foram incluídos. Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram extraídos de registros eletrônicos de saúde. A TC foi classificada como típica, indeterminada, atípica, negativa. Comparamos achados tomográficos de pacientes com COVID-19 positivos e negativos. Resultados: Recrutamos 109 pacientes (62,3% COVID-19-positivos) entre março e dezembro de 2020, idade média de 60 ± 12,5 anos, 43% mulheres. A etiologia mais comum da DRET foi diabetes. Tempo médio em diálise foi 36 meses, intervalo interquartil = 12-84. A lesão pulmonar mais comum foi opacidades em vidro fosco. O padrão típico de TC foi mais comum em pacientes com COVID-19 (40 (61%) vs. 0 (0%) em pacientes sem COVID-19, p < 0,001). Sensibilidade 60,61% (40/66), especificidade 100% (40/40). Valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram 100% e 62,3%, respectivamente. Padrão atípico de TC foi mais frequente em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (9 (14%) vs. 24 (56%) em COVID-19-positivos, p < 0,001), enquanto padrão indeterminado foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (13 (20%) vs. 6 (14%), p = 0,606), e padrão negativo foi mais comum em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (4 (6%) vs. 12 (28%), p = 0,002). Conclusões: Em pacientes com DRET em TRS hospitalizados, um padrão atípico de TC de tórax não pode excluir adequadamente o diagnóstico de COVID-19.

Infiltração resinosa em lesões brancas cariosas e não cariosas: relato de casos / Infiltración resinosa em lesiones blancas cariosas y no cariosas: Reporte de Casos / Resinous infiltration in carious and non-carious white lesions: Case Reports

Introdução: O processo de desmineralização proveniente da cárie leva à formação de manchas brancas que são a primeira manifestação visível da doença. Os infiltrantes resinosos surgem como uma alternativa para o tratamento dessas lesões não cavitadas, pois sãoresinas de baixa viscosidade e faz parte dos procedimentos que visam uma odontologia menos invasiva. Objetivo: Este estudo objetiva relatar a experiência clínica no uso de infiltrante resinoso, Icon, em lesões de mancha branca de etiologias cariosa e não cariosa em dois pacientes distintos, insatisfeitos com a estética do seu sorriso. Descrição do caso: Ao exame clínico foi observado nos pacientes com lesões brancas. No primeiro paciente, de 14 anos, verificou-se a presença da atividade de cárie e micro cavitações. Dessa forma, o plano de tratamento perpassou orientação de higiene oral supervisionada, aplicação de verniz fluoretado, Enamelast, semanal, adequação do meio com restaurações em resina, e só então o uso do infiltrante. A segunda paciente, de 11 anos, já possuía saúde bucal adequada e tinha queixa estética devido à lesão branca não cariosa, hipoplasia, cujo plano de tratamento foi à utilização do Icon apenas. Conclusões: Nos dois casos obteve-se melhoria estética considerável com este procedimento microinvasivo. Melhoria na saúde bucal, aliado à devolução da estética, pode ser observada com o uso de infiltrantes resinosos (AU).

Introduction: The process of demineralization resulting from caries leads to the formation of white spots that are the first visible manifestation of the disease. Resin infiltrants appear as an alternative for the treatment of these non-cavitated lesions, since they are low viscosity resins and are part of the procedures that aim at a less invasive dentistry.Objective:This study aims to report the clinical experience in the use of a resin infiltrant, Icon,in white spot lesions of carious and non-carious etiologies in two different patients who were dissatisfied with the esthetics of their smiles.Methodology: On clinical examination, white lesions were observed in both patients. In the first patient,14 years old,the presence of caries activity and micro cavitations was verified. Thus, the treatment plan included supervised oral hygiene guidance, weekly application of fluoride varnish,Enamelast, adaptation of the environment with resin restorations, and, onlythen, the use of the infiltrant, Icon. The second patient, 11 years old,already had adequate oral health and had an esthetic complaint due to a non-carious white lesion, hypoplasia, whose treatment plan consisted of the use of Icon only.Conclusions:In both cases considerable esthetic improvement was obtained with this microinvasive procedure. Improvement in oral health, combined with the return of esthetics, can be observed with the use of resin infiltrants (AU).

Introducción: El proceso de desmineralización resultante de la caries conduce a la formación de manchas blancas, que son la primera manifestación visible de la enfermedad. Losinfiltrantes de resina aparecen como una alternativa para el tratamiento de estas lesiones no cavitadas, pues se tratan de resinas de baja viscosidad y forman parte de los procedimientos que buscan una odontología menos invasiva. Objetivo:Este estudio tiene como objetivo relatar la experiencia clínica en el uso del infiltrante de resina,Iconen lesiones de mancha blanca de etiologías cariosas y no cariosas en dos pacientes diferentes, insatisfechos con la estética de sus sonrisas.Metodología: En el examen clínico se observaron lesiones blancas en ambos pacientes. En el primer paciente, 14 añosse verificó la presencia de actividad de caries y micro cavitaciones. De ese modo, el plan de tratamiento incluyó la orientación supervisada de la higiene bucal,la aplicación semanal de barniz de flúor (Enamelast), la adaptación del entorno con restauraciones de resina y, sólo después, el uso del infiltrante,Icon. La segunda paciente, 11 años,ya tenía una salud bucal adecuada y presentaba una queja estética debido a una lesión blanca no cariosa, hipoplasia, cuyo plan de tratamiento fue el uso exclusivo de Icon. Conclusiones: En ambos casos, se consiguió una mejora estética considerable con este procedimiento microinvasivo. La mejora de la salud bucal, unida a la recuperación de la estética, puede observarse con el uso de infiltrantes de resina (AU).

Medical and forensic aspects of performing a remote interrogation of persons with disabilities / Aspectos médicos y forenses de la realización de un interrogatorio a distancia a personas con discapacidad / Aspectos médicos e forenses da realização de um interrogatório remoto de pessoas com deficiências

The purpose of the study is to develop new proposals for improving criminal procedural legislation in the field of conducting remote investigative actions with disabled persons, taking into account their physiological and functional characteristics. Research material and methods: This study is based on an analysis of the norms regarding the criminal procedural legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a number of foreign states that regulate the procedure for conducting remote investigative actions - as well as scientific publications on the research topic in the field of psychology and medicine. An integrated approach involves considering the studied phenomena of communication during an investigative action as a set of interconnected and interdependent elements, i.e., consideration of the issue from the medical, psychological and legal points of view. Situational and systemic types of analysis, complex sociological analysis, diagnostics and forecasting investigative situation were also used. Methods of analysis and synthesis, induction, deduction, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were employed to clarify the legal essence of the studied phenomenon. Findings: practical recommendations aimed at improving and developing the performance of remote investigative actions involving persons with disabilities (further ­ FWDs) y creating optimal conditions for the transfer of verbal, medical, and psychological information, as well as technical and forensic support for conducting RIAs. The following conclusions were made: in order to improve the current legislation, it is advisable to consider the issue of developing and including a special norm in the legislation, taking into account the characteristics of the communicative competencies of persons with disabilities. This norm regulates the procedure for conducting investigative actions involving the mute, deaf, blind and other persons with disabilities.

El objetivo del estudio es elaborar nuevas propuestas de mejora de la legislación procesal penal en el ámbito de la realización de actuaciones de investigación a distancia con personas con discapacidad, teniendo en cuenta sus características fisiológicas y funcionales. Material y métodos de investigación: Este estudio se basa en un análisis de las normas relativas a la legislación procesal penal de la República de Kazajstán y de una serie de Estados extranjeros que regulan el procedimiento para llevar a cabo acciones de investigación a distancia -, así como publicaciones científicas sobre el tema de investigación en el campo de la psicología y la medicina. Un enfoque integrado implica considerar los fenómenos estudiados de comunicación durante una acción de investigación como un conjunto de elementos interconectados e interdependientes, es decir, considerar la cuestión desde los puntos de vista médico, psicológico y jurídico. También se utilizaron los tipos de análisis situacional y sistémico, el análisis sociológico complejo, el diagnóstico y la previsión de la situación de investigación. Se emplearon métodos de análisis y síntesis, inducción, deducción, métodos de análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo para aclarar la esencia jurídica del fenómeno estudiado. Conclusiones: recomendaciones prácticas destinadas a mejorar y desarrollar la realización de acciones de investigación a distancia en las que participen personas con discapacidad (en adelante - RIA) y crear condiciones óptimas para la transferencia de información verbal, médica y psicológica, así como apoyo técnico y forense para la realización de las RIA. Se llegó a las siguientes conclusiones:con el fin de mejorar la legislación actual, es aconsejable considerar la cuestión de desarrollar e incluir una norma especial en la legislación, teniendo en cuenta las características de las competencias comunicativas de las personas con discapacidad. Esta norma regula el procedimiento para llevar a cabo acciones de investigación en las que estén implicadas personas mudas, sordas, ciegas y otras personas con discapacidad.

O objetivo do estudo é desenvolver novas propostas para aprimorar a legislação processual penal no campo da realização de ações investigativas remotas com pessoas com deficiência, levando em conta suas características fisiológicas e funcionais. Material e métodos de pesquisa: Este estudo baseia-se em uma análise das normas relativas à legislação processual penal da República do Cazaquistão e de vários países estrangeiros que regulamentam o procedimento para a realização de ações investigativas remotas, bem como em publicações científicas sobre o tópico de pesquisa no campo da psicologia e da medicina. Uma abordagem integrada envolve a consideração dos fenômenos estudados de comunicação durante uma ação investigativa como um conjunto de elementos interconectados e interdependentes, ou seja, a consideração da questão dos pontos de vista médico, psicológico e jurídico. Também foram usados tipos de análise situacional e sistêmica, análise sociológica complexa, diagnóstico e previsão da situação investigativa. Métodos de análise e síntese, indução, dedução, métodos de análise qualitativa e quantitativa foram empregados para esclarecer a essência legal do fenômeno estudado. Resultados: recomendações práticas com o objetivo de aprimorar e desenvolver o desempenho de ações investigativas remotas envolvendo pessoas com deficiência (mais adiante - FWDs), criando condições ideais para a transferência de informações verbais, médicas e psicológicas, bem como suporte técnico e forense para a realização de RIAs. Foram feitas as seguintes conclusões: para aprimorar a legislação atual, é aconselhável considerar a questão do desenvolvimento e da inclusão de uma norma especial na legislação, levando em conta as características das competências comunicativas das pessoas com deficiência. Essa norma regulamenta o procedimento para conduzir ações investigativas envolvendo pessoas mudas, surdas, cegas e outras pessoas com deficiência.

Ciclismo recreacional e mobilidade urbana: análise das motivações dos ciclistas de Blumenau/SC / Urban mobility: an analysis of the motivations of cyclists in Blumenau/SC

A motivação é um fenômeno complexo que impulsiona as ações humanas. O diagnóstico de tais interesses oferece elementos de reflexão para a promoção de atividades e a implementação de políticas públicas. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar as motivações dos praticantes de ciclismo recreacional de Blumenau/SC, município com uma população de 363 mil habitantes e uma malha cicloviária de 137 quilômetros. A coleta dos dados empíricos da pesquisa ocorreu por meio da aplicação de um questionário. Ao final, obteve-se uma amostra de 304 respondentes. Os resultados do estudo indicam a motivação para as atividades físicas ocupa papel central na relação com outros fatores de interesse, contribuindo para a superação de aspectos eventualmente desencorajadores. Em contrapartida, praticantes que têm outras motivações, como a interação social e o desenvolvimento pessoal, dependem mais de estímulos encorajadores, o que sugere que em tais casos existe a necessidade de maior incentivo para a prática do ciclismo recreacional. As conclusões deste estudo são relevantes para planejadores urbanos e gestores de comunicação. Ao mensurar a pertinência de causas motivadoras e desmotivadoras do ciclismo, os resultados da pesquisa indicam a importância de investir em infraestrutura adequada como a expansão da rede cicloviária e a criação de campanhas de divulgação, a fim de promover a bicicleta como meio de transporte e/ou recreação.

Motivation is a complex phenomenon that drives human actions. Diagnosing these interests provides elements for reflection in promoting activities and implementing public policies. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the motivations of recreational cyclists in Blumenau, SC (Brazil), a city with a population of 363,000 inhabitants and a cycling network of 137 kilometers. Empirical data for the research were collected through a questionnaire. Ultimately, a sample of 304 respondents was obtained. The study's results indicate that motivation for physical activities plays a central role in the relationship with other factors of interest, contributing to overcoming potentially discouraging aspects. Conversely, individuals motivated by other factors, such as social interaction and personal development, rely more on encouraging stimuli, suggesting that in such cases there's a need for greater incentives for recreational cycling. The conclusions of this study are relevant for urban planners and communication managers. By assessing the relevance of motivating and demotivating factors in cycling, the research results underscore the importance of investing in appropriate infrastructure, such as expanding the cycling network and launching promotional campaigns, to promote cycling as a means of transportation and/or recreation.

Os jovens e suas práticas de lazer: um olhar diante os decretos da PBH / Young people and their leisure practices: a look at the PBH Decree

O vírus da Covid-19 afetou de diversas formas a população mundial e, com isso, surgiu a necessidade da implementação de medidas sanitárias para evitar sua propagação. Em Belo Horizonte, essas medidas vieram por meio de decretos municipais, que proibiram o funcionamento de serviços considerados não essenciais. A partir desse momento, os jovens acostumados a frequentar bares, festas, shoppings ­ lugares que geram intensa aglomeração ­ se depararam com uma situação inusitada, sendo obrigados a adaptarem suas práticas à rotina do lar. Com o intuito de compreender melhor essas mudanças, realizamos um estudo que analisa os impactos da pandemia nas práticas de lazer desses jovens. Por meio de um questionário aplicado em diversos pontos de lazer da cidade, conseguimos observar como as práticas de lazer dos jovens foram afetadas pela pandemia. Esses resultados enfatizam a importância da adaptabilidade e resiliência dos jovens diante novos desafios.

The Covid-19 virus has affected the global population in various ways, leading to the need for the implementation of sanitary measures to prevent its spread. In Belo Horizonte, these measures came through municipal decrees, which banned the operation of non-essential services. From that moment on, young people accustomed to frequenting bars, parties, and malls ­ places that generate intense crowding ­ found themselves in an unusual situation, being forced to adapt their practices to home life. In order to better understand these changes, we conducted a study analyzing the impacts of the pandemic on the leisure practices of these young people. Through a questionnaire applied at various leisure points in the city, we were able to observe how the leisure practices of young people were affected by the pandemic. These results emphasize the importance of adaptability and resilience of young people in face of new challenges.

Automatic detection and classification of disease in citrus fruit and leaves using a customized CNN based model / Detección y clasificación automática de enfermedades en frutas y hojas de cítricos utilizando un modelo basado en CNN personalizado

India's commercial advancement and development depend heavily on agriculture. A common fruit grown in tropical settings is citrus. A professional judgment is required while analyzing an illness because different diseases have slight variati ons in their symptoms. In order to recognize and classify diseases in citrus fruits and leaves, a customized CNN - based approach that links CNN with LSTM was developed in this research. By using a CNN - based method, it is possible to automatically differenti ate from healthier fruits and leaves and those that have diseases such fruit blight, fruit greening, fruit scab, and melanoses. In terms of performance, the proposed approach achieves 96% accuracy, 98% sensitivity, 96% Recall, and an F1 - score of 92% for ci trus fruit and leave identification and classification and the proposed method was compared with KNN, SVM, and CNN and concluded that the proposed CNN - based model is more accurate and effective at identifying illnesses in citrus fruits and leaves.

El avance y desarrollo comercial de India dependen en gran medida de la agricultura. Un tipo de fruta comunmente cultivada en en tornos tropicales es el cítrico. Se requiere un juicio profesional al analizar una enfermedad porque diferentes enfermedades tienen ligeras variaciones en sus síntomas. Para reconocer y clasificar enfermedades en frutas y hojas de cítricos, se desarrolló e n esta investigación un enfoque personalizado basado en CNN que vincula CNN con LSTM. Al utilizar un método basado en CNN, es posible diferenciar automáticamente entre frutas y hojas más saludables y aquellas que tienen enfermedades como la plaga de frutas , el verdor de frutas, la sarna de frutas y las melanosis. En términos de desempeño, el enfoque propuesto alcanza una precisión del 96%, una sensibilidad del 98%, una recuperación del 96% y una puntuación F1 del 92% para la identificación y clasificación d e frutas y hojas de cítricos, y el método propuesto se comparó con KNN, SVM y CNN y se concluyó que el modelo basado en CNN propuesto es más preciso y efectivo para identificar enfermedades en frutas y hojas de cítricos.

Tendência das taxas de internação por complicações de Diabetes Mellitus na população do município de Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2011 a 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a tendência das taxas de internação por complicações de Diabetes Mellitus na população de Macaé-Rio de Janeiro, 2011-2021. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais das taxas de internação por complicações de Diabetes Mellitus na população de Macaé em 2011-2021. Os dados foram obtidos através do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares da plataforma do Datasus. Os modelos de regressão Joinpoint foram utilizados para estimar a tendência da taxa de internação. Resultados: A taxa de internação por complicações de Diabetes Mellitus por ano, de modo geral, foi maior no ano de 2016 e menor taxa no ano de 2020. Entre 2017 e 2021, verificou-seuma tendência significativa decrescente de -19,71% (Intervalo de Confiança -36,71; -9,73) das taxas de internação por complicações de Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusão: Houve uma redução acentuada nas taxas durante a pandemia, o que pode ser devido à subnotificação no registro de internações

Barreras para una alimentación saludable: un análisis cualitativo de las semánticas emergentes en las comunidades escolares de Ciudad Sur

La literatura ha hecho hincapié en la centralidad que cumplen los entornos alimentarios en las elecciones alimentarias y en el estado nutricional de la población. Objetivo: identificar las percepciones de padres, madres y apoderados, profesionales de establecimientos educacionales, funcionarios municipales, y feriantes pertenecientes a la zona sur de Santiago de Chile, respecto a las barreras y limitaciones de la puesta en práctica de una alimentación saludable en el ambiente alimentario escolar. Método: se realizaron seis grupos focales agrupando a 50 actores claves vinculados a los establecimientos educacionales de Ciudad Sur utilizando una muestra no probabilística. Se aplicó un análisis de contenido mediante la técnica de codificación temática buscando relevar los universos semánticos emergentes. Resultados: se identificaron nueve barreras, o semánticas, que caracterizan limitantes a la realización de la alimentación saludable en los entornos escolares desde la perspectiva de los participantes: la familia, kioscos escolares, la salida de los establecimientos escolares, gusto, determinantes socioeconómicos, política pública, falta de conocimiento, publicidad y disponibilidad de productos sin sellos. Conclusiones: las limitaciones asociadas al ambiente alimentario doméstico tienen una representación significativamente alta (47,9%) y contienen un carácter de responsabilización individual en su enunciación. Esta cultura explicativa es opuesta a la evidencia científica y académica respecto al funcionamiento de la conducta alimentaria, y a la centralidad de los ambientes alimentarios respecto a la facilitación u obstaculización del consumo de alimentos saludables o adecuados.

Literature has emphasized on food environments centrality in food choices and nutritional status. Objective: identify social perceptions of fathers, mothers and guardians, professionals from educational establishments, municipal officials, and stallholders belonging to the southern area of Santiago de Chile, regarding limitations of healthy diet implementation on school environments. Method: six focus groups were carried out grouping 50 key actors linked to educational establishments using a non-probabilistic sample. A content analysis was applied through thematic coding technique seeking to reveal emerging semantic universes. Results: Nine barriers, or semantics, were identified characterizing limitations to healthy eating habits in school environments: family, school kiosks, leaving school establishments, taste, socioeconomic determinants, public policy, lack of knowledge, publicity, and availability of products without seals. Conclusions: limitations associated with domestic food environment have a significantly high representation (47,9%) and contain an individualized responsibility feature. This explanatory culture is opposed to scientific and academic evidence regarding the functioning of eating behavior, and the centrality of food environments facilitating or hindering healthy food consumption.

Cardiovascular events associated with thalidomide and prednisone in leprosy type 2 reaction

Abstract Background: Thalidomide is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 leprosy reactions and is often associated with corticosteroids. The use of these drugs in multiple myeloma is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events, but there have been few studies assessing this risk in leprosy patients. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with multibacillary leprosy and their correlation with the use of thalidomide and prednisone. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy treated at the Dermatology Service between 2012 and 2022, using electronic medical records. Thromboembolic vascular events, both arterial and venous, including acute myocardial infarction, were considered. The main independent variable was the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone during follow-up. Results: A total of 89 patients were included, of which 19 used thalidomide and prednisone concomitantly. There were five cardiovascular events (26.3%), three of which of deep venous thrombosis. The combined use of medications was associated with the events (PR = 6.46 [3.92 to 10.65]; p<0.01). Study limitations: Small number of events, single-center retrospective study. Conclusion: The hypothesis of an association between cardiovascular events and the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone is supported, but more robust prospective studies are required for a better assessment.

Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles of Filipino patients with 6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency and their neurodevelopmental outcomes

Background@#Six-pyruvoyl-tetrahydrobiopterin synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder which results in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency causing hyperphenylalaninemia.@*Objective@#This study aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles, and neurologic and developmental outcomes of patients diagnosed with 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydrobiopterin (PTPS) deficiency through newborn screening and confirmed by BH4 loading test, pterin analysis, and gene sequencing who were following-up with the metabolic team.@*Methods@#The research was a single-center descriptive case series study design that was done at the Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary government hospital. The clinical, biochemical, radiologic profiles and neurodevelopmental evaluation of each patient were described.@*Results@#Nine patients from 1 year 2 months to 14 years 5 months of age were enrolled in the study. Clinical manifestations before treatment were hypotonia, poor suck, and seizure. The most common clinical manifestation even after treatment initiation was seizure. The mean phenylalanine level on newborn screening was 990.68 umol/L, but after treatment was started, mean levels ranged from 75.69 to 385.09 umol/L. Two of the patients had focal atrophy of the posterior lobe on brain imaging. Pathogenic variants on molecular analysis were all missense, with two predominant variants, c.155A>G and c.58T>C. Eight of the nine patients had varying degrees of developmental delay or intellectual disability, while the remaining patient had signs of a learning disorder. @*Conclusion@#Newborn screening has played a crucial role in the early identification and management of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia due to 6-PTPS deficiency. Confirmation of diagnosis through determination of DHPR activity, urine pterins and/or molecular analysis is necessary for appropriate management. However, despite early initiation of treatment, neurodevelopmental findings of patients with 6-PTPS deficiency were still unsatisfactory.

HIV screening among patients with newly diagnosed solid and hematologic malignancies in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines

Objectives@#This preliminary study determined the prevalence of HIV infection among patients with newly diagnosed solid and hematologic malignancies at the Philippine General Hospital - Cancer Institute. @*Methods@#Adult Filipinos aged 19 years and above with biopsy- or imaging-confirmed malignancy and for chemotherapy, seen at the adult medical oncology and hematology clinic from January to September 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a questionnaire. Rapid HIV screening was performed using blood extracted via finger prick. Pre- and post-test counselling were conducted. @*Results@#Of the 124 patients included in our study, majority were female (91, 73.4%), and 45 years old and above with a median age of 49 (20 – 74). Majority had solid tumors (121, 97.6%) with breast cancer being the most common (67, 54.0%) followed by colorectal (18, 14.5%), and head and neck cancer (14, 11.3%). Among those with hematologic malignancies, two had acute myelogenous leukemia and one had multiple myeloma. Six patients had AIDS-defining malignancies (NHL, cervical cancer). HIV risk factors and associated conditions were present in 18 patients (14.5%). Ten patients reported prior HIV testing. None of the patients tested positive for HIV. @*Conclusion@#The absence of HIV cases detected in our cohort may be due to the low prevalence of HIV risk factors and associated conditions. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend HIV testing among newlydiagnosed cancer patients. However, physicians are encouraged to offer HIV testing to cancer patients, especially to those with HIV risk factors, given the benefits of early detection and management of HIV.

Convalescent plasma as adjunctive therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19:The Co-CLARITY Trial

Background and Objective@#Convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) may reduce the risk of disease progression among patients with COVID-19. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CPT in preventing ICU admission among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.@*Methods@#In this open-label randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 in a 1:1 ratio to receive convalescent plasma as an adjunct to standard of care or standard of care alone. The primary endpoint was ICU admission within first 28 days of enrolment. Primary safety endpoints include rapid deterioration of respiratory or clinical status within four hours of convalescent plasma transfusion and cumulative incidence of serious adverse events during the study period including transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), severe allergic reactions, and transfusion-related infections.@*Results@#A total of 22 patients were assigned to receive convalescent plasma as an adjunct to standard of care and 22 to receive standard of care alone. The median time from onset of COVID-19 symptoms to study enrolment was eight days (IQR, 4 to 10). Two patients (9.1%) in the CPT group and one patient (4.5%) in the control group were admitted to the ICU. The primary outcome measure, ICU admission, was not different between the two groups (q-value >0.9). No patient who received convalescent plasma had rapid deterioration of respiratory/clinical status within four hours of transfusion and none developed TRALI, TACO, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions, or transfusion-related infections. There was also no significant difference in the secondary outcomes of 28-day mortality (two patients in the CPT group and none in the control group, q-value >0.90), dialysis-free days, vasopressor-free days, and ICU-free days.@*Conclusions@#Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, no significant differences were observed in the need for ICU admission between patients given CPT as adjunct to standard of care and those who received standard of care alone. Interpretation is limited by early termination of the trial which may have been underpowered to detect a clinically important difference.

A community prevalence study of Psychiatric Disorders in Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan

Objectives@#This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the sample population in a barangay in the City of Balanga, Bataan using the MINI International and Neuropsychiatric Interview and to describe the profile of those with psychiatric disorders based on sociodemographic and health characteristics.@*Methods@#This is a cross sectional study from Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan done in 2019. Systematic random sampling was done where all zones were included. Sample size was 432 households (with at least one adult per household) based on a level of significance of 5%. Data were obtained using the sociodemographic profile, health profile, MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview Screen and MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6 done through face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. @*Results@#Forty-four of the participants have a diagnosis of at least one psychiatric disorder (10.50%). Of these, the most common psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder (3.58%) followed by any psychotic disorder (1.91%) and generalized anxiety disorder (1.91%). Among the population, 3.10% have suicidal behavior. Psychiatric disorders are more common among women and people with low incomes. Among those with psychiatric disorders, mental health service utilization is low with only 4.55-6.82%. @*Conclusion@#This study reports for the first time the prevalence of psychiatric condition in a barangay in the City of Balanga, Bataan. Though the prevalence rate (10.50%) is low compared to other community data, the findings emphasize the need for strategies to promote mental disorder diagnosis and treatment. This study will influence and guide contextualized community mental health services and policies.

Translation, transcultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese and concurrent validity of the rheumatoid arthritis assessment scale (RAKAS-13/Brazil)

Abstract Background Knowledge of patients about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a necessary aspect to better approach self-management support in a patient-centered manner. The research instrument known as the Rheumatoid Arthritis Knowledge Assessment Scale (RAKAS), consisting of 13 items, is simple, reliable and reproducible, and can be applied in both clinical practice and research protocols. Objectives This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the RAKAS vocabulary into Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate its concurrent validity. Methods The RAKAS was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered to 52 elderly women with RA recruited between May 2021 and May 2022. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient between RAKAS and Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ). Results The participants considered RAKAS-13/BRAZIL easy to understand and did not report any doubts in answering the final version. Concurrent validity of the RAKAS-13/BRAZIL was low compared to the PKQ (ρ = 0.283, p = 0.038). Conclusion The Brazilian Portuguese version of the RAKAS (RAKAS-13/BRASIL) proved to be a questionnaire that was easy and quick to administer to assess patient knowledge about Rheumatoid Arthritis, despite its low correlation with the PKQ in the present study.

The impact of hospitalization on mortality in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: a medical records review study

Abstract Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD). This study evaluated the impact of hospitalization on mortality in an ethnically and racially diverse cohort of CTD-ILD patients. Methods We conducted a medical records review study at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. We included 96 patients and collected data on demographic characteristics, reasons for hospitalization, length of stay, immunosuppressant therapy use, and mortality. We stratified our patients into two cohorts: hospitalized and nonhospitalized. The hospitalized cohort was further subdivided into cardiopulmonary and non-cardiopulmonary admissions. Two-sample tests or Wilcoxon's rank sum tests for continuous variables and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were used for analyses as deemed appropriate. Results We identified 213 patients with CTD-ILD. Out of them, 96 patients met the study's inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were females (79%), and self-identified as Hispanic (54%) and Black (40%). The most common CTDs were rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (29%), inflammatory myositis (22%), and systemic sclerosis (15%). The majority (76%) of patients required at least one hospitalization. In the non-hospitalized group, no deaths were observed, however we noted significant increase of mortality risk in hospitalized group (p = 0.02). We also observed that prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days) as well as older age and male sex were associated with increased mortality. Conclusion Prolonged (> 7 days) hospital stay and hospitalization for cardiopulmonary causes, as well as older age and male sex were associated with an increased mortality risk in our cohort of CTD-ILD patients.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for neurotrophic corneal ulcers

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical results of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation as a treatment option for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers. Methods: This prospective study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, in the city of Curitiba, from May 2015 to July 2021. Patients underwent different surgical techniques in which the amniotic membrane was applied with the epithelium facing upward to promote corneal re-epithelialization. Results: The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 34-82 years), and 64% were men. The predominant etiology of corneal ulcers was herpes zoster (45% of cases). Approximately one-third of the patients (27%) were chronically using hypotensive eye drops, and more than half (54%) had previously undergone penetrating corneal transplantation. At the time of amniotic membrane transplantation, 18% of the eyes had corneal melting, 9% had corneal perforation, and the others had corneal ulceration without other associated complications (73%). The time between clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment ranged from 9 days to 2 years. The corrected visual acuity was worse than 20/400 in 90% of the patients preoperatively, with improvement in 36% after 3 months of the procedure, worsening in 18% and remaining stable in 36%. Of the patients, 81% complained of preoperative pain, and 66% of them reported total symptom relief after the surgical procedure. In one month, 54.6% of the patients presented a closure of epithelial defect, and half of the total group evolved with corneal thinning. The failure rate was 45.5% of the cases. Conclusion: Cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered a good alternative for treating refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers, as it resulted in significant improvement in pain (66%) and complete epithelial closure (60%) in many patients at 1 month postoperatively. Notably, the high failure rate highlights the need for further studies to identify patientand ulcer-related factors that may influence the outcomes of this procedure.

Hospitalization and mortality rates of malignant prostatic neoplasms in Brazil: A cross-sectional study from 2008 to 2018

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly prevalent condition among men worldwide, resulting in reduced quality of life and increased costs to health systems due to hospitalization and death. This study aimed to explore and understand the evolution of PCa in Brazil from 2008 to 2018. Data were obtained from the National Health System Department of Informatics (DATASUS) using code C61 for malignant prostatic neoplasms. We presented the hospitalization and mortality rates in a temporal-, regional- and age-dependent manner. From 2008 to 2018, a year-dependent increase in hospital admissions due to PCa was reported in Brazil, in which the Southeast region showed the highest prevalence. Men aged ≥80 and those 70-79 years old had similar hospitalization rates, followed by men aged 60-69, 50-59, 40-49 and 30-39 years old. Similarly, an increase in deaths due to PCa was reported during this period, with the highest rates seen in the Southeast. Men aged ≥80 years had higher mortality rates, followed by those aged 70-79, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49 and 30-39 years old. The results obtained indicate an age- and region-dependent increase in PCa morbidity and mortality in Brazil overtime and may contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role and future perspective of the health care system in Brazil.

Auditory training for tinnitus treatment: a scoping review

Abstract Objectives Our study aimed to verify the evidence of auditory training employed in the audiological treatment of tinnitus in adults and older adults. Methods Scoping review based on a search for articles in journals available in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), LILACS (BVS), and Cochrane Library. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were assessed by peers, following the eligibility criteria; they were afterward read in full text, and the references were hand searched in the results found. Studies' level of evidence was classified into very high (Level A+), high (Level A), moderate (Level B), limited (Level C), low (Level D), or very low (Level D−) based on the Critically Appraised Topics. Results 2160 records were identified in the searching stage and 15 studies were eligible for data extraction. Study design, sample characterization, auditory training tasks, sound stimuli, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Frequency discrimination training was the most frequent strategy, followed by auditory attentional skills training and multisensory training. Almost all studies with daily auditory training sessions reported significant benefits demonstrated in at least one outcome measure. Studies that used auditory discrimination training and attentional auditory skill stimulation to treat tinnitus obtained quality evidence levels ranging from limited to high (C‒A) and studies that applied multisensory training or attentional training combined with counseling and passive listening in tinnitus patients reached a high-quality evidence level (A). Conclusion Recent studies had higher levels of evidence and considered attentional factors and multisensory pathways in auditory training strategies.