Vítimas indiretas dos homicídios: impactos; apoio recebido e estratégias de superação / Indirect homicide victims: impacts, support received, and coping strategies

Resumo O Brasil tem apresentado elevado percentual de homicídio e mortes por intervenção legal. Este artigo faz parte de um estudo qualitativo de casos múltiplos sobre vítimas indiretas que perderam parentes por homicídio devido à ação de agentes de segurança e de policiais no Rio de Janeiro. Os dados provêm de quatro entrevistas individuais com familiares de pessoas mortas por policiais e três familiares de policiais vítimas de homicídio, que foram submetidos à análise temática. Os depoimentos revelaram os impactos da perda do familiar na saúde das vítimas indiretas, como o intenso sofrimento mental e a repercussão negativa em ocupações humanas, como trabalho, lazer, sono e cuidado em saúde. Ante a experiência traumática, o apoio das instituições é limitado, ao passo que grupos ativistas e entidades ligadas aos direitos humanos são relatados, pelos entrevistados, como de grande ajuda na elaboração da dor da perda, sobretudo no grupo dos que perderam seus entes pela ação policial. O estudo indica a necessidade de pesquisas sobre as lacunas entre os equipamentos e políticas públicas e as necessidades das vítimas indiretas.

Abstract Brazil has recorded a high percentage of homicides and deaths due to legal intervention. This article is part of a qualitative multiple case study about indirect victims who lost relatives to homicide perpetraded by security agents and police officers in Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected in four individual interviews with family members of people killed by police officers and three family members of police officers who were victims of homicide, and then subjected to thematic analysis. The testimonies revealed the major impacts of the loss of a family member on the indirect victim's health, such as intense mental suffering and the negative impacts on human occupations such as work, leisure, health care, and sleep. Institutional support is limited in the face of the traumatic experience, whereas activist groups and entities tied to human rights advocacy are of great help in overcoming the pain of loss, especially for those who have lost their family members to the police. Further research is needed about the gaps between public facilities and policies and the needs of indirect victims.

Disease Burden and Indirect Economic Burden Due to Lung Cancer from 1981 to 2020 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To identify the disease burden and indirect economic burden caused by lung cancer in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, from 1981 to 2020. Methods The incidence and death cases of lung cancer were obtained from cancer registry and death cause monitoring data. The disability adjusted life years (DALY) was used as the evaluation index for burden posed by lung cancer on health, and the indirect economic burden was calculated by a human capital method. Results From 1981 to 2020, a total of 9272 deaths due to lung cancer were reported in Kunshan, of which 7106 were males and 2166 were females. The DALY caused by lung cancer in the whole population were 3.81, 4.14, 4.38, and 9.46 in 1981–1990, 1991–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020, respectively. The indirect economic burden caused by lung cancer was 10.515, 141.657, 813.794, and 6659.149 million yuan. From 2011 to 2020, the ratios of years of life lost due to premature mortality to DALY in males, females, and the general population were 92.42%, 95.15%, and 93.60%, respectively. Conclusion The health burden and indirect economic burden for lung cancer are substantial in the Kunshan City. Moreover, age-specific DALY and indirect economic burden are not exactly symmetrical, suggesting that an effective control strategy to lower cost is urgently needed, especially for individuals aged 40-59.

Comparison of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin levels between patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease / Comparação dos níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubina entre pacientes com tremor essencial e doença de Parkinson

Introduction: Differential diagnoses between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease is challenging in some individuals, with both disorders sharing similarities. Considering these links, we hypothesized that both conditions have a similar profile for some antioxidant molecules, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study comparing serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin in 31 ET patients, 38 PD, and 65 controls matched for age. We used the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin scale for the severity of tremors in the ET group. We used Hohen-Yahr and MDS-UPDRS part III scales in the PD group. In addition, we evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, ethnicity, years of study, duration of disease, and use of primidone. Results: We found no differences in serum levels for 25-hydroxyvitamin D or bilirubin subtype levels between the ET and PD groups. We found low levels of indirect bilirubin in the PD group compared to the controls. We did not find differences between ET and controls in all biomarkers of the study. Conclusion: ET and PD patients have similar profiles for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin serum levels. The discovery of differences in oxidative stress biomarkers in both conditions, mainly low-cost substances available clinically, can assist in the differential diagnosis and, in the future, prognostication and better therapy management (AU).

Introdução: O diagnóstico diferencial entre tremor essencial (TE) e a doença de Parkinson (DP) é desafiador em alguns indivíduos com ambas as afecções apresentando algumas similaridades. Assim sendo, hipotetizamos que ambas têm perfil similar de algumas moléculas antioxidantes, incluindo 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubina. Méto-dos: Realizamos um estudo transversal comparando os níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubinas em 31 indivíduos com TE, 38 com DP e 65 controles pareados por idade. A escala de Fahn-Tolosa-Marin foi usada para avaliação da gravidade do tremor no grupo com TE e Hohen-Yahr e UPDRS parte III na avaliação do grupo com DP. Também foram avaliadas as características sociodemográficas. Resultados: Não encontramos diferenças nos níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D ou bilirrubina entre os grupos TE e DP. Encontramos baixos níveis de bilirrubina indireta no grupo DP comparado aos controles. Não encontramos diferenças entre os grupos com TE e controles em nenhum dos biomarcadores do estudo. Conclusão: Pacientes com TE e DP apresentam níveis séricos semelhantes de 25-Hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubinas. Diferenças nos biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em ambas as condi-ções, principalmente substâncias de baixo custo disponíveis na clínica, pode auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial e, futuramente, no prognóstico e otimização terapêutica (AU).

Carga económica de la hipercolesterolemia en población con alto riesgo cardiovascular en México / Economic burden of hypercholesterolemia in high risk of cardiovascular disease population in Mexico

Resumen Objetivo: Se estimó la carga económica directa e indirecta de la hipercolesterolemia en población con alto riesgo de presentar un evento cardiovascular. Para ello se definieron específicamente cinco grupos de pacientes: 1) aquellos con hipercolesterolemia familiar; 2, 3 y 4) personas con hipercolesterolemia más el antecedente de diabetes, infarto o evento vascular cerebral; 5) pacientes con hipercolesterolemia más diabetes y antecedente de infarto agudo de miocardio (definidos como pacientes de muy alto riesgo cardiovascular). Los cálculos se hicieron desde la perspectiva de las instituciones de salud pública en México. Método: Para la estimación de los costos directos se incluyó la atención ambulatoria, el tratamiento farmacológico, la atención hospitalaria y las intervenciones quirúrgicas relacionadas con las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Para la carga económica indirecta, se consideraron las muertes reportadas específicamente por causa de hipercolesterolemia, en un momento anterior al final de la edad productiva (muerte prematura). Resultados: La carga económica directa de las cinco categorías de pacientes en riesgo consideradas es de MXN $39,601,464,154 (USD $1,987,526,432), mientras que la carga económica indirecta asciende a MXN $121,646,689 (USD $6,105,229). Conclusiones: El impacto económico de la hipercolesterolemia en población con alto riesgo cardiovascular correspondía a $39,723,110,843 en 2020 (equivalente a USD $1,993,631,661), equivalente al 0.16% del PIB nacional.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the direct and indirect economic burden of hypercholesterolemia in patients with high risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically there were defined 5 groups of patients: 1) familial hypercholesterolemia; 2, 3 and 4) patients with hypercholesterolemia and background of diabetes, myocardial infarction or stroke; 5) diabetes, myocardial infarction and hypercholesterolemia (very high-risk patients) from the Mexican public healthcare institutions. Methods: For the estimation of the direct costs the items included correspond to: outpatient care, pharmacological treatment, inpatient hospital care, and surgical procedures. For indirect economic burden, death certificates, before the end of the productive age due to hypercholesterolemia were calculated (premature mortality). Results: The direct economic burden for the 5 groups of patients at risk is MXN $39,601,464,154 (USD $1,987,526,432), while the indirect economic burden amounts to MXN $121,646,689 (USD $6,105,229). Conclusions: The economic impact of hypercholesterolemia in patients with high cardiovascular risk is $39,723,110,843 (equivalent to USD $1,993,631,661) and corresponds to the 0.16% of GDP.

Laboratorio de función tiroidea en pediatría. Ventajas y limitaciones de los métodos indirectos para la obtención de intervalos de referencia / Thyroid function laboratory in pediatrics. Advantages and limitations of indirect methods to obtain reference intervals

Obtener intervalos de referencia (IRs) confiables para pruebas de laboratorio en pediatría es particularmente complejo y costoso. Una alternativa a este problema es el uso de métodos indirectos, donde se usan grandes bases de datos preexistentes de pacientes. Nuestros objetivos fueron: calcular IR para TSH y hormonas tiroideas (Perfil tiroideo, PT) en población pediátrica que asiste al Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, por método indirecto y verificar la confiabilidad de los mismos para su aplicación. Se recolectaron datos de 19.842 pacientes entre enero de 2020 y diciembre de 2021. Se aplicaron filtros para eliminar los pacientes que pudieran tener afectado el PT. Los 4.861 pacientes incorporados al análisis fueron divididos en 3 grupos: G1: 0-12 meses (n: 551), G2:13 meses- 7 años (n: 1347) y G3: 8 -18 años (n: 2963). Los IR fueron calculados por 2 métodos: el de Hoffman adaptado y el de CLSI EP28A3, para cada grupo de edad. TSH, TT3 y T4L se analizaron con Architect i4000-Abbott y TT4 con Immulite 2000XPi-Siemens. Para la primera etapa de verificación se utilizaron 20 sueros de pacientes provenientes de análisis prequirúrgicos. Los outliers se detectaron aplicando el método de Tukey. Los datos fueron procesados según CLSI EP28A3c. Los IR obtenidos fueron similares a los previamente publicados obtenidos por método directo. Los resultados de la verificación fueron en su mayoría aceptados. Por lo tanto, los métodos indirectos son una buena alternativa de cálculo de IR en pediatría (AU)

Obtaining reliable reference ranges (RRs) for laboratory tests in pediatrics is particularly complex and costly. An alternative to this problem is to use of indirect methods, where large pre-existing patient databases are used. Our aims were to calculate RRs for TSH and thyroid hormones (thyroid profile, PT) in children seen at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan by indirect methods and to verify their reliability for their application. Data were collected from 19,842 patients seen between January 2020 and December 2021. Filters were applied to eliminate patients in whom the PT was potentially affected. The remaining 4,861 patients included in the analysis were divided into 3 groups: G1: 0-12 months (n: 551), G2: 13 months-7 years (n: 1347) and G3: 8-18 years (n: 2963). RRs were calculated by 2 methods: the adapted Hoffman method and the CLSI EP28A3 method, for each age group. TSH, TT3, and FT4 were analyzed with Architect i4000-Abbott and TT4 with Immulite 2000XPi-Siemens. For the first stage of verification, 20 patient sera from pre-surgical analysis were used. Outliers were detected by applying the Tukey method. The data were processed according to CLSI EP28A3c. The RRs obtained were similar to those previously published using the direct method. The verification results were mostly acceptable. Therefore, indirect methods are a good option for calculating RRs in children (AU)

Revisión del intervalo de referencia del recuento plaquetario: ¿son adecuados los valores que estamos utilizando? / Review of the platelet count reference range: are the values we are using appropriate?

Los intervalos de referencia (IR) dependen de la población y de las características metrológicas del procedimiento de medida utilizado. A pesar de las recomendaciones internacionales, son pocos los laboratorios que establecen sus propios IR para cada magnitud por la dificultad para conseguir voluntarios de referencia y el elevado costo económico asociado. La International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) acepta la adopción de IR bibliográficos o su cálculo por métodos indirectos dado su bajo costo y fácil obtención. Existen varias fuentes confiables de IR bibliográficos para el hemograma. No obstante, para el recuento plaquetario, es una práctica común de los laboratorios emplear el rango de valores de 150-450.109 /L independiente de la metodología utilizada y grupo etario. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar los IR bibliográficos disponibles para el recuento plaquetario y estimarlo empleando el método indirecto de Hoffmann a partir de nuestra población. Los métodos indirectos se basan en aplicar criterios de exclusión y cálculos matemáticos sobre los resultados de una base de datos de laboratorio. Nuestros IR para el recuento plaquetario se comparan con los bibliográficos, que han sido establecidos por técnicas de muestreo directo. Por este motivo y dado que no existen estudios poblacionales que lo avalen, sería apropiado reemplazar el rango de 150-450.109 / L. Estos límites podrían seguir empleándose como puntos de corte o niveles de decisión médica para definir, según la clínica y otros resultados de laboratorio, los pacientes que ameritan un seguimiento posterior (AU)

Reference ranges (RR) depend on the population and the metrological characteristics of the measurement procedure used. Despite international recommendations, few laboratories establish their own RRs for each magnitude because of the difficulty in obtaining reference volunteers and the associated high economic cost. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) accepts the use of literaturebased RRs or RRs calculated by indirect methods because of their low cost and easy collection. There are several reliable sources of literature-based RRs for the Cell Blood Count. However, for platelet count, it is common laboratory practice to use the range of 150-450,109 /L regardless of the methodology used and age group. The aim of this study was to review the available literature regarding RRs for platelet count and to establish it using the indirect Hoffmann method in our population. Indirect methods are based on applying exclusion criteria and mathematical calculations on the results of a laboratory database. Our RRs for platelet counts are compared with those in the literature, which have been established by direct sampling techniques. Therefore, and given that there are no population studies to support these findings, it would be appropriate to replace the 150-450,109 /L range. These limits may continue to be used as cut-off points or medical decision levels to define, according to clinical manifestations and other laboratory results, patients who warrant further follow-up (AU)

Determination of a cut-off value for the serological diagnosis of scrub typhus by detecting anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi immunoglobulin M

Background & objectives: The diagnosis of scrub typhus (ST) is usually done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) due to its ease of performance and reading objectivity. The cut-off value for ELISA needs to be calculated for each geographical location as it depends on zonal endemicity of the disease. This study was, therefore, undertaken to calculate the pan-India cut-off for anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) immunoglobulin M (IgM) by ELISA. Methods: Samples from cases (cases of ST) and controls (voluntary, consenting, healthy adults) were collected by a network of 29 laboratories across India and tested for anti-OT IgM by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the considered gold standard test. These samples were retested by ELISA for anti-OT IgM and their optical densities (ODs) were used for cut-off estimation by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Anti-OT IgM ELISA ODs from 273 controls and 136 cases were used for the cut-off estimation. The ODs of the anti-OT IgM ELISA on healthy individuals and those of confirmed ST cases ranged from 0.1 to 0.75 and 0.5 to 4.718, respectively. ROC curve-based cut-off for ELISA was calculated as 0.554 at a sensitivity of 95.2 per cent and specificity of 95.1 per cent. A value of >1 was noted to have a specificity of 100 per cent in diagnosing ST. Interpretation & conclusions: The cut-off calculated for India was similar to the previous cut-off that was used until now.

Tasa metabólica en reposo por calorimetría indirecta y ecuaciones de predicción en deportistas con amputación: Análisis de concordancia

La Tasa Metabólica en Reposo (TMR) suele calcularse utilizando ecuaciones de predicción por su fácil acceso y bajo costo. Sin embargo, estas ecuaciones no se encuentran validadas en población deportista con amputación. Objetivo: determinar la concordancia entre la medición de la TMR realizada por Calorimetría Indirecta (CI) y la calculada por ecuaciones de predicción en deportistas con amputación de miembros inferiores en Bogotá. Sujetos y métodos: Este estudio evaluó 16 deportistas adultos masculinos, con amputación de miembro inferior. La TMR se midió con CI y se calculó con las ecuaciones de predicción de Harris-Benedict, Cunningham, Mifflin -St. Jeor, Schofield y Oxford. Se utilizaron dos variables diferentes de masa corporal: masa corporal total (MCT) y masa magra (MM) determinada por Absorciometría de doble energía de rayos X (DEXA) y por el método antropométrico de fraccionamiento de masas en cinco componentes (5C). La concordancia se determinó a través del coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y se graficó mediante el método de Bland- Altman. Resultados y conclusión: La TMR determinada por la ecuación de Cunningham a partir de MM evaluada por DEXA, mostró la mejor concordancia con la CI (CCI= 0,709), seguida por Harris-Benedict con MCT (CCI= 0,697) y Cunningham con MM calculada por 5C (CCI= 0,693). La ecuación de Cunningham y Harris Benedict parecen ser las más adecuadas para calcular la TMR, sin embargo, se requieren más estudios con muestras mayores, lo cual permitirá obtener resultados más precisos.

Prediction equations for calculating resting metabolic rate (RMR) are widely used given their accessibility and low cost. However, they have not been yet validated in the amputee athlete population. Objective: to determine the concordance between the RMR measured by Indirect Calorimetry (IC) and that calculated by prediction equations in athletes with lower limb amputation in Bogota. Subjects and methods: sixteen adult male athletes with lower limb amputation were included. The RMR was measured with IC and calculated with the Harris-Benedict, Cunningham, Mifflin-St. Jeor, Schofield, and Oxford prediction equations. Three different body mass variables were used: total body mass (TBM) and lean body mass (LBM) determined by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and by the anthropometric method of mass fractionation into five components (5C). The agreement was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and plotted using the Bland-Altman method. Results and conclusions: RMR determined by the Cunningham equation from LBM assessed by DEXA showed the best agreement with CI (ICC= 0.709), followed by Harris-Benedict with MCT (ICC= 0.697) and Cunningham with LBM calculated by 5C (ICC= 0.693). The Cunningham and Harris-Benedict equation seems to be the most suitable for calculating RMR. However, more studies with larger samples are needed to obtain more accurate results.

Techniques of Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation

Posterior maxillary region is often limited for standard implant placement because of reduced residual vertical bone height. An elevation of the maxillary sinus floor is one option in solving this problem. This article describes the various surgical techniques that can be used to enter the sinus cavity, elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone grafts for placement of dental implants in the resorbed posterior maxillary region.

Indirect costs associated with "free" paediatric haemodialysis: Experience from Karachi, Pakistan

Treatment of children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), requiring maintenance dialysis, poses unique challenges. In low- and middle-income countries, lifelong treatment leads to significant stress on the overall family unit. Families face serious financial, social and psychological consequences despite free treatment. This pilot study, utilising primarily quantitative methods, supplemented by two case studies, is set in Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, providing free medical treatment. Fifty-two caretakers of children receiving haemodialysis for more than five years participated in the quantitative arm. Findings reveal that additional financial challenges may send the entire household into financial catastrophe. Social problems include migration from native cities, impact on the education of the sick child along with changes in lives of siblings. One-third of primary caretakers screened positive for anxiety/depression. Healthcare professionals 'practising' in developing countries face considerable ethical dilemmas in their practice when offering “free” paediatric dialysis services knowing the financial and psychological burden imposed on families.

Expenditure Incurred by Patients of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in District Tuberculosis Center, Jammu

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) patients suffer enormously due to huge cost on diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to assess the total expenditure and its predictors among patients of TB. Methodology: A longitudinal study was conducted among TB Patients registered in first quarter of 2018 at District Tuberculosis Center, Jammu. Data was collected by interviewing the patients and their attendants. Statistical significance of median expenditure between patients of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB in rela-tion to various predictors was assessed using nonparametric tests followed by Multiple Linear Regression. Results: Total median cost, median direct and indirect cost incurred by a TB patient were recorded as USD 489.55, USD 246.55 and USD 229.5 respectively. Treatment costs were slightly higher in patients of pulmo-nary TB in comparison to extrapulmonary TB (p>0.05). On bivariate analysis, upper class, previously treated patients, Category 2 patients, with chronic illnesses, with guardians and who were employed expended signif-icantly higher amounts on their treatment, but on multivariate analysis, only formal employment, current earning and being reimbursed significantly predicted the total cost (p < .001, adjusted R square = 0.56). Conclusion: Huge direct costs incurred by patients is a matter of great concern, more so as the Indian gov-ernment has made all diagnostics and treatment free since the inception of the RNTCP.

Comparison between Simple Planas Indirect Tracks and occlusal splints for treatment of temporomandibular disorder-related headache: a randomized controlled clinical trial / Comparação entre Pistas Indiretas Planas Simples e placas miorrelaxantes para tratamento de dor de cabeça relacionada à disfunção temporomandibular: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder-related headache (TMDH) is a very common clinical condition which manifests as pain around the temples. The treatment recommended in dentistry is occlusal splint. However, there is a device generally used in functional jaw orthopedics, called simple Planas indirect tracks (SPIT), which has been shown to be efficient in managing these headaches. This clinical trial aimed to compare SPIT and occlusal splints in the treatment of TMDH patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included thirty-seven women who had TMDH for more than one year into three groups: GPIT treated with SPIT, GSPLINT treated with a Michigan splint, and a control group (CG) submitted to no treatment. The randomization was paired, that is, each new individual was assigned to a group sequentially. The number of headache days per month, average pain intensity, pain response to masseter and temporalis palpation, and days of pain drug use were collected and analyzed. The follow-up lasted for 3 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included but 4 dropped out during treatment and 33 underwent intervention. Patients in GPIT exhibited superior results compared to GSPLINT and CG, with significant differences between groups for almost all variables. In GPIT, the number of headache days was reduced by 87.43%, pain intensity by 66.67%, and days of drug use by 88.42%, with significant improvement in all parameters compared to CG. In GSPLINT, the number of headache days decreased by 44.46% and days of drug use by 36.63%, while pain intensity increased by 46.67%; however, there was no significant difference in any of the parameters compared to CG. CONCLUSION: SPIT may be a good treatment option for patients with TMDH since these appliances have shown much more consistent results than occlusal splints. Further studies and with more individuals will be needed to confirm these findings.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cefaleia secundária à disfunção temporomandibular (CDTM), é uma condição clínica muito comum, com dores nas têmporas. O tratamento padrão na odontologia são as placas miorrelaxantes, entretanto um aparelho da ortopedia funcional dos maxilares, chamado de Pistas Indiretas Planas Simples (PIPS), tem se demonstrado eficiente no controle dessas cefaleias. Este estudo clínico visou comparar as PIPS com as placas miorrelaxantes, no quadro álgico de CDTM. MÉTODOS: Este ensaio clínico randomizado incluiu 37 mulheres portadoras de CDTM há mais de um ano, que foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos: o GPIPS, no qual as pacientes foram tratadas com PIPS, o GPLACA, com uso de placas miorrelaxantes de Michigan e o grupo controle (GC), sem qualquer tratamento. A aleatorização foi pareada, sendo que cada participante era consecutivamente alocada em um grupo diferente. Foram coletados e analisados dias de cefaleia por mês, intensidade de dores, resposta álgica à palpação de masseter e temporal, bem como os dias de uso de fármacos. O acompanhamento foi de três meses. RESULTADOS: Das 37 pacientes iniciais, 4 desistiram do tratamento e apenas 33 foram submetidos a alguma intervenção. As pacientes do GPIPS apresentaram resultados muito superiores às do GPLACA e do GC, com diferenças significativas entre os grupos em quase todas as variáveis. No GPIPS, os dias de dor diminuíram 87,43%, a intensidade 66,67% e os dias de uso de fármacos analgésicos 88,42%, sendo estatisticamente significante a melhora em todos os parâmetros em relação ao GC. Já no GPLACA, os dias de dor diminuíram 44,46% e os dias de uso de fármacos 36,63%, mas a intensidade da dor aumentou 46,67%, porém sem diferença estatisticamente significante em nenhum parâmetro quando comparado ao GC. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do PIPS pode ser uma boa escolha de tratamento da CDTM, tendo apresentado resultados mais consistentes do que as placas miorrelaxantes. Mais estudos e com mais participantes são necessários para confirmar estes achados.

Evaluación de tres pruebas serológicas para la detección de anticuerpos contra el virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1)

Introducción: El Perú es endémico al virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1), por esas razones es importante conocer la fiabilidad de las pruebas diagnósticas que se usan en el país, con la finalidad de continuar o no su uso. El objetivo fue evaluar el rendimiento de tres pruebas serológicas ELISA Murex, ELISA Wantai e IFI INS-Perú para la detección de anticuerpos anti HTLV-1 frente a muestras peruanas. El estudio. Las tres pruebas fueron evaluadas frente a 382 sueros: 215 positivos y 167 negativos a HTLV-1 (Gold Standar: inmunoblot). Hallazgos. IFI no presentó falsos positivos, Wantai tuvo más falsos negativos (siete) y Murex más falsos positivos (ocho). Las tres pruebas mostraron resultados superiores a 95% para los parámetros estimados de exactitud diagnóstica. Conclusiones. IFI INS-Perú y ELISA Murex tuvieron buen rendimiento diagnóstico para la detección de anticuerpos contra HTLV-1 y son buenos candidatos para continuar siendo usados en Perú.

Background: Peru is endemic to the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), for these reasons it is important to know the reliability of the diagnostic tests used in the country, in order to continue their use or not. The objective was to evaluate the performance of three serological tests ELISA Murex, ELISA Wantai and IFI INS-Peru for the detection of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies against Peruvian samples. The study. The three tests were evaluated against 382 sera: 215 positive and 167 negative for HTLV-1 (Gold Standard: immunoblot). Findings. IFI had no false positives, Wantai had more false negatives (seven) and Murex more false positives (eight). The three tests showed results above 95% for the estimated parameters of diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions. IIF INS-Perú and ELISA Murex had good diagnostic performance for the detection of antibodies against HTLV-1 and are good candidates to continue being used in Peru.

A comparative study on efficacy of different dilutions of phenylephrine and tropicamide combination eye drops on pupil dilatation

Background: In ophthalmology (OPD), cycloplegics or mydriatics were needed for doing correct refraction and evaluation of fundus on a daily basis. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical efficacy and systemic side effects of different dilutions of phenylephrine and tropicamide combinations drops on pupil dilatation and to measure and compare pulse rate and blood pressure before and after giving the drug. Materials and Methods: The present study is a hospital-based interventional study conducted among patients attending to OPD of Regional Eye hospital, Visakhapatnam during April 2012–August 2012. Eighty-one patients randomly allocated to two groups (41 patients in Group 1 and 40 patients in Group 2). Dilution of phenylephrine 5% and Tropicamide 0.8% mixture was applied to patients of Group A in both eyes and dilution of phenylephrine 2.5% and Tropicamide 0.4% mixture was applied to Group B patients in both eyes. Pupil diameter and pulse rate BP were measured and compared. Results: Mean age of Group 1 patients was 55.39 ± 11.47 and Group 2 was 49.95 ± 13.71. Among 36 males, 50% in Group 1 and 50% in Group 2 and among 45 females 51.1% in Group 1 and 48.9% in Group 2. Among both Group 1 and Group 2 patients, both left and right pupil size was significantly increased after application of dilutions, but there was more increase in the pupil size among Group 1 patients compared to Group 2 patients 15 min after and 30 min after application of drug. Conclusions: The combination of 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine was effective compared to alternate application of 0.4% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine for rapid and sustainable pupil dilatation for indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Status quo and disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province from 2015 to 2019 / 环境与职业医学

Background Occupational pneumoconiosis is the most common occupational disease in Qinghai Province and China. From the perspective of public health, it is important to assess the disease burden using disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and economic losses. Objective To evaluate the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province, and to provide a basis for the formulation and implementation of relevant prevention and control strategies. Methods Based on the registered data, a database of occupational pneumoconiosis cases confirmed and reported in Qinghai Province was established. The survival status and death dateof occupational pneumoconiosis patients from 2015 to 2019 were confirmed by on-site visit, telephone survey, matching search of Death Information Registration and Management System, and consulting other departments. The life loss due to occupational pneumoconiosis from 2015 to 2019 was assessed using DALY as an indicator and data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) study. Inpatients with officially diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis from a hospital in Qinghai Province in 2019 were selected as study subjects, the direct economic loss was evaluated with hospitalization expenses, and the indirect economic loss due to occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province in 2019 was calculated by human capital approach. Results From 2015 to 2019, 505 new cases of occupational pneumoconiosis were reported in Qinghai Province, and there were 348 death cases. Prevalent cases and years lost due to disability (YLD) due to occupational pneumoconiosis were increased, while DALY and years of life lost (YLL) due to occupational pneumoconiosis decreased firstly and then increased. In each year, there were 87% or more of the DALY, YLL, or YLD attributed to silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis. In 2019, the occupational pneumoconiosis-associated DALY was 2173.55 person years. The total hospitalization expense incurred by 42 inpatients with occupational pneumoconiosis was 1256345.19 yuan. The total hospitalization expense and average daily cost of the inpatients with stageⅡand Ⅲ pneumoconiosis were higher than that of the inpatients with stageⅠ (P<0.05), and the hospitalization expense was higher in the ≥60 years age group than in the <60 years age group (P<0.05). In 2019, the indirect economic burden incurred by occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province was 44108581.65 yuan, and accounted for 0.15‰ of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the province. Conclusion The disease burden associated with occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province are outstanding. Silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis are the key contributors. Targeted intervention measures including dust hazard control, enterprise management, follow-up and rehabilitation management of pneumoconiosis should be taken to prevent and control the occurrence and progression of pneumoconiosis and alleviate disease burden of pneumoconiosis.

Development and verification of an indirect ELISA method for determination of specific IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 variant strain in rhesus monkey serum / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify an indirect ELISA method for determination of specific IgG antibody of rhesus monkey serum against SARS-CoV-2 variant strain. Methods An indirect ELISA method for the determination of specific IgG antibody was developed using inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant strain inactivated vaccine as coating antigen,and optimized for the coating antigen concentration(1,2 and 4 μg/mL),dilution of serum(1∶800～1∶12 800),blocking solution(PBST containing 1% BSA,2% BSA,1% skim milk,2% skim milk and 1% BSA + 1% skim milk),blocking time(30,60 and 90 min),dilution of secondary antibody(1∶5 000,1∶10 000,1∶15 000 and 1∶20 000),incubation time of serum and secondary antibody(30,60 and 90 min),and TMB reaction time(5,10,15,20,25 and 30 min). 60 negative serum samples of rhesus monkeys were detected by the developed method,and the negative and positive critical values were determined. The sensitivity and precision of the methodology were verified. In addition,the specific IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant strain in 44 serum samples of rhesus monkey were detected by the developed method and microneutralization method,and the correlation and consistency between the two methods were compared. Results The optimum detection conditions were determined:the coating antigen concentration was 1 μg/mL;the blocking solution was PBST containing 1% skim milk,and the blocking time was 30 min;the serum samples to be tested were diluted to 1∶1 600 and incubated for 90 min,and the secondary antibody was diluted to 1∶10 000 and incubated for 30 min;the color development time of substrate was 25 min. The positive critical value and negative critical value of the method was 0. 093 and 0. 084 respectively,and the detection values between them were judged as suspicious. The dilution of5 positive serum samples that showed positive results was 1∶51 200;the coefficients of variation(CVs)of precision were all less than 15%. There was a strong correlation between IgG antibody titer and neutralizing antibody level in the 44 rhesus monkey serum samples(r = 0. 858 0,P < 0. 000 1);the total coincidence rate of the two methods was 90. 9%,the positive coincidence rate was 93. 6%,and the negative coincidence rate was 84. 6%;the consistency test Kappa value was 0. 783 8(95% CI:0. 586 5～0. 981 0). Conclusion The developed indirect ELISA method for eletermination of specific IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant strain in rhesus monkey serum has good sensitivity and precision,and has strong consistency with microneutralization method,which can be used for the determination of IgG antibody in rhesus monkey serum.

Agreement and validity between body fat estimated by skinfold measurement and air displacement plethysmography in adolescents / Concordância e validade entre a gordura corporal estimada por medidas de dobras cutâneas e pletismografia por deslocamento de ar em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: Assess the agreement and validity between relative body fat percentages estimated using anthropometric measurements and air displacement plethysmography (ADP). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 118 adolescents (60 females) aged 10 to 14 years (x̄=12.19, sd=1.18). Adolescents were classified as eutrophic or with overweight according to body mass index (body weight/height2) (x̄=20,12, sd=3,56). Measurements of skinfold thickness (triceps and medial calf) were collected and used to estimate relative body fat by the Slaughter equation. ADP was used as a reference method for the estimation of relative body fat. Agreement between body fat measurement methods (anthropometry × ADP) was analyzed by the Bland-Altman method. The mean error (ME) was calculated by subtracting the body fat percentage estimated by the Slaughter equation from the body fat percentage estimated by ADP. Validity was tested with the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: There was no agreement between the methods, regardless of sex and weight status. For boys with overweight (ME = 4.52; p = 0.007), eutrophic girls (ME = 6.37; p < 0.001), and girls with overweight (ME = 5.55; p < 0.001), the Slaughter equation resulted in overestimation of body fat compared with ADP. Skinfold equations did not demonstrate validity when compared with ADP. Conclusion: Slaughter's skinfold equations did not demonstrate agreement and validity compared with ADP in either sex or weight status. Skinfold equations should be used with caution and, whenever possible, in combination with other body composition indicators.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância e validade entre os percentuais de gordura corporal estimados usando medidas antropométricas e pletismografia por deslocamento de ar (PDA). Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi conduzido em 118 adolescentes (60 meninas) com idade entre 10 e 14 anos (x̄=12,19, dp=1,18). Os adolescentes foram classificados como eutróficos ou com sobrepeso de acordo com o índice de massa corporal (peso/altura2) (x̄=20,12, dp=3,56). Medidas de dobras cutâneas (tríceps e panturrilha medial) foram coletadas e utilizadas para estimar a gordura corporal relativa pela equação de Slaughter. A PDA foi utilizada como método de referência para a estimativa da gordura corporal relativa. A concordância entre os métodos de medida de gordura corporal (antropometria × PDA) foi analisada pelo método de Bland-Altman. O erro médio (EM) foi calculado subtraindo o percentual de gordura corporal estimado pela equação de Slaughter do percentual de gordura corporal estimado pela PDA. A validade foi testada com o coeficiente de correlação de concordância (CCC). Resultados: Não houve concordância entre os métodos, independente do sexo e status de peso. Para meninos com excesso de peso (EM = 4,52; p = 0,007), meninas eutróficas (EM = 6,37; p < 0,001) e meninas com excesso de peso (EM = 5,55; p < 0,001), a equação de Slaughter resultou em superestimação da gordura corporal comparada com PDA. As equações de dobras cutâneas não demonstraram validade quando comparadas ao PDA. Conclusão: As equações de dobras cutâneas de Slaughter não demonstraram concordância e validade em comparação com PDA em ambos os sexos ou status de peso. As equações de dobras cutâneas devem ser utilizadas com cautela e, sempre que possível, acompanhada de outros indicadores de composição corporal.

Analysis of catastrophic costs incurred by patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in an outpatient clinic in the state of Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious global public health concern associated with social vulnerability. In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS, Portuguese) provides free diagnosis and treatment for MDR-TB; however, other expenses may still be incurred for patients and their families which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), can be catastrophic when these costs surpass 20.0% of the annual household income. This study aimed to assess the extent of catastrophic costs related to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of MDR-TB among patients receiving care at an outpatient clinic in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: This prospective study used convenience sampling from July 2019 to June 2021. Data regarding direct and indirect costs were collected using a standardized questionnaire endorsed by the WHO. To analyze any impoverishment occurred from MDR-TB, a threshold established by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics for 2019 and 2020 of US$ 79,562 and US$ 94,5273, respectively, was applied. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including mean; standard deviation; variation coefficient; median; and maximum, minimum, and interquartile ranges. Results: A total of 65 patients were interviewed. Among the participants, 73.8% experienced catastrophic costs, with indirect costs exerting the most significant impact (median: US$ 3,825.9), in contrast to direct costs (median: US$ 542.7). When comparing the periods before and after diagnosis, the prevalence of poverty increased from 12.0% to 28.0%. Conclusions: Despite the support from the SUS in Brazil, diagnostic and therapeutic cascades incur additional costs, exacerbating social vulnerability among patients with MDR-TB.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and indirect bilirubin may participate in systemic inflammation of patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that systemic metabolic abnormalities are closely related to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL), two essential active substances in hepatic metabolism that have been demonstrated as an oxidative and anti-oxidative factor respectively, have been proved to be involved in oxidative stress damage and inflammation in several human diseases. However, their role in PsA remains unclear. Methods In this retrospective comparative cohort study, a case group of 68 PsA patients and a control group of 73 healthy volunteers from the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University were enrolled. Serum GGT, IBIL, GGT/IBIL ratio and C-reactive protein (CRP), a well applied bio-marker of systemic inflammatory in PsA, were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the relationship of GGT, IBIL and GGT/IBIL with CRP were explored in PsA patients. Finally, the patients were divided into high inflammation group and low inflammation group according to the median value of CRP. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the association of systemic inflammation level with GGT, IBIL and GGT/IBIL. Results Compared with healthy controls, PsA patients exhibited significantly higher serum GGT, GGT/IBIL, and CRP levels and lower IBIL levels. Serum GGT and GGT/IBIL were positively correlated with CRP, whereas IBIL were negatively correlated with CRP. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that serum GGT was a risk factor for high CRP in PsA, whereas IBIL was a protective factor. Furthermore, GGT/IBIL was a better indicator of high CRP condition in PsA patients than either GGT or IBIL alone, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic curves. Conclusion GGT and IBIL may participate in the pathogenesis of PsA. Additionally, GGT, IBIL and the balance of the two may reflect systemic inflammation mediated by oxidative stress events related to metabolic abnormalities to a certain extent.

Effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on plasma trimethylamine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 in atherosclerotic rabbits / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the plasma levels of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS), as well as to explore the possible mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating AS. Methods: After 1-week adaptive feeding, 28 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into a blank group, a model group, an antibiotic group, and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group according to the random number table method, with 7 rabbits in each group. Rabbits were fed with a basic diet in the blank group, while with a basic diet plus 1％ choline in the remaining groups to prepare the AS model. Rabbits were given drinking water with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the antibiotic group, and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group for 12 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaques by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the blood lipid levels, the plasma TMA and TMAO levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were detected for rabbits in each group at the end of interventions. Liver FMO3 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Liver FMO3 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: HE staining showed that the arterial wall was rough, the intima was significantly thickened, and more foam cells and lipid deposits were seen in rabbits of the model group. Arterial wall thickening was not obvious with a few foam cells and lipid deposits in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were increased (P<0.01), the plasma levels of TMA and TMAO were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of liver FMO3 protein and mRNA were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the LDL-C and TC levels were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), the TMA and TMAO levels were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression levels of FMO3 were decreased without statistical significance in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can slow atherosclerotic plaque formation and regulate lipid levels in AS rabbits, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TMA and TMAO expression in the plasma.