Impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en el personal de salud / Impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud son un problema frecuente en el ambiente hospitalario. La higiene de manos es la medida más efectiva para su prevención. El uso de ciertos accesorios en las manos podría disminuir su efectividad y favorecer la transmisión horizontal de agentes infecciosos. Objetivo: Revisar los estudios publicados que evalúan el impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en trabajadores de la salud. Métodos: Búsqueda no sistemática en base de datos PUBMED/MEDLINE (1978-2018) de estudios en los cuales se mide la calidad de la higiene de manos o lavado quirúrgico, mediante cultivos cuantitativos o tinciones fluorescentes. Resultados: Uso de anillos: Trece de 51 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Siete fueron realizados en unidades clínicas, y en todos ellos éste se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos (la mayoría de baja calidad). Contrariamente, en tres de cuatro estudios primarios realizados en pabellón (de baja calidad), su uso no impactó en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico. Igualmente, dos revisiones sistemáticas obtuvieron similares conclusiones. Uñas esmaltadas: siete de 54 artículos fueron incluidos. En cuatro hubo resultados discordantes (la mayoría de baja calidad). En un estudio controlado se observó reducción en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico sólo cuando el esmalte estaba dañado. El esmalte gel se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos en dos estudios experimentales. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia de calidad suficiente para asociar el uso de estos accesorios con reducción en la calidad de la higiene de manos. Tampoco queda demostrada su inocuidad. En base a la evidencia disponible (la mayoría de baja calidad), se observó un impacto negativo del uso de anillos en unidades clínicas y también de uñas con esmalte dañado en pabellones quirúrgicos. Se requieren estudios de mejor calidad para abordar estos relevantes tópicos.

Abstract Background: Health-care-associated infections are a frequent problem in hospital environments. Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The use of certain accessories could decrease its effectiveness, facilitating horizontal transmission of pathogens. Objective: Analyze the evidence that assess the impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers. Methods: Non-systematic search in PUBMED/MEDLINE database (1978-2018) of studies in which the quality of hand hygiene or surgical washing is measured, using quantitative cultures or fluorescent stains. Results: Wearing rings: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were carried out in general wards. In all of them the use of rings was associated with lower quality of hand hygiene (the majority of low quality). Contrarily, in 3 of 4 primary studies carried out in the operating rooms (of low quality), their use did not affect the quality of surgical washing. Similarly, two systematic reviews obtained similar conclusions. Nail polish: 7 of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. In four of them there were discordant results (the majority of low quality). One RCT showed a reduction in the quality of surgical washing only when the nail polish was damaged. Gel nail polish was associated with lower quality in two experimental studies. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to associate the use of these accessories with the reduction in the quality of hand hygiene. Its safety was not proven neither. Based on the available evidence (the majority of low quality), a negative impact of the use of rings in clinical units and also of damaged nail polish in operating rooms was observed. Better quality studies are required to address these relevant issues.

The hierarchical structure of fear of personal death: from the general factor to specific forms

Abstract Purpose In the present study, we aimed to integrate unidimensional and multidimensional perspectives of the construct of the fear of personal death (FOPD). It has been assumed that (a) there is one general factor of FOPD, reflecting the unidimensional perspective and that (b) FOPD assumes a hierarchical structure reflecting the multidimensional perspective. Methods We administered the Death and Dying Anxiety Inventory (FVTS, Ochsmann, 1993) to 1217 Polish participants (602 women and 615 men) aged between 18 and 89 ( M Age = 31.13; SD Age = 12.65). Results The results of the bi-factor model of the confirmatory factor analysis proved the existence of a FOPD general factor. Using the bass-ackwards approach, we provided evidence on the hierarchical structure of FOPD, which stresses that specific types of FOPD distinguished in the FVTS, which, on a higher level, make up the factors of threats to self-fulfilling existence, threats to well-being and threats of physical destruction, which in turn depend on the subject's perspective: the physical self and/or the symbolic self. Conclusion The current study demonstrates that unidimensional and multidimensional approaches to FOPD do not necessarily exclude one another. The unidimensional approach to FOPD seems to be most appropriate for studying the intensity of FOPD, while the multidimensional approach seems to be more suitable for studying the individual differences in how people give meaning to FOPD.

Cow's Milk-Related Symptom Score in Presumed Healthy Polish Infants Aged 0–6 Months / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS™), which considers crying, regurgitation, stools, skin and respiratory symptoms, was developed as an awareness tool for evaluating cow's milk-related symptoms. The scoring ranges from 0 to 33. A score ≥12 was proposed as being likely cow's milk-related and suggestive of allergy to cow's milk. This study aimed to determine the age-related CoMiSS™ values in presumed healthy infants in Poland.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in well-child clinics in two locations. Parents of the presumed healthy infants aged ≤6 months were approached during a routine checkup/vaccination visit. The exclusion criteria were as follows: presence of acute or chronic diseases, preterm delivery, treatment with therapeutic formula, and use of any food supplements (except vitamins) or medications.RESULTS: Data from 226 infants were obtained (median age [Q1–Q3], 4 months [3–4]). The overall median (Q1–Q3) and mean (standard deviation) CoMiSS™ values were 4 (2–7) and 4.7 (3.5), respectively. The 95th percentile was 11. Scores on some, albeit not all, components of the CoMiSS™ significantly differed between age groups (crying, stools) or feeding type groups (stools and skin symptoms). Eleven children (4.9%) scored ≥12.CONCLUSION: This study adds to earlier age-related CoMiSS™ data by providing CoMiSS™ values in presumed healthy infants in Poland.

Insomnia and the level of stress among students in Krakow, Poland / Insônia e nível de estresse em estudantes de Cracóvia, Polônia

Abstract Introduction: Stress and insomnia are increasing problems in young people in highly developed countries. They influence both the physical and psychological aspects of life and seem to be related to each other. Various strategies to cope with stress exist and can be used to reduce its level. The main goal of our study was to find a relationship between insomnia, stress, stress-coping strategies and selected social and medical factors among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2017 among students of seven public Krakow universities, using the Perceived Stress Scale 10, an abbreviated version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory (mini-COPE inventory) and the Athens Insomnia Scale. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square, Student's t test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used. Results: A total of 264 students aged 22.22±1.5 years were involved in the study. High stress levels occurred in 10% of the respondents. A statistically higher level of stress was revealed in people suffering from chronic diseases (p=0.006) and in cigarette smokers (p=0.004). The most common stress-coping strategies were active coping and planning. Insomnia was present in 19.7% of the students. Insomnia level was correlated with the intensity of perceived stress (p=0.00; r=0.44). Conclusions: According to our study, one tenth of Krakow students perceive a high level of stress, and one fifth of the respondents suffer from insomnia. There is a strong positive correlation between level of insomnia and level of stress. To ensure high quality of life, problems such as stress and insomnia should be taken into consideration by every general practitioner.

Resumo Introdução: Estresse e insônia são problemas cada vez mais presentes em pessoas jovens em países altamente desenvolvidos. Eles influenciam tanto os aspectos físicos quanto os psicológicos da vida e parecem estar relacionados entre si. Várias estratégias de enfrentamento (coping) do estresse existem e podem ser usadas para reduzir seu nível. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi investigar a relação entre insônia, estresse, estratégias de coping, e certos fatores sociais e médicos em estudantes. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi conduzido em março de 2017 com estudantes de sete universidades públicas da Cracóvia, na Polônia, utilizando a Escala de Estresse Percebido 10, uma versão abreviada do Inventário para Medir Estratégias de Enfrentamento de Estresse (mini-COPE) e a Athens Insomnia Scale. Na análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes qui-quadrado, t de Student e o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Um total de 264 estudantes com idade média de 22,22±1,5 anos foram incluídos no estudo. Altos níveis de estresse ocorreram em 10% dos respondentes. Um nível estatisticamente mais alto de estresse foi revelado em pessoas sofrendo de doenças crônicas (p=0,006) e em fumantes (p=0,004). As estratégias de coping mais comuns foram coping ativo e planejamento. A insônia esteve presente em 19,7% dos alunos. O nível de insônia se correlacionou com a intensidade do estresse percebido (p=0,00; r=0,44). Conclusões: De acordo com este estudo, um décimo dos estudantes de Cracóvia percebe um alto nível de estresse, e um quinto dos respondentes sofrem de insônia. Há uma forte correlação positiva entre nível de insônia e nível de estresse. Para garantir alta qualidade de vida, problemas como estresse e insônia devem ser levados em consideração pelo médico generalista.

The Socialist Camp's North Korean Medical Support and Exchange (1945–1958): Between Learning from the Soviet Union and Independent Course / 의사학

This study focused on the socialist camp's North Korean medical support and its effects on North Korean medical field from liberation to 1958. Except for the Soviet assistance from liberation to the Korean War, existing studies mainly have paid attention to the ‘autonomous’ growth of the North Korean medical field. The studies on the medical support of the Eastern European countries during the Korean War have only focused on one-sided support and neglected the interactions with the North Korean medical field. Failing in utilizing the materials produced in North Korea has led to the omission of detailed circumstances of providing support. Since the review of China's support and the North Korea-China medical exchanges has been concentrated in the period after the mid-1950s, the impacts of China's medical support on North Korea during the Korean War period and the post-war recovery period have not been taken into account. In terms of these limitations, this study examined the medical activities by the Socialist camp of the Eastern European countries in North Korea after the Korean War. The medical aid teams from Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and East Germany that came to North Korea in the wake of the Korean War continued to stay in North Korea after the war to build hospitals and train medical personnel. In the hospitals operated by these countries, cooperative medical care with North Korean medical personnel and medical technology education were conducted. Moreover, medical teams from each country in North Korea held seminars and conferences and exchanged knowledge with the North Korean medical field staffs. These activities by the Socialist countries in North Korea provided the North Korean medical personnel with the opportunity to directly experience the medical technology of each country. China's support was crucial to North Korea's ‘rediscovery’ of Korean medicine in the mid-1950s. After the Korean War, North Korea began to apply the Chinese-Western medicine integration policy, which was performed in China at that time, to the North Korean health care field through China's medical support and exchanges. In other words, China's emphasis on Chinese medicine and the integration of the Chinese-Western medicine were presented as one of the directions for medical development of North Korea in the 1950s, and the experiences of China in this process convinced North Korea that Korean medicine policy was appropriate. The decision-makers of the North Korean medical policies, who returned to North Korea after studying abroad in China at that time, actively introduced the experiences from China and constantly sought to learn about them. This study identified that a variety of external stimuli had complex impacts on the North Korean medical field in the gap between ‘Soviet learning’ in the late 1940s and the ‘autonomous’ medical development since the 1960s. The North Korean medical field was formed not by the unilateral or dominant influences of a single nation but by the stimulation from many nations and the various interactions in the process.

Founder Mutations for Early Onset Melanoma as Revealed by Whole Exome Sequencing Suggests That This is Not Associated with the Increasing Incidence of Melanoma in Poland / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Germline mutations within melanoma susceptibility genes are present only in minority of melanoma patients and it is expected that additional genes will be discovered with next generation sequence technology and whole-exome sequencing (WES). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein we performed WES on a cohort of 96 unrelated Polish patients with melanoma diagnosed under the age of 40 years who all screened negative for the presence of CDKN2A variants. A replication study using a set of 1,200 melanoma patient DNA samples and similarly large series of healthy controls was undertaken. RESULTS: We selected 21 potentially deleterious variants in 20 genes (VRK1, MYCT1, DNAH14, CASC3, MS4A12, PRC1, WWOX, CARD6, EXO5, CASC3, CASP8AP2, STK33, SAMD11, CNDP2, CPNE1, EFCAB6, CABLES1, LEKR1, NUDT17, and RRP15), which were identified by WES and confirmed by Sanger sequencing for an association study. Evaluation of the allele distribution among carriers and their relatives in available family trios revealed that these variants were unlikely to account for many familial cases of melanoma. Replication study revealed no statistically significant differences between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: Although most of the changes seemed to be neutral we could not exclude an association between variants in VRK1, CREB3L3, EXO5, and STK33 with melanoma risk.

Autoria científica do doutor Chernoviz entre a vulgarização da medicina e a formação profissional: o caso do Dicionário de medicina popular, 1842-1890 / The scientific authorship of Doctor Chernoviz, from the popularization of medicine to professional training: the Dicionário de medicina popular, 1842-1890

Resumo O artigo traz reflexões em torno da autoria científica do doutor Chernoviz a partir de seu Dicionário de medicina popular, com seis edições entre 1842 e 1890. Na primeira seção do texto discute-se a inserção de Chernoviz nos regimes de autoria científica vigentes no campo médico carioca. Em seguida, analisam-se os argumentos desenvolvidos pelo autor para justificar a publicação de um livro de vulgarização da ciência médica num momento em que o campo médico militava pela exclusividade do exercício da medicina. Por fim, sugerem-se novos sentidos em torno da autoria científica de Chernoviz a partir das constatações dos usos e das leituras do Dicionário por parte de um público de iniciados.

Abstract This article reflects on the scientific authorship of Pedro Luiz Napoleão Chernoviz, based on his Dicionário de medicina popular, which was published in six editions between 1842 and 1890. The first part of the text discusses Chernoviz's position within the regimes of scientific authorship which were present in the medical community in Rio de Janeiro. Next, we analyze the author's arguments justifying a text that popularized medical science while this field strove for exclusivity in the practice of medicine. Finally, we suggest new meanings around Chernoviz's scientific authorship based on how the Dicionário was used and read by an initiated public.

Eliasz Cynamon e o Programa do Rio Doce (Sesp): contribuição de fontes para a história das ações de saúde e saneamento no Brasil, 1952-1960 / Eliasz Cynamon and the Rio Doce Program (SESP): contribution of sources to the history of health and sanitation actions in Brazil, 1952-1960

Resumo Apresenta pesquisa acerca da atuação de Szachna Eliasz Cynamon no Programa Vale do Rio Doce (1952-1960). Privilegiamos como fonte de consulta os acervos dos departamentos de Arquivo e Documentação e de Saneamento e Saúde Ambiental, na Fiocruz, e o ainda pertencente à família. Na época, a região contava com altos índices de malária. Cynamon, nascido na Polônia e imigrado ainda criança nos anos 1930 para o Brasil, onde se graduaria em engenharia sanitária, foi contratado para atuar em Colatina (ES) e em Governador Valadares (MG), entre 1952 e 1960. Nessas localidades, dedicou-se ao tratamento e abastecimento de água e esgoto sanitário, além de realizar cursos de educação sanitária para a população local, como parte de acordo de cooperação Brasil-EUA.

Abstract Research into the work of Szachna Eliasz Cynamon in the Rio Doce Valley Program (1952-1960) is presented. The key sources are from the Department of Archives and Documentation and the Department of Sanitation and Environmental Health at Fiocruz, as well as the family's own archive. At the time, the rates of malaria in the region were high. Born in Poland, Cynamon migrated to Brazil in the 1930s while still a child, where he graduated in sanitary engineering. He was hired to work in Colatina (Espírito Santo) and Governador Valadares (Minas Gerais) between 1952 and 1960, focusing on sewage and water treatment and supply, while also holding sanitation education courses for the local people as part of a Brazil-USA cooperation agreement.

Indirect self-destructiveness in individuals with schizophrenia

Objective: To explore the indirect self-destructiveness syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Two hundred individuals with paranoid schizophrenia (117 men and 83 women, mean age 37.15 years), all in remission, were examined using the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale. Two hundred well-matched healthy individuals served as a control group. Results: The intensity of indirect self-destructiveness was greater in the schizophrenia group than in controls. The intensity of each manifestation was as follows (in decreasing order): helplessness and passiveness in the face of difficulties (A5), personal and social neglects (A3), lack of planfulness (A4), poor health maintenance (A2), transgression and risk (A1). Conclusion: Patients with schizophrenia displayed more behaviors that were indirectly self-destructive than healthy controls; they scored better than healthy controls only on caring for their own health. The patients showed the lowest intensity of behaviors connected with the active form of indirect self-destructiveness, and the highest intensity of behaviors connected with the passive form. These findings may enable delivery of more effective forms of pharmacological and psychosocial help to patients with schizophrenia.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Gallbladder Cancer / 대한췌담도학회지

Gallbladder cancer (GBC)t is highly fatal. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, 5-year survival rate of patients with GBC is less than 5%. Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stage and the efficacy of treatment has been disappointing. In this review, an overview of epidemiology and risk factors of GBC with the focus on the recent researches of the predisposing factors is provided. Women are more frequently afflicted than men with female to male ratio of 3 to 1. Incidence of GBC varies widely depending on geography and ethnicity. The highest incidence in the world is seen in women from Chile, Poland, and northern part of India. High rate of GBC is reported in Korea. The most important risk factor for the development of GBC is cholelithiasis. The association between cholelithiasis and GBC is confirmed by many case control studies. Up to 95% of GBC are associated with gallstones. Other predisposing factors include gallbladder polyp, gallbladder wall thickening, chronic cholecystitis, porcelain gallbladder and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Dietary and environmental factors are also supposed to play various roles in the pathogenesis of GBC. However, most gallbladder cancers are diagnosed after a cholecystectomy and only a third of cases are recognized preoperatively. Therefore, early detection and referral for cholecystectomy are essential for the improvement of overall survival of patients with GBC.

Craniometric characteristics and cranial indices of Polish heath sheep rams ­ extended data / Características craneométricas e índices craneales de ovejas heath polacas - datos ampliados

The study was conducted on the mouflon-derived horned sheep of the preserved Polish Heath Sheep breed. In this study, basic skull measurements of 24 skulls of the rams of different age: 1 day, 90 days, 210 days, 270 days, 3 and 6 years, were analyzed. The weight of each skull was determined, as well as 43 craniometric characteristics were measured, and cranial cavity volume and viscerocranial and neurocranial indices were calculated. From birth to the age of 6 years, the greatest length of the skull, the condylobasal length and the length of the cheek-tooth row increased two-fold. To day 210 of age, the bony housing for eyeball and its organs grew intensively. To day 270 of age, the largest increase was characteristic of the elements of the angular length of the neurocranium and its breadth. The structural elements characterizing both the breadth and the length of the viscerocranium developed to the age of 6 years. A significant (P0.05), decreasing with age, value of the cephalic index was observed, being mostly affected by development of the squamous part of the frontal bone with its orbital part and the orbital margin.

El estudio se realizó en la raza preservada de ovejas Heath, derivadas del Muflón. En este estudio se analizaron las mediciones craneales básicas de 24 cráneos de carneros de diferentes edades: 1 día, 90 días, 210 días, 270 días, 3 y 6 años. Se determinó el peso de cada cráneo, se midieron 43 características craneométricas y se calculó el volumen de la cavidad craneal y los índices viscerocraneales y neurocraneales. Desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de 6 años, la longitud más grande del cráneo, la longitud del cóndilo y la longitud de la hilera del diente de la mejilla aumentó dos veces. A los 210 días de edad, la cubierta ósea para el bulbo ocular y sus órganos creció intensivamente. Al día 270 de edad, el mayor incremento fue la longitud angular del neurocráneo y su amplitud. Los elementos estructurales que caracterizan tanto el ancho como la longitud del viscerocráneo se desarrollaron a la edad de 6 años. Se observó un valor significativo (P0,05), decreciente con la edad, del índice cefálico, siendo afectado principalmente por el desarrollo de la parte escamosa del hueso frontal con su parte orbitaria y el margen orbital.

The Prevalence of Founder Mutations among Individuals from Families with Familial Pancreatic Cancer Syndrome / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Familial pancreatic cancer describes families with at least two first-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer that do not fulfil the criteria of other inherited tumor syndromes with increased risks of pancreatic cancer. Although much has been learned regarding the aggregation of pancreatic cancer in some families, the genetic basis for this familial aggregation is poorly understood. This study evaluated the prevalence of 10 Polish founder mutations in four genes among individuals from families with diagnosed familial pancreatic cancer syndrome and assessed their possible association with the familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) risk in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 400 FPC individuals and 4,000 control subjects were genotyped for founder mutations in BRCA1 (5382insC, 4153delA, C61G), CHEK2 (1100delC, IVS2+1G>A, del5395, I157T), NBS1 (657del5), and PALB2 (509_510delGA, 172_175delTTGT) genes. RESULTS: A statistically significant association was observed between the 172_175delTTGT mutation of the PALB2 gene and an increased risk of FPC syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 10.05; p=0.048). In addition, an increased risk of cancer was observed in the FPC family members with a BRCA1 mutation (OR, 6.72; p=0.006). Novel associations were found between the FPC family members with cancer and CHEK2 mutations (OR, 2.26; p=0.008) with a noticeable contribution of the missense variant, I157T of CHEK2 (OR, 2.17; p=0.026). CONCLUSION: The founder mutations in the genes, BRCA1, PALB2, and CHEK2, cause a small percentage of familial pancreatic cancer syndrome in the Polish population. Following confirmation in larger studies, these mutations can be added to the panel of genes to be tested in families with a diagnosis of FPC syndrome.

Using the Portuguese version of the Bicultural Scale in Brazil / O uso da versão em português da Escala de Biculturalidade no Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Brazil has received influxes of people, mainly from Africa, Europe and Japan, forming one of the most heterogeneous populations in the world. Some groups, particularly in Southern Brazil, have retained their original cultural traditions, whilst acquiring elements of the typical local Brazilian cultural identity. This is the first study designed to formally evaluate biculturality in Brazil. Objective: To psychometrically assess and validate the Portuguese version of the Bicultural Scale (BS) in Brazil. Methods: The BS was adapted and translated to Portuguese and tested for the first time in Brazil in a sample of descendants (n = 160) from four immigrant groups and respective locations in Southern Brazil. A series of psychometric tests were conducted in order to examine the validity of the Portuguese version of the BS. Analyses of variance across scores for all subgroups were also conducted. Results: Factor analysis revealed two main factors contributing to most of the variance in scores. The 10 items measuring affiliation with minority cultural characteristics and the typical Brazilian culture yielded Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.69 and 0.78 respectively, whereas the overall Cronbach's alpha for all 20 items of the BS was 0.67. There was a significant correlation between items related to the typical Brazilian culture and the generation since immigration of research participants (r = 0.23, p = 0.004). The mean time taken to complete the questionnaire was 7.4 minutes. Conclusion: The results indicate that the Portuguese version of the BS is a valid, reliable and easy-to-use instrument to assess biculturality experienced by descendants of immigrants in southern Brazil.

Resumo Introdução: O Brasil recebeu afluxo de imigrantes principalmente da África, Europa e Japão, formando uma das populações mais heterogêneas do mundo. Alguns grupos, particularmente no Sul do Brasil, têm mantido suas tradições culturais originais, ao mesmo tempo que adquirem elementos típicos da identidade cultural brasileira local. Este é o primeiro estudo a avaliar formalmente a biculturalidade no Brasil. Objetivo: Avaliação psicométrica e validação da versão em português da Escala de Biculturalidade (EB) no Brasil. Métodos: A EB foi adaptada e traduzida para o português e testada pela primeira vez no Brasil em uma amostra de descendentes de quatro grupos de imigrantes (n = 160) em diferentes localizações no Sul do Brasil. Uma série de testes psicométricos foram aplicados a fim de examinar a validade da versão em português da EB. Análises de variância através dos escores obtidos em cada subgrupo também foram conduzidas. Resultados: A análise fatorial revelou que dois fatores principais contribuem para a maioria da variância nos escores. Os 10 items que medem afiliação com características culturais minoritárias e cultura típica brasileira demonstraram índice de Cronbach de 0,69 e 0,78, respectivamente, enquanto que o alfa global de Cronbach para todos os 20 itens da EB foi de 0,67. Houve correlação significativa entre os itens relacionados à cultura típica brasileira e a geração dos voluntários desde o período de imigração (r = 0,23, p = 0,004). O tempo médio para completar o questionário foi de 7,4 minutos. Conclusões: Os resultados indicam que a versão em português da EB é um instrumento válido, confiável e de fácil utilização para avaliar expêriencias de biculturalidade de descendentes de imigrantes no Sul do Brasil.

First- Versus Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents in Acute Coronary Syndromes (Katowice-Zabrze Registry) / Stents Farmacológicos de Primeira Versus Segunda Geração na Síndrome Coronariana Aguda (Registro Katowice-Zabrze)

Abstract Background: There are sparse data on the performance of different types of drug-eluting stents (DES) in acute and real-life setting. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of first- versus second-generation DES in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: This all-comer registry enrolled consecutive patients diagnosed with ACS and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with the implantation of first- or second-generation DES in one-year follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization and stroke. The primary safety outcome was definite stent thrombosis (ST) at one year. Results: From the total of 1916 patients enrolled into the registry, 1328 patients were diagnosed with ACS. Of them, 426 were treated with first- and 902 with second-generation DES. There was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCE between two types of DES at one year. The rate of acute and subacute ST was higher in first- vs. second-generation DES (1.6% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001, and 1.2% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.025, respectively), but there was no difference regarding late ST (0.7% vs. 0.2%, respectively, p = 0.18) and gastrointestinal bleeding (2.1% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.21). In Cox regression, first-generation DES was an independent predictor for cumulative ST (HR 3.29 [1.30-8.31], p = 0.01). Conclusions: In an all-comer registry of ACS, the one-year rate of MACCE was comparable in groups treated with first- and second-generation DES. The use of first-generation DES was associated with higher rates of acute and subacute ST and was an independent predictor of cumulative ST.

Resumo Fundamento: Os dados sobre o desempenho dos diferentes tipos de stents farmacológicos (SF) no cenário agudo e da vida real são escassos. Objetivo: Comparar a segurança e a eficácia dos SF de primeira e de segunda geração em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). Métodos: Este registro arrolou pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico de SCA e tratados com intervenção coronariana percutânea e implantação de SF de primeira ou segunda geração em seguimento de 1 ano. O desfecho primário 'eficácia' foi definido como eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM), um composto de morte por todas as causas, infarto do miocárdio não fatal, revascularização de vaso-alvo e acidente vascular encefálico. O desfecho primário 'segurança' foi trombose de stent (TS) definitiva em 1 ano. Resultados: Do total de 1.916 pacientes arrolados, 1.328 foram diagnosticados com SCA. Desses, 426 foram tratados com SF de primeira geração e 902, com SF de segunda geração. Não houve diferença significativa na incidência de ECAM entre os dois tipos de SF em 1 ano. A taxa de TS aguda e subaguda foi maior com SF de primeira geração do que com os de segunda geração (1,6% vs. 0,1%, p < 0,001; e 1,2% vs. 0,2%, p = 0,025, respectivamente), mas não houve diferença para TS tardia (0,7% vs. 0,2%, respectivamente, p = 0,18) nem para sangramento gastrointestinal (2,1% vs.1,1%, p = 0,21). Na regressão de Cox, o SF de primeira geração foi preditor independente para TS cumulativa [HR 3,29 (1,30-8,31); p = 0,01]. Conclusões: No registro de SCA, a taxa de ECAM em 1 ano foi comparável nos grupos tratados com SF de primeira e de segunda geração. O uso de SF de primeira geração associou-se a maiores taxas de TS aguda e subaguda, sendo um preditor independente para TS cumulativa.

Serum Concentrations of Selenium and Copper in Patients Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is still insufficient. This study evaluated the associations between concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) in the serum of PaCa patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 PaCa patients and 100 control subjects from the same geographical region in Poland. To determine the average concentration of Se, Cu, and ratio Cu:Se in the Polish population, assay for Se and Cu was performed in 480 healthy individuals. Serum levels of Se and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the control group, the average Se level was 76 µg/L and Cu 1,098 µg/L. The average Se level among PaCa patients was 60 µg/L and the mean Cu level was 1,432 µg/L. The threshold point at which any decrease in Se concentration was associated with PaCa was 67.45 µg/L. The threshold point of Cu level above which there was an increase in the prevalence of PaCa was 1,214.58 µg/L. In addition, a positive relationship was observed between increasing survival time and Se plasma level. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that low levels of Se and high levels of Cu might influence development of PaCa and that higher levels of Se are associated with longer survival in patients with PaCa. The results suggest that determining the level of Se and Cu could be incorporated into a risk stratification scheme for the selection and surveillance control examination to complement existing screening and diagnostic procedures.

Plasma Levels and Diagnostic Utility of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 as New Biomarkers of Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and its specific tissue inhibitor - tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) may play an important role in the pathogenesis and spread of cancer. We investigated the plasma levels of M-CSF, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in comparison with a commonly accepted tumor marker CA 15-3 in breast cancer patients and in control groups. METHODS: The cohort included 110 breast cancer patients in groups at stages I-IV. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers and 50 benign tumor patients. Plasma levels of M-CSF, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were determined by using ELISA, while CA 15-3 concentrations were determined by using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in concentrations of the analyzed parameters and in levels of CA 15-3 between the groups of breast cancer patients and the two control groups. Diagnosis using these markers was equal to that using CA 15-3 in terms of sensitivity, predictive values of positive and negativetest results (PPV, NPV) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the studied groups. The diagnostic specificities of MMP-9, TIMP-1, M-CSF, and CA 15-3 showed equally high values (95%). The combined use of all tested parameters with CA 15-3 resulted in increased sensitivity, NPV, and AUC, especially in the combination of M-CSF with tumor markers (76%, 64%, and 0.8653). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the tested parameters are useful in the diagnosis of breast cancer patients (except stage I), when combined with CA 15-3.

La vida como actividad normativa y auto-realización: debate en torno al concepto de normatividad biológica en Goldstein y Canguilhem / Life as regulatory activity and self-realization: debate surrounding the concept of biological regulation in Goldstein and Canguilhem

La influencia de Kurt Goldstein en el pensamiento de Georges Canguilhem se extendió a lo largo de toda su obra. El presente trabajo pretende recuperar esta relación con el objeto de realizar un estudio de la norma como nexo o conexión entre el concepto y la vida. En consecuencia, este trabajo será una reflexión sobre el planteamiento de la vida como actividad normativa y autorealización. Para ello, será necesario resignificar los conceptos de salud y enfermedad, y atravesar el camino que va de uno a otro. Al final de este camino, se encontrará que estos conceptos permiten explicar la identidad entre el concepto y la vida, lo cual conduce a la conclusión inesperada que la cura es, en definitiva, autocuración.

The influence of Kurt Goldstein on the thinking of Georges Canguilhem extended throughout his entire work. This paper seeks to examine this relationship in order to conduct a study of the norm as a nexus or connection between the concept and life. Consequently, this work will be a reflection on the approach to life as a regulatory activity and self-realization. For this, it will be necessary to redefine the concepts of health and disease, and make a crossover between the two. At the end of this trajectory, it will be found that these concepts can explain the identity between the concept and life, which leads to the unexpected conclusion that the cure is ultimately self-healing.

Poland Syndrome in One Dizygotic Twin: A Case Report / 대한주산의학회잡지

Poland syndrome, also known as pectoral aplasia-dysdactylia syndrome, is a rare anomaly, characterized by aplasia of the pectoralis major muscle with ipsilateral upper extremity anomalies. The cause of Poland syndrome is still unknown. Several twin patients were reported to propose a genetic or nongenetic hypothesis. We experienced a female baby showing absence of the pectoralis major muscle in a pair of mixed twin. The patient was referred to our hospital for evaluation of an asymmetric chest wall. She showed depression of the left chest wall, ipsilateral nipple hypoplasia, and axillary webbing. A chest CT scan showed aplasia of the left large pectoral muscle. Our patient had no abnormalities such as symbrachydactyly in an ipsilateral upper extremity. In comparison, a physical examination showed that the fraternal twin boy was completely normal.

Proteus mirabilis biofilm - Qualitative and quantitative colorimetric methods-based evaluation

Proteus mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm is a current topic of a number of research worldwide. In this study the biofilm formation of P. mirabilis strains derived from urine of the catheterized and non-catheterized patients has been investigated. A total number of 39 P. mirabilis strains isolated from the urine samples of the patients of dr Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz clinics between 2011 and 2012 was used. Biofilm formation was evaluated using two independent quantitative and qualitative methods with TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride) and CV (crystal violet) application. The obtained results confirmed biofilm formation by all the examined strains, except quantitative method with TTC, in which 7.7% of the strains did not have this ability. It was shown that P. mirabilis rods have the ability to form biofilm on the surfaces of both biomaterials applied, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride (Nelaton catheters). The differences in ability to form biofilm observed between P. mirabilis strains derived from the urine of the catheterized and non-catheterized patients were not statistically significant.