A controlled weight loss intervention study among women of Somali background in Norway.

Background: Women of Somali background in Norway have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, compared with women in the general Norwegian population. For lifestyle interventions to be applicable for immigrants to Norway, it is important to culturally tailor interventions in collaboration with relevant communities. The primary outcome was a difference in weight change between the intervention and control groups. Methods: In this interventional study, Somali women living in one borough of Oslo Municipality in Norway with body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg.m-2 received a co-created, culturally tailored 12-month weight loss intervention consisting of 24 interactive sessions during the first three months, and monthly sessions for the next nine months, compared to a control group. Both groups were measured at baseline and 12 months. Results: A total of 169 participants were recruited, and 101 participants completed the follow-up. After multiple imputation, the mean difference in weight change adjusted for baseline weight, age, education, employment, marital status, number of children in the household and length of Norwegian residency was -1.6 kg (95 % CI -3.57, 0.43, p = 0.12) in the intervention compared to the control group. Conclusion: This culturally tailored intervention study demonstrated a modest non-significant effect on weight change after 12 months, possibly due to the short intervention duration and COVID-19. Further studies of a longer duration and considering the provision of childcare are needed to understand whether this approach can be transferred to other immigrant groups and genders.Trial registration: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT04578067, 2020-09-29.

Implementation of a Pharmacist-Led, Long-Acting, Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine Program for HIV-1 at Health System-Based Clinics in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) is the first complete injectable antiretroviral for patients living with HIV. To facilitate patient access to long-acting injectable treatment, a system-wide, pharmacist-led, LA-CAB/RPV transition program was developed at four health system-based New York clinics. Provider referrals were received across four clinics between January 22nd, 2021, and December 31st, 2022. All referrals were evaluated by a pharmacist for clinical eligibility and medication access. The primary outcome was the treatment retention rate defined as the percentage of patients who remained on LA-CAB/RPV at 3 months post-transition. A total of 171 referrals were received, with 73 patients (43%) initiating LA-CAB/RPV. Baseline demographics included a median age of 38 years, 81% patients were male, 41% were African American, and 49% had commercial insurance coverage. The treatment retention rate was 90% at 3 months post-transition. By the end of the study period, 84% of patients who transitioned remained on LA-CAB/RPV. Treatment was discontinued due to reasons such as viral breakthrough (4%), emergence of mutations (4%), and intolerable side effects (4%). Injection site reactions were commonly reported (51%), but only resulting in treatment discontinuation for one patient. A pharmacist-led program can transition a diverse population of patients living with HIV to LA-CAB/RPV. Results from this study further add to clinical experiences with LA-CAB/RPV, demonstrating real-world treatment retention despite more frequent clinic visits for patients.

"Students Moving Together", Tailored Exercise for Students Facing Mental Health Challenges-A Pilot Feasibility Study.

An increasing number of university students are facing mental health challenges. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of 10 weeks of supervised tailored group exercise for 60 min twice a week delivered by the student health service for students facing mental health challenges. Secondary aims were to explore changes in mental health and physical fitness from pre- to post-test. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment, drop-outs, attendance, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety, wellbeing, satisfaction with life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance/strength. A total of 13 university students with self-reported mental health challenges, aged 20-39 years, were recruited during a four-week period. Ten (77%) of these completed the intervention and post-test as planned, and no adverse events occurred. There was a significant average reduction of 20% in symptoms of depression and anxiety (p = 0.008), and non-significant improvements of 21% in well-being and 16% in satisfaction with life were found. On average, cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01) and muscular strength (push-ups test, p = 0.01, and sit-ups test, p = 0.02) increased. In conclusion, a 10-week tailored exercise intervention delivered by the student mental health service was found to be feasible, and beneficial for mental health and physical fitness in students facing mental health challenges.

Death and Disability Reported with Cases of Vaccine Anaphylaxis Stratified by Administration Setting: An Analysis of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System from 2017 to 2022.

The serious nature of post-vaccination anaphylaxis requires healthcare professionals to be adequately trained to respond to these hypersensitivity emergencies. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes reported with cases of vaccine anaphylaxis stratified by administration setting. We queried reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database from 2017 to 2022 and identified cases involving anaphylaxis with an onset within one day of vaccine administration. The primary outcome was the combined prevalence of death or disability for each setting while the secondary outcome was the prevalence of hospitalization. Adjusted (age, sex, prior history of allergy, vaccine type) odds ratios (aOR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. A total of 2041 cases of anaphylaxis comprised the primary study cohort with representation in the sample from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. The mean age was 43.3 ± 17.5 years, and most cases involved women (79.9%). Cases of anaphylaxis were reported after receiving a coronavirus vaccine (85.2%), influenza vaccine (5.9%), tetanus vaccine (2.2%), zoster vaccine (1.6%), measles vaccine (0.7%), and other vaccine (4.5%). Outcomes associated with reports of vaccine anaphylaxis included 35 cases of death and disability and 219 hospitalizations. Compared with all other settings, the aOR of death and disability when anaphylaxis occurred was 1.92 (95% CI, 0.86-4.54) in a medical provider's office, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.26-2.43) in a pharmacy and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.15-3.94) in a public health clinic. Compared with all other settings, the aOR of hospitalization when anaphylaxis occurred was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.71-1.47) in a medical provider's office, 1.06 (95% CI, 0.72-1.54) in a pharmacy, and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.61-1.93) in a public health clinic. An analysis of a national database across six years revealed no significant differences in the odds of death/disability and odds of hospitalization associated with post-vaccination anaphylaxis in the medical office, pharmacy, and public health clinic compared with all other settings. This study expands our understanding of the safety of immunization services and reinforces that all settings must be prepared to respond to such an emergency.

Medidas preventivas de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares no ambiente prisional: revisão integrativa / Preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment: an integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo analisar as medidas preventivas de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares no ambiente prisional. Métodos revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, LILACS, EMBASE e SciELO. Os descritores e palavras-chave utilizados, combinados com os operadores booleanos OR e AND foram prisons, prisoners, health promotion, health education, cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases e heart. Foram incluídos artigos que abordassem as medidas preventivas de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares no ambiente prisional, sem recorte no tempo, nas línguas inglesa, portuguesa ou espanhola. Resultados a amostra final foi composta por sete artigos. As medidas preventivas encontradas foram relacionadas a atividade física, melhora nutricional, controle do peso, cessação do tabagismo, controle do estresse e acompanhamento laboratorial, com prevalência para a atividade física e a melhora nutricional. Conclusão a identificação de medidas de prevenção pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de ações de promoção da saúde para a população privada de liberdade, entretanto, são necessários mais estudos com esta temática. Contribuições para a prática: conhecer as medidas preventivas de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares utilizadas no ambiente prisional poderá subsidiar o desenvolvimento de intervenções para promoção da saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment. Methods integrative review carried out in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, LILACS, EMBASE, and SciELO. The descriptors and keywords used, combined with the Boolean operators OR and AND were: prisons, prisoners, health promotion, health education, cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases and heart. We included articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, that addressed preventive measures against the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment, with no specific time frame. Results the final sample included seven articles. Preventive measures found were related with exercising, nutritional improvement, weight control, smoking cessation, stress control, and laboratory follow up, focusing specially in physical activities and nutritional improvement. Conclusion identifying preventive measures can aid in the development of health promotion actions for the population deprived of freedom. Nonetheless, more studies on the topic are required. Contributions to practice: understanding the preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases used in the prison environment can give support to the developing of health promotion interventions.

Biosafety measures to prevent COVID-19 in healthcare professionals: an integrative review / Medidas de bioseguridad para prevenir el COVID-19 en profesionales de la salud: una revisión integradora / Medidas de biossegurança para prevenção da Covid-19 em profissionais de saúde: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the main biosafety measures for preventing COVID-19 in healthcare professionals. Methods: this is an integrative literature review, with studies published between January and July 2020, on the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELo, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane CINAHL databases. The selection of studies followed the PRISMA recommendations. Results: among the 2,208 publications identified, 12 studies comprised the sample, which enabled the analysis in four thematic categories: The importance of using recommendations about the use of personal protective equipment; The restructuring of new operational and clinical routines and flows in the practice of services; Monitoring professionals, especially testing; Conducting training. Conclusions: the phenomena involved are innumerable, covering operational management and the training of teams to deal with highly infectious pathogens and disease outbreaks.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las principales medidas de bioseguridad para la prevención de COVID-19 en profesionales de la salud. Métodos: revisión integradora de la literatura, con estudios publicados entre enero y julio de 2020, en las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELo, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane CINAHL. La selección de los estudios siguió las recomendaciones de la guía PRISMA. Resultados: de las 2.208 publicaciones identificadas, 12 estudios conformaron la muestra, lo que permitió el análisis en cuatro categorías temáticas: la importancia de utilizar recomendaciones sobre el uso de equipos de protección personal; La reestructuración de nuevas rutinas y flujos operativos y clínicos en la práctica de los servicios; Monitoreo de profesionales, especialmente pruebas; Realización de formación. Conclusiones: los fenómenos involucrados son innumerables, abarcando la gestión operativa y la capacitación de equipos para enfrentar patógenos altamente infecciosos y brotes de enfermedades.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as principais medidas de biossegurança para prevenção da COVID-19 em profissionais de saúde. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura, com estudos publicados entre janeiro e julho de 2020, nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELo, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane CINAHL. A seleção dos estudos seguiu as recomendações da diretriz PRISMA. Resultados: dentre as 2.208 publicações identificadas, 12 estudos compuseram a amostra, os quais possibilitaram a análise em quatro categorias temáticas: A importância do emprego das recomendações acerca do uso dos equipamentos de proteção individual; A reestruturação de novas rotinas e fluxos operacionais e clínicos na prática dos serviços; A realização de monitoramento dos profissionais, em especial a testagem; A realização de treinamentos. Conclusões: os fenômenos envolvidos são inúmeros, abrangendo a gestão operacional e a capacitação das equipes para lidarem com patógenos altamente infecciosos e situações de surtos de doenças.

Biosafety measures to prevent COVID-19 in healthcare professionals: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the main biosafety measures for preventing COVID-19 in healthcare professionals. METHODS: this is an integrative literature review, with studies published between January and July 2020, on the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELo, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane CINAHL databases. The selection of studies followed the PRISMA recommendations. RESULTS: among the 2,208 publications identified, 12 studies comprised the sample, which enabled the analysis in four thematic categories: The importance of using recommendations about the use of personal protective equipment; The restructuring of new operational and clinical routines and flows in the practice of services; Monitoring professionals, especially testing; Conducting training. CONCLUSIONS: the phenomena involved are innumerable, covering operational management and the training of teams to deal with highly infectious pathogens and disease outbreaks.

Critérios auditáveis para implementação de melhores práticas na adesão ao checklist cirúrgico / Criterios de auditoría para la implementación de mejores prácticas en la adhesión a la checklist quirúrgico / Auditable criteria for implementing best practices in adhering to the surgical safety checklist

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a adesão ao uso da Lista de Verificação de Segurança Cirúrgica de um hospital, conforme os critérios auditáveis do Instituto Joanna Briggs. Métodos Estudo observacional descritivo que utilizou as ferramentas Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System e Getting Reasearch into Practice nas três fases previstas da metodologia: auditoria de base, educativa e auditoria de seguimento. As auditorias aconteceram no centro cirúrgico de um hospital do oeste de Santa Catarina. Na auditoria de base, foram elegíveis cem cirurgias, sendo as mesmas cem incluídas na auditoria de seguimento, com observação direta da equipe cirúrgica no preenchimento completo da Lista de Verificação de Segurança Cirúrgica. Resultados Na auditoria de base, os critérios 2 e 3 tiveram alta conformidade com a melhor prática (81% a 93%), e os critérios 1 e 4 (45%, 49%) apresentaram baixa conformidade. A partir das barreiras encontradas na auditoria de base, foram realizadas atividades educativas junto à equipe cirúrgica. Na auditoria de seguimento, houve aumento nos percentuais da conformidade em todos os critérios, e os critérios 2 e 3 obtiveram 100% e 99%, respectivamente, contudo os critérios 1 e 4 continuaram com percentuais abaixo do esperado (65% e 54%, respectivamente). Conclusão A não obtenção de 100% de conformidade nos critérios auditados é ocasionada por um cuidado assistido não baseado na prática por evidências. Contudo, espera-se uma educação permanente e continuada para realizar as boas práticas na instituição do estudo.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la adhesión al uso de la Lista de Verificación de Seguridad Quirúrgica de un hospital, según los criterios de auditoría del Instituto Joanna Briggs. Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo que utilizó las herramientas Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System y Getting Reasearch into Practice en las tres fases previstas de la metodología: auditoría basal, educativa y auditoría de seguimiento. Las auditorías se realizaron en el quirófano de un hospital del oeste del estado de Santa Catarina. En la auditoría basal, se seleccionaron 100 cirugías y las mismas 100 se incluyeron en la auditoría de seguimiento, con observación directa del equipo quirúrgico para el llenado completo de la Lista de Verificación de Seguridad Quirúrgica. Resultados En la auditoría basal, los criterios 2 y 3 tuvieron alta conformidad con la mejor práctica (81 % a 93 %), y los criterios 1 y 4 (45 %, 49 %) presentaron baja conformidad. A partir de los obstáculos encontrados en la auditoría basal, se realizaron actividades educativas con el equipo quirúrgico. En la auditoría de seguimiento, hubo un aumento en los porcentajes de conformidad en todos los criterios. El criterio 2 obtuvo 100 % y el 3, 99 %; no obstante, los criterios 1 y 4 continuaron con porcentajes inferiores a lo esperado (65 % y 54 %, respectivamente). Conclusión La no obtención del 100 % de conformidad en los criterios auditados se debe a un cuidado asistido no basado en la práctica por evidencias. Sin embargo, se espera una educación permanente y continua para realizar las buenas prácticas en la institución del estudio.

Abstract Objective To assess adherence to the use of the hospital's Surgical Safety Checklist according to the auditable criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Methods An observational descriptive study was conducted, using the Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice tools in the three phases of the study methodology: basic, educational and follow-up audits. The audits took place in the surgical center of a hospital in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. A total of 100 surgeries were eligible in the baseline audit, with the same 100 being included in the follow-up audit, and direct observation being performed by the surgical team in completing the Surgical Safety Checklist. Results Criteria 2 and 3 were highly compliant with best practices (81% to 93%) in the baseline audit, while Criteria 1 and 4 (45%, 49%) had low compliance. Thus, educational activities were conducted with the surgical team based on the barriers found in the basic audit. There was an increase in the compliance percentages for all criteria in the follow-up audit, and Criteria 2 and 3 obtained 100% and 99%, respectively; however, Criteria 1 and 4 continued with percentages below the expected (65% and 54%, respectively). Conclusion Failure to achieve 100% compliance with the audited criteria is caused by the provided care not being based on evidence-based practice. However, permanent and continuous education is expected to result in good practices at the study institution.

Nortriptyline-induced oral ulceration: A case report.

Drug-induced oral ulcers are lesions of the oral mucosa accompanied by painful symptoms, such as burning mouth, metallic taste, dysgeusia, or ageusia. This report demonstrates the first documented case of drug-induced oral ulcers with the tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline. In this case, a 49-year-old female initiated treatment for refractory neuropathy with nortriptyline. Within 2 weeks of therapy, painful, oral, bubble-like ulcers developed. Complete symptom resolution occurred approximately 1 month after discontinuation of nortriptyline. Clinicians should be cognizant of nortriptyline's ability to potentially induce oral ulcers; however, the exact mechanism for this adverse event is unknown.

Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in a specialized care service in Brazil.

In a retrospective study about the epidemiology of exposure to bloodborne pathogens among health care providers, 71.10% of the analyzed events occurred among health professionals, mainly auxiliary nurses. Percutaneous exposure (83.04%) was the most frequent. Greater advances are necessary in the development of public policies for this issue in terms of inspection of regulatory norms and raising the professionals' awareness through policy and education.

Úlceras por pressão em pacientes com lesão medular traumática: subsídios na identificação microbiológica / Úlceras por presión en pacientes con lesión traumática médula espinal: subvenciones en identificación microbiológica / Pressure ulcers in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury: subsidies in microbiological identification

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bacterial species in pressure ulcers (PU) in patients with spinal cord injury treated by a Physically Handicapped Association. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted in a northeastern city from 2009 to 2010. The sample was consecutive, not probabilistic and comprised 20 individuals with spinal cord injury and PU being treated in the Association and without antibiotic therapy. Samples were collected from exudates of PU, using sterile swabs, plated on Blood Agar plates and incubated at 35°C for 24 hours. For identification of microorganisms were employed biochemical tests. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The six microorganisms were: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, Proteus spp., Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. Conclusion: Additional prospective microbiological investigations are needed to assess the prevalence of pathogens in patients with PU injured thus instituting, nutritional, therapeutic and educational programs that reduce bacterial colonization and infection.

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de espécies bacterianas em úlceras por pressão (UP) de pacientes com lesão raquimedular assistidos por uma associação de deficientes físicos. Método: Estudo descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, conduzido em uma cidade nordestina de 2009 a 2010. A amostra foi consecutiva não probabilística e compreendeu 20 indivíduos com lesão raquimedular e UP, em acompanhamento na associação e sem uso de antibioticoterapia. Coletaram-se amostras de exsudatos das UP, utilizando suabes estéreis, semeadas em ágar sangue e incubadas a 35°C por 24 horas. Para identificação dos microrganismos, foram empregadas provas bioquímicas. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva para análise dos dados. Resultados: Os seis microrganismos encontrados foram: S. aureus, S. epidermides, S. saprophyticus, Proteus spp., Escherichia coli e Enterobacter spp. Conclusão: Investigações microbiológicas prospectivas adicionais são necessárias para avaliar a prevalência dos agentes patogênicos de UP em pacientes lesionados, a fim de instituir programas educacionais, nutricionais e terapêuticos que reduzam a colonização e infecção bacteriana.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de especies bacterianas en las úlceras por presión (UPP) en pacientes con lesión medular espinal (LME) tratada por una Asociación de Discapacitados Físicos. Método: Estudio descriptivo-transversal, cuantitativo, realizado en una ciudad del noreste en 2009-2010. La muestra fue no probabilística, secuencial y comprende 20 individuos con LME y UPP y sin tratamiento antibiótico. Se recogieron muestras de exudados de la UPP, utilizando torundas estériles, sembradas en placas de Agar Sangre y se incubaron a 35°C durante 24 horas. Los microorganismos fueron identificados por pruebas bioquímicas. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el análisis de datos. Resultados: Los seis microorganismos fueron: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, Proteus spp, Escherichia coli y Enterobacter spp. Conclusión: Se necesitan investigaciones microbiológicas prospectivas para evaluar la prevalencia de patógenos en LME con UPP instituyendo así, los programas nutricionales, terapéuticos y educativos para reducir la colonización bacteriana y la infección.

Endotracheal tube biofilm and ventilator-associated pneumonia with mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze biofilm on internal and external surfaces of endotracheal tubes after their use in critical care patients, and to produce evidence of association between use of the tube, presence of biofilm, and the occurrence of pneumonia. METHODS: This was a clinical study performed at the Intensive Care Unit of an emergency hospital in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. Data collection involved 30 endotracheal tubes used on adult patients for a period of ≥48 h of mechanical ventilation for scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Analysis of the biofilm on the 30 tubes by scanning electron microscopy showed various abiotic and biotic structures, predominantly on the internal surface, such as: fibrin network, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cocci, bacilli, and molds, among others. The intubation period of the endotracheal tube for ≥8 days represented one of the risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR 7.41, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the endotracheal tube permits microbial colonization, overall contributing to the development of biofilm and the occurrence of pneumonia.

Sacarose em feridas infectadas: fundamentação científica e especulações / Sucrose in infected wounds: a scientific basis and speculations

O uso de sacarose na terapêutica de feridas é uma prática comum que parece favorecer a cicatrização tissular e reduzir a carga microbiana. Objetivou-se, desta forma analisar as evidências científicas por meio da revisão integrativa a fim de determinar a indicação e contraindicação do uso da sacarose (nas apresentações de açúcar cristal, mascavo e/ou refinado) em feridas infectadas e assim auxiliar o profissional na tomada de decisão clínica. Selecionaram-se 10 estudos publicados na íntegra, no período de 2002 a 2012 e indexados no PubMed, Cinahl, Lilacs e Cochrane. Considerando a análise dos estudos, em sua maioria experimentais no modelo animal, verificou-se a efetividade do açúcar na reparação tecidual e modulagem positiva na resposta inflamatória. Com vistas a elucidar os mecanismos ou ação da sacarose na ferida, recomendam-se ensaios clínicos adicionais para padronizar a concentração, volume e periodicidade da sacarose nas trocas de coberturas.

Mapping of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in children and adolescents in an endemic area of Brazil.

A parasitological survey was conducted among children and adolescents in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Brazil to describe the occurrence and spatial distribution of lymphatic filariasis. Microfilaraemia was investigated through the thick smear technique, using 50 µl of capillary blood that was collected at night. The spatial analysis used a digital base map of the municipality, divided into districts, which were classified as hypoendemic, mesoendemic or hyperendemic. 8670 children were examined and 96 cases of microfilaraemia were identified (1.1%). The prevalence rate did not differ significantly between the sexes. Occurrences of filarial infection increased with increasing age: the greatest prevalence was recorded between 15 and 18 years of age (P<0.05). There were 49 reports of clinical manifestations. The spatial distribution of microfilaraemia according to residential district showed that 13 (54.2%) of the 24 districts investigated were positive. Approximately 33% of the districts were hyperendemic. The results demonstrated that the pediatric population had intense early exposure to the parasite, thus characterizing filariasis as endemic in the municipality. The spatial analysis allowed identification of areas with greater occurrence of infection among children, and showed localities where the populations most exposed to transmission were concentrated. Epidemiological surveillance of microfilaraemia among children and spatial analysis are important local transmission indicators and form instruments for planning actions within the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, since they make it possible to identify priority areas.

Frequency of Alzheimer's disease pathology at autopsy in patients with clinical normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is considered to be potentially treatable with the placement of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. However, the procedure has been reported to have variable success, particularly with respect to improving the cognitive impairment in NPH. The presence of neurologic comorbidities, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), may contribute to shunt responsiveness. Uncovering the extent to which AD and NPH co-occur has implications for diagnosis and treatment of NPH. Autopsy studies of patients with NPH during their lifetime would elucidate the frequency of such comorbidities. METHODS: A search of the Sun Health Research Institute Brain Donation Program database was conducted between January 1, 1997 and April 1, 2009 to identify all cases with neuropathologic evidence of dementia as well as those of clinically diagnosed NPH. We reviewed the medical records and brain findings of each NPH case. RESULTS: Of the 761 cases autopsied over the study interval, 563 were found to have neuropathologic evidence meeting criteria for a dementing illness. Of 563 cases, AD was found exclusively in 313 (56%), and 94 suffered from secondary diagnosis of dementia. Nine of 761 cases were identified with a clinical diagnosis of NPH, which were among the 563 cases with neuropathology of dementing illness at autopsy, representing 1.6% (9/563) of the cases. On review of brain autopsy reports of these nine patients, eight (89%) were found to have AD and one (11%) had progressive supranuclear palsy. Review of the medical records of the nine NPH cases revealed the following clinical comorbidities: five suffered from AD, one from Parkinson's Disease, one from mild cognitive impairment, and one from seizure disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Given the findings of the present study, we support the AD-NPH theory and posit that AD is a common pathologic comorbidity in the setting of NPH and may preclude cognitive improvement postshunt placement. This may influence the selection of cases for shunting in the future.

Micobactérias não tuberculosas em cirurgias: desafio passível de enfrentamento no Brasil? / Micobacterias no tuberculosas en cirugías: desafío pasible de enfrentamiento en el Brasil? / Nontuberculous mycobacteria in surgery: challenges likely to be faced in Brazil?

Infecções por micobactéria não tuberculosa (MNT) representam uma emergência epidemiológica e sanitária, especialmente, em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos invasivos. Frente ao exposto, objetivou-se analisar as evidências científicas, na literatura científica, sobre a ocorrência no Brasil de infecções por MNT em pacientes cirúrgicos. Utilizou-se como método de pesquisa a revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, ISI Web of Science e Biblioteca Cochrane. Foram selecionadas 15 publicações sobre a temática nos últimos 30 anos que estavam direcionadas às medidas de prevenção e controle com foco na vigilância pós-alta, no uso de antibioticoterapia e glutaraldeído. Cirurgias oftalmológicas, estéticas, cardíacas e procedimentos laparoscópicos e artroscópicos foram as mais investigadas. A situação nacional das MNTs é preocupante, ainda mais quando se reconhece a possibilidade de subnotificação.

Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (MNT) represent an epidemiological and health emergency, especially in patients undergoing invasive procedures. Based on these, we aimed to analyze the scientific evidence, the scientific literature, on the occurrence in Brazil of MNT infections in surgical patients. We used as a research method integrative review of the literature using the databases Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. We selected 15 publications on this theme from the last 30 years that were directed at methods of prevention and control, with a focus on post-discharge surveillance, the use of antibiotics and glutaraldehyde. Eye surgery, cosmetic, heart, laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures were the most commonly investigated. The national situation of MNTs is concerning, especially when one recognizes the possibility of underreporting.

Las infecciones por micobacteria no tuberculosa (MNT) representan una emergencia epidemiológica y sanitaria, especialmente, en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos invasivos. Frente a lo expuesto, se tuvo como objetivo analizar las evidencias científicas, en la literatura científica, sobre la ocurrencia en el Brasil de infecciones por MNT en pacientes quirúrgicos. Se utilizó como método de investigación la revisión integrativa de la literatura en las bases de datos Lilacs, Medline/Pubmed, ISI Web of Science y Biblioteca Cochrane. Se seleccionaron 15 publicaciones sobre la temática en los últimos 30 años que estaban orientadas a las medidas de prevención y control con foco en la vigilancia post alta, en el uso de antibioticoterapia y glutaraldehido. Cirugías oftalmológicas, estéticas, cardíacas y procedimientos laparoscópicos y artroscópicos fueron las más investigadas. La situación nacional de las MNTs es preocupante, aun más cuando se reconoce la posibilidad de subnotificación.

Osteoporosis management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Evidence for improvement.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increasingly recognized as a major comorbidity. We examined past management patterns for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and attempted to improve care through an educational intervention. The goal was to examine the frequency of osteoporosis management in patients with RA treated at a large academic rheumatology practice. METHODS: We performed a structured chart review on randomly selected patients seen during 2004 for RA. Osteoporosis management was defined as a bone mineral density test or receipt of a medication for osteoporosis in the prior 24 months. The frequency of osteoporosis management among our study group was assessed. We also examined how glucocorticoid dosage affected osteoporosis management in adjusted models. RESULTS: We reviewed the records for 193 patients, 99 had not used glucocorticoids in the prior 24 months, and 94 had used them. Of the total study population, 48% had received a bone mineral density test or medication for osteoporosis. Some form of osteoporosis management was present for 64% of patients taking > or =5 mg prednisone for > or =3 months compared with 38% for patients taking none (P = 0.002). Predictors of osteoporosis management included older age, female sex, glucocorticoid dosage, and prior osteoporosis diagnosis or fracture. CONCLUSION: The frequency of osteoporosis management appears to have increased compared with a prior chart review.

O domicílio como cenário alternativo de apoio ao paciente oncológico / Households as an alternative support scenario for cancer patients / El domicilio como escenario alternativo de apoyo al paciente oncológico

Trata-se de um artigo de reflexão sobre a assistência domiciliar a pacientes oncológicos e sua importância, tendo em vista o crescente aumento do número de internações por neoplasias e a diminuição da qualidade de vida dessa clientela, quando mantida em instituições de saúde por longo tempo. As autoras discutem a relevância da atuação da família junto ao paciente no domicílio e dos profissionais de saúde junto a ambos, no cenário domiciliar, como relevante estratégia alternativa e peculiar de suporte e de cuidados que abrangem o nível psicossocial da pessoa que vivencia o câncer. Apresentam também alguns aspectos da evolução histórica da assistência domiciliar e hospitalar, as modalidades de atendimento de portadores de câncer em domicílio e pontuam como vantagens deste: a humanização no cuidado e no tratamento de saúde, a diminuição de internações hospitalares bem como de ocorrências de infecções e redução do tempo de permanência hospitalar, a satisfação do paciente e seus familiares, além da redução de custos.

This study offers a reflection about the importance of home care for cancer patients, given the increasing number of hospital admittances due to malignant diseases and the reduced quality of life of these patients when kept in health institutions for prolonged periods. The authors discuss the relevance of family support for patients within their homes and the support given by health professionals to patients and family members in this context. This is emphasized as a relevant and specific alternative support and care strategy that includes the psychosocial domains of persons experiencing cancer. The authors also describe the history of hospital and home care and the type of care for cancer patients at home, underlining the advantages of home care, which include humanized health care and treatment, reduction of the number of hospital admittances, lower infection rates, reduced hospital stay, patient and family satisfaction, and cost reduction.

Se trata de un artículo de reflexión sobre la atención domiciliaria a pacientes oncológicos y su importancia, considerando el aumento de número de internaciones por neoplasias y la disminución de calidad de vida de dichos pacientes cuando permanecen en instituciones de salud durante mucho tiempo. Las autoras discuten la importancia de la actuación de la familia junto al paciente en el domicilio y de los profesionales de salud junto a ambos, en el escenario domiciliario, como estrategia alternativa, importante y peculiar de soporte y de cuidados que incluyen el nivel psicosocial de la persona que sufre de cáncer. También presentan algunos aspectos de la evolución histórica de la atención domiciliaria y hospitalaria, las modalidades de atención domiciliaria a portadores de cáncer y entre sus ventajas mencionan: humanización en el cuidado y tratamiento de salud, disminución de internaciones hospitalarias y también de ocurrencia de infecciones y reducción del tiempo de permanencia en el hospital, satisfacción del paciente y sus familiares, además de reducción de costos.

Prescription opioid use among older adults with arthritis or low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns of chronic opioid use in selected groups with arthritis and low back pain and compare them with patterns among persons with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: The study database consisted of Medicare beneficiaries who were enrolled in a drug benefit program for low-to-moderate income Pennsylvania residents. We identified selected patients who had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, or ischemic heart disease since 1995. Chronic opioid use, defined as at least six 30-day prescriptions in a year, was the endpoint of interest. We examined the proportion of patients meeting this definition during the period 1996-2001 and determined predictors based on multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Four percent of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis used opioids chronically in 2001, compared with <1% in each of the other groups. There was no increase in the chronic use of opioids over the 6-year study period. Low-potency opioids were the most commonly prescribed preparations for chronic users from all patient groups. The prior use of medicines for psychiatric illness, including benzodiazepines or barbiturates, was associated with chronic prescription opioid use across all diagnoses. However, subjects with a prior diagnosis of psychiatric illness were less likely to receive chronic opioids. CONCLUSION: Chronic opioid use is relatively uncommon, even among older individuals with arthritis or low back pain. The proportion of these individuals receiving such medicines has not increased in the late 1990s. There seems to be a complex relationship between psychiatric medication use, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of chronic opioids among these individuals.

Performance of a rheumatoid arthritis records-based index of severity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) records-based index of severity (RARBIS) developed by a Delphi panel process in a cohort of patients with RA. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 120 RA patients from the New England Veteran's Administration (VA) Healthcare System and collected data on markers of RA disease severity. Markers were refined through a Delphi panel process before developing the RARBIS based on chart review. The RARBIS includes 5 subscales on surgery, radiography, extraarticular manifestations, clinical status, and laboratory values. Factors that were regarded by the Delphi panel as highly related to severity of RA were assigned higher points on the index. We assessed the validity of the RARBIS by comparing it to the intensity of the actual RA treatment that these patients received: low, neither biologic nor disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use; moderate, therapy with DMARD such as hydroxychloroquine, gold, or sulfasalazine; high, treatment with stronger DMARD such as methotrexate, azathioprine, leflunomide, and cyclosporine; and very high, use of any biologics. RESULTS: The RARBIS had a range of 0 to 8. All subscales except extraarticular manifestations were statistically significantly related to intensity of RA treatment (chi-square test p