Effects of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol on functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reduced functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and changes in body composition are common in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may improve these parameters. Thus, the present study verified the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training) on submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition. METHODS: This controlled and randomized clinical trial applied a six-week outpatient intervention protocol in individuals over 18 years old (n = 33) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. These individuals were allocated to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (n = 17) or control groups (i.e., educational lectures; n = 16). The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group performed respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training. Submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition were assessed before and after the protocol. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group increased the tolerance to submaximal exercise, with a difference of 100.46 m (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.40-193 m) in the distance walked on the six-minute walk test, reduced dyspnea (-1.45, 95% CI: -1.98--0.92) in the modified Medical Research Council, and increased 0.63 kg (95% CI: 0.09-1.18 kg) of muscle mass in the upper limbs compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The six-week cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol improved functional capacity, reduced dyspnea, and increased muscle mass in the upper limbs in individuals with PCS. Thus, these results supported the protocol use in this population and encourage further studies to assess its effectiveness in a large sample.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation on the cognitive function of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the cognitive function of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression included randomized clinical trials published until 05/2022. We included studies conducted with individuals with AD of both sexes, aged between 55 and 85 years, treated with tDCS, TMS, or both. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review and sixteen in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression suggested a significant influence of anodic tDCS with current intensity of 1.5 mA on cognitive function. Significant results were found with treatment frequencies of three and five days a week for two weeks. Subgroup analysis found that anodic tDCS influences cognitive function, regardless of AD stage. Similar was observed for TMS using a frequency of 20 Hz and current intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold. DISCUSSION: Anodal tDCS and 20 Hz TMS have demonstrated the ability to improve cognitive function in AD by modulating neural activity. These therapies are safe and well-tolerated, offering promise as adjuncts to available pharmacological treatments. Studies with greater methodological rigor and parameter standardization are warranted. Comprehensive investigations involving neuroimaging techniques may provide a better understanding of the interaction between induced electrical fields and the complex neural networks affected in AD, paving the way for more personalized and effective neurostimulation approaches.

Reasons for conversions in thoracoscopic repairs of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernias: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review focused on reasons for conversions in neonates undergoing thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. METHODS: Systematic search of Medline/Pubmed and Embase was performed for English, Spanish and Portuguese reports, according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 153 articles identified (2003-2023), 28 met the inclusion criteria and offered 698 neonates for analysis. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 3109 g and 38.3 weeks, respectively, and neonates were operated at a mean age of 6.12 days. There were 278 males (61.50%; 278/452) and 174 females (38.50%; 174/452). The reasons for the 137 conversions (19.63%) were: (a) defect size (n = 22), (b) need for patch (n = 21); (c) difficulty in reducing organs (n = 14), (d) ventilation issues (n = 10), (e) bleeding, organ injury, cardiovascular instability (n = 3 each), (f) bowel ischemia and defect position (n = 2 each), hepatopulmonary fusion (n = 1), and (g) reason was not specified for n = 56 neonates (40.8%). The repair was primary in 322 neonates (63.1%; 322/510) and patch was used in 188 neonates (36.86%; 188/510). There were 80 recurrences (12.16%; 80/658) and 14 deaths (2.48%; 14/565). Mean LOS and follow-up were 20.17 days and 19.28 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal thoracoscopic repair for CDH is associated with conversion in 20% of cases. Based on available data, defect size and patch repairs have been identified as the predominant reasons, followed by technical difficulties to reduce the herniated organs and ventilation related issues. However, data specifically relating to conversion is poorly documented in a high number of reports (40%). Accurate data reporting in future will be important to better estimate and quantify reasons for conversions in neonatal thoracoscopy for CDH.

Predictors of fetal death, neonatal survival and neurological outcomes in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser ablation of placental vessels.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of outcomes in severe twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS) with or without twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and/or selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR) treated by laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV). METHODS: Analysis of cases treated from 2011 to 2022. Variables evaluated Prenatal predictors: stages of TOPS, presence of TAPS and/or SFGR; pre-LAPV fetal ultrasound parameters; peri-LAPV variables. Perinatal predictors: GA at birth; birthweight; Apgar scores; transfontanellar ultrasonography (TFUS). OUTCOME VARIABLES: fetal death, neonatal survival, infant's neurodevelopment. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect predictors of outcomes. RESULTS: 265 cases were included. Predictors of post-LAPV donor fetus' death were delta EFW (p:0.045) and absent/reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF-UA) (p < 0.001). The predictor of post-LAPV recipient fetus' death was hydrops (p:0.009). Predictors of neonatal survival were GA at birth and Apgar scores. Predictors of infant's neurodevelopment were TFUS and pre-LAPV middle cerebral artery Doppler (MCAD) for the donor twin; and pre-LAPV ductus venosus' flow and MCAD for the recipient twin. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of fetal death, neonatal survival and infant's neurodevelopment is possible in cases of TOPS associated or not with SFGR and/or TAPS that were treated by LAPV.

Management of short cervix in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a role for pessary placement following fetoscopic laser surgery?

BACKGROUND: Preterm labor and delivery is a major concern for patients with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome undergoing fetoscopic laser surgery. A preoperative short cervix is a risk factor for preterm labor. Pessary placement is a short-acting intervention that may be useful to reduce this adverse event. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pessary placement and preterm delivery in monochorionic twin pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and a short cervix before fetoscopic laser surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study in 2 centers, including all pregnancies affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome that underwent fetoscopic laser surgery with the Solomon technique between 2013 and 2022 (center A) and 2014 and 2022 (center B) with a preoperative cervical length below 25 mm. This study explored the correlation between cervical length and fetoscopic laser surgery-to-delivery interval following active or expectant management and compared perinatal outcomes between patients managed expectantly and patients managed with pessary placement, using multivariate analysis to control for potential confounders. Patients with a cervical length below 5 mm were not included in the comparative analysis. RESULTS: Of 685 patients, 134 met the inclusion criteria. Moreover, 21 patients were treated with a cervical cerclage and excluded from the analysis, leaving 113 patients for the final analysis. There was a significant negative correlation between cervical length at fetoscopic laser surgery and the risk of early delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.81; P<.001). The use of a pessary correlated with fewer patients delivering before 28 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.75), fewer double neonatal demise (adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.75). Posthoc subgroup analysis suggested that these improvements were essentially noticeable for cervical lengths between 5 and 18 mm, where pessary placement was associated with an increased fetoscopic laser surgery-to-delivery interval (+24 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-42; P=.042) and later gestational age at delivery (+3.3 weeks; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-42; P=.035). CONCLUSION: Patients with a moderately shortened cervix, between 5 and 18 mm, may benefit from pessary placement after fetoscopic surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, resulting in a reduction of adverse neonatal outcomes, double neonatal demise, and severe preterm delivery.

Percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy for severe isolated cerebral ventriculomegaly.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary results of percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in human fetuses (pfETV) with isolated progressive and/or severe bilateral cerebral ventriculomegaly (IPSBV). METHODS: The initial results of pfETV for IPSBV were described. Perioperative, perinatal and postnatal variables were described. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), 3rd edition (ASQ-3) was used for follow-up of all infants. RESULTS: Successful pfETV was performed in 10/11 (91%) fetuses, at a median gestational age (GA) of 28.7 weeks (25.3-30.7). There were no perioperative complications. After pfETV, 70% (7/10) of the fetuses had a decreased or stabilized lateral ventricle atria|lateral ventricle's atria. The median GA at delivery was 38.2 weeks (35.9-39.3). There were no perinatal complications. The postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunt rate was 80% (8/10). Among neonates/infants who had prenatal stabilization or a decrease in the LVAs, 4 (4/7: 57.1%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ-3. Among neonates/infants that experienced prenatal increases in the LVAs, all of them (3/3: 100%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ-3. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ETV is feasible in human fetuses with progressive and/or severe cerebral ventriculomegaly and seems to be a safe procedure for both the mother and the fetus.

Panoramic snapshot of serum soluble mediator interplay in pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19: an exploratory study.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can induce changes in the maternal immune response, with effects on pregnancy outcome and offspring. This is a cross-sectional observational study designed to characterize the immunological status of pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19 at distinct pregnancy trimesters. The study focused on providing a clear snapshot of the interplay among serum soluble mediators. Methods: A sample of 141 pregnant women from all prenatal periods (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters) comprised patients with convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection at 3-20 weeks after symptoms onset (COVID, n=89) and a control group of pre-pandemic non-infected pregnant women (HC, n=52). Chemokine, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine and growth factor levels were quantified by a high-throughput microbeads array. Results: In the HC group, most serum soluble mediators progressively decreased towards the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, while higher chemokine, cytokine and growth factor levels were observed in the COVID patient group. Serum soluble mediator signatures and heatmap analysis pointed out that the major increase observed in the COVID group related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-17). A larger set of biomarkers displayed an increased COVID/HC ratio towards the 2nd (3x increase) and the 3rd (3x to 15x increase) trimesters. Integrative network analysis demonstrated that HC pregnancy evolves with decreasing connectivity between pairs of serum soluble mediators towards the 3rd trimester. Although the COVID group exhibited a similar profile, the number of connections was remarkably lower throughout the pregnancy. Meanwhile, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and GM-CSF presented a preserved number of correlations (≥5 strong correlations in HC and COVID), IL-17, FGF-basic and VEGF lost connectivity throughout the pregnancy. IL-6 and CXCL8 were included in a set of acquired attributes, named COVID-selective (≥5 strong correlations in COVID and <5 in HC) observed at the 3rd pregnancy trimester. Discussion and conclusion: From an overall perspective, a pronounced increase in serum levels of soluble mediators with decreased network interplay between them demonstrated an imbalanced immune response in convalescent COVID-19 infection during pregnancy that may contribute to the management of, or indeed recovery from, late complications in the post-symptomatic phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women.

Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Life in the Pretreatment of Head and Neck Cancer Patients According to Tumor Site

Abstract Introduction Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can cause physical, psychological, and quality of life (QoL) damage, because it can disturb the physiology of eating, breathing, speaking, and compromise self-image. Objective To evaluate the QoL of the pretreatment of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer according to the anatomical location of the tumor. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 144 patients undergoing pretreatment for cancer from February 2017 to July 2019. The University of Washington QoL Questionnaire (version 4) was used to assess the QoL. The anatomical location data were obtained from medical records. The ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in QoL according to tumor location. Results A total of 144 participants were included, 66 (45.5%) of whom had the primary tumor located in the mouth. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a higher prevalence of male (75.7%), Black (78.5%), single/divorced/widowed people (59%), and illiterates (32.6%); most of them were smokers (84.7%) and alcohol drinkers (79.2%). The mean QoL score was 830 for mouth cancer, 858 for pharynx cancer, and 891 for laryngeal cancer patients. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the QoL of patients with head and neck cancer was not influenced by tumor location. The most affected domains in the three groups were pain, appearance, chewing, swallowing, and speech (p < 0.05).

Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Life in the Pretreatment of Head and Neck Cancer Patients According to Tumor Site.

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can cause physical, psychological, and quality of life (QoL) damage, because it can disturb the physiology of eating, breathing, speaking, and compromise self-image. Objective To evaluate the QoL of the pretreatment of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer according to the anatomical location of the tumor. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 144 patients undergoing pretreatment for cancer from February 2017 to July 2019. The University of Washington QoL Questionnaire (version 4) was used to assess the QoL. The anatomical location data were obtained from medical records. The ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in QoL according to tumor location. Results A total of 144 participants were included, 66 (45.5%) of whom had the primary tumor located in the mouth. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a higher prevalence of male (75.7%), Black (78.5%), single/divorced/widowed people (59%), and illiterates (32.6%); most of them were smokers (84.7%) and alcohol drinkers (79.2%). The mean QoL score was 830 for mouth cancer, 858 for pharynx cancer, and 891 for laryngeal cancer patients. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the QoL of patients with head and neck cancer was not influenced by tumor location. The most affected domains in the three groups were pain, appearance, chewing, swallowing, and speech ( p < 0.05).

Breastfeeding success and its relation to maternal pain, behaviour, mental health, and social support.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to understand the maternal experience of breastfeeding onset and how psychological, social and clinical variables as pain during breastfeeding, may interfere with it. METHODS: A cross-sectional study investigated 395 post-delivery women able to breastfeed from 48 hours to 6 days for unpleasant breastfeeding, maternal stress during pregnancy and postnatal mental state. Social Readjustment Rating Scale evaluated prenatal maternal stress. Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale - Parent version, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale evaluated maternal mental state. RESULTS: Unpleasant breastfeeding experience showed to be positively related to the longer number of days the pain lasts; late onset of breastfeeding; less search for information about pregnancy and baby care (p < .01); lower catastrophizing behaviour towards infant´s stress and C-section delivery (p < .04). Pain levels were positively correlated to longer periods of pain, later onset of antenatal consultations and depression (p < .05). Binary logistic regression pointed to the effects of lower self-efficacy and pain in breastfeeding, higher depression levels, gestational stress, labour adversities and success in breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship among maternal perceived self-efficacy, anxious and depressive thoughts, catastrophizing behaviours, and unpleasant breastfeeding need to be evaluated to elucidate the best health professional intervention.

Focus of Pediatric Surgical Reports During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted surgical activity at health-care facilities and led to significant changes in the characteristics of publications in medical journals. This is a narrative review that outlines the focus of pediatric surgical reports during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Publications on pediatric surgery during the pandemic were carefully reviewed, and data emerging from reports on COVID-19 were selected to address: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric surgical procedures; (2) children undergoing surgical intervention; and (3) expansion of telemedicine. Results: Regarding surgical activity in tertiary hospitals, there was a reduction in the number of elective surgeries, with reports of an increase in complicated appendicitis and in testicular torsions with symptoms for more than 6 h. The pandemic impacted specific surgical fields, with reports on trauma, appendectomies, urology, cardiac surgery, and kidney transplant. In children positive for COVID-19 that underwent surgery, postoperative complications were more indicative of the primary surgical pathology and there were no postoperative deaths. In a report of universal screening, <1% of children had positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In a report addressing telemedicine during the pandemic, it was well evaluated by both pediatric surgeons and patients' families, but most surgical departments did not provide the service. Conclusions: The pandemic brought significant changes in surgical care. As expected, there was a reduction in elective surgeries, RT-PCR-positive children did not present worse postoperative outcomes than negative ones but there is still a paucity of data regarding COVID-19 children, and telemedicine may play an important role in health care, especially in times of social distancing.

Efficacy of a rehabilitation protocol on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm and quadriceps femoris in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a series of cases.

This study assessed the efficacy of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and thickness of quadriceps femoris and diaphragm of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This series of cases followed nine patients who performed PR twice a week for six weeks. Patients received the following PR program: lung expansion therapy; respiratory muscle training; upper limb strength exercises; aerobic exercises on a treadmill. After the program, we observed increased peak expiratory flow (26.03%), forced vital capacity (FVC) (7.14%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (9.55%), and ratio between FEV1/FVC (6.19%). All parameters of respiratory muscle strength and endurance were improved. Diaphragmatic thickening fraction and thickness of quadriceps femoris also improved, whereas echo intensity of quadriceps reduced. Thus, RP protocol improved pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and thickness of diaphragm and quadriceps femoris, and reduced echo intensity of quadriceps in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Centro de especialidades odontológicas: da caracterização à associação dos fatores moduladores de saúde de usuários / Dental specialties center: from the characterization to the association of modulating factors of users' health / Centro de especialidades dentales: de la caracterización a la asociación de factores de modulación de la salud del usuario

Introdução: Aspectos sociais e econômicos e comportamentos em saúde bucal podem desencadeiam doenças orais com repercussão sistêmica. Objetivo: Caracterizar e associar os aspectos sociodemográficos e econômicos e a autopercepção, hábitos e comportamentos em saúde bucal dos usuários do Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas de um município cearense. Metodologia: Estudo observacional analítico transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 2019, com pacientes atendidos no CEO Regional de Baturité ­CE. Após consentimento, foi preenchido um questionário, construído com base na literatura e validado. Resultados: Dos 388 participantes, 63,14% tinham renda de até um salário mínimo, 54,64% tinham boa autopercepção da saúde bucal e 61,08% realizavam a escovação pelo menos 3 x por dia. Observou-se associação entre ser paciente com idade acima de 40 anos e utilizar dentifrício, escova dental e outros meios de higienização e ter boa autopercepçãodasaúdebucal,escovarosdentesmaisde2xpordiaeterbuscadoatendimento odontológico há 6 meses. Conclusão: A população estudada, apesar do perfil demográfico e econômico desfavorável, apresentou uma boa autopercepção e comportamentosadequadosem saúdeoral.Ainda,seus aspectos socioeconômicos e a sua autopercepção, hábitos e comportamentos em saúde bucal se relacionaram entre si.

Introduction: Social and economic aspects and oral health behaviors trigger oral diseases with systemic repercussions. Objective: This objective studio aimed to characterize and associate sociodemographic and economic aspects and self-perception, habits, and behavior in the oral health of users of the Dental Specialties Center (DSC) of a municipality in Ceará. Method: This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study with a quantitative approach, conducted in 2019, with patients seen at the Regional DSC of Baturité -CE. After consent, a questionnaire was completed, based on the literature and validated.Results: Of the 388 participants, 63.14% had an income of up to one minimum wage, 54.64% had good self-perception of oral health, and 61.08% brushed at least 3 times a day. An association was observed between being a patient over the age of 40 and using toothpaste, toothbrush, and other means of hygiene and having a good self-perception of oral health, brushing your teeth more than twice a day, and having sought dental care for 6 months. Conclusion: Despite the unfavorable demographic and economic profile, the population studied showed good self-perception and adequate oral health behaviors. Still, their socioeconomic aspects and self-perception, habits, and oral health behaviors were related to each other.

Introducción: Los aspectos sociales, económicos y los comportamientos de salud bucal pueden desencadenar enfermedades bucodentales con repercusiones sistémicas. Objetivo:Caracterizar y asociar aspectos sociodemográficos, económicos y autopercepción, hábitos y comportamientos en salud bucal de usuarios del Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas de un municipio de Ceará. Metodología:Estudio observacional analítico transversal con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en 2019, con pacientes atendidos en la Dirección General Regional de Baturité -CE. Después del consentimiento, se completó un cuestionario, basado en la literatura y validado. Resultados:De los 388 participantes, el 63,14% tenía ingresos de hasta un salario mínimo, el 54,64% tenía una buena autopercepción de salud bucal y el 61,08% se cepillaba al menos 3 veces al día. Hubo asociación entre ser un paciente mayor de 40 años y usar dentífrico, cepillo de dientes y otros medios de higiene y tener una buena autopercepción de salud bucal, cepillarse los dientes más de 2 veces al día y haber buscado atención odontológica durante 6 meses. Conclusión:La población estudiada, a pesar del perfil demográfico y económico desfavorable, presentó una buena autopercepción y comportamientos de salud bucal adecuados. Aún así, sus aspectos socioeconómicos y su autopercepción, hábitos y comportamientos en salud bucal se relacionaron entre sí.

Restrição da ingestão de alimentos em pré-escolares com hipersensibilidade alimentar: impacto no crescimento e desenvolvimento / Restriction of food intake in preschoolers with food hypersensitivity: impact on growth and development / Restricción de la ingesta de alimentos en preescolares con hipersensibilidad alimentaria: impacto en el crecimiento y desarrollo

Objetivo: Analisar evidências científicas sobre os impactos da restrição alimentar no crescimento e desenvolvimento de crianças em fase pré-escolar com história de alergia a alimentos. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura que teve como intuito responder a seguinte pergunta norteadora "Quais os impactos da restrição alimentar no crescimento e desenvolvimento de crianças na fase pré-escolar com história de alergia a alimentos?". A busca na base de dados foi conduzida nas plataformas Scopus, PubMed, LILACS e CINAHL, em agosto de 2020. Resultados: Dos 9 artigos incluídos, 55,56% constavam na Scopus, todos estavam em inglês e 33,33% eram caso-controle. As publicações constataram um maior quantitativo de crianças que manifestavam alergia imunoglobulina E mediada, que costumavamevitar 1 ou mais alimentos, especialmente o leite de vaca. Foram observadas reduções nos escores Z (≤ -2) de altura/idade, peso/idade e peso/altura entre as crianças com alergia alimentar e restrição de alimentos. Conclusão: Os artigos se limitaram a determinadas áreas e a um nível de evidência mediano. Contudo, eles não se restringiram a avaliar o crescimento de crianças alérgicas a alimentos em dieta restritiva, investigando, dentre outros fatores, a qualidade de vida de cuidadores e as concentrações séricas de vitaminas.

Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica sobre los impactos de la restricción alimentaria en el crecimiento y desarrollo de preescolares con antecedentes de alergia alimentaria. Método:Se trata de una revisión integrativa de la literatura que tuvo como objetivo responder a la siguiente pregunta orientadora "¿Cuáles son los impactos de la restricción alimentaria en el crecimiento y desarrollo de niños en edad preescolar con antecedentes de alergia alimentaria?". La búsqueda en bases de datos se realizó en las plataformas Scopus, PubMed, LILACS y CINAHL en agosto de 2020. Resultados: De los 9 artículos incluidos, el 55,56% estaban en Scopus, todos estaban en inglés y el 33,33% eran sensibles a mayúsculas y minúsculas. Las publicaciones encontraron un mayor número de niños que manifestaban alergia mediada por inmunoglobulina E, que solían evitar 1 o más alimentos, especialmente la leche de vaca. Se observaron reducciones en las puntuaciones Z (≤ -2) para altura/edad, peso/edad y peso/talla entre niños con alergia alimentaria y restricción alimentaria. Conclusión:Los artículos se limitaron a ciertas áreas yun nivel de evidencia medio. Sin embargo, no se limitaron a evaluar el crecimiento de niños alérgicos a alimentos con dieta restrictiva, investigando, entre otros factores, la calidad de vida de los cuidadores y las concentraciones séricas de vitaminas.

Objective: To analyze scientific evidence on the impacts of food restriction on the growth and development of childrenin pre-school age with a history of food allergy. Method: This integrative literature review that aimed to answer the following guiding question "What are the impacts of food restriction on the growth and development of children in the preschool phase with a history of food allergy?". The database search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, LILACS and CINAHL platforms, in August 2020. Results: Of the 9 articles included, 55.56% were in Scopus, all were in English and 33.33% were case-control. The publications found a greater number of children who manifested mediated immunoglobulin E allergy, who used to avoid 1 or more foods, especially cow's milk. Reductions in Z scores (≤ -2) in height / age, weight / age and weight / height were observed among children withfood allergy and food restriction. Conclusion: The articles were limited to certain areas and to a medium level of evidence. However, they were not restricted to assessing the growth of children allergic to foods on a restrictive diet, investigating, among other factors, the quality of life of caregivers and serum concentrations of vitamins.

Religious/spiritual experiences, quality of life and satisfaction with life of hospitalized octogenarians / Experiencias religiosas/espirituales, calidad de vida y satisfacción con la vida de octogenarios hospitalizados / Experiências religiosas/espirituais, qualidade de vida e satisfação com a vida de octogenários hospitalizados

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with life (SWL) indices and verify whether the frequency of religious and spiritual experiences is associated with QoL and SWL in hospitalized octogenarians. Method: this is a cross-sectional study, with 128 octogenarians. World Health Organization QoL instruments and Scales applied: Daily Spiritual Experience (DSES) and Satisfaction With Life (SWLS). Results: more committed domains related to QoL and SWL: autonomy and physical capacity. The higher the score in DSES, the higher the scores in the psychological domains and past, present, and future QoL activities. The higher the score in DSES, the higher the score in the social involvement aspect. Conclusion: the results of this study showed that the higher frequency of religious and spiritual experiences of hospitalized elderly people was associated with better QoL and SWL. It is emphasized that religious and spiritual experiences should be explored in the hospital therapeutic context.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar índices de calidad de vida (CV) y satisfacción con la vida (SV) y verificar si la frecuencia de experiencias religiosas y espirituales está asociada a CV y ​​SV en octogenarios hospitalizados. Método: transversal, 128 octogenarios. Instrumentos y escalas de calidad de vida de la Organización Mundial de la Salud aplicados: Experiencia Espiritual Diaria (EDEE) y Satisfacción con la Vida (ESV). Resultados: dominios más comprometidos relacionados con CV y ​​VS: autonomía y capacidad física. Cuanto mayor sea la puntuación EDEE, mayores serán las puntuaciones en los dominios psicológico y pasado, presente y futuro de calidad de vida. Cuanto mayor sea la puntuación en la EDEE, mayor será la puntuación en el aspecto de implicación social de la ESV. Conclusión: los resultados de este estudio mostraron que la mayor frecuencia de experiencias religiosas y espirituales de los ancianos hospitalizados se asoció con una mejor CV y SS. Se enfatiza que las experiencias religiosas y espirituales deben ser exploradas en el contexto terapéutico hospitalario.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar índices de qualidade de vida (QV) e de satisfação com a vida (SV) e verificar se a frequência de experiências religiosas e espirituais se associa à QV e à SV em octogenários hospitalizados. Método: transversal, 128 octogenários. Aplicados instrumentos de QV da Organização Mundial da Saúde e Escalas: Diária de Experiência Espiritual (EDEE) e de Satisfação com a Vida (ESV). Resultados: domínios mais comprometidos relacionados à QV e à SV: autonomia e capacidade física. Quanto maior a pontuação na EDEE, maiores os escores nos domínios psicológico e atividades passadas, presentes e futuras de QV. Quanto maior a pontuação na EDEE, maior o escore no aspecto envolvimento social da ESV. Conclusão: os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a maior frequência de experiências religiosas e espirituais dos idosos hospitalizados associou-se com a melhor QV e SV. Ressalta-se que as experiências religiosas e espirituais devem ser exploradas no contexto terapêutico hospitalar.

Olfactory sensory and perceptual evaluation in newborn infants: A systematic review.

Fetuses are able to process olfactory stimuli present in the womb and continue to show a preference for these odors for months after birth. Despite the accumulated knowledge about their early ability to perceive odors, there is a lack of validated scales for odor response in newborns. The evaluation of reactions of the olfactory system to environmental stimuli in infants has been defined by methodological theoretical approaches of experimental and clinical assessment tools. These approaches are mainly based on psychophysical approaches and predominantly use behavioral and physiological measures. Examples can be found in studies describing early abilities of newborn babies for behaviors or heart rate variability showing memory of maternal food preferences or mother's breast milk. This systematic review aimed to determine whether validated odor assessment tools can be feasibly used in studies. Particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and evidence of associated olfactory impairment resulting from SARS-COV-2 infection, the study is also motivated by the need for tools to assess olfactory function in neonates.

Honeymoon Period in Newborn Rats With CDH Is Associated With Changes in the VEGF Signaling Pathway.

Background: Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have a short postnatal period of ventilatory stability called the honeymoon period, after which changes in pulmonary vascular reactivity result in pulmonary hypertension. However, the mechanisms involved are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate mechanical ventilation's effect in the honeymoon period on VEGF, VEGFR-1/2 and eNOS expression on experimental CDH in rats. Materials and Methods: Neonates whose mothers were not exposed to nitrofen formed the control groups (C) and neonates with left-sided defects formed the CDH groups (CDH). Both were subdivided into non-ventilated and ventilated for 30, 60, and 90 min (n = 7 each). The left lungs (n = 4) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry of the pulmonary vasculature (media wall thickness), VEGF, VEGFR-1/2 and eNOS. Western blotting (n = 3) was performed to quantify the expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1/2 and eNOS. Results: CDH had lower biometric parameters than C. Regarding the pulmonary vasculature, C showed a reduction in media wall thickness with ventilation, while CDH presented reduction with 30 min and an increase with the progression of the ventilatory time (honeymoon period). CDH and C groups showed different patterns of VEGF, VEGFR-1/2 and eNOS expressions. The receptors and eNOS findings were significant by immunohistochemistry but not by western blotting, while VEGF was significant by western blotting but not by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: VEGF, its receptors and eNOS were altered in CDH after mechanical ventilation. These results suggest that the VEGF-NO pathway plays an important role in the honeymoon period of experimental CDH.

Hypertension induced by pregnancy and neonatal outcome: Results from a retrospective cohort study in preterm under 34 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: The present study seeks to assess the impact of gestational hypertensive disorders on premature newborns below 34 weeks and to establish the main morbidities and mortality in the neonatal period and at 18 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out with 695 premature newborns of gestational age (GA) between 24 and 33 weeks and 6 days, born alive in the Neonatal ICU of Brasília's Mother and Child Hospital (HMIB), in the period from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2019. In total, 308 infants were born to hypertensive mothers (G1) and 387 to normotensive mothers (G2). Twin pregnancies and diabetic patients with severe malformations were excluded. Outcomes during hospitalization and outcomes of interest were evaluated: respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), brain ultrasonography, diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, breastfeeding rate at discharge, survival at discharge and at 18 months of chronological age and relationship between weight and gestational age. RESULTS: Newborns with hypertensive mothers had significantly lower measurements of birth weight and head circumference. The G1 group had a higher risk small for gestational age (OR 2.4; CI 95% 1.6-3.6; p <0.00), as well as a greater risk of being born with a weight less than 850 g (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p <0.00). Newborns of mothers with hypertension presented more necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.0; CI 95% 1.1-3.7); however, resuscitation in the delivery room and the need to use surfactant did not differ between groups, nor did the length of stay on mechanical ventilation, or dependence on oxygen at 36 weeks of gestational age. Survival was better in newborns of normotensive mothers, and this was a protective factor against death (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.9; p <0.01). In the follow-up clinic, survival at 18 months of chronological age was similar between groups, with rates of 95.3% and 92.1% among hypertensive and normotensive mothers, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding at discharge was 73.4% in the group of hypertensive women and 77.3% in the group of normotensive mothers. There were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Among the analyzed outcomes, arterial hypertension during pregnancy can increase the risk of low weight, small babies for gestational age (SGA), deaths in the neonatal period and enterocolitis, with no differences in weight and survival at 18 months of chronological age. Arterial hypertension presents a high risk of prematurity in the neonatal period, with no difference at 18 months of age.

State of the art in translating experimental myelomeningocele research to the bedside.

Myelomeningocele (MMC), the commonest type of spina bifida (SB), occurs due to abnormal development of the neural tube and manifest as failure of the complete fusion of posterior arches of the spinal column, leading to dysplastic growth of the spinal cord and meninges. It is associated with several degrees of motor and sensory deficits below the level of the lesion, as well as skeletal deformities, bladder and bowel incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. These children might develop varying degrees of neuropsychomotor delay, partly due to the severity of the injuries that affect the nervous system before birth, partly due to the related cerebral malformations (notably hydrocephalus-which may also lead to an increase in intracranial pressure-and Chiari II deformity). Traditionally, MMC was repaired surgically just after birth; however, intrauterine correction of MMC has been shown to have several potential benefits, including better sensorimotor outcomes (since exposure to amniotic fluid and its consequent deleterious effects is shortened) and reduced rates of hydrocephalus, among others. Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, nevertheless, would not have been made possible without the development of experimental models of this pathological condition. Hence, the aim of the current article is to provide an overview of the animal models of MMC that were used over the years and describe how this knowledge has been translated into the fetal treatment of MMC in humans.

Religious/spiritual experiences, quality of life and satisfaction with life of hospitalized octogenarians.

OBJECTIVES: to assess quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with life (SWL) indices and verify whether the frequency of religious and spiritual experiences is associated with QoL and SWL in hospitalized octogenarians. METHOD: this is a cross-sectional study, with 128 octogenarians. World Health Organization QoL instruments and Scales applied: Daily Spiritual Experience (DSES) and Satisfaction With Life (SWLS). RESULTS: more committed domains related to QoL and SWL: autonomy and physical capacity. The higher the score in DSES, the higher the scores in the psychological domains and past, present, and future QoL activities. The higher the score in DSES, the higher the score in the social involvement aspect. CONCLUSION: the results of this study showed that the higher frequency of religious and spiritual experiences of hospitalized elderly people was associated with better QoL and SWL. It is emphasized that religious and spiritual experiences should be explored in the hospital therapeutic context.