Further advances in identification of pentosan polysulfate monosaccharide composition by NMR.

Several publications have recently proposed NMR spectroscopy to evaluate the critical quality attributes (CQA) of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), the active ingredient of Elmiron™ approved to treat interstitial cystitis. PPS is a polymer of sulfated ß(1-4)-d-xylopyranose residues randomly substituted by 4-O-methyl-glucopyranosyluronic acid, containing, beyond the main xylose-2,3-O-disulfate repetitive unit, some minor residues that can be marker of both the starting material and preparation process. In the present study we assigned some previously unknown cross-peaks in 1H-13C HSQC NMR of PPS related to its minor sequences adding additional details to its CQA. Four anomeric cross-peaks related to glucuronate-branched xylose and different sulfation pattern as well as the preceding xyloses were identified. Two minor process-related signals of monosulfated xyloses (unsubstituted in position 2 or 3) were also assigned. The isolation of a disaccharide fraction allowed the assignment of the reducing end xylose-α/ß as well as the preceding xylose residues to be corrected. Additionally, the oversulfation of PPS allowed detection of the reducing end xylose-tri-1,2,3-O-sulfate. The newly identified cross-peaks were integrated into an updated quantitative NMR method. Finally, we demonstrated that an in-depth PPS analysis can be obtained using NMR instruments at medium magnetic fields (500 MHz/600 MHz), commonly available in pharmaceutical industries.

Identifying Patterns and Sources of Fine and Ultrafine Particulate Matter in London Using Mobile Measurements of Lung-Deposited Surface Area.

We performed more than a year of mobile, 1 Hz measurements of lung-deposited surface area (LDSA, the surface area of 20-400 nm diameter particles, deposited in alveolar regions of lungs) and optically assessed fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in central London. We spatially correlated these pollutants to two urban emission sources: major roadways and restaurants. We show that optical PM2.5 is an ineffective indicator of tailpipe emissions on major roadways, where we do observe statistically higher LDSA, BC, and NO2. Additionally, we find pollutant hot spots in commercial neighborhoods with more restaurants. A low LDSA (15 µm2 cm-3) occurs in areas with fewer major roadways and restaurants, while the highest LDSA (25 µm2 cm-3) occurs in areas with more of both sources. By isolating areas that are higher in one source than the other, we demonstrate the comparable impacts of traffic and restaurants on LDSA. Ratios of hyperlocal enhancements (ΔLDSA:ΔBC and ΔLDSA:ΔNO2) are higher in commercial neighborhoods than on major roadways, further demonstrating the influence of restaurant emissions on LDSA. We demonstrate the added value of using particle surface in identifying hyperlocal patterns of health-relevant PM components, especially in areas with strong vehicular emissions where the high LDSA does not translate to high PM2.5.

Medical Literature in the Treatment of Clubfoot 1997 - 2021: The Emergence and Spread of the Ponseti Method Over 23 Years.

Background: The Ponseti method of treatment for clubfoot which utilizes serial manipulations and casting in order to achieve correction of the deformity has become increasingly popular due to its robust track record of success without the need for surgical intervention and is considered the gold standard for clubfoot treatment. Exposure of new technology in the scientific literature is associated with the diffusion and adoption of that technology in clinical practice. The aim of this study sought to identify tendencies in the thematic changes in medical literature regarding the treatment of congenital clubfoot over a period of twenty-three years, from 1997 to 2021. Methods: The Medline databases were searched for articles containing the keyword "clubfoot". Articles from 1997 to 2021 were identified and analyzed by institutions which published the articles, and whether treatment was with the Ponseti method or surgical interventions. We also observed in order the geographic diffusion of the Ponseti method. Results: 2067 articles were found in Pubmed referencing clubfoot, and in these publications 577 addressed the Ponseti method and 273 articles discussed surgical treatment. From 1997 - 2000, the only articles discussing the Ponseti Method were from Iowa,in the United States. The increasing number of publications about the Ponseti method and the decrease in publications about surgical treatment for clubfoot occurred after 2003. In 1997, only one country had a publication regarding the Ponseti method; by 2018, 24 countries published articles on the method. Conclusion: These results suggest a trend of dissemination of knowledge to additional countries, reflecting the more widespread usage of the method throughout the world, and global outreach as a result of the work of Ponseti International Association. Level of Evidence: II.

Factors associated with presenteeism in outpatient nursing professionals.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sociodemographic, work and health profile of nursing professionals working in university outpatient clinics and their association with presenteeism. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out with 388 nursing workers from 11 university outpatient units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the SPS-6 scale were used. The crossed-product odds ratio and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Presenteeism was found in more than half of the professionals (51%, n=198), with the odds ratio being 2.12 times higher (95% CI 1.02-4.40) in professionals with a stable work bond, 6.67 times (95% CI 2.51-17.67) in chronic patients, and 3.06 times (95% CI 1.97-4.74) in patients with absenteeism behavior. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between presenteeism and the profile of nursing professionals. Many productive hours may be being lost, in view of the presenteeism behavior of the participants.

Implementation of a Pediatric Population Health Asthma Program in Academic Medical Center-Affiliated Urban and Suburban Practices.

A tiered pediatric Asthma Population Health Management Program (APHMP), based on evidence-based practices, that differentially targets populations for intervention based on rising risk for high utilization and disease complications was implemented at 6 urban and suburban practices affiliated with an academic medical center. In addition to standard pediatric asthma care, APHMP adds regular administration of the asthma control test (ACT), provider education on performance variation, and monitoring through the electronic health record-based asthma registry. As patients' use of acute health care services and complications increases, APHMP integrates multidisciplinary interventions, including an asthma coach who conducts environmental assessments in addition to addressing social needs, into their primary care. A retrospective cohort study method was used to assess population-level effects on asthma event rates and practice- and provider-level variation from 2017 to 2019. Consistent with well-documented health disparities in pediatric asthma, the analysis demonstrated that patients who were male (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.43), 4-8 years old (OR = 4.91, 95% CI = 3.27-7.37), Spanish speaking (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.54-1.81), from low-income neighborhoods (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.53-2.46), and with ACT <20 (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.97-4.21) had higher odds of having asthma events. Six percent of patients studied were found to be at risk for high health care utilization and disease complications. Study limitations include the absence of a control group, the mixed model data collection approach, and the effects of seasonal variation on asthma events. Future directions include analyzing disease management program outcomes of incorporating an asthma coach into a patient's primary care team and addressing provider-level variation in asthma event rates.

Surgical Treatment Following Stent Angioplasty for High-Risk Neonates With Critical Coarctation of the Aorta.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is primarily treated by surgical repair. However, under certain high-risk constellations, initial stent angioplasty may be considered followed by surgical repair. We report our experience with this staged approach. Methods: All patients undergoing surgical CoA repair following prior stenting at our institution between January 2011 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were classified to be at high risk because of cardiogenic shock, associated complex cardiac malformations, neonatal infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and extracardiac conditions, respectively. Outcomes were analyzed and compared with neonates who underwent surgical CoA repair without prior stenting in the same observation period. RESULTS: Twenty-six neonates received stent implantation at a median age of 20 days (IQR 9-33 days). Subsequent surgical repair was conducted at an age of 4.2 months (IQR 3.2-6.1 months) with a median body weight of 5.6 kg (IQR 4.5-6.5 kg). Cardiopulmonary bypass was applied in 96% of cases. Extended end-to-end anastomosis was possible in 11 patients. Extended reconstruction with patch material was necessary in the remaining patients. One fatality (3.8%) occurred 33 days postoperatively. At a median follow-up of 5.2 years after initial stenting, all remaining patients were alive; 15/25 patients (60%) were free from re-intervention. Of note, re-intervention rates were comparable in neonates (n = 76) who were operated on with native CoA (28/74 patients; 38%; P = .67). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal stent angioplasty for CoA results in increased complexity of the subsequent surgical repair. Nevertheless, this staged approach allows to bridge high-risk neonates to later surgical repair with reduced perioperative risk and acceptable midterm outcomes.

Psychosocial Impact of Congenital Heart Diseases on Patients and Their Families: A Parent's Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Currently, over 90% of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood. As a consequence the psychosocial impact on children and their families has become an important outcome measure. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact from a parent's perspective and to identify possible predictors. METHODS: We included all parents of children who underwent open-heart surgery in the years 2010 and 2011 at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University Hospital Heidelberg and invited them to complete standardized questionnaires. Psychosocial outcome was measured via parent self- and proxy reporting of family burden (Family Burden Questionnaire, FaBel), health-related quality of life (KidScreen-10), developmental problems (Five-to-Fifteen, FTF), and mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). RESULTS: In total, 113 families returned the questionnaires completely (71.5%). The Aristotle Basic Complexity score and the STAT 2020 Score overall did not predict the psychosocial impact, whereas the number of surgical operations did significantly predict psychosocial impact across all domains in this study cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the number of surgical operations might be a relevant predictor for the long-term psychosocial impact on families suffering from CHD and a potential connecting factor for specialized psychological support. When setting up screening instruments or support programs the entire family must be considered.

O adoecimento dos trabalhadores de enfermagem e os riscos psicossociais no trabalho / Enfermedades de los trabajadores de enfermería y riesgos psicosociales en el trabajo / Work-related disorders and psychosocial risks in nursing professionals

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o adoecimento físico e psicossocial decorrente do trabalho do profissional de enfermagem que atua em ambulatório de hospital universitário e sua inter-relação com os riscos psicossociais. Métodos Estudo epidemiológico transversal, realizado com 388 profissionais de enfermagem de ambulatórios universitários, no município do Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Utilizou-se um questionário para caracterização dos participantes e a Escala de Danos Físicos e Psicossociais no Trabalho, a coleta de dados ocorreu de julho a dezembro de 2018. Realizou-se análise descritiva das variáveis e a classificação de risco dos danos. Para a análise estatística bivariada, utilizou-se a medida de associação razão de chances, com intervalo de confiança de 95%, nível de significância de 5%. Resultados O contexto de trabalho ambulatorial da enfermagem põe em risco a saúde física dos profissionais; porém, há de se considerar também o seu perfil, que, além de uma longa trajetória na enfermagem, aponta para a sua rotatividade pelos setores do hospital, finalizando no ambulatório. Partindo dessa perspectiva, esses profissionais podem já estar adoecidos fisicamente ao serem alocados nos ambulatórios, para desenvolverem suas atividades laborais. Conclusão Os danos físicos receberam as piores avaliações, dados corroborados pela literatura nacional e internacional, os quais estiveram associados aos desfechos investigados, destacando-se a presença de doenças crônicas e o absenteísmo por doenças.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar las enfermedades físicas y psicosociales resultantes del trabajo de profesionales de enfermería que trabajan en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario y su interrelación con los riesgos psicosociales. Métodos Estudio epidemiológico transversal, realizado con 388 profesionales de enfermería de ambulatorios universitarios en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro, estado de Rio de Janeiro. Se utilizó un cuestionario para la caracterización de los participantes y la Escala de Daños Físicos y Psicosociales en el Trabajo. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo de julio a diciembre de 2018. Se realizó el análisis descriptivo de las variables y la clasificación de riesgo de los daños. Para el análisis estadístico bivariado, se utilizó la medida de asociación razón de momios, con intervalo de confianza del 95 %, nivel de significancia del 5 %. Resultados El contexto de trabajo en un ambulatorio de enfermería pone en riesgo la salud física de los profesionales. Sin embargo, se debe considerar también su perfil, que, además de una larga trayectoria en enfermería, indica una rotación por los sectores del hospital, que termina en el ambulatorio. Partiendo de esa perspectiva, estos profesionales pueden ya estar enfermos físicamente al ser destinados a los ambulatorios para que desarrollen sus actividades laborales. Conclusión Los daños físicos recibieron las peores evaluaciones, datos corroborados por la literatura nacional e internacional, que estuvieron asociados a los desenlaces investigados, con énfasis en la presencia de enfermedades crónicas y ausentismo por enfermedad.

Abstract Objective To analyze the physical and psychosocial work-related disorders of nursing professionals working in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, and its interrelationship with psychosocial risks. Methods An epidemiological and cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 nursing professionals from outpatient clinics of a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. A questionnaire was used to characterize the participants and the Work-Related Physical and Psychosocial Disorder Scale (WRDS). Data collection occurred from July to December of 2018. Descriptive analysis of the variables and the risk classification of the disorder were performed. For the bivariate statistical analysis, the odds ratio association measure was obtained, using a 95% confidence interval, 5% significance level. Results The outpatient nursing work context jeopardizes the physical health of professionals at risk; however, it is also necessary to understand their profile, which, in addition to a long trajectory in nursing, points to their constant rotation among the sectors of the hospital, ending up in the outpatient setting. From this perspective, these professionals may already be physically unhealthy, when they are allocated to the outpatient clinics. Conclusion Physical disorders received the worst evaluations, data supported by national and international literature, which were associated with the outcomes investigated, highlighting the presence of chronic diseases and absence due to illness.

Factors associated with presenteeism in outpatient nursing professionals / Factores asociados al presentismo en profesionales de enfermería ambulatoria / Fatores associados ao presenteísmo em profissionais de enfermagem ambulatorial

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic, work and health profile of nursing professionals working in university outpatient clinics and their association with presenteeism. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with 388 nursing workers from 11 university outpatient units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the SPS-6 scale were used. The crossed-product odds ratio and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Presenteeism was found in more than half of the professionals (51%, n=198), with the odds ratio being 2.12 times higher (95% CI 1.02-4.40) in professionals with a stable work bond, 6.67 times (95% CI 2.51-17.67) in chronic patients, and 3.06 times (95% CI 1.97-4.74) in patients with absenteeism behavior. Conclusion: There is a relationship between presenteeism and the profile of nursing professionals. Many productive hours may be being lost, in view of the presenteeism behavior of the participants.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el perfil sociodemográfico, laboral y de salud de los profesionales de enfermería actuantes en ambulatorios universitarios y su relación con el presentismo. Método: Estudio transversal realizado con 388 trabajadores de enfermería de 11 unidades de consulta externa universitaria de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la escala SPS-6. Se calcularon razones de chances de productos cruzados y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza de 95%. Resultados: Se evidenció presentismo en más de la mitad de los profesionales (51%, n=198), siendo la razón de probabilidad 2,12 veces mayor (IC 95% 1,02-4,40) entre los profesionales con vínculo permanente, 6,67 veces (IC 95% 2,51-17,67) entre aquellos con enfermidades crónicas y 3,06 veces (IC 95% 1,97-4,74) entre los ausentes. Conclusión: Existe una relación entre el presentismo y el perfil de los profesionales de enfermería. Se concluye que muchas horas productivas pueden estarse perdiendo, teniendo en vista el comportamiento de presentismo de los participantes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil sociodemográfico, laboral e de saúde dos profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em ambulatórios universitários e sua relação com o presenteísmo. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com 388 trabalhadores de enfermagem de 11 Unidades Ambulatoriais universitárias no município do Rio de Janeiro. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e a escala SPS-6. Calculou-se as razões de chance de produtos cruzados e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Evidenciou-se o presenteísmo em mais da metade dos profissionais (51%, n=198), sendo a razão de chances de ocorrer o presenteísmo maior 2,12 vezes (IC 95% 1,02-4,40) entre profissionais com vínculo permanente, 6,67 vezes (IC 95% 2,51-17,67) entre doentes crônicos, e 3,06 vezes (IC 95% 1,97-4,74) entre absenteístas. Conclusão: Há relação entre o presenteísmo e o perfil dos profissionais de enfermagem. Concluiu-se que muitas horas produtivas podem estar sendo perdidas, tendo em vista o comportamento presenteísta dos participantes.

Neoplasia de próstata e mieloma múltiplo: um desafio diagnóstico e relato de caso / Prostate neoplasms and multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge and case report / Neoplasias de próstata y mieloma múltiple: un desafío diagnóstico y reporte de caso

Este relato aborda o caso de um homem de 52 anos, portador de neoplasia prostática (Gleason 3 + 3), que deu entrada no pronto-socorro com quadro de lesão renal aguda, anemia normocrômica e normocítica e relato de fratura patológica. Encaminhado para o hospital geral, foi iniciada a investigação do quadro. Alguns achados em exames laboratoriais, como inversão da relação albumina-globulina e lesões líticas em exame de imagem, fizeram os médicos levantarem um importante diagnóstico diferencial no contexto de metástase óssea e neoplasias: o mieloma múltiplo. Diante disso, foi indicado aspirado de medula óssea e imunofetipagem, que, surpreendentemente, teve como resultado principal a presença de 12% de células plasmocitárias com caraterísticas anômalas. O tratamento inicial foi estabelecido com dexametasona, ciclofosfamida e pamidronato com melhora progressiva dos parâmetros laboratoriais e clínicos, sendo encaminhado para acompanhamento ambulatorial em cidade de origem com onco-hematologista e urologista.

This study describes the case of a 52-year-old male patient with prostate cancer (Gleason 3+3) admitted to the emergency room with acute kidney injury, normochromic and normocytic anemia, and a pathological fracture report. The patient was referred to the General Hospital to investigate the condition. Laboratory tests indicated inversion of the albumin-globulin ratio and imaging exams evinced lytic lesions, leading physicians to raise an important differential diagnosis in the context of bone metastases and neoplasms: multiple myeloma. Bone marrow aspirate and immunophetyping indicated the presence of 12% plasma cells with anomalous characteristics. After initial treatment with dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, and pamidronate, the patient showed progressive improvement in laboratory and clinical parameters, being referred for outpatient follow-up in the city of origin with an onco-hematologist and urologist.

Este es un reporte de caso de un varón de 52 años de edad, con cáncer de próstata (Gleason 3 +3) ingresado en urgencias por lesión renal aguda, anemia normocrómica y normocítica y reporte de fractura patológica. Derivado al Hospital General, se inició una investigación de la condición. Algunos hallazgos en las pruebas de laboratorio, como la inversión del cociente albúmina globulina y las lesiones líticas en los exámenes de imagen, llevaron a los médicos a plantear un importante diagnóstico diferencial, en el contexto de las metástasis óseas y las neoplasias: el mieloma múltiple. Por tanto, se indicó el aspirado de médula ósea y la inmunofenotipificación, que sorprendentemente tuvo como principal resultado la presencia de un 12% de células plasmáticas con características anómalas. Se estableció el tratamiento inicial con dexametasona, ciclofosfamida y pamidronato, con mejoría progresiva de los parámetros analíticos y clínicos, siendo remitido para seguimiento ambulatorio en su ciudad de origen con un oncohematólogo y un urólogo.

An Analysis of Ambulance Transport and Out-of-Network Emergency Department Utilization in an Accountable Care Organization.

For hospital-affiliated accountable care organizations (ACOs), emergency care represents a unique challenge for coordination of care and a major source of ACO leakage. The authors analyzed emergency department (ED) visits among ACO members to assess the potential impact of ambulance transport on the use of in-network versus out-of-network EDs. To better understand factors influencing the use of in-network versus out-of-network EDs, 2018 claims data from members of a regional subset of a large ACO in the greater Boston area were analyzed. Within this population, multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between ambulance transport as well as demographic factors, insurance type, and hospital distance on the use of in-network versus out-of-network EDs. Arrival to an ED via ambulance was found to be significantly associated with reduced odds of presenting to an in-network ED compared to arriving by private transportation (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.85). Age older than 65 years, commercial insurance (relative to Medicare), proximity to an in-network ED, and distance from an out-of-network ED also were significantly associated with use of in-network EDs relative to out-of-network EDs. Given the central role of the ED as a primary source of hospital admissions in the United States, emergency care represents a key potential target for interventions aimed at reducing patient leakage. Future efforts should aim to identify and evaluate new ways that emergency medical services can be leveraged to promote effective care coordination.

Evaluation of Hospitalizations Preventable with Idealized Outpatient Care and Continuity of Care.

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary hospitalizations may pose the risk of iatrogenic complications, suboptimal patient experience, and increased cost. Administrative data lack granularity to understand the proportion and causes of hospitalizations preventable through optimizing care continuum (HPOCC). We aim to identify the incidence and causes of HPOCC through clinician-adjudicated chart review. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for inpatient admissions from the emergency department (ED) over 1 week. Each admission was reviewed by a clinician to determine whether it is an HPOCC defined as not requiring inpatient care with the assumption of idealized outpatient care and social support. RESULTS: Of the 515 patients admitted from the ED, 31 (6.0%) patients were judged to have had an HPOCC. Causes of HPOCC include urgent diagnostics (9, 29.0%), unnecessary transfer from a long-term facility (7, 23.0%), needing IV therapy (5, 16.0%), benign incidental finding (5, 16.0%), diagnostic uncertainty in complex chronic illness (3, 10.0%), and lack of access to care for disposition (2, 6.0%). CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations preventable through optimizing care continuum account for about 1 in every 15 hospitalizations in an urban academic medical center. The need for urgent diagnostics accounts for a plurality of HPOCC and could be an important target for quality improvement.

Riscos ocupacionais na sala de vacinação e suas implicações à saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem / Occupational risks in the vaccination room and its implications for the health of the nursing workers / Riesgos laborales en la sala de vacunación y sus implicaciones para la salud del trabajador de enfermería

Objetivo: analisar a associação entre os riscos ocupacionais e os danos relacionados ao trabalho de enfermagem em sala de vacinação. Método: estudo transversal analítico realizado em salas de vacinação de unidades de atenção primária à saúde entre junho e julho de 2017, com 171 trabalhadores de enfermagem. Utilizou-se um instrumento com informações sobre dados sociodemográficos, laborais e riscos ocupacionais e a Escala de Avaliação dos Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho. Estudo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a exposição ocupacional aos riscos físico e ergonômico esteve associada a todas as formas de adoecimento investigadas, enquanto que a exposição ao risco mecânico às formas de adoecimento relacionadas aos danos físicos e psicológicos. A exposição ao risco químico associou-se ao adoecimento físico. Conclusão: as condições de trabalho a que os profissionais da enfermagem são expostos nas salas de vacinação, expressadas em riscos ocupacionais, são associadas a danos à sua saúde.

Objective: to analyze the association between occupational risks and damages related to nursing work in the vaccination room. Method: analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the vaccination rooms of primary health care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro between June and July 2017, with 171 nursing workers. An instrument was used with information on sociodemographic, occupational and occupational risk data and the Work-Related Damage Assessment Scale. The study was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: occupational exposure to physical and ergonomic risk were associated with all forms of illness investigated, while exposure to mechanical risk to forms of illness related to Physical and Psychological Damage Exposure to chemical risk was associated to physical illness. Conclusion: the working conditions to which nursing professionals are exposed in vaccination room, expressed in occupational risks, negatively affect their health.

Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre riesgos laborales y daños relacionados con el trabajo de enfermería en la sala de vacunación. Método: estudio transversal analítico realizado en las salas de vacunación de las unidades de atención primaria de salud de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro entre junio y julio de 2017, con 171 trabajadores de enfermería. Se utilizó un instrumento con información sobre datos sociodemográficos, laborales y de riesgos laborales y la Escala de evaluación de daños relacionados con el trabajo. El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de investigación. Resultados: la exposición ocupacional al riesgo físico y ergonómico se asoció con todas las formas de enfermedad investigadas, mientras que la exposición al riesgo mecánico a las formas de enfermedad relacionadas con el daño físico y psicológico La exposición al riesgo químico se asoció a la enfermedad física. Conclusión: las condiciones de trabajo a las que están expuestos los profesionales de enfermería en la sala de vacunación, expresados en riesgos laborales, afectan negativamente su salud.

Association of an Acute Myocardial Infarction Readmission-Reduction Program With Mortality and Readmission.

BACKGROUND: Reducing hospital readmission after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has the potential to both improve quality and reduce costs. As such, readmission after AMI has been a target of financial penalties through Medicare. However, substantial concern exists about potential adverse effects and efficacious readmission-reduction strategies are not well validated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We started an AMI readmissions reduction program in November 2017. Between July 2016 and February 2019, hospital billing data were queried to detect all inpatient hospitalizations at the Massachusetts General Hospital for AMI. Thirty-day readmission was identified through hospital billing data, and mortality was extracted from our electronic health record. The data set was merged with claims data for patients in accountable care organizations to detect readmission at other hospitals. We performed segmented linear regression, adjusting for secular trend and case mix, to assess the independent association of our program on both outcome variables. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the study population included 2020 patients. The overall 30-day readmission rate was higher before the intervention than after the intervention (15.5% versus 10.7%, P=0.002). The overall 30-day mortality rate was similar in both time periods (1.8% versus 1.4%, P=0.457). The program was associated with initial reduction in 30-day readmission (-9.8%, P=0.0002) and 30-day mortality (-2.6%, P=0.041). The program did not change trend in 30-day readmission (+0.19% readmissions/mo, P=0.554) and trend in 30-day mortality (-0.21% deaths/mo, P=0.119). CONCLUSIONS: An AMI readmissions reduction program that increases outpatient and emergency department (ED) access to cardiology care is associated with reduced 30-day readmission and 30-day mortality. Similar statistical techniques can be used to conduct a rigorous, mechanistic program evaluation of other quality improvement initiatives.

A Wide Comparison of Techniques for Repair of PAPVCs: One Institution's 20-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Different methods for surgical correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) exist. We evaluated the outcomes of four techniques regarding morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A total of 116 patients underwent PAPVC repair in our institution over a period of 20 years. Single-patch technique (n = 82 [71%], mean age: 18.59 ± 20.49 years), double-patch technique (n = 13 [11%], mean age: 43.18 ± 25.14 years), Warden's technique (n = 7 [6%], mean age: 10.04 ± 10.47 years), and direct implantation of anomalous pulmonary veins (n = 14 [12%], mean age: 14.42 ± 18.58 years) were examined. RESULTS: Out of the 116 patients, one patient (0.9%) developed pulmonary hypertension after discharge and three patients (2.6%) with normal right cardiac function showed right ventricular failure. In total, a pacemaker was inserted in seven cases (6%). Three patients (2.6%) presented with persistent nonsinus rhythm during follow-up. This complication was most frequently seen in the double-patch group being significantly increased compared with the other groups (p = 0.035). One patient presented with a mild stenosis of the superior vena cava. There were two early, nonsurgery-related deaths and no late mortality. CONCLUSION: Operative therapy of PAPVC has low postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, surgical repair of this cardiac anomaly is a safe and reproducible treatment independent of the applied method. The surgical technique must be selected based on the anatomy and possible accompanying congenital heart defects. Special care should be taken when using the double-patch technique because of significant more frequent nonsinus rhythm events postoperatively.

Danos à saúde dos trabalhadores de enfermagem de salas de vacinação / Daños a la salud de los trabajadores de enfermería de salas de vacunación / Damage to the health of vaccination room nursing workers

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os danos à saúde relacionados ao trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem de salas de vacinação. Métodos Estudo transversal analítico realizado em 39 salas de vacinação em Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram do estudo 171 trabalhadores de enfermagem que responderam questões para caracterização sociodemográfica e laboral e a Escala de Avaliação de Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho. Processaram-se análises estatísticas descritivas e por meio do teste qui-quadrado associou-se o adoecimento e as variáveis pesquisadas. Resultados Os Danos Psicológicos e Sociais receberam avaliação suportável, enquanto os Físicos, avaliação crítica. Os itens dores nas costas e nas pernas receberam as maiores médias e foram considerados graves, sugerindo presença de danos ocupacionais. Evidenciou-se associação significativa entre os Danos Psicológicos e a variável capacitação em serviço. Prevaleceu o adoecimento para os Danos Físicos, seguido por Danos Psicológicos. Conclusão O trabalho realizado pelas equipes de enfermagem atuantes nas salas de vacinação pesquisadas pode trazer danos à saúde desse trabalhador.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar los daños a la salud relacionados con el trabajo de profesionales de enfermería de salas de vacunación. Métodos Estudio transversal analítico realizado en 39 salas de vacunación en Unidad de Atención Primaria de Salud en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro. Participaron en el estudio 171 trabajadores de enfermería que respondieron preguntas para caracterización sociodemográfica y laboral y la Escala de Evaluación de Daños Relacionados al Trabajo. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos descriptivos y, a través de la prueba χ2 de Pearson, se relacionó la enfermedad y las variables estudiadas. Resultados Los daños psicológicos y sociales recibieron una evaluación tolerable, mientras que los físicos obtuvieron evaluación crítica. Los ítems dolores de espalda y de piernas recibieron los mayores promedios y fueron considerados graves, lo que sugiere la presencia de daños laborales. Se observó relación significativa entre los daños psicológicos y la variable capacitación en servicio. Hubo una prevalencia de la enfermedad para daños físicos, seguido de daños psicológicos. Conclusión El trabajo realizado por los equipos de enfermería en las salas de vacunación estudiadas puede traer daños a la salud de ese trabajador.

Abstract Objective To analyze work-related health damage of vaccination room nursing professionals. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 39 vaccination rooms in a Primary Health Care Unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The study included 171 nursing workers who answered questions for sociodemographic and labor characterization and the Work-Related Damage Assessment Scale. Descriptive statistical analyzes were performed and the chi-square test associated the illness and the researched variables. Results Psychological and social damage received bearable assessment, while physical received critical assessment. The items back and leg pain received the highest means and were considered severe, suggesting the presence of occupational damage. A significant association between psychological damage and the in-service training variable was evidenced. Illness prevailed for physical damage, followed by psychological damage. Conclusion The work performed by the nursing teams working in the vaccination rooms surveyed can cause damage to the health of this worker.

Priority setting in health: development and application of a multi-criteria algorithm for the population of New Zealand's Waikato region.

BACKGROUND: Priority setting in a climate of diverse needs and limited resources is one of the most significant challenges faced by health care policymakers. This paper develops and applies a comprehensive multi-criteria algorithm to help determine the relative importance of health conditions that affect a defined population. METHODS: Our algorithm is implemented in the context of the Waikato District Health Board (WDHB) in New Zealand, which serves approximately 10% of the New Zealand population. Strategic priorities of the WDHB are operationalized into five criteria along which the algorithm is structured-scale of disease, household financial impact of disease, health equity, cost-effectiveness, and multimorbidity burden. Using national-level data and published literature from New Zealand, the World Health Organization, and other high-income Commonwealth countries, 25 health conditions in Waikato are identified and mapped to these five criteria. These disease-criteria mappings are weighted with data from an ordered choice survey administered to the general public of the Waikato region. The resulting output of health conditions ranked in order of relative importance is validated against an explicit list of health concerns, provided by the survey respondents. RESULTS: Heart disease and cancerous disorders are assigned highest priority rankings according to both the algorithm and the survey data, suggesting that our model is aligned with the primary health concerns of the general public. All five criteria are weighted near-equal across survey respondents, though the average health equity preference score is 9.2% higher for Maori compared to non-Maori respondents. Older respondents (50 years and above) ranked issues of multimorbidity 4.2% higher than younger respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Health preferences of the general population can be elicited using ordered-choice surveys and can be used to weight data for health conditions across multiple criteria, providing policymakers with a practical tool to inform which health conditions deserve the most attention. Our model connects public health strategic priorities, the health impacts and financial costs of particular health conditions, and the underlying preferences of the general public. We illustrate a practical approach to quantifying the foundational criteria that drive public preferences, for the purpose of relevant, legitimate, and evidence-based priority setting in health.