Direct and indirect effects of psychological well-being and therapeutic alliance on therapy outcome in eating disorders.

Introduction: Outcome research in eating disorders (EDs) is commonly focused on psychopathological dysfunction. However, Ryff's model of psychological well-being (PWB) has shown promising-yet preliminary-results with ED patients. Additionally, despite substantial evidence highlighting the association between the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome, findings in ED samples remain unclear. The present study aimed at exploring the direct effect of PWB dimensions and the early therapeutic alliance on ED patients' individual treatment responses, as well as the mediating role played by the early therapeutic alliance in the relationship between PWB dimensions and overall pre-post symptom change. Methods: A sample of N = 165 ED patients assigned female at birth, who were receiving treatment in a residential program, completed the Psychological Well-Being Scale at treatment intake and the Working Alliance Inventory after the first four psychotherapy sessions. Patients also completed the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 at the same time point and during the week prior to discharge. Results: The PWB dimensions of autonomy, positive relations, and self-acceptance were associated with clinically significant change, while the dimensions of personal growth and self-acceptance were associated with reliable change. The early therapeutic alliance showed both direct and indirect effects on therapy outcome, predicting clinically significant and reliable symptom reduction. It also emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between all PWB dimensions and overall symptomatic change. Conclusion: The identification of individual, adaptive characteristics in ED patients that might influence their development of an early therapeutic alliance may help therapists to predict relationship ruptures and tailor their interventions to enhance treatment effectiveness.

From symptoms to subjective and bodily experiences: the contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to diagnosis and treatment monitoring in eating disorders.

PURPOSE: Atheoretical and descriptive conceptualizations of eating disorders (EDs) have faced substantial criticism due to their limited ability to assess patients' subjective characteristics and experiences, as needed to determine the most appropriate treatment options. The present article provides an overview of the clinical and empirical literature supporting the potential contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to both diagnostic assessment and treatment monitoring. METHODS: Following a discussion of the most relevant shortcomings of current diagnostic models of EDs and a description of the rationale and structure of the PDM-2, evidence supporting the core PDM-2 dimensions of ED patients' subjective experiences (i.e., affective states, cognitive processes, relational patterns, somatic/bodily experiences and states) are examined, alongside their relevance to ED diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Overall, the reviewed studies support the diagnostic importance of these patterns of subjective experiences in EDs, highlighting their potential role as either predisposing or maintaining factors to target in psychotherapy. A growing body of multidisciplinary evidence also shows that bodily and somatic experiences are central to the diagnosis and clinical management of ED patients. Moreover, there is evidence that a PDM-based assessment may enable closer monitoring of patient progress during treatment, with regard to both subjective experiences and symptom patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that current diagnostic frameworks for EDs would benefit from the addition of a person-centered perspective that considers not only symptoms, but also patients' full range of functioning-including their deep and surface-level emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, and social patterns-to improve patient-tailored interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, narrative review.

Alkaline phosphatase in clinical practice in childhood: Focus on rickets.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its isoenzymes reflect bone metabolism: ALP increases the ratio of inorganic phosphate to pyrophosphate systemically and facilitates mineralization as well as reduces extracellular pyrophosphate concentration, an inhibitor of mineral formation. On the contrary, low ALP activity is associated with reduction of bone turnover. ALP includes four isoenzymes depending on the site of tissue expression: intestinal ALP, placental ALP, germ cell ALP and tissue nonspecific ALP or liver/bone/kidney ALP. The bone isoenzyme (B-ALP) is involved in bone calcification and is a marker of bone turnover as a result of osteoblastic activity. ALP and its isoenzymes are crucial in the diagnostic process of all the forms of rickets.The most common cause of rickets is vitamin D nutritional deficiency. The aim of this review is to update on the role played by ALP serum concentrations as a relevant marker in thediagnosis and treatment of rickets. Indeed, the diagnosis of rickets is based on its clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics. An elevated ALP level is one of the markers for the diagnosis of rickets in children, though it is also associated with bone formation process. ALP is also useful for the differentiation between rickets and other disorders that can mimic rickets because of their clinical and laboratory characteristics, and, together with other biochemical markers, is crucial for the differential diagnosis of the different forms of rickets. Age, severity and duration of rickets may also modulate ALP elevation. Finally, ALP measurements are useful in clinical and therapeutic follow-up.

Orientações sobre amamentação para gestantes do pré-natal na atenção primária à saúde / Guidelines on breastfeeding for pregnant women during prenatal care in primary health care / Directrices sobre lactancia materna para embarazadas durante la atención prenatal en atención primaria de salud

Introdução: o aleitamento materno contribui para a prevenção da morbimortalidade infantil e promoção da saúde biopsicossocial da família, favorecendo o vínculo e o afeto. O pré-natal é o momento primordial para o estímulo e incentivo ao aleitamento materno e as orientações sobre o processo de amamentação realizadas pelos enfermeiros, durante o pré-natal na Atenção Primária à Saúde, com as suas práticas assistenciais, poderão garantir a confiança e a segurança da nutriz. Objetivo: analisar as orientações sobre amamentação para a promoção do aleitamento materno exclusivo e identificar sua prática na visão da usuária do pré-natal na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 18 Unidades de Saúde da Família de um município mineiro, com 140 usuárias com filhos menores de seis meses. Utilizou-se um instrumento já validado, composto por 56 questões. Foram empregados testes estatísticos para verificar as variáveis de estudo. Resultados: encontrou-se associações significativas entre as variáveis renda mensal (p=0,037), ingesta líquida (P<0,0001) ou sólida (P<0,0001) e usou mamadeira (p=0,009) ou chupeta (p=0,003) com a variável de desfecho aleitamento materno exclusivo. Conclusão: é importante a implementação de ações educativas promotoras da amamentação no pré- natal na atenção primária à saúde.

Introduction: Breastfeeding contributes to the prevention of infant morbidity and mortality and to the promotion of the family's biopsychosocial health, favoring the bond and affection. Prenatal care is the primary time to encourage and foster breastfeeding, and the guidance on the breastfeeding process provided by nurses during prenatal care in Primary Health Care, through their care practices, can ensure the confidence and safety of the nursing mother. Objective: to analyze the guidelines on breastfeeding for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and identify its practice in the view of the user of prenatal care in Primary Health Care. Method: cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in 18 Family Health Units in a city of Minas Gerais, with 140 users with children under six months of age. A validated instrument was used, consisting of 56 questions. Statistical tests were used to verify the study variables. Results: significant associations were found between the variables monthly income (p=0.037), liquid (P<0.0001) or solid (P<0.0001) intake and bottle (p=0.009) or pacifier (p=0.003) with the outcome variable exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: it is important to implement breastfeeding-promoting educational actions in prenatal care in primary health care.

Introducción: La lactancia materna contribuye a la prevención de la morbimortalidad infantil y a la promoción de la salud biopsicosocial de la familia, favoreciendo el vínculo y el afecto. La atención prenatal es el principal momento para estimular y fomentar la lactancia materna, y la orientación sobre el proceso de lactancia materna proporcionada por las enfermeras durante la atención prenatal en Atención Primaria de Salud, a través de sus prácticas asistenciales, puede garantizar la confianza y seguridad de la madre lactante. Objetivo: analizar las orientaciones sobre lactancia materna para la promoción de la lactancia materna exclusiva e identificar su práctica en la visión de la usuaria de la atención prenatal en Atención Primaria de Salud. Material y método: estudio transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en 18 Unidades de Salud de la Familia de una ciudad de Minas Gerais, con 140 usuarias con hijos menores de seis meses. Se utilizó instrumento validado, compuesto por 56 preguntas. Se utilizaron pruebas estadísticas para verificar las variables de estudio. Resultados: se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre las variables renta mensual (p=0,037), ingesta de líquidos (p<0,0001) o sólidos (p<0,0001) y biberón (p=0,009) o chupete (p=0,003) con la variable resultado lactancia materna exclusiva. Conclusión: es importante implementar acciones educativas promotoras de la lactancia materna en la atención prenatal en atención primaria de salud.

Current and emerging drug targets in heart failure treatment.

After initial strategies targeting inotropism and congestion, the neurohormonal interpretative model of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology has set the basis for current pharmacological management of HF, as most of guideline recommended drug classes, including beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, blunt the activation of detrimental neurohormonal axes, namely sympathetic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) systems. More recently, sacubitril/valsartan, a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, combining inhibition of RAAS and potentiation of the counter-regulatory natriuretic peptide system, has been consistently demonstrated to reduce mortality and HF-related hospitalization. A number of novel pharmacological approaches have been tested during the latest years, leading to mixed results. Among them, drugs acting directly at a second messenger level, such as the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator vericiguat, or other addressing myocardial energetics and mitochondrial function, such as elamipretide or omecamtiv-mecarbil, will likely change the therapeutic management of patients with HF. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, initially designed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, have been recently demonstrated to improve outcome in HF, although mechanisms of their action on cardiovascular system are yet to be elucidated. Most of these emerging approaches have shifted the therapeutic target from neurohormonal systems to the heart, by improving cardiac contractility, metabolism, fibrosis, inflammation, and remodeling. In the present paper, we review from a pathophysiological perspective current and novel therapeutic strategies in chronic HF.

COVID-19 in the Perioperative Period of Cardiovascular Surgery: the Brazilian Experience.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the clinical course and outcomes of patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery in Brazil and who had developed symptoms/signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the perioperative period. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study including 104 patients who were allocated in three groups according to time of positive real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2): group 1, patients who underwent cardiac surgery > 10 days after positive RT-PCR; group 2, patients with a positive RT-PCR within 10 days before or after surgery; group 3, patients who presented positive RT-PCR > 10 days after surgery. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and postoperative days of hospitalization. RESULTS: The three groups were similar with respect to age, the European System of Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score, and comorbidities, except hypertension. Postoperative complications and death were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1, and no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 was seen. Group 2 showed a high prevalence of surgery performed as an urgent procedure. Although no significant differences were observed in ICU length of stay, total postoperative hospitalization time was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 affecting the postoperative period of patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery is associated with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Delaying procedures in RT-PCR-positive patients may help reduce risks of perioperative complications and death.

COVID-19 in the perioperative period of cardiovascular surgery: the brazilian experience

Abstract Introduction: We investigated the clinical course and outcomes of patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery in Brazil and who had developed symptoms/signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the perioperative period. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study including 104 patients who were allocated in three groups according to time of positive real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2): group 1, patients who underwent cardiac surgery > 10 days after positive RT-PCR; group 2, patients with a positive RT-PCR within 10 days before or after surgery; group 3, patients who presented positive RT-PCR > 10 days after surgery. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and postoperative days of hospitalization. Results: The three groups were similar with respect to age, the European System of Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score, and comorbidities, except hypertension. Postoperative complications and death were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1, and no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 was seen. Group 2 showed a high prevalence of surgery performed as an urgent procedure. Although no significant differences were observed in ICU length of stay, total postoperative hospitalization time was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: COVID-19 affecting the postoperative period of patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery is associated with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Delaying procedures in RT-PCR-positive patients may help reduce risks of perioperative complications and death.

The Mediator Effect of Personality on the Relationship Between Symptomatic Impairment and Treatment Outcome in Eating Disorders.

Features of personality disorders (PDs) have been found to explain meaningful variance in the onset, maintenance, and symptomatic presentation of eating disorders (EDs), and a co-occurent personality pathology is commonly associated with poorer response to ED treatment. The "pathoplasty model" of the relationship between personality and EDs implies that, once both conditions are established, they are likely to interact in ways that modify therapy outcome; however, to date, no studies have explored overall personality functioning, and especially PD clusters, as a mediator of treatment outcome. The present study aimed at conjointly exploring the associations between personality functioning and PDs, respectively, with pre-treatment ED symptomatic impairment and therapy outcome; and the mediating role of personality variables. At treatment onset, a sample of 107 women with ED problems were evaluated using both the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200)-a clinician-rated procedure to dimensionally assess personality. Participants were also asked to complete self-report questionnaires on overall ED symptomatology, symptoms of binge eating and purging behaviors, and therapy outcome. The findings showed that, over and above the categorical ED diagnosis, the SWAP-200 healthy personality functioning score mediated the relationship between baseline ED symptom severity and therapy outcome, as well as the association between baseline bulimic symptoms and treatment outcome; furthermore, SWAP-200 Cluster B PD scores mediated the link between baseline binge eating and purging symptoms and therapy outcome, whereas scores in Clusters A and C showed no significant effects. The findings suggest that personality-based outcome research may improve treatment effectiveness in this difficult-to-treat population.

Fostering the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: Shared leadership, social capital, and contagion among health professionals.

Health professionals managing patients with COVID-19 disease are at high risk of contagion. All medical personnel involved in caring for patients need coordination, knowledge and trust. Empirical work on human resources has tended to focus on the effects of human resource practices on performance, whereas leadership and social interactions have been overlooked. Based upon interviews with medical staff working in specialised medical units, this study uses the social capital theory to examine relationships among shared leadership, social capital, and contagion rates. First, shared leadership was found to positively affect COVID-19 contagion among health professionals. Second, by sharing information and a common language, and showing high levels of trust, namely social capital, medical units seem to reduce contagion rates of COVID-19. In other words, shared leadership plays a fundamental role in improving performance in healthcare by means of social capital.

Ultra-early postoperative feeding and its impact on reducing endovenous fluids. / Uso da realimentação pós-operatória ultra precoce e seu impacto na redução de fluidos endovenosos.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of "ultra-early" postoperative feeding (oral liquid diet offered in the post-anesthetic recovery room) in patients undergoing common general surgical procedures and to assess the volume of intravenous fluids, as well as the rate of complications and the length of hospital stay. METHODS: Prospective, observational study, which assessed the compliance with the "ultra-early" feeding, the reduction of preoperative fasting time, the perioperative venous hydration volume, the length of stay and the operative morbidity. RESULTS: 154 patients with a mean age of 46 ± 15 years were followed. "Ultra-early" feeding was performed in 144 cases (93.5%). Patients who did not receive the "ultra-early" feeding received a significantly greater volume of postoperative intravenous fluids (500mL versus 200mL, p = 0.018). The length of stay was 2.4 ± 2.79 days (conventional feeding) versus 1.45 ± 1.83 days ("ultra-early" feeding), with no statistical difference (p = 0.133). There was no difference in the percentage of general complications (p = 0.291), vomiting (p = 0.696) or surgical infection (p = 0.534). CONCLUSION: "Ultra-early" feeding had a high adherence by patients undergoing common general surgical procedures, and it was related to decreased infusion of postoperative fluids. Complication rates and the length of stay were similar between groups.

OBJETIVO: investigar em uma série de casos de pacientes submetidos a operações de médio porte em cirurgia geral, o uso da conduta de realimentação pós-operatória "ultra precoce"(dieta oral líquida oferecida na recuperação pós-anestésica), avaliando-se o volume de fluidos endovenosos recebidos no pós-operatório por estes pacientes, assim como a ocorrência de complicações e o tempo de internação hospitalar. MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo, observacional. Avaliou-se a aderência à rotina de realimentação "ultra precoce", abreviação do jejum pré-operatório, volume de hidratação venosa perioperatório, tempo de internação e morbidade operatória. RESULTADOS: um total de 154 pacientes com média da idade de 46±15 anos, foram acompanhados. Realimentação "ultra precoce" foi realizada em 144 casos (93,5%). Pacientes que não receberam realimentação "ultra precoce" receberam volume significativamente maior de fluidos endovenosos no pós-operatório do que pacientes realimentados de maneira "ultra precoce" (500ml versus 200ml, p=0,018). O tempo de internação foi de 2,4±2,79 dias (realimentação convencional) versus 1,45±1,83 dias (realimentação "ultra precoce"), sem diferença estatística (p=0,133).Não houve diferença no percentual de complicações gerais (p=0,291), vômitos (p=0,696) ou infecção do sítio cirúrgico (p=0,534). CONCLUSÃO: a realimentação "ultra precoce" apresentou-se como uma conduta de elevada aderência em operações de médio porte em Cirurgia Geral nesta série de casos e, esteve relacionada a infusão de volume significativamente menor de fluidos endovenosos no pós-operatório, com índices baixos de complicações e sem impacto no tempo de internação.

Uso da realimentação pós-operatória ultra precoce e seu impacto na redução de fluidos endovenosos / Ultra-early postoperative feeding and its impact on reducing endovenous fluids

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar em uma série de casos de pacientes submetidos a operações de médio porte em cirurgia geral, o uso da conduta de realimentação pós-operatória "ultra precoce"(dieta oral líquida oferecida na recuperação pós-anestésica), avaliando-se o volume de fluidos endovenosos recebidos no pós-operatório por estes pacientes, assim como a ocorrência de complicações e o tempo de internação hospitalar. Métodos: estudo prospectivo, observacional. Avaliou-se a aderência à rotina de realimentação "ultra precoce", abreviação do jejum pré-operatório, volume de hidratação venosa perioperatório, tempo de internação e morbidade operatória. Resultados: um total de 154 pacientes com média da idade de 46±15 anos, foram acompanhados. Realimentação "ultra precoce" foi realizada em 144 casos (93,5%). Pacientes que não receberam realimentação "ultra precoce" receberam volume significativamente maior de fluidos endovenosos no pós-operatório do que pacientes realimentados de maneira "ultra precoce" (500ml versus 200ml, p=0,018). O tempo de internação foi de 2,4±2,79 dias (realimentação convencional) versus 1,45±1,83 dias (realimentação "ultra precoce"), sem diferença estatística (p=0,133).Não houve diferença no percentual de complicações gerais (p=0,291), vômitos (p=0,696) ou infecção do sítio cirúrgico (p=0,534). Conclusão: a realimentação "ultra precoce" apresentou-se como uma conduta de elevada aderência em operações de médio porte em Cirurgia Geral nesta série de casos e, esteve relacionada a infusão de volume significativamente menor de fluidos endovenosos no pós-operatório, com índices baixos de complicações e sem impacto no tempo de internação.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the use of "ultra-early" postoperative feeding (oral liquid diet offered in the post-anesthetic recovery room) in patients undergoing common general surgical procedures and to assess the volume of intravenous fluids, as well as the rate of complications and the length of hospital stay. Methods: Prospective, observational study, which assessed the compliance with the "ultra-early" feeding, the reduction of preoperative fasting time, the perioperative venous hydration volume, the length of stay and the operative morbidity. Results: 154 patients with a mean age of 46 ± 15 years were followed. "Ultra-early" feeding was performed in 144 cases (93.5%). Patients who did not receive the "ultra-early" feeding received a significantly greater volume of postoperative intravenous fluids (500mL versus 200mL, p = 0.018). The length of stay was 2.4 ± 2.79 days (conventional feeding) versus 1.45 ± 1.83 days ("ultra-early" feeding), with no statistical difference (p = 0.133). There was no difference in the percentage of general complications (p = 0.291), vomiting (p = 0.696) or surgical infection (p = 0.534). Conclusion: "Ultra-early" feeding had a high adherence by patients undergoing common general surgical procedures, and it was related to decreased infusion of postoperative fluids. Complication rates and the length of stay were similar between groups.

Benefits of fasting abbreviation with carbohydrates and omega-3 infusion during cabg: a double-blind controlled randomized trial

Abstract Objective: To assess postoperative clinical data considering the association of preoperative fasting with carbohydrate (CHO) loading and intraoperative infusion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA). Methods: 57 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly assigned to receive 12.5% maltodextrin (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia), (CHO, n=14); water (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia), (control, n=14); 12.5% maltodextrin (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (0.2 g/kg), (CHO+W3, n=15); or water (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (0.2 g/kg), (W3, n=14). The need for vasoactive drugs was analyzed, in addition to postoperative inflammation and metabolic control. Results: There were two deaths (3.5%). Patients in CHO groups presented a lower incidence of hospital infection (RR=0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.94; P=0.023), needed fewer vasoactive drugs during surgery and ICU stay (P<0.05); and had better blood glucose levels in the first six hours of recovery (P=0.015), requiring less exogenous insulin (P=0.018). Incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) varied significantly among groups (P=0.009). Subjects who receive ω-3 PUFA groups had fewer occurrences of POAF (RR=4.83, 95% CI 1.56-15.02; P=0.001). Patients in the W3 group had lower ultrasensitive-CRP levels at 36 h postoperatively (P=0.008). Interleukin-10 levels varied among groups (P=0.013), with the highest levels observed in the postoperative of patients who received intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (P=0.049). Conclusion: Fasting abbreviation with carbohydrate loading and intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA is safe and supports faster postoperative recovery in patients undergoing on-pump CABG.

Benefits of Fasting Abbreviation with Carbohydrates and Omega-3 Infusion During CABG: a Double-Blind Controlled Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess postoperative clinical data considering the association of preoperative fasting with carbohydrate (CHO) loading and intraoperative infusion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA). METHODS: 57 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly assigned to receive 12.5% maltodextrin (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia), (CHO, n=14); water (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia), (control, n=14); 12.5% maltodextrin (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (0.2 g/kg), (CHO+W3, n=15); or water (200 mL, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (0.2 g/kg), (W3, n=14). The need for vasoactive drugs was analyzed, in addition to postoperative inflammation and metabolic control. RESULTS: There were two deaths (3.5%). Patients in CHO groups presented a lower incidence of hospital infection (RR=0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.94; P=0.023), needed fewer vasoactive drugs during surgery and ICU stay (P<0.05); and had better blood glucose levels in the first six hours of recovery (P=0.015), requiring less exogenous insulin (P=0.018). Incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) varied significantly among groups (P=0.009). Subjects who receive ω-3 PUFA groups had fewer occurrences of POAF (RR=4.83, 95% CI 1.56-15.02; P=0.001). Patients in the W3 group had lower ultrasensitive-CRP levels at 36 h postoperatively (P=0.008). Interleukin-10 levels varied among groups (P=0.013), with the highest levels observed in the postoperative of patients who received intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA (P=0.049). CONCLUSION: Fasting abbreviation with carbohydrate loading and intraoperative infusion of ω-3 PUFA is safe and supports faster postoperative recovery in patients undergoing on-pump CABG.

Should we fear direct oral anticoagulants more than vitamin K antagonists in simple single tooth extraction? A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective comparative clinical study was to evaluate the effect of oral anticoagulants on peri- and post-operative bleeding during simple single tooth extractions, comparing patients in treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and patients assuming direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients under oral anticoagulant therapy needing dental extraction were eligible for entering the study; patients were enrolled following inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into VKAs and DOAC group according to the anticoagulation therapy. Included patients underwent a simple single dental extraction with elevators and forceps with a maximum surgical time of 15 minutes, without anticoagulation therapy discontinuation. All participants were assessed pre-operatively, during surgery, 30 min minutes and 7 days after surgery. Biological complications were registered and post-extraction bleeding was clinically defined according to Iwabuchi classification. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to evaluate the variables between the groups. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients per group were enrolled and 130 teeth were extracted. The two groups were comparable for pre-, peri-, and post-operative variables. Only 1 patient of DOAC group and 2 patients for VKA group needed medical evaluation for post-extractive bleeding. No statistically significant difference resulted in post-operative bleeding events between the groups (p = 0.425). CONCLUSIONS: DOAC and VKA patients showed the same incidence of bleeding complications after simple single tooth extraction. Bleeding events were not statistically significant and not clinically relevant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients assuming DOACs can be treated similarly to patients in VKAs therapy with INR index between 2 and 3. Non-ceasing of DOAC therapy seems to be appropriate for simple single dental extractions.

Efficacy of 4-year treatment of icon infiltration resin on postorthodontic white spot lesions.

White spot lesions are defined as enamel surface and sub surface demineralisation, although these lesions can be reversed and do not form cavities. Infiltration using fluid resin proved to be a valid micro-invasive alternative compared with traditional conservative therapy. This has allowed treatment without any trauma (no use of local anaesthesia and cavity preparation) of numerous lesions in only one session with stable clinical (mechanical stability, enamel hardness, conservation of sound tissue) and aesthetic results (disappearance of lesions) over the time. The present report evaluates the effectiveness of Icon infiltration resin on postorthodontic white spots at 6 months, 1 and 4 years.

Altruistic leadership and affiliative humor's role on service innovation: Lessons from Spanish public hospitals.

Despite literature identifies aspects that might promote innovation, the relationship between the leadership style and nurses' innovative behavior still remains unclear, and little research has provided evidence of this. To help advance in knowledge of effects of leadership on nurses' innovative behavior, we researched the effect of altruistic leadership on nurses' innovative behavior. In addition, the mediating role of affiliative humor in the relationship between altruistic leadership and nurses' innovative behavior was examined. Questionnaire survey method was followed with a sample of 324 nurses working in public hospitals in Spain. We used structural equation models, to check the research hypotheses. This research reveals that affiliative humor partially mediates the relationship between altruistic leadership and nurses' innovative behavior. Thus, unselfish leaders are crucial to promoting innovative behaviors among nurses, and affiliative humor plays a fundamental role to explain how altruistic leaders enhance nurses' innovative behavior.

Safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor biosimilars in engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation for haematological malignancies: a 4-year, single institute experience with different conditioning regimens.

BACKGROUND: Filgrastim biosimilars have recently been introduced into clinical practice. To date biosimilars have demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety as the originator in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Published experience in engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is limited and concerns relatively few patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the aim of assessing the efficacy and the safety of filgrastim biosimilars in post-ASCT bone marrow recovery, we conducted a single institution, retrospective study in 56 lymphoma and myeloma patients who received filgrastim biosimilars (Tevagrastim(®) and Zarzio(®)) at standard doses from day 5. We compared our results with recently published data on the originator. A cost analysis of each biosimilar was performed. RESULTS: Neutrophil counts recovered in 55 patients. The median number of filgrastim biosimilar vials injected was seven per patient. The median time to neutrophil and platelet recovery was 10 and 12 days, respectively. Twenty-six patients had febrile neutropenia, in half of whom the agent involved was identified. In the cost analysis, the use of Tevagrastim(®) and Zarzio(®) was associated with cost reductions of 56% and of 86%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Despite differences in CD34+ cell counts and time of starting filgrastim, our results in terms of time to engraftment and median number of vials injected are similar to published data. Comparing our results by single conditioning regimen to recent literature data, the time to engraftment and duration of hospitalisation were equivalent. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of febrile neutropenia, perhaps due to different preventive and prophylactic protocols for infections. Although prospective studies should be performed to confirm our results, filgrastim biosimilars were found to be effective and safe in engraftment after ASCT.

Perfil de casos e fatores de risco para hanseníase, em menores de quinze anos, em município hiperendêmico da região norte do Brasil. / Profile cases and risk factors for leprosy in under fifteen years in the municipality hyperendemic northern Brazil.

Objetivo: Demonstrar o padrão temporal da hanseníase, aspectos clínicos e relações de contatos, em menores de 15 anos, em área de antiga Colônia de Hansenianos do Norte do Brasil, considerando os fatores de risco. Método: estudo ecológico longitudinal e de série de casos da década 2003 a 2013, em que foram entrevistados 29 pacientes, dos 36 casos notificados no período. Variáveis investigadas: sociodemográficas; história e tempo de contato intradomiciliar; cosanguineidade; critérios clínicos; baciloscopia; realização de BCG e evolução. Resultados: notificados 226 casos de hanseníase de todas as faixas etárias, sendo 15,92% (36 casos) em menores de 15 anos com queda importante no coeficiente de detecção. No Pará redução discreta da notificação. Aumento de casos novos em 2005, 2009 e 2011. Predominaram o gênero feminino, faixa etária de 11 a 14 anos, renda familiar menor que um salário mínimo, grau de escolaridade ensino fundamental, lesão única em membros inferiores, forma MHI-PB, tratamento completo em seis meses de PQT, sem recidiva e sem sequelas com grau zero de incapacidade. Cura em 93,1%, sem baciloscopia. Contato intradomiciliar presente em 86,2% com tempo médio de contato de 8,6 anos e 72,4% das crianças com cicatriz de BCG no diagnóstico. Conclusão: a hanseníase constitui um grave problema de saúde pública na área estudada, com alta taxa de incidência em menores de 15 anos, sendo a recidiva preocupante, o que deve ser bem investigada, pois a exposição é precoce, com fator de risco representado por contato dentro da família, exigindo maior vigilância.

Purpose: To demonstrate the temporal pattern of leprosy, clinical aspects and relations contacts in under 15 years, in an area of old leprosy colony in North of Brazil, considering the risk factors. Method: Series of cases, longitudinal and ecological study of the decade from 2003 to 2013, in which 29 patients of 36 cases were interviewed during the period. Variables investigated: sociodemographics; history and time of household contact; cosanguinity; clinical criterion; baciloscopy; realization of BCG and evolution. Results: 226 cases of leprosy were reported in all age groups and, 15.92% (36 cases) were less than 15 years with a significant decrease in the detection rate. In the state of Para slight reduction of the notification. Increase of new cases in 2005, 2009 and 2011 predominated females, age between 11-14 years, family income less than minimum salary, elementary school education level, single lesion in the lower limbs form MHI-PB, complete treatment in six months of paucibacillary treatment without recurrence and without sequelae, with zero degree of disability. Cure in 93.1% without baciloscopy. Household contacts present in 86.2% with an average contact time of 8.6 years and 72.4% of children with BCG scar in the diagnosis. Conclusion: leprosy is a serious public health problem in the study area with high incidence rate in children under 15 years, with a worrying recurrence, which should be carefully investigated because it is early exposure, with risk factor represented by contact within the family, requiring increased vigilance.s.