Assessment of rehabilitation practices during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the United States: a survey.

Background: Rehabilitation therapy is important to treat physical and functional impairments that may occur in individuals receiving physically taxing, yet potentially curative hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). However, there is scarce data on how rehabilitation is delivered during HSCT in real-life setting. Our objective is to assess the rehabilitation practices for adult patients hospitalized for HSCT in the United States. Methods: A 48-question online survey with cancer centers with the top 10% HSCT volumes (per American registries). We obtained data on patient characteristics, rehabilitation therapy details (timing, indication, administering providers), physical function objective and subjective outcome measures, and therapy activity precautions. Results: Fourteen (out of 21) institutions were included. Rehabilitation therapy referrals occurred at admission for all patients at 35.7% of the centers for: functional decline (92.9%), fall risk (71.4%), and discharge planning (71.4%). Participating institutions had physical therapists (92.9%), occupational therapists (85.7%), speech language pathologists (64.3%) and therapy aides (35.7%) in their rehabilitation team. Approximately 71% of centers used objective functional measures including sit-to-stand tests (50.0%), balance measures (42.9%), and six-minute walk/gait speed (both 35.7%). Monitoring of blood counts to determine therapy modalities frequently occurred and therapies held for low platelet or hemoglobin values; but absolute neutrophil values were not a barrier to participate in resistance or aerobic therapies (42.9%). Discussion: Rehabilitation practices during HSCT varied among the largest volume cancer centers in the United States, but most centers provided skilled therapy, utilized objective, clinician and patient reported outcomes, and monitored blood counts for safety of therapy administration.

Rapid discrimination of geographical origin of garlic (Allium sativum L.): A metabolomic approach applied to paper spray mass spectrometry data.

INTRODUCTION: Distinguishing and categorizing the origin of garlic are highly significant, considering its widespread use as a flavoring agent. With billions of dollars annually in global trade, garlic is frequently susceptible to fraudulent practices. METHODOLOGY: Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) was employed to quickly analyze garlic samples from distinct geographic origins: China and Brazil. The so-generated PS-MS data were treated with metabolomic multivariate approaches, and the garlic samples from these different geographic regions were easily discriminated. RESULTS: Brazilian garlic was characterized to contain higher levels of amino acids, such as arginine, proline, and valine, and organosulfur compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and l-γ-glutamil-S-allyl-l-cysteine, compared to Chinese garlic. The PS-MS data were treated employing multivariate approaches, typically used in the metabolomics field, and this protocol was promptly able to discern among both types of samples. CONCLUSION: Hence, this combined strategy holds promise not only as an effective tool for the authentication of the geographical origin of garlic but also as a powerful means for biomarker discovery.

Rehabilitation Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify and appraise current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in head and neck cancer. DESIGN: A previously published scoping review spanning 1990 through April 2017 was updated through January 11, 2023 and narrowed to include only interventional studies (Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;100(12):2381-2388). Included studies had a majority head and neck cancer population and rehabilitation-specific interventions. Pairs of authors extracted data and evaluated study quality using the PEDro tool. Results were organized by intervention type. RESULTS: Of 1338 unique citations, 83 studies with 87 citations met inclusion criteria. The median study sample size was 49 (range = 9-399). The most common interventions focused on swallow (16 studies), jaw (11), or both (6), followed by whole-body exercise (14) and voice (10). Most interventions took place in the outpatient setting (77) and were restorative in intent (65 articles). The overall study quality was fair (median PEDro score 5, range 0-8); none were of excellent quality (PEDro >9). CONCLUSIONS: Most head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions have focused on restorative swallow and jaw exercises and whole-body exercise to address dysphagia, trismus, and deconditioning. More high-quality evidence for head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions that address a wider range of impairments and activity and social participation limitations during various cancer care phases is urgently needed to reduce head and neck cancer-associated morbidity.

Rehabilitation Interventions for Head and Neck Cancer-Associated Lymphedema: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Head and neck cancer-associated lymphedema (HNCaL) affects up to 90% of survivors of head and neck cancer and is a substantial contributor to disability following head and neck cancer treatment. Despite the prevalence and morbidity associated with HNCaL, rehabilitation interventions are not well studied. Objective: To identify and appraise the current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in HNCaL. Evidence Review: Five electronic databases were searched systematically from inception to January 3, 2023, for studies on HNCaL rehabilitation interventions. Study screening, data extraction, quality rating, and risk of bias assessment were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Findings: Of 1642 citations identified, 23 studies (1.4%; n = 2147 patients) were eligible for inclusion. Six studies (26.1%) were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 17 (73.9%) were observational studies. Five of the 6 RCTs were published during 2020 to 2022. Most studies had fewer than 50 participants (5 of 6 RCTs; 13 of 17 observational studies). Studies were categorized by intervention type, including standard lymphedema therapy (11 studies [47.8%]) and adjunct therapy (12 studies [52.2%]). Lymphedema therapy interventions included standard complete decongestive therapy (CDT) (2 RCTs, 5 observational studies), modified CDT (3 observational studies), therapy setting (1 RCT, 2 observational studies), adherence (2 observational studies), early manual lymphatic drainage (1 RCT), and inclusion of focused exercise (1 RCT). Adjunct therapy interventions included advanced pneumatic compression devices (APCDs) (1 RCT, 5 observational studies), kinesio taping (1 RCT), photobiomodulation (1 observational study), acupuncture/moxibustion (1 observational study), and sodium selenite (1 RCT, 2 observational studies). Serious adverse events were either not found (9 [39.1%]) or not reported (14 [60.9%]). Low-quality evidence suggested the benefit of standard lymphedema therapy, particularly in the outpatient setting and with at least partial adherence. High-quality evidence was found for adjunct therapy with kinesio taping. Low-quality evidence also suggested that APCDs may be beneficial. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this systematic review suggest that rehabilitation interventions for HNCaL, including standard lymphedema therapy with kinesio taping and APCDs, appear to be safe and beneficial. However, more prospective, controlled, and adequately powered studies are needed to clarify the ideal type, timing, duration, and intensity of lymphedema therapy components before treatment guidelines can be established.

Quantifying microplastics in fishes: The first case study contrasting the perspective of untrained and experienced researchers.

Microplastic studies hold a low explored potential for citizen science and environmental education, but methodological issues challenge data produced by non-specialists. We compared microplastic abundance and diversity in the red tilapia Oreochromis niloticus recovered by untrained students with those recovered by researchers that have experience of three years studying the incorporation of this pollutant by aquatic organisms. Seven students dissected 80 specimens and performed digestion of digestive tract in hydrogen peroxide. The solution was filtered and inspected under a stereomicroscope by the students and by two expert researchers. A control treatment consisted of 80 samples handled only by experts. The students overestimated the abundance of fibers and fragments. Striking differences in abundance and richness of microplastics were verified between the fish dissected by students and by expert researchers. Therefore, citizen science projects involving the uptake of microplastics by fish should provide training until a satisfactory level of expertise is reached.

Establishing a Cancer Rehabilitation Service in a Middle-Income Country: an Experience from Brazil.

Purpose of Review: Our aim is to provide a historical review of the implementation of a cancer rehabilitation center in Brazil, active since 2008. We expect this data to support the implementation of other centers both in Brazil and worldwide. Recent Findings: Cancer rehabilitation delivery is fragmented and punctuated in most cases, and cancer rehabilitation centers are rare. Data on how to establish rehabilitation centers could facilitate the implementation of new centers. We provide data on what was our strategy for hiring, establishing treatment protocols, barriers, and facilitators. We also provide figures on the number of each rehabilitation specialist, as well as the general standard operating procedures of our rehabilitation center, among other features. Summary: Establishing cancer rehabilitation centers in a middle-income country is feasible. We expect that our experience may facilitate the establishment of new cancer rehabilitation services and the improvement of current ones.

The Management between Comorbidities and Pain Level with Physical Activity in Individuals with Hip Osteoarthritis with Surgical Indication: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: The degenerative pathology of the hip joint appears in young age groups, related to fem-oroacetabular impingement, and in advanced age, due to other inflammatory causes, with greater potential for severity in the presence of comorbidities. Objectives: To evaluate the participation of the main causes of osteoarthritis in relation to physical activities, s Body Mass Index (BMI) and television time (TV). Materials and Methods: 54 patients with surgical indication treated at an orthopedic referral university hospital were stratified into groups (Impact: I, Osteonecrosis/rheumatic: II, Infectious/traumatic: III), and the influence of comorbidities on physical activity performance, relative to BMI and TV time. Results: It was observed that the impact group was the most frequent (51.8%), with 79.6% under the age of 60 years. This group followed the general mean (p < 0.05), using the variables of comorbidity and the level of physical activity. Pain intensity, TV time, BMI showed no correlation with physical activity. Conclusion: Morphostructural changes (group I) represented the most frequent etiological group, and severe pain was common in almost the entire sample. Unlike BMI, comorbidity showed a significant relationship with the level of physical activity.

Persistent Symptoms and Disability After COVID-19 Hospitalization: Data From a Comprehensive Telerehabilitation Program.

OBJECTIVE: To report symptoms, disability, and rehabilitation referral rates after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization in a large, predominantly older population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, with postdischarge telemonitoring of individuals hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 at the first month after hospital discharge, as part of a comprehensive telerehabilitation program. SETTING: Private verticalized health care network specialized in the older population. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals hospitalized because of COVID-19. We included 1696 consecutive patients, aged 71.8±13.0 years old and 56.1% female. Comorbidities were present in 82.3% of the cases (N=1696). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependence for basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using the Barthel Index and Lawton's Scale. We compared the outcomes between participants admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) vs those admitted to the ward. RESULTS: Participant were followed up for 21.8±11.7 days after discharge. During postdischarge assessment, independence for ADL was found to be lower in the group admitted to the ICU than the ward group (61.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 55.8%-66.2%] vs 72.7% [95% CI, 70.3%-75.1%], P<.001). Dependence for IADL was also more frequent in the ICU group (84.6% [95% CI, 80.4%-88.2%] vs 74.5%, [95% CI, 72.0%-76.8%], P<.001). Individuals admitted to ICU required more oxygen therapy (25.5% vs 12.6%, P<.001), presented more shortness of breath during routine (45.2% vs 34.5%, P<.001) and nonroutine activities (66.3% vs 48.2%, P<.001), and had more difficulty standing up for 10 minutes (49.3% vs 37.9% P<.001). The rehabilitation treatment plan consisted mostly of exercise booklets, which were offered to 65.5% of participants. The most referred rehabilitation professionals were psychologists (11.8%), physical therapists (8.0%), dietitians (6.8%), and speech-language pathologists (4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals hospitalized because of COVID-19 present high levels of disability, dyspnea, dysphagia, and dependence for both ADL and IADL. Those admitted to the ICU presented more advanced disability parameters.

Limited Mobility to the Bed Reduces the Chances of Discharge and Increases the Chances of Death in the ICU.

BACKGROUND: Progressive mobility in the ICU has been recommended; however, the definitions of low, moderate, and high mobility in the ICU still diverge between studies. Therefore, our objective was to classify the mobility of the sample from verticalization and active withdrawal from the bed, and from that, to analyze the chances of discharge, death, and readmission to the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational and retrospective study that consults the medical records of individuals admitted to the ICU of the University Hospital of Sergipe (HU/SE) between August 2017 and August 2018. Mobility level was classified based on the Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale (IMS). RESULTS: A total of 121 individuals were included. The mean age was 61.45 ± 16.45, being 53.7% female. Of these, 28 (23.1%) had low mobility, 33 (27.3%) had moderate mobility, and 60 (49.6%) had high mobility. Individuals with low mobility were 45 times more likely to die (OR = 45.3; 95% CI = 3.23-636.3) and 88 times less likely to be discharged from the ICU (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.002-0.30). CONCLUSION: Those who evolved with low mobility had a higher chance of death and a lower chance of discharge from the ICU. Moderate and high mobility were not associated with the investigated outcomes.

Film based on magnesium impregnated biochar/cellulose acetate for phosphorus adsorption from aqueous solution.

Phosphorus (P) is a nutrient necessary for agricultural production and a potential originator for eutrophication in water bodies, resulting in qualitative changes; it may also affect the aquatic ecosystem and human health. In addition, as a finite resource, the importance of studying strategies to remove it from water is evident, thus making possible its recycling. Many studies have used powdered materials, including biochars, for P water decontamination; however, the difficulty of separating and collecting these materials from water after adsorption may be difficult. Therefore, using hybrid materials in which the fine particles (powder) are impregnated into larger, solid particles by means of a polymeric host can facilitate collection and reuse after P adsorption. In this context, this study aimed the synthesis and characterization of a new hybrid film formed by the biopolymer cellulose acetate (CA) and biochar (FAC-B) for P adsorption in aqueous solution. We obtained biochar from the pyrolysis of carrot residue (Daucus carota L.) and doped it with magnesium. As a biodegradable polymer and the most abundant natural polysaccharide in the environment, using CA as a biochar support material is an environmentally friendly alternative. We prepared the CA film with the casting method, and the biochar was inserted into the filmogenic solution in the same amount as the CA. The film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), molecular absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region with an attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) accessory, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We evaluated the thickness, weight, density, H2O uptake and H2O solubility of the produced FAC-B. The maximum adsorption capacity of P by FAC-B was 21.57 mg g-1, in agreement with the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption value suggests that the film has the potential to be used as an efficient P adsorbent in water.

Post-discharge mortality in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in a Brazilian hospital: a retrospective cohort.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the survival outcomes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). SETTING: A teaching hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A total of 434 patients diagnosed with TSCI (2004-2014) were included. Overall survival, standardized mortality ratios (SMR), and causes of death were assessed by Student's t-test, χ2 test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.8 years (±3.3 years). Individuals with tetraplegia had a median survival of 11 years, with participants in the paraplegia group not reaching median survival. The overall mortality rate was 37 per 1000 person-years. Age-adjusted SMR was 28.8 (95% CI: 22.8-36). There were 77 deaths with 56 defined causes, of which pneumonia was the most frequent (35.7%). Combined infectious etiologies caused 55.3% of deaths. Multivariate analysis revealed higher mortality among individuals with tetraplegia vs. paraplegia in the first 2 years post injury (HR = 8.28, 95% CI: 2.76-24.80), after 2 years post injury (HR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.31-4.24), and in all years combined (HR = 3.36, 95% CI: 2.04-5.52). CONCLUSION: Mortality among patients with TSCI was 28.8 times higher than in the reference population. In more than half of the cases, the cause of death was linked to infectious diseases. Pneumonia caused two times more deaths in individuals with tetraplegia than in individuals with paraplegia, with a higher impact in the first 2 years post injury. Reported findings indicate the need for a surveillance and prevention program with emphasis on vaccination and respiratory rehabilitation.

Intra-hospital complications in acute traumatic spinal cord injury / Complicações intra-hospitalares em pacientes com lesão medular traumática aguda

There is scarce data about intra-hospital complications in acute traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). Objective: To report characteristics of complications in patients with TSCI in a major trauma center. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with 434 patients with acute TSCI from 2004 to 2014. Outcomes were frequency and description of complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and causes of increased LOS. Results: Patients presented at least 1 complication in 82.2% of the cases: urinary tract infection (UTI) = 64.4%, pressure ulcers (PU) = 50.6%, and pneumonia = 23.7%. Pneumonia, intubation and cases of surgical corrections for PU were independently associated with increased LOS. Conclusion: UTIs and PUs were the most frequent complications. Investigating its causes and consequences is paramount in the care of patients with SCI. Possible reasons for such complications could comprise time, and frequency of repositioning in bed. Investigating intra-hospital complications is paramount in SCI centers.

Há poucos dados sobre complicações hospitalares em pacientes com LMT aguda. Objetivo: Reportar as características de complicações em pacientes com LMT em um grande centro de trauma. Método: Estudo transversal com 434 pacientes com LMT aguda de 2004 a 2014. Os desfechos foram a frequência e característica das complicações, o tempo de internação (TDI), e fatores associados com seu aumento. Resultados: Incidência de complicações foi 82,2%, sendo as mais frequentes: infecção do trato urinário (ITU)=64,4%, úlcera de pressão (UP)= 50,6% e pneumonia= 23,7%. Pneumonia, intubação, e ser submetido a qualquer cirurgia para UP foram independentemente associados com aumento do TDI. Conclusão: ITUs e UP foram as complicações mais prevalentes, e devem ser melhor estudadas para melhor atenção a LMT. As investigações sobre as complicações na lesão medular traumática devem ser mandatórias nos centros e unidades dedicadas ao tratamento da Lesão Medular.

Viscosupplementation for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy on Pain and Disability, and the Occurrence of Adverse Events.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid [HA]) on the pain and disability caused by hip osteoarthritis, and to determine the occurrence of adverse events. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov database, and specific journals up to March 2017. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HA with any other intra-articular injection. DATA EXTRACTION: Performed according to Cochrane/Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. Two authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias and quality of evidence. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eight RCTs were retrieved (n=807): 4 comparing HA to placebo; 3 to platelet-rich plasma (PRP); 3 to methylprednisolone; and 1 to mepivacaine. Some RCTs had 3 arms. There is very low evidence that HA is not superior to placebo for pain at 3 months (standardized mean difference [SMD]=-.06; 95% CI, -.38 to .25; P=.69), and high evidence that it is not superior in adverse events (risk ratio [RR]=1.21; 95% CI, .79-1.86; P=.38). There is low evidence that HA is not superior to PRP for pain at 1 month. There is very low evidence that HA is not superior to PRP for pain at 6 and 12 months (mean difference in visual analog scale [in cm]: -.05 [95% CI, -.81 to .71], 1.0 [95% CI, -1.5 to 3.50], and .81 [95% CI, -1.11 to 2.73], respectively). There is high evidence that HA is no different from methylprednisolone for pain at 1 month (SMD=.02; 95% CI, -.18 to .22; P=.85). There is low evidence that HA is no different from methylprednisolone for Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society International Responders Index at 1 month (RR=.44; 95% CI, .10-1.95; P=.28). There is high evidence that HA is no different from methylprednisolone for adverse events (RR=1.21; 95% CI, .79-1.87; P=.38). CONCLUSIONS: We do not recommend viscosupplementation for hip osteoarthritis. Compared with placebo, data show scarce evidence of its efficacy up to 3 months, and suggest no difference at 6 months. However, future RCTs could present HA as an alternative to methylprednisolone for short-term symptom relief.

Terapia de ondas de choque focal para osteoartrose de joelho: um ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego / Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (f-ESWT) for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Objetivo: Avaliar eficácia da terapia de ondas de choque focal (f-ESWT) comparada ao placebo para dor e incapacidade em pacientes com osteoartrose de joelho (OA). Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado, pacientes com OA primária de joelhos realizaram exercícios (alongamentos de isquiotibiais e fortalecimento de quadríceps) e randomizados em f-ESWT ou placebo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a 4 sessões semanais de 7.000 pulsos, e no grupo f-ESWT a energia foi de até 0.15mJ/mm2. O desfecho primário foi a escala analógica visual (VAS) para dor em 1 mês. Os desfechos secundários foram WOMAC, TUG, Lequesne e índice de resposta OMERACT-OARSI em 1 e 3 meses; bem como VAS aos 3 meses e eventos adversos (EAs). O teste de Mann-Whitney U e o teste exato Fisher foram utilizados com alfa = 5% e poder = 80% em uma análise de intenção de tratar. Os desfechos contínuos foram relatados como média ± desvio padrão. Resultados: 18 pacientes (9 em cada grupo), idade de 60.6±8.7 com 33.3% homens. Não houve diferença significativa entre grupos em qualquer variável. F-ESWT não foi superior ao placebo em 1 mês: VAS = -2,97 ± 3,18 e -2,68 ± 2,33 cm, respectivamente, p = 0,96. Somente o TUG no 1º mês foi significativo: 9.09 ± 2.30 e 11.01 ± 2.85 seg, p = 0.01. Conclusão: f-ESWT não foi superior ao placebo para osteoartrose de joelhos. Este estudo foi insuficiente para detectar diferenças. Novos estudos devem usar WOMAC A (subescala dor) como desfecho primário e recrutar 92 pacientes.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (f-ESWT) when compared to placebo for pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with primary knee OA were given a set of exercises (hamstring stretching and quadriceps strengthening) and randomized into f-ESWT or placebo (sham probe). All patients were submitted to 4 weekly sessions of 7,000 pulses, and in the f-ESWT group energy was up to 0.15mJ/mm2. Primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were WOMAC, TUG, Lequesne's index and OMERACT-OARSI responder index at 1 and 3 months; as well as VAS at 3 months and adverse events (AEs). Both patients and outcome assessors were blinded. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used with alpha=5% and power=80% in an intention-to-treat analysis. Continuous outcomes were reported as mean± standard deviation. Results: 18 patients were included (9 in each group), aging 60.6±8.7, with 33.3% males. There was no significant difference at baseline across groups in any variables. f-ESWT was not superior to placebo at 1 month: VAS=-2.97±3.18 and -2.68±2.33cm, respectively, p=0.96. TUG at 1 month had significant differences: 9.09±2.30 and 11.01±2.85sec, p=0.01. No serious AEs were observed. Conclusions: f-ESWT was not superior to placebo for knee OA. This RCT was underpowered to detect differences in this study. New RCTs should use WOMAC A (pain subscale) as primary outcome and recruit at least 92 patients.

Retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the reduction in quality of life (QoL) caused by the persistence of primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) symptoms and the level of satisfaction in PPH patients after retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (RLS). The efficacy, safety, and procedure of bilateral RLS in both sexes are also described in this study. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study of consecutive patients who sought specific treatment from a private practitioner for severe PPH as classified on the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) from October 2005 to October 2014. The patients were asked to report the symptoms of PPH experienced in the immediate preoperative period and to complete a standardized QoL questionnaire developed by de Campos at least 12 months after RLS. Disease outcomes, recurrence of symptoms, and any adverse effects of surgery were evaluated after 30 days and at least 12 months after RLS. RESULTS: Lumbar sympathectomy was performed 116 times in 58 patients; 30 days after surgery, PPH was resolved in all patients. Three patients (5.2%) reported transient thigh neuralgia, and 19 (32.7%) reported transient paresthesia in the lower limbs. There were no reports of retrograde ejaculation. At a minimum of 12 months after RLS, 49 of the 58 patients had fully and correctly answered the follow-up questionnaire and noted a mild (HDSS 2) to moderate (HDSS 3) increase in pre-existing compensatory sweating. One patient had a PPH relapse within 6 months. Improvement in QoL due to the resolution of PPH was reported in 98% of the 49 patients. None of the operations necessitated a change in the laparotomy approach, and none of the patients died. CONCLUSIONS: RLS is safe and effective for the treatment of severe PPH in both sexes. There were no reports of retrograde ejaculation after resection of L3 and L4 ganglia. There was a mild to moderate increase in compensatory sweating in about half of the patients, but without any regret or dissatisfaction for having undergone the surgery because of a significant improvement in QoL.

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists vs. long-acting ß 2 agonists in COPD exacerbations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) provide superior therapeutic effects over long-acting ß2 agonists (LABAs) for preventing COPD exacerbations. METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials involving patients with stable, moderate to severe COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, treated with a LAMA (i.e., tiotropium bromide, aclidinium, or glycopyrronium), followed for at least 12 weeks and compared with controls using a LABA in isolation or in combination with a corticosteroid. RESULTS: A total of 2,622 studies were analyzed for possible inclusion on the basis of their title and abstract; 9 studies (17,120 participants) were included in the analysis. In comparison with LABAs, LAMAs led to a greater decrease in the exacerbation rate ratio (relative risk [RR] = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93]; a lower proportion of patients who experienced at least one exacerbation (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87-0.94; p < 0.00001); a lower risk of exacerbation-related hospitalizations (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69-0.87; p < 0.0001); and a lower number of serious adverse events (RR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.96; p = 0.0002). The overall quality of evidence was moderate for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The major findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis were that LAMAs significantly reduced the exacerbation rate (exacerbation episodes/year), as well as the number of exacerbation episodes, of hospitalizations, and of serious adverse events.

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists vs. long-acting β 2 agonists in COPD exacerbations: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Antagonistas muscarínicos de longa duração vs. β 2 -agonistas de longa duração em exacerbações da DPOC: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) provide superior therapeutic effects over long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs) for preventing COPD exacerbations. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials involving patients with stable, moderate to severe COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, treated with a LAMA (i.e., tiotropium bromide, aclidinium, or glycopyrronium), followed for at least 12 weeks and compared with controls using a LABA in isolation or in combination with a corticosteroid. Results: A total of 2,622 studies were analyzed for possible inclusion on the basis of their title and abstract; 9 studies (17,120 participants) were included in the analysis. In comparison with LABAs, LAMAs led to a greater decrease in the exacerbation rate ratio (relative risk [RR] = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93]; a lower proportion of patients who experienced at least one exacerbation (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87-0.94; p < 0.00001); a lower risk of exacerbation-related hospitalizations (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69-0.87; p < 0.0001); and a lower number of serious adverse events (RR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.96; p = 0.0002). The overall quality of evidence was moderate for all outcomes. Conclusions: The major findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis were that LAMAs significantly reduced the exacerbation rate (exacerbation episodes/year), as well as the number of exacerbation episodes, of hospitalizations, and of serious adverse events.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs, antagonistas muscarínicos de longa duração) são superiores a long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs, β2-agonistas de longa duração) na prevenção de exacerbações da DPOC. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise de ensaios clínicos controlados aleatórios com pacientes com DPOC estável, de moderada a grave, conforme os critérios da Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, tratados com LAMA (brometo de tiotrópio, aclidínio ou glicopirrônio), acompanhados durante pelo menos 12 semanas e comparados a controles que usaram LABA isoladamente ou com um corticosteroide. Resultados: Foram analisados 2.622 estudos para possível inclusão com base em seu título e resumo; 9 estudos (17.120 participantes) foram incluídos na análise. Em comparação com LABAs, LAMAs resultaram em maior diminuição da razão da taxa de exacerbações [risco relativo (RR) = 0,88; IC95%: 0,84-0,93]; menor proporção de pacientes que apresentaram pelo menos uma exacerbação (RR = 0,90; IC95%: 0,87-0,94; p < 0,00001); menor risco de hospitalizações em virtude de exacerbação da doença (RR = 0,78; IC95%: 0,69-0,87; p < 0,0001) e menor número de eventos adversos sérios (RR = 0,81; IC95%: 0,67-0,96; p = 0,0002). A qualidade geral das evidências foi moderada para todos os desfechos. Conclusões: O principal achado desta revisão sistemática e meta-análise foi que LAMAs reduziram significativamente a taxa de exacerbações (episódios de exacerbação/ano), os episódios de exacerbação, as hospitalizações e os eventos adversos sérios.

Short-term effects of fine particulate matter pollution on daily health events in Latin America: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Ambient air pollution is among the leading risks for health worldwide and by 2050 will largely overcome deaths due to unsafe sanitation and malaria, but local evidence from Latin America (LA) is scarce. We aimed to summarize the effect of short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) on morbidity and mortality in Latin America and evaluate evidence coverage and quality, using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The comprehensive search (six online databases and hand-searching) identified studies investigating the short-term associations between PM2.5 and daily health events in LA. Two reviewers independently accessed the internal validity of the studies and used random-effect models in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: We retrieved 1628 studies. Nine were elected for the qualitative analysis and seven for the quantitative analyses. Each 10 µg/m3 increments in daily PM2.5 concentrations was significantly associated with increased risk for respiratory and cardiovascular mortality in all-ages (polled RR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.02-1.02 and RR = 1.01, 95% CI , 1.01-1.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term exposure to PM2.5 in LA is significantly associated with increased risk for respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. Evidence is concentrated in few cities and some presented high risk of bias.

Análise dos acidentes por queimadura com álcool líquido em Unidade de Tratamento de Queimados em Sergipe / Evaluation of burn accidents with liquid alcohol at a Burns Care Unit in Sergipe / Análisis de las quemaduras por accidente con alcohol líquido en Unidad de Tratamiento de Quemados en Sergipe

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e a gravidade dos pacientes internados na Unidade de Tratamento de Queimados (UTQ) do Hospital de Urgências de Sergipe (HUSE) devido a queimadura por acidente com álcool líquido. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, quantitativo e descritivo com análise secundária de dados coletados no sistema de registro do serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da UTQ do HUSE referentes ao período de janeiro de 2010 a junho de 2016. Analisouse sexo, idade, gravidade, área (s) acometida (s), porte, tempo de internação e óbito. Resultados: Foram analisados 157 registros (12%), notando-se maior prevalência de adultos 130 (82,8%), do sexo masculino 95 (60,51%). Todos os pacientes internados apresentaram queimaduras de 2º grau, sendo que houve registro de 10 pacientes (6,37%) com queimaduras de 1º grau e de 23 pacientes (14,65%) de 3º grau associadas. As áreas mais acometidas foram face 76 (48,40%), membros superiores 61 (38,85%), tronco 52 (33,12%), membros inferiores 51 (32,48%), região cervical 50 (31,84%), tórax 40 (25,47%), abdome 28 (17,83%), dorso 12 (7,64%), região glútea sete (4,45%) e genitália cinco (3,18%). Foram registrados 89 (56,7%) como médios queimados. A média de dias de internação foi de 26,63. Foram registrados 13 óbitos (8,3%). Conclusões: O maior grupo de internados na UTQ do HUSE devido a queimadura por acidente com álcool líquido foi de adultos do sexo masculino. As queimaduras de 2º grau em face e membros superiores foram as mais prevalentes. O tempo de internação faz atentar quanto aos gastos no Sistema Único de Saúde por paciente queimado. O número de óbitos foi relativamente alto.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and the severity of patients admitted to the Burn Care Unit of the Hospital of Urgencies of Sergipe (HUSE) due to burning by accident with liquid alcohol. Methods: Retrospective, quantitative, and descriptive study with secondary analysis of data collected through the registration system of the Plastic Surgery Service of the burn care unit HUSE for the period from January 2010 to June 2016. Data were analyzed according to sex, age, severity, affected(s) area(s), size, length of hospital stay, and death. Results: We analyzed 157 records (12%), noting a higher prevalence of adults 130 (82.8%) and male 95 (60.51%). All hospitalized patients had 2nd degree burns, and were recorded in 10 patients (6.37%) 1st degree and 23 patients (14.65%) 3rd degree associated. The most affected areas were face 76 (48.40%), upper limbs 61 (38.85%), trunk 52 (33.12%), lower limbs 51 (32.48%), neck 50 (31.84 %), chest 40 (25.47%), abdomen 28 (17.83%), back 12 (7.64%), the gluteal region seven (4.45%) and genitalia five (3.18%). They recorded 89 (56.7%) and average burned. The mean length of hospital stay was 26.63. Thirteen deaths (8.3%) were recorded. Conclusions: The largest group hospitalized in the burn care unit of HUSE due to burn by accident with liquid alcohol was adult males. Burns 2nd degree in the face and upper limbs were the most prevalent. The length of stay is to pay attention as to costs in public health system in Brazil. The number of deaths was relatively high.

Objectivo: Evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes admitidos a la Unidad de Tratamiento de Quemaduras del Hospital de Urgencias de Sergipe (HUSE) debido a la quemadura por accidente con alcohol líquido. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, cuantitativo y descriptivo con análisis secundaria, recolectados a través del sistema de registro del Servicio de Cirugía Plástica de la unidad de cuidados de quemados del periodo de enero del 2010 hasta junio del 2016. Fueron analizados sexo, edad, gravedad, área(s) afectada(s), porte, estadía en el hospital y muerte. Resultados: Analizamos 157 registros (12%), notando una prevalencia prevalencia de adultos (130; 82,8%) y sexo masculino (95; 60,51%). Todos los pacientes hospitalizados tenían quemaduras de segundo grado, en 10 pacientes (6,37%) fueron registrados quemaduras de primer grado primer grado y en 23 pacientes (14,65%) quemaduras de tercer grado asociados. Las áreas más afectadas fueron el rostro (76; 48,40%), extremidades superiores (61; 38,85%), tronco (32; 33,12%), extremidades inferiores (51; 32,48%), cuello (50; 31,84%), pecho (40; 25,47%), abdomen (28; 17,83%), espalda (12; 7,64%), región del glúteo (7; 4,45) y los genitales (5; 3,18%). Registraron 89 (56.7%). Fueron clasificados 89 pacientes (56,7%) como medios queimados. La media de estadía en el hospital fue de 26,63 dias. Trece muertes (8.3%) fueron registradas. Conclusiones: El mayor grupo de internados en la UTQ del HUSE fue devido a accidente con alcohol liquido y de sexo masculino. Quemaduras de segundo grado en el rostro y extremidades superiores fueron las que más prevalecieron. El tiempo de permanencia en el hospital llama la atención para los gastos ocasionados para el sistema de salud pública brasileño. El número de muertes es relativamente alto.

Salivary Cortisol Levels: The Importance of Clown Doctors to Reduce Stress.

This study was designed to correlate entertainment of clown-doctors (CD) activities on hospitalized children and aphysiological bio-marker. For this purpose we collected saliva samples and verified children satisfaction with these activities by using a visual analog scale (VAS). Children from 6 to 7 years-old, with diagnosis of any acute pathology, interned in the Pediatric Ward of the Botucatu Medical School Hospital (São Paulo, Brazil) were interviewed. Two groups were taken into consideration: lunchCD and dinnerCD. The following protocol was applied in each group (lunch and dinner): collection of the first saliva sample and presentation of VAS prior to CD activities, followed by collection of a second saliva sample and another VAS assessment after CD activities. The salivary cortisol was reduced in both groups comparing the first saliva sample. The satisfaction of the intervention was evident for lunchCD. The CD intervention is effective in decreasing an important physiological biomarker of stress factor, cortisol, in hospitalized children, been effective for the healing process.