Endometriosis in infertile women: an observational and comparative study of quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

BACKGROUND: A women's chances of getting pregnant decreases in cases of infertility, which may have several clinical etiologies. The prevalence of infertility is estimated as 10-15% worldwide. One of the causes of infertility is endometriosis, defined as the presence of an endometrial gland and/or stroma outside the uterus, inducing a chronic inflammatory reaction. Thus, infertility and endometriosis are diagnoses that significantly affect women's mental health. This study accessed and compared the levels of depression, anxiety, and quality of life in infertile women with and without endometriosis. METHODS: was an observational and cross-sectional study which included 201 infertile women, 81 of whom were also diagnosed with endometriosis. The STROBE Guidelines was used. The data were collected using validated scales: Hamilton D Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire; The data were collected at the Ideia Fertil Institute (Santo Andre, Brazil), between February 28 and June 8, 2019. RESULTS: the infertile women with endometriosis reported higher presence of depressive symptoms and a lower quality of life compared to women with infertility only. Similar presence of anxiety symptoms was observed regardless of being diagnosed with endometriosis. Women with infertility and endometriosis presented lower levels in quality-of-life domains when compared to women with infertility only - Mind and Body (58.33 × 79.17, p < 0.001), Relational (75 × 81.25, p = 0.009), Social (66.67 × 77.08, p = 0.001), Emotional (50.62 × 67.43, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: the findings indicate the need for increased psychosocial support care for women suffering from infertility and endometriosis to assist them in maintaining and managing their own mental health and achieving their reproductive goals.

Oral health-related quality of life in patients aged 8 to 19 years with cleft lip and palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common facial birth defect worldwide and causes morphological, aesthetic, and functional problems with psychosocial implications for an individual's life and well-being. The present systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether the treatment of CLP impacts the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases using terms related to CLP, and included articles until August 2023. Observational comparison studies that assessed OHRQoL in non-syndromic CLP patients aged 8-19 years with validated scales designed to such aim or scales capable to identify aspects related to oral health compared to healthy controls were included. We used the ROBINS-I tool for risk of bias assessment. A meta-analysis of continuous variables was performed using inverse variance for pooling estimates, Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) as a summary measure, with random effects model. Heterogeneity was estimated by the I2 statistics. Sensitivity analyses included subgrouping based on the scale, risk of bias and scale domains. Meta-regression was performed under a mixed-effects model considering the variables type of scale, scale domains and risk of bias. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included comprising 1,185 patients with CLP and 1,558 healthy controls. The direction of the effect of OHRQoL favoured the healthy group (-0.92; 95% CI:-1,55;-0,10) and I2 = 95%. After removing three studies, I2 dropped to 80%. Meta-regression showed no influence on risk of bias (p = 0.2240) but influence of scale type (p = 0.0375) and scale domains (p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis indicated that the CPQ and COHIP scales presented very discrepant SMD values, despite pointing to the same effect direction. In contrast, the OHIP scale showed a non-significant difference between cases and controls, with estimates much lower than the other two scales. Results also suggest that OHRQoL associated with oral functionality and social well-being is more influential on outcomes than emotional well-being. CONCLUSION: The global OHRQoL is slightly worst in the CLP patients than control group. The difference between OHRQoL was mainly detected through OHIP. The most affected domains are functional, emotional and social. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022336956.

General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12): new evidence of construct validity.

This study aimed to gather evidence on the adequacy of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Brazil, considering a random sample of Brazilian physicians. Specifically aimed: (1) to test the GHQ-12 bifactor structure compared to alternative models, (2) to check its factorial invariance regarding to gender and the diagnosis of mental and behavioral disorders, and (3) to know the association of this measure with indicators of poor health (e.g., suicidal thoughts, decreased libido, medication use). The study included 1,085 physicians with a mean age of 45.7 (SD = 10.6), mostly male (61.5%), married (72.6%) and Catholic (59.2%). They answered the GHQ-12, the Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation Inventory, and demographic questions. The best fit model was the bifactor structure composed of anxiety and depression, in addition to a general dimension, which presented Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's ω and composite reliability higher than 0.70 just for a general fact. Psychological distress scores correlated with suicidal ideation and indicators of health and sexual satisfaction. This is a psychometrically suitable instrument that can be used in terms of its total, but its specific factors need to be used with caution.

General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12): new evidence of construct validity / Questionário de Saúde Geral (QSG-12): novas evidências de validade de construto

Abstract This study aimed to gather evidence on the adequacy of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Brazil, considering a random sample of Brazilian physicians. Specifically aimed: (1) to test the GHQ-12 bifactor structure compared to alternative models, (2) to check its factorial invariance regarding to gender and the diagnosis of mental and behavioral disorders, and (3) to know the association of this measure with indicators of poor health (e.g., suicidal thoughts, decreased libido, medication use). The study included 1,085 physicians with a mean age of 45.7 (SD = 10.6), mostly male (61.5%), married (72.6%) and Catholic (59.2%). They answered the GHQ-12, the Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation Inventory, and demographic questions. The best fit model was the bifactor structure composed of anxiety and depression, in addition to a general dimension, which presented Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's ω and composite reliability higher than 0.70 just for a general fact. Psychological distress scores correlated with suicidal ideation and indicators of health and sexual satisfaction. This is a psychometrically suitable instrument that can be used in terms of its total, but its specific factors need to be used with caution.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo reunir evidências sobre a adequação do Questionário de Saúde Geral (QSG-12) no Brasil, considerando uma amostra aleatória de médicos brasileiros. Especificamente, objetivou-se: (1) testar uma estrutura bifactor em comparação com modelos alternativos, (2) verificar invariância fatorial em relação ao gênero e ao diagnóstico de transtornos mentais e comportamentais, e (3) conhecer a associação com indicadores de saúde precária (por exemplo: pensamentos suicidas, diminuição da libido e uso de medicamentos). Participaram do estudo 1.085 médicos, com média de idade de 45,7 (DP = 10,6), maioria de sexo masculino (61,5%), casados ​​(72,6%) e católicos (59,2%). Eles responderam ao QSG-12, ao Inventário de Ideação Suicida Positiva e Negativa e a questões demográficas. O modelo de melhor ajuste foi a estrutura bifactor (composta por ansiedade, depressão e uma dimensão geral), que apresentou alfa de Cronbach, ômega de McDonald e confiabilidade composta superior a 0,70 apenas para o fato geral. Pontuações de sofrimento psicológico se correlacionaram a ideação suicida e indicadores negativos de saúde e satisfação sexual. O instrumento foi psicometricamente adequado e pode ser utilizado em termos de sua pontuação total, mas seus fatores específicos precisam ser utilizados com cautela.

Análise de variáveis com potencial discriminante para classificação de escolas médicas / Analysis of discriminant variables for classification of medical schools

Resumo: Introdução: Este estudo metodológico pretendeu identificar em qual medida um conjunto de variáveis características de escolas médicas possui capacidade discriminante na classificação dos cursos por meio da análise de agrupamento. Nas últimas décadas, houve um aumento expressivo do número de vagas ofertadas para cursos médicos. Esse advento impôs desafios para os programas de avaliação, tanto pela necessidade de expandir o processo como pela necessidade de implantação de novos indicadores de qualidade. Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo propor técnicas de análise para aprimorar a capacidade discriminante na classificação de cursos médicos mediante variáveis objetivas relacionadas a aspectos estruturais e operacionais que possam ser incorporadas aos métodos já utilizados. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, analítico-metodológico e quantitativo que utilizou dados dos cursos médicos de São Paulo, em dezembro de 2020. Foi realizada análise por agrupamentos hierárquico e não hierárquico dos cursos para identificar variáveis com capacidade discriminante em busca de padrões que cooperem para a classificação das escolas médicas. As variáveis estudadas foram: início do curso, carga horária, regime letivo, metodologia, hospital universitário, categoria administrativa da instituição e gratuidade. Para a construção dos agrupamentos, adotaram-se o método de Ward e a distância euclidiana para estimar a discriminação entre os grupos. No agrupamento não hierárquico, a definição da quantidade de grupos foi determinada pela análise da diminuição da variância. Avaliou-se a correlação entre as variáveis por meio de mapas de calor. Resultado: As análises de agrupamento mostraram a existência de três grupos de escolas médicas por similaridade: um grupo composto por escolas mais antigas e com maior carga horária, e, nos outros dois, consideraram-se as escolas não gratuitas sem hospital universitário, diferenciando-se pela idade das escolas. Além disso, as correlações reforçaram que as variáveis adotadas cooperavam para a discriminabilidade entre grupos. Há reconhecida heterogeneidade entre os cursos de graduação no Brasil, e esse dado também se aplica aos cursos médicos que impõem desafios metodológicos para os processos de avaliação estabelecidos. Entretanto, a inclusão de variáveis requer métodos capazes de refinar a capacidade discriminante da análise. Conclusão: A análise aqui proposta mostrou-se capaz de identificar grupos de escolas médicas por meio de indicadores objetivos e pode auxiliar o processo de avaliação das escolas médicas.

Abstract: Introduction: This is a methodological study that aims to identify the extent to which a set of variables characteristic of medical schools have a discriminating capacity to classify the courses through cluster analysis. In the last two decades, there has been a significant increase of vacancies in medical courses. This advent has posed challenges for evaluation programs, both because of the need to expand the evaluation process and the need to implement new quality indicators. Objective: To propose analysis techniques to improve the discriminating capacity to classify medical courses through variables related to structural, operational, and objective aspects that can be incorporated into the already used methods. Method: Descriptive, analytical-methodological, quantitative study that used data from existing medical courses in December 2020, in the state of São Paulo. Analysis by hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering of courses was performed to identify the discriminating elements that provide standards that cooperate for the classification of medical schools. The studied variables were: course start, workload, academic regime, methodology, University-Hospital, administrative category of the institution, gratuity. For the construction of the clusters, the Ward method and the Euclidean distance were used to estimate the discrimination between the groups. In the non-hierarchical clustering, the definition of the number of groups was determined by the analysis of the decrease in variance. The correlation between the variables was also evaluated through heatmaps. Results: The cluster analysis showed the existence of three groups of medical schools by similarity, with one group consisting of older schools with greater workload, and the other two consisting of private schools without a university-hospital, differing by the course time. Furthermore, the correlations reinforced that the adopted variables cooperated for the discriminability between the groups. Discussion: There is a known heterogeneity among undergraduate courses in Brazil and this also applies to medical courses, which poses methodological challenges for the established assessment processes. However, the inclusion of variables requires methods capable of refining the discriminant capacity of the analysis. Conclusion: The analysis proposed here proved to be capable of identifying groups of medical schools through objective indicators that can support the evaluation process of medical schools.

Effect of thyroid function on assisted reproduction outcomes in euthyroid infertile women: A single center retrospective data analysis and a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The influence of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on gestational outcomes have been studied and checked whether differing TSH levels are relevant on human reproduction outcomes. International guidelines recommend TSH values <2.5 mIU/L in women trying to conceive, since values above this level are related to a higher frequency of adverse reproductive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate whether TSH values correlate with different gestational outcomes in euthyroid infertile women without autoimmune thyroid disease. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 256 women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The participants were divided into two groups: TSH 0.5-2.49 mIU/L (n=211) and TSH 2.5-4.5 mIU/L (n=45). The clinical data, hormonal profiles and reproductive outcomes were compared between groups. Additionally, a systematic review with meta-analysis following the PRISMA protocol was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SciELO, with no time or language restrictions, for articles comparing TSH groups named "low TSH" (<2,5 mIU/L) and "high TSH" (≥2.5 mIU/L). A meta-analysis of proportions was performed with pooled estimates expressed as relative risk (RR) of events and a random effects model. Results: Age, BMI, free thyroxine levels (FT4) hormonal profile and IVF outcomes were not different between groups, neither gestational outcomes (p=0.982). Also, no difference was observed when the TSH and FT4 levels were compared between patients with positive or negative gestational outcomes (p=0.27 and p=0.376). Regarding the systematic review with meta-analysis, 17 studies from 2006 to 2022 were included, and added by this original retrospective research comprising 13.247 women undergoing IVF. When comparing the proportions of clinical pregnancy between the TSH groups, no significant difference was found (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80-1.08), with high between studies heterogeneity (I²: 87%; τ2: 0.0544; p<0.01). The number of deliveries was not significantly different between groups, despite a trend towards higher frequency in the high-TSH group (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90-1.02). Conclusion: Variation in TSH levels within the normal range was not associated with pregnancy and delivery rates in women, without autoimmune thyroid disease, who underwent IVF treatment. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022306967.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of active surveillance in prostate cancer among urologists: a real-life survey from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Active surveillance (AS) is the preferred treatment for patients with very low-and low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), but it is underperformed worldwide. This study aimed to report knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of AS for PCa among urologists in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire with 50 questions divided into participant characteristics, knowledge regarding inclusion criteria for AS, follow-up, intervention triggers, acceptance, and practice for an index patient. Data analysis comprises absolute and relative frequencies of the variables. After that, a logistic regression was performed in order to verify possible patterns of answers provided by the respondents in the index patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Questionnaires were sent through the SurveyMonkey® platform to 5,015 urologists using email addresses and through social media. A total of 600 (12%) questionnaires returned and 413 (8.2%) were completed and included in the analysis. Only 53% of urologists adopt AS for low- and very-low-risk PCa. Inclusion criteria were patients with age > 50 years (32.2%), prostate specific antigen (PSA) < 10 ng/mL (87.2%), T1 clinical stage (80.4%), Biopsy Gleason score ≤ 6, positive cores ≤ 2 (44.3%), positive core involvement < 50% (45.3%), and magnetic resonance imaging findings (38.7%). The PSA doubling time was still used by 60.3%. Confirmatory biopsy (55.9%), PSA level (36.6%), and digital rectal examination (34.4%) were considered by most urologists for follow-ups. Patient preference (85.7%), upgrade of Gleason score (73.4%), and increased number of positive cores (66.8%) were associated with conversion to definitive treatment. In an index patient, non-acceptance and active treatment request were the most cited reasons for not performing AS. CONCLUSION: There is significant variability in the KAP of AS in Brazil, which indicates the need to reinforce AS, its inclusion and follow-up criteria, and the benefits for physicians and the general population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Effects of FSHR and FSHB Variants on Hormonal Profile and Reproductive Outcomes of Infertile Women With Endometriosis.

Background: Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) FSHB:c.-211G>T, FSHR:c.919G>A, and FSHR:c.2039G>A were reported to be associated with the variability in FSH and LH levels, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of FSHB:c.-211G>T, FSHR:c.919G>A, and FSHR:c.2039G>A variants, alone and combined, on the hormonal profile and reproduction outcomes of women with endometriosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed comprising 213 infertile Brazilian women with endometriosis who underwent IVF treatment. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan real-time PCR. Variables were compared according to the genotypes of each variant and genetic models, and the combined effects of the SNVs were evaluated using the multifactorial dimensionality reduction method. Results: FSHB:c.-211G>T affected LH levels in women with overall endometriosis and minimal/mild disease. FSHR:c.919G>A affected FSH levels in women with overall endometriosis and the number of oocytes retrieved in those with moderate/severe endometriosis. Moreover, the FSHR:c.2039G>A affected FSH levels in women with overall endometriosis, LH levels and total amount of rFSH in those with minimal/mild disease, and number of follicles and number of oocytes retrieved in those with moderate/severe endometriosis. No effect on hormone profile or reproductive outcomes was observed when the genotypes were combined. Conclusions: Variants of the FSHB and FSHR genes separately interfered with the hormonal profiles and IVF outcomes of women with endometriosis.

Transition to clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of young doctors' experiences in Brazil and Ireland.

OBJECTIVES: To explore and compare the perspectives of junior doctors in Brazil and Ireland regarding transition and professional socialisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the purpose of identifying better ways to support doctors as they assume their new professional role. DESIGN: 27 semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Cruess' framework of professional socialisation in medicine supported the interpretation of these data. SETTING: Public health hospitals across four Brazilian states (Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Ceará, Paraíba) and County Cork in the South of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven male and female medical junior doctors who had graduated between November 2019 and April 2020. RESULTS: Fourteen Brazilian and 13 Irish junior doctors were interviewed for this study. Entry to clinical practice during the pandemic had a significant impact on factors influencing the professional socialisation of junior doctors. This impact was reflected across the following six thematic areas: lack of preparedness; disrupted trajectory of role adaptation; fewer opportunities for experiential learning; solidarity and isolation; altered interactions with patients; challenges to health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Transition to clinical practice is an important stage in junior doctors' professional socialisation and identity formation. The COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for medical graduates to enter the workforce earlier than usual. Entering the workforce during this period created a lack of confidence among junior doctors concerning the boundaries of their new role and responsibilities, while simultaneously disrupting their social integration. Priorities to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and future pandemics on this transition are presented.

Development and validation of The Breaking Bad News Attitudes Scale.

BACKGROUND: Communication of bad news plays a critical role in the physician-patient relationship, and a variety of consensus guidelines have been developed to this purpose, including the SPIKES protocol. However, little is known about physicians' attitudes towards breaking bad news and to be trained to deliver it. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-report questionnaire to assess physicians' attitudes towards principles of the SPIKES protocol and training on them. METHODS: The Breaking Bad News Attitudes Scale (BBNAS) was administered to 484 pediatricians and 79 medical students, recruited at two scientific conferences and two medical schools in Brazil. The questionnaire structural validity, reliability, and associations with other variables were tested. RESULTS: The BBNAS showed adequate validity and good reliability, with two factors measuring attitudes towards the SPIKES strategy for braking bad news (α = 0.81) and the possibility to be trained on it (α = 0.77), respectively. CONCLUSION: The novel questionnaire is a psychometrically sound measure that provides information on physicians' agreement with the SPIKES protocol. The BBNAS can provide useful information for planning training and continuing education programs for clinicians on communication of bad news using the SPIKES as a framework.

The Infertility-Related Stress Scale: Validation of a Brazilian-Portuguese Version and Measurement Invariance Across Brazil and Italy.

Infertility constitutes an essential source of stress in the individual and couple's life. The Infertility-Related Stress Scale (IRSS) is of clinical interest for exploring infertility-related stress affecting the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains of infertile individuals' lives. In the present study, the IRSS was translated into Brazilian-Portuguese, and its factor structure, reliability, and relations to sociodemographic and infertility-related characteristics and depression were examined. A sample of 553 Brazilian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 36 ± 6 years) completed the Brazilian-Portuguese IRSS (IRSS-BP), and a subsample of 222 participants also completed the BDI-II. A sample of 526 Italian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 38 ± 6 years) was used to test for the IRSS measurement invariance across Brazil and Italy. Results of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) indicated that a bifactor solution best represented the structure underlying the IRSS-BP. Both the general and the two specific intrapersonal and interpersonal IRSS-BP factors showed satisfactory levels of composite reliability. The bifactor ESEM solution replicated well across countries. As evidence of relations to other variables, female gender, a longer duration of infertility, and higher depression were associated with higher scores in global and domain-specific infertility-related stress. The findings offer initial evidence of validity and reliability of the IRSS-BP, which could be used by fertility clinic staff to rapidly identify patients who need support to deal with the stressful impact of infertility in the intrapersonal and interpersonal life domains, as recommended by international guidelines for routine psychosocial care in infertility settings.

Paraoxonase single nucleotide variants show associations with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is attributed to genetic and environmental factors. One environmental factor is oxidative stress. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme encoded by the PON1 gene. The PON1 gene has been implicated in the risk for PCOS, the influence of which appears to come from single nucleotide variants (SNVs) at multiple genetic loci. However, association study reports have been inconsistent which compels a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. METHODS: From 12 publications, extracted genotype data were used in two genetic procedures. First, linkage disequilibrium (LD) was used to group eight PON SNVs into three: LD1, LD2 and LD3. Second, frequencies of the variant (var), wild-type (wt) and heterozygous (het) genotypes were used for genetic modeling (allele-genotype for LD1 and standard for LD2 and LD3). Risk associations were expressed in terms of pooled odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and Pa-values. Evidence was considered strong when significance was high (Pa < 0.0001) and heterogeneity absent (I2 = 0%). Pooled effects were subjected to modifier (power), subgroup (Asian/Caucasian), outlier, sensitivity and publication bias treatments. Multiple comparisons were Bonferroni-corrected. RESULTS: This meta-analysis generated 11 significant outcomes, five in LD1, six in LD2 and none in LD3. All six LD2 outcomes did not survive the Bonferroni-correction but two of the five in LD1 did. These two core LD1 findings conferred greater odds of PCOS to the var allele in the highly significant (Pa < 0.0001) overall (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.24-1.67) and Asian (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.65) outcomes. Of these two core outcomes, the Asian effect was homogeneous (I2 = 0%) but not the overall (I2 = 29%). CONCLUSIONS: Of the eight PON SNVs examined, two (rs854560 and rs662) were associated with PCOS risk. These 1.4-fold increased risk effects rendered Asians susceptible to PCOS. High statistical power, high significance, zero to low-level heterogeneity, robustness and lack of bias in the core outcomes underpinned the strong evidence for association.

Effect of chitosan and Dysphania ambrosioides on the bone regeneration process: A randomized controlled trial in an animal model.

The focus of this triple-blind study was on evaluating the effect of chitosan combined with Dysphania ambrosioides (A) extract on the bone repair process in vivo. In total, 60 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) weighing between 260 and 270 g were randomly selected for this study and distributed into four groups (n = 15). Group C (chitosan), Group CA5 (chitosan + 5% of D. ambrosioides), Group CA20 (chitosan + 20% of D. ambrosioides), and Group CO (Control-Blood clot). In each animal, bone defects measuring 2 mm in diameter were performed in both tibias for placement of the substances. After 7, 15, and 30 days, the animals were sedated and sacrificed using the cervical dislocation technique and the tissues were analyzed under optical microscope relative to the following events: inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, periosteal, and endosteal bone formation. The data were evaluated to verify distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and variance, using the Levene test; as distribution was not normal, data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn nonparametric tests (p < .05). A significant inflammatory infiltrate was observed in Group CA5 (p = .008) in the time interval of 7 days, and in Group C at 15 (p = .009) and 30 (p = .017) days. Osteoblastic activity was more significant in Group CA20 (p = .027) compared with CA5 in the time interval of 7 days. Group CA20 demonstrated a significantly higher endosteal and periosteal bone formation value in the time interval of 7 (p = .013), 15 (p = .004), and 30 days (p = .008) compared with the other groups. The null hypothesis was refuted, bone regeneration was faster in spheres with an association of chitosan and 20% extract, and complete bone repair occurred clinically at 15 days and histologically at 30 days. The spheres proved to be a promising method for the biostimulation of alveolar bone repair and bone fractures.

Variants in the Kisspeptin-GnRH Pathway Modulate the Hormonal Profile and Reproductive Outcomes.

Kisspeptin has been identified as a key regulatory protein in the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which subsequently increases gonadotropin secretion during puberty to establish reproductive function and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The effects of variants in the KISS1, KISS1R, and GNRHR genes and their possible association with assisted reproduction outcomes remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to investigate the associations of the genetic diversity at the candidate loci for KISS1, KISS1R, and GNRHR with the hormonal profiles and reproductive outcomes in 86 women who underwent in vitro fertilization treatments. Variants in the KISS1 and KISS1R genes were associated with luteinizing hormone (rs35431622:T>C), anti-Mullerian hormone (rs71745629delT), follicle-stimulating hormone (rs73507529:C>A), and estradiol (rs73507527:G>A, rs350130:A>G, and rs73507529:C>A) levels, as well as with reproductive outcomes such as the number of oocytes retrieved (s35431622:T>C), metaphasis II oocytes (rs35431622:T>C), and embryos (rs1132506:G>C). Additionally, variants in the GNRHR UTR3' (rs1038426:C>A, rs12508464:A>C, rs13150734:C>A, rs17635850:A>G, rs35683646:G>A, rs35610027:C>G, rs35845954:T>C, rs17635749:C>T, and rs7666201:C>T) were associated with low prolactin levels. A conjoint analysis of clinical, hormonal, and genetic variables using a generalized linear model identified two variants of the KISS1 gene (rs71745629delT and rs1132506:G>C) that were significantly associated with hormonal variations and reproductive outcomes. The findings suggest that variants in KISS1, KISS1R, and GNRHR genes can modulate hormone levels and reproductive outcomes.

Attitudes and Values of Physical Education Professionals and Undergraduate Students about Their Role in Health Promotion.

Physical education (PE) is identified with health, with PE teachers and school PE regarded as legitimate instruments for health promotion. The PE teacher's conceptions, attitudes, and values regarding the role of PE are inseparable from their performance. Thus, the objective of the present work is to verify concepts and attitudes of PE professionals and undergraduate students, in order to verify how they value their role in health promotion. This was a cross-sectional study that used surveys to assess attitudes and values of PE professionals and undergraduate students about their concepts of the role of PE in health promotion. A total of 942 PE professionals and undergraduate students regards themselves as players in health promotion (86.9%) despite no clear definition about the concept of health or the curriculum to attain such a goal, mainly based on academic training only. Also, they attribute the responsibility for childhood obesity and lack of motivation for the practice of physical activity to external factors, such as media (72.6%), family (84.7%), and technologies (83.1%). Despite participants regarding themselves as players in health promotion, there is a loose definition on how to promote health, and how to provide curriculum and strategies to meet the needs of public health.

Prevalence of preeclampsia and eclampsia in adolescent pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 291,247 adolescents worldwide since 1969.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertensive disorders are among the main causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and the findings regarding the occurrence of preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) in adolescent pregnancy are conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determining the prevalence of PE and E in adolescent pregnancy considering socioeconomic and temporal characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE, EMBASE and SciELO databases, with no time span restrictions. Studies that reported the occurrence of PE and E in adolescent pregnancy. Study selection, data extraction and bias assessment were performed by three independent investigators. Meta-analysis techniques comprised random-effects model and double-arcsine transformation; χ1 and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-regression used Hunter-Schmidt model; publication bias were assessed by funnel and Baujat plots. RESULTS: Seventy studies were included, ranging from 1969 to 2019 and comprising 30 countries and 291,247 adolescents. The overall prevalence rate of PE/E was 6.7 % (95 % CI = 5.8-7.6). Subgroup analysis revealed association of PE/E (P = 0.050) and E (P = 0.0113) with country income, and the highest prevalences were found in low-and medium-income country groups (11.5 %, 95 % CI=7.8-15.8 and 10.6 %, 95 % CI=6.05-16.2). Association of PE with publication year (P = 0.0022) was also found with an observable reduction in prevalence rate across the years. CONCLUSIONS: The findings seem to confirm that socioeconomic and demographic characteristics play a role for the risk of PE/E in adolescent pregnancy. Although the occurrence of PE has declined worldwide, the problem has broader dimensions beyond health issues.

Economic evaluation of an active search system to monitor the outcomes of health-related claims.

OBJECTIVE: Economic evaluation of a scientific advisory program with the Public Defenders Office to mitigate the impacts of the judicialization on health in the municipality, as well as the implementation of an active follow-up program to monitor health outcomes arising from court demands. METHODS: A two-step study, the first documental, retrospective, with data collection of lawsuits in the region of Barbalha (CE), Brazil, from 2013 to 2018, and the second stage, prospective and intervention, through mediation between the citizen and the Public Defenders Office, aiming to reduce the occurrence of the judicialization, and the monitoring of the health outcomes of the processes. The study adopted the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards protocol for economic health assessments. The data obtained from the processes were grouped and treated for characterization of the scenario. A comparison of the profile of the lawsuits in the period of 12 months before and after the installation of the program to delimit a complete fiscal cycle was carried out. RESULTS: The advisory service promoted a decrease of 40% (p=0.01) in lawsuits. There was a 31% reduction in court costs (p=0.003), with medicines accounting for 33% of this amount. There was a decrease in inputs outside the Sistema Único de Saúde lists (27%; p=0.003), however there was no statistical difference among several demanding groups, suggesting an equanimous approach. CONCLUSION: Data from the initial survey were comparable to those reported in Brazil regarding the profile of judicial demands. In view of the scenario, the proposal proved feasible as a means to mitigate the costs of the judicialization through mediation. Finally, the initiative can serve as a model for adoption by municipalities that have characteristics similar to those presented in this study.

Endometrial cancer: a genetic point of view.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer is the fourth most frequent gynecological cancer and the most frequent type of uterine cancer. There is an increase in the incidence and mortality of uterine cancers in the past few decades, and there are no well-established screening programs for endometrial cancer currently. Most endometrial cancers arise through the interplay of familial, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Although a number of genetic factors modify endometrial cancer susceptibility, they are not of standard use in the clinical assessment of prognosis. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to provide an overview of the relationship between genetic factors and risk for endometrial cancer. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies between January 2010 to March 2020 reporting the genes associated with endometrial cancer. RESULTS: Through the selection process, we retrieved 186 studies comprising 329 genes identified using several molecular methodologies in all human chromosomes and in mitochondrial DNA. Endometrial cancer exhibits a molecular complexity and heterogeneity coherent with its clinical and histologic variability. Improved characterization of molecular alterations of each histological type provides relevant information about the prognosis and potential response to new therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The current challenge is the integration of clinicopathologic and molecular factors to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of endometrial cancer.

Kisspeptin Levels in Girls with Precocious Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Kisspeptin (KP) is a key player in the regulation of the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which increases the secretion of gonadotropin during puberty to establish reproductive function and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Premature activation of GnRH secretion leads to idiopathic/central gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (CPP). We aimed to compare the blood KP concentrations in girls with CPP and healthy controls. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Random-effects model and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used. Heterogeneity was assessed through I2. Meta-regression considered patient age, KP fraction, and analytical method for KP measurement. RESULTS: The 11 studies included comprised 316 CPP patients and 251 controls. Higher KP levels in the CPP group were found (SMD 1.53; CI 95% = 0.56-2.51). Subgroup analysis revealed association with patient age (p = 0.048), indicating a positive correlation between elevation in KP concentration and age in CPP group. A group of patients with precocious thelarche (PT) from 5 of the included studies comprising 121 patients showed higher levels of KP (1.10; -0.25-2.45: CI 95%) and high heterogeneity (I2 = 91%). The CPP/PT ratio for KP level indicates KP 36% higher on CPP than PT patients. CONCLUSIONS: A consistent difference in KP levels between girls with CPP and controls was identified. While there are important limitations in KP assays which argue against its use as a diagnostic tool, the KP levels in CPP versus control and PT children are consistent with the predicted mechanisms and pathophysiology of CPP.

Psychological stress levels in women with endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, associated with chronic and inflammatory reaction. Symptoms range from dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, unexplained infertility to asymptomatic. The patients' quality of life is affected by anxiety, depression and stress. We aimed to verify the prevalence and levels of psychological stress among women with endometriosis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The systematic review followed the PRISMA statement and the MOOSE guideline. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychNET and SciELO. The risk of bias was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis of proportions used inverse variance method for pooling and random-effects model. For the stress levels we used the restricted maximum likelihood estimator for summary effects. Heterogeneity was assessed through I2 and Q statistics. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots. Meta-regression adopted a mixed-effects model, considering patient age, endometriosis staging, stress assessment tool and data collection as categorical moderators. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 15 studies encompassing 4,619 women with endometriosis. The overall prevalence of mild/high stress was 68% (95%CI:57%-79%), I2=98% and τ2=0.0228. The mean level of stress was 41.78% (95%CI =34.05%-49.51%), I2=99.9% and τ2=83.35. Meta-regression showed relationship with endometriosis staging. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis exploring the association between endometriosis and psychological stress. The interdisciplinary management of the disease should expand the mental health support in this patient care, beyond pain management. Finally, the attitude of the medical team acknowledging the patients' psychological stress may positively affect their treatment.