In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of a New Chromone Derivative against Candida spp.

Candida species are frequently implicated in the development of both superficial and invasive fungal infections, which can impact vital organs. In the quest for novel strategies to combat fungal infections, there has been growing interest in exploring synthetic and semi-synthetic products, particularly chromone derivatives, renowned for their antimicrobial properties. In the analysis of the antifungal activity of the compound (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one against Candida, in silico and laboratory tests were performed to predict possible mechanisms of action pathways, and in vitro tests were performed to determine antifungal activity (MIC and MFC), to verify potential modes of action on the fungal cell membrane and wall, and to assess cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes. The tested compound exhibited predicted affinity for all fungal targets, with the highest predicted affinity observed for thymidylate synthase (-102.589 kJ/mol). MIC and CFM values ranged from 264.52 µM (62.5 µg/mL) to 4232.44 µM (1000 µg/mL). The antifungal effect likely occurs due to the action of the compound on the plasma membrane. Therefore, (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one showed fungicidal-like activity against Candida spp., possibly targeting the plasma membrane.

Risk factors, diagnostic methods and treatment of infection in adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on infection risk factors is scarce, and precise localization of the site of infection and its treatment remain clinically challenging. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to map the recommendations for adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. DESIGN: This is a scoping review, registered in the Open Science Framework under DOI10.17605/OSF.IO/Q76B3(https://osf.io/q76b3/). METHOD: This is a scoping review limited to the period between 2015 and 2022.The results of this scoping review are discussed and presented separately in 3 articles. This second paper synthesizes research evidence on the risk factors, diagnostic methods and treatment of infection in adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. RESULTS: The initial searches identified 771 studies. Sixty-nine patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in the scoping review. Forty-three articles addressing the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of infection were included to answer the questions of this review. CONCLUSION: Obesity has been shown to be the most common risk factor for the described process of infection by left ventricular assist devices.18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed high sensitivity in detecting cardiac device infection, and labeled leukocyte or gallium citrate-67 scintigraphy showed high specificity for left ventricular assist device infections; therefore, it can help differentiate infection from inflammation, particularly in patients with equivocal fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Also, this review brings and discusses the limitations and strengths of diagnostic tests, the knowledge regarding the risk factors for left ventricular assist device infection, the therapeutic heterogeneity, the methodological issues of the studies, and the vast opportunity for future research on left ventricular assist device. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Ventricular assist device professionals should evaluate risk factors prior to device implantation and periodically.18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography should be considered as diagnostic tool in detecting superficial and deep driveline infections. Early treatment, including chronic suppressive therapy and serial surgical debridement, combined with driveline exteriorization and delayed driveline relocation may constitute a potential therapeutic strategy for deep driveline infections.

Temporal trends and space-time distribution of leprosy relapse in Brazil from 2001 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the temporal trends and spatiotemporal distribution of leprosy relapse in Brazil from 2001 to 2021. METHODS: An ecological study with a temporal trend approach and space-time analysis of leprosy relapse in Brazil was carried out with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. RESULTS: A total of 31 334 patients who experienced leprosy relapse were identified. The number of recurrent cases tended to increase throughout the study period, and this increase was significant among females and in almost all age groups, except for those <15, 50-59 and ≥70 y. Several clusters of high- and low-risk patients were identified across all regions with a heterogeneous distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of relapse showed an increasing trend in some groups and was distributed in all regions.

Cardio-protective effects of statins in patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Several interventions have been tested for cardio-protection against anthracycline-induced cancer therapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction (CTRCD). The role of statins in this setting remains unclear. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing statins versus control (placebo or no intervention) for preventing anthracycline-induced CTRCD. We applied a random-effects model to pool risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included seven RCTs comprising 887 patients with planned chemotherapy with anthracycline-based regimens, of whom 49.8 % were randomized to statins. Relative to placebo, statins significantly reduced the incidence of cardiotoxicity/CTRCD (RR 0.46; 95 % CI 0.29 to 0.72; p < 0.001). The left ventricular end-systolic volume was also lower in patients treated with statin (MD -3.12 mL; 95 % CI -6.13 to -0.12 mL; p = 0.042). There was no significant difference between groups in post-anthracycline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) overall. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis of RCTs, statins were significantly associated with a lower incidence of anthracycline-induced CTRCD and attenuated changes in the left ventricular end-systolic volume. Thus, our findings suggest that statins should be considered as a cardio-protection strategy for patients with planned anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Anticandida and antibiofilm activities of extract from Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against Candida spp.

The pathogenic nature of infections caused by Candida spp. underscores the necessity for novel therapeutic agents. Extracts of Schinopsis brasilienses Engl are \ a promising source of agents with antifungal effects. This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of the leaf extract of S. brasilienses. The antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and fungicide concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was assessed by counting colony-forming units/mL. The study examined the inhibition kinetics of fungal growth and potential synergism between gallic acid or the extract and nystatin using the Checkerboard method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay. The extract exhibited antifungal effect against all tested strains, with MIC and MFC ranging from 31.25-250 µg/mL. Gallic acid, the main isolated compound, displayed a MIC of 2000 µg/mL. The extract of S. brasilienses at 31.25 µg/mL inhibited the formation of biofilm by C. albicans and significantly reduced the mass of mature biofilm after 24 and 48 h (p < 0. 05). At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the extract demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth after 6 hours. The combination of gallic acid or extract with nystatin did not exhibit synergistic or antagonistic effect. Furthermore, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity to a human cell line. The extract of S. brasiliensis demonstrates antifungal activity against Candida, generally exhibiting fungicidal action and capacity to inhibit biofilm formation as well as reduce mature biofilms. Additionally, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to human cells.

Perioperative interventions for the prevention of surgical wound infection in adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist devices implantation: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical wound infection is the most frequent type of care health associated infection. Lack of knowledge about the prevention of surgical wound infection in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation could significantly undermine the potential benefits of surgical intervention. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to map the recommendations for adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. DESIGN: This is a scoping review, being registered in the Open Science Framework under DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q76B3 (https://osf.io/q76b3/). METHOD: Left ventricular assist device coordinators and nurse specialists in dermatology and stomatherapy conducted a scoping review in Scopus, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), limited to the period between 2015 and 2022. The results of this scoping review will be discussed and presented in separate articles. This paper will synthesize research evidence on the perioperative topic. RESULTS: The initial searches resulted in 771 studies. Sixty nine met the eligibility criteria and were included in the scoping review. Eight articles addressing the perioperative topic that answered the question of this article were included. CONCLUSION: Although this scoping review included heterogeneous, and scarce studies with left ventricular assist device patients. As such, there are many promising future research directions for this topic. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Infection surveillance should be an integral part of left ventricular assist device implantation programs in health care institutions. Velvet completely buried in subcutaneous tissues reduces transmission system infection. Triple tunnel method reduces transmission system infection risk.

Anticandida and antibiofilm activities of extract from Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against Candida spp

Abstract The pathogenic nature of infections caused by Candida spp. underscores the necessity for novel therapeutic agents. Extracts of Schinopsis brasilienses Engl are / a promising source of agents with antifungal effects. This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of the leaf extract of S. brasilienses. The antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and fungicide concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was assessed by counting colony-forming units/mL. The study examined the inhibition kinetics of fungal growth and potential synergism between gallic acid or the extract and nystatin using the Checkerboard method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay. The extract exhibited antifungal effect against all tested strains, with MIC and MFC ranging from 31.25-250 μg/mL. Gallic acid, the main isolated compound, displayed a MIC of 2000 μg/mL. The extract of S. brasilienses at 31.25 μg/mL inhibited the formation of biofilm by C. albicans and significantly reduced the mass of mature biofilm after 24 and 48 h (p < 0. 05). At a concentration of 125 μg/mL, the extract demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth after 6 hours. The combination of gallic acid or extract with nystatin did not exhibit synergistic or antagonistic effect. Furthermore, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity to a human cell line. The extract of S. brasiliensis demonstrates antifungal activity against Candida, generally exhibiting fungicidal action and capacity to inhibit biofilm formation as well as reduce mature biofilms. Additionally, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to human cells.

Incidence and risk factors of pressure injuries in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze pressure injury (PI) incidence and risk factors in patients with COVID-19 admitted to an Intensive Care Unit and characterize the identified PIs. METHOD: a retrospective cohort study, consisting of 668 patients, carried out between March 2020 and February 2021. Clinical/demographic and PI variables were collected from medical records and electronic database. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors for PI. RESULTS: PI incidence was 30.2% (n=202), with the majority located in the sacral region (52.9%) and in stage 1 (39%). Risk factors were age (p<0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p=0.005), length of stay (p<0.001), immunosuppression (p=0.034), nutritional risk (p=0.015) and mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PI incidence in critically ill patients with COVID-19 was high.

Derivative of 7-hydroxycoumarin has antifungal potential against Candida species and low cytotoxicity against human cells: In silico studies and biological evaluation.

This study investigates the antifungal and cytotoxic properties of 7-(pentyloxy)-2H-chromen-2-one. Through molecular docking and dynamics simulations, we explored the compound's interactions with fungal cell protein targets. Notably, it exhibited strong affinities for 1,3ß-glucan synthase, squalene epoxidase, δ-14-sterol reductase, 14-α-demethylase, and thymidylate synthase, with binding energies ranging from -100.39 to -73.15 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed its stable binding at active targets. The MIC and MFC values ranged from 67.16 µM (15.6 µg/mL) to 537.28 µM (125.0 µg/mL). The compound displayed promising antifungal effects, inhibiting fungal growth for at least 24 hours. Fungal plasma membrane function alteration likely contributed to these antifungal mechanisms. Additionally, the combination of the compound with nystatin, fluconazole, and caspofungin showed indifferent effects on antifungal activity. Cytotoxicity assessment in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) revealed an IC50 of 100 µM, which was approximately 1.5 times higher than the MIC for C. krusei. Thus, the compound exhibited strongly in silico and in vitro antifungal activity with low cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. These findings support its potential as a candidate for further development as an antifungal compound.

Efectos de las tecnologías educativas en la prevención y tratamiento de la úlcera diabética: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Effects of educational technologies on the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis / Efeitos das tecnologias educativas na prevenção e tratamento da úlcera diabética: revisão sistemática e metanálise

Objetivo: analizar los efectos de las tecnologías educativas en la prevención y tratamiento de la úlcera diabética. Método: revisión sistemática realizada en siete bases de datos, un índice bibliográfico, una biblioteca electrónica y literatura gris. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 11 ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados. La síntesis de los resultados fue descriptiva y mediante metaanálisis. Resultados: las tecnologías educativas predominantes fueron la capacitación y la orientación verbal, se destacaron las tecnologías blandas-duras. En comparación con la atención habitual, las tecnologías educativas demostraron ser un factor protector para prevenir la incidencia de úlcera diabética (RR=0,40; IC 95%=0,18-0,90; p=0,03) y la evaluación de certeza de evidencia fue baja. Las tecnologías educativas también demostraron ser un factor protector para prevenir la incidencia de amputación en miembros inferiores (RR=0,53; IC 95%=0,31-0,90; p=0,02) y la certeza de evidencia fue muy baja. Conclusión: tecnologías educativas blandas-duras, como orientación verbal estructurada, juegos educativos, clase expositiva, capacitación teórico-práctica, video educativo, folder, rotafolio educativo y dibujos lúdicos, y tecnologías duras, como calzado terapéutico, plantillas, termómetro infrarrojo digital, kits para el cuidado de los pies, aplicación de telemedicina y teléfono móvil, resultaron efectivas para la prevención y el tratamiento de la úlcera diabética, sin embargo, es necesario que se realicen estudios más robustos.

Objective: to analyze the effects of educational technologies in the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers. Method: a systematic review conducted in seven databases, a bibliographic index, an electronic library and the Gray Literature. The sample consisted of 11 randomized controlled clinical trials. The synthesis of the results was descriptive and through meta-analysis. Results: the predominant educational technologies were training sessions and verbal guidelines, with soft-hard technologies standing out. When compared to usual care, the educational technologies presented a protective factor to prevent the incidence of diabetic ulcers (RR=0.40; 95% CI=0.18-0.90; p=0.03) and the certainty of the evidence assessment was low. The educational technologies also had a protective factor to prevent the incidence of lower limb amputations (RR=0.53; 95% CI=0.31-0.90; p=0.02) and certainty of the evidence was very low. Conclusion: soft-hard educational technologies such as structured verbal guidelines, educational games, lectures, theoretical-practical training sessions, educational videos, folders, serial albums and playful drawings, and hard technologies such as therapeutic footwear, insoles, infrared digital thermometer, foot care kits, Telemedicine app and mobile phone use, were effective for the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers, although more robust studies are required.

Objetivo: analisar os efeitos das tecnologias educativas na prevenção e tratamento da úlcera diabética. Método: revisão sistemática conduzida em sete bases de dados, um índice bibliográfico, uma biblioteca eletrônica e na literatura cinzenta. A amostra foi constituída de 11 ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados. A síntese dos resultados foi descritiva e por meio de metanálise. Resultados: as tecnologias educativas predominantes foram os treinamentos e as orientações verbais, destacando-se as tecnologias leve-duras. Na comparação com o cuidado usual, as tecnologias educativas apresentaram fator de proteção para prevenção da incidência de úlcera diabética (RR=0,40; IC 95%=0,18-0,90; p=0,03) e a avaliação de certeza da evidência foi baixa. As tecnologias educativas também tiveram fator de proteção para prevenção da incidência de amputação em membros inferiores (RR=0,53; IC 95%=0,31-0,90; p=0,02) e a certeza da evidência foi muito baixa. Conclusão: as tecnologias educativas leve-duras, como orientações verbais estruturadas, jogos educativos, aula expositiva, treinamentos teórico-práticos, vídeo educativo, folder, álbum seriado e desenhos lúdicos, e as tecnologias duras, a exemplo do calçado terapêutico, palmilhas, termômetro digital de infravermelho, kits de cuidados com os pés, aplicativo de telemedicina e telefone móvel, foram efetivas para prevenção e tratamento da úlcera diabética, porém, estudos mais robustos são necessários.

Prognostic impact of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain in tricuspid regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Traditional echocardiography is limited in the early assessment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, especially in cases of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). In this context, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) has emerged as a promising tool to enhance this evaluation. Hypothesis: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether impaired RVFWLS in patients with moderate to severe TR is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane for studies that examined our clinical question. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and assessment of bias. RVFWLS was evaluated as a binary variable: normal/near-normal vs. impaired. The latter was defined as a RVFWLS > -17%. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1. We calculated pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) under a random effects model. We also performed a subgroup analysis of multivariable analyses to minimize the effect of confounding variables. RESULTS: We included 1,523 patients from 5 cohort studies. The mean follow-up ranged from 2.2 to 3.9 years. Mean age ranged to 62 to 84 years and 1,462 (96%) had functional TR. All-cause mortality (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10; p=0.002) and the composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalizations (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.03-1.18; p=0.006) were significantly higher in patients with impaired RVFWLS compared with normal or near-normal RVFWLS. When considering only the multivariable analyses, patients with reduced RVFWLS also had a higher adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.08; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that RVFWLS is an independent prognostic factor for all-cause mortality among patients with moderate to severe TR. The use of RVFWLS to guide management of this population warrants further investigation.

Effects of educational technologies on the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. / Efectos de las tecnologías educativas en la prevención y tratamiento de la úlcera diabética: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the effects of educational technologies in the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers. METHOD: a systematic review conducted in seven databases, a bibliographic index, an electronic library and the Gray Literature. The sample consisted of 11 randomized controlled clinical trials. The synthesis of the results was descriptive and through meta-analysis. RESULTS: the predominant educational technologies were training sessions and verbal guidelines, with soft-hard technologies standing out. When compared to usual care, the educational technologies presented a protective factor to prevent the incidence of diabetic ulcers (RR=0.40; 95% CI=0.18-0.90; p=0.03) and the certainty of the evidence assessment was low. The educational technologies also had a protective factor to prevent the incidence of lower limb amputations (RR=0.53; 95% CI=0.31-0.90; p=0.02) and certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: soft-hard educational technologies such as structured verbal guidelines, educational games, lectures, theoretical-practical training sessions, educational videos, folders, serial albums and playful drawings, and hard technologies such as therapeutic footwear, insoles, infrared digital thermometer, foot care kits, Telemedicine app and mobile phone use, were effective for the prevention and treatment of diabetic ulcers, although more robust studies are required.

Next-Generation Leishmanization: Revisiting Molecular Targets for Selecting Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Leishmania.

Despite decades of research devoted to finding a vaccine against leishmaniasis, we are still lacking a safe and effective vaccine for humans. Given this scenario, the search for a new prophylaxis alternative for controlling leishmaniasis should be a global priority. Inspired by leishmanization-a first generation vaccine strategy where live L. major parasites are inoculated in the skin to protect against reinfection-live-attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust elicited protective immune response. In addition, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection upon challenge with a virulent strain. The discovery of a precise and easy way to perform CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing allowed the selection of safer null mutant live-attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. Here, we revisited molecular targets associated with the selection of live-attenuated vaccinal strains, discussing their function, their limiting factors and the ideal candidate for the next generation of genetically engineered live-attenuated Leishmania vaccines to control leishmaniasis.

Incidence and risk factors of pressure injuries in critically ill patients with COVID-19 / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de lesiones por presión en pacientes críticos con COVID-19 / Incidência e fatores de risco de lesão por pressão em pacientes críticos com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze pressure injury (PI) incidence and risk factors in patients with COVID-19 admitted to an Intensive Care Unit and characterize the identified PIs. Method: a retrospective cohort study, consisting of 668 patients, carried out between March 2020 and February 2021. Clinical/demographic and PI variables were collected from medical records and electronic database. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors for PI. Results: PI incidence was 30.2% (n=202), with the majority located in the sacral region (52.9%) and in stage 1 (39%). Risk factors were age (p<0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p=0.005), length of stay (p<0.001), immunosuppression (p=0.034), nutritional risk (p=0.015) and mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Conclusion: PI incidence in critically ill patients with COVID-19 was high.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la incidencia y factores de riesgo de lesiones por presión (LP) en pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y caracterizar las LP identificadas. Método: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, compuesto por 668 pacientes, realizado entre marzo de 2020 y febrero de 2021. Las variables clínico/demográficas y de LP se recogieron de historias clínicas y bases de datos electrónicas. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Se realizó una regresión logística para analizar los factores de riesgo de LP. Resultados: la incidencia de LP fue del 30,2% (n=202), localizándose la mayoría en la región sacra (52,9%) y en estadio 1 (39%). Los factores de riesgo fueron edad (p<0,001), Diabetes Mellitus (p=0,005), tiempo de estancia hospitalaria (p<0,001), inmunosupresión (p=0,034), riesgo nutricional (p=0,015) y ventilación mecánica (p<0,001). Conclusión: la incidencia de LP en pacientes críticos con COVID-19 fue alta.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a incidência e os fatores de risco de lesão por pressão (LP) em pacientes com COVID-19 internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e caracterizar as LP identificadas. Método: estudo de coorte retrospectivo, constituído por 668 pacientes, realizado entre março de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021. Variáveis clínicas/demográficas e das LP foram coletadas dos prontuários e banco de dados eletrônico. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial. A regressão logística foi realizada para análise dos fatores de risco para LP. Resultados: a incidência de LP foi de 30,2% (n=202), sendo a maioria localizada na região sacral (52,9%) e em estágio 1 (39%). Os fatores de risco foram idade (p<0,001), Diabetes Mellitus (p=0,005), tempo de internação (p<0,001), imunossupressão (p=0,034), risco nutricional (p=0,015) e ventilação mecânica (p<0,001). Conclusão: a incidência de LP em pacientes críticos com COVID-19 foi alta.

Prevalence of pressure injury and associated factors in hospitalized adult patients with cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitalized cancer patients experience limitations in their daily activities resulting from the severity of their condition. Such changes alter patients' sensory perception and hinder their mobility, thus predisposing them to the development of PI. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze the prevalence of PI and associated factors in hospitalized cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational, epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the inpatient and ICU settings of an oncological hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 341 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study were interviewed and assessed. Data obtained in the interviews were analyzed for logistic regression analysis. Pressure injury prevalence was 10% (34 patients). The use of disposable diapers was significantly associated with the development of PI, with a 6.077 increased chance of PI in such patients in the ICU setting. In this epidemiologic study of 341 hospitalized cancer patients, the prevalence of PI was 10%. The use of disposable diapers was the only factor associated with the presence of PI after logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Knowing the risk factors of this specific population was essential to implement actions and optimize indications of disposable diaper use. There is an absence of epidemiologic records due to limited publications available on the subject; creating a program to prevent PI development within the inpatient, assisted population.

Prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and related factors among adults hospitalized in public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its related factors in hospitalized adults. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, information from 251 patients hospitalized in seven public hospitals in Manaus, Brazil, and at risk of suffering surgical site complications after undergoing surgery was analyzed. Data were collected via interviews, physical examinations, and a medical record review from March to June 2015. Prevalence rate was estimated as the ratio between individuals with complications and patients at risk. To explore associated variables, individuals with and without complications were compared via 5% significant logistic regression and bivariate analyses. This study was approved by a research ethics committee. RESULTS: Overall, 15 patients (6%) showed complicated surgical wounds. General hospitalization (p < 0.003), presence of ecchymosis, (p < 0.001), and men (p = 0.047) increased patients' probability of developing complications in 13.9, 10.1, and 8.2 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Assessing the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its associated factors in adults contributes to their epidemiological understanding, highlighting prevention targets and making data available for scientific comparisons.

The prevalence of skin lesions and associated factors in hospitalised adult patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of skin lesions and evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with their presence in hospitalised patients. METHOD: This descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was performed in inpatient units and intensive care units of a cancer hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, after approval by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Data from hospitalised adult patients with cancer were collected during physical examinations and from medical records. A Chi-squared test, univariate analysis, a logistic regression model with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Of 341 patients, 80 had skin lesions, equating to an overall prevalence of 23.5%. The skin lesions included pressure injuries (10%), incontinence-associated dermatitis (6.7%), skin tears (6.5%), malignant wounds (3.8%) and complicated surgical wounds (3.2%). The factors associated with skin lesions in cancer patients were the use of disposable nappies (OR: 4.436) and age (59.1±15.1 years), according to the CART analysis, and the wearing of nappies (OR: 4.466, p<0.001), presence of ecchymosis (OR: 2.532, p<0.001) and infection (OR: 6.449, p=0.040), according to multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to knowledge about prevalence and associated factors of skin lesions in hospitalised patients with cancer, allowing the implementation of preventive measures.

Leishmania amazonensis from distinct clinical forms/hosts has polymorphisms in Lipophosphoglycans, displays variations in immunomodulatory properties and, susceptibility to antileishmanial drugs.

Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), the major Leishmania glycoconjugate, induces pro-inflammatory/immunosuppressive innate immune responses. Here, we evaluated functional/biochemical LPG properties from six Leishmania amazonensis strains from different hosts/clinical forms. LPGs from three strains (GV02, BA276, and LV79) had higher pro-inflammatory profiles for most of the mediators, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6. For this reason, glycoconjugates from all strains were biochemically characterized and had polymorphisms in their repeat units. They consisted of three types: type I, repeat units devoid of side chains; type II, containing galactosylated side chains; and type III, containing glucosylated side chains. No relationship was observed between LPG type and the pro-inflammatory properties. Finally, to evaluate the susceptibility against antileishmanial agents, two strains with high (GV02, BA276) and one with low (BA336) pro-inflammatory activity were selected for chemotherapeutic tests in THP-1 cells. All analyzed strains were susceptible to amphotericin B (AmB) but displayed various responses against miltefosine (MIL) and glucantime (GLU). The GV02 strain (canine visceral leishmaniasis) had the highest IC50 for MIL (3.34 µM), whereas diffuse leishmaniasis strains (BA276 and BA336) had a higher IC50 for GLU (6.87-12.19 mM). The highest IC50 against MIL shown by the GV02 strain has an impact on clinical management. Miltefosine is the only drug approved for dog treatment in Brazil. Further studies into drug susceptibility of L. amazonensis strains are warranted, especially in areas where dog infection by this species overlaps with those caused by Leishmania infantum.

The prevalence of skin tears and associated factors in hospitalised patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Oncology patients are vulnerable to skin breakdown. The primary purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of skin tears (STs) in hospitalised patients with cancer and to explore related sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHOD: This was an observational, epidemiological, cross-sectional study conducted in an oncology hospital in the city of São Paulo. All STs were classified using the STAR Classification adapted and validated for Brazil. RESULTS: Of the 341 patients evaluated, 22 had STs, equating to a prevalence of 6.5%. A higher number of STs were noted on the lower limbs (26.9%) than on other body areas. The main factors associated with STs were the use of anticoagulants, the presence of ecchymosis and the use of incontinence briefs. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to a better understanding of the epidemiology of STs in hospitalised patients with cancer, as well as its associated factors. Results may inform nursing professionals with regard to the need to develop prevention strategies and early interventions.

Effect of transcutaneous abdominal electrical stimulation in people with constipation due to spinal cord injuries: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of abdominal electrical stimulation (EE) on bowel movement frequency and feces consistency and expelled amount in people with constipation due to spinal cord injuries (SCI). METHOD: This is an experimental, crossover, randomized pilot study with two treatment groups: conventional intestinal rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation associated with EE via 8- and 20-Hz Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of the abdominal muscles. Both groups were followed for two weeks with daily 30-minute EE sessions. Participants were hospitalized in a rehabilitation institute in the municipality of São Paulo. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: This study included 10 people with SCI, of which most were male (70%), with a mean age of 39 years (SD = 16.37). EE, associated with conventional treatment, was more effective in increasing defecation frequency (p = 0.029) and amount of feces expelled (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Abdominal EE, associated with conventional treatment, helped to increase defecation frequency and amount of feces expelled in people with constipation due to SCI. This pilot study will serve as the basis for a future clinical trial with greater sampling and statistical evidence.