Mpox severity and associated hospitalizations among people with HIV and related immunosuppression in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze characteristics of mpox hospitalization in a Brazilian cohort, further exploring the impact of HIV on mpox-related outcomes and hospitalization. DESIGN: We conducted a descriptive analysis, comparing characteristics of individuals diagnosed with mpox according to hospitalization and HIV status, and described the mpox cases among those living with HIV. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study conducted at a major infectious diseases referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that enrolled participants older than 18 years of age diagnosed with mpox. Information was collected on standardized forms, including data on sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and laboratory characteristics. For comparisons, we used chi-squared, Fisher's exact and the Moods median tests whenever appropriate. RESULTS: From June to December, 2022, we enrolled 418 individuals diagnosed with mpox, of whom 52% were people with HIV (PWH). PWH presented more frequently with fever, anogenital lesions and proctitis. The overall hospitalization rate was 10.5% ( n  = 43), especially for pain control. Among hospitalized participants, PWH had more proctitis and required invasive support. Mpox severity was related to poor HIV continuum of care outcomes and low CD4 + cell counts. All deaths ( n  = 2) occurred in PWH with CD4 + less than 50 cells/µl. CONCLUSION: HIV-related immunosuppression likely impacts mpox clinical outcomes. This is of special concern in settings of poor adherence and late presentation to care related to socioeconomic inequalities, such as Brazil. The HIV continuum of care must be taken into account when responding to the mpox outbreak.

Dietary replacement of soybean meal with heat-treated grain soybean in diets of feedlot-finished beef cattle: impacts on intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of increasing levels of heat-treated soybean in the diet of crossbred cattle during the finishing phase on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal parameters, digesta passage rate, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis. Five steers, crossbred 7/8 Jersey x Zebu, fitted with rumen cannulas and with an average weight of 350 ± 50 kg, were utilized. The experimental treatments consisted of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28% inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the total diet dry matter. The animals were randomly allocated in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Evaluation of the animals took place over five experimental periods, each lasting 20 days. During each experimental period, the first 15 days were allocated for animal adaptation to the experimental diets, followed by five days of data collection. No significant differences were observed among the diets in terms of dry matter intake (average of 6.57 kg day-1; P = 0.615) and organic matter intake (average of 6.23 kg day-1; P = 0.832). However, heat-treated soybean had a significant impact on the digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.02), organic matter (P = 0.01), crude protein (P < 0.01), and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01). There was no observed change on microbial protein synthesis (average of 409.6 g day-1) in animals with the inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the diets. With each 1% inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the cattle diet, there was an increase of 0.00754 units in ruminal pH values and a reduction of 0.75839 mg dL-1 in ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen values. This study suggests that heat-treated soybean can be included in up to 15% of the dry matter in diets for finishing feedlot cattle.

Characteristics of women diagnosed with mpox infection compared to men: A case series from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cisgender men were mostly affected during the 2022 mpox multinational outbreak, with few cases reported in women. This study compares the characteristics of individuals diagnosed with mpox infection according to gender in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: We obtained surveillance data of mpox cases notified to Rio de Janeiro State Health Department (June 12 to December 15, 2022). We compared women (cisgender or transgender) to men (cisgender or transgender) using chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Mood's median tests. RESULTS: A total of 1306 mpox cases were reported; 1188 (91.0%) men (99.8% cisgender, 0.2% transgender), 108 (8.3%) women (87.0% cisgender, 13.0% transgender), and 10 (0.8%) non-binary persons. Compared to men, women were more frequently older (40+years: 34.3% vs. 25.1%; p < 0.001), reported more frequent non-sexual contact with a potential mpox case (21.4% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.004), fewer sexual partnerships (10.9 vs. 54.8%; p < 0.001), less sexual contact with a potential mpox case (18.5% vs. 43.0%; p < 0.001), fewer genital lesions (31.8% vs. 57.9%; p < 0.001), fewer systemic mpox signs/symptoms (38.0% vs. 50.1%; p = 0.015) and had a lower HIV prevalence (8.3% vs. 46.3%; p < 0.001), with all cases among transgender women. Eight women were hospitalized; no deaths occurred. The highest number of cases among women were notified in epidemiological week 34, when the number of cases among men started to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Women diagnosed with mpox presented differences in epidemiological, behavioral, and clinical characteristics compared to men. Health services should provide a comprehensive assessment that accounts for gender diversity.

Differential Type-I Interferon Response in Buffy Coat Transcriptome of Individuals Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Gamma and Delta Variants.

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens such as the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The type I-interferon (IFN) response activation during the initial steps of infection is essential to prevent viral replication and tissue damage. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 can inhibit this activation, and individuals with a dysregulated IFN-I response are more likely to develop severe disease. Several mutations in different variants of SARS-CoV-2 have shown the potential to interfere with the immune system. Here, we evaluated the buffy coat transcriptome of individuals infected with Gamma or Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. The Delta transcriptome presents more genes enriched in the innate immune response and Gamma in the adaptive immune response. Interactome and enriched promoter analysis showed that Delta could activate the INF-I response more effectively than Gamma. Two mutations in the N protein and one in the nsp6 protein found exclusively in Gamma have already been described as inhibitors of the interferon response pathway. This indicates that the Gamma variant evolved to evade the IFN-I response. Accordingly, in this work, we showed one of the mechanisms that variants of SARS-CoV-2 can use to avoid or interfere with the host Immune system.

Spatio-Temporal Cluster Detection of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses' Infection in Rio de Janeiro State from 2010 to 2019.

Dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV) virus infections are widespread throughout the Rio de Janeiro state. The co-circulation of these emergent arboviruses constitutes a serious public health problem, resulting in outbreaks that can spatially and temporally overlap. Environmental conditions favor the presence, maintenance, and expansion of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of these urban arboviruses. This study assessed the detection of clusters of urban arboviruses in the Rio de Janeiro state from 2010 to 2019. Notified cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika were grouped by year according to the onset of symptoms and their municipality of residence. The study period recorded the highest number of dengue epidemics in the state along with the simultaneous circulation of chikungunya and Zika viruses. The analyzes showed that the central municipalities of the metropolitan regions were associated with higher risk areas. Central municipalities in metropolitan regions were the first most likely clusters for dengue and Zika, and the second most likely cluster for chikungunya. Furthermore, the northwest and north regions were comprised clusters with the highest relative risk for the three arboviruses, underscoring the impact of these arboviruses in less densely populated regions of Brazil. The identification of high-risk areas over time highlights the need for effective control measures, targeted prevention and control interventions for these urban arboviral diseases.

Ambulatory and hospitalized patients with suspected and confirmed mpox: an observational cohort study from Brazil.

Background: By October 30, 2022, 76,871 cases of mpox were reported worldwide, with 20,614 cases in Latin America. This study reports characteristics of a case series of suspected and confirmed mpox cases at a referral infectious diseases center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled all patients with suspected mpox between June 12 and August 19, 2022. Mpox was confirmed by a PCR test. We compared characteristics of confirmed and non-confirmed cases, and among confirmed cases according to HIV status using distribution tests. Kernel estimation was used for exploratory spatial analysis. Findings: Of 342 individuals with suspected mpox, 208 (60.8%) were confirmed cases. Compared to non-confirmed cases, confirmed cases were more frequent among individuals aged 30-39 years, cisgender men (96.2% vs. 66.4%; p < 0.0001), reporting recent sexual intercourse (95.0% vs. 69.4%; p < 0.0001) and using PrEP (31.6% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.0001). HIV (53.2% vs. 20.2%; p < 0.0001), HCV (9.8% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.0046), syphilis (21.2% vs. 16.3%; p = 0.43) and other STIs (33.0% vs. 21.6%; p = 0.042) were more frequent among confirmed mpox cases. Confirmed cases presented more genital (77.3% vs. 39.8%; p < 0.0001) and anal lesions (33.1% vs. 11.5%; p < 0.0001), proctitis (37.1% vs. 13.3%; p < 0.0001) and systemic signs and symptoms (83.2% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.0003) than non-confirmed cases. Compared to confirmed mpox HIV-negative, HIV-positive individuals were older, had more HCV coinfection (15.2% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.011), anal lesions (45.7% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001) and clinical features of proctitis (45.2% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.058). Interpretation: Mpox transmission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, rapidly evolved into a local epidemic, with sexual contact playing a crucial role in its dynamics and high rates of coinfections with other STI. Preventive measures must address stigma and social vulnerabilities. Funding: Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz).

Interseccionalidade e transexualidade no processo discriminatório: uma revisão integrativa / Intersectionality and transsexuality in the process of discrimination: an integrative review / Interseccionalidad y transexualidad en el proceso discriminatorio: una revisión integradora

Objetivo: identificar na literatura acadêmica as principais discriminações interseccionais vividas por mulheres trans e discutir o seu processo de estabelecimento nesse grupo populacional. Método: estudo de revisão integrativa de literatura conduzida em duas bases e três bibliotecas virtuais durante o ano de 2021 e revisada em 2022. Foi realizada análise lexicográfica por meio do software IRAMUTEC. Resultados: foram identificados 486 manuscritos, selecionando-se 15 para análise. Emergiram três categorias analíticas: (1) Interseccionalidade como multiplicador de opressões, (2) Dificuldade de acesso ao cuidado e a precarização da saúde e (3) Necessidade de Políticas Públicas Específicas e o enfrentamento da InJustiça. Conclusão: as condições estruturais do racismo, sexismo, etnofobia e violências correlatas se sobrepõem, e na base da pirâmide discriminatória se encontram as mulheres transexuais negras. Pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para levar a melhores intervenções a esta população em risco de violência.

Objective: to identify, in the academic literature, the main intersecting discriminations experienced by trans women and to discuss process by which it is established related to this population group. Method: this integrative literature review study was conducted in two databases and three virtual libraries during 2021 and then revised in 2022. Lexicographic analysis was performed using the IRAMUTEC software. Results: 486 manuscripts were identified and 15 were selected for analysis. Three analytical categories emerged: (1) Intersectionality as a multiplier of oppression; (2) Difficulty in accessing care and increasingly precarious health; and (3) Need for specific public policies and addressing injustice. Conclusion: the structural conditions of racism, sexism, ethnophobia, and related violence overlap, and black transsexual women are at the base of the pyramid of discrimination. Additional research is needed to lead to better interventions for this population at risk of violence.

Objetivo: identificar en la literatura académica las principales discriminaciones interseccionales experimentadas por mujeres trans, así como discutir su proceso de implantación en este grupo poblacional. Método: estudio de revisión integradora de literatura realizado en dos bases de datos y tres bibliotecas virtuales durante el año 2021 y revisado en 2022. El análisis lexicográfico se realizó mediante el software IRAMUTEC. Resultados: se identificaron 486 manuscritos y se seleccionaron 15 para su análisis. Surgieron tres categorías de análisis: (1) Interseccionalidad como multiplicador de la opresión, (2) Dificultad de acceso a la atención y precarización de la salud, y (3) Necesidad de Políticas Públicas Específicas y el enfrentamiento a la InJusticia. Conclusión: las condiciones estructurales del racismo, el sexismo, la etnofobia y las violencias relacionadas se superponen, y en la base de la pirámide de discriminación se encuentran las mujeres negras transgénero. Se necesita investigaciones adicionales para conducir a mejores intervenciones para esta población en riesgo de violencia.

IMPACT OF BODY MASS INDEX ON PERIOPERATIVE OUTCOMES FOR COMPLEX HIATUS HERNIA BY VIDEOLAPAROSCOPY.

BACKGROUND: The influence of body mass index on perioperative complications of hiatal hernia surgery is controversial in the surgical literature. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index on perioperative complications and associated risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: Two groups were compared on the basis of body mass index: group A with body mass index <32 kg/m2 and group B with body mass index ³32 kg/m2. A multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors for complications. Complications were classified based on the Clavien-Dindo score. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in this study, with 30 in group A and 19 in group B. The groups were compared based on factors, such as age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, surgical techniques used, type and location of hiatal hernia, and length of stay. Findings showed that 70% of patients had complex hiatal hernia. In addition, 14 complications also occurred: 7 pleuropulmonary and 7 requiring reoperation. From the seven reoperated, there were three recurrences, two gastrointestinal fistulas, one diaphragmatic hernia, and one incisional hernia. Complications were similar in both the groups, with type IV hiatal hernia being the only independent predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index does not affect perioperative complications in anti-reflux surgery and type IV hiatal hernia is an independent predictor of its occurrence.

Prevalence and predictors of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology in a highly vulnerable population of Rio de Janeiro: A population-based serosurvey.

Background: COVID-19 serosurveys allow for the monitoring of the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and support data-driven decisions. We estimated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a large favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A population-based panel study was conducted in Complexo de Manguinhos (16 favelas) with a probabilistic sampling of participants aged ≥1 year who were randomly selected from a census of individuals registered in primary health care clinics that serve the area. Participants answered a structured interview and provided blood samples for serology. Multilevel regression models (with random intercepts to account for participants' favela of residence) were used to assess factors associated with having anti-S IgG antibodies. Secondary analyses estimated seroprevalence using an additional anti-N IgG assay. Findings: 4,033 participants were included (from Sep/2020 to Feb/2021, 22 epidemic weeks), the median age was 39·8 years (IQR:21·8-57·7), 61% were female, 41% were mixed-race (Pardo) and 23% Black. Overall prevalence was 49·0% (95%CI:46·8%-51·2%) which varied across favelas (from 68·3% to 31·4%). Lower prevalence estimates were found when using the anti-N IgG assay. Odds of having anti-S IgG antibodies were highest for young adults, and those reporting larger household size, poor adherence to social distancing and use of public transportation. Interpretation: We found a significantly higher prevalence of anti-S IgG antibodies than initially anticipated. Disparities in estimates obtained using different serological assays highlight the need for cautious interpretation of serosurveys estimates given the heterogeneity of exposure in communities, loss of immunological biomarkers, serological antigen target, and variant-specific test affinity. Funding: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Royal Society, Serrapilheira Institute, and FAPESP.

Interpersonal Violence and Passing: Results from a Brazilian Trans-specific Cross-sectional Study.

Trans women are specifically vulnerable to interpersonal violence. Being perceived as the gender that a transgender person identifies with, defined in some contexts as passing, may influence violence ratings. The EVAS (Violence and Health Self-Evaluation) study was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 121 trans women between 2019 and 2020 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to investigate the association between self-reported passing and different types of interpersonal violence. We enrolled 121 participants who had a median age of 36.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 13.7). Most of them were Black/mixed (78.5%) and had at least a high school education (63%). Most participants considered themselves as trans women (71.9%). Their median monthly income was $252.50 (IQR $302.50). Only 40 (33.1%) trans women had a main partner. Trans women with high passing had a higher prevalence of family violence and lower prevalence of observed police violence, violence in open and closed public spaces. Participants that reported a high passing had higher prevalence of family violence (p = .016); moreover, they reported observing less frequently police violence in the neighborhood they lived in for the last 12 months (p = .012) as well as having lower rates of suffering violence. Trans women who reported high passing had 81% (56%-92%) lower chance of suffering violence in open public places more than once, while prior racism experience had a positive association with violence in an open public place (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI [.48, 15.40]). Passing seems to protect from violence in public spaces, whilst it increases family violence. Data also suggest that observing police violence and violence in close public spaces. There is an urgent need to better understand the complex relationships around violence and foster its prevention.

Impact of body mass index on perioperative outcomes for complex hiatus hernia by videolaparoscopy / Impacto do índice de massa corporal nos resultados perioperatórios de hérnia de hiato complexa por videolaparoscopia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The influence of body mass index on perioperative complications of hiatal hernia surgery is controversial in the surgical literature. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index on perioperative complications and associated risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: Two groups were compared on the basis of body mass index: group A with body mass index <32 kg/m2 and group B with body mass index ³32 kg/m2. A multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors for complications. Complications were classified based on the Clavien-Dindo score. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in this study, with 30 in group A and 19 in group B. The groups were compared based on factors, such as age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, surgical techniques used, type and location of hiatal hernia, and length of stay. Findings showed that 70% of patients had complex hiatal hernia. In addition, 14 complications also occurred: 7 pleuropulmonary and 7 requiring reoperation. From the seven reoperated, there were three recurrences, two gastrointestinal fistulas, one diaphragmatic hernia, and one incisional hernia. Complications were similar in both the groups, with type IV hiatal hernia being the only independent predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index does not affect perioperative complications in anti-reflux surgery and type IV hiatal hernia is an independent predictor of its occurrence.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O impacto do índice de massa corpórea nos resultados da cirurgia de hérnia de hiato é controverso na literatura. OBJETIVOS: avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas complicações perioperatórias em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de hérnia hiatal, e seus possíveis preditores. MÉTODOS: análise retrospectiva 49 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de hérnias hiatais complexas por videolaparoscopia, divididos em dois grupos pelo índice de massa corpórea (grupo A<32kg/m2 - 30 pacientes e grupo B ³32 kg/m2 — 19 pacientes) e comparados quanto suas características e complicações. A análise multivariada foi aplicada para avaliar as variáveis preditoras independentes de complicações. As complicações foram classificadas conforme Clavien Dindo. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram similares conforme a idade, índice de comorbidade de Charlson, técnica operatória empregada, tipo de hérnia de hiato, área do hiato esofageano, e tempo de internação pós-operatória. Setenta por cento dos pacientes possuíam hérnias de hiato complexas (gigantes ou recidivadas). Catorze complicações foram observadas: 7 pleuro pulmonares e 7 necessitando reoperação, sendo destas 3 recidivas, 2 fístulas digestivas, 1 hérnia diafragmática e 1 hérnia incisional. As complicações foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos, e a hérnia de hiato tipo IV foi o único preditor independente. CONCLUSÕES: O índice de massa corpórea não influencia nos resultados perioperatórios e a hérnia de hiato tipo IV é o único preditor independente de complicações.

Estresse ocupacional e fatores estressores em enfermeiros de unidades de internação clínica / Occupational stress and stressors in clinical inpatient unit nurses / Estrés ocupacional y factores estresores en enfermeros de unidades de hospitalización clínica

A enfermagem destaca-se como uma das profissões com maior risco para desenvolver estresse pela exposição frequente a inúmeros fatores que geram tensão no ambiente de trabalho. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever os níveis de estresse autorreferidos e o perfil sociodemográfico e laboral de enfermeiros, além de discutir os fatores estressores no ambiente laboral dos enfermeiros de unidades de internações clínicas. Após realizar um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal com 39 enfermeiros assistenciais, em um hospital universitário no município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), os dados foram tratados mediante análise estatística univariada. Os resultados apontam que 87,2% (n = 34) afirmaram ter estresse de moderado a elevado no ambiente laboral. Os estressores autorreferidos mais relatados foram: falta de recursos materiais (insumos e equipamentos) (n = 25, 67,6%), relacionamentos interpessoais (n = 17, 45,9%), falta de estrutura física (n = 12, 32,4%) e a falta de recursos humanos (n = 10, 27%). O estudo é relevante, considerando que o estresse ocupacional pode gerar consequências negativas à saúde física e psíquica dos trabalhadores e, ainda, prejuízos às instituições devido aos afastamentos por motivo de doença dos trabalhadores e à perda de produtividade e qualidade do serviço prestado.

Nursing stands out as one of the professions with the highest risk of developing stress due to frequent exposure to numerous stressors in the work environment. This study describes the self-reported stress levels and the sociodemographic and occupational profile of nurses, besides discussing the stressors in the work environment of clinical inpatient unit nurses. After carrying out a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study with 39 nursing assistants, in a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, data were treated by univariate statistical analysis. Results show that 87.2% (n = 34) of the nurses reported moderate to high stress in the work environment. The most frequently self-reported stressors were lack of material resources (supplies and equipment) (n = 25, 67.6%), interpersonal relationships (n = 17, 45.9%), lack of physical structure (n = 12, 32.4%), and lack of human resources (n = 10, 27%). The study is relevant, as occupational stress can generate negative consequences to the physical and mental health of workers and losses to institutions due to workers' sick leave and loss of productivity and quality of service provided.

La enfermería es una de las profesiones con mayor riesgo de desarrollar estrés debido a la exposición frecuente a muchos factores estresores en el ambiente de trabajo. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los niveles de estrés autoinformados por los enfermeros y su perfil sociodemográfico y laboral, además de discutir los factores estresores en el ambiente laboral de los enfermeros de unidades de hospitalizaciones clínicas. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, a 39 enfermeros asistenciales, en un hospital universitario en el municipio de Río de Janeiro, y los datos fueron tratados mediante análisis estadístico univariado. Los resultados muestran que el 87,2% (n = 34) reportaron tener estrés de moderado a alto en el ambiente laboral. Los factores estresantes más autoinformados fueron: falta de recursos materiales (insumos y equipo) (n = 25; 67,6%), relaciones interpersonales (n = 17; 45,9%), falta de estructura física (n = 12; 32,4%) y falta de recursos humanos (n = 10; 27%). El estudio es relevante, considerando que el estrés ocupacional puede generar consecuencias negativas a la salud física y psíquica de los trabajadores y aún perjuicios a las organizaciones e instituciones, por los alejamientos por motivo de enfermedad de los trabajadores, pérdida de la productividad y de la calidad del servicio prestado.

Diaphragm quantitative electromyography in difficult-to-treat asthmatic patients.

Quantitative electromyography is an important tool to evaluate myopathies, and some difficult-to-treat asthmatic patients may have a subclinical corticosteroid myopathic process, using only inhaled corticosteroid, according to some studies. In this report, diaphragm quantitative electromyography was used to evaluate asthmatic difficult-to-treat patients, comparing them with a control group. Significant differences were obtained in amplitude, duration and size index of motor unit action potentials, with lower parameters in the asthmatic patients, which may indicate a myopathic process.

Diaphragm quantitative electromyography in difficult-to-treat asthmatic patients / Eletromiografia quantitativa do diafragma em pacientes com asma de difícil controle

ABSTRACT Quantitative electromyography is an important tool to evaluate myopathies, and some difficult-to-treat asthmatic patients may have a subclinical corticosteroid myopathic process, using only inhaled corticosteroid, according to some studies. In this report, diaphragm quantitative electromyography was used to evaluate asthmatic difficult-to-treat patients, comparing them with a control group. Significant differences were obtained in amplitude, duration and size index of motor unit action potentials, with lower parameters in the asthmatic patients, which may indicate a myopathic process.

RESUMO Eletromiografia quantitativa é uma ferramenta importante para a avaliação de miopatias, e alguns pacientes asmáticos de difícil controle podem ter um processo miopático subclínico, mesmo usando apenas corticosteroides inalatórios, de acordo com alguns artigos. Nesse artigo a eletromiografia quantitativa do diafragma foi usada para avaliar os pacientes asmáticos de difícil controle, comparando com um grupo controle. Diferenças significativas nas amplitudes, durações e índices de tamanho dos potenciais de unidades motoras foram encontradas, com parâmetros mais baixos nos pacientes asmáticos, o que pode indicar um processo miopático.

Phrenic nerve conduction studies: normative data and technical aspects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to define normative data of phrenic nerve conduction parameters of a healthy population. METHODS: Phrenic nerve conduction studies were performed in 27 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The normative limits for expiratory phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential were: amplitude (0.47 mv - 0.83 mv), latency (5.74 ms - 7.10 ms), area (6.20 ms/mv - 7.20 ms/mv) and duration (18.30 ms - 20.96 ms). Inspiratory normative limits were: amplitude (0.67 mv - 1.11 mv), latency (5.90 ms - 6.34 ms), area (5.62 ms/mv - 6.72 ms/mv) and duration (13.77 ms - 15.37 ms). CONCLUSION: The best point of phrenic nerve stimulus in the neck varies among individuals between the medial and lateral border of the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and stimulation of both sites, then choosing the best phrenic nerve response, seems to be the appropriate procedure.

Phrenic nerve conduction studies: normative data and technical aspects / Aspectos técnicos e normatização da neurocondução do nervo frênico

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to define normative data of phrenic nerve conduction parameters of a healthy population. Methods: Phrenic nerve conduction studies were performed in 27 healthy volunteers. Results: The normative limits for expiratory phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential were: amplitude (0.47 mv - 0.83 mv), latency (5.74 ms - 7.10 ms), area (6.20 ms/mv - 7.20 ms/mv) and duration (18.30 ms - 20.96 ms). Inspiratory normative limits were: amplitude (0.67 mv - 1.11 mv), latency (5.90 ms - 6.34 ms), area (5.62 ms/mv - 6.72 ms/mv) and duration (13.77 ms - 15.37 ms). Conclusion: The best point of phrenic nerve stimulus in the neck varies among individuals between the medial and lateral border of the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and stimulation of both sites, then choosing the best phrenic nerve response, seems to be the appropriate procedure.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi definir os dados normativos de condução do nervo frênico de uma população saudável. Métodos: Foram realizados estudos de condução do nervo frênico em 27 voluntários saudáveis. Resultados: Os limites normais do potencial de ação muscular composto do nervo frênico durante a expiração foram: amplitude (0.47 mv - 0.83 mv), latência (5.74 ms - 7.10 ms), área (6.20 ms/mv - 7.20 ms/mv) e duração (18.30 ms - 20.96 ms). E durante a inspiração os limites normais foram: amplitude (0.67 mv - 1.11 mv), latência (5.90 ms - 6.34 ms), área (5.62 ms/mv - 6.72 ms/mv) e duração (13.77 ms - 15.37 ms). Conclusão: O melhor ponto de estímulo do nervo frênico no pescoço varia entre a borda medial e lateral da cabeça clavicular do músculo esternocleidomastóideo. Estimular ambos os locais e escolher a melhor resposta do nervo frênico parece ser o procedimento mais adequado.

Residual frying oil in the diets of sheep: intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal ammonia nitrogen in lambs of diets containing different levels of residual frying oil. METHODS: Levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 g/kg dry matter (DM) base of residual frying oil in the diets of lambs were evaluated. Five castrated lambs with initial body weights of 36.8±3.3 kg, distributed in a Latin square (5×5) design, were used. RESULTS: There was a decreasing linear effect on the intake of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates (TCH), and nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFC). There was an increased linear intake of ether extract (EE). The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, TCH, and NFC, as well as urine nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance and ruminal parameters, were not influenced by different levels of residual frying oil in the diet. EE digestibility presented a crescent linear effect. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the addition of residual frying oil to the diets of sheep can affect nutrient intake without affecting the digestibility of most nutrients (with the exception of EE), nitrogen balance and ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration.