Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 1.106
Filter
1.
Sensors (Basel) ; 24(13)2024 Jun 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39000851

ABSTRACT

This study investigates gender differences in core muscle morphology among elite alpine skiers using ultrasonography, highlighting significant disparities that could influence training and injury prevention strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, examining ultrasound imaging (USI) in 22 elite skiers (11 male, 11 female) to assess the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted, with male skiers displaying greater muscle thickness, particularly in the right IO and RA and left IO, EO, TrAb, and RA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that male and female skiers may require different training approaches to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physical demands on elite skiers and underscores the need for gender-specific training regimens to enhance athletic outcomes and prevent injuries.


Subject(s)
Skiing , Ultrasonography , Humans , Skiing/physiology , Female , Male , Ultrasonography/methods , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Young Adult , Sex Factors , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging , Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology , Athletes , Abdominal Muscles/diagnostic imaging , Abdominal Muscles/physiology , Abdominal Muscles/anatomy & histology
2.
PLoS One ; 19(7): e0303908, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38995983

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess pre-shot combinations and game-location influence, together with the traditional game-related statistics to evaluate their impact in the performance of the teams in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB) Spanish basketball league. The COVID-19 season was a great opportunity to better analyse the effect of game-location among ACB-teams to evaluate the differences between winners and losers. A retrospective cross-sectional study of the 2019-2020 ACB season (137 games of the regular season and 33 games of the final stage) was carried out. Game-related statistics were gathered from InStat (https://basketball.instatscout.com/). To evaluate the key performance indicators in this context, a discriminant analysis together with a binary logistic regression were run. The main results revealed that specific variables (normalized per minute played), such as points, field-goal percentage, field goals made, defensive rebounds, assists, and contested field goals made, played a crucial role in classifying winners and losers (p<0.05). Defensive rebounds (0.29±0.05 vs 0.24±0.04, p < 0.001), and assists (0.23±0.05 vs 0.19±0.04, p = 0.042), were key performance indicators for home-court winners. Defensive rebounds (0.29±0.05 vs 0.25±0.04, p < 0.001), and field-goal percentage (48.2±5.31 vs 42.7±5.95, p = 0.009) were key performance variables for away-court winners. Neutral-court winners had better isolation efficiency (49.5±31.6 vs 33.3±31.4, p < 0.05) and contested shot percentage (48.2±6.02 vs 44.8±5.34, p < 0.05) in the context of neutral-court tournaments. Uncontested shots and pick-and-roll efficiency seem not to be so important in the ACB when compared to the (National Basketball Association) NBA. Teams should look for players who assist to good shooters, as well as the presence of specialized players proficient in defensive rebounding. In the context of neutral-court tournaments, the importance of isolations and contested-shot performance is critical.


Subject(s)
Athletic Performance , Basketball , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Athletic Performance/physiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Retrospective Studies , Spain/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Male , Athletes
3.
PeerJ ; 12: e17481, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38881857

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious pathology that shows vascular changes during pregnancy, as well as in the placentas. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors for preeclampsia in hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19. As well as comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes in hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19 and preeclampsia with those without preeclampsia. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 100 hospitalized pregnant women from two tertiary hospitals, diagnosed with COVID-19, and divided into two groups: PE+ group (pregnant women with COVID-19 and preeclampsia) and PE- group (pregnant women with COVID-19 without preeclampsia). These pregnant women had prevalence, risk factors, maternal and perinatal data analyzed. Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia was 11%. Severe COVID-19 was the main risk factor for preeclampsia (OR = 8.18 [CI 1.53-43.52]), as well as fetal growth restriction was the main perinatal outcome (OR = 8.90 [CI 1.52-38.4]). Comorbidities were more frequent in the PE+ group (63.6% vs 31.5%, p = 0.03), as well as prematurity (81.8% vs 41.6%, p = 0.02), low birth weight (63.6% vs 24.7%, p = 0.01), and the need for neonatal intensive care admission of the newborn (63.6% vs 27.0%, p = 0.03). Pregnant women with PE had twice as long a length of stay in the intensive care unit (RR = 2.35 [CI 1.34-4.14]). Although maternal mortality was more frequent among pregnant women with PE, it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Prevalence of preeclampsia in hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19 was 11%. Severe COVID-19 was the main risk factor for preeclampsia and associated comorbidities increased the risk for developing preeclampsia. Long length of stay in the intensive care unit was the main maternal outcome and fetal growth restriction was the main perinatal outcome of preeclampsia.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pre-Eclampsia , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Pregnancy Outcome , SARS-CoV-2 , Tertiary Care Centers , Humans , Pregnancy , Female , Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/mortality , Brazil/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Adult , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology , Risk Factors , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Prevalence , Infant, Newborn , Fetal Growth Retardation/epidemiology , Fetal Growth Retardation/virology , Comorbidity
4.
J Appl Crystallogr ; 57(Pt 3): 793-807, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38846767

ABSTRACT

Controlling the shape and size dispersivity and crystallinity of nanoparticles (NPs) has been a challenge in identifying these parameters' role in the physical and chemical properties of NPs. The need for reliable quantitative tools for analyzing the dispersivity and crystallinity of NPs is a considerable problem in optimizing scalable synthesis routes capable of controlling NP properties. The most common tools are electron microscopy (EM) and X-ray scattering techniques. However, each technique has different susceptibility to these parameters, implying that more than one technique is necessary to characterize NP systems with maximum reliability. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) is mandatory to access information on crystallinity. In contrast, EM or small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is required to access information on whole NP sizes. EM provides average values on relatively small ensembles in contrast to the bulk values accessed by X-ray techniques. Besides the fact that the SAXS and WAXS techniques have different susceptibilities to size distributions, SAXS is easily affected by NP-NP interaction distances. Because of all the variables involved, there have yet to be proposed methodologies for cross-analyzing data from two techniques that can provide reliable quantitative results of dispersivity and crystallinity. In this work, a SAXS/WAXS-based methodology is proposed for simultaneously quantifying size distribution and degree of crystallinity of NPs. The most reliable easy-to-access size result for each technique is demonstrated by computer simulation. Strategies on how to compare these results and how to identify NP-NP interaction effects underneath the SAXS intensity curve are presented. Experimental results are shown for cubic-like CeO2 NPs. WAXS size results from two analytical procedures are compared, line-profile fitting of individual diffraction peaks in opposition to whole pattern fitting. The impact of shape dispersivity is also evaluated. Extension of the proposed methodology for cross-analyzing EM and WAXS data is possible.

5.
J Environ Radioact ; 278: 107484, 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38897046

ABSTRACT

In southern African countries most of the population uses groundwater collected in dug wells for domestic consumption instead of water from public distribution systems. To investigate the impact of natural and human factors on urban groundwater quality, 276 samples were collected in the Lubango region (Angola) in water distribution systems and dug wells ranging from a few meters to almost one hundred meters in depth. Radon concentrations (RC) were determined by liquid scintillation counting according to ISO 13164-4:2015. Geology is the main source of the variability of RC, with median values higher than 100 Bq/L in granitoid units and lower values in mafic and sedimentary units (ranging from 5 to 38 Bq/L). On average, RC was higher in dug wells compared to public water distribution systems. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in water is, on average, ten times lower in the later compared to dug wells. Therefore, from a public exposure perspective, water distribution systems are preferred as means for water distribution. A severe multi-year meteorological drought over the past decade affecting 76-94 % of the population in southern Angola has been linked with climate change. Consequently, a regional lowering of the water table was observed, as well as a reduction in the productivity of shallower wells, leading to a search for water at greater depths. This work demonstrates an increase in median RC from 66 Bq/L in wells shallower than 30 m to values over 100 Bq/L with increasing depth of water extraction and for the same geological unit. The highest RC observed were also observed at the deepest wells. The dose ingested is proportional to RC, being also higher at deeper water extraction depths. The increase in public radiation exposure from radon ingestion due to water extraction at greater depths is attributed to the underlying issue of climate change. Monitoring water quality in terms of radionuclide concentration is advised to ensure the exposure to ionizing radiation remains at acceptable levels in the future.

6.
Sensors (Basel) ; 24(10)2024 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38794110

ABSTRACT

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of "GSTRENGTH" for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach's alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland-Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999-1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992-1; α: 0.998-1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland-Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, "GSTRENGTH" was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF.


Subject(s)
Isometric Contraction , Humans , Isometric Contraction/physiology , Male , Adult , Knee Joint/physiology , Reproducibility of Results , Biomechanical Phenomena/physiology , Female , Young Adult , Exercise/physiology
7.
J Clin Oncol ; 42(20): 2377-2381, 2024 Jul 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38759121

ABSTRACT

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.NRG Oncology RTOG 0415 is a randomized phase III noninferiority (NI) clinical trial comparing conventional fractionation (73.8 Gy in 41 fractions) radiotherapy (C-RT) with hypofractionation (H-RT; 70 Gy in 28) in patients with low-risk prostate cancer. The study included 1,092 protocol-eligible patients initially reported in 2016 with a median follow-up of 5.8 years. Updated results with median follow-up of 12.8 years are now presented. The estimated 12-year disease-free survival (DFS) is 56.1% (95% CI, 51.5 to 60.5) for C-RT and 61.8% (95% CI, 57.2 to 66.0) for H-RT. The DFS hazard ratio (H-RT/C-RT) is 0.85 (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.03), confirming NI (P < .001). Twelve-year cumulative incidence of biochemical failure (BF) was 17.0% (95% CI, 13.8 to 20.5) for C-RT and 9.9% (95% CI, 7.5 to 12.6) for H-RT. The HR (H-RT/C-RT) comparing biochemical recurrence between the two arms was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.78). Late grade ≥3 GI adverse event (AE) incidence is 3.2% (C-RT) versus 4.4% (H-RT), with relative risk (RR) for H-RT versus C-RT 1.39 (95% CI, 0.75 to 2.55). Late grade ≥3 genitourinary (GU) AE incidence is 3.4% (C-RT) versus 4.2% (H-RT), RR 1.26 (95% CI, 0.69 to 2.30). Long-term DFS is noninferior with H-RT compared with C-RT. BF is less with H-RT. No significant differences in late grade ≥3 GI/GU AEs were observed between assignments (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00331773).


Subject(s)
Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Prostatic Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Middle Aged , Disease-Free Survival , Radiation Dose Hypofractionation
8.
Ophthalmic Genet ; : 1-8, 2024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38557281

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To describe the phenotype and genotype of 10 Brazilian patients with variants in MFRP, posterior microphthalmos and retinal findings. METHODS: Complete ophthalmological evaluation was done at 4 different Brazilian centers. Genetic analysis was performed using commercial next generation sequencing panels for inherited retinal disorders. RESULTS: Ages of the patients ranged from 10 to 65 years and visual acuities from 0,05 to no perception of light. All were hyperopes (+4,25 to + 17,50) with a short axial length (14,4 mm to 18 mm). Common posterior segment features, though not present in all, were optic disc drusen (5/10), foveoschisis (5/10) and retinal pigmentary changes (8/10). Isolated patients presented with macular atrophy, serous retinal detachment, and chorioretinal folds. The most common variant in MFRP found in our patients was a deletion in exon 5 (c.498delC; p.Asn267Thrfs *25), present in all except 2 patients. Other variants found were c.523C>T (p.Gln175*), c.298delG (p.Ala100Argfs *37), c.666del (p.Thr223Argfs *83) and the novel variant c.257C>A (p.Ala86Asp). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Brazilian patients with posterior microphthalmos and pathogenic variants in MFRP and the first describe of the variant p.Ala86Asp in literature. Our cases confirm the previously reported phenotype of high hyperopia, optic disc drusen, alterations in foveal architecture, retinal pigmentary changes with loss of photoreceptor function and visual field constriction. Report of such a rare condition is important to increase awareness to the phenotype of posterior microphthalmia with associated retinal conditions.

9.
Nat Genet ; 56(4): 585-594, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38553553

ABSTRACT

We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 327 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their biological parents. We classified 37 of 327 (11.3%) children as having pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants and 58 of 327 (17.7%) as having variants of uncertain significance. Multiple classes of P/LP variants included single-nucleotide variants (SNVs)/indels (6.7%), copy number variations (3.4%) and mitochondrial mutations (1.5%). The COL4A1 gene had the most P/LP SNVs. We also analyzed two pediatric control cohorts (n = 203 trios and n = 89 sib-pair families) to provide a baseline for de novo mutation rates and genetic burden analyses, the latter of which demonstrated associations between de novo deleterious variants and genes related to the nervous system. An enrichment analysis revealed previously undescribed plausible candidate CP genes (SMOC1, KDM5B, BCL11A and CYP51A1). A multifactorial CP risk profile and substantial presence of P/LP variants combine to support WGS in the diagnostic work-up across all CP and related phenotypes.


Subject(s)
Cerebral Palsy , DNA Copy Number Variations , Humans , Child , DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics , Cerebral Palsy/genetics , Mutation , Whole Genome Sequencing , Genomics
11.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 11: 1338598, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38523910

ABSTRACT

Missed and delayed diagnoses of Hansen's disease (HD) are making the battle against it even more complex, increasing its transmission and significantly impacting those affected and their families. This strains public health systems and raises the risk of lifelong impairments and disabilities. Worryingly, the three countries most affected by HD witnessed a growth in new cases in 2022, jeopardizing the World Health Organization's targets to interrupt transmission. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help address these challenges by offering the potential for rapid case detection, customized treatment, and solutions for accessibility challenges-especially in regions with a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. This perspective article explores how AI can significantly impact the clinical management of HD, focusing on therapeutic strategies. AI can help classify cases, ensure multidrug therapy compliance, monitor geographical treatment coverage, and detect adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. In addition, AI can assist in the early detection of nerve damage, which aids in disability prevention and planning rehabilitation. Incorporating AI into mental health counseling is also a promising contribution to combating the stigma associated with HD. By revolutionizing therapeutic approaches, AI offers a holistic solution to reduce the burden of HD and improve patient outcomes.

12.
Bioprocess Biosyst Eng ; 47(5): 651-663, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38554182

ABSTRACT

During scaling of fermentations, choosing a bioreactor is fundamental to ensure the product's quality. This study aims to produce bioherbicides using Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation, evaluating process parameters in an Airlift bioreactor. As a response, we quantified the production of enzymes involved in the bioherbicide activity (amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, and peroxidase). In addition, it evaluated the agronomic efficiency of the fermented extract optimized through tests that promoted soybean growth and nodulation, soybean seed germination, and in vitro phytopathogen control. As a result of optimizing the scaling bioprocess, it was possible to obtain an adequate fermentation condition, which, when applied to soybean seeds, had beneficial effects on their growth. It allowed the production of an enzyme cocktail. These results add a crucial biotechnological potential factor for the success of the optimized formulation in the Airlift bioreactor, in addition to presenting relevant results for the scientific community.


Subject(s)
Bioreactors , Glycine max , Trichoderma , Glycine max/metabolism , Glycine max/growth & development , Trichoderma/growth & development , Trichoderma/metabolism , Fermentation
13.
Int J Stroke ; : 17474930241245828, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38546177

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized trials have shown the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in patients with an established large ischemic core. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to define baseline predictors of clinical outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) ⩽ 5, undergoing MT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with LVO and ASPECTS ⩽5 that received MT. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, including the differential contribution of all ASPECTS regions to the composite score, were collected. Primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2. Statistical analysis used a logistic regression model and random forest algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were available for analysis. In multivariate model, among baseline features, lower age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.943-0.982) and lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.862-0.963) were associated with the mRS score 0-2. Involvement of the M2 (OR = 0.398, 95% CI = 0.206-0.770) or M4 (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.260-0.945) ASPECTS regions was associated with an unfavorable outcome. Random forest analysis confirmed that age and baseline NIHSS score are the most important variables influencing clinical outcome, whereas involvement of cortical regions M5, M4, M2, and M1 can have a negative impact. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis shows that, along with age and baseline clinical impairment, presence of early ischemic changes involving cortical areas has a role in clinical outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing MT. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.

14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38397729

ABSTRACT

Burnout syndrome is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. Workers with high burnout scores who continue their professional activities are identified as experiencing non-clinical burnout (NCB), which includes early stages where burnout symptoms (BNS) are present but not yet severe enough to necessitate work leave. This study aimed to investigate the impact of BNS on attention performance among healthcare workers (HCWs) at a COVID-19 reference hospital during the pandemic. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was applied to assess the three burnout dimensions. The Continuous Visual Attention Test (CVAT) evaluated four different attention subdomains. Participants were divided into two groups based on their scores on the MBI: controls and NCB. Thirteen controls were matched with 13 NCB subjects based on age, sex, and HCW category. This sample (n = 26, 65% male) consisted of 11 physicians and 15 nursing professionals with a mean age of 35.3 years (standard deviation = 5.47). NCB subjects had higher impulsivity than controls. There were not any significant group differences in the other attention subdomains. We found significant correlations between impulsivity and all burnout dimensions: higher absolute scores in BNS are associated with higher impulsivity. We concluded that NCB leads to executive attention deficits.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Physicians , Psychological Tests , Self Report , Humans , Male , Adult , Female , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Health Personnel , Impulsive Behavior
15.
Appl Biochem Biotechnol ; 196(3): 1493-1508, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37428388

ABSTRACT

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a natural hormone present in some plants used in agricultural formulations as a growth regulator. Currently, its production on an industrial scale is performed by submerged fermentation using the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, which is associated with low yields, leaving the purification stages with high costs. An alternative is solid-state fermentation (SSF), which makes it possible to obtain higher concentrations of product using low-cost substrates, such as agroindustrial by-products. This research investigated the use of raw rice bran (RRB) and barley malt residue (BMR) as substrates for GA3 production by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi. Through two statistical designs, the effect of moisture (50 to 70 wt.%) and medium composition (RRB content between 30 and 70 wt.% to a mass ratio between RRB and BMR) was first evaluated. Using the best conditions previously obtained, the effect of adding glucose (carbon source, between 0 and 80 g·L-1) and ammonium nitrate-NH4NO3-(nitrogen source, between 0 and 5 g·L-1) on GA3 productivity was analyzed. The best yield was obtained using 30 wt.% RRB and 70 wt.% BMR for a medium with 70 wt.% of moisture after 7 days of process. It was also found that higher concentrations of NH4NO3 favor the GA3 formation for intermediate values of glucose content (40 g·L-1). Finally, a kinetic investigation showed an increasing behavior in the GA3 production (10.1 g·kg of substrate-1 was obtained), with a peak on the seventh day and subsequent tendency to stabilization.


Subject(s)
Fusarium , Gibberella , Gibberellins , Oryza , Fermentation , Glucose
16.
J Ultrasound ; 27(1): 73-80, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37493967

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of cardiac point of care ultra-sound is rapidly growing and so is the demand for quality POCUS teaching. POCUS teaching is usually conducted in small groups requiring much space and equipment. This study attempts to test whether providing access to an E-learning module as an adjunct to a cardiac POCUS course can increase students' image acquisition skills. This will show POCUS teaching can improve significantly without having to invest a significant amount of resources. METHODS: Medical students (N = 125) were divided into two groups and had undergone a hands-on Cardiac POCUS course before their internal clerkship. During the clerkship, members of both groups got to practice their POCUS skills in the internal wards. One group was provided with accounts to a cardiac POCUS teaching E-learning platform (eMedical Academy©). After limited time for self- practice, both groups underwent a pre-validated ultrasound examination. The two groups' test results were then compared for each POCUS view and for the total exam score. RESULTS: The E-learning group performed significantly better than the course-only group in the 6-min exam total score, and at acquiring the following views: parasternal long axis view, apical four-chamber view, and the inferior vena cava view. CONCLUSION: E-learning platforms can be an efficient tool for improving cardiac POCUS teaching and maintaining POCUS skills. Using it as a supplement to a hands-on course provides better POCUS skills without the need of extra hands-on teaching.


Subject(s)
Students, Medical , Humans , Learning , Echocardiography , Heart/diagnostic imaging , Time Factors
18.
Pediatr Pulmonol ; 59(2): 442-448, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38010812

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the most common lower airway infection in children under 2 years. Attempts to determine disease severity based on clinical and radiological manifestations are a major challenge. Measurements of the anatomy of the trachea and main bronchi are not only limited to pure anthropometry, but are also useful for better care of critically ill patients. The purpose of the study is to verify the association between measurements of the interbronchial angle (ITB) and the severity of respiratory disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which included all patients admitted to the Santo Antônio Children's Hospital, over a period of 1 year, with diagnosis of AVB by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was designed. ITB angle was measured and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Quantitative variables were compared and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. P-value <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 425 patients with AVB due to RSV were included. Most of these patients were male and the median age was 130 days, 91.11% of them required oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter, 3.3% used noninvasive ventilation and 4% used mechanical ventilation. Those who required MV or NIV and intensive care unit support were considered severe. The mean ITB was lower for these patients than for those of lesser severity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that there is an association between ITB and AVB severity. The smaller the ITB, the greater the disease severity.


Subject(s)
Bronchiolitis, Viral , Bronchiolitis , Pneumonia , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human , Child , Humans , Male , Infant , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnostic imaging , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/therapy , Bronchiolitis, Viral/diagnostic imaging , Bronchiolitis, Viral/therapy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Bronchiolitis/diagnostic imaging , Bronchiolitis/therapy
19.
Mar Pollut Bull ; 198: 115842, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38039579

ABSTRACT

This work reports assessing risks to human health resulting from mercury levels in sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis), which have been highly consumed by the low-income population from Salvador, Brazil. Mercury was determined using the Direct Mercury Analysis (DMA) in fifty-one commercially acquired samples in seventeen neighborhoods. The mercury content on a wet basis ranged from 0.023 to 0.083 µg g-1 for an average value of 0.039 µg g-1. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and maximum safe consuming quantity (MSCQ) were used in the toxicological assessment, and all these indices denoted that this food does not pose any risks to the human health of the population that consumes it. The development of this work was very significant because most sardines sold in Salvador originate from Todos os Santos Bay, which has a history of mercury contamination.


Subject(s)
Mercury , Animals , Humans , Mercury/analysis , Brazil , Environmental Monitoring , Food Contamination/analysis , Risk Assessment , Fishes
20.
World Neurosurg ; 183: e432-e439, 2024 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38154680

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the impact of general anesthesia (GA) versus conscious sedation/local anesthesia (CS/LA) on the outcome of patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing immediate mechanical thrombectomy (iMT). METHODS: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 who received iMT. Propensity score matching was used to estimate the effect of GA versus CS/LA on clinical outcomes and procedure-related adverse events. The primary outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1. Secondary outcome measures were a 90-day mRS score of 0-2 and all-cause mortality, successful reperfusion, procedural-related symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraprocedural dissections, and new territory embolism. RESULTS: Of the 172 patients who were selected, 55 received GA and 117 CS/LA. After propensity score matching, 47 pairs of patients were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome, rates of efficient reperfusion, and procedural-related complications between patients receiving GA or LA/CS (mRS score 0-1, P = 0.815; mRS score 0-2, P = 0.401; all-cause mortality, P = 0.408; modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, P = 0.374; symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, P = 0.082; intraprocedural dissection, P = 0.408; new territory embolism, P = 0.462). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing iMT, the type of anesthesia does not affect clinical outcome or the rate of procedural-related complications. Our results agree with recent data showing no benefit of one specific anesthesiologic procedure over the other and confirm their generalizability also to patients with minor baseline symptoms.


Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia , Embolism , Endovascular Procedures , Stroke , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage , Humans , Brain Ischemia/etiology , Anesthesia, Local/adverse effects , Conscious Sedation/methods , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Stroke/etiology , Anesthesia, General/methods , Thrombectomy/methods , Endovascular Procedures/methods , Embolism/complications
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...