Discordance Between the Initial Diagnosis of Sarcomas and Subsequent Histopathological Revision and Molecular Analyses in a Sarcoma Reference Center in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To investigate the discordance in sarcoma diagnoses between nonspecialized institutions following revision by dedicated sarcoma pathologists at a reference center in Brazil and the relevance of molecular pathology in this context. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of sarcoma samples initially analyzed at outside laboratories and subsequently reviewed by two specialized pathologists between January 2014 and December 2020. After obtaining demographic and tumor characteristics, pathology results were matched and classified as complete discordance (CD; benign v malignant, sarcoma v other malignancies), partial concordance (similar diagnosis of connective tumor, but different grade/histological subtype/differentiation), and complete concordance (CC). The concordance for histology or grade, and the role of molecular assessments supporting the diagnosis were also independently determined. Statistical analyses were conducted through the kappa coefficient of agreement and adherence by χ2 test, χ2 test by Person, and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In total, 197 cases were included, with samples obtained predominately from male patients (57.9%) and localized/primary tumors (86.8%). Following revision, the most frequent final diagnoses were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (17.8%), well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (8.6%), and leiomyosarcoma (7.6%). CD was found in 13.2%, partial discordance in 45.2%, and CC in 41.6% of reviews (P < .001). We found a concordance for histology or grade of 53.5% (P < .001) and 51.8% (P < .001), respectively. Molecular assessments, comprising next-generation sequencing panels (79.5%) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (20.5%), were performed in 44 (22.3%) cases, with findings classified as of diagnostic relevance in 31.8%. CONCLUSION: In nearly 60% of the cases, the initial sarcoma diagnosis was modified when revised by a reference center and dedicated pathologists, assisted by molecular pathology techniques. These results justify the assembly of referral networks in countries with limited health care resources.

Educational interventions to prevent urinary infections in institutionalized elderly people. Quasi-experimental Study / Intervención educativa para prevenir las infecciones urinarias en ancianos institucionalizados. Estudio cuasi-experimental / Intervenção educativa para prevenção de infecções urinárias de idosos institucionalizados. Estudo quase-experimental

Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of an educational intervention among nursing professionals and caregivers to prevent urinary tract infections in institutionalized elderly people. Methods. this is a quasi-experimental study carried out with 20 people (7 nurses and 13 formal caregivers). A questionnaire was applied during the pre-intervention stage, then professional training was carried out and finally, the questionnaire was reapplied 6 months after the intervention. The prevalence profile and factors associated with urinary infections in 116 elderly people was evaluated before and after the educational interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using association and correlation tests, logistic regression model comparison and prevalence rates. Results. The average number of correct answers by the nursing professionals Invest Educ Enferm. 2024; 42(1): e05Educational interventions to prevent urinary infections in institutionalized elderly people. Quasi-experimental Studyand caregivers after the educational intervention increased from the pre to the post-test by 52% regarding signs of urinary infection, 32% regarding its symptoms, 72.5% regarding its treatment, 40% regarding personal/behavioral and morbidity-related risk factors, 59% regarding conditional factors and 43.8% regarding its preventive measures. The team of caregivers showed a greater gain in knowledge compared to the nursing team in almost every question (p<0.05). The length of time working in elderly care showed no positive correlation with any variable (R<1; p>0.05). The prevalence of urinary tract infection in the pre-intervention period was 33.62%, and 20% in the post-intervention period. Conclusion.The educational intervention was effective in preventing urinary tract infections in the elderly. The increased knowledge acquired by nurses and caregivers was associated with a reduction in the infection rate and an improvement in the most prevalent modifiable factors for the development of this type of pathology

Objetivo. Analizar la eficacia de una intervención educativa con profesionales de enfermería y cuidadores para prevenir las infecciones urinarias en ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos. Estudio cuasi-experimental realizado con 20 personas (7 enfermeros y 13 cuidadores formales). Se aplicó un cuestionario antes de la intervención, se llevó a cabo la capacitación de los enfermeros y se volvió a aplicar el cuestionario 6 meses después de la intervención. Se evaluó el perfil de prevalencia de las infecciones urinarias y los factores asociados de 116 ancianos antes y después de las intervenciones educativas. En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron pruebas de asociación y correlación, comparación de modelos de regresión logística y tasas de prevalencia. Resultados. El promedio de respuestas correctas del equipo de enfermería y de los cuidadores tras la intervención educativa aumentó del pre al post-test en un 52% con los signos de infección urinaria, un 32% con los síntomas, un 72.5% con el tratamiento, y un 40% con los factores de riesgo personales/conductuales y los relacionados con la morbilidad, un 59% con los factores condicionales y un 43.8% con las medidas preventivas. El equipo de cuidadores mostró una mayor aprehensión de conocimientos en relación al equipo de enfermería en casi todas las preguntas (p<0.05). El tiempo dedicado al cuidado de ancianos no mostró correlación positiva con ninguna variable (R<1; p>0.05). La prevalencia de infección urinaria en el período pre-intervención fue del 33.62% y en el post-intervención del 20%. Conclusión. La intervención educativa fue eficaz en la prevención de las infecciones urinarias en ancianos. El aumento de conocimientos adquiridos por los enfermeros y por los cuidadores se relacionó con la reducción de la tasa de infecciones y el mejoramiento de los factores modificables más prevalentes para desarrollar este tipo de patología.

Objetivo. Analisar a efetividade de intervenção educativa com profissionais de enfermagem e cuidadores para prevenção de infecções do trato urinário de idosos institucionalizados. Métodos. Estudo quase experimental realizado com 20 pessoas (7 enfermeiros e 13 cuidadores formais). Aplicou-se questionário na pré-intervenção, realizou-se capacitação dos profissionais e reaplicação do questionário 6 meses pós-intervenção. O perfil de prevalência de infecções urinárias e fatores associados de 116 idosos foi avaliado antes e após as intervenções educativas. Na análise estatística utilizou-se testes de associação e de correlação, comparação de modelos de regressão logística e de taxas de prevalência. Resultados. A média de acertos da equipe de enfermagem e de cuidadores, após intervenção educativa, aumentou do pré para o pós-teste em 52% com relação aos sinais de infecção urinária, 32% a sintomas, 72.5% tratamento, e 40% sobre fatores de risco pessoais/comportamentais e relacionados a morbidade, 59% a fatores condicionais e 43,8% sobre medidas preventivas. A equipe de cuidadores apresentou maior ganho de conhecimento em relação à equipe de enfermagem em quase todas as questões (p<0.05). O tempo de cuidado com idoso não apresentou correlação positiva com nenhuma variável (R<1; p>0.05). A prevalência de infecção do trato urinário no período pré-intervenção foi de 33.62% e pós intervenção 20%. Conclusão. A intervenção educativa foi efetiva na prevenção às infecções do trato urinário dos idosos. O aumento do conhecimento adquirido por enfermeiros e cuidadores foi associado à redução da taxa de infecções e à melhoria dos fatores modificáveis mais prevalentes para o desenvolvimento desse tipo de patologia.

Conhecimento de uma equipe multiprofissional sobre cuidados paliativos: estudo quase experimental / Knowledge of a multidisciplinary team about palliative care: quasi-experimental study / Conocimiento de un equipo multidisciplinario sobre cuidados paliativos: estudio cuasi-experimental

Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento da equipe multiprofissional de uma unidade clínica hospitalar, antes e depois de ações educativas sobre cuidados paliativos. Método: estudo quase experimental, tipo "antes e depois", em que não há aleatoriedade na seleção da população e o grupo controle são os participantes que sofreram a intervenção. Resultados: houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas respostas acerca do melhor momento para iniciar Cuidados Paliativos (54,3% para 80% de respostas corretas após as ações educativas) após as ações educativas. Nenhum participante tinha formação específica na área. Conclusão: após este estudo, houve mudanças na prática clínica. A instituição iniciou capacitações para as equipes, reforçando a relevância de estudos relacionados ao tema e necessidade de investimento em educação permanente a fim de mudar a realidade do sistema de saúde

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge of the multidisciplinary team of a hospital clinical unit, before and after educational actions on palliative care. Method: quasi-experimental study, "before and after", in which there is no randomness in the selection of the population and the control group are the participants who underwent the intervention. Results: there was a statistically significant difference in the answers regarding the best time to start Palliative Care (54.3% to 80% of correct answers after the educational actions) after the educational actions. No participant had specific training in the area. Conclusion: after this study, there were changes in clinical practice. The institution began training for teams, reinforcing the relevance of studies related to the topic and the need for investment in continuing education in order to change the reality of the health system

Objetivos: evaluar los conocimientos del equipo multidisciplinario de una unidad clínica hospitalaria, antes y después de acciones educativas sobre cuidados paliativos. Método: estudio cuasiexperimental, "antes y después", en el que no existe aleatoriedad en la selección de la población y el grupo control son los participantes que se sometieron a la intervención. Resultados: hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las respuestas respecto al mejor momento para iniciar los Cuidados Paliativos (54,3% a 80% de respuestas correctas después de las acciones educativas) después de las acciones educativas. Ningún participante contaba con formación específica en el área. Conclusión: después de este estudio, hubo cambios en la práctica clínica. La institución inició la capacitación de equipos, reforzando la relevancia de los estudios relacionados con el tema y la necesidad de invertir en educación continua para cambiar la realidad del sistema de salud

Transiliac Endoscopic-Assisted L5S1 Intraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technical Considerations and Potential Complications.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates in transiliac endoscopic-assisted L5S1 intraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF). METHODS: Between September 2020 and September 2021, patients with L5S1 degenerative disk disease were enrolled in a prospective study on transiliac L5S1 iLIF and followed for a minimum of 12 months. Conflict of the preoperative planned approach with the ilium was mandatory. The primary outcome measures were the Oswestry Disability Index, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for low back pain (VAS back) and leg pain (VAS leg), and the modified MacNab criteria. The secondary outcomes were complications and fusion rates. RESULTS: Five consecutive patients were enrolled: 2 males and 3 females with a mean age of 50 ± 12.9. All had 12 months' follow-up. The mean improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index, VAS back, and VAS leg (44 ± 11.75, 6.6 ± 1.7, and 4.7 ± 4.2, respectively) was more than 3 times the minimum clinically important difference. The modified MacNab criteria were good or excellent in 80% of cases at all endpoints. Three patients had ipsilateral lower limb dysesthesia. One patient had revision surgery for foraminal bone fragment removal. All patients achieved fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The transiliac iLIF is a feasible but demanding surgical technique that allows overcoming cases in which the ilium prevents endoscopic transforaminal access to L5S1. Our preliminary results had good clinical outcomes and high fusion rates. The main complication was late-onset dysesthesia of the ipsilateral lower limb, 10 to 14 days after surgery. Special care must be taken to prevent L5 dorsal root ganglion injury.

Long-Term Results of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer Using a Nondedicated Linear Accelerator.

Purpose: To present the long-term results of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early breast cancer using a nondedicated linear accelerator. Methods and Materials: The eligibility criteria were biopsy-proven invasive carcinoma, age ≥40 years, tumor size ≤3 cm, and N0M0. We excluded multifocal lesions and sentinel lymph node involvement. All patients had previously undergone breast magnetic resonance imaging. Breast-conserving surgery with margins and sentinel lymph node evaluation using frozen sections were performed in all cases. If there were no margins or involved sentinel lymph nodes, the patient was transferred from the operative suite to the linear accelerator room, where IORT was delivered (21 Gy). Results: A total of 209 patients who were followed up for ≥1.5 years from 2004 to 2019 were included. The median age was 60.3 years (range, 40-88.6), and the mean pT was 1.3 cm (range, 0.2-4). There were 90.5% pN0 cases (7.2% of micrometastases and 1.9% of macrometastases). Ninety-seven percent of the cases were margin free. The rate of lymphovascular invasion was 10.6%. Twelve patients were negative for hormonal receptors, and 28 patients were HER2 positive. The median Ki-67 index was 29% (range, 0.1-85). Intrinsic subtype stratification was as follows: luminal A, 62.7% (n = 131); luminal B, 19.1% (n = 40); HER2 enriched 13.4% (n = 28); and triple negative, 4.8% (n = 10). Within the median follow-up of 145 months (range, 12.8-187.1), the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year overall survival rates were 98%, 94.7%, and 88%, respectively. The 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year disease-free rates were 96.3%, 90%, and 75.6%, respectively. The 15-year local recurrence-free rate was 76%. Fifteen local recurrences (7.2%) occurred throughout the follow-up period. The mean time to local recurrence was 145 months (range, 12.8-187.1). As a first event, 3 cases of lymph node recurrence, 3 cases of distant metastasis, and 2 cancer-related deaths were recorded. Tumor size >1 cm, grade III, and lymphovascular invasion were identified as risk factors. Conclusions: Despite approximately 7% of recurrences, we may infer that IORT may still be a reasonable option for selected cases. However, these patients require a longer follow-up as recurrences may occur after 10 years.

Radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases using volumetric modulated arc therapy: a single institutional series.

Background: Patients with brain metastases (BM) live longer due to improved diagnosis and oncologic treatments. The association of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) with brain radiosurgery (SRS) allows complex dose distributions and faster treatment delivery to multiple lesions. Materials and methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of SRS for brain metastasis using VMAT. The primary endpoints were local disease-free survival (LDFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were intracranial disease-free survival (IDFS) and meningeal disease-free survival (MDFS). Results: The average number of treated lesions was 5.79 (range: 2-20) per treatment in a total of 113 patients. The mean prescribed dose was 18 Gy (range: 12-24 Gy). The median LDFS was 46 months. The LDFS in 6, 12, and 24 months was for 86%, 79%, and 63%, respectively. Moreover, brain progression occurred in 50 patients. The median overall survival was 47 months. The OS in 75%, 69%, and 61% patients was 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. IDFS was 6 and 24 months in 35% and 14% patients, respectively. The mean MDFS was 62 months; it was 6 and 24 months for 87% and 83% of patients. Acute severe toxicity was relatively rare. During follow-up, the rates of radionecrosis and neurocognitive impairment were low (10%). Conclusion: The use of VMAT-SRS for multiple BM was feasible, effective, and associated with low treatment-related toxicity rates. Thus, treatment with VMAT is a safe technique to plan to achieve local control without toxicity.

Clinical outcomes, complications and fusion rates in endoscopic assisted intraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF) versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF): systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aims to determine the clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates in endoscopic assisted intra-foraminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were: five or more consecutive patients who underwent iLIF or MI-TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases; description of the surgical technique; clinical outcome measures, complications and imaging assessment; minimum follow-up of 12 months. Surgical time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were extracted. Mean outcome improvements were pooled and compared with minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Pooled and direct meta-analysis were evaluated. We identified 42 eligible studies. The iLIF group had significantly lower mean intra-operative blood loss, unstandardized mean difference (UMD) 110.61 mL (95%CI 70.43; 150.80; p value < 0.0001), and significantly decreased length of hospital stay (UMD 2.36; 95%CI 1.77; 2.94; p value < 0.0001). Visual analogue scale (VAS) back, VAS leg and Oswestry disability index (ODI) baseline to last follow-up mean improvements were statistically significant (p value < 0.0001), and clinically important for both groups (MCID VAS back > 1.16; MCID VAS leg > 1.36; MCID > 12.40). There was no significant difference in complication nor fusion rates between both cohorts. Interbody fusion using either iLIF or MI-TLIF leads to significant and clinically important improvements in clinical outcomes for lumbar degenerative diseases. Both procedures provide high rates of fusion at 12 months or later, without significant difference in complication rates. iLIF is associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay. Study registration: PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews: Registration No. CRD42020180980, accessible at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ April 2020.

Resistência microbiana a medicamentos em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos / Resistencia microbiana a medicamentos en una institución de larga estadía para adultos mayores / Microbial drug resistance in a Nursing Home

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar os microrganismos e sua suscetibilidade antimicrobiana em uroculturas de idosos residentes de uma instituição de longa permanência. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal com 116 indivíduos de uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos de um município do sul da Bahia. O estudo foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa e utilizou-se Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Foram realizadas coleta e análise laboratorial de urina tipo I e urocultura. Realizaram-se testes de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos conforme os critérios do European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Para o diagnóstico de infecção do trato urinário, foram utilizados os critérios de McGeer. A análise de dados se deu por estatística descritiva, com frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados A prevalência de infecção do trato urinário foi de 33,62%, com predominância no sexo feminino e idade acima de 80 anos. Os uropatógenos foram: 69,2% Escherichia coli, 20,6% Klebsiella pneumoniae e 5,1% Providencia stuartii e Acinetobacter baumannii. As cepas de E. coli apresentaram suscetibilidade para a maior parte dos antimicrobianos; já nas de K. pneumoniae, a suscetibilidade foi variável. P. stuartii e A. baumannii não apresentaram resistência a carbapenêmicos e aos betalactâmicos aztreonam e piperacilina associados a tazobactam. Conclusão As cepas mais prevalentes e o perfil de suscetibilidade seguiram padrão próximo ao hospitalar, o que implica a necessidade de a instituição promover melhores estratégias de controle de infecção e envolver a equipe de enfermagem no gerenciamento dos casos e na qualificação da prescrição antimicrobiana, para reduzir a resistência bacteriana e efeitos adversos nos idosos.

Resumen Objetivo Caracterizar los microorganismos y su susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en urocultivos de adultos mayores residentes en una institución de larga estadía. Métodos Estudio observacional transversal con 116 individuos de una institución de larga estadía para adultos mayores de un municipio del sur del estado de Bahia. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de Investigación y se utilizó Consentimiento Informado. Se obtuvieron muestras de orina, con las cuales se realizó análisis de laboratorio tipo I y urocultivo. Se realizaron pruebas de sensibilidad a antimicrobianos según los criterios del European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Para el diagnóstico de infección del tracto urinario, se utilizaron los criterios de McGeer. El análisis de datos se obtuvo mediante estadística descriptiva, con frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados La prevalencia de infección del tracto urinario fue del 33,62 %, con predominancia del sexo femenino y edad superior a 80 años. Los uropatógenos fueron: 69,2 % Escherichia coli, 20,6 % Klebsiella pneumoniae y 5,1 % Providencia stuartii y Acinetobacter baumannii. Las cepas de E. coli presentaron susceptibilidad en la mayor parte de los antimicrobianos, en las de K. pneumoniae, la susceptibilidad fue variable. P. stuartii y A. baumannii no presentaron resistencia a carbapenémicos ni a los betalactámicos aztreonam y piperacilina asociados a tazobactam. Conclusión Las cepas más prevalentes y el perfil de susceptibilidad presentaron un patrón parecido al hospitalario, lo que implica la necesidad de que la institución promueva mejores estrategias de control de infecciones e involucre al equipo de enfermería en la gestión de los casos y en la cualificación de la prescripción antimicrobiana para reducir la resistencia bacteriana y los efectos adversos en los adultos mayores.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar os microrganismos e sua suscetibilidade antimicrobiana em uroculturas de idosos residentes de uma instituição de longa permanência. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal com 116 indivíduos de uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos de um município do sul da Bahia. O estudo foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa e utilizou-se Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Foram realizadas coleta e análise laboratorial de urina tipo I e urocultura. Realizaram-se testes de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos conforme os critérios do European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Para o diagnóstico de infecção do trato urinário, foram utilizados os critérios de McGeer. A análise de dados se deu por estatística descritiva, com frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados A prevalência de infecção do trato urinário foi de 33,62%, com predominância no sexo feminino e idade acima de 80 anos. Os uropatógenos foram: 69,2% Escherichia coli, 20,6% Klebsiella pneumoniae e 5,1% Providencia stuartii e Acinetobacter baumannii. As cepas de E. coli apresentaram suscetibilidade para a maior parte dos antimicrobianos; já nas de K. pneumoniae, a suscetibilidade foi variável. P. stuartii e A. baumannii não apresentaram resistência a carbapenêmicos e aos betalactâmicos aztreonam e piperacilina associados a tazobactam. Conclusão As cepas mais prevalentes e o perfil de suscetibilidade seguiram padrão próximo ao hospitalar, o que implica a necessidade de a instituição promover melhores estratégias de controle de infecção e envolver a equipe de enfermagem no gerenciamento dos casos e na qualificação da prescrição antimicrobiana, para reduzir a resistência bacteriana e efeitos adversos nos idosos.

Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy for spinal metastases: experience at a single Brazilian institution.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with spine metastases who underwent stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) as part of their treatment. SABR has arisen as a contemporary treatment option for spinal metastasis patients with good prognoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2010 and September 2018, Spinal SABR was performed in patients with metastatic disease in different settings: radical (SABR only), postoperative (after decompression and/or fixation surgery), and reirradiation. Local control (LC), pain control, overall survival (OS) and toxicities were reported. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (corresponding to 96 treatments) with spine metastases were included. The median age was 59 years (range, 23-91). In most SA BR (82.3%, n = 79) was performed as the first local spine treatment, while in 12 settings (12.5%), fixation and/or decompression surgery was performed prior to SABR. Two-year overall survival rate was 74.1%, and median survival was 19 months. The LC rate at 2 years was 72.3%. With regard to pain control, among 67 patients presenting with pain before SA BR, 83.3% had a complete response, 12.1% had a partial response, and 4.6% had progression. Vertebral compression fractures occurred in 10 patients (11.7%), of which 5 cases occurred in the reirradiation setting. Radiculopathy and myelopathy were not observed. No grade III or IV toxicities were seen. CONCLUSION: This is the first study presenting a Brazilian experience with spinal SA BR, and the results confirm its feasibility and safety. SABR was shown to produce good local and pain control rates with low rates of adverse events.

Factors associated with urinary tract infection in a Nursing Home.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the factors associated with urinary tract infection occurrence in institutionalized elderly. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study with 116 elderly people from a Nursing Home. Urinary tract infection diagnosis was carried out through urine culture and clinical assessment. Demographic data and associated factors were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis included bivariate analysis and logistic regression models. RESULTS: the factors associated with urinary tract infection (p<0.05) were being female; wheelchair user; diaper use; diuretic use; urinary and bowel incontinence; type 1 diabetes; benign prostatic hyperplasia; dehydration. CONCLUSION: this study revealed that it is important to consider non-modifiable factors such as sex and clinical comorbidities; however, dehydration, a modifiable factor, increased the chances of developing urinary tract infections by 40 times among institutionalized elderly and demands greater attention from the health team.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Factors associated with urinary tract infection in a Nursing Home / Factores asociados a la infección del tracto urinario en un Hogar para Ancianos / Fatores associados à infecção de trato urinário em Instituição de Longa Permanência para idosos

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with urinary tract infection occurrence in institutionalized elderly. Methods: this is a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study with 116 elderly people from a Nursing Home. Urinary tract infection diagnosis was carried out through urine culture and clinical assessment. Demographic data and associated factors were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis included bivariate analysis and logistic regression models. Results: the factors associated with urinary tract infection (p<0.05) were being female; wheelchair user; diaper use; diuretic use; urinary and bowel incontinence; type 1 diabetes; benign prostatic hyperplasia; dehydration. Conclusion: this study revealed that it is important to consider non-modifiable factors such as sex and clinical comorbidities; however, dehydration, a modifiable factor, increased the chances of developing urinary tract infections by 40 times among institutionalized elderly and demands greater attention from the health team.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de infección del tracto urinario en ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudio transversal, analítico con abordaje cuantitativo, con 116 ancianos de um Hogar para Ancianos. El diagnóstico de infección del tracto urinario se realizó mediante urocultivo y evaluación clínica. Los datos demográficos y los factores asociados se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. El análisis estadístico incluyó análisis bivariado y modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: los factores asociados a la infección del tracto urinario (p<0.05) fueron: mujeres; silla de ruedas; uso de pañales; uso de diuréticos; incontinencia urinaria y fecal; diabetes tipo 1; hiperplasia prostática benigna; deshidración. Conclusión: es importante considerar factores no modificables como el sexo y las comorbilidades clínicas, pero la presencia de deshidratación, un factor modificable, aumentó 40 veces la posibilidad de desarrollar infecciones del tracto urinario entre los ancianos institucionalizados y exige una mayor atención por parte del equipo de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à ocorrência de infecção do trato urinário em idosos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudo transversal, analítico, de abordagem quantitativa, com 116 idosos de uma Instituição de Longa Permanência. O diagnóstico de infecção urinária foi por meio de urocultura e avaliação clínica. Os dados demográficos e fatores associados foram obtidos dos prontuários. A análise estatística compreendeu análise bivariada e modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: os fatores associados à infecção de trato urinário (p<0,05) foram: sexo feminino; cadeirante; uso de fraldas; uso de diuréticos; incontinência urinária e fecal; diabetes tipo 1; hiperplasia benigna de próstata; desidratação. Conclusão: o estudo revelou que é importante considerar os fatores não modificáveis como sexo e comorbidades clínicas, mas a presença de desidratação, um fator modificável, aumentou em 40 vezes a chance de desenvolver infecções de trato urinário entre os idosos institucionalizados e demanda maior atenção da equipe de saúde.

Factors associated with urinary tract infection in a Nursing Home / Factores asociados a la infección del tracto urinario en un Hogar para Ancianos / Fatores associados à infecção de trato urinário em Instituição de Longa Permanência para idosos

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with urinary tract infection occurrence in institutionalized elderly. Methods: this is a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study with 116 elderly people from a Nursing Home. Urinary tract infection diagnosis was carried out through urine culture and clinical assessment. Demographic data and associated factors were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis included bivariate analysis and logistic regression models. Results: the factors associated with urinary tract infection (p<0.05) were being female; wheelchair user; diaper use; diuretic use; urinary and bowel incontinence; type 1 diabetes; benign prostatic hyperplasia; dehydration. Conclusion: this study revealed that it is important to consider non-modifiable factors such as sex and clinical comorbidities; however, dehydration, a modifiable factor, increased the chances of developing urinary tract infections by 40 times among institutionalized elderly and demands greater attention from the health team.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de infección del tracto urinario en ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudio transversal, analítico con abordaje cuantitativo, con 116 ancianos de um Hogar para Ancianos. El diagnóstico de infección del tracto urinario se realizó mediante urocultivo y evaluación clínica. Los datos demográficos y los factores asociados se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. El análisis estadístico incluyó análisis bivariado y modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: los factores asociados a la infección del tracto urinario (p<0.05) fueron: mujeres; silla de ruedas; uso de pañales; uso de diuréticos; incontinencia urinaria y fecal; diabetes tipo 1; hiperplasia prostática benigna; deshidración. Conclusión: es importante considerar factores no modificables como el sexo y las comorbilidades clínicas, pero la presencia de deshidratación, un factor modificable, aumentó 40 veces la posibilidad de desarrollar infecciones del tracto urinario entre los ancianos institucionalizados y exige una mayor atención por parte del equipo de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à ocorrência de infecção do trato urinário em idosos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudo transversal, analítico, de abordagem quantitativa, com 116 idosos de uma Instituição de Longa Permanência. O diagnóstico de infecção urinária foi por meio de urocultura e avaliação clínica. Os dados demográficos e fatores associados foram obtidos dos prontuários. A análise estatística compreendeu análise bivariada e modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: os fatores associados à infecção de trato urinário (p<0,05) foram: sexo feminino; cadeirante; uso de fraldas; uso de diuréticos; incontinência urinária e fecal; diabetes tipo 1; hiperplasia benigna de próstata; desidratação. Conclusão: o estudo revelou que é importante considerar os fatores não modificáveis como sexo e comorbidades clínicas, mas a presença de desidratação, um fator modificável, aumentou em 40 vezes a chance de desenvolver infecções de trato urinário entre os idosos institucionalizados e demanda maior atenção da equipe de saúde.

Validação de conteúdo para um instrumento para avaliação de estudantes de Medicina em sessões tutoriais / Validation of content for an instrument to assess medical students in tutorial sessions

Resumo: Introdução: O perfil do médico esperado no Brasil compreende um profissional com visão holística do ser humano. Para alcançar esse perfil, as metodologias ativas de ensino, como a aprendizagem baseada em problemas (ABP), vêm ganhando espaço. Para que a ABP atinja todos os seus objetivos na formação do profissional, uma boa avaliação é indispensável. A disponibilidade de instrumentos de avaliação validados representa um avanço na tentativa de mensurar e direcionar o aprendizado. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos desenvolver e validar o conteúdo para um instrumento de avaliação de estudantes em sessões tutoriais para uso em cursos de Medicina que utilizem a metodologia ABP. Método: Para a construção da versão preliminar do conteúdo destinado ao instrumento, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática rápida nas bases de dados PubMed, Ebsco e BVS. Com a revisão, desenvolveu-se a versão preliminar, que contou com 24 itens agrupados em três domínios (utilização de recursos de aprendizagem, compreensão e raciocínio - D1, profissionalismo e trabalho em equipe - D2 e resolução de problemas e efetividade no grupo - D3), cada um com oito itens. Essa versão foi encaminhada a um painel de especialistas composto por tutores com pelo menos cinco anos de experiência em ABP da Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), por meio da metodologia Delphi. Resultados: Dos 32 membros inicialmente previstos no painel, 17 foram incluídos na análise dos dados, por terem respondido ao questionário completamente. Na primeira rodada, alcançou-se um valor de concordância parcial ou total superior a 70%, valor inicialmente previsto para todos os 24 itens do instrumento, o que dispensou a necessidade de uma segunda rodada. Para diminuir o número final de itens, optou-se por manter apenas os itens com pelo menos 70% de concordância total, tendo a versão final do instrumento quatro itens no D1, cinco no D2 e quatro no D3. Conclusões: O instrumento foi validado com um total de 13 itens. O conteúdo para o instrumento apresentou componentes com várias semelhanças em relação aos encontrados nos instrumentos publicados na literatura e já validados, que, por sua vez, estão de acordo com os objetivos de aprendizagem propostos pela ABP.

Abstract: Introduction: The expected doctor profile in Brazil comprises a professional with a holistic view of the human being. To achieve this profile, active teaching methodologies, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), are gaining ground. For PBL to achieve all its objectives in the training of professionals, good assessment is essential. The availability of validated assessment instruments represents an advance in the attempt to measure and direct learning. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate the content for an instrument for assessing students in tutorial sessions for use in medical courses that use PBL methodology. Method: For the construction of the preliminary version of the content for the instrument, a Rapid Systematic Review was carried out in the PUBMED, EBSCO and BVS databases. The preliminary version was thus developed with 24 items grouped in three domains (use of learning, understanding and reasoning resources - D1, Professionalism and teamwork - D2, and Problem-solving and group effectiveness - D3), each with eight items. This version was sent to a panel of experts made up of tutors with at least five years' experience in PBL at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), using the Delphi methodology. Results: Of the 32 members initially earmarked for the panel, 17 were included in the data analysis, for having fully answered the questionnaire. In the first round, a partial or total agreement value greater than 70 percent was reached, which was initially expected, for all 24 items of the instrument, which dispensed with the need for a second round. To reduce the final number of items, only those with at least 70 percent total agreement were maintained, with the final version of the instrument containing four items on D1, five on D2 and four on D3. Conclusions: The instrument was validated with a total of thirteen items. The content for the instrument brought components with several similarities to those that make up the instruments published in the literature that have already been validated, which in turn are in accordance with the learning objectives proposed by PBL.

The Lisbon Supramolecular Green Story: Mechanochemistry towards New Forms of Pharmaceuticals.

This short review presents and highlights the work performed by the Lisbon Group on the mechanochemical synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) multicomponent compounds. Here, we show some of our most relevant contributions on the synthesis of supramolecular derivatives of well-known commercial used drugs and the corresponding improvement on their physicochemical properties. The study reflects, not only our pursuit of using crystal engineering principles for the search of supramolecular entities, but also our aim to correlate them with the desired properties. The work also covers our results on polymorphic screening and describes our proposed alternatives to induce and maintain specific polymorphic forms, and our approach to avoid polymorphism using APIs as ionic liquids. We want to stress that all the work was performed using mechanochemistry, a green advantageous synthetic technique.

Involvement of the central nervous system in neuroblastomas: A potential direct pathway.

Although frequently disseminated to other anatomical sites, neuroblastoma (NB) is rarely reported as involving the central nervous system (CNS), which may reflect insufficient research in poorly controlled systemic disease. Here we demonstrate the involvement of the CNS in patients with NB over 18 months of age at diagnosis of extensive systemic disease. Meningeal metastases were observed even in the presence of complete systemic control. Although no improvement in patient's survival was observed, radiotherapy was effective in preventing CNS recurrence after observation of actual or previous dural disease. In conclusion, this study uncovered the uncommon pathologic involvement of the CNS in children with advanced NB and underscores the meningeal surface as a potential pathway for this to occur.

Prostate brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds: analysis of a single institutional cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives: Brachytherapy (BT) with iodine-125 seeds placement is a consolidated treatment for prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer who underwent low-dose-rate (LDR) -BT alone in a single Brazilian institution. Materials and Methods: Patients treated with iodine-125 BT were retrospectively assessed after at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients who received combination therapy (External beam radiation therapy-EBRT and BT) and salvage BT were not included. Results: 406 men were included in the study (65.5% low-risk, 30% intermediate-risk, and 4.5% high-risk patients). After a median follow-up of 87.5 months, 61 (15.0%) patients developed biochemical recurrence. The actuarial biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS) at 5 and 10 years were 90.6% and 82.2%, respectively. A PSA nadir ≥ 1 ng / mL was associated with a higher risk of biochemical failure (HR = 5.81; 95% CI: 3.39 to 9.94; p ≤ 0.001). The actuarial metastasis-free survival (MFS) at 5 and 10 years were 98.3% and 94%, respectively. The actuarial overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years were 96.2% and 85.1%, respectively. Acute and late grade 2 and 3 gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in 5.6%, 0.5%, 4.6% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. For genitourinary the observed acute and late grade 2 and 3 toxicities rates were 57.3%, 3.6%, 28% and 3.1%, respectively. No grade 4 and 5 were observed. Conclusions: BT was effective as a definitive treatment modality for prostate cancer, and its endpoints and toxicities were comparable to those of the main series in the literature.