Rhizoglomus variabile and Nanoglomus plukenetiae, Native to Peru, Promote Coffee Growth in Western Amazonia.

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is among the world's most economically important crops. Coffee was shown to be highly dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in traditionally managed coffee plantations in the tropics. The objective of this study was to assess AMF species richness in coffee plantations of four provinces in Perú, to isolate AMF isolates native to these provinces, and to test the effects of selected indigenous AMF strains on coffee growth. AMF species were identified by morphological tools on the genus level, and if possible further to the species level. Two native species, Rhizoglomus variabile and Nanoglomus plukenetiae, recently described from the Peruvian mountain ranges, were successfully cultured in the greenhouse on host plants. In two independent experiments, both species were assessed for their ability to colonize coffee seedlings and improve coffee growth over 135 days. A total of 35 AMF morphospecies were identified from 12 plantations. The two inoculated species effectively colonized coffee roots, which resulted in 3.0-8.6 times higher shoot, root and total biomass, when compared to the non-mycorrhizal controls. R. variabile was superior to N. plukenetiae in all measured parameters, increasing shoot, root, and total biomass dry weight by 4.7, 8.6 and 5.5 times, respectively. The dual inoculation of both species, however, did not further improve plant growth, when compared to single-species inoculations. The colonization of coffee by either R. variabile or N. plukenetiae strongly enhances coffee plant growth. R. variabile, in particular, offers enormous potential for improving coffee establishment and productivity. Assessment of further AMF species, including species from other AMF families should be considered for optimization of coffee growth promotion, both alone and in combination with R. variabile.

Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Decreased in Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Ixekizumab

ABSTRACT Background: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker which has been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To study MHR in patients with psoriasis treated with biological agents. Methods: Between April 2019 and August 2022, MHR was retrospectively evaluated in patients with psoriasis before and 3 months after treatment with infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab in a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Results: This study included 128 patients, 53 females and 75 males. 39 (30.5%) patients were treated with infliximab, 26 (20.3%) with adalimumab, 8 (6.3%) with etanercept, 18 (14.1%) with ixekizumab, 12 (9.4%) with secukinumab, and 25 (19.5%) with ustekinumab. The median MHR was 0.0127 (0.0086-0.0165) in females and 0.0146 (0.0119-0.0200) in males (p = 0.011). The median MHR decreased after treatment with adalimumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab, whereas it increased after treatment with infliximab and etanercept (p = 0.790, p = 0.015, p = 0.754, p = 0.221, p = 0.276, p = 0.889, respectively). Conclusion: MHR significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis after treatment with ixekizumab. Since high MHR levels have been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases, ixekizumab might have a positive impact in the treatment of psoriasis patients who had cardiovascular diseases. We suggest that MHR may be useful both in establishing appropriate biological agent treatment and in the follow-up of patients with psoriasis treated with biological agents.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased in patients with psoriasis treated with ixekizumab.

Background: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker which has been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To study MHR in patients with psoriasis treated with biological agents. Methods: Between April 2019 and August 2022, MHR was retrospectively evaluated in patients with psoriasis before and 3 months after treatment with infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab in a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Results: This study included 128 patients, 53 females and 75 males. 39 (30.5%) patients were treated with infliximab, 26 (20.3%) with adalimumab, 8 (6.3%) with etanercept, 18 (14.1%) with ixekizumab, 12 (9.4%) with secukinumab, and 25 (19.5%) with ustekinumab. The median MHR was 0.0127 (0.0086-0.0165) in females and 0.0146 (0.0119-0.0200) in males (p = 0.011). The median MHR decreased after treatment with adalimumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab, whereas it increased after treatment with infliximab and etanercept (p = 0.790, p = 0.015, p = 0.754, p = 0.221, p = 0.276, p = 0.889, respectively). Conclusion: MHR significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis after treatment with ixekizumab. Since high MHR levels have been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases, ixekizumab might have a positive impact in the treatment of psoriasis patients who had cardiovascular diseases. We suggest that MHR may be useful both in establishing appropriate biological agent treatment and in the follow-up of patients with psoriasis treated with biological agents.

Anti-Drug Antibodies in the Biological Therapy of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are a cluster of heterogeneous disorders that share some clinical symptoms such as pain, tissue damage, immune deregulation, and the presence of inflammatory mediators. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are some of the most effective treatments for rheumatic diseases. However, their molecular and pharmacological complexity makes them potentially immunogenic and capable of inducing the development of anti-drug antibodies. TNF inhibitors appear to be the main contributors to immunogenicity because they are widely used, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunogenicity response on these treatments is crucial since the appearance of ADAs has consequences in terms of safety and efficacy. Therefore, this review proposes an overview of the immunogenicity of biological agents used in autoimmune rheumatic diseases highlighting the prevalence of anti-drug antibodies.

Crohn's disease and clinical management today: How it does?

Crohn's Disease (CD) is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease and is characterized by an immune-mediated nature. Its etiology results from the interaction between genetic, enviromental and microbial factors. Regarding pathophysiology, it involves high levels of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-17, and Th1 profile, along with loss of tolerance mechanisms, an increase in pro-inflammatory interleukins, beyond the possibility to affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, anorexia, and fatigue, as well as blood in the stool or rectum. Additionally, conditions comprising musculoskeletal, cutaneous, ocular, hepatic, and hematological alterations may be associated with this scenario and extra-intestinal presentation, such as erythema nodosum, anterior uveitis, osteoporosis, and arthritis can also occur. Today, clinical history, exams as fecal calprotectin, ileocolonocopy, and capsule endoscopy can be performed in the diagnosis investigation, along with treatments to induce and maintain remission. In this sense, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biological agents, as well as surgery and non-pharmacological interventions plays a role in its therapy. The aim of this review is to bring more current evidence to clinical management of CD, as well as to briefly discuss aspects of its pathophysiology, surveillance, and associated disorders.

Bioseguridad y autocuidado: prioridad en la formación universitaria en momentos de pandemia / Biosafety and self-care: a priority in university training during pandemic times

Introducción: La bioseguridad y el autocuidado son dos prácticas importantes en el proceso de formación. Estas deben reforzarse permanentemente, ya que se relacionan de manera directa no solo con el riesgo de infecciones, sino con la calidad de la atención. Objetivo: Identificar la evidencia científica sobre los procesos de formación en bioseguridad y autocuidado en el marco de la pandemia. Métodos: Se hizo una revisión de la literatura científica publicada entre 2016 y 2020 sobre medidas de bioseguridad y autocuidado. La búsqueda se realizó en español, inglés y portugués, en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Pubmed, Science Direct y el motor de búsqueda de Google Académico. Se aplicó la metodología PRISMA y se evaluaron en total 25 artículos científicos. Resultados: El año 2020 tuvo mayor frecuencia. La generalidad de los estudios se realizó en el contexto universitario en programas de salud. La higiene de las manos y el uso de guantes fueron las medidas de bioseguridad más informadas; mientras que las medidas de precaución se conocen e implementan. Las publicaciones denotan moderado conocimiento en cuanto a prevención de factores de riesgos biológicos, especialmente en prácticas clínicas. Conclusiones: En los procesos de formación debe tenerse en cuenta la relevancia de reforzar las medidas de bioseguridad y autocuidado para favorecer el ejercicio profesional. Es importante diseñar y repensar estos procesos, tanto en docentes como estudiantes, a través de nuevos métodos y cambios curriculares. La salud mental puede verse afectada no solo por la situación, sino por desconocimiento, miedo a infectarse y sobrecarga laboral(AU)

Introduction: Biosafety and self-care are two important practices in the training process. These should be permanently reinforced, since they are directly related not only to the risk of infections, but also to the quality of care. Objective: To identify the scientific evidence on the biosafety and self-care training processes in the context of the pandemic. Methods: A review of the scientific literature published between 2016 and 2020 on biosafety and self-care measures was carried out. The search was performed in Spanish, English and Portuguese, in the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and the Google Scholar search engine. The PRISMA methodology was applied and a total of 25 scientific articles were assessed. Results: The year 2020 had the highest frequency. Most of the studies were carried out in the university context in health programs. Hand hygiene and glove-wearing were the most reported biosafety measures, while warning measures are known and implemented. The publications are indicative of moderate knowledge regarding prevention of biological risk factors, especially in clinical practices. Conclusions: The relevance of reinforcing biosafety and self-care measures to favor professional practice should be taken into account in training processes. It is important to design and rethink these processes, both in professors and students, through new methods and curricular changes. Mental health may be affected not only by the situation, but also by ignorance, fear of infection and work overload(AU)

Management of eyelid retraction related to thyroid eye disease.

Eyelid retraction related to thyroid eye disease (TED) is a challenging condition. It is one of the main clinical signs and a major diagnostic criterion in TED. This condition may threaten vision due to exposure keratopathy, in addition to its esthetic alterations, which may lead to psychosocial implications and affect the patient's quality of life. Although it is more commonly observed in the upper eyelid, it may be present on both the upper and lower lids. Numerous surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities have been described and will be reviewed in this article. Management should be based on an individual patient assessment, taking into consideration the disease stage, severity, and clinician experience.

Heart function in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients: A biventricular two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated cardiac function in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) and to assess possible associations with clinical, laboratorial, and treatment data. METHODS: A group of 42 JIA patients and 42 healthy controls were evaluated using both conventional echocardiography and 2DSTE. JIA patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment. RESULTS: Conventional echocardiography data demonstrated normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction in both groups (71 vs. 71%; p = .69). 2DSTE analysis demonstrated that JIA patients presented significantly lower LV global systolic longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (-18.76 vs. -22%; p < .0001), LV systolic strain rate (LVSSR) (1.06 vs. 1.32 s-1; p < .0001), LV diastolic strain rate (LVDSR) (1.58 vs. 1.8 s-1; p < .0137), right ventricular global systolic strain (RVGLS) (-24.1% vs. -27.7%; p = .0002), and right ventricular systolic strain rate (RVSSR) (1.4 vs. 1.8 s-1; p = .0035). JIA patients under biological agents presented higher LVGLS (p = .02) and RVLS (p = .01). We also detected an association between LVGLS and C-reactive protein [CRP; -20% in normal CRP (10/42) vs. -18% in elevated CRP patients (32/42), p = .03]. CONCLUSIONS: JIA patients present different echocardiographic status from healthy patients. Moreover, our data suggest that JIA patients under biological agents present association with better cardiac function as shown by strain analysis.

Occupational accidents involving biological material: demographic and occupational profile of affected workers.

INTRODUCTION: Work accidents involving biological material are characterized as those whose exposure involves direct or indirect contact with human or animal blood and biological fluids, with a potential degree of contamination. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the sociodemographic and occupational profile of workers, as well as data on occupational accidents with exposure to biological material in the municipalities that make up the Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador da Região dos Vales do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Cerest-Vales/RS). METHODS: Documentary, retrospective, descriptive, quantitative research, where 1,260 Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) notifications were analyzed, between 2014 and 2018. Data were collected in a unit specialized in worker health care. RESULTS: The sex most affected by accidents was female, with 80.2% of cases, age group of 28 to 33 years (26.4%), and level of education represented mostly by complete high school (55.4%). Health professionals concentrated 84.1% of accidents, most of which occurred with nursing technicians, followed by nurses and doctors. Professionals from different occupations, such as veterinarians, students, janitors and garbage collectors were also exposed. Blood was the organic material that prevailed (81.1%) between accidents and exposure, percutaneous (70.3%). Clinical data revealed the prevalence of patients vaccinated for hepatitis B (90.6%), but 62.7% with (hepatitis B surface antigen, HBsAg) negative; 49.5% of the injured were discharged with a negative source patient and 66% the Comunicação de Acidente de Trabalho (CAT) issued. CONCLUSIONS: Accidents occurred more frequently among females, individuals with low education and health professionals. The weakness in the reports of accidents with professionals with no presumed risk is reiterated, which generates underreporting rates.

Allergy and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) international survey: Real-life data from the allergy community during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak brought an unprecedented challenge to the world. Knowledge in the field has been increasing exponentially and the main allergy societies have produced guidance documents for better management of allergic patients during this period. However, few publications so far have provided real-life data from the allergy community concerning allergy practice during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, we proposed an international survey on the management of allergic patients during the current pandemic. METHODS: We performed an online survey undertaken to reach out the worldwide allergy community by e-mail and social media. The web-based questionnaire contained 24 questions covering demographic data from the participants, clinical practice during this period, and questions related to the new international classification and coding tools addressed for COVID-19. It was circulated for 8 weeks and had anonymous and volunteer context. RESULTS: Data are presented for 635 participants from 78 countries of all continents. Allergists with long-term professional experience were the main audience. As expected, we received many responses as "I have no data" or "I don't know" to the questions of the survey. However, most with more experience on managing allergic patients during the pandemic agreed that patients suffering from allergic or hypersensitivity conditions have no increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing SARS CoV-2. Also, participants mentioned that none of the allergy treatments (inhaled corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy, biological agents) increased the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection including severe presentations. CONCLUSION: The data presented are a starting point in the process of getting feedback on all the recommendations provided by the allergy societies; it could also be the basis of new strategies to support health professionals while new COVID-19 specific treatments and vaccines are being explored. The information here presented intends to be helpful to the community but represents a course of action in a highly specific situation due to the state of emergency, and it should be helpful to health systems.

Bioseguridad en el contexto actual

RESUMEN Introducción: El surgimiento y desarrollo de la seguridad biológica están estrechamente relacionados con la evolución de la microbiología debido al interés mundial en las infecciones adquiridas en los laboratorios. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado actual de la bioseguridad y la importancia de su correcta implementación. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sobre bioseguridad en las bases de datos Springer, Willey Online Library y Pubmed en el período entre Enero 2010-Julio 2020. Resultados: La bioseguridad es un problema complejo que cambia sobre la base de interacciones entre humanos, microorganismos, factores ambientales, tensiones políticas y socioeconómicas. Su gestión se base en la aplicación de principios básicos como cultura de seguridad biológica, percepción del riesgo biológico, procedimientos sobre bioseguridad ajustados a cada entidad y capacitación entre otros. En la actualidad, bioseguridad es seguridad de la vida. Sobre esta base se comentan algunos artículos sobre SARS-CoV-2 y la importancia de la bioseguridad para el control del virus. Finalmente, se presentan datos sobre los sistemas de bioseguridad en Cuba y en Canadá. Consideraciones finales: La bioseguridad es tema de interés mundial, pero en su aplicación existen todavía deficiencias que incrementan el riesgo biológico y las posibilidades de infecciones en el personal, la comunidad y el medio ambiente. A finales de 2019 con la pandemia del COVID-19 quedó demostrado que la principal arma para controlar el virus, hasta el momento, consiste en la correcta implementación y cumplimiento de protocolos de bioseguridad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The emergence and development of biological safety are closely related to the evolution of microbiology, due to the worldwide interest in laboratory acquired infections. Objective: Evaluate the current status of biosafety and the importance of its correct implementation. Methods: A search was conducted about biosafety in the databases Springer, Willey Online Library and Pubmed in the period January 2010-July 2020. Results: Biosafety is a complex problem that varies in keeping with inter-personal interactions, microorganisms, environmental factors, and political and economic tensions. Its management is based on the application of basic principles such as biological safety culture, biological risk perception, biosafety procedures adjusted to each institution, and professional training, among others. In the current context, biosafety is life safety. On the basis of this premise, comments are made on several papers about SARS-CoV-2 and the importance of biosafety to control the virus. Data are also presented about the biosafety systems of Cuba and Canada. Final considerations: Biosafety is a topic of worldwide interest, but deficiencies are still found in its application which increase biological risk and the possibilities of infections in the health personnel, the community and the environment. At the end of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic made evident that the main tool to control the virus so far is the correct implementation of and compliance with biosafety protocols.

Expert recommendations for biological treatment in patients with psoriasis.

In recent years, the introduction of a series of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis has considerably increased the therapeutic armamentarium of doctors, and thus a strongly positive impact on the control of this condition has been achieved. With the purpose to provide the best recommendations for the use of these biological agents in patients with psoriasis, the Mexican group of psoriasis experts, PSOMEX, has developed recommendations in order to improve the understanding and therapeutic positioning of this type of medications.

En los últimos años, la introducción de diversos medicamentos biológicos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis ha aumentado considerablemente el arsenal terapéutico del médico, con lo cual se ha logrado un fuerte impacto positivo en el control de la enfermedad. Con el fin de proveer de las mejores recomendaciones para el uso de estos biológicos en los pacientes afectados de psoriasis, el grupo mexicano de expertos en psoriasis PSOMEX ha formulado recomendaciones para mejorar la comprensión y el posicionamiento terapéutico de este tipo de medicamentos.

Environmental and individual factors associated with protection and predisposition to autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to correlate possible predisposing and protective factors involved with autoimmune diseases (ADs) in a Brazilian microregion. METHODS: This case-control study recorded 362 cases of ADs prevalent in the Águas Formosas microregion, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between January and December 2016, through the application of a questionnaire. Overall, 724 controls were randomly selected according to gender and age. Logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR), confidence interval, and P-value to compare the strength of association between the variables of interest assessed. RESULTS: Individuals with Graves' disease (OR: 11.9977), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and vitiligo, were strongly associated with the risk of developing the disease after the hepatitis B vaccine. Having consumed cow milk before 6 months of life was a factor associated only with psoriasis (OR: 0.3321) and RA (OR: 0.2880). Type 1 diabetes patients were associated only with surgical procedures (OR: 0.1160), just as physical and psychological traumas were associated only with vitiligo (OR: 5.9848). Contact with chemicals was more related to vitiligo (OR: 0.7142), RA, psoriasis, lupus, and thyroiditis. Physical exercise was the most significant protective factor for vitiligo (OR: 0.4904), followed by HT, RA, psoriasis, and lupus; and the consumption of filtered water with candles was a protective factor for vitiligo (OR: 0.3325). CONCLUSION: The associations suggest that predisposing and protective factors for ADs play a pivotal role in their onset, enabling health management, control, and intervention of this population.

Adverse drug reactions associated with treatment in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases in childhood: a retrospective real life review of a single center cohort.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the sixth leading causes of death worldwide; monitoring them is fundamental, especially in patients with disorders like chronic rheumatic diseases (CRDs). The study aimed to describe the ADRs investigating their severity and associated factors and resulting interventions in pediatric patients with CRDs. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study was conducted on a cohort of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). The study evaluated medical records of the patients to determine the causality and the management of ADRs. In order to investigate the risk factors that would increase the risk of ADRs, a logistic regression model was carried out on a group of patients treated with the main used drug. RESULTS: We observed 949 ADRs in 547 patients studied. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most frequently used medication and also the cause of the most ADRs, which occurred in 63.3% of patients, followed by glucocorticoids (GCs). Comparing synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (sDMARDs) vs biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), the ADRs attributed to the former were by far higher than the latter. In general, the severity of ADRs was moderate and manageable. Drug withdrawal occurred in almost a quarter of the cases. In terms of risk factors, most patients who experienced ADRs due to MTX, were 16 years old or younger and received MTX in doses equal or higher than 0.6 mg/kg/week. Patients with JIA and JDM had a lower risk of ADRs than patients with JSLE. In the multiple regression model, the use of GCs for over 6 months led to an increase of 0.5% in the number of ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the ADRs highly likely affect a wide range of children and adolescents with CRDs they were considered moderate and manageable cases mostly. However, triggers of ADRs need further investigations.

Recomendaciones de expertos para el tratamiento biológico en pacientes con psoriasis / Expert recommendations for biological treatment in patients with psoriasis

Resumen En los últimos años, la introducción de diversos medicamentos biológicos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis ha aumentado considerablemente el arsenal terapéutico del médico, con lo cual se ha logrado un fuerte impacto positivo en el control de la enfermedad. Con el fin de proveer de las mejores recomendaciones para el uso de estos biológicos en los pacientes afectados de psoriasis, el grupo mexicano de expertos en psoriasis PSOMEX ha formulado recomendaciones para mejorar la comprensión y el posicionamiento terapéutico de este tipo de medicamentos.

Abstract In recent years, the introduction of a series of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis has considerably increased the therapeutic armamentarium of doctors, and thus a strongly positive impact on the control of this condition has been achieved. With the purpose to provide the best recommendations for the use of these biological agents in patients with psoriasis, the Mexican group of psoriasis experts, PSOMEX, has developed recommendations in order to improve the understanding and therapeutic positioning of this type of medications.

Spitz nevus and infliximab: association or coincidence?

Abstract Biological therapies, including anti-TNF agents, are important in the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. The increased use of these drugs translates into an increasing awareness of its adverse effects, which include malignancy. In this paper, we describe the case of a 28-year-old woman who developed a spitzoid melanocytic tumor after starting infliximab therapy for ulcerative colitis. The evidence for causality between anti-TNF and melanocytic proliferations is still sparse; nonetheless, treatment-associated immunosuppression seems to play a key role in this phenomenon. Therefore, a regular follow-up with a rigorous skin examination is essential in these patients. Noninvasive techniques such as dermoscopy or reflectance confocal microscopy are particularly useful diagnostic tools in these circumstances.

Spitz nevus and infliximab: association or coincidence?

Biological therapies, including anti-TNF agents, are important in the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. The increased use of these drugs translates into an increasing awareness of its adverse effects, which include malignancy. In this paper, we describe the case of a 28-year-old woman who developed a spitzoid melanocytic tumor after starting infliximab therapy for ulcerative colitis. The evidence for causality between anti-TNF and melanocytic proliferations is still sparse; nonetheless, treatment-associated immunosuppression seems to play a key role in this phenomenon. Therefore, a regular follow-up with a rigorous skin examination is essential in these patients. Noninvasive techniques such as dermoscopy or reflectance confocal microscopy are particularly useful diagnostic tools in these circumstances.

Respuesta a medicamentos biológicos en pacientes con artritis reumatoide según nivel de actividad al inicio / Response to biological agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to disease activity state at the beginning of treatmen

Introducción: la Ley Ricarte Soto (LRS) permite a pacientes con artritis reumatoide refractaria acceder a medicamentos biológicos. Sin embargo con esta regulación los pacientes inician éstos con actividad alta de enfermedad por un período prolongado, luego de recibir al menos 3 fármacos sintéticos. Previo a la implementación de esta ley no era necesario cumplir estos requisitos. Objetivos:comparar la respuesta a tratamiento lograda con el uso de medicamentos biológicos según niveles de actividad al inicio mediante la comparación de pacientes con biológicos antes y después de la LRS. Métodos: tomando datos del Programa de atención de pacientes con artritis reumatoide de la Red de Salud UC-Christus se compraró grupos de pacientes que accedieron a biológicos pre y post implementación de la LRS. Se analizó el cambio en DAS28 y la categorización de actividad de enfermedad según DAS28. Se realizó una regresión lineal evaluando edad, seropositividad y DAS28 pre tratamiento. Resultados: se encontró una diferencia significativa en el cambio de DAS28 a los 6 meses de tratamiento (p=0,02) y en la regresión solo con el DAS28 pre tratamiento (p=0,00). Dentro del grupo de pacientes que requirió cambio de biológico, los pacientes post ley iniciaron la terapia más activos y presentaban mayor persistencia de actividad severa a los 6 meses de tratamiento (11% vs 25%).Conclusiones: si bien el nivel de actividad al inicio no influyó en la respuesta a los 6 meses de tratamiento, si influyó en la persistencia de actividad severa en quienes requirieron cambio de biológico.

Introduction: Chilean regulations (Ley Ricarte Soto (RS) allow patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis to have access to biological agents, but because of the requirements of the law, they spend a long period with active disease. Objectives: To compare the effective-ness of treatment with biological agents according to baseline disease activity by comparing subjects initiating biologics previous to and after ley RS. Methods: Using data from the rheumatoid arthritis clinic at Red Salud UC-Christus, we compared groups of patients who had access to biological agents before and after the implementation of the RS law. Change in DAS 28 was analyzed as well as disease activity categories according to DAS 28. We performed linear regression evaluating age, seropositivity, and baseline DAS28. Results: We found a significant difference in the DAS28 score delta at six months of treatment (p=0.02). In linear statistically significant association in the treatment response with the pre-treatment DAS28 (p=0.00), but in the group of patients that required more than one biological agent, the post-LRS group had a higher pre-treatment DAS28 and a higher rate of high disease activity (11% vs. 25%) after six months of treatment. Discussion: Although the baseline disease activity level did not influence the final response to treatment, it had an impact on the persistence of severe activity in patients that required more than one biologic agent

Planned organizational change to transform care to workers exposed to biological material / Cambio organizativo planificado para transformar la atención del trabajador accidentado con material biológico / A mudança organizacional planejada para transformação do atendimento ao trabalhador acidentado com material biológico

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the evaluation of the service offered in cases of occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material, from the perspective of the exposed workers, before and after an intervention to obtain planned organizational change. Methods: descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with workers exposed to biological material who received care at a reference service that was submitted to an intervention based on planned organizational change. Data were collected by using the critical incident technique and analyzed from the perspective of content analysis. Results: twenty exposed workers participated in the study and were split into two groups in the pre- and post-intervention phase. Categories regarding improvement in the guidance they received, reduction in the time they waited once they got to the facility, organization of the process, documentation qualification, and professionalism in carrying out the assistance emerged from the workers' accounts. Conclusions: the present study allowed the exposed workers to visualize the changes that happened in the care management in case of accidents involving biological material. Additionally, there was the recognition of the adopted methodological path, which allowed the active participation of the people involved.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir la evaluación de la atención de casos de accidentes laborales con material biológico desde la perspectiva del accidentado, antes y después de una intervención de cambio organizativo planificado. Métodos: investigación descriptiva, de abordaje cualitativo, realizada con trabajadores accidentados con material biológico atendidos en servicio de referencia donde ocurrió una intervención de cambio organizativo planificado. Datos recolectados mediante técnica del incidente crítico, analizados según análisis de contenido. Resultados: participaron del estudio veinte trabajadores accidentados, divididos en dos grupos en fases preintervención y postintervención. De sus testimonios emergieron categorías referentes a mejora de sugerencias, reducción del tiempo, organización del proceso, calificación de la documentación y profesionalismo en la atención. Conclusiones: el estudio permitió que los accidentados observaran los cambios realizados en la gestión de la atención en casos de accidentes con material biológico. Además, recibió reconocimiento la trayectoria metodológica adoptada, que permitió la participación activa de los involucrados.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever a avaliação do atendimento aos casos de acidentes ocupacionais com material biológico, na perspectiva do trabalhador acidentado, antes e após uma intervenção para mudança organizacional planejada. Métodos: pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada com trabalhadores acidentados com material biológico atendidos em um serviço de referência que passou por uma intervenção baseada na mudança organizacional planejada. Dados coletados por meio da técnica do incidente crítico e analisados à luz da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: participaram do estudo vinte trabalhadores acidentados divididos em dois grupos, nas fases pré e pós-intervenção. Das falas, emergiram categorias referentes a melhoria das orientações, redução do tempo, organização do processo, qualificação da documentação e profissionalismo na realização do atendimento. Conclusões: a investigação permitiu aos acidentados visualização das mudanças ocorridas na gestão do atendimento em caso de acidente com material biológico, além disso, houve o reconhecimento acerca do percurso metodológico adotado que permitiu a participação ativa dos envolvidos.

Conhecimento de docentes e discentes de um curso de Odontologia sobre os aspectos legais que envolvem a utilização de dentes humanos extraídos / Knowledge of teachers and students of a Dentistry course about the legal aspects that involve the use of extracted human teeth

O estudo verificou o nível de conhecimento do corpo docente e discente de um curso de Odontologia acerca dos aspectos éticos e legais envolvidos na obtenção e manipulação de elementos dentários humanos extraídos. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado aos docentes e discentes a partir do 2º período, por se constituírem os usuários de dentes humanos nas atividades de ensino pré-clínico e de pesquisa. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se a estatística descritiva para as perguntas fechadas, além do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo para as perguntas abertas. Participaram 51 docentes de um total de 55 e 201 discentes do total de 288, dos quais 72,55% e 72,60%, respectivamente, reconheceram o elemento dentário como um órgão. Quanto à forma de obtenção, 39,49% dos discentes relataram obter os dentes em consultórios odontológicos e 33,76% em unidades de saúde, sendo que 91,04% destes e 80,39% dos docentes desconhecem qualquer tipo de comercialização. Em relação à biossegurança, tanto os discentes (78,61%) quanto os docentes (90,20%) reconhecem o risco biológico na manipulação desses elementos e realizam algum tipo de desinfecção. Considerando-se os aspectos legais, 68,63% dos docentes e 20,10% dos discentes afirmaram ter conhecimento da existência de uma regulamentação, o que não se refletiu de forma explícita nas respostas obtidas. Do material textual gerado pelas perguntas abertas emergiram três categorias (forma de obtenção dos dentes utilizados, comercialização de dentes e risco biológico), interpretadas à luz de discursos agregados dos segmentos (docentes e discentes) entrevistados. Pode-se concluir que tanto docentes quanto discentes apresentaram conhecimento incipiente sobre os aspectos legais que envolvem a obtenção e manipulação de elementos dentários humanos extraídos (AU)

This study assessed the level of knowledge of teachers and students of a Dentistry Course about the ethical and legal aspects involved in the acquisition and handling of extracted human dental elements. We applied a semistructured questionnaire to the teachers and students from the 2nd period, since they constitute the users of human teeth in preclinical teaching and research activities. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics for the closed questions, in addition to the Collective Subject Speech for the open questions. We interviewed 51 teachers from the total of 55 and 201 students from the total of 288, of which 72.55% and 72.60%, respectively, recognized the dental element as an organ. As for the way to obtain the teeth, 39.49% of the students reported that they acquired teeth in dental offices and 33.76% in health units, where 91.04% of the students and 80.39% of the teachers are unaware of any commercialization. Regarding biosafety, both students (78.61%) and teachers (90.20%) recognize the biological risk in the handling of these elements and perform some type of disinfection. When considering the legal aspects, 68.63% of the teachers and 20.10% of the students stated that they were aware of the existence of a regulation, although this statement was not explicitly reflected in the obtained responses. From the textual material generated by the open questions, we raised three categories (way to obtain the used teeth, commercialization of teeth and biological risk), which were interpreted in the light of speeches added by the interviewed segments (teachers and students). We can conclude that both teachers and students have shown little knowledge about the legal aspects involved in the acquisition and handling of extracted human dental elements (AU).