Planejamento e Políticas de Saúde na Amazônia / Health Planning and Policies in the Amazon

Na Amazônia, a política de saúde se encontra com um território de vida específico, caracterizado por um tecido social diverso, dinâmico e imigrante, transitando pelas águas e florestas. Nesse cenário, a vida é pujante, que vibra e faz acontecer um sistema de saúde amazônico, plural étnica e socialmente, biodiverso e culturalmente específico. Assim, é imperativo construirmos referencial teórico da saúde coletiva regional, bem como refletirmos e contextualizarmos o SUS com "DNA amazônico". Compreendemos ser esta uma referência para colaborar com o campo das ciências gerenciais que compõe o campo da saúde coletiva no Brasil, sem dissociar do desafio de realizar a gestão e as práticas das políticas de saúde por pesquisadores gestores da Amazônia. O 'fator amazônico' aqui apresentado roteiriza os desafios de se fazer saúde nessas diversas amazônias. Cenários de experiências promissoras no campo das políticas e planejamento aqui expressos podem contribuir com a comunicação entre gestore(a)s, pesquisadore(a)s e membros do controle social a vislumbrarem métodos e oportunidades de mudanças sistêmicas nas práticas assistenciais e nos modos de gerir a saúde na Amazônia.

The Effect of the Team Members Teaching Design vs. Regular Lectures method on the Self-efficacy of the Multiple sclerosis Patients in Iran. Randomised Controlled Trial / El efecto del diseño de enseñanza colaborativa frente al método de clases regulares sobre la autoeficacia de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en Irán. Ensayo Controlado Aleatorizado / O efeito do design de ensino colaborativo versus método de aula regular na autoeficácia de pacientes com esclerose múltipla no Irã. Teste controlado e aleatório

Objective. This study was conducted with the aim of the effect of team members teaching design (TMTD) vs. regular Lectures method on the self-efficacy of the multiple sclerosis patients. Methods. This research is a randomized controlled trial study. In this study, 48 multiple sclerosis persons of members of Jahrom MS Society participated. The persons were selected by simple random sampling and then divided into three groups of: TMTD (n=16), regular lecture method (n=16), and control (n=16), by random allocation method. In the intervention groups, six training sessions were held twice a week; control group did not receive education. Data was collected by the MS self-efficacy questionnaire of Rigby et al. in the before, immediately and one month after the intervention. Results. Patients in three intervention and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. The results of the repeated measurement test before, immediately and one month after the intervention showed that the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy in two intervention groups had increased significantly (p<0.05). While these changes were not significant in the control group (p ≥ 0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy between the intervention groups of TMTD and regular lectures. Conclusion. Based on the findings, TMTD compared to regular lectures method had a more significant effect on improving the self-efficacy of multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing use this educational approach to increase patients' self-efficacy.

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto del diseño de la enseñanza colaborativa de los miembros del equipo (En inglés: Team Members Teaching Design -TMTD) frente al método de las clases regulares sobre la autoeficacia de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM).Métodos. Ensayo controlado aleatorizado realizado con la participación de 48 personas con esclerosis múltiple afiliados a la Sociedad de Esclerosis Múltiple de Jahrom (Iran), que fueron seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple y luego asignados en forma randomizada en tres grupos, dos de intervención: TMTD (n=16) y método de clases regulares (n=16), y un grupo control (n=16). En los grupos de intervención se impartieron seis sesiones educativas (dos por semana); mientras que el grupo control no recibió educación. Se empleó el cuestionario de autoeficacia en EM de Rigby et al. en los momentos: antes, inmediatamente después de terminada la intervención y un mes de finalizada la misma.Resultados. Los pacientes de los tres grupos de intervención y control eran similares en cuanto a variables demográficas. Los resultados de la prueba de medidas repetidas antes, inmediatamente y un mes después de la intervención mostraron que la media de todas las dimensiones de autoeficacia en los dos grupos de intervención había aumentado significativamente (p<0.05). Mientras que estos cambios no fueron significativos en el grupo de control (p ≥ 0.05). Además, hubo una diferencia significativa en la media de todas las dimensiones de autoeficacia entre los grupos de intervención de TMTD y clases regulares, siendo mayor en TMTD. Conclusión. El TMTD comparado con el método de clases regulares, tuvo un mejor efecto en el aumento de la autoeficacia de los pacientes con EM. Por lo tanto, se sugiere a enfermería utilizar este enfoque educativo para aumentar la autoeficacia de los pacientes.

Objetivo. Determinar o efeito do desenho de ensino colaborativo dos membros da equipe (em inglês: Team Members Teaching Design -TMTD) comparado ao método de aulas regulares na autoeficácia de pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). Métodos. Ensaio controlado randomizado realizado com a participação de 48 pessoas com esclerose múltipla afiliadas à Sociedade de Esclerose Múltipla de Jahrom (Irã), que foram selecionadas por amostragem aleatória simples e depois distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos, dois grupos de intervenção: TMTD (n=16 ) e método de aula regular (n=16), e um grupo controle (n=16). Foram ministradas seis sessões educativas nos grupos de intervenção (duas por semana); enquanto o grupo de controle não recebeu educação. Foi utilizado o questionário de autoeficácia em SM de Rigby et al. nos momentos: antes, imediatamente após o término da intervenção e um mês após seu término. Resultados. Os pacientes dos três grupos intervenção e controle foram semelhantes em termos de variáveis demográficas. Os resultados do teste de medidas repetidas antes, imediatamente e um mês após a intervenção mostraram que a média de todas as dimensões da autoeficácia nos dois grupos de intervenção aumentou significativamente (p<0.05). Embora essas alterações não tenham sido significativas no grupo controle (p ≥ 0.05). Além disso, houve diferença significativa na média de todas as dimensões de autoeficácia entre os grupos de intervenção TMTD e aulas regulares, sendo maior no TMTD. Conclusão. O TMTD comparado ao método de aula regular teve melhor efeito no aumento da autoeficácia dos pacientes com EM. Portanto, sugere-se que a enfermagem utilize essa abordagem educativa para aumentar a autoeficácia dos pacientes.

A Neoponera villosa (Fabricius, 1804) Worker Pupa with too Many Legs (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Several somatic and sexual anomalies such as gynandromorphism and other morphological malformations have been described in ants, but cases of supernumerary legs in natural populations are rare, with only six cases reported to date. Moreover, few cases of abnormalities have been reported for the Ponerinae subfamily, with only three cases of genetic chimeras and five teratological cases worldwide. We report here a new case of teratology in this subfamily, with a seven-legged worker pupa found in a Neoponera villosa colony nesting in an epiphytic tank bromeliad. This is the second case for Mexico of a morphological anomaly in a ponerine ant, but the first report of a teratological case in the subfamily for this country.

Prognostic Factors Associated with Tumor Recurrence and Overall Survival in Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities in a Colombian Reference Cancer Center.

Introduction: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are low-incidence tumors whose clinical and histopathological factors are associated with adverse oncological outcomes. This study evaluated prognostic factors (PF) associated with tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with STS of the extremities, treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and Methods: An analytical observational study of a historical cohort was carried out, including patients diagnosed with STS and managed surgically in the Functional Unit for Breast and Soft Tissue Tumors of the INC from January 2008 to December 2018. Results: A total of 227 patients were included; 74.5% had tumors greater than 5 cm. Most patients (29.1%) were in stage IIIB at diagnosis. Age was associated with higher mortality (HR = 1.01; CI95%: 1-1.02; p = 0.048). Tumor persistence at admission to the INC (HR = 2.34; CI95%: 1.25-4.35; p = 0.007) and histologic grade III (HR = 5.36; CI95%: 2.29-12.56; p = <0.001) showed statistical significance in the multivariate analysis for recurrence of any type, as did the PFs associated with a higher risk of local recurrence (HR = 2.85; CI95%: 1.23-6.57; p = 0.014 and HR = 6.09; CI95%: 2.03-18.2; p = 0.001), respectively. Tumor size (HR = 1.03; CI95%: 1-1.06; p = 0.015) and histologic grade III (HR = 4.53; CI95%: 1.42-14.49; p = 0.011) were associated with a higher risk of distant recurrence. Conclusions: This cohort showed that in addition to histologic grade and tumor size, tumor persistence at the time of admission has an impact on disease recurrence, so STS should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with experience in this pathology in high-volume reference centers.

Quantifying the relationship between bone and soft tissue measures within the rhesus macaques of Cayo Santiago.

OBJECTIVES: Interpretations of the primate and human fossil record often rely on the estimation of somatic dimensions from bony measures. Both somatic and skeletal variation have been used to assess how primates respond to environmental change. However, it is unclear how well skeletal variation matches and predicts soft tissue. Here, we empirically test the relationship between tissues by comparing somatic and skeletal measures using paired measures of pre- and post-mortem rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Somatic measurements were matched with skeletal dimensions from 105 rhesus macaque individuals to investigate paired signals of variation (i.e., coefficients of variation, sexual dimorphism) and bivariate codependence (reduced major axis regression) in measures of: (1) limb length; (2) joint breadth; and (3) limb circumference. Predictive models for the estimation of soft tissue dimensions from skeletons were built from Ordinary Least Squares regressions. RESULTS: Somatic and skeletal measurements showed statistically equivalent coefficients of variation and sexual dimorphism as well as high epiphyses-present ordinary least square (OLS) correlations in limb lengths (R2 >0.78, 0.82), joint breadths (R2 >0.74, 0.83) and, to a lesser extent, limb circumference (R2 >0.53, 0.68). CONCLUSION: Skeletal measurements are good substitutions for somatic values based on population signals of variation. OLS regressions indicate that skeletal correlates are highly predictive of somatic dimensions. The protocols and regression equations established here provide a basis for reliable reconstruction of somatic dimension from catarrhine fossils and validate our ability to compare or combine results of studies based on population data of either hard or soft tissue proxies.

Comparing Video Analysis to Computerized Detection of Limb Position for the Diagnosis of Movement Control during Back Squat Exercise with Overload.

Incorrect limb position while lifting heavy weights might compromise athlete success during weightlifting performance, similar to the way that it increases the risk of muscle injuries during resistance exercises, regardless of the individual's level of experience. However, practitioners might not have the necessary background knowledge for self-supervision of limb position and adjustment of the lifting position when improper movement occurs. Therefore, the computerized analysis of movement patterns might assist people in detecting changes in limb position during exercises with different loads or enhance the analysis of an observer with expertise in weightlifting exercises. In this study, hidden Markov models (HMMs) were employed to automate the detection of joint position and barbell trajectory during back squat exercises. Ten volunteers performed three lift movements each with a 0, 50, and 75% load based on body weight. A smartphone was used to record the movements in the sagittal plane, providing information for the analysis of variance and identifying significant position changes by video analysis (p < 0.05). Data from individuals performing the same movements with no added weight load were used to train the HMMs to identify changes in the pattern. A comparison of HMMs and human experts revealed between 40% and 90% agreement, indicating the reliability of HMMs for identifying changes in the control of movements with added weight load. In addition, the results highlighted that HMMs can detect changes imperceptible to the human visual analysis.

Unique case study: Impact of single-session neuromuscular biofeedback on motor unit properties following 12 days of Achilles tendon surgical repair.

We explored the first evidence of a single-session neuromuscular biofeedback effect on motor unit properties, neuromuscular activation, and the Achilles tendon (AT) length 12 days after undergoing AT surgical repair. We hypothesized that immediate neuromuscular biofeedback enhances motor unit properties and activation without causing AT lengthening. After 12 days AT surgical repair, Medial Gastrocnemius (MG) motor unit decomposition was performed on a 58-year-old male before and after a neuromuscular biofeedback intervention (surface electromyography (sEMG) and ultrasonography), involving unressited plantar flexion. The analysis included motor unit population properties, sEMG amplitude, force paradigm, and AT length. There were increased MG motor unit recruitment, peak and average firing rate, coefficient of variation, and sEMG amplitude, and decreased recruitment and derecruitment threshold in the repaired AT limb. The non-injured limb increased the motor unit recruitment, and decreased the coefficient of variation, peak and average firing rate, inter-pulse interval, derecruitment threshold and sEMG amplitude. The AT length experienced -0.4 and 0.3 cm changes in the repaired AT and non-injured limb, respectively. This single-session neuromuscular biofeedback 12 days after AT surgery shows evidence of enhanced motor unit properties and activation without signs of AT lengthening when unresisted plantar flexion is performed in the repaired AT limb.

Limb-Shaking And Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Limb-shaking is one of the transient ischemic attacks (TIA) 'chameleons.' This literature review aims to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological profile, pathologic mechanisms, and management of limb-shaking TIA. REVIEW SUMMARY: Relevant reports in Medline's (PubMed) database were identified and assessed by 2 reviewers without language restriction from 1985 to 2022. A total of 82 reports containing 161 cases that developed limb-shaking TIA were reported. The mean and median age were 61.36 (SD: 15.29) and 62 years (range: 4-93 y). Most of the individuals affected were males (64.34%). Limb-shaking was reported as unilateral in 83.33% of the patients. Limb-shaking presented with other neurological deficits in 44.33% of the individuals, in which the most common concurrent neurological deficit was the weakness of at least 1 limb. A recurrence of the "shaking" phenomenon was observed in 83 individuals. A trigger of limb-shaking was reported in 69 cases, and the most common was changing body position. The internal carotid artery was the most frequent vessel involved in limb-shaking. A chronically occluded internal carotid artery was observed in 42 individuals. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity. The management was conservative in 42.30% of the cases. The most frequent misdiagnoses were seizures. A full recovery was achieved in 56.60% of the individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Limb-shaking TIA could be defined as involuntary, rhythmic, brief (<5 min), recurrent, jerky movement usually precipitated by activities that may reduce cerebral blood flow. The "shaking" phenomenon was primarily described as a manifestation of symptomatic complete internal carotid artery obstruction.

A deep learning model for accurately predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with primary bone sarcoma of the extremity: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: Primary bone and joint sarcomas of the long bone are relatively rare neoplasms with poor prognosis. An efficient clinical tool that can accurately predict patient prognosis is not available. The current study aimed to use deep learning algorithms to develop a prediction model for the prognosis of patients with long bone sarcoma. METHODS: Data of patients with long bone sarcoma in the extremities was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database from 2004 to 2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to select possible prediction features. DeepSurv, a deep learning model, was constructed for predicting cancer-specific survival rates. In addition, the classical cox proportional hazards model was established for comparison. The predictive accuracy of our models was assessed using the C-index, Integrated Brier Score, receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration curve. RESULTS: Age, tumor extension, histological grade, tumor size, surgery, and distant metastasis were associated with cancer-specific survival in patients with long bone sarcoma. According to loss function values, our models converged successfully and effectively learned the survival data of the training cohort. Based on the C-index, area under the curve, calibration curve, and Integrated Brier Score, the deep learning model was more accurate and flexible in predicting survival rates than the cox proportional hazards model. CONCLUSION: A deep learning model for predicting the survival probability of patients with long bone sarcoma was constructed and validated. It is more accurate and flexible in predicting prognosis than the classical CoxPH model.

Moderate hypofractionated radiation therapy and pathologic response for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of limbs and trunk: experience from a tertiary cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiation therapy following by limb-sparing or conservative surgery is a standard approach for limb and trunk STS. Data supporting hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules are scarce albeit biological sensitivity of STS to radiation would justify it. We sought to evaluate the impact of moderate hypofractionation on pathologic response and its influence on oncologic outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 2018 to January 2023, 18 patients with limb or trunk STS underwent preoperative radiotherapy at a median dose of 52.5 Gy (range 49.5-60 Gy) in 15 fractions of 3.5 Gy (3.3-4 Gy) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A favorable pathologic response (fPR) was considered as ≥ 90% tumor necrosis on specimen examination. RESULTS: All patients completed planned preoperative radiotherapy. Eleven patients (61.1%) achieved a fPR, and 7 patients (36.8%) a complete pathologic response with total disappearance of tumor cells. Nine patients (47%) developed grade 1-2 acute skin toxicity, and 7 patients (38.8%) had wound complications on follow-up. With a median follow-up of 14 months (range 1-40), no cases of local relapse were observed, and actuarial 3-year overall survival (OS) and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) are 87% and 76.4%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the presence of a favorable pathologic response (fPR) was associated with improved 3-year OS (100% vs. 56.03%, p = 0.058) and 3-year DMFS (86.91% vs. 31.46%, p = 0.002). Moreover, both complete or partial RECIST response and radiological stabilization of the tumor lesion showed a significant association with higher rates of 3-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (83% vs. 83% vs. 56%, p < 0.001) and 3-year overall survival (OS) (100% vs. 80% vs. 0, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative moderate hypofractionated radiation treatment for STS is feasible and well tolerated and associates encouraging rates of pathologic response that could have a favorable impact on final outcomes.

Síndrome de leiomiomatose cutânea e uterina múltipla: relato de três casos clínicos / Multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis syndrome: report of three clinical cases

A síndrome de Reed ocorre em mulheres com múltiplos leiomiomas cutâneos e leiomiomatose uterina. Relatam-se três casos de pacientes do sexo feminino, acompanhadas em hospital universitário, com pápulas e nódulos eritêmato-acas- tanhados dolorosos em membros superiores e tórax, agravados por frio, pressão e estresse, e associados a miomatose uterina. Foram realizados diversos tratamentos prévios, sem sucesso, tais como: aplicação de corticoterapia e toxina botulínica intralesional, bloqueadores de canais de cálcio, neuromoduladores e analgésicos orais. Foi, então, realizado tratamento cirúrgico, com melhora dos sintomas. O co- nhecimento e o esclarecimento dessa síndrome é fundamental para estabelecer a relação com miomatose uterina e câncer de células renais, para que, então, a partir da lesão de pele, se faça o rastreio das demais neoplasias, diagnóstico precoce e a educação em saúde.

Reed syndrome occurs in women with multiple cutaneous leiomyomas and uterine leiomyomatosis. We report the case of three female patients followed at a university hospital with painful erythematous-brown papules and nodules on the upper limbs and chest, aggravated by cold, pressure, stress, and associated with uterine myoma- tosis. Several previous unsuccessful treatments were performed, such as the applica- tion of corticotherapy and intralesional botulinum toxin, calcium channel blockers, neuromodulators, and analgesics. Surgical treatment was performed with the im- provement of symptoms. Knowledge and clarification of this syndrome are essential to establish a relationship between uterine myomatosis and renal cell neoplasm, so that, after the skin lesion, screening for other neoplasms, early diagnosis, and health education can be carried out.

[Oncological outcomes and prognostic factors in surgically treated patients with synovial sarcoma]. / Resultados oncológicos y factores pronósticos en pacientes con sarcoma sinovial tratados quirúrgicamente.

INTRODUCTION: Synovial sarcoma is an unusual tumor with an incidence of 1-3 cases per million. It is more frequent in teenagers and young adults under 30. It develops anywhere, but the extremities are the most frequent place of appearance (80% extremities, 20% other locations: 8% trunk, 7% retroperitoneal/abdominal, 5% head and neck). Oncological results are different depending on the study. Survival rate free of local recurrence, survival rate free of events and global survival rate vary upon published studies. The same happens with the disease's prognostic factors. METHODS: The objective was to analyze a group of 43 patients with diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the extremities treated surgically and determine (1) global survival rate, (2) survival rate free of events, (3) local recurrence rate and (4) oncological risk factors. RESULTS: The global survival rate at 2 years was 90% (IC95%: 76 - 96%) and 67% (IC95%: 49-80%) at 5 years. The survival rate free of events at 2 years was 68% (IC95% 51-80%) and 48% (IC95% 32-52%) at 5 years. The recurrence rate at 2 years was 9% (IC95% 3-25%) and 25% (IC95% 13-46%) at 5 years. The histological grade and metastatic presence were bad prognostic factors. DISCUSSION: We can conclude that our oncological results are in line with those published in previous series and that there were two factors associated with poor prognosis.

Introducción: El sarcoma sinovial es un tumor raro (incidencia de 1-3 casos por millón). Es más frecuente en adolescentes y adultos menores de 30 años. Se desarrolla en cualquier parte del cuerpo, siendo, las extremidades el lugar más frecuente de aparición (80% extremidades y 20% otras localizaciones: 8% tronco, retroperitoneal/ abdominal 7%, cabeza y cuello 5%). Los resultados oncológicos de los pacientes con sarcoma sinovial son disímiles. La tasa de supervivencia libre de recurrencia local, la supervivencia libre de eventos y la supervivencia global varían entre las series publicadas. Lo mismo sucede con los factores pronósticos de la enfermedad. Métodos: El objetivo fue analizar un grupo de 43 pacientes con diagnóstico de sarcoma sinovial de las extremidades tratados quirúrgicamente, y determinar (1) tasa de supervivencia global, (2) tasa de supervivencia libre de eventos, (3) tasa de recurrencia local y (4) factores de riesgo oncológicos. Resultados: La supervivencia global a los 2 años fue 90% (IC95%: 76-96%), y 67% (IC95%: 49-80%) a los 5 años. La supervivencia libre de eventos a los 2 años fue 68% (IC95% 51-80%) y a los 5 años 48% (IC95% 32-52%). El riesgo de recurrencia local a 2 años fue 9% (IC95% 3-25%) y a los 5 años 25% (IC95% 13-46%). Los factores de mal pronóstico oncológico fueron el grado histológico y la presencia de metástasis. Discusión: Podemos concluir que nuestros resultados oncológicos se asemejan a las series publicadas y que en nuestra serie hubo dos factores de mal pronóstico.

Evolving techniques for reducing phantom limb pain.

At least two million people in the United States of America live with lost limbs, and the number is expected to double by 2050, although the incidence of amputations is significantly greater in other parts of the world. Within days to weeks of the amputation, up to 90% of these individuals develop neuropathic pain, presenting as phantom limb pain (PLP). The pain level increases significantly within one year and remains chronic and severe for about 10%. Amputation-induced changes are considered to underlie the causation of PLP. Techniques applied to the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are designed to reverse amputation-induced changes, thereby reducing/eliminating PLP. The primary treatment for PLP is the administration of pharmacological agents, some of which are considered but provide no more than short-term pain relief. Alternative techniques are also discussed, which provide only short-term pain relief. Changes induced by various cells and the factors they release are required to change neurons and their environment to reduce/eliminate PLP. It is concluded that novel techniques that utilize autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may provide long-term PLP reduction/elimination.

Simultaneous ipsilateral floating hip and knee: the double floating extremity-a systematic review and proposal of a treatment algorithm.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the currently available existing evidence related to the presentation and management of simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries to identify injury characteristics, treatment strategies, and complications. METHODS: Data sources: Relevant articles were identified by searching Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases with no language restrictions. Manual searches of other relevant databases (SciELO and grey literature databases) and reference lists of primary articles found from initial searches were also conducted. STUDY SELECTION: All types of study designs published from January 1st, 2000 to October 1st, 2022 involving skeletally mature patients with simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Basic information and specific injury-related information were collected. RESULTS: Eight case reports were included. No study adequately reported the case with sufficient detail to allow other investigators to make inferences, nor was the result properly calculated, nor was the follow-up considered adequate for adequate functional assessment to occur in 80% of the studies. CONCLUSION: The exact treatment strategy and the follow-up time are not uniform across the included studies; therefore, they are not sufficient to adequately recommend surgical approach, timing of fixation, and fixation method. Our findings warrant the need for better documentation and reporting information about the mode of treatment of simultaneous floating hip and knee injuries.

Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Upper-Extremity Journals.

PURPOSE: Hand surgery remains one of the least racially and ethnically diverse subspecialties in all of medicine, and minority patients demonstrate overall worse health care outcomes compared with White patients. Our purpose was to determine the frequency of race and ethnicity reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in journals with an upper-extremity (UE) focus. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines by searching EMBASE and MEDLINE for RCTs contained in peer-reviewed journals with an UE focus. All articles from 2000 to 2021 were included. Information such as article sample size, center type, funding, and location was recorded. We assessed each article to determine whether demographic information, including race and ethnicity, was reported for study participants. RESULTS: A total of 481 RCTs in 9 UE journals were included. For UE RCTs, 96% of studies reported age, 90% reported sex, and 5% reported either race or ethnicity. Demographic information about economic status, insurance status, mental health, educational level, and marital status were each reported in <10% of RCTs. Racial representation was highest for White participants (80%) and lowest among American Indian participants. Of studies conducted within the United States, all racial groups except for White patients were underrepresented compared with census data. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic data related to race and ethnicity for patients involved in UE RCTs are infrequently reported. When reported, the racial demographics of UE RCT patients do not match the demographics of the patients in United States. Black patients remain underrepresented in RCTs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Academic journals mandating the reporting of demographic data related to race may aid in improved reporting and allow for subsequent aggregation within systematic reviews to assess outcomes for racial minorities.

Reducing cost of transport in asymmetrical gaits: lessons from unilateral skipping.

PURPOSE: Unilateral skipping is an asymmetrical gait only exceptionally used by humans, due to high energetic demands. In skipping, the cost of transport decreases as speed increases, and the spring-mass model coexists with the vaulting pendular one. However, the mechanisms of energy transfers and recovery between the vaulting and the bouncing steps are still unclear in this gait. The objective of this work is to study how spatiotemporal and spring-mass asymmetries impact on metabolic cost, lowering it despite speed augmentation. METHODS: Kinematics and metabolic rates of healthy subjects were measured during running and skipping on a treadmill at controlled speeds. RESULTS: Metabolic power in skipping and running increased with similar slope but different intercepts. This fact determined the different behaviour of the cost of transport: constant in running, decreasing in skipping. In skipping the step time asymmetry remained constant, while the step length asymmetry decreased with speed, almost disappearing at 2.5 m/s-1. Leg stiffness in trailing limb increased with higher slope than in leading limb and running; however, the relative leg stiffness asymmetry remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Slow skipping presents short bouncing steps, even shorter than the vaulting, impacting the stride mechanics and the metabolic cost. Faster speeds were achieved by taking longer bouncing steps and a stiffer trailing limb, allowing to improve the effectiveness of the spring-mass mechanism. The step asymmetries' trends with respect to speed in skipping open the possibility to use this gait as an experimental paradigm to study mechanisms of metabolic cost reduction in locomotion.

Hybridization Chain Reaction Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (HCR-FISH) in Ambystoma mexicanum Tissue.

In situ hybridization is a standard procedure for visualizing mRNA transcripts in tissues. The recent adoption of fluorescent probes and new signal amplification methods have facilitated multiplexed RNA imaging in tissue sections and whole tissues. Here we present protocols for multiplexed hybridization chain reaction fluorescence in situ hybridization (HCR-FISH) staining, imaging, cell segmentation, and mRNA quantification in regenerating axolotl tissue sections. We also present a protocol for whole-mount staining and imaging of developing axolotl limbs.

Lipofibromatosis: Central Nervous System Involvement by a Benign Neoplasm.

Background: Lipofibromatosis is a relatively new entity, considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors in children, involving mainly the extremities. Most cases can be completely resected without recurrence. Atypical forms have been described and their highly infiltrative capability can lead to severe clinical impairment. Case report: We report an infant with rapidly growing posterior cervicothoracic tumor, extending from the bulbo-medullary junction to T6 vertebra, leading to loss of spontaneous breathing, quadriparesis and devastating long-term consequences. Spinal tomography scan at 35 days suggested myelomeningocele. Prenatal and early postnatal ultrasounds were reviewed and no central nervous system involvement or fusion defects were present. Magnetic resonance at 40 days showed infiltrative mass, later confirmed by pathology as lipofibromatosis. Two resections failed to completely remove the tumor. Discussion: Lipofibromatosis can involve critical structures in the central nervous system and is difficult to treat surgically in those circumstances.