Echocardiographic factors associated with thromboembolic events in patients with cardiac amyloidosis without atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is associated with various complications, and one of them are thromboembolic events (TEEs), which can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Predicting and managing the risk of these TEEs in patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) pose significant challenges, as many occur independently of AF presence. Several predictors, particularly echocardiographic ones, have been linked to an increased risk, but there is no consensus on stratification or preventive treatment. The main objective was to determine the prevalence of TEEs in a cohort of CA patients without AF and identify echocardiographic predictors. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study including confirmed CA patients. A prespecified list of variables was defined, and only patients with at least 70 % of these variables were included. Risk rates were analyzed through binary logistic regression, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 75 patients were included. Baseline characteristics are depicted in Fig. 1. Fifteen TEEs (20 %) were described, with 80 % being ischemic strokes. While diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary systolic arterial pressure (PSAP) were predictors in univariate analysis, the multivariate backward LR model identified interventricular septum diameter (IVSD) as the sole predictor, OR 1.280 (1.061-1.543), p = 0.010. It is also interesting to mention that analyzing the increase of every 3 mm in SIV, the chance of developing ETES was: OR = 2.095 (1.195-3.671), p = 0.010. CONCLUSIONS: An IVSD evaluated by echocardiography demonstrated good performance capacity as a factor associated with TEEs in this cohort of patients with AC without AF. For every 3 mm increase in IVSD, the risk of developing TEEs doubles.

The use of nonlinear analysis in understanding postural control: A scoping review.

Nonlinear analyses have emerged as an approach to unraveling the intricate dynamics and underlying mechanisms of postural control, offering insights into the complex interplay of physiological and biomechanical factors. However, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the application of nonlinear analysis in postural control studies remains a challenge due to the various nonlinear measurement methods currently available. Thus, this scoping review aimed to identify existing nonlinear analyses used to study postural control in both dynamic and quiet tasks, and to summarize and disseminate the available literature on the use of nonlinear analysis in postural control. For this purpose, a scoping review was conducted and reported following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist and Explanation. Searches were conducted up to July 2023 on PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in the inclusion of 397 unique studies. The main classes employed among the studies were entropy-based, fractal-based, quantification of recurrence plots, and quantification of stability, with a total of 91 different algorithms distributed among these classes. The most common condition used to study postural control was quiet standing, followed by dynamic standing and gait tasks. Although various algorithms were utilized for this purpose, sample entropy was employed in 43% of studies to explore mechanisms related to postural control. Among them, 28% were in quiet standing, 3.27% were in dynamic standing, and 4.78% to study postural control during the gait. The results also provide insights into nonlinear analysis for future studies, concerning the complexity and interactions within the postural control system across various task demands.

A semi-structured interview to capture manual wheelchair use for mobility activities among individuals with spinal cord injury in real-life situations: development and content validity of the Wheelchair Mobility Activity Log (WC-MAL).

STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-method approach. OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess the content validity of a semi-structured interview that captures the lived experience of using a manual wheelchair among individuals with SCI in the real world, the Wheelchair Mobility Activity Log (WC-MAL). SETTING: SCIR-Group (UDESC)/Brazil. METHODS: Developing the WC-MAL comprised five steps: (1) defining the construct-based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); (2) identifying relevant activities from other assessment instruments and interviews with the end-users (14 Individuals with SCI and 13 rehabilitation professionals); (3) Selecting the items - activities were linked to ICF codes and grouped into sets; (4) developing the scoring scales based on interviews with the end-users; and, (5) evaluating content validity in accordance with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The content validity ratio (CVR) for each item and scale and the overall instrument content validity index (CVI) were calculated. RESULTS: From an initial draft of 295 activities identified, a set of 222 activities was linked to the ICF domain of "Mobility (d4)" and further refined to generate the 23 items in the WC-MAL. Three scales were developed to assess Frequency (how often), Performance (how well), and Assistance (assistance needed) levels. The items and scales showed a CVR superior to the critical value established (≥0.64). The general CVI value was 0.96. CONCLUSION: The WC-MAL is a promising clinical instrument with adequate content validity to assess the spontaneous use of the manual wheelchair in the real world among individuals with SCI.

Reliability and validity of remote Life Space Assessment: LSA in persons with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND: StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) is used to measure the mobility of chronic hemiparetic patients and the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale was developed to assess the displacement of hemiparetic patients in different contexts through self-reporting. Studies that apply the LSA remotely and correlate it with the number of steps measured by the SAM were not found. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement properties of the LSA applied remotely and to evaluate the correlation between the LSA scale score and the number of steps measured by the SAM in post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients. METHODS: Nineteen patients participated in the study. The LSA scale was applied remotely and later, face to face. The SAM measured the steps taken by the participants over a period of three consecutive days. The correlation between the LSA and the SAM was performed using Pearson's correlation. The measurement properties calculated of remote LSA were the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbrach's alpha, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD). RESULTS: The reproducibility of the LSA scale between remote and face-to-face applications was considered excellent with ICC = 0.85 (IC 95% 0.62-0.94); SEM = 8.4; SRD = 23.2, and Cronbach's alpha = 0.85. The correlation between SAM and LSA was positive, considered moderate (r = 0.51) and significant (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The LSA is a reproducible measure for post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients even if applied remotely and can be used as a remote measurement for mobility in a real-world environment for people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

ANTECEDENTES: O StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) é utilizado para medir a mobilidade de pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos e a escala Life Space Assessment (LSA) avalia o deslocamento de pacientes hemiparéticos em diferentes contextos por meio de autorrelato. Não foram encontrados estudos que tenham aplicado a LSA remotamente nem que a correlacionam com o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as propriedades de medida da LSA aplicada remotamente e avaliar a correlação entre o escore da escala LSA e o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM em pacientes com hemiparesia crônica pós-AVC. MéTODOS: Dezenove participantes responderam a LSA remotamente e, posteriormente, presencialmente. O SAM mediu os passos dados pelos participantes durante um período de três dias consecutivos. A correlação entre a LSA e o SAM foi realizada por meio da correlação de Pearson. As propriedades de medida calculadas da LSA aplicada remotamente foram o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC), alfa de Cronbrach, erro do padrão de medida (SEM) e menor diferença real (SRD). RESULTADOS: A reprodutibilidade da escala LSA entre as aplicações remotas e presenciais foi considerada excelente com ICC = 0,85 (IC 95% 0,62-0,94); SEM = 8,4; SRD = 23,2 e alfa de Cronbrach = 0,85. A correlação entre SAM e a LSA foi positiva, considerada moderada (r = 0,51) e significativa (p= 0,025). CONCLUSãO: A LSA é uma medida reprodutível para pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVC mesmo se aplicada remotamente e pode ser usada como uma medida remota de mobilidade em ambiente real para pessoas com hemiparesia crônica após AVC.

Association of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: minimizes the adverse effects of necrotic enteritis in the gastrointestinal tract and improves zootechnical performance in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and capacity of the probiotic composed of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, in improving the zootechnical performance of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens. The broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design in poultry isolators (12 birds each), resulting in 3 treatments: T1 (control, no challenge and no Bacillus in diet), T2 (challenged with Eimeria spp., followed by Clostridium perfringens infection and no Bacillus in the diet), and T3 (challenged with Eimeria spp., Clostridium perfringens and treated with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens). They were evaluated for a period of 29 d, divided into preinitial (1-7 d of age), initial (8-21 d), and growth (22-29 d) phases. Assessments of body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion were conducted, along with the classification of the scores and optical microscopy of the tract gastrointestinal. The animals challenged and treated with the probiotic containing Bacillus spp. showed improved indicators of zootechnical performance. Additionally, the animals challenged and treated (T3) had a better score for intestinal lesions compared to the other treatment groups. Therefore, the probiotic consisting of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens could be considered an effective option for disease prevention and improving the zootechnical performance of broiler chickens.

Linking patient reported shoulder outcomes to the international classification of functioning, disability and health.

PURPOSE: To link the items from shoulder-specific Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains and categories, and to determine if the items fit into the ICF framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Brazilian versions of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) were linked to the ICF by two researchers independently. Agreement between raters was determined by calculating the Kappa Index. RESULTS: Fifty-eight items from the PROMs were linked to eight domains and 27 categories of ICF. The PROMs covered components of body functions, activities, and participation. Components of body structure and environmental factors were not covered by any of the PROMs. ​There was substantial agreement between raters when linking the OSS (Kappa index = 0.66), SPADI (Kappa index = 0.92), SST (Kappa index = 0.72) and WORC (Kappa index = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: WORC and SST were the PROMs that covered the highest number of ICF domains (seven and six, respectively). However, SST is short and may be less time consuming in a clinical assessment. Clinicians can benefit from this study to decide which shoulder-specific PROM may be more adequate according to the clinical demand.Implications For RehabilitationWestern Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was the shoulder-specific Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that best showed a broader view of functionality through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains that can influence shoulder pain and disability.Simple Shoulder Test seems to be the most recommended shoulder-specific PROM considering the number of domains covered by the ICF and the clinical evaluation time consumption.Shoulder Pain and Disability Index fails to provide a broader view of functioning through other ICF domains that may influence shoulder pain and disability.

Reliability and validity of remote Life Space Assessment: LSA in persons with chronic stroke / Confiabilidade e validade da escala Life Space Assessment aplicada remotamente: LSA em pacientes com AVC crônico

Abstract Background StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) is used to measure the mobility of chronic hemiparetic patients and the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale was developed to assess the displacement of hemiparetic patients in different contexts through self-reporting. Studies that apply the LSA remotely and correlate it with the number of steps measured by the SAM were not found. Objective To evaluate the measurement properties of the LSA applied remotely and to evaluate the correlation between the LSA scale score and the number of steps measured by the SAM in post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients. Methods Nineteen patients participated in the study. The LSA scale was applied remotely and later, face to face. The SAM measured the steps taken by the participants over a period of three consecutive days. The correlation between the LSA and the SAM was performed using Pearson's correlation. The measurement properties calculated of remote LSA were the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbrach's alpha, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD). Results The reproducibility of the LSA scale between remote and face-to-face applications was considered excellent with ICC = 0.85 (IC 95% 0.62-0.94); SEM = 8.4; SRD = 23.2, and Cronbach's alpha = 0.85. The correlation between SAM and LSA was positive, considered moderate (r = 0.51) and significant (p = 0.025). Conclusion The LSA is a reproducible measure for post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients even if applied remotely and can be used as a remote measurement for mobility in a real-world environment for people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

Resumo Antecedentes O StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) é utilizado para medir a mobilidade de pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos e a escala Life Space Assessment (LSA) avalia o deslocamento de pacientes hemiparéticos em diferentes contextos por meio de autorrelato. Não foram encontrados estudos que tenham aplicado a LSA remotamente nem que a correlacionam com o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM. Objetivo Avaliar as propriedades de medida da LSA aplicada remotamente e avaliar a correlação entre o escore da escala LSA e o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM em pacientes com hemiparesia crônica pós-AVC. Métodos Dezenove participantes responderam a LSA remotamente e, posteriormente, presencialmente. O SAM mediu os passos dados pelos participantes durante um período de três dias consecutivos. A correlação entre a LSA e o SAM foi realizada por meio da correlação de Pearson. As propriedades de medida calculadas da LSA aplicada remotamente foram o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC), alfa de Cronbrach, erro do padrão de medida (SEM) e menor diferença real (SRD). Resultados A reprodutibilidade da escala LSA entre as aplicações remotas e presenciais foi considerada excelente com ICC = 0,85 (IC 95% 0,62-0,94); SEM = 8,4; SRD = 23,2 e alfa de Cronbrach = 0,85. A correlação entre SAM e a LSA foi positiva, considerada moderada (r = 0,51) e significativa (p= 0,025). Conclusão A LSA é uma medida reprodutível para pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVC mesmo se aplicada remotamente e pode ser usada como uma medida remota de mobilidade em ambiente real para pessoas com hemiparesia crônica após AVC.

Validade e fidedignidade de um protocolo para avaliar o estresse de minoria em pessoas trans e diversidade de gênero / Validity and fidedignity of a protocol to evaluate minority stress in trans and gender people

O modelo do Estresse de Minoria (EM) propõe uma explicação de como estressores relacionados ao preconceito levam pessoas lésbicas, gays e bissexuais (LGB) a terem piores desfechos negativos de saúde mental do que pessoas heterossexuais. Os componentes básicos do EM são o preconceito internalizado, preconceito antecipado e preconceito experienciado. O modelo do EM foi desenvolvido primeiramente no campo da sexualidade e hoje tem sido também aplicado no contexto da diversidade de gênero. Ainda não há instrumentos adaptados para sua avaliação no contexto da diversidade de gênero no Brasil. Para esse fim, este estudo objetiva a adaptação transcultural e a investigação de evidências de validade para o contexto brasileiro do "Protocolo para Avaliação do EM em pessoas trans e diversidade de gênero" (PEM-TD-BR). Participaram 455 indivíduos cuja identidade de gênero discordava daquela designada ao nascimento. As análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias sugerem a estrutura de três fatores do PEM-TD-BR como a mais adequada, fornecendo evidências de validade e fidedignidade para o protocolo no contexto brasileiro.

The Minority Stress (MS) model explains how prejudice-related stressors lead lesbian, gay, and bisexual people (LGB) to have worse negative mental health outcomes compared to heterosexuals. The basic components of MS are internalized prejudice, anticipated prejudice, and experienced prejudice. MS model was first developed in the field of sexuality and is now also applied in the context of gender diversity. There are still no adapted tools for its assessment in the context of gender diversity in Brazil. To this end, this study aims at the cross-cultural adaptation and production of validity evidence for the Brazilian context of a protocol for the "assessment of MS in transgender and gender diverse people" (PEM-TD-BR). It included 455 participants whose current gender identity disagreed with that assigned at birth. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes suggest the three-factor structure of the PEM-TD-BR as the most appropriate and provide evidence for the validity and reliability for the protocol in the Brazilian context.

Seven Epidemic Waves of COVID-19 in a Hospital in Madrid: Analysis of Severity and Associated Factors.

(1) Background: COVID-19 has evolved during seven epidemic waves in Spain. Our objective was to describe changes in mortality and severity in our hospitalized patients. (2) Method: This study employed a descriptive, retrospective approach for COVID-19 patients admitted to the Hospital de Fuenlabrada (Madrid, Spain) until 31 December 2022. (3) Results: A total of 5510 admissions for COVID-19 were recorded. The first wave accounted for 1823 (33%) admissions and exhibited the highest proportion of severe patients: 65% with bilateral pneumonia and 83% with oxygen saturation under 94% during admission and elevated levels of CRP, IL-6, and D-dimer. In contrast, the seventh wave had the highest median age (79 years) and comorbidity (Charlson: 2.7), while only 3% of patients had bilateral pneumonia and 3% required intubation. The overall mortality rate was 10.3%. The first wave represented 39% of the total. The variables related to mortality were age (OR: 1.08, 1.07-1.09), cancer (OR: 1.99, 1.53-2.60), dementia (OR: 1.82, 1.20-2.75), the Charlson index (1.38, 1.31-1.47), the need for high-flow oxygen (OR: 6.10, 4.94-7.52), mechanical ventilation (OR: 11.554, 6.996-19.080), and CRP (OR: 1.04, 1.03-1.06). (4) Conclusions: The variables associated with mortality included age, comorbidity, respiratory failure, and inflammation. Differences in the baseline characteristics of admitted patients explained the differences in mortality in each wave. Differences observed between patients admitted in the latest wave and the earlier ones suggest that COVID-19 has evolved into a distinct disease, requiring a distinct approach.

Egeria densa remediates the aquatic environment and reduces 14C-deltamethrin bioaccumulation in Danio rerio.

Deltamethrin is an insecticide with high toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms. Environment-friendly alternatives to removing insecticides from water bodies, like phytoremediation, require species to uptake and/or dissipate pesticides from water. Our research investigated the ability of Egeria densa plants to absorb and dissipate 14C-deltamethrin from water, and bioaccumulation in Danio rerio. The variables were four densities of E. densa (0, 234, 337, and 468 g dry weight m-3), in tanks with seven adults of D. rerio, with three replicates. Dissipation was evaluated at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after application (HAA). After 96 HAA, the uptake of 14C-deltamethrin by plants and accumulation in fish were assessed. The E. densa increased 14C-deltamethrin dissipation and reduced bioaccumulation in zebrafish. The DT50 decreased 3-fold in treatments with 337 and 468 g m-3 of E. densa. The plants absorbed 32% of the 14C-deltamethrin applied, regardless of plant density. The bioaccumulation in fish was 8.21% without E. densa and only 1% in treatments with 468 g m-3 of plants. These results suggest phytoremediation using E. densa is a possible alternative to removing deltamethrin from water and reducing the accumulation in non-target organisms, reducing the environmental impact of insecticides in aquatic ecosystems.

Shoulder complex and trunk coordination of individuals with severe hemiparesis following a constraint-induced movement therapy protocol: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be an effective rehabilitation technique in individuals with mild and moderate upper limb (UL) hemiparesis. The aim was to evaluate the effect the CIMT for improving paretic UL use and interjoint coordination with individuals in severe hemiparesis. METHODS: Six individuals with severe chronic hemiparesis (mean age = 55 ± 16 years) received a UL CIMT intervention for 2 weeks. UL clinical assessments were conducted five times: two assessments at pre-intervention and then, one assessment at post-intervention and 1- and 3-month follow-up using the Graded Motor Activity Log GMAL) and the Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT). Scapula, humerus and trunk coordination variability were assessed using the 3-D kinematics during arm elevation, combing hair, turning on the switch and grasp a washcloth. A paired t-test was used to check differences between coordination variability and a one-way ANOVA repeated measures was used to check differences between GMAL and GWMFT scores. RESULTS: There were no differences in GMAL and GWMFT between the patient screening and the baseline data collection (p > 0.05). GMAL scores increased at post-intervention and at follow-ups (p < 0.02). GWMFT performance time score decreased at post-intervention and at 1-month follow-up (p < 0.04). Improvements in kinematic variability of the paretic UL at pre and post-intervention were observed in all tasks, except in the activity of turn on the light switch. CONCLUSION: Following the CIMT protocol, improvements in GMAL and GWMFT scores may reflect improvements in paretic UL performance, in real-life environment. Improvements in kinematic variability may reflect an improving of UL interjoint coordination for individuals with chronic severe hemiparesis.

Smoking Among High School Students in Dili, Timor-Leste: Prevalence, Potential Determinants and Opportunities for Prevention and Control.

Smoking initiation is concentrated among young people which strongly influences future smoking prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of smoking and other tobacco product use and potential determinants in a cross-sectional survey of 1 121 students aged 13 to 15 years in Dili, Timor-Leste. The prevalence of ever using a tobacco product was 40.4% (males 55.5%; females 23.8%) and of current use was 32.2% (males 45.3%; females 17.9%). In a logistic multivariable regression, factors associated with current use of any tobacco product were being male, ≥US$1 weekly pocket money, parents smoking, exposure at home, and exposure in other locations. The findings suggest that reducing the very high use of tobacco among adolescents in Timor-Leste will require new policy measures, enhanced enforcement of current legislation as well as a focused commitment to targeted smoke-free education campaigns, and community-based health promotion to support parents to quit smoking and not smoke around children.

Rhinodrilus priscilae and Andiorrhinus (Amazonidrilus) caxiuana (Crassiclitellata, Rcrilidae) two new species from Caxiuanã National Forest.

The amazon forest is the habitat of a high species diversity of invertebrates and unfortunately the real richness had been underestimated. Earthworms' inventories had been poor because difficult to describe new species. This study adds new records to eastern amazon of two new species belong Rhinodrilus and Andiorrhinus genera. R. priscilae n. sp. is another rare specimen of the genre having two pair of prostatoid glands. A. (Amazonidrilus) caxiuana differ of other species in size, the intestinal origin is in XXVIII and also has only one glandular mass associated to spermatheca.

Additions to earthworms (Annelida, Crassiclitellata) from Aragua and Miranda states, Venezuela.

Two new species of the earthworm genus Pontoscolex found in San Casimiro County, northern Venezuela are described. Because of some morphological variability, and to improve the previous description, we redescribe Onychochaeta windlei and Rhinodrilus fuenzalidae collected at La Cortada settlement, Miranda state. Pontoscolex (Mesoscolex) juanae sp. n. and Pontoscolex (Nulloscolex) hugoi subgen. n., sp. n have three pairs of tiny calciferous glands in 7th to 9th segments, with a simple tubular structure similar to that of the genus Onychochaeta; however, testes and funnels are enclosed in sacs in the 11th segment similar to the Pontoscolex. We also report the occurrences of Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus Müller, 1857, Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872, Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891), and Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826).

The role of residual renal function on potassium intake and excretion in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients on chronic dialysis are at increased risk of developing disorders in potassium balance. The preservation of residual renal function (RRF), frequently observed in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), may contribute to better control of serum potassium. This study aimed to investigate the role residual renal function on potassium intake and excretion in PD patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, dietary potassium was evaluated by the 3-day food record. Potassium concentration was determined in serum, 24 h dialysate, stool ample, and 24 h urine of patients with diuresis > 200 mL/day, who were considered non-anuric. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients, 50% men, 52.6 ± 14.0 years, and PD vintage 19.5 [7.0-44.2] months, were enrolled. Compared to the anuric group (n = 17, 33%), the non-anuric group (n = 35, 67%) had lower dialysate potassium excretion (24.8 ± 5.3 vs 30.9 ± 5.9 mEq/d; p = 0.001), higher total potassium intake (44.5 ± 16.7 vs 35.1 ± 8.1 mEq/d; p = 0.009) and potassium intake from fruit (6.2 [2.4-14.7] vs 2.9 [0.0-6.0]mEq/d; p = 0.018), and no difference in serum potassium (4.8 ± 0.6 vs 4.8 ± 0.9 mEq/L; p = 0.799) and fecal potassium (2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.1 ± 0.7 mEq/L; p = 0.712). In non-anuric patients, potassium intake correlated directly with urinary potassium (r = 0.40; p = 0.017), but not with serum, dialysate, or fecal potassium. In the anuric group, potassium intake tended to correlate positively with serum potassium (r = 0.48; p = 0.051) and there was no correlation with dialysate or fecal potassium. CONCLUSION: The presence of residual renal function constitutes an important factor in the excretion of potassium, which may allow the adoption of a less-restrictive diet.

Weekend effect of air pollutants in small and medium-sized cities: The role of policies stringency to COVID-19 containment.

Although the pattern of air pollutants has been extensively studied during the COVID-19 pandemic, the weekend effect has been rarely investigated. In order to understand the impact of policies stringency as well as the interruption-recovery pattern, the aim of the study was to investigate the levels of air pollutants (O3, NO2, SO2, PM2.5, PM10) and PM2.5/PM10 ratio before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in four cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, evaluating the weekend effect at these two scenarios and also identifying how the restriction measures applied locally had an impact on this effect. For this, daily data from two years of monitoring of air pollutants were collected and the weekend effect was calculated based on the levels from Monday to Friday (weekday) and Saturday and Sunday (weekend). There was a positive weekend effect for almost all criteria air pollutants in the four cities, and an intrinsic relation between the weekend effect and the restriction measures adopted. A negative weekend effect was observed in the scenario characterized by less restrictive and more permissive policies for daily and occupational activities. Conversely, when more stringent measures were implemented, this trend was reversed and higher intensities of positive weekend effect were observed as restrictions increased. In conclusion, the COVID-19 perturbation to air quality changed as regions tighten and loosen restrictions on human mobility. These insights that can guide responsible authorities about future strategies and policies for air quality control.

Gut microbiota profile of patients on peritoneal dialysis: comparison with household contacts.

BACKGROUND: Differences in patients gut microbiota composition with the potential for dysbiosis have been associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, factors other than the disease itself, such as diet and cohabitation, have not been evaluated when gut microbiota of CKD patients was compared with that of healthy controls. The aim of this study was to compare the gut microbiota composition between patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and age-matched household contacts with normal renal function. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 20 patients [men: 70%; age: 53.5 years (48.2-66; median and interquartile range); length on PD: 14 months (5.2-43.5) and 20 controls. The region V4 of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq platform. Dietary intake and diet quality were assessed by a 3-day food record and a diet quality index, respectively. RESULTS: No difference was found between the gut microbiota composition of patients and controls, assessed by alpha and beta diversities (p > 0.05) and genera differential abundance (p > 0.05). The most abundant phyla in both groups were Firmicutes (PD = 45%; Control: 47%; p = 0.65) and Bacteroidetes (PD = 41%; Control: 45%; p = 0.17). The phylum Proteobacteria, known as a potential marker of gut dysbiosis, was not different in proportions between groups (p > 0.05). No difference was observed regarding diet quality and dietary intake of fiber, protein and other nutrients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gut microbiota of patients on PD did not differ from household contacts. This result suggests that cohabitation and dietary intake might have outweighed the disease influence on gut microbiota composition of our PD patients.

Self-reported use of the paretic lower extremity of people with stroke: A reliability and validity study of the Lower-Extremity Motor Activity Log (LE-MAL) - Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Most measures to assess the lower extremity (LE) after a neurological injury assess the lower limb motor capacity in the laboratory or clinical settings as the lower-extremity motor subscale of Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE). The LE Motor Activity Log (LE-MAL) measures the use of paretic LE in real-life conditions, which for many researchers and stakeholders is considered an important goal of rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the reliability, validity, floor, and ceiling effects of the Brazilian version of the LE-MAL. METHODS: Cross-sectional study to examine the reliability and validity of LE-MAL in patients with chronic stroke. The translation and adaptation of LE-MAL was carried out for the Brazilian version. After this stage, to ensure the inter-rater reliability two raters (LCF, DBM) applied the translated version of LE-MAL in the 21 selected participants. Subsequently, the concurrent validity was calculated by the correlation with the FMA-LE. RESULTS: The translation and retro-translation of the LE-MAL was approved to the Brazilian context. A floor effect was not observed, and there was no ceiling effect for the LE-MAL total scores. The Inter-rater reliability ranged between 0.80 and 0.86. The Bland-Altman analysis showed difference of LE-MAL scores ranged from 0.8 to 1.6. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for LE-MAL and subscales were high ranging between 0.86 and 0.80. There was a significant moderate correlation between the LE-MAL and FMA-LE (Pearson correlation 0.55 (p = .009)). CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version LE-MAL is valid and reliable to assess real-world use of the paretic LE of individuals with chronic stroke.

Adolescentes usuários de substâncias psicoativas: experiências e desafios durante a internação psiquiátrica / Adolescent users of psychoactive substances: experiences and challenges during psychiatric hospitalization

Resumo Introdução O alcance do cuidado e a adesão ao tratamento de adolescentes usuários de substâncias psicoativas (SPA) é um desafio para profissionais e pesquisadores. Compreender os contextos situacionais e os itinerários percorridos por adolescentes pode auxiliar a busca de soluções para essa problemática. Objetivo Identificar as experiências e desafios durante a internação psiquiátrica a partir da percepção de adolescentes usuários de SPA. Método Estudo exploratório, qualitativo com a participação de quatro adolescentes com histórico de internação psiquiátrica, vinculados a dois Centros de Atenção Psicossocial - álcool e outras drogas (CAPSad) em diferentes cidades do interior do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas abordando uso de SPA, percursos e contexto de vida, itinerário terapêutico e vivências durante a internação. As respostas foram transcritas na íntegra e analisadas pelo método de Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados Os resultados evidenciaram início precoce do uso de SPA, experiências de uso abusivo de SPA, vulnerabilidade no contexto sociofamiliar e histórico de internações involuntárias. Os principais desafios vivenciados e retratados por esses adolescentes durante a internação foram: confinamento associado ao longo período de reclusão, distanciamento familiar, falta de segurança e carência de abordagens terapêuticas. Conclusão Evidenciou-se dificuldade de inserção dos adolescentes usuários de SPA nos dispositivos da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial dos municípios, assim como nos processos de articulação e responsabilização do cuidado. Há uma discrepância entre o que está preconizado e indicado nas políticas públicas e nas premissas da atenção psicossocial em comparação com a realidade de adolescentes internados em hospitais psiquiátricos.

Abstract Introduction The scope of care and adherence to treatment of adolescent users of psychoactive substances (PAS) is a challenge for professionals and researchers. Understanding the situational contexts and itineraries taken by adolescents can assist in searching for solutions to this problem. Objective Identify the experiences and challenges during psychiatric hospitalization from the perception of adolescent users of PSA. Method This is an exploratory, qualitative study conducted with four adolescents with a history of psychiatric hospitalization, linked to two Psychosocial Care Centers - alcohol and other drugs (CAPSad) in different cities in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews on substance use, life paths and context, therapeutic itinerary, and experiences during hospitalization. The responses were fully transcribed and analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis method. Results The results showed an early start of PAS use, experiences of PAS abuse, vulnerability in the socio-family context, and a history of involuntary hospitalizations. The main challenges experienced and reported by these adolescents during hospitalization were: confinement associated with the long seclusion period, distance from family, lack of safety, and lack of therapeutic approaches. Conclusion It has become evident that there is a significant challenge in integrating adolescent users of PAS into the Psychosocial Care Network devices within municipalities, as well as into the processes of coordination and accountability of proper care. There is a discrepancy between what is recommended and indicated in public policies and the premises of psychosocial care versus the actual reality of adolescents in psychiatric hospitals.

Self-management strategies and multicomponent training to mitigate the effects of the interruption of physical exercise programmes in the pandemic context on functionality, sedentary behaviour, physical capacity, mental health, body composition and quality of life in older adults: a blinded randomized controlled study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Considering the confinement recommended by the World Health Organization due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, many community physical exercise programmes for older adults have had their activities cancelled. In this context, proposing strategies to recover the possible adverse effects of the confinement period is pertinent. The use of self-management strategies associated with regular physical activity reduces sedentary behaviour and improves physical capacity in older adults. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe a multicomponent training programme combined with a self-management strategy protocol to mitigate the effects of interruptions in physical exercise programmes on functionality, physical capacity, mental health, body composition and quality of life in older adults. METHODS: This will be a blinded, randomized and controlled clinical trial performed in São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Eighty older adults will be divided into two groups: multicomponent training (Multi) and multicomponent training + self-management strategies (Multi+SM). The intervention will be performed over 16 weeks on three alternate days of every week, with 50-min sessions. The assessment of physical capacity will be performed before the interruption of physical exercise programmes (T0: initial assessment, March 2020), preintervention (T1: immediately after the return of the exercise programme) and postintervention (T2). The assessments of physical activity level, quality of life, mental health, functionality and body composition will be performed at T1 and T2. DISCUSSION: The results from this MC+SM protocol will allow us to contribute clinical support to evaluate the variables analysed and to guide future public health policies with the aim of minimizing the possible deleterious effects arising from the physical exercise interruption periods caused by epidemics and pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-10zs97gk . Prospectively registered in Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) on 17 June 2021. Registry name: Use of self-management strategies combined with multicomponent training to mitigate the effects of social distancing due to COVID-19 on capacity, physical capacity, mental health and quality of life in older adults - A blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial.