Mitigating jaw osteonecrosis: bioactive glass and pericardial membrane combination in a rat model.

Objectives: Bisphosphonates (BFs) show clinical effectiveness in managing osteoporosis and bone metastases but pose risks of bisphosphonate-related jaw osteonecrosis (BRONJ). With no established gold standard for BRONJ treatment, our focus is on symptom severity reduction. We aimed to assess the preventive effects of bioactive glass and/or pericardial membrane in a preclinical BRONJ model, evaluating their potential to prevent osteonecrosis and bone loss post-tooth extractions in zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated animals. Methods: Rats, receiving ZA or saline biweekly for four weeks, underwent 1st and 2nd lower left molar extractions. Pericardial membrane alone or with F18 bioglass was applied post-extractions. Microarchitecture analysis and bone loss assessment utilized computerized microtomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF tracers. Histological analysis evaluated bone injury. Results: Exclusive alveolar bone loss occurred post-extraction in the continuous ZA group, inducing osteonecrosis, osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and abscess formation. Concurrent pericardial membrane with F18 bioglass application prevented these outcomes. Baseline PET/CT scans showed no discernible uptake differences, but post-extraction 18F-FDG tracer imaging revealed heightened glucose metabolism at the extraction site in the ZA-treated group with membrane, contrasting the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest pericardial membrane with F18 bioglass effectively prevents BRONJ in the preclinical model.

Concordance between vessel-specific and vascular territory coronary functional assessment: A comparison of quantitative flow ratio and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) are utilized for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD) significance. We aimed to analyze their concordance and prognostic impact. AIMS: We aimed to analyze the concordance between QFR and MPS and their risk stratification. METHODS: Patients with invasive coronary angiography and MPS were categorized as concordant if QFR ≤ 0.80 and summed difference score (SDS) ≥ 4 or if QFR > 0.80 and SDS < 4; otherwise, they were discordant. Concordance was classified by coronary territory involvement: total (three territories), partial (two territories), poor (one territory), and total discordance (zero territories). Leaman score assessed coronary atherosclerotic burden. RESULTS: 2010 coronary territories (670 patients) underwent joint QFR and MPS analysis. MPS area under the curve for QFR ≤ 0.80 was 0.637. Concordance rates were total (52.5%), partial (29.1%), poor (15.8%), and total discordance (2.6%). Most concordance occurred in patients without significant CAD or with single-vessel disease (89.5%), particularly without MPS perfusion defects (91.5%). Leaman score (odds ratio [OR]: 0.839, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.805-0.875, p < 0.001) and MPS perfusion defect (summed stress score [SSS] ≥ 4) (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.211-0.596, p < 0.001) were independent predictors for discordance. After 1400 days, no significant difference in death/myocardial infarction was observed based on MPS assessment, but Leaman score, functional Leaman score, and average QFR identified higher risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: MPS showed good overall accuracy in assessing QFR significance but substantial discordance existed. Predictors for discordance included higher atherosclerotic burden and MPS perfusion defects (SSS ≥ 4). Leaman score, QFR-based functional Leaman score, and average QFR provided better risk stratification for all-cause death and myocardial infarction than MPS.

Exploration of Toxins from a Marine Annelid: An Analysis of Phyllotoxins and Accompanying Bioactives.

Proteinaceous toxins are peptides or proteins that hold great biotechnological value, evidenced by their ecological role, whether as defense or predation mechanisms. Bioprospecting using bioinformatics and omics may render screening for novel bioactives more expeditious, especially considering the immense diversity of toxin-secreting marine organisms. Eulalia sp. (Annelida: Phyllodocidae), a toxin bearing marine annelid, was recently shown to secrete cysteine-rich protein (Crisp) toxins (hitherto referred to as 'phyllotoxins') that can immobilize its prey. By analyzing and validating transcriptomic data, we narrowed the list of isolated full coding sequences of transcripts of the most abundant toxins or accompanying bioactives secreted by the species (the phyllotoxin Crisp, hyaluronidase, serine protease, and peptidases M12A, M13, and M12B). Through homology matching with human proteins, the biotechnological potential of the marine annelid's toxins and related proteins was tentatively associated with coagulative and anti-inflammatory responses for the peptidases PepM12A, SePr, PepM12B, and PepM13, and with the neurotoxic activity of Crisp, and finally, hyaluronidase was inferred to bear properties of an permeabilizing agent. The in silico analysis succeeded by validation by PCR and Sanger sequencing enabled us to retrieve cDNAs can may be used for the heterologous expression of these toxins.

Genetic, morphological and electrophysiological findings in a patient with a rare pathogenic variant in the RS1 gene.

PURPOSE: In this study, we report a case of a young adult with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) with a rare pathogenic variant in the RS1 gene (c.522 + 2 T > A). METHODS: Ophthalmological evaluation, optical coherence tomography, full-field and multifocal electroretinograms and extensive genetic screening of genes related to visual loss were carried out in the participant. RESULTS: Clinical ophthalmological exams revealed a mild to moderate impairment of visual acuity. Retinal imaging showed bilateral foveal schisis, as well as normal a-wave, reduction in the b-wave amplitudes in dark- and light- adapted full-field electroretinograms, and abnormal oscillatory potentials. We found also diffuse amplitude reduction in multifocal electroretinogram arrays. A canonical splice variant was identified in the RS1 gene (c.522 + 2 T > A). CONCLUSION: A rare pathogenic variant of the RS1 gene was associated with diffuse retinal involvement (central and peripheral retina), probably in inner retina, and mild to moderate visual acuity impairment. The phenotypical characterization of rare mutations is relevant to provide information about the disease.

B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in severe aortic stenosis: a comprehensive literature review.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro BNP) are cardiac biomarkers that are released in response to increased ventricular and atrial wall stress. Aortic stenosis (AS) leads to hemodynamic changes and left ventricular hypertrophy and may be associated with natriuretic peptide levels. Several studies have shown that increased natriuretic peptide levels are correlated with AS severity and can predict the need for intervention. It can be useful in risk stratification, monitoring follow-up, and predicting cardiovascular outcomes of patients with severe AS. This paper aims to summarize the evidence of the role of BNP and NT-pro BNP in AS, before and after intervention.

The safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in diabetic patients submitted to elective percutaneous coronary intervention regarding kidney function: SAFE-PCI pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most performed well-succeeded therapeutic procedures worldwide, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI) produced early after an ischemic renal insult. Osmotic diuresis and the vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole promoted by Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) generate a concern regarding the possibility of dehydration and consequent AKI. There is no consensus on the maintenance or discontinuation of SGTL2i in patients who will undergo PCI. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of empagliflozin in diabetic patients submitted to elective PCI regarding kidney function. METHODS: SAFE-PCI trial is a prospective, open-label, randomized (1:1), single-center pilot study and a follow-up of 30 days. The SGLT2i empagliflozin 25 mg daily was initiated at least 15 days before PCI in the intervention group and maintained until the end of the follow-up period. Serum NGAL was collected 6 h after PCI and creatinine before PCI, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure. As per protocol, both groups received optimal medical treatment and standard protocol of nephroprotection. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were randomized (22 patients in the iSGLT-2 group and 20 patients in the control group). There was no difference between-group baseline data. The primary outcome (NGAL and creatinine values post PCI) did not differ in both groups: the mean NGAL value was 199 ng/dL in the empagliflozin group and 150 ng/dL in the control group (p = 0.249). Although there was an initial increase in creatinine in the SGLT-2i group compared to the control group between baseline creatinine and pre-PCI and 24 h post-PCI creatinine, no difference was detected in creatinine 48 h post-PCI (p = 0.065). The incidence of CI-AKI, determined by KDIGO criteria, in the iSGLT2-group was 13.6% and 10.0% in the control group without statistical difference. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the use of empagliflozin is safe regarding kidney function during elective PCI in patients with T2D when compared with no use of SGLT2i. Trial registration Our clinical study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the following number: NCT05037695.

Microvascular lung vessels obstructive thromboinflammatory syndrome in patients with COVID-19: Insights from lung intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Background: Microvascular lung vessels obstructive thromboinflammatory syndrome has been proposed as a possible mechanism of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients. However, it has only been observed in post-mortem studies and has never been documented in vivo, probably because of a lack of CT scan sensitivity in small pulmonary arteries. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety, tolerability, and diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the assessment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia for pulmonary microvascular thromboinflammatory syndrome. Methods: The COVID-OCT trial was a multicenter, open-label, prospective, interventional clinical study. Two cohorts of patients were included in the study and underwent pulmonary OCT evaluation. Cohort A consisted of patients with COVID-19 with a negative CT scan for pulmonary thrombosis and elevated thromboinflammatory markers (D-dimer > 10,000 ng/mL or 5,000 < D-dimer < 10,000 ng/mL and one of: C-reactive Protein > 100 mg/dL, IL-6 > 6 pg/mL, or ferritin > 900 ng/L). Cohort B consisted of patients with COVID-19 and a CT scan positive for pulmonary thrombosis. The primary endpoints of the study were: (i) to evaluate the overall safety of OCT investigation in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, and (ii) to report on the potential value of OCT as a novel diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of microvascular pulmonary thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. Results: A total of 13 patients were enrolled. The mean number of OCT runs performed in each patient was 6.1 ± 2.0, both in ground glass and healthy lung areas, achieving a good evaluation of the distal pulmonary arteries. Overall, OCT runs identified microvascular thrombosis in 8 patients (61.5%): 5 cases of red thrombus, 1 case of white thrombus, and 2 cases of mixed thrombus. In Cohort A, the minimal lumen area was 3.5 ± 4.6 mm2, with stenosis of 60.9 ± 35.9% of the area, and the mean length of thrombus-containing lesions was 5.4 ± 3.0 mm. In Cohort B, the percentage area obstruction was 92.6 ± 2.6, and the mean thrombus-containing lesion length was 14.1 ± 13.9 mm. No peri-procedural complications occurred in any of the 13 patients. Conclusion: OCT appears to be a safe and accurate method of evaluating the distal pulmonary arteries in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here, it enabled the first in vivo documentation of distal pulmonary arterial thrombosis in patients with elevated thromboinflammatory markers, even when their CT angiogram was negative for pulmonary thrombosis. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier NCT04410549.

Sex-related difference in the retinal structure of young adults: a machine learning approach.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of machine learning (ML) algorithms to classify the sex of the participant from retinal thickness datasets in different retinal layers. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 26 male and 38 female subjects. Data were acquired using HRA + OCT Spectralis, and the thickness and volume of 10 retinal layers were quantified. A total of 10 features were extracted from each retinal layer. The accuracy of various algorithms, including k-nearest-neighbor, support vector classifier, logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, random forest, decision tree, and Gaussian Naïve Bayes, was quantified. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the ML accuracy, considering both the classifier type and the retinal layer as factors. Results: A comparison of the accuracies achieved by various algorithms in classifying participant sex revealed superior results in datasets related to total retinal thickness and the retinal nerve fiber layer. In these instances, no significant differences in algorithm performance were observed (p > 0.05). Conversely, in other layers, a decrease in classification accuracy was noted as the layer moved outward in the retina. Here, the random forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated superior performance compared to the others (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The current research highlights the distinctive potential of various retinal layers in sex classification. Different layers and ML algorithms yield distinct accuracies. The RF algorithm's consistent superiority suggests its effectiveness in identifying sex-related features from a range of retinal layers.

Possible risk factors involved in psychological and emotional stress and depression among forensic medicine workers.

Introduction: Different forms of rationalization are introduced through work, which result from economic, political, and social changes that increase the need for labor force. Within this context, there are institutions that neglect the effects of poor work environments on workers' health, such as the development of work-related mental and psychological disorders. Objectives: To understand what it means to work as an official expert at a forensic medicine institute and investigate occupational and workplace factors that may contribute to emotional and psychological stress and/or depression. Methods: We conducted an exploratory, qualitative study at a forensic medicine institute of a Brazilian capital city. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with study participants, which were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Occupational factors, including physical organization and psychological demand, may generate or contribute to the development of psychological and emotional stress and/or depression in forensic medicine workers. Working conditions are related to the quality and quantitative performance of the worker and influence whether worker productivity meets the demands of those using the services provided by the institute. Conclusions: This study revealed the reality of those working at a forensic medicine institute and identified possible factors that may cause emotional instability, psychological and emotional stress, and/or depression. We identified the need for changes in the workplace and the creation of social policies focused on mental health to minimize occupational illness.

Offline Assessment of the Quantitative Flow Ratio: Is it Useful in Clinical Practice?

INTRODUCTION: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been established as the gold standard in the physiological assessment of coronary obstructions severity. However, the need to insert an intracoronary pressure guidewire is a factor that limits its use. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a method that infers the value of FFR from 3-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (3D-QCA), eliminating the use of a pressure wire and coronary hyperemia. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of QFR and 3D-QCA in comparison with FFR for the identification of significant obstructive coronary lesions (FFR ≤.80) and the feasibility to assess QFR in a cohort of patients without dedicated angiographic acquisition. METHODS: Consecutive patients with coronary angiography with moderate obstructive lesions that had previous FFR measurement were evaluated. Validation of QFR was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) and other statistical tools, using FFR as the reference method. RESULTS: Seventy-five arteries from 69 patients were evaluated. The accuracy of the QFR to detect FFR ≤.80 was 84.0% (95% confidence interval, 75.6-92.4). The correlation and agreement between FFR and QFR were r=0.54 (P<.01) and mean difference was -0.02 ± 0.09 (P=.09), respectively. The AUC of QFR and 3D-QCA identifying stenosis >50% was 0.854 and 0.755, respectively (P=.09). CONCLUSION: QFR demonstrated good accuracy compared with FFR for the assessment of moderate obstructive coronary lesions in an unselected clinical practice population. However, many patients were excluded from the analysis and there was no statistical difference between the receiver operator characteristic curves of the QFR and percent diameter stenosis.

Same-day discharge percutaneous coronary intervention. Where are we? / Intervenção coronária percutânea com alta no mesmo dia. Onde estamos?

With the evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention techniques and their greater safety, the use of radial access, the greater need to optimize resources in health management and the greater demand from patients for an agile service to solve their problems, the discharge on the same day after percutaneous coronary interventions have been gaining ground in the global scenario as a feasible strategy. The objective of this article was to demonstrate that there is already a scientific basis for this, which extends from the financial aspect, and the patient's experience, to the technical details related to the safety of the strategy. A structured protocol based on evidence and on the most recent recommendations from two major medical societies is also proposed. Selecting patients well, training the multidisciplinary team and educating the patient are fundamental parts for the success of the strategy.

Com a evolução das técnicas de intervenção coronária percutânea e sua maior segurança, o uso do acesso radial, a maior necessidade de otimização dos recursos na gestão em saúde e a maior cobrança por parte dos pacientes por um serviço ágil para resolução de seus problemas, a alta no mesmo dia após as intervenções coronárias percutâneas vem ganhando espaço no cenário global como uma estratégia factível. O objetivo deste artigo foi demonstrar que já há base científica para o assunto, a qual se estende desde a aspectos financeiros, à experiência do paciente até à questão técnica relacionada à segurança da estratégia. Propõe-se, ainda, um protocolo estruturado baseado em evidências e nas recomendações mais recentes de duas grandes sociedades médicas. Selecionar bem os pacientes, treinar a equipe multiprofissional e educar o paciente são partes fundamentais para o sucesso da estratégia.

Focused Endocardial Septal Ablation: A New Technique to Treat Postmyectomy Recurrent Gradient

This report describes the case of a 64-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent surgical myectomy but who had a persistent midventricular residual gradient. The patient was symptomatic despite medical treatment and chose to undergo percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation focused on the gradient. RF delivery was performed, and the gradient was reduced from the initial 105/68 mm Hg (during Valsalva maneuver/at rest before ablation) to 24/10 mm Hg. This reduction was sustained for the next 12 months. Percutaneous RF ablation may be a reasonable option for second surgical myectomy, and the protocol can be easily reproduced.

Efeito da nitroglicerina pré-cateterismo transradial sobre o espasmo de artéria radial: análise baseada na experiência do operador / Effect of nitroglycerin pre-transradial catheterization on radial artery spasm: analysis based on operator experience

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso da artéria radial como acesso arterial para o cateterismo cardíaco tem sido preferencial devido a vantagens clínicas demonstradas. Um dos limitantes do uso da artéria como via de acesso é a ocorrência de espasmo (EAR), para o qual se recomenda o uso de medicações espasmolíticas profiláticas. A nitroglicerina é uma droga vasodilatadora que tem sido usada para este fim. O benefício da medicação na prevenção do espasmo poderia ser influenciado pela experiência do operador. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a redução na incidência de EAR, por avaliação clínica, em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco por via transradial (ATR) submetidos à pré-medicação com nitroglicerina intra-arterial, comparado àqueles que não receberam pré-medicação com nitroglicerina. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, multicêntrico, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado. Um grupo recebeu nitroglicerina, na dose de 500 μg, diluída em 10ml de soro fisiológico através do introdutor, e um segundo grupo, que recebeu placebo (SF). A avaliação de espasmo foi clínica, através de escala numérica de dor (graduada de 0 a 10), e será definido como presente nos casos em que seja maior que 6. A experiência do operador foi classificada como: inexperiente (I) (menos que 100 procedimento por ATR realizados); experientes (E) (de 100 a 1000 ATR) e altamente experientes (A) (mais que 1000 ATR). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 1991 pacientes, com média de 61,8 anos, sendo 61,7% do sexo masculino e 36,6% com diabetes. Operadores I realizaram 454 (22,8%) procedimentos; E, 949 (47,7%) e A, 588 (29,5%). A incidência de espasmo foi de 14,5% no grupo I, 12,5% no grupo E e 9,7% no grupo A (p=0,01 para comparação entre o grupo I e A). A mudança de via de acesso também foi mais comum no grupo I (3,5% vs. 2,5% (E) vs. 0,2% (A), p<0,01). No grupo I, o uso profilático de nitroglicerina reduziu a incidência de espasmo (17,9% vs. 11,1%, p=0,04), o que não ocorreu no grupo E (13,3% vs. 11,8%, p=0,49) ou no grupo A (10,2% vs. 9,2%, p=0,68). O uso de medicação vasodilatadora de resgate também foi mais comum no grupo I (3,1% vs. 2,9% (E) vs. 0,5% (A), p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: O EAR é mais comum no início da curva de aprendizado do ATR, nesta situação o uso profilático da nitroglicerina, na dose de 500 μg, reduz a ocorrência de EAR, este efeito benéfico da nitroglicerina não é observado com operadores mais experientes.

Orangutan information broadcast via consonant-like and vowel-like calls breaches mathematical models of linguistic evolution.

The origin of language is one of the most significant evolutionary milestones of life on Earth, but one of the most persevering scientific unknowns. Two decades ago, game theorists and mathematicians predicted that the first words and grammar emerged as a response to transmission errors and information loss in language's precursor system, however, empirical proof is lacking. Here, we assessed information loss in proto-consonants and proto-vowels in human pre-linguistic ancestors as proxied by orangutan consonant-like and vowel-like calls that compose syllable-like combinations. We played back and re-recorded calls at increasing distances across a structurally complex habitat (i.e. adverse to sound transmission). Consonant-like and vowel-like calls degraded acoustically over distance, but no information loss was detected regarding three distinct classes of information (viz. individual ID, context and population ID). Our results refute prevailing mathematical predictions and herald a turning point in language evolution theory and heuristics. Namely, explaining how the vocal-verbal continuum was crossed in the hominid family will benefit from future mathematical and computational models that, in order to enjoy empirical validity and superior explanatory power, will be informed by great ape behaviour and repertoire.

The Learning Incubator: an innovative teaching and learning technology in nursing.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the meaning of the Learning Incubator as a teaching and learning technology in the nursing area. METHOD: Qualitative research, supported by grounded theory. Data was collected from March to November 2019, through interviews with guiding questions and hypotheses directed at two different groups. The analysis was done by comparative data analysis and included open, axial and integrated coding, as proposed by the method. The theoretical sample included 23 participants, which were nurses, technicians, and nursing students. RESULTS: The delimitation of the categories converged in the phenomenon (Re)signifying knowledge and practices in the Learning Incubator. Guided by the paradigmatic model, the categories were named according to the three following components: Condition: Recognizing that the being and the professional practice are inextricable; Action/interaction: Revisiting professional practices that are repetitive and mechanic; Consequence: Referring to the reflections and knowledge constructed in the Learning Incubator. CONCLUSION: The Learning Incubator, as seen by the study participants, is not limited to the Incubator meetings or the themes addressed in it. Beyond a welcoming physical space, the Incubator expands itself and becomes a tool that promotes self-reflection and self-assessment of professional behaviors and attitudes.

Maternal ingestion of cocoa causes constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus in rats.

Maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has been associated with fetal ductus arteriosus constriction (DAC), but safety of chocolate exposure in fetal life has not been studied. This experimental study tested the hypothesis that maternal cocoa consumption in late pregnancy causes fetal DAC, with possible associated antioxidant effects. Pregnant Wistar rats, at the 21st gestational day, received by orogastric tube cocoa (720 mg/Kg) for 12 h, indomethacin (10 mg/Kg), for 8 h, or only water, before cesaren section. Immediately after withdrawal, every thorax was obtained and tissues were fixed and stained for histological analysis. The ratio of the narrowest part of the pulmonary artery to the fetal ductus inner diameter and increased ductal inner wall thickness characterized ductal constriction. Substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid were quantified. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Tukey test. Cocoa (n = 33) and indomethacin (n = 7) reduced fetal internal ductus diameter when compared to control (water, n = 25) (p < 0.001) and cocoa alone increased ductus wall thickness (p < 0.001), but no change was noted in enzymes activity. This pharmacological study shows supporting evidences that there is a cause and effect relationship between maternal consumption of cocoa and fetal ductus arteriosus constriction. Habitual widespread use of chocolate during gestation could account for undetected ductus constriction and its potentially severe consequences, such as perinatal pulmonary hypertension, cardiac failure and even death. For this reason, dietary guidance in late pregnancy to avoid high chocolate intake, to prevent fetal ductal constriction, may represent the main translational aspect of this study.

Focused Endocardial Septal Ablation: A New Technique to Treat Postmyectomy Recurrent Gradient.

This report describes the case of a 64-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent surgical myectomy but who had a persistent midventricular residual gradient. The patient was symptomatic despite medical treatment and chose to undergo percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation focused on the gradient. RF delivery was performed, and the gradient was reduced from the initial 105/68 mm Hg (during Valsalva maneuver/at rest before ablation) to 24/10 mm Hg. This reduction was sustained for the next 12 months. Percutaneous RF ablation may be a reasonable option for second surgical myectomy, and the protocol can be easily reproduced.

The Learning Incubator: an innovative teaching and learning technology in nursing / Incubadora de Aprendizaje: tecnología innovadora de enseñanza y aprendizaje en la enfermería / Incubadora de Aprendizagem: tecnologia inovadora de ensino e aprendizagem na enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the meaning of the Learning Incubator as a teaching and learning technology in the nursing area. Method: Qualitative research, supported by grounded theory. Data was collected from March to November 2019, through interviews with guiding questions and hypotheses directed at two different groups. The analysis was done by comparative data analysis and included open, axial and integrated coding, as proposed by the method. The theoretical sample included 23 participants, which were nurses, technicians, and nursing students. Results: The delimitation of the categories converged in the phenomenon (Re)signifying knowledge and practices in the Learning Incubator. Guided by the paradigmatic model, the categories were named according to the three following components: Condition: Recognizing that the being and the professional practice are inextricable; Action/interaction: Revisiting professional practices that are repetitive and mechanic; Consequence: Referring to the reflections and knowledge constructed in the Learning Incubator. Conclusion: The Learning Incubator, as seen by the study participants, is not limited to the Incubator meetings or the themes addressed in it. Beyond a welcoming physical space, the Incubator expands itself and becomes a tool that promotes self-reflection and self-assessment of professional behaviors and attitudes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender el significado de la Incubadora de Aprendizaje como tecnología de enseñanza e instrucción en enfermería. Método: Es una investigación cualitativa basada en la teoría fundamentada en los datos, los cuales se recopilaron entre marzo y noviembre de 2019 mediante entrevistas compuestas por preguntas orientadoras e hipótesis dirigidas a dos grupos diferentes. Se consideró la técnica del análisis comparativo de los datos, a partir de la codificación abierta, axial e integral, propuesta por el método, llegando al muestreo teórico con 23 participantes enfermeros, técnicos y estudiantes de enfermería. Resultados: La delimitación de las categorías convergió en el fenómeno, (Re)significar el conocimiento y las prácticas a través de la Incubadora de Aprendizaje. A partir del modelo paradigmático, las categorías se denominaron en función de tres componentes: Condición: Reconocer la inseparabilidad entre el ser y el hacer profesional; Acción/interacción: Revisar las posturas profesionales rutinarias y mecanicistas; Consecuencia: Remitirse a las reflexiones y conocimientos construidos en la Incubadora de Aprendizaje. Conclusión: La Incubadora de Aprendizaje, tal y como la entienden los participantes del estudio, no se reduce al momento de la Incubación ni a los temas tratados. Además de ser un espacio acogedor, la incubadora se expande y se traduce en una herramienta que induce a la autorreflexión y a la autoevaluación de actitudes y posturas profesionales.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender o significado da Incubadora de Aprendizagem como tecnologia de ensino e aprendizagem na área de enfermagem. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, apoiada na teoria fundamentada nos dados. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre março e novembro de 2019, por meio de entrevistas com questões norteadoras e hipóteses direcionadas a dois diferentes grupos. Considerou-se a técnica de análise comparativa dos dados, a partir da codificação aberta, axial e integralizada, conforme proposto pelo método, atingindo-se amostragem teórica com 23 participantes, os quais eram enfermeiros, técnicos e alunos de enfermagem. Resultados: A delimitação das categorias confluiu para o fenômeno, (Re)significando saberes e práticas por meio da Incubadora de Aprendizagem. Norteadas pelo modelo paradigmático, as categorias foram denominadas com base nos três componentes: Condição: Reconhecendo a indissociabilidade entre o ser e fazer profissional; Ação/interação: Revisitando posturas profissionais rotineiras e mecanicistas; Consequência: Remetendo-se às reflexões e aos saberes construídos na Incubadora de Aprendizagem. Conclusão: A Incubadora de Aprendizagem, conforme significado pelos participantes do estudo, não se reduz ao momento da Incubação ou às temáticas abordadas. Para além de espaço acolhedor, a incubadora amplia e traduz-se em ferramenta indutora de autorreflexão e autoavaliação de atitudes e posturas profissionais.

Contribuições da Estratégia Mãe-Bebê São-Borjense para a qualificação da rede de atenção à saúde materno-infantil / Contribuciones de la Estrategia Madre-Bebé São-Borjense a la calificación de la red de atención maternoinfantil / Contributions of the São-Borjense Mother-Baby Strategy to qualify the maternal and child health care network

Objetivo: descrever as contribuições da Estratégia Mãe-Bebê São-Borjense para a qualificação da rede de atenção à saúde materno-infantil local. Método: trata-se de pesquisa-ação desenvolvida no Município de São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, entre março/2018 e outubro/2019, após um ano de implementação da Estratégia no referido local. Dados coletados por meio de dez grupos focais e categorizados pela Análise Focal Estratégica, com a participação de gestores locais, profissionais de saúde e gestantes, totalizando 55 participantes. Resultados: os dados, organizados e categorizados, resultaram em duas categorias: Contribuições que transcendem o fazer técnico-profissional e Contribuições com vistas à qualificação da Estratégia Mãe-Bebê São-Borjense. Conclusão: a Estratégia Mãe-Bebê São-Borjense contribuiu, de forma afirmativa e prospectiva, para a qualificação da rede de atenção à saúde materno-infantil local, especialmente no que se refere às relações e interações entre profissionais e gestantes e a (re)organização dos fluxos e processos de intervenção na rede.

Objective: to describe the contributions of the São-Borjense Mother-Baby Strategy to qualify the local maternal and child health care network. Method: this is an action research carried out in the municipality of São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, between March/2018 and October/2019, after one year of implementation of the Strategy in that location. Data collected through ten focus groups and categorized by Strategic Focal Analysis, with the participation of local managers, health professionals and pregnant women, totaling 55 participants. Results: the data, organized and categorized, resulted in two categories: Contributions that transcend technical and professional practice and Contributions aimed at qualifying the São-Borjense Mother-Baby Strategy. Conclusion: the São-Borjense Mother-Baby Strategy contributed, in an affirmative and prospective way, to qualify the local maternal and child health care network, especially with regard to the relationships and interactions between professionals and pregnant women and (re)organization of flows and intervention processes in the network.

Objetivo: describir los aportes de la Estrategia Madre-Bebé São-Borjense a la calificación de la red local de atención maternoinfantil. Método: se trata de una investigación-acción realizada en el municipio de São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, entre marzo/2018 y octubre/2019, luego de un año de implementación de la Estrategia en ese lugar. Datos recolectados a través de diez grupos focales y categorizados por Análisis Focal Estratégico, con la participación de gerentes locales, profesionales de la salud y embarazadas, totalizando 55 participantes. Resultados: los datos, organizados y categorizados, resultaron en dos categorías: Aportes que trascienden la práctica técnica y profesional y Aportes orientados a calificar la Estrategia Madre-Bebé São-Borjense. Conclusión: la Estrategia Madre-Bebé São-Borjense contribuyó, de manera afirmativa y prospectiva, a la calificación de la red local de atención maternoinfantil, especialmente en lo que se refiere a las relaciones e interacciones entre profesionales y gestantes y (re)organización de flujos y procesos de intervención en la red.