Renal screening sonography-A comparative study in a Portuguese basic emergency service.

INTRODUCTION: Renal Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a screening modality that aids in clinical decision-making for patients with suspected renal colic. This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with the imaging findings at the Referral Hospital (RH). METHODS: Thirty-one patients suspected of having renal pathology underwent initial sonography screening with POCUS at the BES and were subsequently referred to the RH for additional imaging examinations. The results of both examinations were compared to verify whether the findings from the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH and to ensure that the patient referrals from BES to RH were appropriate. RESULTS: In our sample, the majority of patients (80%) exhibited varying degrees of pyelocaliceal distension, with nearly half (48%) patients presenting obstructions. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables 'Dilatation of pyelocaliceal system' (V = 0.895; P = 0.00), 'Simple cystic formation' (V = 0.878; P = 0.000), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between BES and RH findings, indicating a strong association between these two variables, respectively (k = 0.890; P = 0.000) and (k = 0.870; P = 0.000). There was also a strong statistically significant correlation in the ultrasonographic findings between BES and RH performers (k = 0.890; P = 0.000 and k = 0.870; P = 0.000). In this research, an achieved sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 85% were demonstrated in the identification of pyelocaliceal dilatation. CONCLUSION: Renal POCUS screening successfully detected abnormalities in the urinary system of patients suspected of having renal colic. The sonographic findings at the BES had a good correlation with the complementary imaging results obtained at the RH in Portugal. These results suggest that Radiographers/Sonographers can have an important role in the preliminary assessment of urgent renal pathology in remote areas, contributing to a correct referral and early treatment.

Childhood and adolescence in mental health policy: an analysis through health counselors and conferences. / A infância e a adolescência na política de saúde mental: uma análise por meio dos conselheiros e conferências de saúde.

This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory documentary and field research aimed to analyze how children and adolescents are included in the formulation of public mental health policies. The document analysis database consisted of reports from Health Conferences (national, state, and municipal), minutes of meetings of the Health Council (national, state, and municipal), and memories of the Thematic Commission on Mental Health (state and municipal). Nine counselors or former health counselors participated in this study through an individual interview with a semi-structured script. Furthermore, the theoretical framework for the analysis of this research was based on the communicative action of Jürgen Habermas. The themes that emerged from the documentary research included the guidelines for intersectoral processes, as well as the expansion of beds for children and adolescents. In addition, the interviews indicated the lack of discussion on the subject, predominance of the punitive perspective, and need for a broader debate. The lack of intersubjective spaces for democratic listening compromises communicative action, resulting in the invisibility of children and adolescents in the policy formulation process and reduced opportunities for participation and social control.

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar como crianças e adolescentes são contemplados nos processos de participação para a formulação das políticas públicas de saúde mental. Pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória de caráter documental e de campo. A base de dados da análise documental consistiu em: relatórios das Conferências de Saúde (nacional, estadual e municipal), atas de reuniões do Conselho de Saúde (nacional, estadual e municipal) e memórias da Comissão Temática de Saúde Mental (estadual e municipal). Participaram deste estudo nove conselheiros ou ex-conselheiros de saúde, por meio de uma entrevista individual com roteiro semiestruturado. Como marco teórico de análise desta pesquisa, foi proposto o agir comunicativo de Jürgen Habermas. Dentre os temas que emergiram da pesquisa documental, encontram-se as diretrizes de processos intersetoriais, bem como a ampliação de leitos para crianças e adolescentes. As entrevistas apontaram a falta de discussão da temática, predomínio da perspectiva punitivista e para a necessidade de um debate mais amplo. A falta de espaços intersubjetivos de escuta democrática compromete o agir comunicativo, ocasionando a invisibilização da criança e do adolescente no processo de formulação da política e enfraquecendo os espaços de participação e controle social.

Influence of cigarette smoking on the Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance in apparently healthy Angolans.

Background: Tobacco use accelerates atherosclerosis and is one of the predictors of death from ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. A new non-invasive parameter, the Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance (iCEB) between depolarization and repolarization of the action potential, was considered a new biomarker for the identification of patients at increased arrhythmic risk. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the iCEB in apparently healthy Angolans with habitual cigarette smoking compared to non-smokers. Subjects and methods: Data were obtained from the CardioBengo study, a cross-sectional community-based study in which a random sample of individuals aged between 15 and 84 years was selected. In total, 214 apparently healthy subjects, 102 smokers, and 112 non-smokers in the same age group were included in the final analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 42.17 ± 13.04 years old and 26.6% of the sample was female. Smoking subjects had higher iCEB and corrected Index of Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance (iCEBc) values compared with non-smoking controls (4.39 vs. 4.25; p = 0.024, respectively), and (4.74 vs. 4.57; p = 0.030, respectively). Conclusions: In summary, iCEB and iCEBc were significantly higher in habitual smokers than in nonsmokers, which represents an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmogenesis in healthy habitual smokers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Africa to evaluate iCEB in smokers, making this type of study very important in low- and middle-income countries in the context of epidemiological transition.

A infância e a adolescência na política de saúde mental: uma análise por meio dos conselheiros e conferências de saúde / Childhood and adolescence in mental health policy: an analysis through health counselors and conferences

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar como crianças e adolescentes são contemplados nos processos de participação para a formulação das políticas públicas de saúde mental. Pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória de caráter documental e de campo. A base de dados da análise documental consistiu em: relatórios das Conferências de Saúde (nacional, estadual e municipal), atas de reuniões do Conselho de Saúde (nacional, estadual e municipal) e memórias da Comissão Temática de Saúde Mental (estadual e municipal). Participaram deste estudo nove conselheiros ou ex-conselheiros de saúde, por meio de uma entrevista individual com roteiro semiestruturado. Como marco teórico de análise desta pesquisa, foi proposto o agir comunicativo de Jürgen Habermas. Dentre os temas que emergiram da pesquisa documental, encontram-se as diretrizes de processos intersetoriais, bem como a ampliação de leitos para crianças e adolescentes. As entrevistas apontaram a falta de discussão da temática, predomínio da perspectiva punitivista e para a necessidade de um debate mais amplo. A falta de espaços intersubjetivos de escuta democrática compromete o agir comunicativo, ocasionando a invisibilização da criança e do adolescente no processo de formulação da política e enfraquecendo os espaços de participação e controle social.

Abstract This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory documentary and field research aimed to analyze how children and adolescents are included in the formulation of public mental health policies. The document analysis database consisted of reports from Health Conferences (national, state, and municipal), minutes of meetings of the Health Council (national, state, and municipal), and memories of the Thematic Commission on Mental Health (state and municipal). Nine counselors or former health counselors participated in this study through an individual interview with a semi-structured script. Furthermore, the theoretical framework for the analysis of this research was based on the communicative action of Jürgen Habermas. The themes that emerged from the documentary research included the guidelines for intersectoral processes, as well as the expansion of beds for children and adolescents. In addition, the interviews indicated the lack of discussion on the subject, predominance of the punitive perspective, and need for a broader debate. The lack of intersubjective spaces for democratic listening compromises communicative action, resulting in the invisibility of children and adolescents in the policy formulation process and reduced opportunities for participation and social control.

Shear Bond Strength of Simulated Single-Retainer Resin-Bonded Bridges Made of Four CAD/CAM Materials for Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA), treated orthodontically by space opening, requires complimentary aesthetic rehabilitation. Resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) can be equated as interim rehabilitation until skeletal maturity is achieved to place an implant-supported crown or as definitive rehabilitation in case of financial restrictions or implant contraindications. Scientific evidence of the best material must be confirmed in specific clinical situations. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials are promising versatile restorative options. This study aimed to identify a straightforward material to deliver interim or definitive RBBs for nonprepared tooth replacement in MLIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-retainer RBB made from CAD/CAM ceramic blocks (Vita Enamic [ENA], Suprinity [SUP], and zirconia [Y-ZPT]) and a three-dimensional (3D) printed material (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS]) were evaluated by shear bond strength (SBS) and mode of failure, after adherence to an artificial tooth with RelyX Ultimate used in a three-step adhesive strategy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The load to fracture (N) was recorded, and the mean shear stress (MPa) was calculated with standard deviations (SD) for each group and compared between materials using boxplot graphics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test was used to compare the differences (α = 0.05). A meta-analysis focusing on CAD/CAM materials evaluated the magnitude of the difference between groups based on differences in means and effect sizes (α = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]; Z-value = 1.96). Failure mode was determined by microscopic observation and correlated with the maximum load to fracture of the specimen. RESULTS: The mean ± SD SBS values were ENA (24.24 ± 9.05 MPa) < ABS (24.01 ± 1.94 MPa) < SUP (29.17 ± 4.78 MPa) < Y-ZPT (37.43 ± 12.20 MPa). The failure modes were mainly adhesive for Y-ZPT, cohesive for SUP and ENA, and cohesive with plastic deformation for ABS. CONCLUSION: Vita Enamic, Suprinity, Y-ZPT zirconia, and 3D-printed ABS RBBs are optional materials for rehabilitating MLIA. The option for each material is conditioned to estimate the time of use and necessity of removal for orthodontic or surgical techniques.

Digestive α-L-fucosidase activity in Rhodnius prolixus after blood feeding: effect of secretagogue and nutritional stimuli.

Introduction: Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas Disease. This insect is a model for the study of insect physiology, especially concerning the digestion of blood. Among the enzymes produced in the midgut of R. prolixus after blood feeding there is a α-L-fucosidase activity. There are very few studies on α-L-fucosidase of insects, and the role of R. prolixus α-L-fucosidase is still not clear. In this work, we tested if the mechanism for production of this enzyme is similar to the observed for proteases, a secretatogue mechanism that respond to the protein contents of the meal. Methods: We tested if specific proteins or sugars elicit this response, which may help to understand the nature of the physiological substrate for this enzyme. Results: In general, our results showed that the Anterior Midgut was the only midgut fraction that responds to the blood meal in terms of α-L-fucosidase production. Besides that, this response was not triggered by midgut distension or by ingestion of the blood cell fraction. Conversely, the enzyme was produced after feeding with the plasma fraction. However, the production of α-L-fucosidase was also triggered by different biochemical stimuli, as protein or fucoidan ingestion. Discussion: This suggested that the production of the enzyme in the anterior midgut was a general physiological response under control of different convergent signals. Besides that, the comparison between different treatments for artificial blood feeding showed that heparinated blood was the choice with minor side effects for the study of the midgut α-L-fucosidase, when compared to defibrinated or citrated blood.

Pixel-level annotated dataset of computed tomography angiography images of acute pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism has a high incidence and mortality, especially if undiagnosed. The examination of choice for diagnosing the disease is computed tomography pulmonary angiography. As many factors can lead to misinterpretations and diagnostic errors, different groups are utilizing deep learning methods to help improve this process. The diagnostic accuracy of these methods tends to increase by augmenting the training dataset. Deep learning methods can potentially benefit from the use of images acquired with devices from different vendors. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first public dataset annotated at the pixel and image levels and the first pixel-level annotated dataset to contain examinations performed with equipment from Toshiba and GE. This dataset includes 40 examinations, half performed with each piece of equipment, representing samples from two medical services. We also included measurements related to the cardiac and circulatory consequences of pulmonary embolism. We encourage the use of this dataset to develop, evaluate and compare the performance of new AI algorithms designed to diagnose PE.

On closing the inopportune gap with consistency transformation and iterative refinement.

The problem of aligning multiple biological sequences has fascinated scientists for a long time. Over the last four decades, tens of heuristic-based Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) tools have been proposed, the vast majority being built on the concept of Progressive Alignment. It is known, however, that this approach suffers from an inherent drawback regarding the inadvertent insertion of gaps when aligning sequences. Two well-known corrective solutions have frequently been adopted to help mitigate this: Consistency Transformation and Iterative Refinement. This paper takes a tool-independent technique-oriented look at the alignment quality benefits of these two strategies using problem instances from the HOMSTRAD and BAliBASE benchmarks. Eighty MSA aligners have been used to compare 4 classes of heuristics: Progressive Alignments, Iterative Alignments, Consistency-based Alignments, and Consistency-based Progressive Alignments with Iterative Refinement. Statistically, while both Consistency-based classes are better for alignments with low similarity, for sequences with higher similarity, the differences between the classes are less clear. Iterative Refinement has its own drawbacks resulting in there being statistically little advantage for Progressive Aligners to adopt this technique either with Consistency Transformation or without. Nevertheless, all 4 classes are capable of bettering each other, depending on the instance problem. This further motivates the development of MSA frameworks, such as the one being developed for this research, which simultaneously contemplate multiple classes and techniques in their attempt to uncover better solutions.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Applications for Biosensing.

Microfluidics refers the use of interdisciplinary science and engineering concepts that can control and manipulate small fluidic volumes [...].

Práticas profissionais em instituições psiquiátricas: desafios para o atendimento humanizado e integral / Professional practices in psychiatric hospitals: challenges for humanized and comprehensive care

Modelo de estudo: Estudo transversal de abordagem misto (quantitativa e qualitativa). Objetivo: Analisar as prá-ticas de profissionais em hospitais psiquiátricos no atendimento a pessoas com transtornos mentais, com vistas a contribuir para a abordagem humanizada e integral. Metodologia: Estudo realizado em dois hospitais psiquiátricos do Rio Grande do Norte, tendo como participantes 60 profissionais de saúde. Os dados quantitativos foram sub-metidos ao software estatísticoe analisados através de estatística bivariada; e nos dado qualitativos, recorreu-se ao tratamento do software Alceste e a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Observou-se o predomínio de práticas profissionais associadas a intervenções tradicionais no contexto da abordagem realizada, reforçados nos dois temas centrais, oriundos dos achados qualitativos, a saber: Práticas profissionais no hospital psiquiátricos: cotidianos e políticas, e, Entraves e caminhos para o atendimento integral e humanizado em instituições psiquiá-tricas. Conclusão: As práticas profissionais desenvolvidas no âmbito das instituições psiquiátricas apontam para o enfoque terapêutico biológico e individual, tendo em vista os desafios de articular um atendimento integral e humanizado condizente com as diretrizes propostas pelo movimento de reforma psiquiátrica brasileiro. (AU)

Study model: cross-sectional study with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative). Objective: to analyze the practices of professionals in psychiatric hospitals in the care of people with mental disorders, with a view to contributing to a humanized and integral approach. Methodology: study carried out in two psychiatric hospitals in Rio Grande do Norte, with 60 health professionals as participants. The quantitative data were submitted to statis-tical software and analyzed through bivariate statistics; and in the qualitative data, the Alceste software treatment and the content analysis technique were used. Results: it was observed the predominance of professional practices associated with traditional interventions in the context of the approach performed, reinforced in the two central themes, arising from the qualitative findings, namely: Professional practices in the psychiatric hospital: daily life and policies, and, Barriers and paths to comprehensive and humanized care in psychiatric institutions. Conclusion:the professional practices developed within psychiatric institutions point to the biological and individual therapeutic focus, in view of the challenges of articulating a comprehensive and humanized care consistent with the guidelines proposed by the Brazilian psychiatric reform movement. (AU)

Torquetenovirus viral load is associated with anti-spike antibody response in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccinated kidney transplant patients.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplant patients (KT) are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and presented attenuated antibody responses to vaccination when compared to immunocompetent individuals. Torquetenovirus (TTV) has recently gained attention as a potential surrogate marker of the net state of immunosuppression. We evaluated the association between pre-vaccination TTV viral load and anti-spike total antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in KT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 114 adult KT recipients enrolled in this prospective single-center cohort study received two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine. Serum samples were collected immediately before vaccination at the days when patients received both the first (T0) and the second dose (T1) and 16-45 days after the second dose (T2). Primary endpoint was the development of anti-spike total antibodies after vaccination. Demographic, clinical, and laboratorial parameters were compared between patients with and without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at T2. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (86.8%) were naïve for SARS-CoV-2 before vaccination. Fifty-six (56.6%) patients developed anti-spike total antibodies at T2. The use of mTOR inhibitors was associated with a favorable response (p = .005); conversely, mycophenolic acid (MPA) was associated with a negative response (p = .006). In a multivariable model, the presence of TTV at T0 ≥ 3.36 log10 cp/ml was associated with unfavorable vaccine response (OR: 5.40; 95% CI: 1.47-19.80; p = .011), after adjusting for age and eGFR at T0. CONCLUSIONS: Higher TTV viral loads before vaccination are associated with reduced anti-spike total antibody response in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccinated KT patients. The association between TTV viral load and vaccine response may be an added-value in the optimization of vaccination regimens in KT.

Medical sharps in Portugal: a cross-sectional survey of disposal practices among the diabetic population.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine the disposal site for biohazardous materials resulting from diabetes surveillance and therapy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Five Portuguese primary care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: We randomly sampled diabetic patients representative of five primary care facilities. Inclusion criteria consisted in patients≥18 years old with an active diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients unable to provide written informed consent were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURE: Sociodemographic variables, diabetes duration, type of treatment, medical sharps disposal practices and whether adequate disposal information were provided. RESULTS: A total of 1436 diabetics were included. Overall, 53.8% of diabetics conducted regular capillary glicemia measurements, although 45.3% of them had no medical indication. Statistically significant predictors of adequate disposal were not having an active professional status (p=0.011) and having a DM duration between 5 and 10 years (p=0.014). Only being professionally inactive remained an independent predictor after multivariate logistic regression. Less than a fifth of patients on injectable therapy report having been advised by healthcare staff regarding sharps disposal. Over a fifth of the latter report having received wrong advice. The majority of diabetics dispose of biohazardous materials in unsorted household waste (68.1% of needles/devices with needles and 71.6% of lancets). Other incorrect disposal sites identified were recycling bins, toilet and home accumulation. Only 19.1% of the needles/devices with needles and 13.1% of the lancets were disposed of at healthcare facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Most diabetics have unsafe disposal practices for their biohazardous materials, mostly in unsorted household waste. We identified that being unemployed independently predicts adequate disposal of medical sharps and found evidence of low patient literacy on the topic, as well as poor patient education. Therefore, educating and raising awareness among healthcare professionals is crucial to address this public health issue.

Electrocardiographic findings in pregnant women in Angola.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the electrocardiogram findings in African pregnant women are limited. There is no information available in the literature on the electrocardiographic parameters of pregnant Angolan women. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe electrocardiographic findings in women with normal pregnancies in Bengo Province, Angola. METHODS: This is a community-based study with a cross-sectional design conducted between September 2013 and March 2014 in Bengo. The study involved 114 black pregnant women, compared with a paired control group comprising of 120 black non-pregnant women, aged 15 to 42 years. A 12-lead electrocardiogram and a rhythm strip were recorded for all participants. RESULTS: In this study, the mean age was 26.2 ± 7.3 years. Comparing pregnant women vs. non-pregnant, we found the following mean values: Heart rate (83 bpm vs. 74 bpm, p < .001), PR interval (146 ms vs. 151 ms, p = .034), QT interval (360 ms vs. 378 ms, p < .001), QTIc Fridericia (398 ms vs. 403, p = .017), QTIc Framingham (399 ms vs. 404 ms, p = .013) and T-wave axis (340 vs. 410 , p = .001).The main electrocardiographic changes found were: Sinus tachycardia (4.4% vs. 2.5%), T-wave inversion (14.9% vs. 1.7%), Minor ST segment depression (4.5% vs. 0%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (11.4% vs. 11.7%, p = .726). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant Angolan women compared with controls, had several significantly higher values for heart rate, and significantly lower values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, PR interval, QT interval, QTc interval by Fridericia and Framingham and T-wave axis. Sinus tachycardia, T-wave inversion, and left ventricular hypertrophy, were the main electrocardiographic changes found.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas entre estudantes de medicina em uma universidade do semiárido brasileiro / Use of psychoactive substances among medical students at a university in the Brazilian semiarid region

Modelo de estudo: Estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de substâncias psicoativas entre estudantes de medicina de uma universidade pública do semiárido brasileiro. Metodologia: Estudo realizado com 101 estudantes através de questionário contendo aspectos do perfil sociodemográfico e econômico dos participantes e do questionário sobre triagem do uso de álcool e outras sete substâncias psicoativas (ASSIST). Resultados: O perfil dos participantes se caracterizou pelo predomínio do sexo masculino (52,5%), etnia branca (44,6%), faixa etária entre 18 e 29 anos (88,1%), estado civil solteiro (91,1%). Observa-se prevalência para uso de bebidas alcoólicas 80,2%(81), maconha 32,67%(33) e derivados do tabaco 31,7%(32). As bebidas alcoólicas se destacam majoritariamente no desejo ou fissura 36,6%(37), dentre os demais indicadores/motivações. Obteve-se associação com o sexo masculino para uso de álcool (p=0,025), tabaco (p=0,001), maconha (p=0,016) e inalantes (p=0,018); e maiores de 30 anos para derivados do tabaco (p=0,034), maconha (p=0,005), cocaína/crack (p=0,004), inalantes (p=0,001) e alucinógenos (p=0,012). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se alta taxa de prevalência no uso de bebidas alcoólicas entre os estudantes de medicina em relação às demais substâncias psicoativas consumidas. Reconhece-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de estratégias voltadas a saúde mental e bem-estar para os estudantes de medicina (AU)

Study model: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Objective: Evaluate the use of psychoactive substances among medical students at a public university in the Brazilian semiarid region. Methodology: Study conducted with 101 students using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic aspects and economic profile of the participants, and the questionnaire on screening of the use of alcohol and seven other psychoactive substances (ASSIST). Results: The profile of the participants was characterized by a predominance of males (52.5%), white ethnicity (44.6%), aged between 18 and 29 years (88.1%), single marital status (91.1 %). There is a prevalence for the use of alcoholic beverages 80.2% (81), marijuana 32.67% (33), and tobacco derivatives 31.7% (32). Alcoholic beverages stand out mainly in the desire or craving 36.6% (37), among the other indicators/motivations. An association with the male gender was obtained for the use of alcohol (p = 0.025), tobacco (p = 0.001), marijuana (p = 0.016) and inhalants (p = 0.018); and over 30 years old for tobacco products (p = 0.034), marijuana (p = 0.005), cocaine/crack (p = 0.004), inhalants (p = 0.001), and hallucinogens (p = 0.012). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence rate in the use of alcoholic beverages among medical students in relation to other psychoactive substances consumed. It is necessary to develop strategies aimed at mental health and well-being for medical students (AU)

Prevalence of major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities and their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in Angolans.

AIMS: To identify the prevalence of major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities and their association with the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a population in the province of Bengo, northern Angola. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted and a representative random sample stratified by sex and age was selected. In total, 2379 black individuals were included in the final analysis. A standard 12-lead ECG were recorded from all participants, analyzed and processed by the University of Glasgow software and coding by the Minnesota code. RESULTS: 22.3% of participants had minor electrocardiographic abnormalities and 4.58% major ECG abnormalities. The most common minor ECG abnormalities were abnormal T wave inversion, minor isolated ST abnormalities and premature beats. The most common major ECG abnormalities were Left ventricular hypertrophy with major ST-T abnormalities, Ventricular conduction defects and major Q-wave abnormalities. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, alcohol consumption and smoking, were significantly associated with major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: In this study several participants had minor and major electrocardiographic abnormalities. Minor electrocardiographic abnormalities were more prevalent in men and major abnormalities in women. The electrocardiographic abnormalities had significant associations with the main cardiovascular risk factors.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas entre estudantes de medicina em uma universidade do semiárido brasileiro / Use of psychoactive substances among medical students at a university in the Brazilian semiarid region

RESUMO: Modelo de estudo: Estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de substâncias psicoativas entre estudantes de medicina de uma universidade pública do semiárido brasileiro. Metodologia: Estudo realizado com 101 estudantes através de questionário contendo aspectos do perfil sociodemográfico e econômico dos participantes e do questionário sobre triagem do uso de álcool e outras sete substâncias psicoativas (ASSIST). Resultados: O perfil dos participantes se caracterizou pelo predomínio do sexo masculino (52,5%), etnia branca (44,6%), faixa etária entre 18 e 29 anos (88,1%), estado civil solteiro (91,1%). Observa-se prevalência para uso de bebidas alcoólicas 80,2%(81), maconha 32,67%(33) e derivados do tabaco 31,7%(32). As bebidas alcoólicas se destacam majoritariamente no desejo ou fissura 36,6%(37), dentre os demais indicadores/motivações. Obteve-se associação com o sexo masculino para uso de álcool (p=0,025), tabaco (p=0,001), maconha (p=0,016) e inalantes (p=0,018); e maiores de 30 anos para derivados do tabaco (p=0,034), maconha (p=0,005), cocaína/crack (p=0,004), inalantes (p=0,001) e alucinógenos (p=0,012). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se alta taxa de prevalência no uso de bebidas alcoólicas entre os estudantes de medicina em relação às demais substâncias psicoativas consumidas. Reconhece-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de estratégias voltadas a saúde mental e bem-estar para os estudantes de medicina. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Study model: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Objective: Evaluate the use of psychoactive substances among medical students at a public university in the Brazilian semiarid region. Methodology: Study conducted with 101 students using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic aspects and economic profile of the participants, and the questionnaire on screening of the use of alcohol and seven other psychoactive substances (ASSIST). Results: The profile of the participants was characterized by a predominance of males (52.5%), white ethnicity (44.6%), aged between 18 and 29 years (88.1%), single marital status (91.1 %). There is a prevalence for the use of alcoholic beverages 80.2% (81), marijuana 32.67% (33), and tobacco derivatives 31.7% (32). Alcoholic beverages stand out mainly in the desire or craving 36.6% (37), among the other indicators/motivations. An association with the male gender was obtained for the use of alcohol (p = 0.025), tobacco (p = 0.001), marijuana (p = 0.016) and inhalants (p = 0.018); and over 30 years old for tobacco products (p = 0.034), marijuana (p = 0.005), cocaine/crack (p = 0.004), inhalants (p = 0.001), and hallucinogens (p = 0.012). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence rate in the use of alcoholic beverages among medical students in relation to other psychoactive substances consumed. It is necessary to develop strategies aimed at mental health and well-being for medical students. (AU)

Gerenciamento de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar e os desafios para o exercício profissional / Nursing management in the hospital environment and the challenges for the professional practice

Objetivo:analisar o gerenciamento de enfermagem no contexto do exercício profissional do enfermeiro em um ambiente hospitalar. Método:estudo qualitativo realizado junto a 19 enfermeiros de um hospital de referência em urgência e emergência, no interior da Paraíba, Brasil. Utilizou-se como técnica de coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas submetidas à análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática proposta por Bardin. Resultados: elaborou-se três categorias gerais:O gerenciamento em Enfermagem àluz da Lei do Exercício Profissional; Dimensionamento da equipe e a valorização do trabalho em enfermagem; e Educação permanente. Identificou-se dificuldades enfrentadas pelos enfermeiros no seu processo de trabalho ligadas ao dimensionamento inadequado dos profissionais de enfermagem. Conclusão:o gerenciamento no ambiente hospitalar incide no exercício profissional do enfermeiro e se apresenta como fenômeno e multifacetado, imbricado numa tessitura de relações políticas, éticas, legais, institucionais, profissionais e humanas com reflexos sobre o processo cuidar em enfermagem

Objective: to analyze Nursing management in the context of the nurses' professional practice in a hospital environment. Method:a qualitative study carried out with 19nurses from a reference hospital in Urgency and Emergency care from the inland of Paraíba, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews submitted to content analysis in the thematic modality proposed by Bardin were used as data collection technique. Results: three general categories were elaborated, namely: Nursing management in light of the Law of Professional Practice; Team sizing and appreciation of the Nursing work; and Permanent Education. Difficulties faced by the nurses in their work process were identified, linked to inadequate sizing of Nursing professionals. Conclusion:managementin the hospital environment focuses on the nurses' professional practice and presents itself as a multifaceted phenomenon, imbricated in a structure of political, ethical, legal, institutional, professional and human relationships with reflections on the care process in Nursing.

Nurses' recommendations to the psychoaffective dimensions of patients hospitalized in nephrology.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze nurses' recommendations on the psycho-affective dimensions of patients hospitalized in nephrology. METHODS: a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, carried out by applying a sociodemographic and training questionnaire, reading a clinical case and conducting a semi-structured interview. Fourteen nurses from a reference hospital in nephrology in the Southeast participated. In the technical input of data treatment, thematic content analysis was used. RESULTS: the recommendations included the exercise of empathy; monitoring of emotions from the implementation of the nursing consultation; continuous sharing of tensions, anxieties and desires; knowledge of one's emotion; increased availability to listen; effectiveness of the approach in teams and social groups. CONCLUSIONS: recognizing patients' psycho-affective dimensions, in the context of nurses' performance, favors the expansion of therapeutic listening spaces, welcoming and interpersonal coexistence in nephrology, essential in the production of comprehensive health care.

Turbulent Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Enlarging Terminal Myelocystocele.

Terminal myelocystocele is a rare type of neural tube malformation, consisting of a skin-covered lumbosacral mass, highly associated with other complex abdominal malformations within the OIES complex (omphalocele, imperforate anus, exstrophy of the cloaca and spinal defects). We present a case of a premature female with an extensive lumbosacral mass at birth, as well as an omphalocele, cloacal exstrophy, renal abnormalities, and sacral agenesis. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed a meningocele sac herniating through the bone defects and containing a syringocele sac. Advanced imaging techniques showed turbulent cerebrospinal fluid flow. At control, 4 weeks later, the defect doubled in size. The myelocystocele sac was evacuated and closed, and the patient persisted with paraparesis. The role of cerebrospinal fluid flow analysis is well established in Chiari-type malformations, in which turbulent flow within the syrinx is related to a better outcome after surgery. It is possible that the same principle could be applied to other spinal malformations, as shown in this case of terminal myelocystocele.