Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity increase the presence and intensity of the chronic joint pain in individuals affected by Chikungunya fever.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever (CF) is a viral disease, transmitted by alphavirus through Aedes aegypti, and albopictus mosquitoes, affecting several people, mainly in tropical countries, when its transmitter is not under control, and the main symptom of the chronic phase of CF is joint pain. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to observe the prevalence, most affected joints, and intensity of chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF, and also identify the factors associated with chronic joint pain in these individuals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that evaluated one hundred and thirty volunteers, of both sexes, aged between 20-65 years, with a clinical and/or laboratory diagnosis of CF. The presence of joint pain was investigated using the Brazilian version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and the intensity of pain using the Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: Of the 130 volunteers evaluated, n = 112 (86%) reported currently experiencing chronic joint pain, persistent, for approximately 38.6 ± 1.73 months, with the greatest predominance in the morning (58%). The joints most affected by pain were: the ankles (65.5%), interphalangeal joints of the hands (59.2%), and knees (59.2%). The joints that presented the greatest intensity of pain were: the ankles (5.13 ± 0.34), interphalangeal joints of the hands (4.63 ± 0.34), and knees (4.33 ± 0.33). Sedentary behavior (p = 0.037), increasing age (p = 0.000), and overweight/obesity (p = 0.002) were factors associated with chronic joint pain. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of chronic, persistent joint pain was observed, with a greater prevalence in the morning. The joints most affected by chronic pain and with the greatest pain intensity were the ankles, and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees. Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity were the factors associated with chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF in this study. Key Points • Individuals affected by CF had a high prevalence of chronic joint pain, persistent and more prevalent in the mornings • The ankles and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees were the joints with the highest prevalence of pain • The ankles and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees were the joints with the greatest pain intensity • Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity were factors associated with chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF.

INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE MONITORING DURING LÁZARO DA SILVA'S PROCEDURE FOR VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining normal intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) levels must be one major outcome of any ventral hernia repair, avoiding hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. AIMS: To evaluate IAP during ventral hernia repair using Lázaro da Silva's procedure. METHODS: IAP measurements using intravesical pressure were performed during four crucial intraoperative moments. Twenty-eight patients submitted to incisional herniorrhaphy were analyzed. RESULTS: The IAP increased by 0.5 mmHg during the procedure, regardless of the type of prior laparotomy, sex, age, obesity, or hernia width. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the IAP increase observed, Lázaro da Silva's procedure did not result in intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome.

Postural Sway Velocity of Deaf Children with and without Vestibular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Sensory information obtained from the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems is responsible for regulating postural control, and if damage occurs in one or more of these sensory systems, postural control may be altered. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the postural sway velocity between children with normal hearing and with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), matched by sex and age group, and to compare the postural sway velocity between children with normal hearing and with SNHL, with and without vestibular dysfunction. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL), of both sexes and aged between 7 and 11 years, from public schools of the city of Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The postural sway velocity of the center of pressure (COP) was assessed by a force platform, in two directions, anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML)), in three positions, namely bipedal support with feet together and parallel (parallel feet (PF)), bipedal support with one foot in front of the other (tandem foot (TF)), and single-leg support (one foot (OF)), evaluated with the eyes open and closed. RESULTS: Children with SNHL demonstrated greater postural sway velocity compared to children with normal hearing in all the positions evaluated, with significant differences in the AP direction, with the eyes open (PF: p = 0.001; TF: p = 0.000; OF: p = 0.003) and closed (PF: p = 0.050; TF: p = 0.005). The same occurred in the ML direction, with the eyes open (PF: p = 0.001; TF: p = 0.000; OF: p = 0.001) and closed (PF: p = 0.002; TF: p = 0.000). The same occurred in relation to vestibular function, where the children with SNHL with an associated vestibular dysfunction demonstrated greater postural sway velocity compared to children with normal hearing in all the positions evaluated, demonstrating significant differences in the AP direction, with the eyes open (TF: p = 0.001; OF: p = 0.029) and eyes closed (PF: p = 0.036; TF: p = 0.033). The same occurred in the ML direction, with the eyes open (TF: p = 0.000) and with the eyes closed (PF: p = 0.008; TF: p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Children with SNHL demonstrated greater instability of postural control than children with normal hearing in all the directions assessed. Children with SNHL and an associated vestibular dysfunction demonstrated the greatest instability of postural control in this study.

Preoperative diagnostic criteria for scleroatrophic gallbladder: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Although scleroatrophic gallbladder is a rare condition, it presents significant clinical challenges in diagnosis and management. More agreement is needed on this disorder's diagnostic criteria and optimal management approach. We will conduct a systematic review to summarise the scleroatrophic gallbladder's preoperative diagnostic criteria, including imaging modalities. METHODS: A systematic review will be undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024503701). We will search in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to find original studies reporting about scleroatrophic gallbladder or synonymous. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts following the eligibility criteria. We will include all types of studies that describe any diagnostic criteria or tools. After retrieving the full text of the selected studies, we will conduct a standardised data extraction. Finally, a narrative synthesis will be performed. The quality of the identified studies will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies- 2 tool. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide information on the preoperative diagnostic criteria of the scleroatrophic gallbladder and the value of imaging studies in its diagnosis. In addition, this work will aid doctors in the decision-making process for diagnosing scleroatrophic gallbladder and propose treatment approaches to this condition. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024503701).

Effectiveness of the aquatic physical therapy exercises to improve balance, gait, quality of life and reduce fall-related outcomes in healthy community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Opting to use aquatic or land-based physical therapy exercises to improve balance, gait, quality of life and reduce fall-related outcomes in community-dwelling older adults (CDOAs) is still a questionable clinical decision for physiotherapists. OBJECTIVE: Assess the quality of evidence from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that used aquatic physical therapy exercises to improve balance, gait, quality of life and reduce fall-related outcomes in CDOAs. METHODS: Articles were surveyed in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, LILACS, Web of Science, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PEDro, CINAHL, SciELO and Google Scholar, published in any language, up to July 31, 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed evidence quality. The risk of bias of the trials was evaluated by the Cochrane tool and evidence quality by GRADE approach. Review Manager software was used to conduct the meta-analyses. RESULTS: 3007 articles were identified in the searches, remaining 33 studies to be read in full, with 11 trials being eligible for this systematic review. The trials included presented low evidence quality for the balance, gait, quality of life and fear of falling. Land-based and aquatic physical therapy exercises improved the outcomes analyzed; however, aquatic physical therapy exercises were more effective in improving balance, gait, quality of life and reducing fear of falling in CDOAs. The meta-analysis showed that engaging in aquatic physical therapy exercises increases the functional reach, through of the anterior displacement of the center of pressure of CDOAs by 6.36cm, compared to land-based physical therapy exercises, assessed by the Functional Reach test: [CI:5.22 to 7.50], (p<0.00001), presenting low quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic physical therapy exercises are more effective than their land-based counterparts in enhancing balance, gait, quality of life and reducing the fear of falling in CDOAs. However, due to methodological limitations of the trials, this clinical decision remains inconclusive. It is suggested that new trials be conducted with greater methodological rigor, in order to provide high-quality evidence on the use of the aquatic physical therapy exercises to improve the outcomes analyzed in CDOAs.

Performing rapid metabolite tests (IgG-IgM) for SARS-CoV-2 infection in community pharmacies: A cross sectional-study from Brazil

Background: Immunochromatographic rapid tests in pharmacies allow the discovery of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 or viral antigens and provide a broader and more effective screening of the virus. However, in many countries, this process is still not well defined. In this sense, the perception of pharmacists about these screening practices presents an overview of how the service is being carried out in the country. Objective: This study was to evaluate the performance of rapid immunochromatographic tests and their clinical results in community pharmacies in northern Brazil. Method: A retrospective study was carried out between May 2020 and December 2021 in community pharmacies in the northern region of Brazil. Participants were 18 years of age or older, of both sexes, who spontaneously sought the SARS-CoV-2 rapid testing service at pharmacies located in the municipality of Belem and who had had close contact with the virus or symptoms infection-related. Data were expressed as median and range or as frequency of occurrence. Chi-square t-test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare variables. The accepted significance level was 5%. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (number: 4,865,206). Results: A total of 78,849 patients were recruited into the study. Most patients, 37,847 (48%), were tested antibody positive for SARS-CoV-2. There were no severe signs and symptoms of the disease. The results showed the great demand for carrying out the rapid test in pharmacies and these places could contribute to the understanding of this health establishment, to curb the speed of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination. (AU)

Use of Virtual Reality-Based Games to Improve Balance and Gait of Children and Adolescents with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often experience motor skill disturbances, particularly in balance and gait, due to potential vestibular dysfunctions resulting from inner ear damage. Consequently, several studies have proposed the use of virtual reality-based games as a technological resource for therapeutic purposes, aiming to improve the balance and gait of this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of evidence derived from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that employed virtual reality-based games to enhance the balance and/or gait of children and adolescents with SNHL. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, encompassing articles published in any language until 1 July 2023. The following inclusion criteria were applied: randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials involving volunteers from both groups with a clinical diagnosis of bilateral SNHL, aged 6-19 years, devoid of physical, cognitive, or neurological deficits other than vestibular dysfunction, and utilizing virtual reality-based games as an intervention to improve balance and/or gait outcomes. RESULTS: Initially, a total of 5984 articles were identified through the searches. Following the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, eight studies remained for full reading, out of which three trials met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The included trials exhibited a very low quality of evidence concerning the balance outcome, and none of the trials evaluated gait. The meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in balance improvement between the use of traditional balance exercises and virtual reality-based games for adolescents with SNHL (effect size: -0.48; [CI: -1.54 to 0.57]; p = 0.37; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Virtual reality-based games show promise as a potential technology to be included among the therapeutic options for rehabilitating the balance of children and adolescents with SNHL. However, given the methodological limitations of the trials and the overall low quality of evidence currently available on this topic, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results of the trials analyzed in this systematic review.

URGENCY HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR INGUINAL HERNIA IN BRAZIL FROM 2010 TO 2019: MORTALITY AND COSTS IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND: It is known that elective inguinal hernioplasties are safe procedures, but in an emergency setting, they have higher rates of complications and hospital costs. Despite this, quantitative studies on the subject in Brazil are still scarce. AIMS: To evaluate the trend in hospitalization rates, hospital mortality, and costs for inguinal hernia in an emergency, regarding gender and age group. METHODS: This is a time series study with data from the Unified Health System (SUS), at the national level, from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS: The overall hospitalization rate (p=0.007; b<0,02) in all age groups (p<0.005; b<0) in both genders indicated a decreasing trend. The general mortality rate in both genders and in most age groups showed an increasing trend (p<0.005), as well as the cost of hospitalization in all age groups of both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent hospitalization rates for inguinal hernia in Brazil have shown a steady or decreasing trend; however, hospital mortality and costs per hospitalization have demonstrated an increasing trend in recent years.

Correlation between body mass index and joint pain intensity with gait performance in individuals with osteoarthritis / Correlação entre o índice de massa corporal e intensidade da dor articular com o desempenho da marcha em indivíduos com osteoartrite

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) often have joint pain and are overweight or obese. Thus, the objective of this study was to observe whether there is correlation between body mass index and joint pain intensity with gait performance in individuals with OA. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, which evaluated 60 volunteers, being 30 with clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and 30 without the disease, of both sexes and aged between 50-82 years. Joint pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, gait-related functional tasks using the Dynamic Gait Index, and the functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between overweight/obesity and high levels of joint pain intensity (p=0.018), with worse performance in gait-related functional tasks (p=0.000) and with worse functional mobility (p=0.034) only for the individuals with OA. High levels of joint pain intensity also correlated with worse performance in the gait-related functional tasks (p=0.000) in the OA group, and also with worse functional mobility in the OA group (p=0.001) and also in the group of individuals without the disease (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: This study identified a correlation between overweight/obesity and high levels of joint pain intensity and worse gait performance in individuals with osteoarthritis. High levels of pain intensity also correlated with worse gait performance in individuals with OA.

resumo JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Indivíduos com osteoartrite (OA) frequentemente apresentam dor articular e sobrepeso ou obesidade. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi observar se existe correlação entre o índice de massa corporal e a intensidade da dor articular com o desempenho da marcha em indivíduos com OA. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, que avaliou 60 indivíduos, sendo 30 com diagnóstico clínico de osteoartrite de joelho e 30 sem a doença, de ambos os sexos e com faixa etária entre 50 e 82 anos. A intensidade da dor articular foi avaliada pela Escala Analógica Visual, as tarefas funcionais relacionadas à marcha pelo Dynamic Gait Index e a mobilidade funcional pelo teste Timed Up and Go. RESULTADOS: Houve correlação entre o sobrepeso/obesidade e níveis elevados de intensidade da dor articular (p=0,018), com um pior desempenho nas tarefas funcionais relacionadas à marcha (p=0,000) e com menor mobilidade funcional (p=0,034) apenas para os indivíduos com OA. Os níveis elevados de intensidade de dor articular também mostraram correlação com um pior desempenho nas tarefas funcionais relacionadas à marcha (p=0,000) no grupo com OA, e ainda, com uma menor mobilidade funcional no grupo com OA (p=0,001) e também no grupo de indivíduos sem a doença (p=0,032). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo identificou correlação entre o sobrepeso/obesidade com níveis elevados de intensidade da dor articular e com um pior desempenho na marcha nos indivíduos com OA. Os elevados níveis de intensidade da dor também mostraram correlação com pior desempenho na marcha nos indivíduos com OA.

Acute Effect of a Half-Marathon over the Muscular Function and Electromyographic Activity of the Pelvic Floor in Female Runners with or without Urinary Incontinence: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the acute effect of running a half marathon on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and electromyographic (EMG) activity in female runners with and without urinary incontinence. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional pilot study. The sample was divided into two groups: runners with urinary incontinence (with UI) and runners without urinary incontinence (without UI). A semi-structured form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) were used for data collection. The EMG and PFM function were evaluated using the PERFECT method before and immediately after running a half marathon. RESULTS: A total of 14 runners were included (8 with UI; 6 without UI). Runners with and without UI did not show significant differences for EMG and PERFECT. The acute effects of the half marathon on runners without UI were reduced PFM function in terms of strength (p = 0.00), reduced endurance (p = 0.02), and reduced repetition (p = 0.03), and an increase in EMG measured by the median frequency (p = 0.02). Runners with UI showed reduced PFM function in terms of strength (p = 0.05) and repetition (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: there was no difference in the acute effects of the half marathon on PFM function and EMG in women with and without UI.

Musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in mothers of children with microcephaly, due to congenital Zika virus syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to observe the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain and the quality of life in mothers of children with microcephaly and also to compare the scores of the quality of life domains between mothers who had or did not have musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated mothers of children with a clinical diagnosis of microcephaly, due to congenital Zika virus syndrome, in the state of Pernambuco, northeast region, Brazil. To assess musculoskeletal pain, the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used, pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life by the SF-36 Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 63 mothers evaluated, 59 (93.7%) reported currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain. The lumbar spine was the body region with the highest prevalence of pain (77.8%), followed by the thoracic spine (57.1%) and cervical spine (50.8%). Pain intensity was higher in the lumbar spine (6.00 ± 0.47), thoracic spine (4.44 ± 0.52) and shoulders (3.81 ± 0.51). The domains that presented the lowest scores in the quality of life assessment were general health status (49.0 ± 3.19), emotional aspects (49.7 ± 5.88) and pain (49.7 ± 2.50). Mothers who had musculoskeletal pain had lower scores in all domains of quality of life assessment compared to mothers who did not have pain, demonstrating significant differences for functional capacity (P = 0.035), physical aspects (P = 0.047) and pain (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was observed in mothers of children with microcephaly, with a higher prevalence and intensity in the lumbar spine. The domains related to physical and emotional health presented the worst scores in the quality of life of the evaluated mothers and the presence of musculoskeletal pain reduced the quality of life of the mothers of children with microcephaly in this study.

Urgency hospitalizations for inguinal hernia in brazil from 2010 to 2019: mortality and costs in the public health system / Hospitalizações de urgência para hérnias inguinais no brasil de 2010 a 2019: mortalidade e custos no sistema único de saúde (sus)

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It is known that elective inguinal hernioplasties are safe procedures, but in an emergency setting, they have higher rates of complications and hospital costs. Despite this, quantitative studies on the subject in Brazil are still scarce. AIMS: To evaluate the trend in hospitalization rates, hospital mortality, and costs for inguinal hernia in an emergency, regarding gender and age group. METHODS: This is a time series study with data from the Unified Health System (SUS), at the national level, from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS: The overall hospitalization rate (p=0.007; b<0,02) in all age groups (p<0.005; b<0) in both genders indicated a decreasing trend. The general mortality rate in both genders and in most age groups showed an increasing trend (p<0.005), as well as the cost of hospitalization in all age groups of both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent hospitalization rates for inguinal hernia in Brazil have shown a steady or decreasing trend; however, hospital mortality and costs per hospitalization have demonstrated an increasing trend in recent years.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Sabe-se que as hernioplastias inguinais eletivas são procedimentos seguros, mas que, em caráter de urgência, têm maiores taxas de complicações e custos hospitalares. Apesar disso, ainda são escassos os estudos quantitativos sobre o tema no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a tendência das taxas de internação, mortalidade hospitalar e custos por hérnia inguinal em caráter de urgência, quanto ao sexo e faixa etária. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de séries temporais com dados do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), em nível nacional, no período de 2010 a 2019. RESULTADOS: A taxa de internação geral (p=0,007; b<0,02) em todas as faixas etárias (p<0,005; b<0) nos dois sexos indicou tendência decrescente. A taxa de mortalidade geral em ambos os sexos e na maioria das faixas etárias apresentou tendência crescente (p<0,005), assim como o custo da internação em todas as faixas etárias de ambos os sexos. CONCLUSÕES: As taxas de internação em caráter de urgência por hérnia inguinal, no Brasil, apresentaram tendência estacionária ou decrescente, entretanto, a mortalidade hospitalar e os custos por internação mostraram tendência crescente nos últimos anos.

Late Recurrence of Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treated With Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): A Case Report.

Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare malignant tumour predominantly affecting young women. The occurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in this setting is an even rarer condition, usually related to perioperative tumour rupture. We present a case of a 43-year-old woman who previously underwent distal splenopancreatectomy after the diagnosis of a pancreatic SPN. Thirteen years later, the patient underwent a radical hysterectomy due to a uterine myoma. Intraoperatively, a peritoneal mass was additionally found and resected. Histological examination revealed an implant with morphology compatible with pancreatic SPN. The patient was then referred to our institution. Staging MRI and CT revealed multiple nodular lesions adjacent to the left colon, suggestive of peritoneal implants. The patient was then submitted to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Histological examination confirmed peritoneal involvement by a pancreatic SPN. The postoperative course was unremarkable. Two years after surgery, the patient remains asymptomatic with no evidence of relapse. Despite SPN being cancer with a relatively indolent evolution, one needs to be aware of a possible recurrence several years after the primary resection, mainly in patients with evidence of intraoperative tumour rupture.

Analysis of the clinical practice of the pharmacist in a community pharmacy: A Cross-sectional Study from Brazil.

Background: The pharmaceutical profession has experienced renewals over time. In community pharmacies, pharmaceutical services contribute to the public health system in Brazil. The development of these tasks, in collaboration with professionals from the multidisciplinary team, demonstrates the involvement with the well-being, health and improvement of the patient's life. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the professional practice of pharmacists, their understandings and attitudes towards clinical practice in community pharmacies in northern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, based on a questionnaire carried out with pharmacists for seven months in the municipality of Belém, in the state of Pará. Data were expressed using descriptive statistics and the results were shown as a percentage. Results: 182 pharmacists participated. Females were predominant (80.2%) and the average age of participants was 34.2 years. 77.4% graduated from private institutions and 59.3% already have a specialization. 38.4% hold the position of technical director. 50.5% of respondents say that community pharmacies have a reserved place for service. The most used clinical services were pharmacotherapy review (89.5%), health education (60.9%), dispensing (34%), therapeutic monitoring (25.8%) and pharmacotherapeutic follow-up (4.9%). In the study, it was realized that community pharmacies should not be seen as a commercial place but rather as a health care facility. Conclusions: Therefore, these establishments must adapt at a structural and professional level, to meet an increasingly growing demand of a population in need of services offered with quality health care.

Analysis of the clinical practice of the pharmacist in a community pharmacy: A Cross-sectional Study from Brazil

Background: The pharmaceutical profession has experienced renewals over time. In community pharmacies, pharmaceutical services contribute to the public health system in Brazil. The development of these tasks, in collaboration with professionals from the multidisciplinary team, demonstrates the involvement with the well-being, health and improvement of the patient’s life. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the professional practice of pharmacists, their understandings and attitudes towards clinical practice in community pharmacies in northern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, based on a questionnaire carried out with pharmacists for seven months in the municipality of Belém, in the state of Pará. Data were expressed using descriptive statistics and the results were shown as a percentage. Results: 182 pharmacists participated. Females were predominant (80.2%) and the average age of participants was 34.2 years. 77.4% graduated from private institutions and 59.3% already have a specialization. 38.4% hold the position of technical director. 50.5% of respondents say that community pharmacies have a reserved place for service. The most used clinical services were pharmacotherapy review (89.5%), health education (60.9%), dispensing (34%), therapeutic monitoring (25.8%) and pharmacotherapeutic follow-up (4.9%). In the study, it was realized that community pharmacies should not be seen as a commercial place but rather as a health care facility. Conclusions: Therefore, these establishments must adapt at a structural and professional level, to meet an increasingly growing demand of a population in need of services offered with quality health care. (AU)

Polysaccharide-Based Membrane Biocompatibility Study of Anacardium occidentale L. and Polyvinyl Alcohol after Subcutaneous Implant in Rats.

Polymeric membranes are a viable and sustainable option for the biotechnology industry from an economic and environmental point of view. In this study, we evaluated tissue response and tolerance to the implantation of a polymeric membrane prepared with cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) associated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The objective was to characterize the biocompatibility of the CGP/PVA membrane in vivo. Following the evaluation criteria of the ISO 10993-6 standard, we demonstrated that the CGP/PVA membrane showed moderate tissue reaction, with a non-irritating ISO pattern, a thinner fibrous capsule, and a smaller amount of collagen compared to the positive control group. At 30 and 60 days, the membrane presented a similar amount of mast cells to that observed in the negative control group. The data demonstrate that the CGP/PVA membrane presents biocompatibility in accordance with the ISO 10993-6 standard.

Effectiveness of the peanut ball use for women with epidural analgesia in labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate, using the best level of evidence, the possible benefits and advantages of using peanut ball (PB) in women with an epidural during labour on the maternal and neonatal outcomes. This research was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, LILACS, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PEDro, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, with no period or language restrictions. The terms 'labor' and 'peanut ball' were used. Clinical trials (randomised and non-randomised) were included when comparing a group of parturients using PB with a control group under usual care. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised were eligible for this systematic review. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence which was evaluated by the GRADE system. Quantitative analysis through meta-analysis was also applied whenever possible. In this updated review, we included four studies with a total of 818 women in labour after the use of pharmacological analgesia. Our GRADE ratings of evidence ranged from high to low quality. Overall, the included studies varied in their risk of bias, in which most were considered with some concerns. There is high evidence that the use of PB after epidural analgesia reduces the duration of the first period of labour by 87 minutes and moderate evidence that it increases the chance of vaginal delivery 11%. However, there is no evidence about other maternal and neonatal outcomes.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The peanut ball (PB) is used after the use of pharmacological analgesia, as it favours the opening of the pelvic canal and helps women to adopt more comfortable postures, but its real effects are not clear.What do the results of this study add? Our results suggest that using the PB reduces the duration of the first period of labour after an epidural and increases the chance of a vaginal birth.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? These findings recommend the use of a PB after an epidural and further research with women without the use of pharmacological analgesia.

Correlation between musculoskeletal pain and stress levels in teachers during the remote teaching period of the COVID-19 pandemic / Correlação entre dor musculoesquelética e níveis de estresse em professores durante o período de ensino remoto na pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Introduction Remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic caused teachers to work under adverse conditions and sit in front of a computer rather than stand, which can lead to musculoskeletal pain and stress in this population. Objective To observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its correlation with stress levels in teachers during the remote teaching period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study carried out in elementary and high schools in the city of São José do Belmonte, Pernambuco state (PE). Sixty teachers of both sexes aged 18 years and older were evaluated. The Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (NQMS) was used to assess musculoskeletal pain, the Visual Analogue Scale to quantify pain intensity and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to identify symptoms of stress and burnout. Results Seventy five percent (n = 45) of the teachers reported musculoskeletal pain, with a higher prevalence in the lumbar spine 68.3% (n = 41), followed by the cervical spine 45.0% (n = 27),thoracic spine, wrists and hands, both with 41.7% (n = 25). A positive correlation was observed between the presence of musculoskeletal pain and high levels of occupational stress (p = 0.036). Conclusion A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was identified in teachers during the remote teaching period. The lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine, wrists and hands exhibited the highest pain prevalence. Teachers who experienced musculoskeletal pain had higher stress levels and there was a positive correlation between musculoskeletal pain intensity and high occupational stress levels.

Resumo Introdução O ensino remoto, ocorrido durante a pan-demia de COVID-19, levou os professores a trabalharem em condições adversas e modificou a postura em que eles ensinavam, passando da posição ortostática para a sentada diante de um computador, o que pode favorecer a presença de dores musculoesqueléticas e estresse. Objetivo Observar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética e sua correlação com níveis de estresse em professores durante o ensino remoto na pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Estudo de corte transversal realizado em escolas do ensino fundamental e médio do município de São José do Belmonte, em Pernambuco. Foram avaliados 60 professores, de ambos os sexos e faixa etária acima dos 18 anos. Para avaliar a presença de dores musculoesqueléticas, utilizou-se o N ordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms ; para quantificar a intensidade das dores, a Escala Visual Analógica; e para identificar sintomas de estresse e esgotamento profissional, o Maslach Burnout Inventory . Resultados Setenta e cinco por cento (n = 45) dos professores avaliados apresentavam dores musculo-esqueléticas, com maior prevalência na coluna lombar (68,3%, n = 41), seguida pela coluna cervical (45,0%,n = 27), coluna torácica, punhos e mãos, ambos com (41,7%, n = 25). Observou-se também uma correlação positiva entre a presença de dor musculoesquelética e níveis elevados de estresse ocupacional nos professores avaliados (p = 0,036). Conclusão Observou-se uma elevada prevalência de dor musculoesquelética nos professores durante o período de ensino remoto. A coluna lombar, cervical, torácica, punhos e mãos foram as regiões com maior prevalência das dores. Os professores que apresentavam dor musculoesquelética relataram maiores níveis de estresse e houve uma correlação positiva entre a intensidade da dor musculoesquelética e níveis elevados de estresse ocupacional.

Repercussions of the Degrees of Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction on the Static Balance of Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the static balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) according to the degrees of SNHL and the function of the vestibular system. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools located in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL as documented by air and bone conduction audiometry) of both sexes between 7 and 11 years old. Static balance was assessed by a stabilometric analysis using a force platform consisting of the circular area of center-of-pressure displacement of the children evaluated in 3 positions: bipedal support with feet together and parallel (PF), tandem feet (TF), and 1 foot (OF), carried out under 2 sensory conditions each, with eyes open and eyes closed. After balance assessments, the children with SNHL received examinations of auditory and vestibular functions-through audiometry and computerized vectoelectronystagmography, respectively-to compose the groups according to degrees of SNHL and vestibular function. RESULTS: The children with severe and profound SNHL demonstrated more static balance instabilities than the children with normal hearing in 5 positions assessed with eyes open (PF, TF, and OF) and eyes closed (PF and TF). The same phenomenon occurred in children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction in all of the positions assessed with eyes open and eyes closed (PF, TF, and OF). CONCLUSION: The larger the degree of SNHL, the greater the balance instability of the children. The children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction showed the highest balance instabilities in this study. IMPACT: Children with larger degrees of SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction might require prolonged periods to rehabilitate their balance.