Noninvasive intracranial pressure profile in 31 patients submitted to fullendoscopic spine surgery.

PURPOSE: Full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) is associated with specific complications, possibly linked to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) resulting from continuous saline infusion into the epidural space. This study aimed to assess the impact of saline irrigation and its correlation with noninvasively obtained ICP waveform changes. METHODS: Patients undergoing FESS between January 2019 and November 2020 were included. Noninvasive ICP (n-ICP) monitoring utilized an extracranial strain sensor generating ICP waveforms, from which parameters P2/P1 ratio and time to peak (TTP) values were derived and correlated to irrigation and vital parameters. Documentation occurred at specific surgical intervals (M0-preoperatively; M1 to M4-intraoperatively; M5-postoperatively). Mixed-model analysis of variance and multiple comparisons tests were applied, with M0 as the baseline. RESULTS: Among 31 enrolled patients, three experienced headaches unrelated to increased ICP at M5. The P2/P1 ratio and TTP decreased during surgery (p < 0.001 and p < 0.004, respectively). Compared to baseline, P2/P1 ratio and vital parameters remained significantly lower at M5. No significant differences were observed for fluid parameters throughout surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a decline in the n-ICP parameters after anesthetic induction despite the anticipated increase in ICP due to constant epidural irrigation. The n-ICP parameters behaved independently of fluid parameters, suggesting a potential protective effect of anesthesia.

Upper and lower limb bone mass accrual in adolescent footballers across a short period of training and competition

Abstract Objectives: To analyze bone mineral content (BMC) and area bone mineral density (aBMD) accrual in adolescent male footballers who started their first football season. Methods: 17 athletes (14.8 ± 0.4 years) were monitored across 15 weeks of football training. Participants were evaluated for somatic maturation (HPHV), BMC, and aBMD at three time points: before (M1) and after (M2) a preparatory phase, and at the end of the competitive phase (M3). BMC and aBMD were measured using DXA scans. Participants were divided into groups according to maturation status (circa-PHV and post-PHV), and the amount of accumulated training load (median split). Results: A significant effect (12.1 g/week, standard error (SE) = 2.6 g/week) was observed for lower limbs BMC across the three time points. There were no significant effects of time for upper limbs BMC. There was a significant effect of time for total body aBMD (0.007, SE = 0.003 g/cm2/week) across the three time points. Adolescents at post-PHV had a significant 245.6 g (SE = 56.1 g) higher BMC compared to adolescents at circa-PHV. No significant effects were observed for the accumulated training load. Conclusion: Systematic football training, even during the growth spurt, has a positive impact on adolescent bone markers despite the accumulated training load and maturation.

Effects of melatonin and metformin on the ovaries of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the combined and isolated effects of melatonin and metformin in the ovarian tissue of rats with PCOS. DESIGN: Experimental study using a rat model of PCOS induced by continuous light exposure. INTERVENTION(S): Forty adult female rats were divided into 5 groups: physiological estrus phase (Sham); permanente estrus with PCOS induced by continuous lighting exposure for 60 consecutive days (control); with PCOS treated with melatonin; with PCOS treated with metformin; with PCOS treated with melatonin + metformin. After 60 days of treatments, all rats were killed, and ovaries were collected and processed for paraffin-embedding. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or subjected to immunohistochemistry for proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) detection markers. SETTING: Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. ANIMALS: Forty adult female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of corpus luteum and ovarian cysts, number of ovarian follicles (primary and antral follicles), number of interstitial cells, percentage of ovarian follicles (primary and antral follicles), and of interstitial cells immunostained to cleaved caspase-3 and Ki-67. RESULTS: Absence of corpus luteum, a higher number of cysts, and increased nuclear volume and area of interstitial cells, along with a decrease in primary and antral follicle numbers, were noticed in the control group compared with the Sham group. Melatonin and metformin treatments attenuated these effects, although the combined treatment did not mitigate the increased number of cysts and ovaries induced by PCOS. An increase in theca interna cell apoptosis was observed in the control group, whereas melatonina and metformin treatments reduced it significantly. A higher percentage of caspase-3-immunostained granulosa cells was noted in the Sham and all treated groups compared with the control group; no aditive effects on ovarian cell apoptosis were observed in the combined treatment. The percentage of Ki-67- immunostained granulosa cells was significantly higher in the control group compared with the Sham group. However, the combined treatment, not melatonin and metformin alone, mitigated this effect. A higher percentage of Ki-67-immunostained interstitial cells was observed in all treated groups compared with the Sham and control groups, whereas no additive effects in that immunoreactivity were observed in the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin and metformin may improve ovarian function in rats with PCOS. The combined melatonin and metformin treatment is more effective in attenuating excessive granulosa cell proliferation, but it is not more effective in improving ovarian function than these drugs applied alone in rats with PCOS.

Atenção pré-natal na estratégia saúde da família em município de referência do nordeste brasileiro / Prenatal care by the family health strategy in a reference city of northeastern Brazil / La atención prenatal en la estrategia de salud de la familia en una ciudad de referencia del noreste de Brasil

Avaliou-se a qualidade da atenção pré-natal na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) em município de referência macrorregional do Nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de avaliação normativa com nível analítico centrado nas Equipes de Saúde da Família (eSF). Realizaram-se entrevistas com enfermeiros gerentes das eSF, mediante um questionário estruturado, validado nacionalmente e com padrões avaliativos da estrutura e do processo de trabalho das eSF, centrado nas dimensões assistencial e gerencial. Foi feita análise descritiva, considerando a frequência de adequação das equipes a cada padrão avaliativo. Nove (69,9%) eSF avaliadas atendiam satisfatoriamente aos padrões de qualidade na atenção pré-natal e quatro (31,0%) atendiam regularmente. Na dimensão gerencial, os atributos de processos de trabalho foram os mais críticos de adequação; e na dimensão assistencial, os atributos de estrutura tiveram maior dificuldade de alcançar a adequação aos padrões de qualidade do pré-natal. Este estudo contribuiu para identificar os principais obstáculos e potencialidades da estrutura e dos processos gerenciais e assistenciais da atenção pré-natal. Os achados revelaram quais são os padrões mais críticos de adequação e que demandam dos gestores municipais e gerentes locais estratégias de melhoria da qualidade na atenção pré-natal.

This normative study evaluated the quality of prenatal care offered by the Family Health Strategy in a macro-regional reference municipality in northeastern Brazil focusing on the Family Health Teams (eSF). Interviews were conducted with eSF nurse managers using a validated structured questionnaire with evaluative standards of the eSF structure and work process, focused on the care and management dimensions. Data underwent descriptive analysis, considering the frequency of team adaptation to each evaluative standard. Nine (69.0%) of the eSF evaluated satisfactorily met quality standards in prenatal care and four (31,0%) provided regular care. Regarding management, work process attributes were the most critical for adequacy; in care, structure attributes showed greater difficulty in achieving adequacy to prenatal quality standards. This study identified the main obstacles and potentialities of prenatal care structure and management. The findings revealed which are the most critical adequacy standards and which require from municipal and local managers strategies for improving the quality of prenatal care.

Se evaluó la calidad de la atención prenatal en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF) en un municipio macrorregional de referencia del Nordeste brasileño. Esta es una evaluación normativa con nivel analítico centrado en los Equipos de Salud de la Familia (eSF). Se realizaron entrevistas a enfermeras gestoras de los eSF, a través de un cuestionario estructurado, validado a nivel nacional y con estándares evaluativos de la estructura y del proceso de trabajo de los eSF, centrado en las dimensiones asistencial y gerencial. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, considerando la frecuencia de adaptación de los equipos a cada estándar evaluativo. Nueve (69,0%) eSF evaluados cumplieron satisfactoriamente con los estándares de calidad en la atención prenatal, y cuatro (31,0%) brindaron atención regular. En la dimensión gerencial, los atributos del proceso de trabajo fueron los más críticos para la adecuación; y en la dimensión de atención, los atributos de estructura tuvieron mayor dificultad para lograr la adecuación a los estándares de calidad prenatal. Este estudio contribuyó a identificar los principales obstáculos y potencialidades de la estructura y de los procesos de gestión y atención prenatal. Los resultados revelaron cuáles son los estándares de adecuación más críticos y cuáles exigen de los gestores municipales y locales estrategias para mejorar la calidad de la atención prenatal.

Avaliação da puericultura na Estratégia Saúde da Família em município-sede de macrorregião de saúde / Evaluation of childcare in the Family Health Strategy in a municipality in the health macro-region

Resumo Avaliou-se a puericultura na ESF em município-sede de macrorregião de saúde do Nordeste brasileiro. Realizou-se estudo avaliativo com dois níveis de análise: a gestão municipal e local. Aprofundou-se a avaliação local em quatro EqSF mediante entrevistas com gestores, profissionais e puérperas, análise documental e observação não-participante. As fontes de dados foram trianguladas e processadas no software Nvivo, e o material empírico cotejado com uma situação-objetivo segundo os níveis de análise da pesquisa e elaborada pelos pesquisadores. No nível municipal, a definição clara de atribuições para os pontos de atenção em puericultura e fluxos assistenciais foi um dos critérios mais críticos e, no âmbito local, a integração de ações com outros serviços primários, a contrarreferência e ações educativas coletivas no território. A implementação das práticas de puericultura nas EqSF é fortemente dependente dos determinantes político-organizacionais entre o âmbito municipal e local, e os resultados aqui evidenciados podem se aplicar a outros sistemas municipais de saúde com configurações semelhantes. Este estudo contribuiu para a avaliação da puericultura sustentada na proposição de critérios que consideraram a interdependência municipal e local na organização das ações de avaliação do crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil.

Abstract Childcare was evaluated in the ESF in a municipality that is the headquarters of a health macro-region in the Brazilian Northeast. An evaluative study was carried out with two levels of analysis: municipal and local management. The local assessment was deepened in four EqSF through interviews with managers, professionals and postpartum women, document analysis and non-participant observation. The data sources were triangulated and processed in the Nvivo software, and the empirical material was compared with an objective situation according to the research analysis levels and prepared by the researchers. At the municipal level, the clear definition of assignments for childcare care points and assistance flows was one of the most critical criteria and, at the local level, the integration of actions with other primary services, counter-referral and collective educational actions in the territory. The implementation of childcare practices in EqSF is strongly dependent on political-organizational determinants between the municipal and local levels, and the results shown here may apply to other municipal health systems with similar configurations. This study contributed to the evaluation of childcare based on the proposition of criteria that considered municipal and local interdependence in the organization of actions to evaluate child growth and development.

Upper and lower limb bone mass accrual in adolescent footballers across a short period of training and competition.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze bone mineral content (BMC) and area bone mineral density (aBMD) accrual in adolescent male footballers who started their first football season. METHODS: 17 athletes (14.8 ± 0.4 years) were monitored across 15 weeks of football training. Participants were evaluated for somatic maturation (HPHV), BMC, and aBMD at three time points: before (M1) and after (M2) a preparatory phase, and at the end of the competitive phase (M3). BMC and aBMD were measured using DXA scans. Participants were divided into groups according to maturation status (circa-PHV and post-PHV), and the amount of accumulated training load (median split). RESULTS: A significant effect (12.1 g/week, standard error (SE) = 2.6 g/week) was observed for lower limbs BMC across the three time points. There were no significant effects of time for upper limbs BMC. There was a significant effect of time for total body aBMD (0.007, SE = 0.003 g/cm2/week) across the three time points. Adolescents at post-PHV had a significant 245.6 g (SE = 56.1 g) higher BMC compared to adolescents at circa-PHV. No significant effects were observed for the accumulated training load. CONCLUSION: Systematic football training, even during the growth spurt, has a positive impact on adolescent bone markers despite the accumulated training load and maturation.

Coordenação do cuidado ao câncer de colo uterino pela Atenção Primária à Saúde / Coordination of care for cervical cancer by Primary Health Care

Resumo Trata-se de pesquisa avaliativa sobre a coordenação do cuidado ao câncer de colo uterino (CCU) pela Atenção Primária à Saúde. A pesquisa considerou dois níveis de análise: a gestão municipal e local, mediante análise documental, observação não participante e entrevistas com 19 informantes-chave, sendo seis gestores municipais, quatro enfermeiras, três médicas e seis usuárias. Os dados, produzidos em setembro de 2019, foram processados no software Nvivo 12, e o material empírico cotejado com situação-objetivo que orientou a construção dos resultados. Tanto a gestão municipal quanto local das EqSF alcançaram pontuação intermediária na presente avaliação. Os maiores obstáculos para a gestão municipal foram a realização de Educação Permanente em Saúde acerca da temática e a instituição de espaços de comunicação interprofissional. Para as equipes, foram a pactuação de ações e serviços com os distintos pontos de atenção, desenvolvimento de planos de cuidados e a contrarreferência. A operacionalização efetiva da coordenação do cuidado ao CCU é interdependente de constrangimentos municipais e locais. Esta pesquisa contribuiu com a elaboração de uma situação-objetivo inédita, reunindo elementos embasados em ampla revisão nacional e internacional e devidamente validados por especialistas.

Abstract This evaluative research approaches the coordination of care for cervical cancer (CCU) by the Primary Health Care. The research considered two levels of analysis: municipal and local management, through documentary analysis, non-participant observation and interviews with 19 key informants, being six municipal managers, four nurses, three doctors and six users. The data, produced in September 2019, was processed using the Nvivo 12 software, and the empirical material was compared with the objective situation that guided the construction of the results. Both municipal and local management of the EqSF achieved an intermediate score in this evaluation. The most important obstacles for municipal management were the provision of Permanent Health Education on the topic and the establishment of spaces for interprofessional communication. For the teams, it involved agreeing actions and services with different points of care, developing care plans and counter-referral. The effective operationalization of CCU care coordination is interdependent on municipal and local constraints. This research contributed to the development of an unprecedented objective situation, bringing together elements based on a broad national and international review and duly validated by experts.

Effects of estrogen and raloxifene on synaptic density in the hippocampal CA1 region of ovariectomized rats.

INTRODUCTION: The CA1 region of the hippocampus has an important role in learning and memory. It has been shown that estrogen deficiency may reduce the synaptic density in the region and that hormone replacement therapy may attenuate the reduction. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of estrogen and raloxifene on the synaptic density profile in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Sixty ovariectomized three-month-old virgin rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10). Treatments started either three days (early treatment) or sixty days (late treatment) after ovariectomy. The groups received propylene glycol vehicle (0.5 mL/animal/day), equine conjugated estrogens (50 µg/animal/day), or raloxifene (3 mg/kg/day) either early or late after ovariectomy. The drugs were administered orally by gavage for 30 days. At the end of the treatments, the animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with ether and saline solution. The brains were removed and prepared for analysis under transmission electron microscopy and later fixed. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in the synaptic density profile of the hippocampal CA1 region in both the early estrogen (0.534 ± 0.026 µ/m2) and the early raloxifene (0.437 ± 0.012 µ/m2) treatment groups compared to the early or late vehicle-treated control groups (0.338 ± 0.038 µ/m2 and 0.277 ± 0.015 µ/m2 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the raloxifene effect may be lower than that of estrogen, even early or late treatment, on synaptic density in the hippocampus.

Intracranial Pressure Evaluation in Swine During Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Neurological complications during full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) might be attributed to intracranial pressure (ICP) increase due to continuous saline infusion (CSI). Understanding CSI and ICP correlation might modify irrigation pump usage. This study aimed to evaluate invasive ICP during interlaminar FESS; correlate ICP with irrigation pump parameters (IPPs); evaluate ICP during saline outflow occlusion, commonly used to control bleeding and improve the surgeon's view; and, after durotomy, simulate accidental dural tear. METHODS: Five swine were monitored, submitted to total intravenous anesthesia, and positioned ventrally. A parenchymal catheter was installed through a skull burr for ICP monitoring. Lumbar interlaminar FESS was performed until exposure of neural structures. CSI was used within progressively higher IPPs (A [60 mm Hg, 350 mL/minute] to D [150 mm Hg, 700 mL/minute]), and ICP was documented. During each IPP, different situations were grouped: intact dura with open channels (A1-D1) or occlusion test (A2-D2); dural tear with open channels (Ax1-Dx1) or occlusion test (Ax2-Dx2). ICP <20 mm Hg was defined as safe. RESULTS: Basal average ICP was 8.1 mm Hg. Adjustment in total intravenous anesthesia or suspension of tests was necessary due to critical ICP or animal discomfort. It was safe to operate with all IPPs with opened drainage channels (A1-D1) even with dural tear (Ax1-Dx1). Several occlusion tests (A2-D2, Ax2-Dx2) caused ICP increase (e.g., 86.1 mm Hg) influenced by anesthetic state and hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: During FESS, CSI might critically raise ICP. Keeping drainage channels open, with ideal anesthetic state, ICP remains safe even with high IPPs, despite dural tear. Drainage occlusions can quickly raise ICP, being even more severe with higher IPPs. Total intravenous anesthesia may protect from ICP increase and may allow longer drainage occlusion or higher IPPs.

Posterior fossa choroidplexus papilloma in the pediatric population: case series and literature review / Papiloma de plexo coroide na fossa posterior na população pediátrica: série de casos e revisão da literatura

Abstract Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare benign neoplasms which are particularly uncommon in the posterior fossa in children. We herein present a case series of five patients treated at a tertiary care hospital. A comprehensive literature review was also carried out. The patients treated at the tertiary care hospital were aged between 4 and 16 years. Gross total resection (GTR) was initially achieved in two patients. All patients showed clinical improvement. Moreover, 27 articles published between 1975 and 2021 were selected for the literature review, totaling 46 patients; with the 5 patients previously described, the total sample was composed of 51 cases, With a mean age was 8.2 years. The lesions were located either in the fourth ventricle (65.3%) or the cerebellopontine angle (34.7%). Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in 66.7% of the patients, and a permanent shunt was required in 31.6% of the cases. The GTR procedure was feasible in 64.5%, and 93.8% showed clinical improvement. For CPPs, GTR is the gold standard treatment and should be attempted whenever feasible, especially because the role of the adjuvant treatment remains controversial. Neuromonitoring is a valuable tool to achieve maximal safe resection. Hydrocephalus is common and must be recognized and promptly treated. Most patients will need a permanent shunt. Though there is still controversy on its efficacy, endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a safe procedure, and was the authors' first choice to treat hydrocephalus.

Resumo Os papilomas do plexo coroide (PPCs) são neoplasias benignas raras e, na população pediátrica, são particularmente incomuns na fossa posterior. Apresentamos uma série de casos de cinco pacientes atendidos em um hospital terciário. Além disso, foi realizada uma ampla revisão da literatura. Os pacientes atendidos no hospital terciário tinham entre 4 e 16 anos. Ressecção macroscópica total (RMT) foi inicialmente realizada em dois pacientes. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica. Além disso, 27 artigos publicados entre 1975 e 2021 foram selecionados para a revisão da literatura, totalizando 46 pacientes. Somados à série de casos atuais, encontramos 51 pacientes, com média de idade de 8,2 anos. As lesões localizavam-se no quarto ventrículo (65,3%) ou no ângulo pontocerebelar (34,7%). Hidrocefalia estava presente no pré-operatório em 66,7% dos pacientes, e derivação ventricular permanente foi necessária em 31,6% dos casos. A RMT foi possível em 64,5%, e 93,8% tiveram melhora clínica. Para os CPPs, a RMT é o tratamento padrão-ouro e deve ser tentado sempre que possível, especialmente porque ainda existem controvérsias quanto ao papel do tratamento adjuvante. A neuromonitorização é uma ferramenta importante para se atingir a máxima ressecção segura. A hidrocefalia é comumente vista nesses pacientes e deve ser identificada e tratada. A maioria dos pacientes irá precisar de uma derivação permanente. Apesar de persistirem controvérsias sobre sua eficácia, a terceiro-ventriculostomia endoscópica foi a primeira escolha para tratar a hidrocefalia na experiência dos autores e é uma opção segura.

Environmental vulnerability assessment of the Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil.

Environmental vulnerability is an important tool to understand the natural and anthropogenic impacts associated with the susceptibility to environmental damage. This study aims to assess the environmental vulnerability of the Doce River basin in Brazil through Multicriteria Decision Analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS-MCDA). Natural factors (slope, elevation, relief dissection, rainfall, pedology, and geology) and anthropogenic factors (distance from urban centers, roads, mining dams, and land use) were used to determine the environmental vulnerability index (EVI). The EVI was classified into five classes, identifying associated land uses. Vulnerability was verified in water resource management units (UGRHs) and municipalities using hot spot analysis. The study employed the water quality index (WQI) to assess the EVI and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to evaluate the model input parameters that most influence the basin's environmental vulnerability. The results showed that the regions near the middle Doce River were considered environmentally more vulnerable, especially the UGRHs Guandu, Manhuaçu, and Caratinga; and 35.9% of the basin has high and very high vulnerabilities. Hot spot analysis identified regions with low EVI values (cold spot) in the north and northwest, while areas with high values (hot spot) were concentrated mainly in the middle Doce region. Water monitoring stations with the worst WQI values were found in the most environmentally vulnerable areas. The GSA determined that land use and slope were the primary factors influencing the model's response. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting environmental planning in the Doce River basin.

Posterior fossa choroidplexus papilloma in the pediatric population: case series and literature review.

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare benign neoplasms which are particularly uncommon in the posterior fossa in children. We herein present a case series of five patients treated at a tertiary care hospital. A comprehensive literature review was also carried out. The patients treated at the tertiary care hospital were aged between 4 and 16 years. Gross total resection (GTR) was initially achieved in two patients. All patients showed clinical improvement. Moreover, 27 articles published between 1975 and 2021 were selected for the literature review, totaling 46 patients; with the 5 patients previously described, the total sample was composed of 51 cases, With a mean age was 8.2 years. The lesions were located either in the fourth ventricle (65.3%) or the cerebellopontine angle (34.7%). Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in 66.7% of the patients, and a permanent shunt was required in 31.6% of the cases. The GTR procedure was feasible in 64.5%, and 93.8% showed clinical improvement. For CPPs, GTR is the gold standard treatment and should be attempted whenever feasible, especially because the role of the adjuvant treatment remains controversial. Neuromonitoring is a valuable tool to achieve maximal safe resection. Hydrocephalus is common and must be recognized and promptly treated. Most patients will need a permanent shunt. Though there is still controversy on its efficacy, endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a safe procedure, and was the authors' first choice to treat hydrocephalus.

Os papilomas do plexo coroide (PPCs) são neoplasias benignas raras e, na população pediátrica, são particularmente incomuns na fossa posterior. Apresentamos uma série de casos de cinco pacientes atendidos em um hospital terciário. Além disso, foi realizada uma ampla revisão da literatura. Os pacientes atendidos no hospital terciário tinham entre 4 e 16 anos. Ressecção macroscópica total (RMT) foi inicialmente realizada em dois pacientes. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica. Além disso, 27 artigos publicados entre 1975 e 2021 foram selecionados para a revisão da literatura, totalizando 46 pacientes. Somados à série de casos atuais, encontramos 51 pacientes, com média de idade de 8,2 anos. As lesões localizavam-se no quarto ventrículo (65,3%) ou no ângulo pontocerebelar (34,7%). Hidrocefalia estava presente no pré-operatório em 66,7% dos pacientes, e derivação ventricular permanente foi necessária em 31,6% dos casos. A RMT foi possível em 64,5%, e 93,8% tiveram melhora clínica. Para os CPPs, a RMT é o tratamento padrão-ouro e deve ser tentado sempre que possível, especialmente porque ainda existem controvérsias quanto ao papel do tratamento adjuvante. A neuromonitorização é uma ferramenta importante para se atingir a máxima ressecção segura. A hidrocefalia é comumente vista nesses pacientes e deve ser identificada e tratada. A maioria dos pacientes irá precisar de uma derivação permanente. Apesar de persistirem controvérsias sobre sua eficácia, a terceiro-ventriculostomia endoscópica foi a primeira escolha para tratar a hidrocefalia na experiência dos autores e é uma opção segura.

Two year follow-up of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with a surface modified flow diverter under prasugrel monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A new generation of modified surface flow diverters (FDs) and monotherapy using new antiplatelets may reduce both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications during the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Previous preliminary safety analysis of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with the FD p48 MW HPC (phenox-Wallaby, Bochum, Germany) under antiplatelet monotherapy with prasugrel showed promising results. However, the long term outcomes of distal intracranial aneurysms treated with FDs under antiplatelet monotherapy are not known. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, pivotal, open single arm study. The primary (safety) endpoint was absence of any new neurological deficits after treatment until the 24 month follow-up. The primary (efficacy) endpoint was the incidence of complete aneurysm occlusion 24 months after treatment. The secondary (efficacy) endpoints were any incidence of aneurysm dome reduction 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: 21 patients harboring 27 distal aneurysms of the anterior circulation were included. No patient had neurologic deficits in the time from treatment to the 24 month follow-up. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 20 (74%) of 27 aneurysms at the 24 month follow-up. Four aneurysms (14.8%) had dome reduction, and three aneurysms (11.1%) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot trial, treatment of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms with an FD under monotherapy with prasugrel, followed by monotherapy with aspirin, appeared to be safe and effective. Randomized studies with long term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Contaminação pelo SARS-COV-2 entre profissionais de saúde do Oeste Baiano

Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a ocorrência e caracterizar o perfil da contaminação pelo SARS-CoV-2 em profissionais de saúde na macrorregião Oeste da Bahia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa e descritiva, realizado através da estratégia Web Survey, no período de fevereiro a maio de 2021, com profissionais de saúde atuantes na região. Participaram do estudo 186 profissionais, de 22 categorias profissionais distintas e provenientes de 23 municípios da região. Do total de entrevistados, 63 participantes (33,9%) testaram positivo para o SARS-CoV-2, com predominância do sexo feminino (70,0%), idade média de 36 anos (DP ± 8,7), de enfermeiros contaminados (25,4%) e da forma leve da doença (76,2%), entretanto, 15,9% (n=10) desenvolveram sequelas e 11,1% (n=07) necessitaram de readaptações das atividades de trabalho. 40,9% dos entrevistados (n=76) relataram que após o início da pandemia desenvolveram algum problema de ordem mental ou tiveram piora de condição já existente e 58,1% (n=108) informaram indisponibilidade de cuidado em saúde mental no local de trabalho. Pelo exposto, torna-se cada vez mais importante a adoção/atualização de estratégias de proteção, promoção e recuperação da saúde direcionadas para estes profissionais, considerando as suas diferentes realidades e necessidades.

Epidemiological study of paediatric traumatic brain injury in Brazil.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a high economic and social impact on the family dynamics, particularly among children. High-quality and comprehensive epidemiological studies about TBI in this population are limited worldwide, specifically in Latin America. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the epidemiology of TBI among children in Brazil and its effects on the public health system. Methods: This epidemiological (cohort) retrospective study collected data from the Brazilian healthcare database between 1992 and 2021. Results: The mean annual volume of hospital admission (HA) due to TBI in Brazil was 29,017. Moreover, the incidence of TBI in the paediatric population was 45.35 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Furthermore, approximately 941 paediatric hospital deaths per year were caused by TBI, with an in-hospital lethality rate of 3.21%. The average annual financial transfer for TBI was 12,376,628 USD, and the mean cost per admission was 417 USD. In addition, the mean length of hospital stay was 4.2 days. Notably, the length of stay in the hospital was longer among males, Afro-Brazilians patients and individuals aged 15-19 years. Conclusion: Paediatric TBI is an important public health issue worldwide with high social and economic costs. The incidence of paediatric TBI in Brazil is similar to that in developing countries. Moreover, male predominance (2.3:1) was observed in relation paediatric TBI. Notably, during the pandemic, the incidence of paediatric HA has decreased. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study that specifically evaluates paediatric TBI in Latin America.

Associations between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness with vascular health phenotypes in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: We investigated the associations between physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with vascular health phenotypes in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 82 participants (66.8 ± 5.2 years; 81% females). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using accelerometers, and CRF was measured using the distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). The vascular health markers were as follows: i) arterial function measured as aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) estimated using an automatic blood pressure device; and ii) arterial structure measured as the common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Using a combination of normal cIMT and aPWV values, four groups of vascular health phenotypes were created: normal aPWV and cIMT, abnormal aPWV only, abnormal cIMT only, and abnormal aPWV and cIMT. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the beta coefficients (ß) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusting for BMI, and medication for diabetes, lipid, and hypertension, sex, age, and blood pressure. Results: Participants with abnormal aPWV and normal cIMT (ß = -53.76; 95% CI = -97.73--9.78 m; p = 0.017), and participants with both abnormal aPWV and cIMT (ß = -71.89; 95% CI = -125.46--18.31 m; p = 0.009) covered less distance in the 6MWT, although adjusting for age, sex and blood pressure decreased the strength of the association with only groups of abnormal aPWV and cIMT covering a lower 6MWT distance compared to participants with both normal aPWV and cIMT (ß = -55.68 95% CI = -111.95-0.59; p = 0.052). No associations were observed between MVPA and the vascular health phenotypes. Conslusion: In summary, poor CRF, but not MVPA, is associated with the unhealthiest vascular health phenotype (abnormal aPWV/cIMT) in older adults.