Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: An Systematic Review.

Diabetes Mellitus is a highly prevalent condition in which Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is the most common. Diabetic Kidney Disease is one of the most relevant complications and affects approximately one-third of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. It is characterized by increased urinary protein excretion and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, assessed by serum creatinine levels. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D levels are low in these patients. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of vitamin D supplementation on proteinuria and creatinine, which are important markers for assessing the severity of kidney disease in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease. PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were consulted, Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the COCHRANE toll for bias assessment was applied. Six papers were quantitative studies and fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation of 50,000 I.U./week for 8 weeks effectively reduced proteinuria and creatinine in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease, particularly in patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease by having essential effects on disease-related inflammatory markers, such as the reduction of proteinuria and creatinine. However, more clinical trials must be conducted to evaluate the intervention among more significant numbers of patients.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Advancing age is one of the risk factors for developing many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative alterations, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have indicated that supplementation with resveratrol (RSV) might improve cerebrovascular function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of RSV on MCI and AD. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were used to perform the search, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five studies met the eligible criteria; three with AD and two with MCI. In AD patients, the use of RSV reduces Aß levels, improves brain volume, reduces the Mini-mental status score, and improves AD scores. In patients with MCI, this polyphenol prevents decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increases the Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV can activate the human silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) and can inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase, and nuclear factor-κB, resulting in the reduction of the proinflammation pathways. It is also associated with the increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduction of interferon-γ and IL-17. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can be related to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, doing maintenance, and enabling the recovery of these conditions directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. We suggest that the use of RSV can bring beneficial effects to patients with MCI or AD.

Awareness of interprofessional learning as a tool to improve a Brazilian university curriculum.

Interprofessional education is a key driver for patient-centered care. Interprofessionality in healthcare encourages team engagement and commitment, resulting in better outcomes and adherence to treatment. The present study aimed to use the adapted Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) to analyze and correlate receptiveness to interprofessional education among Brazilian undergraduate students, to improve educational strategies. This research conducted a cross-sectional observational study of the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare students using an electronic questionnaire based on the RIPLS. The sample consisted of 938 students from seven healthcare courses of study at a public university. Students in psychology scored lowest overall. Men scored slightly higher (M = 103.9) than women (M = 101.9; p = .002). No significant differences were found in age, year of study, and previous higher education experience. The differences observed between students in the various courses reflects a process of curriculum improvement and promotion of change in institutional teaching and learning. The current study from Brazil presents the receptiveness of students from seven healthcare-related higher education courses to interprofessional education, providing a panel of data that can inform discussions of the possible causes of discrepancy between different courses of study.

Interrater reliability in the temporal quantitative analysis of oropharyngeal swallowing using a specific software / Confiabilidade entre avaliadores na análise quantitativa temporal da deglutição orofaríngea por meio de software específico

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to analyze inter-judge reliability by measuring a few temporal parameters of swallowing using a specific software. Methods Six databases that include the results of reliability tests performed in prior studies by the present research group were employed. The datasets were obtained using the same measurement method and include data obtained based on puree (level 3) consistency and liquid (level 0) consistency according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. In this study, the reliabilities corresponding to the total oral transit time (TOTT), initiation of the pharyngeal response time (PRT), and the pharyngeal transit time (PTT) were measured using the same software; the evaluations performed by a single rater for all datasets were used as the benchmark, and evaluations performed by new raters for each dataset were also included. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval was employed. Results A total of 244 videofluoroscopic swallowing study images were analyzed. In all analyses, the ICCs were >0,75 and showed excellent agreement between the senior and junior raters. The TOTT for level 3 showed ICCs from 0.936 to 1.000 and that for level 0 showed ICCs from 0.997 to 1.000. Further, the PRT showed ICCs from 0.916 to 1.000 for level 3 and from 0.978 to 1.000 for level 0. The PTT showed ICCs from 0.848 to 1.000 for level 3 and from 0.984 to 1.000 for level 0. Conclusion The reliabilities obtained using this specific software for the TOTT, PRT, and PTT showed excellent agreement.

RESUMO Objetivo analisar a confiabilidade inter-juízes por meio da mensuração de alguns parâmetros temporais da deglutição por meio de um software específico. Método Foram utilizados seis bancos de dados que incluem os resultados dos testes de confiabilidade realizados em estudos anteriores do presente grupo de pesquisa. Os bancos de dados foram obtidos usando o mesmo método de medição e incluem dados obtidos na consistência purê (nível 3) e líquida (nível 0). Neste estudo, as confiabilidades correspondentes ao tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT), tempo de início de resposta faríngea (IRF) e tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) mensuradas no mesmo software; as avaliações realizadas por um único avaliador para todos os bancos de dados foram usadas como referência, e as avaliações realizadas por novos avaliadores para cada banco de dados também foram incluídas. Foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados Foram analisadas 244 imagens de estudos videofluoroscópicos da deglutição. Em todas as análises, os ICCs foram >0,75, mostrando excelente concordância entre avaliadores. O TTOT do nível 3 apresentou ICCs de 0,936 a 1.000 e o do nível 0 apresentou ICCs de 0,997 a 1,000. Além disso, o IRF mostrou ICCs de 0,916 a 1,000 para o nível 3 e de 0,978 a 1,000 para o nível 0. O TTF mostrou ICCs de 0,848 a 1,000 para o nível 3 e de 0,984 a 1,000 para o nível 0. Conclusão As confiabilidades obtidas com este software específico para o TTOT, IRF e TTF mostraram excelente concordância.

Interrater reliability in the temporal quantitative analysis of oropharyngeal swallowing using a specific software.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze inter-judge reliability by measuring a few temporal parameters of swallowing using a specific software. METHODS: Six databases that include the results of reliability tests performed in prior studies by the present research group were employed. The datasets were obtained using the same measurement method and include data obtained based on puree (level 3) consistency and liquid (level 0) consistency according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. In this study, the reliabilities corresponding to the total oral transit time (TOTT), initiation of the pharyngeal response time (PRT), and the pharyngeal transit time (PTT) were measured using the same software; the evaluations performed by a single rater for all datasets were used as the benchmark, and evaluations performed by new raters for each dataset were also included. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval was employed. RESULTS: A total of 244 videofluoroscopic swallowing study images were analyzed. In all analyses, the ICCs were >0,75 and showed excellent agreement between the senior and junior raters. The TOTT for level 3 showed ICCs from 0.936 to 1.000 and that for level 0 showed ICCs from 0.997 to 1.000. Further, the PRT showed ICCs from 0.916 to 1.000 for level 3 and from 0.978 to 1.000 for level 0. The PTT showed ICCs from 0.848 to 1.000 for level 3 and from 0.984 to 1.000 for level 0. CONCLUSION: The reliabilities obtained using this specific software for the TOTT, PRT, and PTT showed excellent agreement.

Electrical, taste, and temperature stimulation in patients with chronic dysphagia after stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

The objective of present study was compare a traditional swallowing therapy program with a new combined swallowing therapy program including neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke. This pilot study included eight patients with chronic oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke. These patients underwent traditional therapy with gustative-thermic-tactile stimulation (group A), or a new combined program adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (group B). Study participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with temporal measures of posterior oral spillage and whiteout time, functional oral intake scale and a visual analog scale classifies an individual's swallowing ability. The two groups did not differ in terms of posterior oral spillage time, whiteout time and functional oral intake scale. Subjects in group B exhibited significant increases in visual analog scale scores. However, both groups demonstrated improvement with decreases in posterior oral spillage time, increased whiteout time, and increased functional oral intake scale and visual analog scale scores. There was no difference in the parameters studied in both therapeutic programs in individuals with chronic oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke.

Effects of the Use of Curcumin on Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe chronic inflammatory disorders related to a substantial reduction in the quality of life of patients. Some patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are refractory to conventional therapies, and Curcuma longa derivatives have been considered as adjuvants. Owing to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, some clinical trials used this plant in the therapeutic approach of IBD, and some meta-analyses evaluated the outcomes found in these studies. Owing to controversial findings, our systematic review aimed to evaluate these studies to show whether C. longa compounds can still be considered in the therapeutic approach of patients with CD and UC. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched, and Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. The results of the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed promising results with the use of curcumin in the therapeutic approach of both UC and CD patients. Some meta-analyses show controversial results, possibly due to the presence of bias in the included studies. The actions of curcumin are achieved by several mechanisms, such as reducing the expression of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, it reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anions and malondialdehyde. The results of using curcumin in CD and UC patients are challenging to be evaluated because RCTs are variable in the dose and the formulations of curcumin, in the time of treatment, and the route of administration. The number of patients in the samples is also usually small.

Is Neck Circumference As Reliable As Waist Circumference for Determining Metabolic Syndrome?

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a cluster of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many studies have shown that neck circumference (NC) has validity in the measure of MS since it correlates positively with the traditional components. For these reasons, this study aimed at comparing waist circumference (WC) and NC for identifying MS parameters in patients treated at a cardiology unit. Methods: This study included 309 patients assisted in a Cardiology Unit. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were evaluated. Correlations between neck and WC with anthropometric, biochemical, and atherogenic indices were evaluated. The diagnostic ability of neck and WC was assessed by using the receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: The patients had a mean age of 57.2 years, and 56% were men. The diagnosis of MS was present in 48% of men and 39% of women. Neck and WC showed a positive correlation with each other, and both showed positive correlations with the criteria for MS. Moreover, NC showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI), insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-ß, and C-reactive protein. WC showed a positive correlation with BMI, HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and Castelli Index I. Both neck and WC showed the ability to identify the presence of the MS. Conclusion: Both neck and WC showed a significant correlation with several of the metabolic parameters, including some used as criteria for the diagnosis of MS. In addition, both measures demonstrated a good ability to predict MS, making these measures promising for screening patients with this syndrome.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperferritinemia in Patients at Cardiovascular Risk.

AIM: To evaluate the association between parameters of hyperferritinemia (HF) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients at cardiovascular risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study that included 269 patients who attended a cardiology unit. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were evaluated to identify the presence of HF and MS. The presence of MS was evaluated according to NCEP ATP III. Biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-c) were assessed according to the manufacturer's protocols. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurements were made by a trained professional. The chi-square (X 2) test, odds ratio, normality distribution (verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), and Levene's test were used to analyze the variables. To evaluate the effect of MS, HF, and the interaction between MS and HF, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed based on the homogeneity of the variances, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc comparisons. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between quantitative variables. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of covariables. A logistic regression model was built to analyze the variables that contribute significantly to predict the outcome (HF) using the backward method. RESULTS: Our results showed that 57% of men and 49.5% of women presented with MS; 44% of men and 11% of women presented with HF. The presence of MS and hypertriglyceridemia increase the probability of having HF by up to 2.1 and 1.88 times, respectively, while for male sex it is increased by 6.2 times. Patients with HF have higher values of C-reactive protein, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, regardless of the presence of MS. The linear regression analysis model indicated that the variables considered in this study explain less than 30% of the variation in ferritin and that the presence of MS in men is responsible for 22% of the variation in the probability of the occurrence of HF. CONCLUSION: Our results show that hyperferritinemia is closely associated with the components of MS (positive correlation with glycemia, triglycerides levels, blood pressure, and waist circumference, and negative correlation with HDL-c values) in the studied population.

Curcumin therapy for ulcerative colitis remission: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant advances in the study of Ulcerative colitis (UC) management, up to a third of patients may be refractory to conventional therapy, and specialists have considered natural compounds such as curcumin. AREA COVERED: The meta-analyzes found in the literature compare the effects of curcumin used in different administration routes or compare patients in remission with patients with active disease. Due to the biases in these studies, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of orally administrated curcumin in mild-to-moderate active UC. EXPERT OPINION: Curcumin produces relevant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that are crucial in inducing remission in UC patients. Unfortunately, in the treatment of UC, we have not observed studies with standardization of dose and routes of administration. Existing meta-analyses are biased because they compare studies using different administration routes and patients in different stages of the disease. Our meta-analysis is the only one that tried to make a comparison with a few of biases as possible and show that curcumin can help in the induction of remission in UC subjects.

Cannabis and Canabidinoids on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Going Beyond Misuse.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal condition, including mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Cannabis sativa (CS) is widely used for medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes. The most studied compound of CS is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Besides many relevant therapeutic roles such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there is still much controversy about the consumption of this plant since the misuse can lead to serious health problems. Because of these reasons, the aim of this review is to investigate the effects of CS on the treatment of UC and CD. The literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, PMC, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The use of CS leads to the improvement of UC and CD scores and quality of life. The medical use of CS is on the rise. Although the literature shows relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could improve UC and CD scores, it is still not possible to establish a treatment criterion since the studies have no standardization regarding the variety and part of the plant that is used, route of administration and doses. Therefore, we suggest caution in the use of CS in the therapeutic approach of IBD until clinical trials with standardization and a relevant number of patients are performed.

Oral transit time in children with neurological impairment indicated for gastrostomy. / Tempo de trânsito oral na criança com acometimento neurológico indicada à gastrostomia.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to describe the total oral transit time (TOTT) of children with neurological impairment (CNI) and with an indication of gastrostomy. METHOD: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on 15 children (10 male and 5 female ranging in age from 1 to 14 years; mean 5.7 years) with CNI and gastrostomy indication. The patients were monitored by a Multidisciplinary Group of Pediatric Gastroenterology of Universidade de Marília - UNIMAR, which 13 of them with previous exclusive oral feeding and 2 fed by a nasogastric tube. Swallowing was analyzed by videofluoroscopy swallowing study and 19 images of TOTT were obtained using specific software, with analysis of pureed food (13 images) and liquid (six images). TTOT was categorized as short or long based on definitions already evidenced in the literature. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of TOTT values was 10.75 s and 11.76 s for pureed food and 4.22 s and 1.54 s for liquid food. CONCLUSION: The total oral transit time of pureed or liquid consistency was long in children with neurological involvement and with an indication of gastrostomy.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) da deglutição em diferentes consistências de alimento na criança com acometimento neurológico (CAN) e com indicação de gastrostomia. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico transversal incluiu 15 indivíduos com CAN e indicação de gastrostomia, sendo 10 do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino, 13 com alimentação via oral exclusiva e dois com sonda nasogástrica, faixa etária de um a 14 anos, média de 5,7 anos, acompanhados no Grupo Multidisciplinar de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica da Universidade de Marília-UNIMAR. A deglutição foi analisada por estudo videofluoroscópico da deglutição. Foram mensuradas 19 imagens do tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) da deglutição, por software específico, utilizando alimento pastoso (13 imagens) e alimento líquido (seis imagens). O TTOT foi categorizado em curto ou longo baseado em definições já evidenciadas na literatura. RESULTADOS: A média e o desvio padrão para o TTOT foram, respectivamente, 10,75s e 11,76s para o pastoso e 4,22s e 1,54s para o líquido. CONCLUSÃO: O tempo de trânsito oral total é longo nas consistências pastosa e líquida em crianças com acometimento neurológico e com indicação de gastrostomia.

Tempo de trânsito oral na criança com acometimento neurológico indicada à gastrostomia / Oral transit time in children with neurological impairment indicated for gastrostomy

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) da deglutição em diferentes consistências de alimento na criança com acometimento neurológico (CAN) e com indicação de gastrostomia. Método Estudo clínico transversal incluiu 15 indivíduos com CAN e indicação de gastrostomia, sendo 10 do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino, 13 com alimentação via oral exclusiva e dois com sonda nasogástrica, faixa etária de um a 14 anos, média de 5,7 anos, acompanhados no Grupo Multidisciplinar de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica da Universidade de Marília-UNIMAR. A deglutição foi analisada por estudo videofluoroscópico da deglutição. Foram mensuradas 19 imagens do tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) da deglutição, por software específico, utilizando alimento pastoso (13 imagens) e alimento líquido (seis imagens). O TTOT foi categorizado em curto ou longo baseado em definições já evidenciadas na literatura. Resultados A média e o desvio padrão para o TTOT foram, respectivamente, 10,75s e 11,76s para o pastoso e 4,22s e 1,54s para o líquido. Conclusão O tempo de trânsito oral total é longo nas consistências pastosa e líquida em crianças com acometimento neurológico e com indicação de gastrostomia.

ABSTRACT Purpose The objective of the present study was to describe the total oral transit time (TOTT) of children with neurological impairment (CNI) and with an indication of gastrostomy. Method A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on 15 children (10 male and 5 female ranging in age from 1 to 14 years; mean 5.7 years) with CNI and gastrostomy indication. The patients were monitored by a Multidisciplinary Group of Pediatric Gastroenterology of Universidade de Marília - UNIMAR, which 13 of them with previous exclusive oral feeding and 2 fed by a nasogastric tube. Swallowing was analyzed by videofluoroscopy swallowing study and 19 images of TOTT were obtained using specific software, with analysis of pureed food (13 images) and liquid (six images). TTOT was categorized as short or long based on definitions already evidenced in the literature. Results The mean and standard deviation of TOTT values was 10.75 s and 11.76 s for pureed food and 4.22 s and 1.54 s for liquid food. Conclusion The total oral transit time of pureed or liquid consistency was long in children with neurological involvement and with an indication of gastrostomy.

Urinary lithiasis: evaluation of the use of laser vs. Pneumatic ureteral lithotripsy.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Urinary lithiasis: evaluation of the use of laser vs. Pneumatic ureteral lithotripsy

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Deep brain stimulation in parkinson disease.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Deep brain stimulation in parkinson disease

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Comparison between high and low levels thoracic sympathectomy for the treatment of palmar and axillary primary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis / Comparação da simpatectomia torácica realizada em níveis altos e baixos para o tratamento da hiperidrose primária palmar e axilar: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a condition that has a great impact on affected individuals' quality of life, regardless of its location. Its surgical treatment is done through thoracic sympathectomy performed by videothoracoscopy. Standardization of the technique includes section of the sympathetic trunk at different levels, according to the site of symptoms. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of thoracic sympathectomy through a systematic literature review comparing sympathectomy at different levels of the sympathetic chain.

RESUMO A hiperidrose primária (HP) é uma condição que, independentemente de sua localização, apresenta grande impacto na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos acometidos. Seu tratamento cirúrgico é feito através da simpatectomia torácica realizada por videotoracoscopia. A padronização da técnica inclui a secção do tronco simpático em diferentes níveis, de acordo com o local dos sintomas. O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar a eficácia da simpatectomia torácica por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, comparando a simpatectomia em diferentes níveis da cadeia simpática.

Comparison between high and low levels thoracic sympathectomy for the treatment of palmar and axillary primary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a condition that has a great impact on affected individuals' quality of life, regardless of its location. Its surgical treatment is done through thoracic sympathectomy performed by videothoracoscopy. Standardization of the technique includes section of the sympathetic trunk at different levels, according to the site of symptoms. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of thoracic sympathectomy through a systematic literature review comparing sympathectomy at different levels of the sympathetic chain.