Ablation of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia with Focal Cryoablation, Compared with Radiofrequency Ablation: Single-Center Experience. / Ablação de Taquicardia Reentrante Nodal Atrioventricular com Crioablação Focal, Comparada com Ablação por Radiofrequência: Experiência em Centro Único.

BACKGROUND: The ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with cryoablation is an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients due to the low risk of total atrioventricular block. An increase in early-late recurrences after cryoablation is reported as an important disadvantage. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare the acute procedural success and the long-term recurrence rates of patients, with AVNRT who underwent methods. METHODS: 73 patients with AVNRT were included in the study: 32 with cryoablation and 41 with RF ablation. There was no statistically significant difference between acute procedural success in methods. The ablation procedure was performed by an operator experienced in arrhythmology. The choice of RF or cryoablation was made in the electrophysiology laboratory based on the material already available during the procedure. After the procedure, the patients were evaluated every 3 months for 2 years in polyclinic control. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: The 2 groups of patients were homogeneous. The fluoroscopy time (p<0.001) was shorter, but atrium-his (p=0.004) and his-ventricular (p=0.015) times were longer in the cryoablation group. There was no significant difference, in terms of acute procedural success, post-procedure jump without a single echo, and presence of echo and jump. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation requires less fluoroscopy time and is a safe non-inferior alternative to RF ablation in patients with AVNRT. The risk of AV block is a significant problem with the use of RF energy, making it less suitable for use in young and physically active patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A ablação da taquicardia por reentrada nodal atrioventricular (TRNAV) com crioablação é uma alternativa à ablação por radiofrequência (RF) em pacientes devido ao baixo risco de bloqueio atrioventricular total. Um aumento nas recorrências precoces e tardias após a crioablação é relatado como uma desvantagem importante. OBJETIVOS: Neste estudo, objetivamos comparar o sucesso do procedimento agudo e as taxas de recorrência em longo prazo de pacientes com TRNAV submetidos a métodos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 73 pacientes com TRNAV: 32 com crioablação e 41 com ablação por RF. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o sucesso agudo do procedimento nos métodos. O procedimento de ablação foi realizado por operador com experiência em arritmologia. A escolha entre RF ou crioablação foi feita no laboratório de eletrofisiologia com base no material já disponível durante o procedimento. Após o procedimento, os pacientes foram avaliados a cada 3 meses durante 2 anos em controle policlínico. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os dois grupos de pacientes foram homogêneos. O tempo de fluoroscopia (p<0,001) foi menor, mas os tempos his-átrio (p=0,004) e his-ventricular (p=0,015) foram maiores no grupo crioablação. Não houve diferença significativa em termos de sucesso agudo do procedimento, salto pós-procedimento sem eco único e presença de eco e salto. CONCLUSÕES: A crioablação requer menos tempo de fluoroscopia e é uma alternativa segura e não inferior à ablação por RF em pacientes com TRNAV. O risco de bloqueio AV é um problema significativo com o uso de energia de RF, tornando-o menos adequado para uso em pacientes jovens e fisicamente ativos.

Unveiling the mystery of the female heart's rhythm: a look into gender inequalities in electrophysiology.

This review explores gender disparities in cardiac electrophysiology, highlighting differences in the electrical activity of the heart between men and women. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these variances for correct diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Women show distinct cardiac characteristics influenced by sex hormones, affecting their susceptibility to various arrhythmias. The manuscript covers the classification, mechanisms, and management of arrhythmias in women, considering factors such as pregnancy and menopause. By addressing these gender-specific nuances, it aims to improve healthcare practices and outcomes for female patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.

Esta revisión explora las disparidades de género en la electrofisiología cardiaca, destacando las diferencias en la actividad eléctrica del corazón entre hombres y mujeres. Se enfatiza la importancia de comprender estas variaciones para un diagnóstico correcto y un tratamiento efectivo de las arritmias cardiacas. Las mujeres muestran características cardiacas distintas influenciadas por las hormonas sexuales, lo que afecta su susceptibilidad a diversas arritmias. La revisión abarca la clasificación, los mecanismos y el manejo de las arritmias en las mujeres, considerando factores como el embarazo y la menopausia. Al abordar estos matices específicos de género, el objetivo es mejorar las prácticas de atención médica y los resultados para las pacientes de sexo femenino con trastornos del ritmo cardiaco.

Association between physical activity performed at different intensities and cardiovascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: We examined the sedentary behavior and physical activity of 260 patients with peripheral artery disease. Women engaged in more light physical activity than men did. Light physical activity was associated with lower arterial stiffness in men only, while no significant associations were found between sedentary behavior, moderate-vigorous physical activity, and cardiovascular outcomes. BACKGROUND: ◼ Women with peripheral artery disease exhibited higher blood pressure and arterial stiffness than men. BACKGROUND: ◼ Low levels of physical activity, particularly moderate to vigorous activity, were observed in individuals with peripheral artery disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the time spent in sedentary behavior and physical activity of different intensities with cardiovascular health in men and women with peripheral artery disease. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication symptoms (65.7% men; 66±1 years; ankle brachial index 0.57±0.18) were evaluated. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using an accelerometer. Physical activity was classified into light and moderate-vigorous intensities. The cardiovascular outcomes included blood pressure (oscillometric method), cardiac autonomic modulation (heart rate variability), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity). RESULTS: Women spent more time engaged in light physical activity than men (341±14 min/day versus 306±9 min/day; p=0.040, respectively). There was no significant difference in the time spent on sedentary behavior and moderate-vigorous physical activity. Women had a higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.025), higher augmentation index (p<0.001), and lower sympathovagal balance (p=0.047) than men. Pulse wave velocity was only negatively associated with light physical activity (ß= -4.66; 95%CI= -8.57; -0.76) in men. Light and moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior were not associated with other cardiovascular outcomes. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of light physical activity were associated with lower arterial stiffness in men with peripheral artery disease.

Impact of chronic illness caused by chikungunya fever on quality of life and functionality.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever compromises the functionality and quality of life in the affected individuals, even one year after the acute phase of the disease. Chronically affected people experience direct impairment in performing daily activities, along with a risk of developing other morbidities. BACKGROUND: ◼ Even after a year, chikungunya fever-affected people experience damage to their physical and mental health. BACKGROUND: ◼ Positive screening for depression risk was 13.5 times more likely in chronically affected. BACKGROUND: ◼ Patients with chronic chikungunya fever had a 76 times higher risk of walking impairments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of chronic illness caused by chikungunya fever on the quality of life and functionality of affected individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted in which two groups were investigated: a Chikungunya Group comprising 25 patients with chronic fever screened after 1 year of illness via a telephonic survey, and a Healthy Group comprising 25 healthy individuals matched for sex and age by face-to-face interview. The Stanford HAQ 20-Item Disability Scale (HAQ) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaires were administered to both groups. Generalized Linear Models, Pearson χ2 tests, and odds ratios were used to evaluate the test results. RESULTS: Significant differences in functional capacity and quality of life were observed between the Chikungunya and Healthy Groups. The chance of some impairment in functionality was also much higher in the Chikungunya Group in four of the HAQ categories, especially in the "walking" category (adjusted OR= 109.40). Further, the Chikungunya Group had a higher chance of presenting a below-average score in the mental component summary of the SF-12 (adjusted OR= 16.20) and of being positive in depression risk screening (adjusted OR= 34.57). CONCLUSION: Even one year after the acute phase, chikungunya fever can compromise the functionality and quality of life in affected individuals, with direct impairment in performing daily activities. Studies and therapeutic plans for chikungunya fever should consider the long-term impacts of this disease.

Sexual function in women with endometriosis and pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the sexual function and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with and without Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MPPS). Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. Women with deep endometriosis underwent assessments for trigger points (TP) and PFM function using the PERFECT scale. Electromyographic activity (EMG) and sexual function through Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There were 46 women. 47% had increased muscle tone and 67% related TP in levator ani muscle (LAM). Weakness in PFM, with P≤2 was noted in 82% and P≥3 in only 17%. Incomplete relaxation of PFM presented in 30%. EMG results were resting 6.0, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) 61.9 and Endurance 14.2; FSFI mean total score 24.7. We observed an association between increased muscle tone (P<.001), difficulty in relaxation (P=.019), and lower Endurance on EMG (P=.04) in women with TP in LAM. Participants with TP presented lower total FSFI score (P=.02). TP in the right OIM presented increased muscle tone (P=.01). TP in the left OIM presented lower values to function of PFM by PERFECT (P=.005), and in MVIC (P=.03) on EMG. Conclusion: Trigger points (TP) in pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and obturator internus muscle (OIM) correlates with poorer PFM and sexual function, particularly in left OIM TP cases. Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain raise muscle tone, weaken muscles, hinder relaxation, elevate resting electrical activity, lower maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and reduce PFM endurance.

Speech perception in the Specific Learning Disorder with and without Persistent Speech Sound Disorder. / Percepção de fala no transtorno específico da aprendizagem com e sem transtorno persistente dos sons da fala.

PURPOSE: Investigate if speech perception skills can differentiate school children with Specific Reading Disorders (SRD) with and without Persistent Speech Sound Disorders (PSSD). METHODS: 80 children, regularly enrolled in the 2nd (N=1), 3rd (N=28), 4th (N=29), 5th (N=15) and 6th (N=7) grades participated in the study. Control Group (CG) (N=48): no complaints, no speech alteration; and Resarch Group (RG) (N=32) - with SRD, RGI (N=15) without PSSD and RGII (N=17) with PSSD. Two tests evaluated auditory input reception: Simplified evaluation of auditory processing; and Perception task of nonwords, with Portuguese language structure (DNPLS). Data was analyzed by: Likelihood Ratio Test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn test with Bonferroni correction, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation, and construction of a ROC curve to obtain a threshold value for the correct answers in the perception of non-words test. RESULTS: Control and RGI showed higher correct answer scores than RGII. There was no difference between the correct answer distributions of the Control and RGI, and RGI and RGII in the test of DNPLS and the number of correct answers in the CG was higher than in the RGII. CONCLUSION: The ability to discriminate non-words enabled the differentiated between school-aged children with SRD associated with PSSD and typical children, thus characterizing this group for presenting a number of correct answers lower than 30.5, considering the task proposed to discriminate non-words. These results suggest that the presence of PSSD worsens the performance in speech perception of the schoolchildren with SRD.

OBJETIVO: Investigar se a habilidade de percepção de fala pode diferenciar escolares com Transtorno específico de aprendizagem (TAp) com e sem Transtorno Persistente dos Sons da Fala (TPSF). MÉTODO: Participaram da pesquisa 80 crianças, regularmente matriculadas no 2º (N=1), 3º (N=28), 4º (N=29), 5º (N=15), e 6º (N=7) anos, assim reunidos: Grupo Controle (N= 48) - sem queixas, sem alteração de fala; e Grupos Pesquisa (N = 32) - com TAp, sendo GPI (N = 15) sem TPSF e, GPII (N = 17), com TPSF. Duas provas avaliaram input auditivo: Avaliação simplificada do processamento auditivo; e Tarefa de percepção de pseudopalavras com estrutura da língua portuguesa - TDP. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes: Razão de Verossimilhanças, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn com correção de Bonferroni, Mann-Whitney, correlação de Spearman, além da construção de uma curva ROC para obter um valor de corte para o número de acertos na prova de percepção de não palavras. RESULTADOS: Controle e GPI mostraram maiores escores de acerto que GPII. Não houve diferença entre as distribuições de acertos do Controle e GPI e do GPI e GPII na TDP e o número de acertos do GC foi maior que o do GPII. CONCLUSÃO: A habilidade de discriminação de pseudopalavras diferenciou os escolares com TAp e TPSF das crianças sem TPSF, caracterizando, assim esse grupo por apresentar número de acertos menor que 30,5, considerada a tarefa proposta para discriminar pseudopalavras. Esses resultados sugerem que a presença do TPSF piorou o desempenho em percepção de fala dos escolares com TAp.

Lung function in children residents in the largest coal region in Brazil.

Coal mining activities release harmful air pollutants, which affect children's health, particularly the lung function. Brazil has a large coal reserve in the southern region, where a coal-fired power plant and two coal mines are located. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of altered respiratory function and associated factors in children living in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven cities. It collected socioeconomic and demographic, prenatal and postnatal care, neonatal outcomes, child health information as well as lung function and air quality. The study included 396 children who lived in a high socio-environmental vulnerability due to low education levels and family income, high percentage of unemployed and families with a high bedroom density. There was a high prevalence of preterm birth, low birth weight and long-term exposure to environmental conditions. The most common respiratory problem in the parents was rhinitis, while in the children was wheezing and pneumonia. The prevalence of respiratory function alteration in the region was 7.78%. Variables associated with altered respiratory function were passive smoking, low birth weight, history of wheezing. The concentration of pollutants was equivalent when comparing stations within the coal mining host town (Candiota) and surrounding towns.

Preparing the soil: Adjusting the metabolic health of patients with chronic wounds and musculoskeletal diseases.

In recent years, systemic inflammation has emerged as a pivotal player in the development and progression of various degenerative diseases. This complex, chronic inflammatory state, often undetected, can have far-reaching consequences for the body's physiology. At the molecular level, markers such as C-reactive protein, cytokines and other inflammatory mediators serve as indicators of systemic inflammation and often act as predictors of numerous musculoskeletal diseases and even certain forms of cancer. The concept of 'meta-inflammation', specifically referring to metabolically triggered inflammation, allows healthcare professionals to understand inflammatory responses in patients with metabolic syndrome. Driven by nutrient excess and the expansion of adipose tissue, meta-inflammation is closely associated with insulin resistance, further propagating the metabolic dysfunction observed in many Western societies. Wound persistence, on the other hand, exacerbates the detrimental effects of prolonged inflammation at the local level. Acute inflammation is a beneficial and essential process for wound healing and infection control. However, when inflammation fails to resolve, it can impede the healing process, leading to chronic wounds, excessive scarring and even the activation of fibrotic pathways. This approach significantly reduces the efficacy of regenerative biological therapies. Our review focuses on the vital role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in collagen synthesis and cell proliferation for tissue healing. We also examine hormonal influences on regeneration, noting the negative effects of imbalances, and emphasize glucose regulation's importance in creating a stable environment for chronic wound healing.

Social conditions impact functional outcome in patients with hand osteoarthritis: the low-income hand osteoarthritis (LIHOA) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a highly prevalent disease that may be impacted by social inequalities. Few studies in HOA are from underdeveloped regions. We intend to contribute to fill this gap presenting clinical characteristics of our low-income HOA cohort (LIHOA). METHODS: Data from 119 patients with a HOA diagnosis fulfilling ACR criteria seen between August 2019 and May 2023 in Fortaleza/Brazil. Evaluations included pain (VAS, visual analogue scale), X-ray (KL, Kellgren-Lawrence), grip and pinch strength (KgF), Cochin hand functional scale (CHFS), FIHOA, and SF-12 scores. Social data included monthly (<1, 1≥/<3, ≥3 MW) minimum wage earnings, occupation, and literacy [4 IF nodes. OA in other joints: 37 (36.2%) spine, 28 (29.4%) knee, 21 (20.5%) bunions. Functional impairment was mild [8 (5-14) median FIHOA]. Median serum CRP was 0.2 mg/dL (0.1-0.4) with 14 (20%) patients above reference value. Mean total KL score was 27.6 ± 13.6 with 21 (23%), 38 (41.7%), and 33 (36.2%) KL2, KL3, and KL4, respectively; 51 (54.8%) and 42 (45.2%) patients declared 9SY including 37.2% with a university degree. Individuals earning <3 MW had lower pinch (p < 0.004) and grip strength (p < 0.01), and higher FIHOA scores (p < 0.007), as compared to ≥3 MW earning group. Literacy or occupation did not impact outcome. SYSADOA were used by 13 (12.7%), 6 used oral and 3 topical anti-inflammatory drugs and 2 used 5 mg/d prednisone. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics in our LIHOA cohort mirror those reported in affluent regions. Socioeconomic disparities influenced functional outcome in LIHOA cohort.

Screen time, sleep duration, leisure physical activity, obesity, and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents: a cross-lagged 2-year study.

BACKGROUND: Considering the previous research that suggested that screen time (ST), sleep duration, physical activity (PA), obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors are related, it is essential to identify how these variables are associated over time, to provide knowledge for the development of intervention strategies to promote health in pediatric populations. Also, there is a lack of studies examining these associations longitudinally. The aims of the present study were: (1) to investigate the longitudinal relationships between ST, sleep duration, leisure PA, body mass index (BMI), and cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) in children and adolescents; and (2) to verify scores and prevalence of cMetS risk zones at baseline and follow-up. METHODS: This observational longitudinal study included 331 children and adolescents (aged six to 17 years; girls = 57.7%) from schools in a southern city in Brazil. ST, sleep duration, and leisure PA were evaluated by a self-reported questionnaire. BMI was evaluated using the BMI z-scores (Z_BMI). The cMetS was determined by summing sex- and age-specific z-scores of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglycerides, glucose, and systolic blood pressure and dividing it by four. A two-wave cross-lagged model was implemented. RESULTS: ST, sleep duration, and leisure PA were not associated with cMetS after 2-years. However, it was observed that higher ST at baseline was associated with shorter sleep duration at follow-up (B=-0.074; 95%IC=-0.130; -0.012), while higher Z_BMI from baseline associated with higher cMetS of follow-up (B = 0.154; 95%CI = 0.083;0.226). The reciprocal model of relationships indicated that the variance of ST, sleep time, leisure PA, Z_BMI, and cMetS explained approximately 9%, 14%, 10%, 67% and 22%, respectively, of the model. Individual change scores and prevalence indicated that cMetS had individual changes from 2014 to 2016. CONCLUSION: Sleep duration, ST and leisure PA were not associated with cMetS after 2 years. ST showed an inverse association with sleep duration, and Z_BMI was positively associated with cMetS after a 2-year follow-up. Finally, the prevalence of no clustering of risk factors increased after two years. These findings suggest the need to promote healthy lifestyle habits from childhood and considering individual factors that can influence cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents.

Diabetes induces modifications in costameric proteins and increases cardiomyocyte stiffness.

Several studies have demonstrated that diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and remains the principal cause of death in these patients. Costameres connect the sarcolemma with the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, facilitating the transmission of mechanical forces and cell signaling. They are related to cardiac physiology because individual cardiac cells are connected by intercalated discs that synchronize muscle contraction. Diabetes impacts the nanomechanical properties of cardiomyocytes, resulting in increased cellular and left ventricular stiffness, as evidenced in clinical studies of these patients. The question of whether costameric proteins are affected by diabetes in the heart has not been studied. This work analyzes whether type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) modifies the costameric proteins and coincidentally changes the cellular mechanics in the same cardiomyocytes. The samples were analyzed by immunotechniques using laser confocal microscopy. Significant statistical differences were found in the spatial arrangement of the costameric proteins. However, these differences are not due to their expression. Atomic force microscopy was used to compare intrinsic cellular stiffness between diabetic and normal cardiomyocytes and obtain the first elasticity map sections of diabetic living cardiomyocytes. Data obtained demonstrated that diabetic cardiomyocytes had higher stiffness than control. The present work shows experimental evidence that intracellular changes related to cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication occur, which could be related to cardiac pathogenic mechanisms. These changes could contribute to alterations in the mechanical and electrical properties of cardiomyocytes and, consequently, to diabetic cardiomyopathy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The structural organization of cardiomyocyte proteins is critical for their efficient functioning as a contractile unit in the heart. This work shows that diabetes mellitus induces significant changes in the spatial organization of costamere proteins, t tubules, and intercalated discs. We obtained the first elasticity map sections of living diabetic cardiomyocytes. The results show statistical differences in the map sections of diabetic and control cardiomyocytes, with diabetic cardiomyocytes being stiffer than normal ones.

Acute Effects of Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping After Exercise in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Citrulline malate (CM), especially when used in conjunction with physical exercise, has demonstrated potential as a non-pharmacological adjunct in the management of hypertension. Nevertheless, its impact on nocturnal blood pressure dipping remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of a single dose of CM on nocturnal blood pressure dipping after exercise in hypertensive individuals. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, twenty hypertensive adults (55 ± 16 years) were randomly assigned to either a CM (6 g) or placebo (6 g of corn starch) group (PLA). Resting blood pressure was measured after a 20-min period of comfortable seating in a calm environment. Both groups underwent 40 min of treadmill running/walking at an intensity of 60-70% of their reserve heart rate, 120 min after ingesting the substances. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was employed to measure blood pressure over 24 h. RESULTS: No significant differences in systolic blood pressure values were observed between the CM and PLA groups at rest, during wakefulness, sleep, or over a 24-h period. However, CM exhibited a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure in several metrics: delta 24 h (-14 mmHg vs -6 mmHg, p = 0.047), delta wakefulness (-12 mmHg vs -4 mmHg, p = 0.024), percent delta 24 h (-16% vs -6%, p = 0.024), and percent delta wakefulness (-14% vs -4%, p = 0.013). No significant differences were found between CM and PLA in terms of systolic and diastolic nocturnal absolute reductions (-13 mmHg vs -12 mmHg, p = 0.808, and -13 mmHg vs -8 mmHg, p = 0.273, respectively) or nocturnal percentage decrease (-9.9% vs -9.4%, p = 0.844, and -15.3% vs -11.7%, p = 0.399, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study found no significant changes in the post-exercise nocturnal blood pressure dip following a single dose of CM supplementation. However, a notable reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed during the waking period and over the average 24-h monitoring period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE: ClinicalTrials.gov platform (NCT03378596).

How did coronavirus disease 2019 affect autonomic balance in young individuals? Analysis by heart rate variability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on the cardiovascular autonomic system using heart rate variability in young individuals. METHODS: The study was designed retrospectively by scanning the 24-h Holter electrocardiography records of patients who applied to the Ankara Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Education and Research Hospital Cardiology outpatient clinic. The study group consisted of 492 patients under the age of 40 years, who did not have additional comorbidities or medication use and had prolonged symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 during the pandemic. The control group, including 401 patients, was determined during the pre-pandemic period (before December 2019). Heart rate variability parameters were evaluated by scanning the 24-h Holter electrocardiography records of the patients and compared with the non-coronavirus disease 2019 group. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 30 years. Standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) ≤100 ms was more prevalent in the study group (27 (6.7%) vs 73 (14.8%), p<0.001). In univariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 [(OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.52-3.83), p<0.001] and age [(OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.07), p=0.016] had a significant effect on the probability of SDNN≤100. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 [(OR 2.42, 95%CI 1.52-3.85), p<0.001] and age [(OR 2.42, 95%CI 1.52-3.85), p=0.016] had a significant effect on the probability of SDNN≤100. Frequency domain measures such as, high-frequency values were significantly higher in the study group (p=0.029). The study group's low-frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly lower (p=0.019). The low-frequency/high-frequency ratio's cut-off value was ≤2.77. for determining the differentiation between coronavirus disease 2019 positive and negative cases in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. The sensitivity rate was 80.7%. The area under the curve value is 0.546 (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: This study showed that coronavirus disease 2019 causes reduced heart rate variability and increased parasympathetic activity in young patients. This may explain the prolonged symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Inferior vena cava collapsibility index and trauma severity in elderly fall injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Falls are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality among older people. One of the underlying causes of falls is dehydration. Therefore, ultrasonography has become an essential tool for evaluating volume status in the emergency department. However, the effect of volume status on falls in older people has not been evaluated before. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the inferior vena cava collapsibility index and the injury severity score in older patients who presented with fall-related injuries to the emergency department. METHODS: A total of 66 patients were included in the study. The injury severity score was used as the trauma severity score, and the Edmonton Frail Scale was used as the frailty scale. Volume status was evaluated with inferior vena cava collapsibility index. The primary outcome measure was defined as the correlation between inferior vena cava collapsibility index and injury severity score. Secondary outcome measures were defined as the effect of inferior vena cava collapsibility index and injury severity score on hospitalization and mortality. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between injury severity score and inferior vena cava collapsibility index (p=0.342). Neither inferior vena cava collapsibility index nor injury severity score was an indicator of the mortality of these patients. However, injury severity score was an indicator of hospitalization. The mean Edmonton Frail Scale score was an indicator of mortality among older people who experienced falls (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Inferior vena cava collapsibility index cannot be used to predict trauma severity in older patients who have experienced falls admitted to the emergency department.

Prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and comparison of the findings with healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis patients and healthy controls, examining the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients, as well as associations with psychosocial factors. METHODS: The study included 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 110 healthy individuals aged 18-75. Temporomandibular dysfunction presence was evaluated using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I. Disease activity was assessed with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. RESULTS: Among healthy individuals, 60.9% did not receive a temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, while 39.1% received at least one diagnosis. In contrast, 69.9% of the 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients received at least one temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, and only 30.1% were not included in any diagnosis group (p<0.001). Joint (p=0.001) and pain disorders (p=0.008) were significantly more common in the ankylosing spondylitis group than in the healthy controls. Significant associations emerged between Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (p<0.001) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (p=0.005) scores and pain disorders. CONCLUSION: Temporomandibular dysfunction is more prevalent in ankylosing spondylitis patients than in healthy individuals, linked to increased joint issues and pain associated with disease activity. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV ID: NCT05839925.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the Argentine version of the trunk control test in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury] / Adaptación transcultural y fiabilidad del trunk control test versión argentina en sujetos con secuela de lesión medular espinal.

Background: spinal cord injury leaves as a sequel in the acute and chronic period, deficiencies in the stability of joint functions and in the function of voluntary movement control. Those with good trunk control have a greater probability of carrying out activities of daily living by themselves; up to now, we do not have reliable tools in Argentina that evaluate trunk control in these subjects. Objectives: to cross-culturally adapt the trunk control test to Argentinean Spanish in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury and to establish interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Methodology: the subjects were admitted using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Subjects who were between 15 and 75 years old and had a diagnosis of spinal cord injury were included. Subjects who had: another neurological diagnosis, alteration in sensory organs, conditions that prevent the performance of the test, and psychiatric illness were excluded. Results: 30 subjects were included for cross-cultural adaptation and 55 for reliability. Semantic modifications were made to all items and response options. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the scale or subdomains did not achieve a sufficient score. Conclusion: the trunk control test was adapted cross-culturally to Argentine Spanish and interobserver and intraobserver reliability was established. The adaptation was achieved through semantic changes and the reliability was not sufficient. In the future, studies should be carried out to improve the reliability and study the validity of the tool.

Introducción: la lesión de la médula espinal deja como secuela en el período agudo y crónico, deficiencias en la estabilidad de las funciones articulares y de la función del control de los movimientos voluntarios. Aquellos con buen control de tronco poseen una mayor probabilidad de realizar por sí mismos  actividades de la vida diaria, hasta el momento, no contamos en Argentina con herramientas fiables  que evalúen el control de tronco en estos sujetos. Objetivos: adaptar transculturalmente al castellano argentino el trunk control test  en sujetos con secuela de lesión medular espinal y establecer la fiabilidad interobservador, intraobservador. Metodología: los sujetos fueron ingresados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico  por conveniencia. Se incluyeron sujetos que: posean entre 15 años a 75 años y tengan diagnóstico de lesión medular espinal, se excluyeron sujetos que posean: otro diagnóstico neurológico, alteración en los órganos sensoriales, condiciones que impidan la realización de la prueba y enfermedad psiquiátrica. Resultados: 30 sujetos fueron incluidos para la adaptación transcultural y 55 para la fiabilidad. Se realizaron modificaciones semánticas en todos los ítems y opciones de respuesta. La fiabilidad intraobservador e interobservador de la escala o de los subdominios no logró un puntaje suficiente. Conclusión:  se adaptó transculturalmente al castellano argentino el trunk control test y se estableció la fiabilidad interobservador, intraobservador. La adaptación se logró a través de cambios semánticos y la fiabilidad no fue suficiente. A futuro se deberán realizar estudios para mejorar la fiabilidad y estudiar la validez de la herramienta.