Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have a high risk of contagiousness, as they usually progress with asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms. Disorder in taste and/or smell has rarely been reported in pediatric cases. In our study, early diagnosis and isolation measures were emphasized by evaluating the clinical, laboratory, and radiological imaging findings of pediatric COVID-19 cases presenting with symptoms of taste and/or smell disorder. METHODS: Seven cases aged 0-18 years were included in the study. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 polymerase chain reaction test was performed for the seven cases presented with taste and/or smell disorders. Clinical findings, laboratory tests, and radiological imaging of all the cases were evaluated on the day of admission and on the fifth day. RESULTS: Seven (5.7%) of 122 pediatric COVID-19 cases had disorder in taste and/or smell. In two cases, pneumonia findings were detected in thorax computed tomography imaging. It was observed that all the patients fully recovered at the latest on the 21st day. In the cranial diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of a case, diffusion restriction was detected in the corpus callosum splenium. CONCLUSION: Although less common than adults, children with COVID-19 may also have taste and smell disorders, and this may be accompanied by central nervous system imaging findings.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: First care providers working in the Brazilian Unified Health System are often physicians from the Family Health Program. Their knowledge on ophthalmology could indicate whether there is a need for training to decrease ophthalmological demands to secondary or tertiary health levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study based on an electronic questionnaire was conducted to evaluate the ophthalmological knowledge of Family Health Program physicians working at the VI Regional Health Department, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All Family Health Program physicians from this regional health department were invited, and the study included those who responded to the full questionnaire (115 physicians). The data were evaluated using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the ophthalmological knowledge between sexes or in relation to undergraduate schools. Only 20% of the interviewees were specialized in Family and Community Medicine, which did not influence the number of correct answers. Only 22 (19.1%) physicians reported having enough knowledge about the main eye disorders, and 82 (71.3%) physicians considered themselves capable of treating ophthalmological emergencies. However, acute glaucoma was recognized by only 51 (44.3%) physicians, and eye perforations could only be handled by 65 (56.5%) of them. In addition, only 47 (40.9%) participants correctly answered that congenital cataracts should be operated right after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Family Health Program physicians working as first care providers in the Health System in Brazil presented poor ophthalmological knowledge. Providing training on ophthalmology may improve the ophthalmological care at the primary level within SUS and reduce the case demands at other healthcare levels.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potentially inappropriate medications, potential drug-drug interactions, and prescribing practices in elderly ambulatory patients. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study on 275 elderly patients attending different outpatient departments. We used the Screening Tool for Older Person’s Prescriptions criteria version two to identify potentially inappropriate medications, IBM Micromedex, to categorize potential drug-drug interactions as major and moderate. World Health Organization prescribing indicators were used to evaluate prescribing practices. RESULTS: The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in 275 prescriptions was 21.9%. Diclofenac was the most common inappropriate drug (n=23). Metoprolol is the second most inappropriate drug (n=12). Amlodipine and clopidogrel, aspirin and furosemide, and aspirin and spironolactone together accounted for 71.42% of major interactions (n=15). Atorvastatin and clopidogrel was the most common moderate drug-drug interaction in our study (n=24). The average number of drugs per encounter, the percentage of drugs with a generic name, and the percentage of drugs from the essential drugs list must be improved. CONCLUSION: There is a need to provide awareness through education about the explicit criteria to identify potentially inappropriate medications and prescribing indicators that aid in rational prescribing in the elderly.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasma zinc in women with fibroadenoma. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 37 premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Waist circumference and body mass index of the participants were measured. Plasma zinc concentrations were determined using atomic flame absorption spectrophotometry. Fragments of breast tissue were fixed and incubated with primary mouse monoclonal antibodies (monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -2 -507 and monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -9-439). Semi-quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity was performed. Spearman’s test and Friedman’s test were used for statistical analyses. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 32.81±9.51 years. The body mass index and waist circumference values were within the normal range. The mean plasma zinc concentration was 42.73±13.84 µg/dL, with 94.6% inadequacy. A statistically significant difference was found between the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (p=0.0184). There was no significant correlation between the matrix metalloproteinase expression and the plasma zinc levels. CONCLUSIONS: Women with fibroadenoma had hypozincemia and positive expression of metalloproteinases.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the value of magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography in improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment efficiency of lumbar disk herniation. METHODS: Two hundred patients with lumbar disk herniation were enrolled. Magnetic resonance and dual-source spectral computed tomography were used to perform the diagnosis. The treatment efficiency and effectiveness of different diagnostic methods were determined. Results: Eighty cases of lumbar disk herniation, 40 cases of prolapse, 33 cases of bulge, 27 cases of sequestration, and 20 cases of nodules were diagnosed based on pathologic evaluation. magnetic resonance detected lumbar disk herniation in 172 cases, with a detection rate of 86.00%. Dual-source spectral computed tomography detected 171 cases, with a detection rate of 85.50%. Magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography detected 195 cases, with a detection rate of 97.50%. There was no significant difference between magnetic resonance and dual-source spectral computed tomography (p>0.05), but compared with the combined detection, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). One hundred and two cases of calcification, 83 cases of spinal cord deformity, 70 cases of intervertebral disk degeneration, 121 cases of intervertebral disk gas, 85 cases of dural sac compression, and 78 cases of nerve root compression were surgically demonstrated. The detection rate of diagnostic signs based on imaging by magnetic resonance or dual-source spectral computed tomography alone was lower than that of combined detection (p<0.05). Conclusion: Magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography can improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency and effectiveness of lumbar disk herniation.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Use Lead-DBS software to analyze stereotactical surgical outcome of an operated population and demonstrate that small target deviations do not compromise the stimulation of desired structures, even with small amperages. METHODS: Image exams of patients submitted to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment were processed in Lead-DBS software. Electrode stereotactic coordinates were subtracted from the planned target and those deviations, compared among different anatomical targets and sides operated firstly and secondly. We also quantified the frequency of relation between the activated tissue volume and the planned target through computer simulations. RESULTS: None of the 16 electrodes were exactly implanted at the planned coordinates. A stimulation of 3 mA reached 62.5% of the times the planned coordinates, rising to 68.75% with a 3,5 mA. No statistical significance was demonstrated in any comparison of laterality and anatomical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation of small amperage fields could reach the intended target even when electrode placement is suboptimal. Furthermore, such a goal can be achieved without overlapping the volume of activated tissue with undesired structures. Software Lead-DBS proved to be a valuable complementary asset for surgical stereotactical result assessment.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to observe the regularity of blood glucose changes in hemodialysis patients with diabetes, time of onset of hypoglycemia and blood glucose level during dialysis, and to explore the sensitive early warning indicators of hypoglycemia in dialysis patients. BACKGROUND: Diabetes patients have a high incidence of hypoglycemia during hemodialysis. METHODS: A total of 124 maintenance hemodialysis patients with diabetes were selected for this study. Before dialysis, one, two, and three h after dialysis, and when hypoglycemia symptoms occurred, the blood glucose changes were monitored, the blood glucose drop range was observed when hypoglycemia symptoms occurred, and the correlation between the two was analyzed. RESULTS: After the start of the dialysis, the patient’s blood glucose showed a downward trend. The symptoms of hypoglycemia were most obvious within one-two hours, with an incidence rate of 57.9%. When the blood glucose drop percentage reached 37.7%, the specificity and sensitivity of early warning hypoglycemia symptoms were 84.6 and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For hemodialysis patients with diabetes, attention should be paid to the symptoms of hypoglycemia during dialysis, and blood glucose should be monitored before dialysis and after 1-2 h of dialysis. If the blood glucose drop percentage is greater than 37.7%, the timely measures should be taken.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. METHODS: This was a case-control study where individuals aged >18 years were included, who were divided into hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, excluding those with incomplete information in medical records or with the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration <60 mL/min/1.73 m³. Systemic arterial hypertension was categorized as a dependent variable, while the independent variables were hyperuricemia (i.e., primary variable), sex, education, the practice of physical activity, alcoholism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, a family history of systemic arterial hypertension, age, isolated hyperlipidemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia. Statistical analysis included the univariate and multivariate data analysis, performed by adjusting the logistic regression models using the software R (R Core Team [2018]). RESULTS: Out of 103 patients evaluated, 75 patients were included in this study. In hypertensive patients, hyperuricemia was more frequent (p=0.029), being present in 18.9% individuals. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension (OR 10.9; 95%CI 1.29-1420.0; p=0.023); however, in the multivariate analysis, when adjustment was made for age, the only control variable that persisted in the model, this association ceased to be significant (OR 8.5; 95%CI 0.87-1157.0; p=0.070). CONCLUSIONS: There was no independent association between hyperuricemia and systemic arterial hypertension. The latter was associated with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and age.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Routine follow-up of pregnancy is a comprehensive care process starting from planning of pregnancy that involves rational and careful use of medical, psychological, and social support. In this study, our objective was to compare the adherence rate to routine antenatal follow-up program during the COVID-19 pandemic with that of previous years among pregnant women, in an effort to shed light on health policies to be developed similar events in the future. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out between March 11, 2019, when isolation measures were initiated in the context of precautionary steps taken in Turkey against the COVID-19 pandemic, and June 1, 2020, when the “normalization” was initiated. RESULTS: During the study period in 2020, the proportion of cesarean sections were higher, 61.1%, as compared to previous years (p=0.27). The stillbirths were numerically lower (1.2%, p=0.77), but the rate of spontaneous abortions was significantly higher (19.6%, p=0.009). The number of follow-up visits per pregnancy was lower than in previous years (3.8, p=0.02), although the proportion of patients visiting the outpatient units for regular controls to the overall patient group increased as compared to previous years (52.0%). CONCLUSION: During the flare-up of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. between March and June 2020), the rate of obstetric/neonatal morbidity and mortality except spontaneous abortion was not significantly higher as compared to the corresponding period in previous years. However, considering the potential increase in the risk of obstetric complications during a pandemic, specialized management programs targeting basic pregnancy follow-up services should be developed.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and provide normative values for the three-min shuttle run test in Spanish preschoolers. METHODS: A total of 497 children (mean age 4.83±0.57 years; 47.8% girls) performed the three-min shuttle run test. Posttest body mass index and heart rate values were taken as internal validity indicators. RESULTS: Age- and sex-specific percentiles for cardiorespiratory fitness were provided. Boys performed better than girls in the test. A significant association was observed between the total distance covered and heart rate (p=0.002). No correlation was found between body mass index and the test score, although the total distance covered by normal weight and obese children was significantly different (296.9 versus. 271.3 m; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides age- and sex-specific cardiorespiratory fitness normative values for the three-min shuttle run test when performed by Spanish preschoolers. This test is an interesting option when the lack of resources limits the measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in the preschool setting.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of breast cancer who reached pathological complete response after being operated following eight cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Between 2015-2020, patients with pathological complete response who were operated on after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and sent to our clinic for radiotherapy were evaluated. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 51 years. The most common histological type was invasive ductal cancer. The number of pathological complete response patients was 74 (28%), and the number of non-pathological complete response patients was 188 (72%). Patients with pathological complete response had a smaller tumor diameter than the non-pathological complete response group (p=0.001). For pathological complete response, T1 stage, N1 stage, NG 3, Ki-67 >20%, negative estrogen receptor, negative progesterone receptor, positive Cerb-B2, and adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy were statistically significant (p<0.05). Before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, stage T1-T2 (p=0.036), LN0-1 (p=0.026), Cerb-B2 positivity (p=0.025), and an initial nuclear grade of three (p=0.001) were found to be the factors affecting pathological complete response. CONCLUSIONS: With neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the size of locally advanced tumors decreases, allowing breast conserving surgery. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy response can be used as an early indicator of the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Today, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is also used for patients with early-stage, operable breast cancer because it has been shown in many studies that reaching pathological complete response is associated with positive long-term results. If we can identify patients who have reached pathological complete response before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we think we can also determine a patient-specific treatment plan at the beginning of treatment.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sexual function of women in the puerperal period after a postpartum pelvic floor musculature training program. We also sought to evaluate correlations between sexual dysfunction in the women and their delivery type and compare the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the quality of resumed sexual function following vaginal and cesarean deliveries. METHODS: This clinical study included an intervention, carried out between July and December 2019, in which data were collected about 28 rooming-in women at a Maternity School. Data were divided into vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form to assess the Incontinence Urinary and qualifies urinary loss. The intervention consisted of a muscle training exercise program. ANOVA tests were used to establish differences between groups. RESULTS: There was an improvement in all outcomes, but there was no time versus group interaction. Improvement in sexual function was observed (p<0.001), the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life (p<0.001), and pressure of the muscles of pelvic floor muscles (p<0.001) over time. There was no time versus group interaction for sexual function (p=0.87), the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life (p=0.88), and pressure of the pelvic floor muscles (p=0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle exercise programs seem to be a very promising strategy concerning improving sexual activity among puerperal patients.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between tactile acuity, intensity of pain at rest, and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study composed of two groups: individuals with chronic neck pain and individuals without neck pain. Evaluations were performed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale at rest and movement, Neck Disability Index, and two-point discrimination test. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 100 volunteers, 50 in each group. The groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) in personal characteristics. It was observed that volunteers with cervical pain presented alterations in tactile care, with a significant and clinical increase in the perceived distance (Median 6.66; 95%CI 6.29-7.02; Cohen’s d 7.22; 95%CI 6.15-8.30), and yet, positive, moderate, and significant correlation between two-point discrimination test, intensity of pain at rest and movement, and neck disability index (r=0.778-0.789, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tactile acuity is associated with pain intensity at rest and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY Shift work increases the risk of suffering physiological and psychological alterations, due to the sleep disorders that it usually produces in the staff with this type of workday. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the influence of shift work on sleep quality in the nursing staff of the emergency department of the University Hospital of Leon. METHODS: A total of 70 emergency department nurses aged between 24-56 years were divided into two groups (rotating shift and fixed morning or afternoon shift). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used for this purpose. In order to establish differences between the two groups, a bivariate analysis was performed using the χ² test. RESULTS: The results showed that both groups had “rather poor” subjective sleep quality, with scores of 8.5 for fixed shift versus. 6.3 for a rotating shift. The group of nurses’ rotating shifts slept an average of 5.39 hours compared to 7.47 hours for a fixed shift. Significant differences were found in sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and the use of sleep medication, with more negative results for the rotating shift. CONCLUSIONS: Rotating shift produces a poor quality of sleep compared to a fixed morning or afternoon shift, and it would be interesting for the center itself to establish sleep improvement and sleep hygiene programs.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio has been evidenced in coronary artery disease. Available data demonstrated that inflammation and oxidative stress are the relevant mechanisms of ascending aortic aneurysm formation and dilatation. The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio reflects oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the correlation between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and ascending aortic aneurysm. METHODS: A total of 250 consecutive patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and 250 consecutive patients with normal ascending aortic diameter were included in the study using comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. All data and fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio levels were significantly higher in ascending aortic aneurysm group compared with normal ascending aortic diameter group (p<0.001). Also, there was significantly positive correlation between the diameter of the ascending aorta and the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio is associated with ascending aortic aneurysm and may serve as blood marker for identifying high-risk patients.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Adnexal torsion is an important gynecological emergency due to nonfrequent but possible adverse reproductive outcomes. There is no specific laboratory marker to support the preoperative diagnosis or that can be used clinically. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and red cell markers as an early indicator of ovarian torsion. METHODS: This retrospective study included 28 female patients who were treated surgically for adnexal torsion between August 2010 and July 2020, and 29 control group women. The demographic data and routine hematological values of patients were compared for adnexal torsion prediction. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in terms of the platelet count, platelet distribution width, red cell distribution width, and mean platelet volume values, and there were no differences in the demographic data. Statistical differences were found among white blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and 81.5% sensitivity and 82.1% specificity were identified for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio 2.45 (area under the curve AUC 0.892; 95%CI 0.808-0.975; p<0.001). Odds ratio for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was 2.62 (95%CI 0.861-7.940, p=0.029). CONCLUSION: According to the regression analysis, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was found to be the most beneficial among all blood count parameters for the pre-diagnosis of AT.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the association among obstructive sleep apnea, functional capacity, and metabolic control. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving individuals of both sexes with clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 who were above 18 years of age. The assessment consisted of a volunteer identification form, a 2-minute step test, and the Stop-Bang questionnaire. In order to assess metabolic control, HbA1c and fasting glucose data were collected from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 100 individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2, of whom 61% were women, were included in this study. According to the Stop-Bang instrument, 26, 57, and 17% of patients had low, intermediate, and high risk of developing OSA, respectively. There was no association between the 2-minute step test and metabolic variables and diabetes mellitus type 2 chronicity with Stop-Bang. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there is no association among obstructive sleep apnea measured by means of Stop-Bang instrument, functional capacity measured by means of 2-minute step test, and metabolic variables in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Resumo em Inglês:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the Turkish validity and reliability of COVERS. METHODS: This study was conducted on 41 newborns as methodological design. The scales, such as newborn information form, COVERS, preterm infant pain profile (PIPP), and neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS), were used in the study. Validity (e.g., language, content concurrent, and construct) and internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of the scale were conducted. RESULTS: It was found that COVERS showed a high correlation with PIPP and NIPS, and the item-total correlation of COVERS was above 0.30 during and after heel lance procedure. The Cronbach’s α values were 0.77 and 0.83 during and after heel lance procedure, respectively. The kappa values of the items of COVERS were between 0.38 and 0.78 during heel lance procedure. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded in this study that there was a moderate correlation in intraclass correlation coefficients for scores of COVERS during both diaper change and heel lance procedures. It has been concluded that the scale is valid and reliable in 27-week-old and older newborns.