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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of different factorial models of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and screen the frequency of social support in older Brazilians. METHOD: Methodological study. Five factorial models of the MOS-SSS were tested for their validity and reliability using three Brazilian samples from different locations in the country. The factorial invariance was assessed across locations using multigroup analysis. The global average score was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1574 older people participated in the study. For all models, there was adequate factorial and convergent validity and good reliability; the discriminant validity was not achieved. Therefore, a second-order hierarchical model was proposed and showed validity, reliability and invariance across samples. In the three Brazilian samples, participants presented high frequency of social support. CONCLUSION: A second-order hierarchical model was fitted the Brazilian samples, allowing the calculation of the global score of social support, which was high among the participants. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The MOS-SSS assesses social support levels among older individuals in community or clinical settings. Nurses can tailor interventions based on scale outcomes for personalised care for older people.

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Introducción. Las complicaciones quirúrgicas son un tema relevante, difícil de abordar e inmerso en una cultura punitiva y vergonzosa hacia el médico. La ausencia de una medición sistemática, confiable y socializada es un desafío para los servicios quirúrgicos. El desconocimiento de las medidas de frecuencia y el impacto de las complicaciones quirúrgicas en las instituciones, y a su vez, dentro de los servicios quirúrgicos, evidencia la necesidad de abordar el tema desde una perspectiva de mejoramiento continuo. Métodos. Se hizo un análisis crítico y reflexivo sobre la conceptualización de las complicaciones quirúrgicas, los avances en su proceso de evaluación y su utilidad como indicador de calidad en los servicios quirúrgicos. Se ilustraron las metodologías con ejemplos clínicos que facilitan su entendimiento y aplicabilidad. Resultados. El trabajo inicial de los doctores Clavien & Dindo se ha fortalecido al considerar integralmente el proceso de atención quirúrgica como un indicador de calidad de la atención en salud. El desarrollo del Índice Integral de Complicaciones (CCI), para los eventos en el período posoperatorio, representa un paso adicional en el abordaje del problema. Su potencialidad en el análisis de los eventos ofrece una oportunidad para la implementación y la investigación en el tema. Conclusiones. Las complicaciones quirúrgicas representan un indicador robusto que permite evaluar el desempeño individual y grupal en un servicio quirúrgico. Hay metodologías recientes que deben ser incorporadas en la actividad asistencial de los cirujanos. Representan un insumo en la educación médica a todo nivel e, igualmente, un elemento de crecimiento personal y académico para todo cirujano.

Introduction. Surgical complications are a relevant topic, difficult to address and immersed in a punitive and shameful culture towards the doctor. The absence of systematic, reliable, and socialized measurement is a challenge for surgical services. The lack of knowledge of frequency measurements and the impact of surgical complications in institutions, and in turn, within surgical services, shows the need to address the issue from a perspective of continuous improvement. Methods. A critical and reflective analysis was carried out on the conceptualization of surgical complications, the advances in their evaluation process and their usefulness as an indicator of quality in surgical services. The methodologies were illustrated with clinical examples that facilitate their understanding and applicability. Results. The initial work of doctors Clavien & Dindo has been strengthened by comprehensively considering the surgical care process as an indicator of quality of health care. The development of the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), for events in the postoperative period, represents an additional step in addressing the problem. Its potential in the analysis of events offers an opportunity for implementation and research on the topic. Conclusions. Surgical complications represent a robust indicator that allows evaluating individual and group performance in a surgical service. There are recent methodologies that must be incorporated into the care activity of surgeons. They represent an input in medical education at all levels and equally, an element of personal and academic growth for every surgeon.

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AIM: To systematically review the evidence for intensive mobility training in cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine the minimum effective dose to improve mobility. METHOD: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that included participants with CP, and which used intensive task-oriented training (TOT) mobility interventions and reported mobility outcomes, were included. Five databases were searched; two independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool were used to rate the certainty of evidence at the outcomes level and to determine the risk of bias respectively. Meta-analyses were conducted with clinically homogeneous studies. Threshold dose was analysed through meta-regression. RESULTS: Forty-six RCTs with 1449 participants (mean age range 1 year 2 months to 16 years 4 months) were included. TOT had statistically and clinically significant effects on walking speed (p = 0.001), cadence (p = 0.02), gross motor function (p = 0.03), and functional mobility (p = 0.009) compared with control interventions. The threshold dose was undeterminable owing to the high heterogeneity of studies. INTERPRETATION: TOT may improve walking speed, walking endurance, and balance. Studies with homogeneous samples and outcomes are needed to support clinical recommendations for intensive mobility interventions.

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BACKGROUND: Engaging diverse stakeholders in developing core outcome sets (COSs) can produce more meaningful metrics as well as research responsive to patient needs. The most common COS prioritisation method, Delphi surveys, has limitations related to selection bias and participant understanding, while qualitative methods like group discussions are less frequently used. This study aims to test a co-creation approach to COS development for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in Peru. METHODS: Using a co-creation approach, we aimed to prioritise outcomes for T1DM management in Peru, incorporating perspectives from people with T1DM, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers. A set of outcomes were previously identified through a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. Through qualitative descriptive methods, including in-person workshops, each group of stakeholders contributed to the ranking of outcomes. Decision-makers also discussed the feasibility of measuring these outcomes within the Peruvian healthcare system. RESULTS: While priorities varied among participant groups, all underscored the significance of monitoring healthcare system functionality over mortality. Participants recognized the interconnected nature of healthcare system performance, clinical outcomes, self-management, and quality of life. When combining the rankings from all the groups, metrics related to economic impact on the individual and structural support, policies promoting health, and protecting those living with T1DM were deemed more important in comparison to measuring clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: We present the first COS for T1DM focused on low-and-middle-income countries and show aspects of care that are relevant in this setting. Diverse prioritisation among participant groups underscores the need of inclusive decision-making processes. By incorporating varied perspectives, healthcare systems can better address patient needs and enhance overall care quality.

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Leptospirosis is a global disease that impacts people worldwide, particularly in humid and tropical regions, and is associated with significant socio-economic deficiencies. Its symptoms are often confused with other syndromes, which can compromise clinical diagnosis and the failure to carry out specific laboratory tests. In this respect, this paper presents a study of three algorithms (Decision Tree, Random Forest and Adaboost) for predicting the outcome (cure or death) of individuals with leptospirosis. Using the records contained in the government National System of Aggressions and Notification (SINAN, in portuguese) from 2007 to 2017, for the state of Pará, Brazil, where the temporal attributes of health care, symptoms (headache, vomiting, jaundice, calf pain) and clinical evolution (renal failure and respiratory changes) were used. In the performance evaluation of the selected models, it was observed that the Random Forest exhibited an accuracy of 90.81% for the training dataset, considering the attributes of experiment 8, and the Decision Tree presented an accuracy of 74.29 for the validation database. So, this result considers the best attributes pointed out by experiment 10: time first symptoms medical attention, time first symptoms ELISA sample collection, medical attention hospital admission time, headache, calf pain, vomiting, jaundice, renal insufficiency, and respiratory alterations. The contribution of this article is the confirmation that artificial intelligence, using the Decision Tree model algorithm, depicting the best choice as the final model to be used in future data for the prediction of human leptospirosis cases, helping in the diagnosis and course of the disease, aiming to avoid the evolution to death.

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INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder that affects a significant proportion of the population and leads to impaired functionality and long-term challenges. The first episode of psychosis (FEP) is a critical intervention stage for improving long-term outcomes. The GAPi program was established in São Paulo, Brazil to provide early intervention services and evaluate biomarkers in individuals with FEP. This article delineates the objectives of the GAPi program, detailing its innovative research protocol, examining the clinical outcomes achieved, and discussing the operational challenges encountered during its initial decade of operation. METHODS: The study comprised a prospective cohort of antipsychotic-naïve individuals with first-episode psychosis aged between 16 and 35 years. Participants were recruited from a public psychiatric facility in São Paulo. Emphasizing the initiative's commitment to early intervention, clinical assessments were systematically conducted at baseline and at two months, one year, two years, and five years of treatment to capture both short- and medium-term outcomes. Various assessment tools were utilized, including structured interviews, symptom scales, the Addiction Severity Index, and functional assessments. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients were enrolled in the cohort. Among them, 65.95 % completed the 2-month follow-up. Most patients presented with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, followed by bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Treatment response rates and remission rates were evaluated at different time points, with promising outcomes observed. The program also assessed socio-demographic factors, substance use, family history, and genetic and biomarker profiles, providing valuable data for research. DISCUSSION: The GAPi program has emerged as the largest ongoing cohort of antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis in Latin America, contributing to the understanding of early psychosis in low- and middle-income countries. Despite operational challenges, the program has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the duration of untreated psychosis and in improving clinical outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions, and family involvement, has been instrumental in enhancing treatment adherence and long-term prognosis. CONCLUSION: The GAPi program represents a valuable model for early intervention in first-episode psychosis and provides insights into the pathophysiology, treatment, and long-term outcomes of individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders. Continued research and resource allocation are essential for addressing operational challenges and expanding early intervention services in low- and middle-income countries.

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Health research is the foundation of medical knowledge and healthcare system recommendations. Therefore, choosing appropriate outcomes in studies of therapeutic interventions is a fundamental step in producing evidence and, subsequently, for decision-making. In this article, we propose three key factors for the choice of outcomes: the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes, since they focus on the patient's perception of their health status and quality of life; the consideration of clinically relevant outcomes, which are direct measurements of the patient's health status and, therefore, will be decisive in decision-making; and the use of core outcome sets, a tool that standardizes the measurement and interpretation of outcomes, facilitating the production and synthesis of appropriate evidence for the evidence ecosystem. The correct choice of outcomes will help health decision-makers and clinicians deliver appropriate patient-centered care and optimize the use of resources in healthcare and clinical research.

La investigación en salud es la base del conocimiento médico y de las recomendaciones en los sistemas de salud. Por ello, la elección de desenlaces apropiados en estudios de intervenciones terapéuticas es un paso fundamental en la producción de evidencia y, posteriormente, para la toma de decisiones. En este artículo proponemos tres factores clave para la elección de desenlaces: la inclusión de desenlaces reportados por pacientes, ya que ponen el foco del efecto de la intervención en la percepción que tienen los propios pacientes de su estado de salud y calidad de vida; la consideración de desenlaces clínicamente relevantes, los cuales son mediciones directas del estado de salud del paciente y, por ende serán determinantes en la toma de decisiones; y la utilización de herramienta que estandariza y permite la homogeneización en la medición e interpretación de desenlaces, facilitando la producción y posterior síntesis de evidencia apropiada para el ecosistema de evidencia. La correcta elección de los desenlaces permitirá que la evidencia generada de estos estudios ayude a los tomadores de decisiones en salud y los profesionales clínicos a entregar cuidados apropiados centrados en el paciente y a optimizar el uso de recursos en salud e investigación clínica.

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A few studies on physical performance (PP) decline among community-dwelling older adults have simultaneously evaluated various outcomes in Brazil. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to verify the association between PP and health outcomes (negative health self-perception-NHSP; consultations with health professionals; disability; falls; and hospitalization) in older Brazilians (N = 476, 68 ± 6.7 years). PP assessments included Gait Speed (GS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, and changes were evaluated over time (2014 to 2019-2020). The association between the PP and the outcomes was estimated using Poisson's regression with robust variance. The physical tests were not associated with NSPH or with the number of consultations with health professionals. However, after adjustment (economic level, diet quality, physical activity, multimorbidity, depression, polypharmacy, and BMI), low PP at baseline (TUG and GS) was associated with disability at follow-up. A low TUG performance at baseline was also associated with subsequent falls (PR = 1.57, p = 0.007). A decline in GS was associated with hospitalization (PR = 1.86, p = 0.033). PP was associated with disability, falls, and hospitalization over a five- to six-year period in older Brazilians. Regular PP assessments should be conducted and low PP should be used as an indicator of the need for preventative measures to avoid poor health outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an infrequent disease subgroup of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies characterized by distinct skin lesions. However, high heterogeneity makes clinical diagnosis and treatment of DM very challenging. OBJECTIVES: Unsupervised classification in DM patients and analysis of key factors related to clinical outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted between 2017 and 2022 at the Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. 162 DM patients were enrolled for unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. In addition, we divided the clinical outcomes of DM patients into four subgroups: withdrawal, stabilization, aggravation, and death, and compared the clinical profiles amongst the subgroups. RESULTS: Out of 162 DM patients, three clusters were defined. Cluster 1 (n = 40) was mainly grouped by patients with prominent muscular involvement and mild Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Cluster 2 (n = 72) grouped patients with skin rash, anti-Melanoma Differentiation Associated protein 5 positive (anti-MDA5+), and Rapid Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease (RP-ILD). Cluster 3 (n = 50) grouped patients with the mildest symptoms. The proportion of death increased across the three clusters (cluster 3 < cluster 1 < cluster 2). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The number of cases was limited for the subsequent construction and validation of predictive models. We did not review all skin symptoms or pathological changes in detail. CONCLUSIONS: We reclassified DM into three clusters with different risks for poor outcome based on diverse clinical profiles. Clinical serological testing and cluster analysis are necessary to help clinicians evaluate patients during follow-up and conduct phenotype-based personalized care in DM.

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BACKGROUND: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been shown to improve response and remission in patients with treatment resistant depression. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two bilateral rTMS protocols with different protocols in patients with treatment resistant depression and comorbid severe anxiety. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study involving 67 patients who underwent two different bilateral TMS protocols and who met the specified eligibility criteria was conducted. Group 1 received stimulation with 85% RMT intermittent theta burst (iTBS) in the left DLPFC + 120% RMT (1 Hz) in the right DLPFC. Group 2 received stimulation with 100% RMT (iTBS) in the left DLPFC + 110% RMT (1 Hz) in the left DLPFC. RESULTS: After the magnetic stimulation treatment, 55% (n=22) achieved response to depression symptoms in group 1 and 62% (n=18) in group 2. Remission of depression symptoms was achieved in 13% in group 1 (n=5) and 24% in group 2 (n=7). There were no significant differences between the two protocols after TMS CONCLUSIONS: Different bilateral protocol parameters in individuals undergoing TMS may have an impact on symptom response and remission. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

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Among the public health recommendations for supporting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, many strategies had an impact on biological rhythms, like sleep hygiene, physical exercise and healthy eating habits. Considering the known relationship between circadian organization and mental health, our aim was to test the association between behavioral regularity and mental health, and its interaction with chronotype, in a large sample surveyed in Brazil. We collected longitudinal data using online questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral routines, mental health (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5 scales), and chronotype estimation based on midpoint of sleep on free days - MSF (µMCTQ), in a sample of 1390 participants (81% females). We computed a Routine Regularity Score (RRS) that reflects regularity across four behaviors: sleep, eating, working, exercising. There was a strong negative association between RRS and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms (GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores), which was weaker among participants with late MSF, and a strong positive association with well-being (WHO-5 scores). RRS was a mediator of the MSF-mental health association and a predictor of mental health states. This study provides empirical evidence that maintaining behavioral routines during times of hardship may serve as tools to alleviate the negative impact on mental health.

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Background: A growing body of evidence points to potential risks associated with polypharmacy (using ≥5 medications) in older adults, but most evidence is derived from studies where racial and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented among research participants. Objective: Investigate the association between polypharmacy and cognitive function, subjective health state, frailty, and falls in Hispanic older adults. Methods: Panama Aging Research Initiative-Health Disparities (PARI-HD) is a community-based cohort study of older adults free of dementia at baseline. Cognitive function was measured with a neuropsychological test battery. Frailty assessment was based on the Fried criteria. Subjective health state and falls were self-reported. Linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine association. Results: Baseline evaluations of 468 individuals with a mean age of 69.9 years (SD = 6.8) were included. The median number of medications was 2 (IQR: 1-4); the rate of polypharmacy was 19.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.1-23.3). Polypharmacy was inversely associated with self-rated overall health (b =-5.89, p < 0.01). Polypharmacy users had 2.3 times higher odds of reporting two or more falls in the previous 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.06-5.04). Polypharmacy was independently associated with Fried's criteria for pre-frailty (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.36-5.96) and frailty (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 1.83-14.42). Polypharmacy was not associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusions: These findings illustrate the potential risks associated with polypharmacy among older adults in Panama and may inform interventions to improve health outcomes in this population.

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In upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries, orthotic intervention has been used as a valuable device to restore function. However, there is lacking evidence to support it. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of body function's outcome measures for orthotic intervention evaluation in patients with peripheral nerve injury. Two participants sustaining a peripheral nerve injury who underwent orthotic intervention were assessed: subject 1 was a 25-year-old man with ulnar and median nerve injury presenting with a composite claw; subject 2, a 28-year-old man with radial nerve injury presenting with a dropped wrist. Strength, range of motion, and electromyography were measured in 2 conditions: wearing the orthosis and without it. The Jamar, Pinch Gauge, a 3D motion capture system (Optitrack-NaturalPoint), and surface electromyography (Trigno Wireless System, Delsys) were the chosen instruments. Both subjects presented differences in grip and pinch strength. In both tasks, subject 1 reached higher wrist extension while wearing the orthosis. Subject 2 reached higher wrist extension and radial deviation while wearing the orthosis. There were marked differences in both tasks for subject 2, especially the maintenance of wrist extension when wearing the orthosis. Electromyographic assessment showed higher root-mean-square values for all muscles, in both tasks for subject 1. For subject 2, a higher root-mean-square value was found for flexor carpi ulnaris during the execution of task 1 wearing the orthosis. Outcome measures of body function can quantify the impact of orthotic intervention in patients sustaining peripheral nerve injury, and therefore, they are feasible for evaluating it.

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Objective: To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing conventional gastrointestinal surgeries who developed COVID-19 to those who were not infected. Method: Descriptive comparative study. Data were collected from 142 medical records, during the period from March 2020 (begin-ning of the pandemic in Brazil) to December 2021. Study approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 29473520.2.0000.5392). Results: The pro-file of the patients was mostly classified as ASA 2 and 3. There was the presence of at least one chronic disease in all patients with COVID-19 and in most patients without COVID-19. The mean BMI for patients with COVID-19 was type I obesity and overweight for the rest of the sample (p=0.043). There was a predominance of females among patients affected by COVID-19. Complications were longer postoperative hospital stay (p=0.015) and need for surgical approach (p=0.034). Conclusions: The profile of surgical patients with COVID-19 was linked to the presence of comorbidities, lon-ger duration of the surgical procedure and high BMI. Complications associated with the presence of COVID-19 were longer postoperative hospital stays and surgical reoperation. (AU)

Objetivo: Comparar os desfechos de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias gastrointestinais convencionais que desenvolveram coronavirus disease(COVID-19) com aqueles que não estavam contaminados. Método: Estudo comparativo descritivo. Foram coletados dados de 142 prontuários desde março de 2020 (início da pandemia no Brasil) até dezembro de 2021. Estudo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CAAE: 29473520.2.0000.5392). Resultados: O perfil dos pacientes foi, em sua grande maioria, classificação ASA 2 e 3 e presença de ao menos uma doença crônica em todos os pacientes com COVID-19 e na maioria daqueles sem COVID-19. O índice de massa corpórea (IMC) médio para os pacientes com COVID-19 foi obesidade tipo I e sobrepeso para o restante da amostra (p=0,043). Houve predominância do sexo feminino entre os pacientes acometidos por COVID-19. As complicações foram maior tempo de internação pós-operatória (p=0,015) e necessidade de reabordagem cirúrgica (p=0,034). Conclusão: O perfil dos pacientes cirúr-gicos com COVID-19 esteve atrelado à presença de comorbidades, maior duração do procedimento cirúrgico e IMC elevado. As complicações associadas à presença de COVID-19 foram maior tempo de internação pós-operatória e necessidade de reabordagem cirúrgica. (AU)

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de pacientes sometidos a cirugías gastrointestinales convencionales que desarrollaron la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) con aquellos que no estaban infectados. Método: Estudio comparativo descriptivo. Se recopilaron datos de 142 historias clínicas, durante el período entre marzo de 2020 (inicio de la pandemia en Brasil) y diciembre de 2021. Estudio aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación (CAAE: 29473520.2.0000.5392). Resultados: El perfil de los pacientes se clasificó en su mayor parte como ASA 2 y 3. Hubo presencia de al menos una enfermedad crónica en todos los pacientes con COVID-19 y en la mayoría de los pacientes sin COVID-19. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) promedio para los pacientes con COVID-19 fue de obesidad tipo I y de sobrepeso para el resto de la muestra (p=0,043). Hubo predominio del sexo femenino entre los pacientes afectados por COVID-19. Las complicaciones incluyeron un mayor tiempo de hospitalización postoperatoria (p=0,015) y la necesidad de reabordaje quirúrgico (p=0,034). Conclusión: El perfil de los pacientes quirúrgicos con COVID-19 se relacionó con la presencia de comorbilidades, mayor duración del procedimiento quirúrgico e IMC elevado. Las complicaciones asociadas con la presencia de COVID-19 fueron una hospitalización postope-ratoria más prolongada y la necesidad de un nuevo abordaje quirúrgico. (AU)

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This paper exploits the discontinuity around a welfare index of eligibility to assess the impact of Peru's social pension program Pension 65 on nutrition-related health outcomes among elderly poor individuals. Overall, we find evidence of how a relatively inexpensive program can produce improvements in anemia and nutrition-related mortality risk markers. The effects appear to be driven by plausible underlying mechanisms, including via improved nutritional quality as well as greater food expenditures and healthcare utilization. These positive effects are only modestly countered by tentative signs of an increased obesity risk among women in the short term (<2 years), but not beyond this term. As the program evolves further, policymakers need to confront the challenge of continuing to ensure the health benefits in terms of reducing nutritional deficits while avoiding potential undesirable side effects in terms of over-nutrition in Peru. The findings may serve to highlight the wider benefits of similar pension policies for the poor also in other middle income countries, well beyond the immediate economic welfare effects that the policies have primarily been designed for.

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BACKGROUND: The interaction between modelers and policymakers is becoming more common due to the increase in computing speed seen in recent decades. The recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was no exception. Thus, this study aims to identify and assess epidemiological mathematical models of SARS-CoV-2 applied to real-world data, including immunization for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). METHODOLOGY: PubMed, JSTOR, medRxiv, LILACS, EconLit, and other databases were searched for studies employing epidemiological mathematical models of SARS-CoV-2 applied to real-world data. We summarized the information qualitatively, and each article included was assessed for bias risk using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PROBAST checklist tool. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022344542. FINDINGS: In total, 5646 articles were retrieved, of which 411 were included. Most of the information was published in 2021. The countries with the highest number of studies were the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom; no studies were found in low-income countries. The SEIR model (susceptible, exposed, infectious, and recovered) was the most frequently used approach, followed by agent-based modeling. Moreover, the most commonly used software were R, Matlab, and Python, with the most recurring health outcomes being death and recovery. According to the JBI assessment, 61.4% of articles were considered to have a low risk of bias. INTERPRETATION: The utilization of mathematical models increased following the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Stakeholders have begun to incorporate these analytical tools more extensively into public policy, enabling the construction of various scenarios for public health. This contribution adds value to informed decision-making. Therefore, understanding their advancements, strengths, and limitations is essential.

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PURPOSE: Multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs) decode complex genomic data into clinical recommendations. Although MTBs are well-established in the oncology practice in developed countries, this strategy needs to be better explored in developing countries. Herein, we describe the possible benefits and limitations of the first MTB established in Colombia. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and genomic information was collected between August 2020 and November 2021. By mid-2020, an MTB strategy was created to discuss clinical cases with one or more genomic alterations identified by next-generation sequencing using an open-access virtual platform. We characterized the patient population as benefiting from the recommended treatment option. We assessed the benefits and access to available targeted therapies that have the potential to change clinical management by making recommendations to treating oncologists on the basis of genomic profiling. However, we did not assess the treatment oncologists' compliance with MTB recommendations because they were not intended to replace clinical judgment/standard of care. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included in the discussions of the MTB. The median age was 59 years, and 59.6% were women. Genomic results prompting a change in therapeutic decisions were obtained in 53.1% of patients (95% CI, 44.9 to 61.3). The most prevalent malignancy was non-small-cell lung cancer (51%). Other malignancies represented 60%, 50%, and 30% of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, brain tumors, and breast cancer, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using an open-access virtual platform, MTBs were feasible in low- and middle-income countries on the basis of the capability to provide the benefits and access to available targeted therapies that are not standard of care. Furthermore, MTB recommendations were made available to the treating oncologist in different locations across Colombia, providing the option to modify clinical management in most of these patients.

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INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder that can affect the quality of life and increase the risk for psychiatric, neurological and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the significant burden, it poses on health and well-being, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of drug therapies in these patients. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment alternatives for patients with OSA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov, will be used for the search. A search strategy was developed to retrieve clinical trials that have evaluated polysomnographic primary outcome (Apnoea-Hypopnoea index) and secondary outcomes (eg, daytime sleepiness, adverse events) of any drug therapy used for OSA. No date or language restrictions will be applied. Two authors will independently select the studies meeting the inclusion criteria by screening the title, abstract and full text. Data will be extracted, and the risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Review Manager V.5.4.1 will be used for data synthesis. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the strength of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As a review of published data, it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362639.

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OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of current and childhood socioeconomic status (SES) with patient-reported functional status, quality of life and disability in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cross-sectional study amongst individuals seeking care for any medical reason in a primary care family-practice clinic in Mexico City. We included individuals with self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, recruited through waiting-room posters and invitations by treating family physicians. We administered a survey using validated Spanish language versions of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Osteoarthritis of Lower Limbs and Quality of Life (AMICAL), and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). To estimate current and childhood SES, we collected data on education level and occupation type for both the patient and their parents, as well as using a validated tool to estimate income quintile. RESULTS: We recruited 154 patients and excluded 8 patients. There was a high correlation between outcome scores. Estimated income and education levels were correlated with WOMAC, AMICAL and HAQ-DI scores, and significant differences were found in all scores by occupation type. The associations for current SES variables and outcome scores remained significant independently of age, sex, BMI, and presence of diabetes or hypertension, and were largely explained by current income in mutually adjusted models. Childhood SES - in particular as measured through maternal education - was best correlated with AMICAL scores, though its effect seemed largely mediated by its association with current SES. CONCLUSIONS: Current Socioeconomic Status impacts functional status, quality of life and disability amongst OA patients in Mexico City. The WOMAC, AMICAL and HAQ-DI scores correlate with each other and are all potentially useful markers of disease severity. More research is needed to elucidate the relationships between childhood SES and OA outcomes. Awareness of life-course SES may be useful in identifying patients at risk for worse outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: Violence against children and youth poses public health risks regarding mental health symptoms and substance use. Less studied is the relationship between violence and mental health/substance abuse in the Latin American context. This study explored sex-stratified relationships between violence and mental health/substance use among Colombian youth. METHODS: We analyzed the 2018 Colombian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, which collected cross-sectional data from Colombian youth (13-24 years) (n = 2705). Exposure variables were (i) binary sexual, emotional, and physical victimization and (ii) poly-victimization. The outcomes were binary suicidal thoughts, self-harm, past-month psychological distress, binge drinking, smoking, and drug use. Sex-stratified, logistic regressions were adjusted for age, primary school, parental presence, relationship status, and witnessing community violence. RESULTS: For females, (i) emotional violence (compared to being unexposed) was associated with greater odds of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and psychological distress and (ii) sexual violence was associated with suicidal thoughts and self-harm. For males, (i) emotional violence (compared to being unexposed) was associated with greater odds of suicidal thoughts and psychological distress, but not self-harm and (ii) sexual violence exposure was associated with suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Physical violence was generally not associated with internalized mental health outcomes for females/males, when emotional and sexual violence were held constant. Poly-victimization was consistently and positively associated with internalized mental health symptoms among females, and to a lesser degree for males. Substance use outcomes for males or females were not associated with violence. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the internalized mental health burden of emotional and sexual violence.

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