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Functional autonomy (FA) is a critical factor in determining the quality of life of older adults (OA), especially in the case of older women (OW), as they face a decline in FA in their later years of life. FA should be assessed early, using valid, reliable, and low-cost tests. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of GDLAM and GDLAM autonomy index (GI) in OW. Thirty-nine OW (71.2 ± 6.50 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the interday test-retest reliability of the five GDLAM tests (seconds) and the GI (points). The five tests represent activities of daily living, such as dressing or wandering around the house, while the GI provides a weighting of the results of the five tests. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ≤ 10% and an ICC ≥ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, whereas a CV ≤ 5% and an ICC ≥ 0.90 were considered high reliability. The outcome of the five tests, represented by the GI, showed high interday test-retest reliability (CV = 6.00% and ICC = 0.91). The results of this study demonstrate that the five tests of the GDLAM protocol and the GI have high interday test-retest reliability and good interday reproducibility. From a practical point of view, the GDLAM protocol allows the assessment of FA of community-dwelling OW, providing background for early diagnosis and, with it, the possibility of developing an individualized physical exercise prescription.

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Introducción: Las expectativas académicas representan aquello que los estudiantes esperan alcanzar durante su formación y son un factor predictivo del desempeño académico y social. Estas expectativas académicas son moldeadas por los padres, luego la educación de estos es una variable importante en el desarrollo académico de los hijos. Si bien los progenitores proyectan sus anhelos sobre sus hijos, los motivan a tener altos niveles de aspiración y son los responsables de crear ambientes intelectualmente más estimulantes; el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las diferencias en las expectativas académicas de una muestra de estudiantes, según el nivel de escolaridad de sus padres. Método: Esta investigación contó con la participación de 261 estudiantes colombianos universitarios quienes están cursando su primer año de pregrado, entre los 16 y 54 años (media=21,9). Para este estudio se utilizó el Cuestionario de percepciones académicas-expectativas (CPA-E; Deaño et al., 2015); se obtuvieron los puntajes de cada participante, junto con sus datos sociodemográficos que estipulaban el nivel de escolaridad de los padres, y se llevaron a cabo los análisis descriptivos de cada grupo, y los análisis de varianza unidireccional (ANOVA). Resultados: Las expectativas académicas de los estudiantes con ambos padres sin educación superior (media = 189.176), se encuentran por debajo de la media, siendo significativamente diferentes a los puntajes de expectativas académicas de individuos con uno (media = 202.050) o ambos padres con estudios superiores (media = 204.286, p < 0,001). Discusión: Se demuestra la relevancia y necesidad del acceso a la educación para la mayoría de la población colombiana, entendiendo que este es un factor influyente en las expectativas académicas de una persona, y que debe tenerse un acompañamiento diferencial a los estudiantes con padres sin formación profesional.

Introduction: Academic expectations represent what students hope to achieve during their training and are a predictor of academic and social performance. These academic expectations are shaped by the parents, therefore their education is an important variable in the academic development of the children. Although parents project their aspirations on their children, motivate them to have high levels of aspiration and are responsible for creating more intellectually stimulating environments, the objective of this study was to identify the differences in the academic expectations of a sample of students, according to the level of education of their parents. Method: This research had the participation of 261 Colombian university students who are studying their first year of undergraduate, between the ages of 16 and 54 (mean = 21,9). For this study, the Academic Perceptions-Expectations Questionnaire (CPA-E; Deaño et al., 2015), was used, the scores of each participant were obtained, together with their sociodemographic data stipulating the parents' level of education, and descriptive data and one-way variance (ANOVA) analyzes were done. Results: The academic expectations of students with both parents without higher education (mean= 189.176), are below the average, being significantly different from the academic expectations scores of individuals with one (mean= 202.050) or both parents with higher education (mean= 204.286, p < 0,001). Discussion: The relevance and need of access to education for most of the Colombian population is demonstrated, understanding that this is an influential factor in the academic expectations of a person, and that there must be differential support for students with parents without training professional.

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BACKGROUND: The authors aim to describe a new technique for implantation of a spinal cord stimulation paddle lead sized over 10 mm through an endoscopic uniportal approach. A new endoscopic cannula was developed for the passage of a paddle lead width between 10 and 13 mm. The distal portion of the cannula was designed with a larger opening, providing better visibility of the anterior portion of the adjacent structures, thus allowing a panoramic view of the electrode passage. An electrode was implanted in an 11-mm paddle. OBSERVATIONS: After searching PubMed, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases, the authors found no mention of the implantation of a paddle electrode with a width greater than 10 mm. The implantation of a paddle electrode less than 10 mm wide is possible via endoscopic access using 10-mm working channels. However, for electrodes with a width greater than 10 mm, access via endoscopy is impossible, since the working channel is only 10 mm. LESSONS: The authors concluded that it is possible to pass electrodes safely and effectively with a paddle width between 10 and 13 mm using spinal endoscopy via uniportal interlaminar access. However, it is necessary to expand studies to elucidate this technique of endoscopic implantation of electrodes for neurostimulation.

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Purpose: Optimization studies in digital radiology help to reduce the radiological risk to patients and maximize the benefits associated with their clinical purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the optimization of lateral lumbar spine projection via a combination of exposure parameters adjustments and additional filtration using a sectional anthropomorphic phantom. Materials and methods: We evaluated the effects of peak voltage, tube loading, and low-cost filters made of copper, titanium, brass, and nickel on both the perceived and physical quality of 125 radiographs obtained in a computer radiography system. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) with their Figure of Merit (FOM), based on the entrance surface air kerma with backscatter (ESAK), was used to assess physical image quality. Results: The standard image had a perceived image quality, SNR, FOMSNR, CNR, FOMCNR and ESAK of 3.4, 22.3, 386.4, 23.6, 433.7 and 1.28 mGy, respectively. Copper (90.3% purity) and titanium (95.0% purity) filters reduced ESAK by an average of 60% without compromising diagnostic quality, while brass and nickel filters increased dose under the conditions of the study. Conclusions: Our findings show that optimizing lumbar spine projection can reduce radiation dose without compromising image quality. Low-cost copper and titanium filters can be valuable in resource-limited settings. Further research can explore additional strategies for radiological optimization.

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The increased effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the last 30 years is a scientific landmark, and viral suppression is directly associated with treatment adherence. The aim of this study was to compare the results of ART adherence and viral load suppression with the evolution of the protocols and other associated factors, in people living with HIV. A panel analysis of three descriptive longitudinal studies investigating ART adherence and viral load suppression was conducted in people with HIV treated at a drug dispensing unit in the Federal District. The studies were carried out during periods of 2011, 2013, and 2017, coinciding with the three different recommended treatment schemes for the country. Adherence was assessed using drug dispensing records. Viral load data were obtained from the Ministry of Health's Laboratory Examination Information System. Analysis of the data of 522 individuals in the three periods showed sociodemographic differences such as a decline in the percentage of women (from 33% in period 1 to 4% in period 3) and an increase in the percentage of young people. ART adherence was higher in period 2 (tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz scheme). Viral load suppression was greater in period 3 (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir scheme). The relative detectable viral load risk was nearly two-fold higher (RR 1.83) in people living with HIV with less than 80% adherence when compared to those above 80%. With respect to the different schemes recommended in Brazil during the periods studied, ART containing dolutegravir was the most effective in achieving viral load suppression. By contrast, there was better ART adherence in the daily combined fixed dose consisting of tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz in tablet form. Adherence to ART above 80% seemed to be enough to promote an effective treatment in therapeutic schemes including efavirenz or dolutegravir.

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Introducción: Las alteraciones oftalmológicas asociadas al SARS-CoV-2 se pueden clasificar como efectos directos del virus, por reacción inmunológica o por la vacunación. Objetivo: Describir las alteraciones oftalmológicas en pacientes con COVID-19. Métodos: Se presenta una serie de casos con diagnóstico clínico y serológico de COVID-19 en el curso de la enfermedad, posterior a esta o por la vacunación. Fueron estudiados 7 casos (4 mujeres y 3 hombres), que acudieron de forma consecutiva a la consulta de Neuroftalmología del Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras" (HHA), remitidos por especialistas que evalúan el protocolo de casos "Pos-COVID-19" en esta institución con las siguientes alteraciones: neurorretinitis (NR), papilitis (P), uveítis y papilitis (U-P), membrana epirretiniana (MER) y parálisis facial periférica (PFP), en el periodo de agosto a noviembre de 2021. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 44 años. La NR, P y MER unilateral predominaron en la serie estudiada. La etiología inmunológica fue la más frecuente. Los síntomas y signos referidos por los pacientes fueron: disminución visual y déficit en la visión de los colores. Los resultados terapéuticos no fueron satisfactorios en los casos 1 y 6, con un tiempo de evolución prolongado, desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico y tratamiento con esteroides y vitaminas del complejo B. Conclusiones: Existe una asociación entre las enfermedades oftalmológicas encontradas en pacientes jóvenes con antecedentes de padecer la COVID-19 o relacionado con la vacunación. La efectividad terapéutica estuvo condicionada por el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Ophthalmologic alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2 can be classified as direct effects of the virus, by immunologic reaction or by vaccination. Objective: To describe the ophthalmologic alterations in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A series of cases with clinical and serologic diagnosis of COVID-19 during the course of the disease, after the disease or after vaccination is presented. Seven cases were studied (4 women and 3 men), who consecutively attended the Neurophthalmology Consultation of the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital (HHA), referred by specialists who evaluate the "Post-COVID-19" case protocol in this institution with the following alterations: neuroretinitis (NR), papillitis (P), uveitis and papillitis (U-P), epiretinal membrane (MER) and peripheral facial palsy (PFP), in the period from August to November 2021. Results: The average age was 44 years. NR, P and unilateral MER predominated in the series studied. Immunologic etiology was the most frequent. The symptoms and signs referred by the patients were visual impairment and color vision deficit. Therapeutic results were not satisfactory in cases 1 and 6, with a prolonged evolution time, from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment with steroids and B-complex vitamins. Conclusions: There is an association between the ophthalmologic diseases found in young patients with a history of suffering from COVID-19 or related to vaccination. Therapeutic effectiveness was conditioned by the time of evolution of the disease(AU)

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Studies on the breeding of vulnerable and endangered bird species are hindered by low numbers of individuals, inaccessible location of nests, unfavourable environmental conditions, and complex behavioural patterns. In addition, intraspecific variation may emerge only following long-term, systematic observations of little-known patterns and processes. Here, data collected over 30 years were used to determine growth model of hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) chicks in the Pantanal biome of Brazil. During this period, the speed of growth and body mass of chicks varied widely. Four growth models were tested: logistic, Gompertz, Richards, and cubic polynomial. They were fitted using three biometric measurements: body mass, total length, and tail length. The best-fitting growth curves were identified using Akaike's information criterion. The best models were the cubic polynomial for body mass, Richards for total length, and Gompertz for tail length. We confirmed the occurrence of dwarf individuals, whose body mass, total length, and tail length were 20%, 22%, and 70% smaller, respectively, than in the overall population. The dwarfs remain small in size after having fledged and are easily identified as adults. We discuss the importance of long-term studies to identify windows of opportunity for further research that will help in the conservation of endangered macaw species.

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OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the epidemiological characteristics, ophthalmological manifestations, and different therapeutic options available for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in China, Spain, and Cuba. METHODS: A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a comparable descriptive cross-sectional study on patients with MS. The survey included patients' demographic data, ocular manifestations related to MS, and treatment methodology followed in the three countries. The online survey was designed using the Wenjuanxing survey platform, and a survey link was circulated through WhatsApp, WeChat, and emails. Quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for non-parametric variables. Qualitative data were expressed as numerical and percentage. The chi-square test (χ2) was used to compare the group's response categories. The statistical difference was considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The female-to-male ratio in all the three countries was 2-3:1, and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most frequent in all three countries. Vision loss was slow and progressive in half of the patients from the three countries, with no significant differences (p = 0.524). A higher percentage of steroid treatment was observed in Chinese patients in comparison with the patients from other two countries (p < 0.001), and a similar trend was seen in the use of traditional medicines. Almost one-third of patients who did not receive any treatment recovered spontaneously in all the three countries (p = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS: MS occurs more frequently in the relapsing-remitting clinical form and there is a clear female predominance. The first ocular crisis or clinical debut of MS is characterized by slow and progressive visual impairment, increasing and adding to other ocular manifestations during its evolutionary course. Spontaneous recovery of vision after an attack of optic neuritis in the course of MS is possible.

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OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the profile of endometrial carcinomas and uterine sarcomas attended in a Brazilian cancer center in the period from 2001 to 2016 and to analyze the impact of time elapsed from symptoms to diagnoses or treatment in cancer stage and survival. METHODS: This observational study with 1,190 cases evaluated the year of diagnosis, age-group, cancer stage and histological type. A subgroup of 185 women with endometrioid histology attended in the period from 2012 to 2017 was selected to assess information about initial symptoms, diagnostic methods, overall survival, and to evaluate the influence of the time elapsed from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment on staging and survival. The statistics used were descriptive, trend test, and the Kaplan-Meier method, with p-values < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: A total of 1,068 (89.7%) carcinomas (77.2% endometrioid and 22.8% non-endometrioid) and 122 (10.3%) sarcomas were analyzed, with an increasing trend in the period (p < 0.05). Histologies of non-endometrioid carcinomas, G3 endometrioid, and carcinosarcomas constituted 30% of the cases. Non-endometrioid carcinomas and sarcomas were more frequently diagnosed in patients over 70 years of age and those on stage IV (p < 0.05). The endometrioid subgroup with 185 women reported 92% of abnormal uterine bleeding and 43% diagnosis after curettage. The average time elapsed between symptoms to diagnosis was 244 days, and between symptoms to treatment was 376 days, all without association with staging (p = 0.976) and survival (p = 0.160). Only 12% of the patients started treatment up to 60 days after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The number of uterine carcinoma and sarcoma cases increased over the period of 2001 to 2016. Aggressive histology comprised 30% of the patients and, for endometrioid carcinomas, the time elapsed between symptoms and diagnosis or treatment was long, although without association with staging or survival.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo avaliou o perfil dos carcinomas endometriais e sarcomas uterinos atendidos em um centro brasileiro de câncer no período de 2001 a 2016, e avaliou o impacto do tempo decorrido entre os sintomas até o diagnóstico ou tratamento no estadiamento e sobrevida pelo câncer. MéTODOS: Estudo observacional com 1.190 casos que analisou o ano do diagnóstico, faixa etária, estágio e tipo histológico do câncer. Um subgrupo de 185 mulheres com histologia endometrioide e atendidas no período de 2012 a 2017 foi selecionado para avaliar informações sobre sintomas iniciais, métodos de diagnóstico, sobrevida global e para analisar a relação entre o tempo decorrido a partir dos sintomas até o diagnóstico e tratamento no estadiamento e sobrevida. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritiva, de tendência linear e de sobrevida pelo método de Kaplan-Meier, com valores de p < 0,05 para significância. RESULTADOS: Os casos estudados de acordo com a histologia foram 1.068 (89,7%) carcinomas (77,2% endometrioides e 22,8% não endometrioides) e 122 (10,3%) sarcomas, com tendência crescente no período (p < 0,05). Histologias de carcinomas não endometrioides, G3 endometrioides e carcinossarcomas consistiram em 30% dos casos. Carcinomas não endometrioides e sarcomas foram mais frequentemente diagnosticados em pacientes acima de 70 anos de idade e em estágio IV (p < 0,05). O subgrupo com 185 mulheres com carcinoma endometrioide apresentou 92% de sangramento uterino anormal e 43% de diagnóstico após curetagem. O tempo médio decorrido entre os sintomas e o diagnóstico foi de 244 dias e entre os sintomas e o tratamento, 376 dias, todos sem associação com estadiamento (p = 0,976) e sobrevida (p = 0,160). Apenas 12% das pacientes iniciaram o tratamento em até 60 dias após o diagnóstico. CONCLUSãO: O número de casos de carcinomas e sarcomas uterinos aumentaram no período de 2001 a 2016. A histologia agressiva compreendeu 30% dos pacientes e, no caso dos carcinomas endometrioides, o tempo decorrido entre os sintomas e o diagnóstico ou tratamento foi longo, embora sem associação com estadiamento ou sobrevida.

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Normal-to-tumor cell transition is accompanied by changes in gene expression and signal transduction that turns the balance toward cancer-cell phenotype, eluding by different mechanisms, the response of tumor-suppressor genes. Here, we observed that MageC2, a MAGE-I protein able to regulate the p53 tumor-suppressor, is accumulated upon MEK/ERK MAPK activation. Overexpression of H-RasV12 oncogene causes an increase in MageC2 protein that is prevented by pharmacologic inhibition of MEK. Similarly, decrease in MageC2 protein levels is shown in A375 melanoma cells (which harbor B-RafV600E oncogenic mutation) treated with MEK inhibitors. MageC2 protein levels decrease when p14ARF is expressed, causing an Mdm2-independent upregulation of p53 transactivation. However, MageC2 is refractory to p14ARF-driven downregulation when H-RasV12 is co-expressed. Using MageC2 knockout A375 cells generated by CRISPR/CAS9 technology, we demonstrated the relevance of MageC2 protein in reducing p53 transcriptional activity in cells containing hyperactive MEK/ERK signaling. Furthermore, gene expression analysis performed in cancer-genomic databases, supports the correlation of reduced p53 transcriptional activity and high MageC2 expression, in melanoma cells containing Ras or B-Raf driver mutations. Data presented here suggest that MageC2 can be a functional target of the oncogenic MEK/ERK pathway to regulate p53.

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The present study aimed to assess the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of uterine sarcoma cases. A retrospective cohort study with 122 women recruited between 2001 and 2016 was performed. The data regarding epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment and follow-up were analyzed based on the following histological types: Carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) and adenosarcoma. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, logistic regression and survival curves. The diagnosis of uterine sarcoma exhibited an increasing trend of +1.2 new cases every 2 years (P=0.044) and comprised 10% of all uterine cancer diagnoses. There were 47% carcinosarcomas, 22% leiomyosarcomas, 16% ESS and 14% adenosarcomas. The majority of the women was ≥60 years old (62%). Among the subjects, 77% were postmenopausal, 61% had a body mass index up to 29.9 kg/m2 and 71% presented with a comorbidity. Regression analysis exhibited an association between post menopause and the histological type associated with lower overall survival (OS), namely leiomyosarcoma or carcinosarcoma (odds ratio, 5.45, P<0.001). Stage I malignancy was present in 44% and Stage IV in 22%. The treatment included primary surgery in 78% of the cases, whereas 79% received adjuvant therapy. Only 55 cases achieved disease control and 20 relapsed (36%) with a 5-year OS rate of 33%. The OS was lower for carcinosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma (20%; P=0.003). In summary, the present study indicated that the number of uterine sarcoma cases had increased between 2001 and 2016. The majority of the women were >60 years old and diagnosed in advanced stages. The postmenopausal status was associated with histological types of poor prognosis. The OS was low and worse for patients with carcinosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma.

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BACKGROUND: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a modality for the treatment of neoplastic tissues, which is based on the administration of a phototherapeutic agent and light irradiation at an appropriate wavelength, aiming to locate and destroy the target cell with the formation of reactive oxygen species. Nanoencapsulation technology presents itself as a tool for incorporation of bioactive substances aiming to improve their solubility in physiological environment, obtain a longer circulation time in the organism, administration of lower dosages and the minimization of side effects. The present work aimed at the development of poly (lactic acid-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles coated with polyelectrolyte film layers for encapsulating zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonated (ZnPcSO4) as a bioactive substance model. METHODS: PLGA nanoparticles were produced by the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and polyelectrolytic coating was performed using polyalkylamine hydrochloride (PAH) as a weak polycation and poly (4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) as a strong polyanion by layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (known as layer-by-layer-LbL). The nanoparticulate system was studied by scanning electron microscopy, steady-state, and their biological activity was evaluated using in vitro cancer cell lines by classical MTT assay. RESULTS: The polyelectrolytic PLGA nanoparticles had an average diameter of 384.7 ± 138.6 nm, restricted distribution size with a polydispersity index. The obvious change in zeta potential indicates successful alternation in polycation (PAH) and polyanion (PSS) deposition directly in PLGA nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the formed system had morphology spherical, typical of these release systems. The loading efficiency was 82.1 % ± 1.2 %. The polyelectrolytic nanoparticles loaded with phthalocyanine maintained their photophysical behavior after encapsulation. Cell viability was determined, obtaining 90 % cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the presented work depicts ZnPcSO4-loaded polyelectrolytic PLGA nanoparticles as a promise drug delivery system for phototherapeutic agent, which are thus expected to have superior therapeutic efficiency than free drug.

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RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los valores de referencia de la dinámica circulatoria arterial ocular de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 105 pacientes hipertensos y en un grupo de 33 sujetos no hipertensos, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 60 años, sin antecedentes de padecer diabetes mellitus ni enfermedades oculares como glaucoma, o haber recibido tratamiento quirúrgico por catarata, hipertensión ocular u otras. A todos se les realizó la toma de la presión arterial sistémica, el examen clínico oftalmológico y el ultrasonido Doppler a color de carótida y de los vasos orbitarios. Resultados: Se encontró un predominio de mujeres de piel blanca, entre la cuarta y quinta década de la vida. Existió un incremento del pico de velocidad sistólica, la velocidad final diastólica y el índice de resistencia en la arteria oftálmica, que fue desde un rango normal en el grupo de los no hipertensos a valores promedios elevados en el grupo de hipertensos, los cuales fueron más altos en los casos descontrolados. No se encontraron modificaciones en el análisis de estos parámetros en las arterias centrales de la retina ni en las ciliares posteriores cortas. Conclusiones: En la casuística estudiada, el incremento del pico de la velocidad sistólica en la arteria oftálmica pudiera estar relacionado con áreas de obstrucción vascular localizadas o con vasoespasmo. Se encontró una asociación entre el descontrol de la presión arterial y los valores elevados del índice de resistencia en la arteria oftálmica(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the reference values for ocular arterial circulation dynamics in patients with essential arterial hypertension. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 105 hypertensive patients and a group of 33 non-hypertensive subjects aged 18-60 years with no antecedents of diabetes mellitus or ocular conditions such as glaucoma or having undergone cataract surgery, ocular hypertension or others. All the patients underwent systemic arterial pressure measurement, clinical ophthalmological examination and color Doppler carotid and orbital ultrasonography. Results: A predominance was observed of the female sex, white skin color and age between the fourth and fifth decades of life. There was an increase in peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and the resistive index in the ophthalmic artery, which ranged from normal in the non-hypertensive group to high average levels in the hypertensive group, higher in uncontrolled cases. Analysis of these parameters did not find any change in central retinal or short posterior ciliary arteries. Conclusions: In the cases studied, the peak systolic velocity increase in the ophthalmic artery could be related to localized vascular obstruction areas or vasospasm. An association was found between uncontrolled arterial pressure and high resistive index values in the ophthalmic artery(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Orodispersible Tablets (ODTs) are an option to facilitate the intake of pharmaceutical solid dosage forms, which dissolve in the mouth within 30 seconds releasing the drug immediately with no need for water intake or chewing. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of our study is the technological development of lactose-free orodispersible tablets that contain ketoprofen. METHODS: We assessed different variables during the pharmaceutical development of ODTs: compression techniques conducted after a wet granulation process, aiming to optimize the flow properties of the formulation, and a suspension freeze-drying molded in blisters. We developed three formulations for each method, each containing one of the superdisintegrants: croscarmellose, crospovidone, or starch glycolate. RESULTS: During the production of ODTs, we performed quality control of the granulation process, since the production of pellets contributed to the enhancement of the disintegration time and content homogeneity. Quality control tests for ODTs produced by freeze-drying were also satisfactory, despite significant changes in the final physical aspect of these products when compared to that of ODTs produced by compression. In addition, the disintegration times of ODTs produced by freeze-drying were substantially higher. Furthermore, these tablets displayed greater friability and pose a challenge to the control of a standard individual weight. CONCLUSION: Among the superdisintegrants, croscarmellose contributed most significantly to reduce the disintegration time and to dissolve KTP effectively in 20 minutes.

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INTRODUCTION: Benznidazole is used for treating Chagas disease (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of benznidazole at a public hospital in Brazil's Federal District. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed and ADRs were categorized by type, intensity, seriousness, and causality. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients who started benznidazole treatment for CD, 41 (66%) presented with 105 ADRs; 23 (37%) discontinued the treatment. Most reactions were classified as probable (81%), severe (63%), serious (67%), and dose-dependent (56%). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of ADRs because of treatment withdrawal revealed the need for safer alternatives for CD treatment.

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Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine whether de-escalation guided by blood cultures for patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock reduces mortality, and antimicrobial drug resistance (ADR). Methods: A prospective, single-center, cohort study was conducted with adults admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock at a public hospital in Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2013 to December 2013. We excluded patients who had negative blood cultures. Patients who had replaced the initial empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (EAT) by the antibiotic therapy guided by blood cultures were compared with those who continued receiving EAT. The outcome included mortality and antimicrobial drug resistance. We used the Cox regression (proportional hazards regression) and the Poisson regression to analyze the association between antibiotic therapy guided by blood cultures (ATGBC) and outcomes. The statistical adjustment in all models included the following variables: sex, age, APACHE II (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II) score and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score. Results: Among the 686 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit, 91 were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 52.7 years (standard deviation = 18.5 years) and 70.3% were male. EAT was replaced by ATGBC in 33 patients (36.3%) while 58 patients (63.7%) continued receiving EAT. Overall hospital mortality decreased from 56.9% in patients who received EAT to 48.5% in patients who received ATGBC [Hazard ratio- HR 0.44 (95% CI 0.24-0.82), p = 0.009]. There was no association between ATGBC and ADR [HR 0.90 (95% CI 0.78 - 1.03) p = 0.15]. Conclusions: Although the early and appropriate empirical EAT is undoubtedly an important factor prognostic, ATGBC can reduce the mortality in these patients.