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Insulin resistance (IR) is a key risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases, but its laboratory diagnosis is still costly; thus, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a surrogate method. Our aim was to provide a detailed analysis of cutoffs and test the hypothesis that the TyG index would present reasonable performance parameters for IR screening. This is a cross-sectional study with baseline data from 12,367 eligible participants of both sexes (aged 35-74 years) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. TyG correlation and agreement with the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance were analyzed. Positive and negative predictive values (PV+, PV-) and likelihood ratio (LR+, LR-) were calculated. A moderate positive correlation between TyG and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance was observed (Pearson r = 0.419). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TyG for IR diagnosis was 0.742 and the optimal cutoff was 4.665, reaching a kappa agreement value of 0.354. For this cutoff, a PV+ of 59.3% and PV- of 76.0%, as well as an LR+ of 2.07 and LR- of 0.45 were obtained. Alternatively, because high sensitivity is desired for screening tests, selecting a lower cutoff, such as 4.505, increases the PV- to 82.1%, despite decreasing the PV+ to 50.8%. We conclude that TyG has important performance limitations for detecting IR, but that it may still be reasonably useful to help screening for IR in adults because it can be calculated from low-cost routine blood tests.

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Criminal practices in which an individual becomes vulnerable and prone to sexual assault after ingesting drinks spiked with doping substances have become a social concern globally. As forensic protocols require a multi-tiered strategy for chemical evidentiary analysis, the backlog of evidence has become a significant problem in the community. Herein, a fast, sensible, and complementary dual analytical methodology was developed using a single commercial paper substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) analysis to identify psychotropic substances added to alcoholic beverages irrefutably. To study and investigate this criminal practice, pharmaceutical formulations containing distinct psychotropic substances (zolpidem, clonazepam, diazepam, and ketamine) were added to drinks typically consumed at parties and festivals (Pilsen beer, açaí Catuaba®, gin tonic, and vodka mixed with Coca-Cola Zero®). A simple liquid-liquid extraction with a low-temperature partitioning (LLE-LTP) procedure was applied to the drinks and effectively minimized matrix effects. As a preliminary analysis, SERS spectra combined with Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) provided sufficient information to investigate the samples further. The presence of the protonated species for the psychotropic substances in the spiked drinks was readily verified in the mass spectra and confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, the results demonstrate the potential of this methodology to be easily implemented into the routine of forensic laboratories and to be further employed at harm reduction tends at parties and festivals to detect contaminated beverages promptly and irrefutably as an efficient tool to prevent such crimes.

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Resumen Introducción: la Prueba General para la Evaluación del Desarrollo Integral de la Niña y el Niño (EDIN-II), creada y validada en Costa Rica, clasifica la población infantil en desarrollo normal o adecuado para su edad (verde); rezago en su desarrollo (amarillo); o bien, riesgo de retraso significativo (rojo). No obstante, los resultados de su aplicación a nivel poblacional son desconocidos. Objetivo: dar a conocer el nivel de desarrollo del grupo de infantes evaluados durante la fase de validación de la prueba EDIN-II. Metodología: se efectuó un análisis secundario de alcance descriptivo y correlacional; la prueba EDIN-II fue aplicada por profesionales de enfermería durante los años 2016 - 2020. Se evaluaron un total de 438 niñas y niños entre 1 y 72 meses de edad, en diferentes zonas del Gran Área Metropolitana del país. Resultados: el 78,5 % (n = 344) presentó un desarrollo adecuado para su edad; el 21,5 % (n= 94), un rezago o riesgo de retraso en su desarrollo. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de riesgo de retraso del desarrollo fue del 21.5 %, con una proporción mayor para el grupo con edades de 12 a 36 meses.

Abstract Introduction: The General Test for the Evaluation of the Integral Development of the Child (EDIN-II) created and validated in Costa Rica, classifies the child population with normal or age-appropriate development (green), with a developmental lag (yellow), or else, with a risk of significant delay (red). However, the results of its application at the population level are not known. Objective: report the level of development of the infants evaluated during the validation processes of the EDIN-II test. Methodology: A secondary analysis of descriptive and correlational scope is carried out; the EDIN-II test was applied by nursing professionals, during the years 2016 - 2020. A total of 438 children aged 1 to 72 months in different zones of the metropolitan area of the country. Results: 78.5 % (n= 344) have an adequate development for their age and 21.5 % (n= 94) present a delay or risk of delay in their development. Conclusions: The prevalence of risk of developmental delay was 21.5%, with a higher proportion between 12 and 36 months of life.

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Although very few controlled studies are available, in utero Zika virus (ZIKV)-exposed children are considered at risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aimed to identify whether there is an excess risk of abnormalities in non-microcephalic children born to mothers with confirmed ZIKV infection compared with ZIKV-unexposed children from the same population. In a cross-sectional study nested in two larger cohorts, we compared 324 ZIKV-exposed children with 984 unexposed controls. Outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Screening Test III applied around 24 months of age. Relative risks for classifying children as emergent or at-risk for neurodevelopmental delay in at least one of five domains were calculated, adjusting for covariates. In four of the five domains, few children were classified as emergent (4-12%) or at-risk (0.3-2.16%) but for the expressive communication domain it was higher for emergent (19.1-42.9%). ZIKV-exposed children were half as frequently classified as emergent, including after adjusting for covariates [RR = 0.52 (CI 95% 0.40; 0.66)]. However, no difference was detected in the at-risk category [RR = 0.83 (CI 95% 0.48; 1.44)]. Normocephalic children exposed to the Zika virus during pregnancy do not have a higher risk of being classified as at risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities at two years of age.

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PURPOSE: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have some of the lowest cancer screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic populations. Using community-based participatory research methods, we sought to characterize knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and approaches to enhance breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening. METHODS: We conducted 12 focus groups between October 2018 and September 2019 with 96 eligible AI adults and healthcare providers, recruited using non-probability purposive sampling methods from the Zuni Pueblo in rural New Mexico. We used the Multi-level Health Outcomes Framework (MHOF) to conduct a qualitative content analysis identifying mutable systems- and individual- level constructs important for behavior change that we crosslinked with the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommended evidence-based interventions (EBIs) or approaches. RESULTS: Salient systems-level factors that limited uptake of cancer screenings included inflexible clinic hours, transportation barriers, no on-demand service and reminder systems, and brief doctor-patient encounters. Individual-level barriers included variable cancer-specific knowledge that translated into fatalistic beliefs, fear, and denial. Interventions to enhance community demand and access for screening should include one-on-one and group education, small media, mailed screening tests, and home visitations by public health nurses. Interventions to enhance provider delivery of screening services should include translation and case management services. CONCLUSIONS: The MHOF constructs crosslinked with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches provided a unique perspective to frame barriers and promoters of screening utilization and insights for intervention development. Findings inform the development of culturally tailored, theoretically informed, multi-component interventions concordant with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches aimed at improving cancer screening.

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This article reports on results of the administration of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to 500 high school students (aged 16-19) in the Peruvian Amazon. Results indicate 68.6% of the sample reported consumption of alcohol in the past three months. One out of four students reported high risk involvement with at least one substance while 1 out of 3 reported moderate risk. This is one of the few instances in which ASSIST was administered to adolescents and offers possibilities for further reflection on drug use at early ages.

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PURPOSE: Prevalence of cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection varies greatly. Data on distribution of hrHPV infection constitute important evidence for decision-making when implementing HPV testing into cervical cancer screening programs. We estimate the prevalence of cervical hrHPV infection in a large sample of women in a middle-income country and explore variation by age, community marginalization and region in women using public cervical cancer screening services. METHODS: Records covering 2010-2017 from a registry of hrHPV test results (Hybrid Capture 2 and polymerase chain reaction) in 2,737,022 women 35-64 years were analyzed. In this observational study, 32 states were categorized into five geographical regions and classified by degree of marginalization. We stratified by test type and estimated crude and adjusted prevalence and rate ratios and used Poisson models and joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence was higher in women 35-39 years, at 10.4% (95% CI 10.3-10.5) and women 60-64 years, at 10.1% (95% CI 10.0-10.3). Prevalence was higher in the southeast, at 10.5% (95% CI 10.4-10.6). Women living in less marginalized areas had a significantly higher prevalence, at 10.3% (95% CI 10.2-10.4) compared to those in highly marginalized areas, at 8.7% (95% CI 8.5-8.7). HPV16 infection was detected in 0.92% (2,293/23,854) of women and HPV18 infection was detected in 0.39% (978/23,854) of women. CONCLUSION: Understanding the distribution of HPV prevalence has value as evidence for developing policy in order to improve cervical cancer screening strategies. These results will constitute evidence to allow decision makers to better choose where to focus those resources that they do have.

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OBJECTIVE: Teleneuropsychology refers to the application of neuropsychology using video teleconferencing (VTC) techniques, whose methodology facilitates access to remote populations, a need that has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous investigations have documented the equivalence of different screening assessments (Mini Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment for Neuropsychological Status) when applied via teleneuropsychology. The goal of the present work is to test the equivalence of the Brief Neuropsychological Battery in Spanish (NEUROPSI Breve), a neuropsychological screening instrument standardized for Spanish-speaking population that has reported a high sensitivity (91.6%) for identifying dementia, when applied in the VTC modality. METHOD: In total, 32 Mexicans between 16 and 70 years were assessed, both in traditional (face-to-face) and VTC format with a 20 min wait between each application. Each participant was randomly assigned into one of four groups that were generated from the established conditions: the first application could be face-to-face or by VTC modality and an adapted or original version of NEUROPSI Breve would be applied; for the second application, the remaining modality and instrument would be used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (v. 25). RESULTS: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test presented statistically significant differences (Z = -2.79, P = .005). However, when applied to each one of the four evaluation groups, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no statistically significant differences; the same results were found when starting with the original or adapted instrument, and when starting with the face-to-face modality (P < .005). However, differences are shown when starting with the online (VTC) modality (groups B and C) (P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: The NEUROPSI Breve is applicable in both modalities, satisfying the needs of the population and the evaluation guidelines.

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Introducción: la pandemia por COVID-19 ha afectado la salud de la mujer y en particular a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos. En el contexto de cambios asistenciales por la pandemia COVID 19, podría verse afectado el tamizaje y seguimiento de las lesiones premalignas de los cánceres de cuello de útero (CCU), poniendo en riesgo su diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento precoz. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar los tiempos transcurridos entre el resultado de screening patológico y el tratamiento de lesiones premalignas de CCU, cotejando con los plazos establecidos por la ordenanza ministerial vigente y comparando los tiempos observados antes y durante la pandemia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal, mediante un análisis comparativo antes y después de la pandemia por COVID-19. Se incluyeron usuarias a quienes se les realizó conización quirúrgica en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en dos períodos de tiempo: 1 de marzo de 2019 a 29 de febrero de 2020, y 1 de marzo de 2020 a 28 de febrero de 2021. Resultados: la media en días observada desde el PAP hasta la conización fue de 245 para el primer periodo y de 242 para el segundo. El porcentaje de pacientes que cumplen con la ordenanza ministerial en ambos períodos no supera el 5%. Conclusiones: no se evidenció una mayor demora en el seguimiento y tratamiento de estas usuarias durante la pandemia por COVID-19, sin embargo los tiempos observados superan ampliamente los establecidos por Ordenanza Ministerial en los periodos pre pandemia y durante la misma.

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's health in general, and in particular their sexual and reproductive rights. Within the context of changes in health care services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening and follow up of cervical precancerous lesions could be affected, and in turn, this could prevent timely diagnosis and early treatment. This study aims to report the period of time be-tween pathological findings in screening tests and the treatment of precancerous lesions of cervical cancer, analyze it within the context of deadlines set in the Ministry of Health regulations in force, and compare it to pre-pandemic deadlines and time frames during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: observational, analytical and transversal study conducted by means of analyzing the situation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included users who underwent surgical conization at the Pereira Rossell Hospital during two periods of time: Between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 and between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Results: average number of days from the PAP test until conization was 245 days for the first period and 242 for the second one. The percentage of patients that comply with the Ministerial decree in both periods is lower than 5%. Conclusions: the study found time to treatment in the follow up and management of users did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the times ob-served widely exceed the deadlines set in the ministerial decree in both periods, that is before and during the pandemic.

Introdução: a pandemia de COVID-19 afetou a saúde das mulheres e em particular os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. No contexto das mudanças na saúde devido à pandemia de COVID 19, o rastreamento e o acompanhamento das lesões pré-malignas do câncer de colo de útero (CCU) podem ser afetados, colocando em risco o diagnóstico oportuno e o tratamento precoce. Objetivo: descrever os tempos decorridos entre o resultado do rastreamento patológico e o tratamento das lesões pré-malignas do CCU, comparando-os com os períodos estabelecidos pela atual Portaria Ministerial, e comparar os tempos observados antes e durante a pandemia. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional, analítico e transversal por meio de uma análise comparativa antes e após a pandemia de COVID19. Foram incluídos as usuárias que realizaram a conização cirúrgica no Hospital Pereira Rossell em dois períodos de tempo: 1º de março de 2019 a 29 de fevereiro de 2020 e 1º de março de 2020 a 28 de fevereiro de 2021. Resultados: a média de dias observados do PAP à conização foi de 245 para o primeiro período e 242 para o segundo. O percentual de pacientes que cumprem a Portaria Ministerial em ambos os períodos não ultrapassa 5%. Conclusões: não houve evidência de maior demora no acompanhamento e tratamento desses usuários durante a pandemia por COVID-19, porém os tempos observados superam em muito os estabelecidos por Portaria Ministerial nos períodos pré-pandemia e durante a mesma.

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OBJECTIVE: The fecal immunohistochemical test (FIT) is a simple colorectal-cancer screening test. There are no recent studies evaluating the benefits of doing more than one a year. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of performing the test for 3 consecutive days in terms of detecting cancer and advanced adenomas. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of records of patients who had daily tests for 3 consecutive days and had at least one positive during the period from 2009-2011. RESULTS: A total of 456 records were reviewed, 410 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the participants were men (95.9%), with the mean age of all the participants being 64.3 (±7.8) years. Regarding the FIT results, 18.8% had positive results on all 3 tests, 20.2% had 2 positive tests, and 61.0% had 1 positive FIT. There were 16 (3.9%) patients in the studied sample that had colon cancer. Their lesions were located predominantly in the distal colon (ratio of distal to proximal: 2:1). The patients with 3 positive FITs had a higher prevalence of advanced adenomas (33.3% vs. 13.4%, respectively; P < .05). DISCUSSION: Our study showed a low concordance between daily consecutive tests results. those patients with more than 1 positive FIT had a higher prevalence of advanced adenoma or adenocarcinoma than patients who had only one. Fewer than 4% of the patients in our study had colon cancer. Prospective studies would be needed to determine the effectiveness of more than 1 annual FIT in colon cancer prevention.

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A large number of reports present artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which support pneumonia detection caused by COVID-19 from chest CT (computed tomography) scans. Only a few studies provided access to the source code, which limits the analysis of the out-of-distribution generalization ability. This study presents Cimatec-CovNet-19, a new light 3D convolutional neural network inspired by the VGG16 architecture that supports COVID-19 identification from chest CT scans. We trained the algorithm with a dataset of 3000 CT Scans (1500 COVID-19-positive) with images from different parts of the world, enhanced with 3000 images obtained with data augmentation techniques. We introduced a novel pre-processing approach to perform a slice-wise selection based solely on the lung CT masks and an empirically chosen threshold for the very first slice. It required only 16 slices from a CT examination to identify COVID-19. The model achieved a recall of 0.88, specificity of 0.88, ROC-AUC of 0.95, PR-AUC of 0.95, and F1-score of 0.88 on a test set with 414 samples (207 COVID-19). These results support Cimatec-CovNet-19 as a good and light screening tool for COVID-19 patients. The whole code is freely available for the scientific community.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Obesity is one of the etiological factors of sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on sleep quality by using the Pittsburgh Quality İndex and Berlin Question are and evaluate the association of sleep with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. METHODS: A total of 76 patients (41 females and 35 males) between the ages of 18 and 70 years with a body mass index >30 kg/m2 were included in this study. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were analyzed. Sleep quality was evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, and the Restless Leg Syndrome Questionnaire. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between Pittsburgh sleep quality index and body mass index, neck circumference, body fat index, muscle mass, hip and waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (ps<0.005). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index median (2.5-97.5 percentile) value was 8 (2-18.6) in the patient group and 3.5 (0.1-7.9) in the control group (p<0.0001). Body mass index was found to be the predictor on Pittsburgh sleep quality index (R2=0.162, F=3.726, analysis of variance p=0.008). Notably, 88% (67) and 95% (57) of the poor sleepers were found to be at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea according to Berlin Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Also, the frequency of restless leg syndrome was 45% in obese individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant correlation between Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Also, the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome was 88% and 45%, respectively, in obese individuals.

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Resumo O Denver II tem como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento de crianças entre 0 e 6 anos de idade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores, validade concorrente, sensibilidade e especificidade da versão brasileira do Denver II. Estudo metodológico transversal. Participaram 254 crianças, entre 0 e 72 meses, com risco para atraso no desenvolvimento. Dois examinadores verificaram a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores do Denver II. Validade concorrente, sensibilidade e especificidade foram verificadas com relação à versão brasileira do Ages & Stages Questionnaires como teste de critério. Análise estatística utilizou o Intraclass Correlation Coeficiente, Teste de Correlação de Spearman e Tabela de Contingência, nível de significância α=0.05. Os resultados identificaram que a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores foi excelente em toda a amostra. A validade concorrente apresentou índices moderados a muito fortes entre 13 e 60 meses. Índices de sensibilidade e especificidade variaram de 73-99% e 58-92%, respectivamente. A versão brasileira do Denver II apresenta bons índices de propriedades psicométricas sendo um instrumento confiável e válido para ser aplicado em crianças brasileiras sob risco de atraso no desenvolvimento.

Abstract The scope of the Denver II Developmental Screening Test is to assess the development of children between 0 and 6 years of age. The aim of this study was to verify evidence of intra- and inter-examiner reliability, concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity of the Brazilian version of Denver II. It involved a cross-sectional methodological study. A total of 254 children, between 0 and 72 months with risk of developmental delay, participated in the study. Two examiners verified the Denver II intra- and inter-examiner reliability. Concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity were checked against the Brazilian version of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires as a criterion-referenced test. Statistical analysis used the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Spearman's Correlation Test and Contingency Table, the level of significance being α=0.05. The results identified that intra and inter examiner reliability was excellent in all age groups. Concurrent validity showed moderate to very strong rates in the 13-to-60-month age group. The sensitivity and specificity indices ranged from 73-99% and 58-92%, respectively. The Brazilian version of Denver II has good rates of psychometric properties and is a reliable and valid instrument to be applied to Brazilian children at risk of developmental delay.

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Abstract Introduction All patients with a new head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergo diagnostic panendoscopy as part of the screening for synchronous second primary tumors. It includes a pharyngolaryngoscopy (PLS), a tracheobronchoscopy and esophagoscopy, and a stomatoscopy. Rigid techniques are risky, with long learning curves. Objective We propose a precise description of the panendoscopy protocol. We include an optimization of the PLS technique that completes the flexible esophagoscopy when rigid esophagoscopy isn't performed. Methods The present retrospective observational study includes 122 consecutive patients with a new primary HNSCC who underwent traditional panendoscopy and the new PLS technique between January 2014 and December 2016. A two-step procedure using a Macintosh laryngoscope and a 30° telescope first exposes panoramically the larynx, the upper trachea, and the oropharynx; then, in a second step, the hypopharynx is exposed down to the upper esophageal sphincter. Broncho-esophagoscopy is performed with a rigid and flexible scope. Results In total, 6 (5%) patients presented synchronous tumors (3 in the esophagus, 2 in the oral cavity, and 1 in the larynx 1). Rigid endoscopy was complicated by 2 (1,6%) dental lesions, and had to be completed with a flexible scope in 38 (33%) cases for exposition reasons. The two-step PLS offered a wide-angle view of the larynx, upper trachea, and oroand hypopharynx down to the sphincter of the upper esophagus. The procedure was easy, reliable, safe, repeatable, and effectively completed the flexible endoscopies. Conclusion Rigid esophagoscopy remains a difficult procedure. Two-step PLS combined with flexible broncho-esophagoscopy offers good optical control.

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Introduction All patients with a new head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergo diagnostic panendoscopy as part of the screening for synchronous second primary tumors. It includes a pharyngolaryngoscopy (PLS), a tracheobronchoscopy and esophagoscopy, and a stomatoscopy. Rigid techniques are risky, with long learning curves. Objective We propose a precise description of the panendoscopy protocol. We include an optimization of the PLS technique that completes the flexible esophagoscopy when rigid esophagoscopy isn't performed. Methods The present retrospective observational study includes 122 consecutive patients with a new primary HNSCC who underwent traditional panendoscopy and the new PLS technique between January 2014 and December 2016. A two-step procedure using a Macintosh laryngoscope and a 30° telescope first exposes panoramically the larynx, the upper trachea, and the oropharynx; then, in a second step, the hypopharynx is exposed down to the upper esophageal sphincter. Broncho-esophagoscopy is performed with a rigid and flexible scope. Results In total, 6 (5%) patients presented synchronous tumors (3 in the esophagus, 2 in the oral cavity, and 1 in the larynx 1). Rigid endoscopy was complicated by 2 (1,6%) dental lesions, and had to be completed with a flexible scope in 38 (33%) cases for exposition reasons. The two-step PLS offered a wide-angle view of the larynx, upper trachea, and oro- and hypopharynx down to the sphincter of the upper esophagus. The procedure was easy, reliable, safe, repeatable, and effectively completed the flexible endoscopies. Conclusion Rigid esophagoscopy remains a difficult procedure. Two-step PLS combined with flexible broncho-esophagoscopy offers good optical control.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of cervical smear test results between women seen in private and public health services in a medium-sized city in Brazil. METHODS: This was an observational analytical study analyzing cervical cytologic results over 16 years. Public data were collected from the Brazilian National Health System, and private refers to those collected at private clinics. RESULTS: The overall frequency of unsatisfactory/rejected results was higher in public service examinations (odds ratio [OR] 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.06). The same occurred for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85-0.95) and atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H) (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.47-0.64) categories. For low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, the frequency was higher among women from private services (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.24-1.55). Among women aged 25-64 years, the frequency of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was higher among women seen in the public service (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.66-0.99). CONCLUSION: Brazilian public services showed higher frequencies of unsatisfactory/rejected results and higher rates of ASC-US and ASC-H. Focusing on pre-analytical phases and establishing an internal quality control program can help improve these rates even though national protocols guide them.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of an epidemiological screening questionnaire for oropharyngeal dysphagia in older people. BACKGROUND: Determining the cut-off point and the accuracy of the self-reported epidemiological questionnaire for screening oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults is important for mass screening, which may estimate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional diagnostic study with a convenience sample of 70 older adults over 60 years of age of both sexes, aged between 60 and 90 years (mean age 69.2; SD, 7.6). It used a screening questionnaire with nine ordered items response options resulted in a score ranging from 0 to 18. The criterion test was the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, with analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia frequency by the criterion test was 73%, with no significant difference between age and sex. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.79-0.98) above the cut-off point 3. This screening questionnaire showed good parameters of sensitivity (80%), specificity (89%), positive predictive value (95%), negative predictive value (63%), positive likelihood ratio (7.64), negative likelihood ratio (0.22) and accuracy (83%). CONCLUSIONS: This questionnaire may be a satisfactory screening tool for estimating the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults.

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Resumen: Introducción: La demencia es una enfermedad prioritaria en los servicios de salud de países en vías de desarrollo. El 30% de los pacientes hipertensos sin compromisos de otros órganos presentan daño vascular encefálico y deterioro de las funciones cognitivas. Es importante por tanto contar con test de tamizaje adecuado. Objetivos: Evaluar el status cognitivo en pacientes hipertensos utilizando en forma sistemática el test de MoCA. Evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad del mismo y determinar el punto de corte óptimo para detectar deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL). Metodología: Estudio analítico observacional de corte transversal. Criterios de Inclusión. Pacientes mayores de 18 años, asistidos en la policlínica de hipertensión arterial del Hospital Maciel (2017- 2021). Criterios de Exclusión. Dificultades motoras, sensoriales, enfermedad psiquiátrica severa, analfabetismo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 137 pacientes con evaluación cognitiva La edad media 60,4 ± 12,5 91(66,4%) de sexo femenino. 103 (77,4%) Hipertensión arterial grado 3. Se detectaron 19 pacientes con DCL (13.9%) y 1 con demencia (0.7%). La mediana de puntuación del MoCA en el grupo sin DCL fue de 26 y de 21.5 en el grupo con DCL (p = 0.0001). Con un punto de corte de 26 el test de MoCA resultó alterado en 63 pacientes (49.5%), con una sensibilidad de 100% y especificidad de 58.7%. El valor predictivo positivo (VPP) fue de 28.6% y valor predictivo negativo (VPN) de 100%. Con el descenso del punto de corte a 24, se logró el mejor balance entre sensibilidad y especificidad (88,9% y 78,9%) respectivamente. El VPP de 41,0% y VPN de 97,7%. En todos los pacientes el DCL fue de tipo multidominio. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en todos los dominios cognitivos, especialmente la función ejecutiva. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio el test de MoCA se muestra como un instrumento de gran utilidad para detectar DCL. El punto de corte óptimo para detectar DCL en esta población de hipertensos es 24.

Abstract: Introduction: Dementia is a priority disease in the health systems of developing countries. 30% of hypertensive patients without compromise of other organs present encephalic vascular damage and deterioration of cognitive functions. It is therefore important to have an adequate screening test. Objectives: To evaluate cognitive status in hypertensive patients systematically using the MoCA test. Evaluate its sensitivity and specificity and determine the optimal cut-off point to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methodology: Cross-sectional observational analytical study. Inclusion criteria. Patients over 18 years of age, attended at the High blood pressure (HBP) polyclinic of Hospital Maciel (2017-2021). Exclusion criteria. Motor and sensory difficulties, severe psychiatric illness, illiteracy. Results: 137 patients with cognitive evaluation were included. Mean age 60.4 ± 12.5 91 (66.4%) female. 103 (77.4%) HBP grade 3, 19 patients with (MCI) (13.9%) and 1 with dementia (0.7%) were detected. The median MoCA score in the group without MCI was 26 and 21.5 in the group with MCI (p =0.0001). With a cut-off point of 26, the MOCA test was altered in 63 patients (49.5%) with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 58.7%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 28.6% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. By lowering the cut-off point to 24, the best balance between sensitivity and specificity was achieved (88.9% and 78.9%), respectively. The PPV of 41.0% and VPN of 97.7%. In all patients, the MCI was of the multidomain type. Significant differences were found in all cognitive domains, especially executive function. Conclusions: In our study, the MoCA test is shown to be a very useful instrument to detect MCI.The optimal cut-off point to detect MCI in this hypertensive population is 24.

Resumo: Introdução: A demência é uma doença prioritária nos sistemas de saúde dos países em desenvolvimento. 30% dos hipertensos sem envolvimento de outros órgãos apresentam lesão vascular encefálica e deterioração das funções cognitivas. Portanto, é importante ter um teste de triagem adequado. Objetivos: Avaliar o estado cognitivo em pacientes hipertensos sistematicamente por meio do teste MoCA. Avalie sua sensibilidade e especificidade e determine o ponto de corte ideal para detectar CCL. Metodologia: Estudo analítico observacional transversal. Critérios de incluso. Pacientes maiores de 18 anos, atendidos na policlínica hipertensão arterial do Hospital Maciel (2017-2021). Critérios de exclusão. Dificuldades motoras e sensoriais, doença psiquiátrica grave, analfabetismo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 137 pacientes com avaliação cognitiva, idade média 60,4 +/- 12,5 91 (66,4%) do sexo feminino, 103 (77,4%) hipertensão arterial grau 3. 19 pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) (13,9%) e 1 com demência (0,7%) foram detectados. A mediana do escore MOCA no grupo sem DCL foi de 26 e 21,5 no grupo com DCL (p=0,0001). Com ponto de corte de 26, o teste MOCA foi alterado em 63 pacientes (49,5%) com sensibilidade de 100% e especificidade de 58,7%. O valor preditivo positivo (VPP) foi de 28,6% e o valor preditivo negativo (VPN) foi de 100%. Ao diminuir o ponto de corte para 24, obteve-se o melhor equilíbrio entre sensibilidade e especificidade (88,9% e 78,9%), respectivamente. O PPV de 41,0% e VPN de 97,7%. Em todos os pacientes, o CCL foi do tipo multidomínio. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas em todos os domínios cognitivos, especialmente na função executiva. Conclusões: Em nosso estudo, o teste MoCA mostrase um instrumento muito útil para detectar CCL. O ponto de corte ideal para detectar CCL nesta população hipertensa é 24.

RESUMO

A Secretaria de Educação do município do Rio de Janeiro aplicou, em 2010, 2011 e 2012, nas 468 creches públicas, o instrumento "Ages & Stages Questionnaire", Terceira Edição, em sua versão adaptada e contextualizada ao Brasil (ASQ3-BR). Esta aplicação teve objetivo de fazer um rastreio do desenvolvimento de 109.758 crianças atendidas pelas creches, com idade entre 10 e 54 meses, especificamente em domínios relacionados à Comunicação, Coordenação Motora Ampla, Coordenação Motora Fina, Resolução de Problemas e Pessoal-Social. Os dados obtidos foram analisados visando o desenvolvimento de normas de interpretação do instrumento para população específica de crianças em creches brasileira. Isto foi realizado através do cálculo das médias e desvios-padrão dos escores, bem como pelos respectivos pontos de corte inferiores, considerados por dois desvios-padrão abaixo da média, e percentis de 5% e 10%. A partir deste procedimento, os resultados obtidos pelas crianças brasileiras foram comparados com os valores normativos estabelecidos pelo instrumento em seu original tanto para confirmar suas características psicométricas como para identificar possíveis diferenças nos resultados das crianças. Observou-se que os resultados obtidos nas creches públicas do Rio de Janeiro são inferiores àqueles observados no contexto norte-americano. Entretanto, eles tendem a se equiparar com o norte-americano no decorrer do amadurecimento da criança, especialmente quando elas ultrapassam os 24 meses de idade. Neste sentido, é possível sugerir que a estimulação oferecida pelas creches contribui para o desenvolvimento das crianças atendidas.

The Rio de Janeiro municipality Education Secretary applied in 2010, 2011, and 2012 the Portuguese-BR version (ASQ3-BR) of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, in 468 public kindergartens to assess the development of 109,758 children aged 10 to 54 months. This endeavour was carried out to get information about the development of Communication, Gross Motor Coordination, Fine Motor Coordination, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social. The results were analysed, identifying the instrument's norms to its interpretation, as well as the respective cut-offs considering two standard deviations below the mean. In addition, the 5% and 10% percentiles based on the obtained scores were calculated. Also, the results were compared with normative values established by the original instrument to confirm its psychometric characteristics and to identify differences in the obtained data. It was observed that the results obtained in Rio de Janeiro's public daycare centers, although they started with results lower than those observed by the author of the instrument in the United States, after the age of 36 months, and with 24 months of living with other children, the results are matched with the American results, from which it can be concluded that the stimulation by living in daycare centers is effective for the psychomotor development of the children attended.

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Since the approval of modifying therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), several protocols aiming to screen SMN1 homozygous deletion in a neonatal context have been published. However, no work has compared different methodologies along with detailed implementation costs for centers where the neonatal screening of SMA has not yet been implemented. Therefore, our work compared different qualitative real-time PCR approaches for SMA screening and the estimated costs of test implementation. Using Brazilian blood samples, the presence and absence (P/A) and melt curve protocols were analyzed. MLPA was used as a confirmatory test. The costs were calculated for the simplex and multiplex tests plus equipment. The test workflow was based on the present experience and literature report. The accuracy of the P/A protocol was 1 (95% CI 0.8677-1) using dried blood spots (DBS). The melt curve protocol also achieved 100% concordance. The consumable costs ranged from USD 1.68 to 4.42 and from USD 2.04 to 12.76 per reaction, for the simplex and multiplex tests, respectively. The equipment acquisition costs ranged from USD 44,817.07 to 467,253.10, with several factors influencing this value presented. Our work presents a framework for decision-making, with a project demonstration of the different assays that will be useful in dealing with the issues of cost and availability of reagents. Moreover, we present a literature review and discussion of important concerns regarding treatment policies. We take the first step towards a future SMA NBS pilot program where it is not yet a reality.