Good practices in dispensing materials and medicines in a home care in Porto Alegre/RS from a technical-scientific perspective

Objective: To analyze the process of dispensing materials and medicines of a home care company in Porto Alegre/RS, in order to create possible actions of good practices to be used during future dispensing processes, as well as to contribute to the improvement of the service provided. Method: The research had a quanti-quali approach: a documentary study, to analyze the occurrence of possible failures/near failures in the records of requisitions for dispensing materials and medicines; and a case study, with the aim of investigating and contributing to possible good practices to be applied during future dispensations. As a data collection instrument, a questionnaire was used, with open, closed and multiple-choice questions, so that the opinions of active Pharmacy professionals could be collected in the processes of dispensing materials and medicines in different existing scenarios. Results: Through this study, it can be seen that during the immersion in the company, there was a low percentage of failures/near misses during the dispensing of materials and medications to patients, and that the most frequent failure/near miss was “professional distraction” of Pharmacy during the dispensing processes”. Conclusion: The development of this research made it possible, from the bibliographic deepening and the analysis of the results, to establish and implement good practices in the processes of dispensing materials and medicines of the studied home care company. Among the best practices, the creation of an awareness booklet for employees who work directly with dispensing was obtained; the entire medication register was updated, using the CD3 method as a basis, “items with similar writing/appearance/sonography were updated; as well as separating it into different shelves and improving the ways of identifying items that had similar labeling or packaging. It is expected that, with these good practices, these professionals can minimize the failures/near failures observed in future dispensations

Fontes de acesso e utilização de medicamentos na zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2016: estudo transversal de base populacional

Objective. To analyze the prevalence of medication use, sources of access, and associated factors among rural residents in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Methods. Cross-sectional study with adults ≥18 years, in 2016. Participants reported on the use and sources of access to medication used in the month prior to the interview. Poisson regression was used. Results. Among the 1,519 respondents, 54.7% (95%CI 48.7;60.5) used some medication and 3.3% (95%CI 2.4;4.5) didn’t use some necessary medication. Higher prevalence of use occurred in: women (PR=1.23 – 95%CI 1.12;1.34), the elderly (PR=2.36 – 95%CI 2.05;2.73), worse self-perception of health (PR=1.29 – 95%CI 1.14;1.46) and higher number of diseases (PR=2.37 – 95%CI 2.03;2.77). A total of 14.0% (95%CI 11.2;17.4) obtained medications exclusively from Health System and the prevalence was higher among those who self-declared non-white and from lower economic classes. Conclusion. A small portion indicated that they didn’t use necessary medications. Free obtaining was higher in groups with lower income.Objetivo. Analisar a prevalência do uso de medicamentos, fontes de acesso e fatores associados, em residentes da zona rural de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos. Estudo transversal com adultos ≥18 anos, realizado em 2016. Questionou-se o uso e fontes de acesso aos medicamentos no mês anterior à entrevista. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados. Dos 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7;60,5) utilizaram algum medicamento e 3,3% (IC95% 2,4;4,5) deixaram de utilizar medicamento necessário. Exibiram maiores prevalências de utilização: mulheres (RP=1,23 – IC95% 1,12;1,34), idosos (RP=2,36 – IC95% 2,05;2,73), pessoas com pior autopercepção de saúde (RP=1,29 – IC95% 1,14;1,46), com maior número de doenças (RP=2,37 – IC95% 2,03;2,77). Obtiveram medicamentos exclusivamente pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4), com prevalências maiores entre pessoas de cor da pele autodeclarada não branca e classe econômica inferior. Conclusão. Pequena parcela deixou de usar medicamentos que necessitava. A obtenção gratuita de medicamentos foi maior nos grupos de menor poder aquisitivo

Developing a low cost model for chest drainage simulate training

Objetivo: Descrever a construção de um simulador de baixo custo de drenagem torácica para capacitar a realização deste procedimento. Métodos: A concepção do modelo se deu em 2014 por integrantes do Programa de Educação Tutorial do curso de Medicina da UNIFOR. A seguir, o modelo foi testado por 10 especialistas e posteriormente aprovado para ser aplicado em quatro edições de um curso teórico-prático de procedimentos invasivos com acadêmicos de Medicina de diferentes universidades. Para avaliar o simulador e o desempenho no seu uso, aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados e checklist. Os dados foram analisados pelo Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v. 22 usando estatística descritiva. Resultados: Usou-se um manequim plástico comercial em que foi realizado um corte de 8x8 cm na região lateral do tórax, correspondente ao local da drenagem. Neste local, foram posicionadas folhas de E.V.A. (simulando pele e músculos intercostais), esponja de estofado (subcutâneo) e folha de PVC (pleura). Na parte interna do manequim foi colocada uma estrutura de madeira contendo duas costelas e, entre elas, um copo plástico recoberto por E.V.A. contendo líquido vermelho (simulando um hemotórax). O custo inicial do modelo completo foi de R$81,00/US$ 21,00. Quando testado por especialistas, todos concordaram que o modelo pode ser usado para o ensino na graduação. Durante o curso de procedimentos invasivos, 129 acadêmicos realizaram o procedimento, em que 64,3% dos alunos inseriram corretamente o dreno e 79,1% conectaram ao sistema de drenagem. Apesar de um percentual de erros importante visto em passos iniciais básicos, os alunos conseguiram executar a técnica proposta de forma suficiente. Conclusão: O simulador de drenagem de tórax mostrou-se ser de fácil acesso e reprodução nas universidades, o que o torna uma ferramenta útil para o ensino.Objective: To describe the construction of a low-cost simulator of chest drainage for the training of undergraduate medical students. Methods: The model was conceived in 2014 by members of the Tutorial Education Program - UNIFOR. It was tested by 10 specialists and approved for application in four editions of a theory and practice course on invasive procedures with medical students from different universities. To evaluate the simulator and its performance, semi-structured questionnaires and checklists were applied. Data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v. 22, using descriptive statistics. Results: A commercial mannequin was used to build the model. An 8 x 8 cm square cut was made in the lateral wall of the chest. Inside this region, EVA sheets (simulating skin and intercostal muscles), foam padding (subcutaneous tissue) and transparent PVC sheet (pleura) were placed. In the inner part of the mannequin, a wooden structure containing two ribs was constructed and a plastic cup containing red-dyed water was placed between the two ribs. The complete model had an initial cost of R$81,00/US$ 21,00. The medical specialists agreed (100%) that it can be used for undergraduate teaching. During the course on invasive procedures, 129 students performed the procedure; 64.3% of them were able to correctly insert the drain and 79.1% connected it to the drainage system. Despite of the high percentage of errors in basic initial steps, the students were able to execute the technique satisfactorily. Conclusion: The low-cost chest drainage simulator was easy to access and to reproduce in universities, which makes it an important tool for teaching

Immune signatures predict development of autoimmune toxicity in patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are among the most promising treatment options for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While ICIs can induce effective anti-tumor responses, they may also drive serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Identifying biomarkers to predict which patients will suffer from irAEs would enable more accurate clinical risk-benefit analysis for ICI treatment and may also shed light on common or distinct mechanisms underpinning treatment success and irAEs. Methods: In this prospective multi-center study, we combined a multi-omics approach including unbiased single-cell profiling of over 300 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and high-throughput proteomics analysis of over 500 serum samples to characterize the systemic immune compartment of patients with melanoma or NSCLC before and during treatment with ICIs. Findings: When we combined the parameters obtained from the multi-omics profiling of patient blood and serum, we identified potential predictive biomarkers for ICI-induced irAEs. Specifically, an early increase in CXCL9/CXCL10/CXCL11 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) 1 to 2 weeks after the start of therapy are likely indicators of heightened risk of developing irAEs. In addition, an early expansion of Ki-67+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Ki-67+ CD8+ T cells is also likely to be associated with increased risk of irAEs. Conclusions: We suggest that the combination of these cellular and proteomic biomarkers may help to predict which patients are likely to benefit most from ICI therapy and those requiring intensive monitoring for irAEs. Funding: This work was primarily funded by the European Research Council, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Cancer League, and the Forschungsförderung of the Kantonsspital St. Gallen

Immune signatures predict development of autoimmune toxicity in patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are among the most promising treatment options for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While ICIs can induce effective anti-tumor responses, they may also drive serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Identifying biomarkers to predict which patients will suffer from irAEs would enable more accurate clinical risk-benefit analysis for ICI treatment and may also shed light on common or distinct mechanisms underpinning treatment success and irAEs. METHODS In this prospective multi-center study, we combined a multi-omics approach including unbiased single-cell profiling of over 300 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and high-throughput proteomics analysis of over 500 serum samples to characterize the systemic immune compartment of patients with melanoma or NSCLC before and during treatment with ICIs. FINDINGS When we combined the parameters obtained from the multi-omics profiling of patient blood and serum, we identified potential predictive biomarkers for ICI-induced irAEs. Specifically, an early increase in CXCL9/CXCL10/CXCL11 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) 1 to 2 weeks after the start of therapy are likely indicators of heightened risk of developing irAEs. In addition, an early expansion of Ki-67+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Ki-67+ CD8+ T cells is also likely to be associated with increased risk of irAEs. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the combination of these cellular and proteomic biomarkers may help to predict which patients are likely to benefit most from ICI therapy and those requiring intensive monitoring for irAEs. FUNDING This work was primarily funded by the European Research Council, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Cancer League, and the Forschungsförderung of the Kantonsspital St. Gallen

Population-based study in a rural area: methodology and challenges

OBJETIVO: Descrever o planejamento, a amostragem, os aspectos operacionais do campo e a amostra obtida durante pesquisa realizada na zona rural, especificando e discutindo as principais dificuldades logísticas peculiares a esses locais e as soluções adotadas. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro e junho de 2016, foi realizado inquérito transversal de base populacional, com amostra representativa da população com 18 anos de idade ou mais residente na zona rural de Pelotas (cerca de 22 mil), RS, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações demográficas, socioeconômicas e relacionadas à saúde, como consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, consumo de cigarros, sintomas depressivos, qualidade da alimentação, qualidade de vida, atividade física, satisfação com a unidade de saúde, excesso de peso ou obesidade e problemas do sono. RESULTADOS: Em 720 domicílios amostrados, 1.697 indivíduos foram identificados e 1.519 foram entrevistados (89,5%). O estudo, inicialmente, sorteou 24 setores e propôs-se a visitar 42 domicílios/setor, mas foram necessárias adequações metodológicas, especialmente a redução do número de domicílios por setor (de 42 para 30) e a identificação de núcleos habitacionais nos setores. As principais razões para as adequações foram dificuldade de acesso aos locais, grandes distâncias entre residências, equívocos nos dados geográficos disponíveis via satélite (não condiziam com a realidade) e alto custo. CONCLUSÕES: O prévio reconhecimento detalhado do ambiente de pesquisa foi fundamental para a tomada de decisão perante às inconsistências geográficas entre mapas e território. As estratégias e técnicas dos estudos na zona urbana não são aplicáveis à zona rural no que tange ao contexto observado em Pelotas. As medidas adotadas, mantendo o rigor metodológico, foram fundamentais para garantir a execução do estudo no tempo planejado e com os recursos financeiros disponíveis.OBJECTIVE: To describe the planning, sampling, operational aspects of the field, and the sample obtained during a research conducted in a rural area, specifying and discussing the main logistical difficulties unique to these places and the solutions adopted. METHODS: We carried out a population-based, cross-sectional survey between January and June 2016, with a representative sample of the population aged 18 years or over living in the rural area of Pelotas (approximately 22,000 individuals), State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related information, such as alcohol consumption, cigarette consumption, depressive symptoms, quality of diet, quality of life, physical activity, satisfaction with the health unit, overweight or obesity, and sleep problems. RESULTS: In the 720 domiciles sampled, 1,697 individuals were identified and 1,519 were interviewed (89.5%). The study initially drew 24 census tracts and proposed the visit to 42 households per tract; however, we need to adjust the method, such as decreasing the number of households per census tract (from 42 to 30) and identifying housing centers in each tract. The main reasons for these changes were difficulty accessing the area, large distances between households, misconceptions in the satellite data available (which did not fit the reality), and high cost of the field work. CONCLUSIONS: The previous detailed recognition of the research environment was crucial for decision making as the maps and territory had geographical inconsistencies. The strategies and techniques used in studies for the urban area are not applicable to the rural area given the outcomes observed in Pelotas. The decisions taken, keeping the methodological rigor, were essential to ensure the timely execution of the study with the financial resources available

Standardized Computer-Assisted Analysis of PRAME Immunoreactivity in Dysplastic Nevi and Superficial Spreading Melanomas

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is a cancer testis antigen that is frequently expressed in melanoma compared to benign melanocytic proliferations and nevi. However, the interpretation of the intensity and distribution of PRAME immunostaining is not standardized a lot, which makes interpretation difficult. PRAME-stained histological slides of superficial spreading melanomas (SSM) and dysplastic nevi (DN) were digitized and analyzed using the digital pathology and image platform QuPath. t-tests and ROC AUCs were performed with SPSS. A p-value of 0.8 was considered a good result. A cut-off score was defined in an evaluation cohort and subsequently analyzed in an independent validation cohort. In total, 81 PRAME-stained specimens were included. The evaluation cohort included 32 (50%) SSM and 32 (50%) DN, and the mean of PRAME-positive cells/mm2 for the entire lesion was 455.3 (SD 428.2) in SSM and 60.5 (SD 130.1; p 2. In the validation cohort, 16 out of 17 cases (94.1%) were correctly classified by the cut-off score. The computer-aided assessment of PRAME immunostaining is a useful tool in dermatopathology to distinguish between DN and SSM. Lesions with a moderate expression and indifferent morphologic features will remain a challenge for dermatopathologists

NOSSO QUINTAL: PROJETO DE RESGATE, MULTIPLICAÇÃO E DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE MUDAS DE ESPÉCIES ORNAMENTAIS, FRUTÍFERAS E SILVÍCOLAS

O IFC - Campus Concórdia possui vasto conhecimento e tradição no campo das Ciências Agrárias, formandoprofissionais de nível médio, com qualidade e eficiência, há mais de meio século através do curso Técnicoem Agropecuária e a partir de 2015 passou também a atuar na formação de engenheiros(as) agrônomos(as)com a oferta do curso de Agronomia. O campus está localizado em uma região que se caracterizar por serum dos principais redutos da agricultura familiar no Brasil, e tem em suas raízes culturais o hábito de cultivarpróximo às residências os “Quintais”. Nestes espaços, são cultivadas diversas espécies, muitas dessasclassificadas como ornamentais e/ou frutíferas, ou até mesmo silvícolas. No entanto, o envelhecimento dapopulação rural e o incremento no êxodo rural, indicam um grande risco de perda de espécies amplamenteadaptadas à região e desafia instituições como o IFC- Campus Concórdia a atuar de forma mais efetiva,especialmente em se tratando de ações de extensão. Diante do exposto, este projeto catalogou 97 espéciesornamentais e 17 frutíferas, todas presentes na região do Alto Uruguai Catarinense (AMAUC). Para aidentificação e caracterização das mesmas foi demandada uma ampla revisão nos acervos bibliográficosdisponíveis no IFC e também em materiais digitais. Parte das espécies foram multiplicadas e disponibilizadaspara a comunidade (pais, alunos e servidores) através de duas feiras realizadas nas dependências do IFC.Estas feiras ocorreram em sábados letivos destinados a entrega dos boletins de desempenho dos alunos docurso técnico. Com isso foi possível envolver mais de 150 alunos, além de pais e servidores do campus naatividade. Os bolsistas do projeto e alunos voluntários realizaram a apresentação das espécies disponíveis eas orientações técnicas para o público presente na feira. Ao total foram disponibilizadas mais de 500 plantasde 20 espécies. Outro importante resultado foi a participação do projeto na 15a Edição do TECNOESTE -Show Tecnológico Rural do Oeste Catarinense, com doações de algumas espécies e trocas de informações,entre alunos e visitantes. Além disso, encontra-se em desenvolvimento a produção de uma cartilha técnicaque apresenta 50 espécies resistentes ou tolerantes a geada, além de informações técnicas como, nomecientífico, hábito de crescimento, ciclo de vida, origem, cultivo, clima, solo, demanda hídrica, porte, poda,propagação, e os principais uso na região. Ao longo do desenvolvimento do projeto foram geradas inúmerassituações de aprendizagem, visto que, os discentes foram envolvidos diretamente na identificação,classificação e multiplicação dos materiais encontrados, além de aproximar o IFC - Campus Concórdia comtoda a comunidade local

Checkpoint-inhibitor induced Polyserositis with Edema

Background As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are increasingly being used due to effectiveness in various tumor entities, rare side effects occur more frequently. Pericardial effusion has been reported in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after or under treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, knowledge about serositis and edemas induced by checkpoint inhibitors in other tumor entities is scarce. Methods and results Four cases with sudden onset of checkpoint inhibitor induced serositis (irSerositis) are presented including one patient with metastatic cervical cancer, two with metastatic melanoma and one with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In all cases treatment with steroids was successful in the beginning, but did not lead to complete recovery of the patients. All patients required multiple punctures. Three of the patients presented with additional peripheral edema;in one patient only the lower extremities were affected, whereas the entire body, even face and eyelids were involved in the other patients. In all patients serositis was accompanied by other immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Conclusion ICI-induced serositis and effusions are complex to diagnose and treat and might be underdiagnosed. For differentiation from malignant serositis pathology of the punctured fluid can be helpful (lymphocytes vs. malignant cells). Identifying irSerositis as early as possible is essential since steroids can improve symptoms

THE OLD ONE TECHNIQUE IN A NEW STYLE: DEVELOPING PROCEDURAL SKILLS IN PARACENTESIS IN A LOW COST SIMULATOR MODEL

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Paracentesis is a routine medical procedure quite relevant in clinical practice. There are risks of complications related to paracentesis, so it is essential a proper trainee for the younger practicer. OBJECTIVE: The article describes the construction and the application of a low cost paracentesis simulator for undergraduate medical students and it also describes the perception of students about the simulator as well. METHODS: A low-cost model was developed by the Program of Tutorial Education for training medical students during three editions of an undergraduate theoretical-practical course of bedside invasive procedures. The authors constructed a model from very low-cost and easily accessible materials, such as commercial dummy plus wooden and plastic supports to represent the abdomen, synthetic leather fabric for the skin, upholstered sponge coated with plastic film to represent the abdominal wall and procedure gloves with water mixed with paint to simulate the ascitic fluid and other abdominal structures. One semi-structured form with quantitative and qualitative questions was applied for medical specialists and students in order to evaluate the paracentesis simulator. RESULTS: The paracentesis model has an initial cost of US$22.00 / R$70.00 for 30 simulations and US$16.00 / R$50.00 for every 30 additional simulations. It was tested by eight medical doctors, including clinical medicine, general surgeons and gastroenterologists, and all of them fully agreed that the procedure should be performed on the manikin before in the actual patient, and they all approved the model for undergraduate education. A total of 87 undergraduate medical students (56% male) individually performed the procedure in our simulator. Regarding the steps of the procedure, 80.5% identified the appropriate place for needle puncture and 75.9% proceeded with the Z or traction technique. An amount of 80.5% of the students were able to aspire the fluid and another 80.5% of students correctly performed the bandage at the end of the procedure. All the students fully agreed that simulated paracentesis training should be performed prior to performing the procedure on a real patient. CONCLUSION: The elaboration of a teaching model in paracentesis provided unique experience to authors and participants, allowing a visible correlation of the human anatomy with synthetic materials, deepening knowledge of this basic science and developing creative skills, which enhances clinical practice. There are no data on the use of paracentesis simulation models in Brazilian universities. However, the procedure is quite accomplished in health services and needs to be trained. The model described above was presented as qualified with low cost and easily reproducible