Is a short-stage protocol during an incremental exercise test reliable for heart rate variability threshold analysis?

Aim: Heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) is a valid method to determine parasympathetic depression during an incremental exercise test (IET). However, HRVT is usually assessed using the last 60s of each 180s stage of an IET, resulting in longer and demotivating tests. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement of HRVT analysis adopting the first and second minute of R-R interval (iRR) segment comparatively to a standard third-minute segment obtained at each 3-min stage on IET. Methods: Seventeen young male subjects (22.2 ± 3.1 years; 23.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2) underwent IET on a cycle ergometer. HRVT was considered the load corresponding to the point of stabilization of the SD1 index (HRVTV), or the first load with SD1 value < 3ms (HRVT<3), both assessed by the 1st (HRVT1V, HRVT1<3), 2nd (HRVT2V, HRVT2<3) and standard 3rd (HRVT3V, HRVT3<3) 60s iRR segment analyzed at each stage of IET. Agreement and reliability were assessed by the Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Results: High reliability and non-significant bias were observed considering HRVT1V vs HRVT3V (ICC = 0.92; p = 0.18) or HRVT2V vs HRVT3V (ICC = 0.94; p = 0.99). However, lower reliability was observed for HRVT1<3 vs HRVT3<3 (ICC = 0.79; p = 0.75) and for HRVT2<3 vs HRVT3<3 (ICC = 0.91; p = 0.33). Conclusion: HRVT can be similarly assessed by the 1st, 2nd or 3rd 60 seconds iRR segment, mainly when assessed by a visual method

Nova associacao de charcos temporários mediterrânicos do SW da Península Ibérica: eryngio corniculati-Isoetetum setacei.

New association of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds from the SW of the Iberian Peninsula: Eryngio corniculati-Isoetetum setaceiPalavras-chave. Isoeto-Nanojuncetea, Vegetação anfíbia, Rede Natura 2000, Alentejo.Key words. Isoeto-Nanojuncetea, Amphibious vegetation, Natura 2000 Network, Alentejo

Impact of heart rate on reproducibility of heart rate variability analysis in the supine and standing positions in healthy men

OBJECTIVE: The reliability of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is not yet fully understood, especially considering different body positions and the mathematical influence of heart rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of HRV in supine and standing positions, with and without mathematical adjustment of HRV by the average R-R interval (iRR). METHODS: We evaluated 37 young males (23.1±4 years; 25.1±3 kg/m2). A 5-min segment of the iRR was collected in the supine and standing positions on three occasions separated by 48-hour intervals. Absolute and relative reliability of temporal and spectral indices were assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. RESULTS: We did not observe differences in HRV indices in the three occasions in the supine or standing position (p>0.05). Moderate to good reproducibility was observed for temporal and spectral indices of HRV in the supine position (ICC: 0.65-0.89; CV: 0.9-19.8). In the orthostatic position, low to good reproducibility was observed (ICC: 0.35-0.89; CV: 1.1-34.8), with higher ICCs for temporal indices. After mathematical adjustment, only a small modification in HRV reliability was observed in both positions. CONCLUSIONS: In young adult males, the mathematical adjustment of HRV by the average iRR led to a nonsignificant effect on HRV reliability. Additionally, HRV reliability is dependent on body position and the index analyzed. Promising measures in both supine and standing positions include r-MSSD and the HF band (parasympathetic indices)

Reliability of heart rate variability threshold and parasympathetic reactivation after a submaximal exercise test

The objective of this study was to evaluate reproducibility of heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) and parasympathetic reactivation in physically active men (n= 16, 24.3 ± 5.1 years). During the test, HRVT was assessed by SD1 and r-MSSD dynamics. Immediately after exercise, r-MSSD was analyzed in segments of 60 seconds for a period of five minutes. High absolute and relatively reproducible analysis of HRVT were observed, as assessed by SD1 and r-MSSD dynamics (ICC = 0.92, CV = 10.8, SEM = 5.8). During the recovery phase, a moderate to high reproducibility was observed for r-MSSD from the first to the fifth minute (ICC = 0.69-0.95, CV = 7.5-14.2, SEM = 0.07-1.35). We conclude that HRVT and r-MSSD analysis after a submaximal stress test are highly reproducible measures that might be used to assess the acute and chronic effects of exercise training on cardiac autonomic modulation during and/or after a submaximal stress test

Informe del encuentro de Universidades Latinoamericanas y Europeas en pedagogía hospitalaria. Red UNITWIN-UNESCO de pedagogía hospitalaria.

El presente informe da cuenta del trabajo realizado con instituciones de Educación Superior de América Latina y Europa, representantes de Ministerios de Educación y Salud, representantes de organizaciones sin fines de lucro dedicadas a la Pedagogía Hospitalaria de Latinoamérica y El Caribe

A sífilis na gestação e os cuidados no pré-natal

Este artigo vem apresentando a partir de revisão bibliográfica a sífilis durante o período gestacional e os cuidados que são necessários durante o pré-natal. A sífilis afeta em média um milhão de gestantes em todo o mundo por ano, o que ocasiona uma morte fetal e neonatal de mais de 300 mil mortes por ano. Colocando em risco mais de 200 mil crianças a morte prematura. Estima-se que em média 300 mil crianças nascem com sífilis congênita todos os anos na América Latina e Caribe, dados estes de acordo com o Boletim Epidemiológico da Sífilis de 2019. Além de abordar como se chegar ao diagnóstico apresentando uma breve revisão sobre os teste treponêmicos e não treponêmicos.&nbsp

Scientific production about the sexuality of women in climacteric: an integrative review

Objetivo: Analisar a produção científica publicada sobre sexualidade de mulheres no climatério. Metódos: Revisão integrativa de abordagem bibliométrica, realizada através de consulta online, avançada e sistemática na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, utilizando-se a técnica da metapesquisa. Resultados: Os autores estavam vinculados a 20 instituições, 53,2% eram médicos, 61,7% eram doutores. O país com maior número de autores foi o Brasil. O tema mais abordado foi a função sexual. A maioria das publicações era quantitativa, ocorreram em 2008 e foram publicados no idioma português brasileiro. O nível de evidência mais frequente foi o quatro. A aplicação da lei de Bradford resultou em três zonas de produtividade. Conclusão: Observou-se a necessidade de mais pesquisas qualitativas, principalmente na área de enfermagem, além de estudos com maior poder de evidência, assim como mais investimentos em outras regiões do Brasil

Patrones alimenticios en el Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil): un análisis exploratorio

The food consumption of 15,071 public employees was analyzed in six Brazilian cities participating in the baseline for Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010) with the aim of identifying eating patterns and their relationship to socio-demographic variables. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were applied. Four patterns were identified, with their respective frequencies: “traditional” (48%); “fruits and vegetables” (25%); “pastry shop” (24%); and “diet/light” (5%) The “traditional” and “pastry shop” patterns were more frequent among men, younger individuals, and those with less schooling. “Fruits and vegetables” and “diet/light” were more frequent in women, older individuals, and those with more schooling. Our findings show the inclusion of new items in the “traditional” pattern and the appearance of the “low sugar/low fat” pattern among the eating habits of Brazilian workers, and signal socio-demographic and regional differences.Foi analisado o consumo alimentar de 15.071 servidores públicos de seis cidades brasileiras participantes da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), com o objetivo de identificar os padrões alimentares e sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas. Foram aplicadas análise de correspondência múltipla e cluster. Os quatro padrões identificados e suas respectivas frequências foram: “tradicional” (48%); “frutas e hortaliças” (25%); “pastelaria” (24%); e “diet/light” (5%) Os padrões “tradicional” e “pastelaria” foram mais frequentes entre homens, indivíduos mais jovens e de menor escolaridade. Por outro lado, os padrões “frutas e hortaliças” e “diet/light” foram mais frequente entre mulheres, indivíduos mais velhos e de maior escolaridade. Nossos achados mostram a inclusão de novos itens no padrão “tradicional” e o aparecimento do padrão “low sugar/ low fat” entre os hábitos alimentares de trabalhadores brasileiros, e sinalizam diferenças sociodemográficas e regionais.Se analizó el consumo alimenticio de 15.071 empleados públicos de seis ciudades brasileñas, participantes de la línea de base del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), con el objetivo de identificar los patrones alimenticios y su relación con variables sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis de correspondencia múltiple y clúster. Los cuatro patrones identificados y sus respectivas frecuencias fueron: “tradicional” (48%); “frutas y hortalizas” (25%); “pastelería” (24%); y “diet/light” (5%). Los patrones “tradicional” y “pastelería” fueron más frecuentes entre hombres, individuos más jóvenes y de menor escolaridad. Por otro lado, los patrones “frutas y hortalizas” y “diet/light” fueron más frecuentes entre mujeres, individuos más viejos y de mayor escolaridad. Nuestros hallazgos muestran la inclusión de nuevos ítems en el patrón “tradicional” y la aparición del padrón “low sugar/low fat” entre los hábitos alimenticios de trabajadores brasileños, y señalan diferencias sociodemográficas y regionales

A canine leishmaniasis pilot survey in an emerging focus of visceral leishmaniasis: Posadas (Misiones, Argentina)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>An increasing number of reports are calling our attention to the worldwide spread of leishmaniasis. The urbanization of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been observed in different South American countries, due to changes in demographic and ecological factors. In May 2006, VL was detected for the first time in the city of Posadas (Misiones, Argentina). This event encouraged us to conduct a clinical and parasitological pilot survey on domestic dogs from Posadas to identify their potential role as reservoirs for the disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One hundred and ten dogs from the city of Posadas were included in the study. They were selected based on convenience and availability. All dogs underwent clinical examination. Symptomatology related to canine leishmaniasis was recorded, and peripheral blood and lymph node aspirates were collected. Anti-<it>Leishmania </it>antibodies were detected using rK39-immunocromatographic tests and IFAT. Parasite detection was based on peripheral blood and lymph node aspirate PCR targeting the <it>SSUrRNA </it>gene. Molecular typing was addressed by DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products obtained by <it>SSUrRNA </it>and ITS-1 PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>According to clinical examination, 69.1% (76/110) of the dogs presented symptoms compatible with canine leishmaniasis. Serological analyses were positive for 43.6% (48/110) of the dogs and parasite DNA was detected in 47.3% (52/110). A total of 63 dogs (57.3%) were positive by serology and/or PCR. Molecular typing identified <it>Leishmania infantum </it>(syn. <it>Leishmania chagasi</it>) as the causative agent.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This work confirms recent findings which revealed the presence of <it>Lutzomyia longipalpis</it>, the vector of <it>L. infantum </it>in this area of South America. This new VL focus could be well established, and further work is needed to ascertain its magnitude and to prevent further human VL cases.</p

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on asthma symptoms and management: A prospective analysis of asthmatic children in Ecuador

Background Asthma affects up to 33% of children in Latin American settings. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on access to and use of health services. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on asthma exacerbations, medical facility visits, and use of asthma medications in children. Methods We used data from a prospective cohort of 213 children aged 5–17 years in 3 Ecuadorian cities and analysed the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on asthma. Outcomes (asthma exacerbations, emergency room [ER] visits, planned and unplanned outpatient visits, and use of inhaled corticosteroids and Beta-2 agonists) were analysed using repeated Poisson counts (ie, number of events per participant before and during the COVID-19 lockdown). Results During compared to before lockdown: a) the number of asthma exacerbations remained constant (IRR, 0.87; 95% CI: 0.72–1.05; p = 0.152); b) outpatient visits (IRR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.47, p < 0.001) declined 74% while ER visits declined 89% (IRR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.32, p < 0.001); and c) there was no change in inhaled corticosteroids use (IRR 1.03, 95% CI 0.90–1.16, P = 0.699) while Beta-2 agonist use increased (IRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10–1.58, P = 0.003). Conclusions In a cohort of Ecuadorian children with asthma, health services attendance decreased dramatically after COVID-19 lockdown, but asthma exacerbations and use of inhaled corticosteroids were unchanged. Future analyses will address the question of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on asthma exacerbations and control in this paediatric population