Recém-nascidos pré-termos submetidos à cirurgia seletiva da persistência do canal arterial: ainda há espaço para esses procedimentos?

Introduction: The ductus arteriosus is a small fetal structure that connects two large arteries (aorta and pulmonary) but becomes pathological when it is maintained after birth. Morbidities associated with persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may lead to the conclusion that the best approach is early surgical treatment. However, there is evidence that expectant (more selective) surgical management may reduce the chances of unnecessary surgeries and their risks. Objective: To analyze the clinical and surgical profile of preterm newborns submitted to selective correction surgery of the patent ductus arteriosus. Method: This paper contemplates a series of cases, in which all patients submitted to the surgical treatment of PDA in preterm infants were described retrospectively (2009-2016), through the analysis of medical records of the Santa Marcelina Hospital, SP-Brazil. Results: During this period, there were 13 cases of premature infants who underwent selective surgical correction of PDA. Gestational age was 26.92 weeks, maternal age ranged from 15 to 44, birth weight varied between 650 and 1500g, mostly women (61.54%). The diameter of the ductus arteriosus ranged from 1.7 to 4.1 mm, four patients had complex congenital heart disease (30.77%). The median courses of indomethacin were 1.77, congestive heart failure was shown in 11 patients (84.62%), the median age at surgery was 27.69 days and the median duration of orotracheal intubation was 22.62 days. The weight of the newborns at the time of the surgical act varied between 900 and 1820g. The postoperative complications were mostly infectious, with nine patients with bronchopneumonia (69.23%), one patient had pneumothorax. Sepsis occurred in two cases (15.35%) that died due to the same complication (15.35%). Conclusion: All preterm newborns who underwent surgery had birth weight less than 1500g. The median arterial canal was 3.05 mm in diameter. The median gestational age was 26.92 weeks and 62% of the cases were female. The most frequent surgical technique was the triple clipping, there was no bleeding or reoperation in this series of cases. ge at surgery was 27.69 days and the median duration of orotracheal intubation was 22.62 days. The weight of the newborns at the time of the surgical act varied between 900 and 1820g. The postoperative complications were mostly infectious, with nine patients with bronchopneumonia (69.23%), one patient had pneumothorax. Sepsis occurred in two cases (15.35%) that died due to the same complication (15.35%). Conclusion: All preterm newborns who underwent surgery had birth weight less than 1500g. The median arterial canal was 3.05 mm in diameter. The median gestational age was 26.92 weeks and 62% of the cases were female. The most frequent surgical technique was the triple clipping, there was no bleeding or reoperation in this series of cases.Introdução: O canal arterial é uma pequena estrutura fetal que comunica duas grandes artérias (aorta e pulmonar), mas que se torna patológica quando se mantem após o nascimento. As morbidades associadas à persistência do canal arterial (PCA) podem levar à conclusão de que a melhor conduta seja o tratamento cirúrgico precoce. No entanto, há evidências de que a conduta cirúrgica expectante (seletiva), poderia diminuir os riscos de cirurgias desnecessárias e suas complicações. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico-cirúrgico dos recém-nascidos pré-termos (RNPT) submetidos à cirurgia seletiva de correção da Persistência do Canal Arterial. Método: Este trabalho contempla uma série de casos, onde foram descritos retrospectivamente (2009-2016) todos os recém-nascidos submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de PCA em RNPT através da análise de prontuários do Hospital Santa Marcelina, SP-Brasil. Resultados: Neste período, observou-se 13 casos de prematuros que foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica seletiva da PCA. A idade gestacional média foi de 26,92 semanas, a idade materna variou entre 15 e 44 anos. O peso ao nascimento variou entre 650 e 1500g e houve prevalência do sexo feminino (61,54%). O diâmetro do canal arterial variou entre 1,7 e 5 mm, quatro recém-nascidos apresentaram cardiopatia congênita complexa (30,77%). A média de ciclos de indometacina foi de 1,77. A insuficiência cardíaca congestiva se evidenciou em 11 recém-nascidos (84,62%); a idade média no ato cirúrgico foi de 27,69 dias e a média do tempo de intubação orotraqueal foi de 22,62 dias. O peso no momento do ato cirúrgico variou entre 900 e 1820g. As complicações pós-operatórias foram em sua maioria infecciosas, observando-se nove recém-nascidos com broncopneumonia (69,23%); um paciente apresentou pneumotórax. Ocorreram sepse em dois casos (15,35%) que evoluíram para óbito por esta mesma complicação (15,35%). Conclusão: Todos os RNPT que foram submetidos a cirurgia tiveram peso ao nascimento menor de 1500g. A média de canal arterial foi de 3,05 mm de diâmetro. A idade gestacional média foi de 26,92 semanas e 62% dos casos eram do sexo feminino. A técnica cirúrgica mais frequente foi a da tripla clipagem, não houve sangramento ou reoperação nesta série de casos. A cirurgia seletiva de PCA ainda se faz necessária nos dias atuais

ESQUIZOFRENIA: DESVENDANDO OS DESAFIOS E TRATAMENTO

Objective: To discuss, through scientific evidence, the challenges and treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: This is a qualitative integrative literature review. The research involved searching the following databases: SCIELO, LILACS, BDENF, and MEDLINE, using the health science descriptors: "Schizophrenia," "Stigmas," and "Treatment." Inclusion criteria were: articles published between 2014 and 2024, with full-text access freely available, and articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish related to the theme. Exclusion criteria were: duplicate, incomplete articles, abstracts, reviews, debates, articles published in conference proceedings, and articles not available in full. Results: The integrative literature review revealed several significant challenges in the treatment of schizophrenia. Firstly, the stigma associated with the disease remains a significant barrier, affecting both public perception and patients' self-esteem, and negatively influencing treatment adherence. Scientific evidence shows that despite therapeutic advances, treatment effectiveness is often limited by patients' lack of adherence due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications and inadequate psychosocial support. Conclusion: It is concluded that schizophrenia presents complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach. The literature review highlights that, in addition to pharmacological advances, it is crucial to combat stigma and promote treatment adherence through continuous psychosocial support and personalized interventions. Rehabilitation programs and early interventions are essential to improve long-term outcomes. Thus, for more effective treatment of schizophrenia, an integrated health system combining medical treatments with psychosocial support is necessary, ensuring a comprehensive and patient-centered approach.Objetivo: Discutir por meio das evidências cientificas acerca dos desafios e tratamento da esquizofrenia. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura de caráter qualitativo. A busca dos trabalhos envolvidos na pesquisa foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: SCIELO, LILACS, BDENF e MEDLINE, a partir dos descritores em ciências da saúde: "Esquizofrenia", "Estigmas" e "Tratamento". Os critérios de inclusão foram: publicados no período entre 2014 e 2024, cujo acesso ao periódico era livre aos textos completos, artigos em idioma português, inglês e espanhol e relacionados a temática. Critérios de exclusão foram: artigos duplicados, incompletos, resumos, resenhas, debates, artigos publicados em anais de eventos e indisponíveis na íntegra. Resultados: A revisão integrativa da literatura revelou vários desafios significativos no tratamento da esquizofrenia. Primeiramente, o estigma associado à doença continua a ser uma barreira importante, afetando tanto a percepção pública quanto a autoestima dos pacientes, e influenciando negativamente a adesão ao tratamento. Evidências científicas mostram que, apesar dos avanços terapêuticos, a eficácia dos tratamentos é frequentemente limitada pela falta de adesão dos pacientes devido aos efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos antipsicóticos e à falta de apoio psicossocial adequado. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a esquizofrenia apresenta desafios complexos que exigem uma abordagem multifacetada. A revisão da literatura evidencia que, além dos avanços farmacológicos, é crucial combater o estigma e promover a adesão ao tratamento através de suporte psicossocial contínuo e intervenções personalizadas. Programas de reabilitação e intervenções precoces são fundamentais para melhorar os resultados a longo prazo. Assim, para um tratamento mais eficaz da esquizofrenia, é necessário um sistema de saúde integrado que combine tratamentos médicos com apoio psicossocial, garantindo uma abordagem abrangente e centrada no paciente

Measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum above 4×10184{\times}10^{18} eV using inclined events detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory

A measurement of the cosmic-ray spectrum for energies exceeding $4{\times}10^{18}$ eV is presented, which is based on the analysis of showers with zenith angles greater than $60^{\circ}$ detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013. The measured spectrum confirms a flux suppression at the highest energies. Above $5.3{\times}10^{18}$ eV, the "ankle", the flux can be described by a power law $E^{-\gamma}$ with index $\gamma=2.70 \pm 0.02 \,\text{(stat)} \pm 0.1\,\text{(sys)}$ followed by a smooth suppression region. For the energy ($E_\text{s}$) at which the spectral flux has fallen to one-half of its extrapolated value in the absence of suppression, we find $E_\text{s}=(5.12\pm0.25\,\text{(stat)}^{+1.0}_{-1.2}\,\text{(sys)}){\times}10^{19}$ eV.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

Energy Estimation of Cosmic Rays with the Engineering Radio Array of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) is part of the Pierre Auger Observatory and is used to detect the radio emission of cosmic-ray air showers. These observations are compared to the data of the surface detector stations of the Observatory, which provide well-calibrated information on the cosmic-ray energies and arrival directions. The response of the radio stations in the 30 to 80 MHz regime has been thoroughly calibrated to enable the reconstruction of the incoming electric field. For the latter, the energy deposit per area is determined from the radio pulses at each observer position and is interpolated using a two-dimensional function that takes into account signal asymmetries due to interference between the geomagnetic and charge-excess emission components. The spatial integral over the signal distribution gives a direct measurement of the energy transferred from the primary cosmic ray into radio emission in the AERA frequency range. We measure 15.8 MeV of radiation energy for a 1 EeV air shower arriving perpendicularly to the geomagnetic field. This radiation energy -- corrected for geometrical effects -- is used as a cosmic-ray energy estimator. Performing an absolute energy calibration against the surface-detector information, we observe that this radio-energy estimator scales quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy as expected for coherent emission. We find an energy resolution of the radio reconstruction of 22% for the data set and 17% for a high-quality subset containing only events with at least five radio stations with signal.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION AGAINST MEASLES, RUBELLA AND MUMPS IN PREVENTING NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN

Childhood vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps has been a crucial measure in preventing neurological complications. These potentially debilitating and, in extreme cases, fatal diseases have significant impacts on public health. Among the most serious complications, the neurological consequences that can affect the cognitive and motor development of children stand out. With the introduction of large-scale immunization programs, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of these diseases, providing not only individual protection, but also contributing to the eradication of outbreaks in communities. Objective: To analyze scientific literature from the last 10 years to comprehensively understand how vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps impacts the prevention of neurological complications in children. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist guidelines. We used the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to search for relevant articles. The descriptors were "vaccination", "measles", "rubella", "mumps" and "neurological complications". Inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focused on children and addressing post-vaccination neurological effects. Exclusion criteria included studies with unrepresentative samples and lack of detailed information on neurological outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in neurological complications associated with measles, rubella and mumps after the implementation of vaccination programs. Studies have highlighted the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing encephalitis and other neurological sequelae. Additionally, a decline in hospitalizations related to these complications was observed. Conclusion: This systematic review reinforces the importance of vaccination in preventing neurological complications in children resulting from measles, rubella and mumps. Analysis of the last 10 years reinforces the effectiveness of vaccines, highlighting not only the individual benefits, but also the public health gains in preventing outbreaks and reducing the serious consequences associated with these diseases.Childhood vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps has been a crucial measure in preventing neurological complications. These potentially debilitating and, in extreme cases, fatal diseases have significant impacts on public health. Among the most serious complications, the neurological consequences that can affect the cognitive and motor development of children stand out. With the introduction of large-scale immunization programs, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of these diseases, providing not only individual protection, but also contributing to the eradication of outbreaks in communities. Objective: To analyze scientific literature from the last 10 years to comprehensively understand how vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps impacts the prevention of neurological complications in children. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist guidelines. We used the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to search for relevant articles. The descriptors were "vaccination", "measles", "rubella", "mumps" and "neurological complications". Inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focused on children and addressing post-vaccination neurological effects. Exclusion criteria included studies with unrepresentative samples and lack of detailed information on neurological outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in neurological complications associated with measles, rubella and mumps after the implementation of vaccination programs. Studies have highlighted the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing encephalitis and other neurological sequelae. Additionally, a decline in hospitalizations related to these complications was observed. Conclusion: This systematic review reinforces the importance of vaccination in preventing neurological complications in children resulting from measles, rubella and mumps. Analysis of the last 10 years reinforces the effectiveness of vaccines, highlighting not only the individual benefits, but also the public health gains in preventing outbreaks and reducing the serious consequences associated with these diseases

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8 \pm 0.7 (stat) \pm 6.7 (sys) MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principle calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DOI. Supplemental material in the ancillary file

Familial hypercholesterolaemia in children and adolescents from 48 countries: a cross-sectional study

Background: Approximately 450 000 children are born with familial hypercholesterolaemia worldwide every year, yet only 2·1% of adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia were diagnosed before age 18 years via current diagnostic approaches, which are derived from observations in adults. We aimed to characterise children and adolescents with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and understand current approaches to the identification and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia to inform future public health strategies. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we assessed children and adolescents younger than 18 years with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of HeFH at the time of entry into the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC) registry between Oct 1, 2015, and Jan 31, 2021. Data in the registry were collected from 55 regional or national registries in 48 countries. Diagnoses relying on self-reported history of familial hypercholesterolaemia and suspected secondary hypercholesterolaemia were excluded from the registry; people with untreated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) of at least 13·0 mmol/L were excluded from this study. Data were assessed overall and by WHO region, World Bank country income status, age, diagnostic criteria, and index-case status. The main outcome of this study was to assess current identification and management of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia. Findings: Of 63 093 individuals in the FHSC registry, 11 848 (18·8%) were children or adolescents younger than 18 years with HeFH and were included in this study; 5756 (50·2%) of 11 476 included individuals were female and 5720 (49·8%) were male. Sex data were missing for 372 (3·1%) of 11 848 individuals. Median age at registry entry was 9·6 years (IQR 5·8-13·2). 10 099 (89·9%) of 11 235 included individuals had a final genetically confirmed diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia and 1136 (10·1%) had a clinical diagnosis. Genetically confirmed diagnosis data or clinical diagnosis data were missing for 613 (5·2%) of 11 848 individuals. Genetic diagnosis was more common in children and adolescents from high-income countries (9427 [92·4%] of 10 202) than in children and adolescents from non-high-income countries (199 [48·0%] of 415). 3414 (31·6%) of 10 804 children or adolescents were index cases. Familial-hypercholesterolaemia-related physical signs, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiovascular disease were uncommon, but were more common in non-high-income countries. 7557 (72·4%) of 10 428 included children or adolescents were not taking lipid-lowering medication (LLM) and had a median LDL-C of 5·00 mmol/L (IQR 4·05-6·08). Compared with genetic diagnosis, the use of unadapted clinical criteria intended for use in adults and reliant on more extreme phenotypes could result in 50-75% of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia not being identified. Interpretation: Clinical characteristics observed in adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia are uncommon in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia, hence detection in this age group relies on measurement of LDL-C and genetic confirmation. Where genetic testing is unavailable, increased availability and use of LDL-C measurements in the first few years of life could help reduce the current gap between prevalence and detection, enabling increased use of combination LLM to reach recommended LDL-C targets early in life

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic