Lombalgias em jovens: análise dos fatores de risco associados e estratégias de avaliação

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de lombalgia em jovens e a presença de potenciais fatores associados. Face às limitações dos instrumentos encontrados na literatura, pretendeu-se ainda realizar a adaptação de um questionário de lombalgia, a construção de um questionário de hábitos posturais, de um sistema de avaliação postural, e de uma proposta de classificação para os padrões posturais; bem como realizar a validação destes instrumentos. Metodologia: Participaram 679 jovens com idade dos 14-19 anos (média de 16.23 ±0.90 anos) de Florianópolis/Brasil, que responderam aos questionários. Destes, 330 realizaram as avaliações antropométricas e 300 a avaliação postural. Na análise estatística dos dados de lombalgia e fatores associados foram usados os testes Quiquadrado, Mann Whitney, análise multivariada. Adotou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Nos questionários, a avaliação da consistência interna foi realizada em 679 jovens e da reprodutibilidade em 40, usou-se Alpha de Cronbach e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, respectivamente. A estabilização e fidedignidade do sistema de avaliação postural foram analisadas por meio de objeto de medidas conhecidas pelo coeficiente de variação acumulado. A acurácia da classificação dos padrões posturais foi analisada em 180 jovens, pelo teste ANOVA. Resultados: Os jovens reportaram prevalência de lombalgia de 27.2% no ponto presente, 62.73% trimestral e 76.97% ao longo da vida, especialmente as meninas. Os principais fatores associados à lombalgia foram o género feminino e a percepção de hábitos posturais inadequados, enquanto as praticas de atividades físicas foram apontadas como fator de proteção. Foi observada associação com a magnitude das curvas torácicas e lombares nos meninos e com a posição do ápice da curva na região cervical nas meninas. Os instrumentos utilizados neste estudo foram considerados válidos. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que estratégias de prevenção à lombalgia devam atuar no enfoque às atividades físicas, nos hábitos posturais saudáveis, no alinhamento das curvaturas e nos cuidados diferenciados entre os géneros. Os instrumentos utilizados podem ser aplicados em estudos com objetivos semelhantes.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of low back pain in young people and the presence of associated potential factors. Considering the limitations of instruments found in literature, it was also intended to adapt a low back pain questionnaire, to construct a posture habits questionnaire, a postural assessment system, and a classification proposal for postural standards; as well as validate those instruments. Methods: 679 youngsters aged 14-19 years (mean of 16.23 ± 0.90 years) from Florianópolis / Brazil answered the questionnaires. Of those, 330 underwent anthropometric assessments; 300 underwent postural evaluations. For the statistical analysis of low back pain data and associated factors Chi-square tests, Mann Whitney and multivariate analysis were used. A significance level of 5% was adopted. In the questionnaires, the internal consistency was evaluated in 679 youngsters and the reproducibility in 40, by means of Cronbach's Alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. The stabilization and reliability of the postural evaluation system were analyzed by means of measures known, using the cumulative coefficient of variation. The accuracy of the postural patterns classification was analyzed with ANOVA test in 180 youngsters. Results: The subjects reported a low back pain prevalence of 27.2% at the present point, 62.73% quarterly and 76.97% throughout life, especially girls. The main factors associated with lombalgy were the female gender and the perception of inappropriate posture habits, while physical activity practices were pointed as protection factor. An association was observed with the magnitude of thoracic and lumbar curves in boys and with the position of the apex of the curve in cervical region in girls. The instruments used were considered valid. Conclusion: It is recommended that strategies for prevention of low back pain should focus on physical activities, healthy posture habits, alignment of curvatures and differentiated care between genders. The instruments used can be applied in studies with similar objectives

Mirante: desvendando a complexidade geométrica de paisagens na ilha

TCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro Tecnológico. ArquiteturaO trabalho busca desenvolver uma abordagem ao processo projetual através do entendimento das obras de Christopher Alexander, "The Nature of Order", aplicado à leitura do espaço de orlas da ilha de Florianópolis. A metodologia testa a aplicação de formas de modelagem avançada, como a parametrização, para a inserção da percepção dos padrões locais ao desenho de projeto

Bronchial thermoplasty : a new therapeutic option for the treatment of severe, uncontrolled asthma in adults

Bronchial thermoplasty is a young yet promising treatment for severe asthma whose benefit for long-term asthma control outweighs the short-term risk of deterioration and hospitalisation in the days following the treatment. It is an innovative treatment whose clinical efficacy and safety are beginning to be better understood. Since this is a device-based therapy, the overall evaluation of risk-benefit is unlike that of pharmaceutical products; safety aspects, regulatory requirements, study design and effect size assessment may be unfamiliar. The mechanisms of action and optimal patient selection need to be addressed in further rigorous clinical and scientific studies. Bronchial thermoplasty fits in perfectly with the movement to expand personalised medicine in the field of chronic airway disorders. This is a device-based complimentary asthma treatment that must be supported and developed in order to meet the unmet needs of modern severe asthma management. The mechanisms of action and the type of patients that benefit from bronchial thermoplasty are the most important challenges for bronchial thermoplasty in the future

Secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis treated by lung transplant: A case report.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a pulmonary disease characterized by disruption of surfactant homeostasis resulting in its accumulation in the alveoli. PAP is classically classified into three categories (Table 1): 1/primary (or autoimmune) with antibodies targeting the GM-CSF pathway, 2/secondary to another disease, typically a hematologic malignancy, and 3/genetic. A 30 year-old woman received an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Within the first 6 months post HSCT, she developed an ocular, oral, digestive and hepatic graft-versus-host disease associated with a mixed ventilatory defect with a very severe obstructive syndrome and a severe CO diffusion impairment. High resolution computed tomography showed a classical "crazy paving" pattern. Aspect and differential cell count of BAL were normal. All microbiological samples remained culture negative. Histo-pathological analysis of transbronchial biopsies was unremarkable. Because of the severity of the respiratory insufficiency, open-lung biopsy (OBL) could not be performed. Despite multiple immunosuppressive therapies, lung function deteriorated rapidly; the patient also developed an excavated fungal lesion unresponsive to treatment. She underwent a bilateral lung transplant 48 months after HSCT. Histo-pathological analysis of explanted lungs showed obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), diffuse PAP and invasive cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis. This case illustrates the simultaneous occurrence of OB, PAP and a fungal infection in a 30-year old female patient who underwent HSCT for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To our knowledge this is the only documented case of PAP associated with OB treated by lung transplantation

Impact of SARS-CoV-2-Related Hygiene Measures on Community-Acquired Respiratory Virus Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients in Switzerland

Background and Objectives: Community-acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections pose a serious risk for lung transplant recipients (LTR) as they are prone to severe complications. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Switzerland in 2020, the government implemented hygiene measures for the general population. We investigated the impact of these measures on the transmission of CARV in lung transplant recipients in Switzerland. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study of lung transplant recipients, we investigated two time periods: the year before the COVID-19 pandemic (1 March 2019–29 February 2020) and the first year of the pandemic (1 March 2020–28 February 2021). Data were mainly collected from the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS) database. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: Data from 221 Swiss lung transplant cohort patients were evaluated. In the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, 157 infections were diagnosed compared to 71 infections in the first year of the pandemic (decline of 54%, p < 0.001). Influenza virus infections alone showed a remarkable decrease from 17 infections before COVID-19 to 2 infections after the beginning of the pandemic. No significant difference was found in testing behavior; 803 vs. 925 tests were obtained by two of the three centers during the respective periods. Conclusions: We observed a significant decline in CARV infections in the Swiss lung transplant cohort during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results suggest a relevant impact of hygiene measures when implemented in the population due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of CARV infections

Perceived built environment, health-related quality of life and health care utilization

Previous research has shown that the built environment plays a crucial role for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health care utilization. But, there is limited evidence on the independence of this association from lifestyle and social environment. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate these associations, independent of the social environment, physical activity and body mass index (BMI). We used data from the third follow-up of the Swiss study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart diseases In Adults (SAPALDIA), a population based cohort with associated biobank. Covariate adjusted multiple quantile and polytomous logistic regressions were performed to test associations of variables describing the perceived built environment with HRQoL and health care utilization. Higher HRQoL and less health care utilization were associated with less reported transportation noise annoyance. Higher HRQoL was also associated with greater satisfaction with the living environment and more perceived access to greenspaces. These results were independent of the social environment (living alone and social engagement) and lifestyle (physical activity level and BMI). This study provides further evidence that the built environment should be designed to integrate living and green spaces but separate living and traffic spaces in order to improve health and wellbeing and potentially save health care costs

A Prospective Hospital-Based Study of the Clinical Impact of Non-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Non-SARS)-Related Human Coronavirus Infection

Background. In addition to the human coronaviruses (HCoVs) OC43 and 229E, which have been known for decades to cause infection in humans, 2 new members of this genus have recently been identified: HCoVs NL63 and HKU1. Their impact as a cause of respiratory tract disease in adults at risk for complications needs to be established. Methods. We prospectively assessed the clinical impact of coronavirus infection (excluding cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome) among hospitalized adults. All patients with respiratory disease for whom bronchoalveolar lavage was performed were screened by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the presence of all 4 HCoVs. Results. HCoV was identified in 29 (5.4%) of 540 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens from 279 subjects (mean age, 51 years; 63% male). HCoV OC43 was identified most frequently (12 isolates), followed by 229E (7 isolates), NL63 (6 isolates), and HKU1 (4 isolates). In all, 372 (69%) of 540 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens were negative for bacteria, and 2 persons were coinfected with other respiratory viruses. Transplantation was the most common underlying condition. Of the 29 patients who had HCoV identified in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens, 9 (31%) were hospitalized in the intensive care unit, 22 (76%) presented to the hospital with acute respiratory symptoms, 16 (55%) presented with cough and/or sputum, 13 (45%) presented with dyspnea, 16 (55%) had experienced prior respiratory infection, and 18 (62%) had a new infiltrate that was visible on chest radiograph. The most frequent final diagnosis was a lower respiratory tract infection. Conclusions. The recently discovered HCoVs NL63 and HKU1 contribute significantly to the overall spectrum of coronavirus infection. Our study also suggests that coronaviruses contribute to respiratory symptoms in most case

Epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension: new data from the Swiss registry

BACKGROUND: since 1999 data from pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients from all PH centres in Switzerland were prospectively collected. We analyse the epidemiological aspects of these data. METHODS: PH was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure of >25 mm Hg at rest or >30 mm Hg during exercise. Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH associated with lung diseases, PH due to chronic thrombotic and/or embolic disease (CTEPH), or PH due to miscellaneous disorders were registered. Data from adult patients included between January 1999 and December 2004 were analysed. RESULTS: 250 patients were registered (age 58 +/- 16 years, 104 (41%) males). 152 patients (61%) had PAH, 73 (29%) had CTEPH and 18 (7%) had PH associated with lung disease. Patients 50 years (76% vs. 53%, p <0.005). Twenty-four patients (10%) were lost to followup, 58 patients (26%) died and 150 (66%) survived without transplantation or thrombendarterectomy. Survivors differed from patients who died in the baseline six-minute walking distance (400 m [300-459] vs. 273 m [174-415]), the functional impairment (NYHA class III/IV 86% vs. 98%), mixed venous saturation (63% [57-68] vs. 56% [50-61]) and right atrial pressure (7 mm Hg [4-11] vs. 11 mm Hg [4-18]). DISCUSSION: PH is a disease affecting adults of all ages. The management of these patients in specialised centres guarantees a high quality of care. Analysis of the registry data could be an instrument for quality control and might help identify weak points in assessment and treatment of these patients

Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Viral Infections and Acute Graft Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients

Background. Lung transplant recipients are frequently exposed to respiratory viruses and are particularly at risk for severe complications. The aim of this study was to assess the association among the presence of a respiratory virus detected by molecular assays in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, respiratory symptoms, and acute rejection in adult lung transplant recipients. Methods. Upper (nasopharyngeal swab) and lower (BAL) respiratory tract specimens from 77 lung transplant recipients enrolled in a cohort study and undergoing bronchoscopy with BAL and transbronchial biopsies were screened using 17 different polymerase chain reaction—based assays. Results. BAL fluid and biopsy specimens from 343 bronchoscopic procedures performed in 77 patients were analyzed. We also compared paired nasopharyngeal and BAL fluid specimens collected in a subgroup of 283 cases. The overall viral positivity rate was 29.3% in the upper respiratory tract specimens and 17.2% in the BAL samples (P < .001). We observed a significant association between the presence of respiratory symptoms and positive viral detection in the lower respiratory tract (P = .012). Conversely, acute rejection was not associated with the presence of viral infection (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.88). The recovery of lung function was significantly slower when acute rejection and viral infection were both present. Conclusions. A temporal relationship exists between acute respiratory symptoms and positive viral nucleic acid detection in BAL fluid from lung transplant recipients. We provide evidence suggesting that respiratory viruses are not associated with acute graft rejection during the acute phase of infectio

La reeducación postural global en un adulto con parálisis cerebral: estudio de caso

Se han evaluados los efectos de un programa de intervención con reeducación postural global (RPG) y un periodo sin tratamiento (8 semanas) por el análisis cinemático y evaluación del equilibrio estático y dinámico de un adulto con Parálisis Cerebral (PC). Se han realizado evaluaciones de equilibrio a través de Escala de Equilibrio de Berg y evaluaciones cinemáticas del paso, en las cuales se han analizadas las variables espacio-temporales y angulares. Estas evaluaciones se han hecho al inicio y al final de cada periodo de intervención. Para caracterizar los parámetros analizados se utilizó la estadística descriptiva (media y desvío medio). El sujeto estudiado presentó una mejora del equilibrio tras el periodo de intervención y, respecto a las variables angulares, se han verificado una disminución de la extensión de la cadera y menor inclinación del tronco. Debido a la mejoría del equilibrio, de la extensión de la cadera y del alineamiento del tronco del paciente, se propone que la intervención con el método RPG puede ser eficaz como una conducta fisioterapéutica a la PC; no obstante, los resultados más eficaces pueden asociarse al tratamiento seguido al utilizar este método, puesto que durante los intervalos de la intervención, se ha observado una disminución del equilibrio.Foram avaliados os efeitos de um programa de intervenção com reeducação postural global (RPG) e um período sem tratamento (8 semanas) pela análise cinemática e avaliação do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico de um adulto com Paralisia Cerebral (PC). Foram realizadas avaliações do equilíbrio por meio da Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg e avaliações cinemáticas da marcha, nas quais foram analisadas variáveis espaçotemporais e angulares. Essas avaliações foram feitas no início e no final de cada período de intervenção. Para a caracterização dos parâmetros analisados foi utilizada a estatística descritiva (média e desvio padrão). O sujeito estudado apresentou melhora do equilíbrio após o período de intervenção e, em relação às variáveis angulares, foi verificada diminuição da extensão de quadril e menor inclinação de tronco. Com a melhora do equilíbrio, da extensão do quadril e do alinhamento do tronco do paciente tratado, sugere-se que a intervenção com o método RPG pode ser eficaz como conduta fisioterapêutica para a PC, porém resultados mais eficazes podem estar associados com o tratamento contínuo por esse método, uma vez que durante os intervalos da intervenção, observou-se diminuição do equilíbrio.The effects of an intervention program with global postural reeducation (GPR) and a period of no treatment (8 weeks) were evaluated by kinematic analysis and evaluation of static and dynamic balance of an adult with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Evaluations of balance were made using the Berg Balance Scale, as well as gait kinematics evaluations, in which spatiotemporal and angular variables were analyzed. These assessments were made at the beginning and at the end of each intervention period. To characterize the parameters examined, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) was used. The studied subject showed improvement of balance after the intervention period and, regarding angular variables, decreased hip extension and less trunk tilt were found. With the improvement of balance, hip extension and alignment of the trunk of the treated patient, it is suggested that the GPR intervention method can be effective as a practice of physical therapy for CP; however, more effective results may be associated with continuous treatment with this method, since during the intervals of the intervention, there was a reduction in balance