Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: case reports study in a central state of Brazil

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an emerging and worrisome health problem that threatens tuberculosis (TB) control worldwide. The clinical management of MDR-TB is a complex issue associated with the use of multiple drugs for a long period, usually accompanied by side effects and high costs. The objective of this work was to relate cases of MDR-TB occurring in Goiás, a central state of Brazil. We related five cases of MDR-TB, three women and two men. All were pulmonary cases. Three were in their second treatment and two in their first treatment. Surgical pulmonary resection was performed in one case. One death occurred. Lack of adherence, gastric intolerance to anti-TB drugs and poor clinical management were the main aspects related to the emergent resistance. A revision of the main clinical aspects of this disease was performed.     

The late effect of Kinesio Taping® on handgrip strength

Kinesio Taping^® elastic tape is increasingly used in physiotherapy treatment. However, there is a lack of scientific research regarding the late effects of its use. This study quantified the late effects of applying the Kinesio Taping^® elastic tape by measuring changes in handgrip muscle strength after 24, 48 and 72 h of application. The Kinesio Taping^® elastic tape was applied on the dominant and non-dominant limbs of 36 volunteers randomly assigned to three groups: muscle facilitation, muscle inhibition and control group. The statistical test showed there was a statistically significant difference among all groups of dominant limb and non-dominant limb. However, the analysis on intragroup relationship to periods of application (Initial, 24, 48 and 72 h) and the interaction among repeated measures showed there was no statistically significant difference. This result may contribute to the investigation of the late effects of the Kinesio Taping^® elastic tape on the physical rehabilitation.     

Barriers for the inclusion of sexuality in nursing care for women with gynecological and breast cancer: perspective of professionals

AIM:

qualitative study, which aimed to identify the barriers that influence nursing care practices related to the sexuality of women with gynecological and breast cancer.

METHODS:

the study was conducted with 16 professionals of the nursing area (nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants) from two sectors of a university hospital situated in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews. All the interviews were recorded and the participants'' responses were identified and categorized using Content Analysis.

RESULTS:

three major themes were identified. These are as follows: 1) barriers related to the biomedical model; 2) barriers related to institutional dynamics and 3) barriers related to the social interpretations of sexuality.

CONCLUSIONS:

the results of this study showed that the systematized inclusion of this issue in nursing care routines requires changes in the health paradigm and in the work dynamic, as well as reflection on the personal values and social interpretations related to the topic. A major challenge is to divest sexuality of the taboos and prejudices which accompany it, as well as to contribute to the nursing team being more aware of the difficulties faced by women with gynaecological and breast cancer.     

Autonomic modulation analysis in active and sedentary kidney transplanted recipients

Modulation of the autonomic nervous system on heart rate can be compromised in chronic kidney disease and may result in changes in the frequency and duration of the cardiac cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate autonomic modulation in active and sedentary renal transplant recipients. Twenty renal‐transplanted individuals were analyzed at the Centro de Prevenção de Doenças Renais (Kidney Disease Education Centre), in the academic hospital of Universidade Federal do Maranhão, and were divided into the active group (AG) and the sedentary group (SG). The AG comprised of six men and four women (age 43.10 ± 13.02) and was in regular concurrent training intervention for 8 weeks, while the SG was composed of three men and seven women (age 36.8 ± 9.26). Analysis of heart rate (HR) variability in time and frequency domain demonstrated that HR mean values in the SG and AG were 787.32 ± 79.60 and 870 ± 106.66 ms, respectively. Differences were observed in the time domain and frequency domain. The total index of low frequency and high frequency showed no differences between the SG and AG. Biochemical variables presented significantly lower levels after 8 weeks of training. Higher heart rate variability in the time domain and greater vagal modulation was observed in the AG. The AG ad greater vagal modulation when compared to the SG, with removal of the sympathetic and increased parasympathetic in the behaviour was confirmed by sympatho‐vagal balance. The AG also presented significant improvements in the frequency domain.     

Differences in COVID-19 Preventive Behavior and Food Insecurity by HIV Status in Nigeria

AIDS and Behavior - The aim of the study was to assess if there were significant differences in the adoption of COVID-19 risk preventive behaviors and experience of food insecurity by people living...