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Introduction/Background: Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) and disasters require an organised and effective response from medical first responders (MFRs). As such, novel training methods have emerged to prepare and adequately train MFRs for these challenging situations. Particular focus should be placed on extended reality (XR), which encompasses virtual, augmented and mixed reality (VR, AR, and MR, respectively), and allows participants to develop high-quality skills in realistic and immersive environments. Given the rapid evolution of high-fidelity simulation technology and its advantages, XR simulation has become a promising tool for emergency medicine. Accordingly, this systematic review aims to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of XR training methods and 2) explore the experience of MFRs undergoing such training. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy will encompass four distinct themes: MFRs, disasters/MCIs, education and simulation, and XR. Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACs) will be searched along with an in-depth examination of the grey literature and reference lists of relevant articles. MetaQAT will be used as a study quality assessment tool and integrated into Covidence as part of the data extraction form. Given the predicted high heterogeneity between studies, it may not be possible to standardise data for quantitative comparison and meta-analysis. Thus, data will be synthesised in a narrative, semi-quantitative manner. Discussion: This review will examine the existing literature on the effectiveness of XR simulation as a tool to train MFRs for MCIs, which could ultimately improve preparedness and response to disasters. Trial registration: Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42021275692. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart glasses (SG) could be a breakthrough in emergency situations, so the aim of this work was to assess the potential benefits of teleassistance with smart glasses (SG) from a midwife to a lifeguard in a simulated, unplanned, out-of-hospital birth (OHB). Thirty-eight lifeguards were randomized into SG and control (CG) groups. All participants were required to act in a simulated imminent childbirth with a maternal–fetal simulator (PROMPT Flex, Laerdal, Norway). The CG acted autonomously, while the SG group was video-assisted by a midwife through SG (Vuzix Blade, New York, NY, USA). The video assistance was based on the OHB protocol, speaking and receiving images on the SG. The performance time, compliance with the protocol steps, and perceived performance with the SG were evaluated. The midwife's video assistance with SG allowed 35% of the SG participants to perform the complete OHB protocol. No CG participant was able to perform it (p = 0.005). All OHB protocol variables were significantly better in the SG group than in the CG (p < 0.05). Telemedicine through video assistance with SG is feasible so that a lifeguard with no knowledge of childbirth care can act according to the recommendations in a simulated, unplanned, uncomplicated OHB. Communication with the midwife by speaking and sending images to the SG is perceived as an important benefit to the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the main results and conclusions of an R&D project that aimed to recognize information skills in first-year students of public high schools in Montevideo, Uruguay, as it is understood that this moment of their educational journey serves as a turning point at the end of the primary cycle and the beginning of their schooling in secondary education. The research used a mainly quantitative methodology, in which a web form was applied with activities linked to the different information competencies expected for students of the aforementioned level and, from said form, the results were studied. The article presents the main results obtained from the activities carried out by the students. As main results, various difficulties of students are evident when determining what their information needs are, designing search strategies and evaluating and selecting information sources. It is concluded that it is necessary to integrate in a more concrete way instances of teaching and learning whose objective is the construction of competencies in information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Septoglomus mexicanum is here described as a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Glomeromycota) based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. It was isolated from rhizospheric soil of two endemic Mexican legumes: Prosopis laevigata and Mimosa luisana, which grow in semiarid regions of central Mexico. Septoglomus mexicanum is characterized by forming globose spores of (154.5–)202.8(–228.9) µm diam and a spore wall consisting of four layers (SWL1–SWL4): outer wall layer (SWL1) hyaline, evanescent, (1.7–)3.2(–4.3) µm thick; SWL2 laminate and smooth, orange to reddish orange, (3.1–)4.5(–6.1) µm thick; SWL3 laminate, smooth, reddish orange to reddish brown, (4.1–)5.1(–5.7) µm thick; and SWL4 hyaline, semiflexible, (0.93–)1.2(–1.4) µm thick. None of the spore wall layers stain with Melzer's reagent. The subtending hypha has a color from yellowish to golden and presents a septum on spore base. Septoglomus mexicanum can be distinguished from all other Septoglomus species by spore size and color, by spore wall structure (four layers), and by color change of the subtending hypha. Phylogenetic analysis based on the AMF extended DNA barcode covering a 1.5-kb fragment of the small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), and the large subunit (LSU) of rRNA genes places S. mexicanum in the genus Septoglomus, separated from other described Septoglomus species, especially S. turnauae, with whom it could be confused morphologically. All available sequences in public databases suggest that this new fungal species has not yet been previously detected. Thus, there are currently 149 Glomeromycota species registered in Mexico, representing 47.4% of the known species worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matronas Profesion is the property of Ediciones Mayo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Arteriovenous haemangioma (AVH) is considered a rare, benign, acquired, cutaneous tumour of vascular origin. Recently, a variant associated with chronic hepatic disease has been described. The usual treatment is surgical resection but no other treatments have been reported. Objective: To evaluate the results obtained in the treatment of AVH with carbon dioxide laser vaporization. Methods: Every patient with AVH related to chronic hepatic disease treated in the laser unit was reviewed. Five patients were treated with carbon dioxide laser vaporization. The first pass of treatment was performed in defocused mode at 2 W/cm2. After this, several passes were performed in order to clear the entire lesion. One session of treatment was necessary for three patients, and the other two patients needed two sessions. Results: The tumoral mass as well as the pulse disappeared in all lesions; total clearance was obtained in four of the five cases. In the postoperative time, no bleeding or haemorrhage were observed. No significant secondary effects of treatment were present. The cosmetic outcome was excellent in all cases. Conclusion: Carbon dioxide laser vaporization may be an alternative treatment for cases of AVH in chronic hepatic disease: the procedure is easy and with good cosmetic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the past decades the community-based participatory research method known as PhotoVoice has gained relevance, but there are few published studies on its application in the field of health technology assessment (HTA) and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The aim of this presentation was to describe a PhotoVoice project linked to a CPG on major depression in children and adolescents. Methods: The design of the study was adapted to the main objective, which was to enhance the understanding of major depression and improve clinical practice with the contributions of clinicians, methodologists, and patients. Seven adolescents and ten of their family members participated in the study through PhotoVoice sessions and focus groups. The audio recordings of all sessions were transcribed verbatim and coded, and a thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Six themes emerged: (i) a lack of understanding and information about depression in childhood and adolescence; (ii) the importance of support groups; (iii) the need to favor early care and access to services; (iv) the adaptation of therapeutic strategies tailored to individual needs; (v) the sensitivity of professionals; and (vi) fostering interaction between the health and education systems. Photographic exhibitions were planned to share the main results. These exhibitions were promoted to increase public awareness and reduce stigmatization, and to reach clinicians and policy makers. From a methodological point of view, the use of PhotoVoice in this study helped to effectively incorporate the lived experiences, concerns, and preferences of patients and their relatives into the CPG. The study also confirmed the value of photographs and participatory methods. The main limitations and strengths of the study, as well as suggestions for future research, are also outlined. Conclusions: PhotoVoice is a flexible, effective, and innovative method of obtaining information about patients' perspectives and experiences, and it offers the added value of being able to reach the main stakeholders, including policymakers and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart glasses (SG) could be a breakthrough in emergency situations, so the aim of this work was to assess the potential benefits of teleassistance with smart glasses (SG) from a midwife to a lifeguard in a simulated, unplanned, out-of-hospital birth (OHB). Thirty-eight lifeguards were randomized into SG and control (CG) groups. All participants were required to act in a simulated imminent childbirth with a maternal−fetal simulator (PROMPT Flex, Laerdal, Norway). The CG acted autonomously, while the SG group was video-assisted by a midwife through SG (Vuzix Blade, New York, NY, USA). The video assistance was based on the OHB protocol, speaking and receiving images on the SG. The performance time, compliance with the protocol steps, and perceived performance with the SG were evaluated. The midwife’s video assistance with SG allowed 35% of the SG participants to perform the complete OHB protocol. No CG participant was able to perform it (p = 0.005). All OHB protocol variables were significantly better in the SG group than in the CG (p < 0.05). Telemedicine through video assistance with SG is feasible so that a lifeguard with no knowledge of childbirth care can act according to the recommendations in a simulated, unplanned, uncomplicated OHB. Communication with the midwife by speaking and sending images to the SG is perceived as an important benefit to the performance.

Backgruound: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a preventable and underdiagnosed pathology, can be defined as a progressive and poorly reversible limitation to airflow as a result of a persistent inflammatory response due to inhalation of harmful substances, particularly tobacco smoke. The disease has a systemic impact. Among other conditions, it may increase the risk of cognitive impairment along with its associated consequences., Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational and analytical design. The space were COPD patients who visited in two health institutions from June 2017 to September 2018. Non-probabilistic and convenience sampling. Data were collected on demographics, tobacco consumption, comorbidities (Charlson index), a validated scale for dyspnea (MCRm), the main symptom in COPD and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) were applied along with a history of exacerbation of the disease. The severity of COPD was evaluated by spirometry according to GOLD guideline. Cognitive impairment was assessed using Neuropsi., Outcomes: The final sample consisted of 44 subjects. According to spirometry and GOLD, 7 patients (15.9%) classified in group 1 (mild), 19 (43.2%) in group 2 (moderate), 11 (25%) in group 3 (severe) and 7 (15.9%) in group 4 (very serious). Of the 44 patients recruited, 28 (63.6%) had normal cognitive function and 16 (36.3%) had some degree of cognitive impairment. Memory was the most compromised function., Conclusion: Difficulties in recruitment impeded reaching the expected sample size. However, a trend was observed favoring the association. It is important to insist on avoiding smoking because it seems to increase the risk of cognitive impairment that further disrupts the quality of life and makes treatment difficult., (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba)