SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with chronic neck pain and patients with chronic low back pain and to correlate the chronic pain variables with heart rate variability indices. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. We divided the sample into two groups: neck pain (n=30) and low back pain (n=30). We used the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. For heart rate variability analysis, we used the following indices: mean RR, standard deviation of all RR intervals, mean heart rate, root mean square differences of successive RR intervals, triangular index, triangular interpolation of the interval histogram, low-frequency band in arbitrary units and in absolute values, high-frequency band in arbitrary units and in absolute values, standard deviation of the instantaneous beat-to-beat variability (standard deviation 1), long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals (standard deviation 2), and Stress Index. We used Student’s t-test for comparisons and Spearman’s coefficient for correlations. RESULTS: We observe insignificant values in the differences between the groups. Disability and self-efficacy were correlated with heart rate variability only in patients with chronic neck pain, whereas catastrophizing and kinesiophobia showed greater correlations with heart rate variability in patients with chronic low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic dysfunction of individuals with chronic neck pain, when compared to patients with chronic low back pain, does present insignificant differences.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare pain intensity, stiffness, functionality, central sensitization, and self-efficacy, between individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis and unilateral knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: We included sedentary participants with knee osteoarthritis. The diagnosis was defined by a specialist, in which there was a complaint of pain and/or altered function in the lower limbs (duration ≥3 months); morning stiffness; pain intensity ≥3; Kellgren-Lawrence 2–3° associated with X-ray; persistence of symptoms >3 months. We used the following tools: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Numerical Pain Scale, Central Sensitization Inventory, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the t-test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 118 adult individuals, divided into two groups: bilateral knee osteoarthritis (n=59) and unilateral knee osteoarthritis (n=59). We observed a significant difference (p<0.05) and a large effect size (d≥0.8), in the comparisons between: stature, body mass index, physical function, central sensitization, and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis have higher levels of central sensitization, impaired functionality, and a lower level of self-efficacy.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the internal structure of the Brazilian version of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals over 18 years old of both sexes, with Brazilian Portuguese as their native language. The structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. The model fit was evaluated by the following indices: root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis index, standardized root mean square residual, and χ²/degrees of freedom. We used the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion to compare different structures of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 241 individuals participated in this study. The original structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire with 16 items and 3 domains was compared to a structure with 14 items and 3 domains. The internal structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire with 14 items showed better fit indices and lower Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion values. CONCLUSION: The best internal structure of the Brazilian version of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire in adults presents 3 domains and 14 items.

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate if neutralizing antibody responses induced by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 strain that was dominant at the beginning of the pandemic or by the Gamma variant was effective against the Omicron variant. Methods: Convalescent sera from 109 individuals, never exposed to a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, who had mild or moderate symptoms not requiring hospitalization following either a documented SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain infection or a Gamma variant infection, were assayed for in vitro neutralizing antibody activity against their original strains and the Omicron variant. Results: Following an infection with the ancestral strain, 56 (93.3%), 45 (77.6%) and 1 (1.7%) serum sample were positive for neutralizing antibodies against the ancestral, Gamma variant, and Omicron variant, respectively. After infection with the Gamma variant, 43 (87.8%) and 2 (4.1%) sera were positive for neutralizing antibodies against the Gamma and Omicron variants, respectively. Conclusions: Neutralizing antibodies generated following mild or moderate infection with the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain or the Gamma variant are not protective against the Omicron variant. HIGHLIGHTS Individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain do not develop neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant. Omicron variant escapes immune response after SARS CoV-2 previous infection with the SARS CoV-2 Gamma variant. Individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain or with SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant will likely have little protection if subsequently exposed to the Omicron variant.

ABSTRACT Vaccination is a fundamental tool to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and to limit the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with multiple mutations has raised serious concerns about the ability of neutralizing antibody responses elicited by prior vaccination to effectively combat these variants. The neutralizing capacity against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants of sera from individuals immunized with the CoronaVac vaccine remains incompletely determined. The present study evaluated 41 health care workers at the Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade de Sao Paulo, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, naive to previous SARS- CoV-2 infection, who were vaccinated with two doses of the CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 vaccine 28 days apart. Neutralizing antibody levels against the Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants were measured at 32 and 186 days after the second vaccination. We also measured neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in 34 of these individuals following a subsequent booster immunization with the Pfizer vaccine. Quantification of neutralizing antibodies was performed using the Cytopathic Effect-based Virus Neutralization test. Neutralization antibody activity against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants was observed in 78.0%, 65.9% and 58.5% of serum samples, respectively, obtained at a mean of 32 days after the second immunization. This decreased to 17.1%, 24.4% and 2.4% of sera having activity against Delta, Gamma and Omicron, respectively, at 186 days post-vaccination. The median neutralizing antibody titers at 32 days were 1:40, 1:20 and 1:20 against Gamma, Delta and Omicron, respectively, and decreased to an undetectable median level against all variants at the later time. A booster immunization with the Pfizer vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in 85% of subjects tested 60 days after vaccination. We conclude that two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine results in limited protection of short duration against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. A booster dose with the Pfizer vaccine induced antibody neutralizing activity against Omicron in most patients which was measurable 60 days after the booster.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate, adapt, and analyze the reliability of the Workplace Sitting Breaks Questionnaire (SITBRQ) for use in Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were conducted considering the following six phases: translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, analysis by a committee of experts, test of the pre-final version, and final version. We included workers aged 18 years or above, both genders, and able to understand, read, and write in Brazilian Portuguese. The final version was applied to workers in two moments (i.e., test and retest), with an interval of 7 days, for reliability calculation. RESULTS: In the translation and cross-cultural adaptation phase, the pre-final version was applied to a sample of 35 workers. For item a of the SITBRQ, there was 100% understanding by respondents, while item b was understood by 94.28%. The reliability phase was conducted with 115 workers. For both items, almost perfect was identified with kappa >0.81. CONCLUSIONS: The SITBRQ version into Brazilian Portuguese has adequate adaptation and excellent values of reliability.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in a sample of Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This is a questionnaire validation study. Workers with musculoskeletal pain were included. Besides the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers, we used the following instruments to perform construct validity: the Work Ability Index and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. A subsample answered the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in two moments to calculate reliability by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency by means of the Cronbach’s alpha. RESULTS: A total of 190 Brazilian workers were included. Regarding the construct validity, we observed a correlation with magnitude above 0.50 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, given that these two instruments have similarity in the construct, and correlations above 0.30 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the domains 2, 3, and 4 of the Work Ability Index. Regarding reliability, we observed adequate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.864) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.807). CONCLUSION: The Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers is a reliable and valid instrument to be used in Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a técnica, eficácia e segurança das biópsias percutâneas guiadas por tomografia computadorizada (TC) de lesões de cabeça e pescoço. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo e unicêntrico incluiu pacientes submetidos a biópsia percutânea guiada por TC de lesões de cabeça e pescoço. Para avaliação da acurácia diagnóstica, os resultados da biópsia foram comparados com o diagnóstico final determinado por avaliação histológica ou acompanhamento clínico. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 74 biópsias realizadas em 68 pacientes. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 55,6 anos. A maioria das lesões (79,7%) estava localizada na região supra-hioide e o maior diâmetro variou de 11 a 128 mm. Os acessos mais comuns utilizados foram paramaxilar (32,4%), retromandibular (21,6%) e periorbital (14,9%). Cinco pacientes (6,8%) desenvolveram complicações menores e não houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a presença de complicações e fatores clínicos, radiológicos ou relacionados ao procedimento. Foi obtido material suficiente para análise histológica em todos os casos. Trinta e oito biópsias (51,4%) tiveram diagnóstico histológico de malignidade. Houve três (8,3%) resultados falso-negativos e nenhum falso-positivo, demonstrando sensibilidade de 92,7%, especificidade de 100% e acurácia de 96,0%. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstram que a biópsia percutânea guiada por TC de lesões de cabeça e pescoço é um procedimento seguro e efetivo para obter material para análise histológica.

Abstract Objective: To assess the technique, efficacy, and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous biopsies of head and neck masses. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study of CT-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsies of head and neck masses. For the analysis of diagnostic accuracy, biopsy results were compared with the final diagnosis, which was determined by histological examination and clinical follow-up. Results: We evaluated 74 biopsies performed in 68 patients. The mean age of the patients was 55.6 years. Most of the lesions (79.7%) were located in the suprahyoid region, and the maximum diameter ranged from 11 mm to 128 mm. The most common approaches were paramaxillary (in 32.4%), retromandibular (in 21.6%), and periorbital (in 14.9%). Five patients (6.8%) developed minor complications. The presence of a complication did not show a statistically significant association with any clinical, radiological, or procedure-related factor. Sufficient material for histological analysis was obtained in all procedures. Thirty-eight biopsies (51.4%) yielded a histological diagnosis of malignancy. There was a false-negative result in three cases (8.3%), and there were no false-positive results. The procedure had a sensitivity of 92.7%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 96.0%. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that CT-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy of head and neck lesions is a safe, effective procedure for obtaining biological material for histological analysis.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the structural validity of the Brazilian version of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). METHODS: Individuals with chronic low back pain were included. The data collection of the study occurred by means of online platform. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The theoretical version proposed for the JOABPEQ with five domains was tested. The following indices were considered to verify the fit of the model: comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and chi-square/degrees of freedom (DF). RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 175 volunteers, mostly women (68%), adults (mean age of 28.98 years), lean (mean body mass index of 25 kg/m2), with incomplete higher education, single, with mean of pain chronicity of 61.50 months and mean of pain intensity of 6.78 points on the Numeric Pain Scale. Regarding the structure of the JOABPEQ, the original version with five domains was adequate: chi-square/DF=1.52, CFI=0.954, TLI=0.948, and RMSEA=0.055. The factorial load ranges from 0.41 to 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the structure of JOABPEQ with 5 domains (low back pain, lumbar function, walking ability, social life function, and mental health) and 25 items in individuals with chronic low back pain.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between tactile acuity, intensity of pain at rest, and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study composed of two groups: individuals with chronic neck pain and individuals without neck pain. Evaluations were performed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale at rest and movement, Neck Disability Index, and two-point discrimination test. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 100 volunteers, 50 in each group. The groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) in personal characteristics. It was observed that volunteers with cervical pain presented alterations in tactile care, with a significant and clinical increase in the perceived distance (Median 6.66; 95%CI 6.29-7.02; Cohen’s d 7.22; 95%CI 6.15-8.30), and yet, positive, moderate, and significant correlation between two-point discrimination test, intensity of pain at rest and movement, and neck disability index (r=0.778-0.789, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tactile acuity is associated with pain intensity at rest and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND: The original structure of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) has been contested in several languages. OBJECTIVE: To assess the structural validity of the Brazilian version of WOMAC among patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Structural validity study conducted at physiotherapy clinics and primary healthcare units. METHODS: The study included males and females aged 40 to 80 years who were all native Brazilian Portuguese speakers, with knee pain in the previous six months and a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with implementation of a polychoric matrix and the robust diagonally weighted least squares (RDWLS) extraction method. The adequacy of the model was assessed using the following fit indices: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) and chi-square/degree of freedom (DF). RESULTS: 203 patients with knee osteoarthritis were included. The model proposed in this study with two factors, i.e. “pain” (items 1, 2, 3 and 4) and “physical function” (items 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22), showed adequate fit indices in CFA: chi-square/DF = 1.30; CFI = 0.976; TLI = 0.970; RMSEA = 0.039; and SRMR = 0.070. The factorial loads ranged from 0.68 to 0.76 for the “pain” domain and 0.44 to 0.62 for the “physical function” domain. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of WOMAC with two domains, i.e. “pain” (four items) and “physical function” (eight items), presents the best structure.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia da tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax em pacientes com suspeita de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em um centro oncológico. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo e unicêntrico que selecionou 91 pacientes que realizaram TC de tórax e teste RT-PCR no mesmo dia. Os resultados da TC foram classificados em negativos, achados típicos, indeterminados ou atípicos. Acurácia diagnóstica, sensibilidade e especificidade foram calculadas para dois cenários: no primeiro, apenas TC com achados típicos foi considerada positiva; no segundo, achados típicos ou indeterminados foram considerados positivos. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 58,2 anos, sendo a maioria homens (60,4%) e com história de câncer prévio (85,7%). TC demonstrou achados típicos em 28,6%, indeterminados em 24,2% e atípicos em 26,4%. Resultados da RT-PCR foram positivos para SARS-CoV-2 em 27,5%. Sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia no primeiro e segundo cenários foram, respectivamente, de 64,0%, 84,8% e 79,1%, e 92,0%, 62,1% e 70,3%. Conclusão: A TC tem alta acurácia para o diagnóstico de infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Diferentes critérios de interpretação fornecem maior sensibilidade ou especificidade. A TC deve ser integrada como um teste de triagem em ambientes com recursos limitados durante a pandemia, para ajudar na otimização da utilização de testes de PCR, leitos de isolamento e unidades de terapia intensiva.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection at a cancer center. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study selected 91 patients who had chest CT and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test collected at the same day. CT results were classified in negative, typical, indeterminate or atypical findings. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for two different scenarios: in the first, only typical findings on CT were considered positive; in the second, both typical and indeterminate findings were considered positive. Results: Mean patients’ age was 58.2 years, most were male (60.4%) and had prior diagnosis of cancer (85.7%). CT showed typical findings in 28.6%, indeterminate findings in 24.2% and atypical findings in 26.4%. RT-PCR results were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 27.5%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the first and second scenarios were respectively 64.0%, 84.8% and 79.1%, and 92.0%, 62.1% and 70.3%. Conclusion: CT has a high accuracy for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Different interpretation criteria can provide either high sensitivity or high specificity. CT should be integrated as a triage test in resource-constrained environments during the pandemic to assist in the optimization of PCR-tests, isolation beds and intensive care units.