PERIPAPILLARY NEUROVASCULAR COUPLING IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To study radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), using optical coherence tomography angiography. METHODS: A cross-sectional evaluation of RPCs was performed using optical coherence tomography angiography (Avanti RTVue-XR 100, Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA). Annular RPC density was the primary outcome. Global density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were secondary outcomes. Diabetic eyes were divided into three groups: no DR, mild nonproliferative DR (mild NPDR), and moderate NPDR. Multilevel mixed-effects univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used. RESULTS: We included 155 eyes (n = 42 control; n = 27 no DR; n = 28 mild NPDR; and n = 58 moderate NPDR) from 86 subjects (mean [SD] age 63.39 [10.70] years; 46.45% male). When compared with controls, a significant decrease in annular RPC density was found in all groups of diabetic eyes on multivariate analysis (no DR: ß = -2.95, P < 0.001; mild NPDR: ß = -1.76, P = 0.017; and moderate NPDR: ß = -2.82, P < 0.001). We also detected a significant decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in diabetic eyes (even in the no DR group). Furthermore, in diabetic eyes, annular RPC density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness correlated significantly (R = 0.4874, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Peripapillary neurovascular changes occur early in the course of DR. Their significance in the progression of DR warrants further research.

Protocol for the systematic reviews on the desirable and undesirable effects of pharmacological treatments of allergic rhinitis informing the ARIA 2024 guidelines.

There is insufficient evidence regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments of allergic rhinitis (AR). In the context of informing the 2024 revision of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines, we plan to perform three systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the desirable and undesirable effects (i) between intranasal and oral medications for AR; (ii) between combinations of intranasal and oral medications versus nasal or oral medications alone; and (iii) among different intranasal specific medications. We will search four electronic bibliographic databases and three clinical trials databases for RCTs examining patients ≥ 12 years old with seasonal or perennial AR. Assessed outcomes will include the Total Nasal Symptom Score, the Total Ocular Symptom Score, and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. We will assess the methodological quality of included primary studies by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. If appropriate, we will perform a pairwise random-effects meta-analysis for each pair of assessed medication classes and outcomes, as well as a network meta-analysis to assess the comparative efficacy of intranasal medications among each other. Heterogeneity will be explored by sensitivity and subgroup analyses. This set of systematic reviews will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for AR and inform recommendations in the context of the ARIA guidelines.

A Case Report of McArdle Disease Diagnosed Following Statin-Induced Myositis.

McArdle disease is a rare condition, characterized by a deficiency of phosphorylase muscle isoform, an enzyme responsible for the breaking down of glycogen, necessary for obtaining energy. Patients typically present with exercise intolerance, myalgias, fatigue, cramps, muscle stiffness, and/or weakness induced by physical activity. The diagnosis is generally established late, with a median delay of about 29 years. We present the case of a female patient with a long history of myalgias, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance, diagnosed with McArdle disease by the age of 74, after statin-induced myopathy. We aim to review the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, as a way to raise awareness among the medical community.

Bromelain does not provide significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits over placebo in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bromelain to control pain and inflammation in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: 30 client-owned cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded clinical study, cats were assigned to receive either oral bromelain suspension (40 mg/kg [18 mg/lb]; BG, n = 15) or placebo solution (0.1 mL/kg [0.045 mL/lb]; PG, 15), which were administered 90 minutes before and 12 hours after surgery. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine, meperidine, propofol, and isoflurane. Pain and sedation were assessed at various time points up to 24 hours post-extubation using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale, the Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale, and a descriptive numerical scale. Surgical wound inflammation was measured at the same time points, using a numeric rating scale. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Laboratory data (urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, the prothrombin time, and the fecal occult blood) were analyzed preoperatively and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Pain/inflammation scores, and analgesic requirements did not differ between groups. Shorter recovery time and lower sedation scores were recorded during the first hour post-extubation in the BG than the PG. Postoperatively, serum creatinine and gamma-glutamyl transferase were lower in the BG compared to PG. Compared to baseline values, all biochemistry variables decreased at 24 hours in the BG. The prothrombin time and fecal occult blood did not differ between groups or over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelain did not provide significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits over placebo in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Analysis of fungal contamination and disinfection of toothbrushes.

The aim of this study is to determine the fungal species in the toothbrushes of residents of a neighborhood on the east side of Teresina - PI, and to assess the efficiency of a disinfection method based on 2% sodium hypochlorite. Fifty toothbrushes were divided into two groups: group A comprised 30 toothbrushes used by the residents and group B (control group) 20 new toothbrushes. Fungal evaluation was conducted in Sabouraud culture medium containing chloramphenicol and CHROMagar Candida. Later group A was divided into two subgroups (A1 and A2), which were submitted to disinfection by immersion in 2% sodium hypochlorite and once again screened for the presence of fungi. Seventeen fungal species were identified in group A before the disinfection. Fungal growth was not observed in subgroups A1 and A2, or group B after disinfection. All fungal species isolated from the toothbrushes were considered opportunistic and may cause health problems mainly in immunocompromised patients. The species most frequently found were: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium oxysporum. Fungal growth did not occur after toothbrush disinfection with 2% sodium hypochlorite, suggesting this is an efficient, low-cost method that can therefore be used by low income populations.

SCREENING OF THE ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM: COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND HEALTH BENEFITS.

INTRODUCTION: The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a nosological entity whose main complication is rupture, being associated with a high mortality rate. The early identification of this pathology in groups at risk through an ultrasound screening program can have benefits based on elective surgical repair before the rupture occurs, preventing death. In Portugal, no screening program for this aneurysm is implemented. Our goal is to review the impact of screening among risk groups on the global and aneurysm-related mortality rates, quality of life, cost-effectiveness and its applicability in Portugal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a narrative review of the literature on screening for AAA. RESULTS: There is evidence that screening is effective in reducing aneurysm-related mortality in men aged 65 and over, but not in reducing overall mortality. In addition, the implementation of a screening program in several countries appears to be cost-effective in at-risk populations. Discusssion and conclusion: Data from epidemiological studies on AAA suggests that the implementation of an AAA screening program, based on ultrasound, in men aged 65 and over, can bring health benefits and be cost-effective. Even so, taking into account that all the studies took place outside Portugal, the possibility of generalizing the results to the portuguese population is not clear.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease: not a needle in a haystack.

OBJECTIVE: Pheochromocytomas are a hallmark feature of von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHL). To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review with meta-analysis evaluating the frequency of pheochromocytomas and/or paragangliomas (PPGLs) in patients with vHL, as well as among patients with different vHL subtypes. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included primary studies assessing participants with vHL and reporting on the frequency of PPGL. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the frequency of PPGL, followed by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Risk of bias analysis was performed to assess primary studies' methodological quality. RESULTS: We included 80 primary studies. In 4263 patients with vHL, the pooled frequency of PPGL was 19.4% (95% CI = 15.9-23.6%, I2 = 86.1%). The frequency increased to 60.0% in patients with vHL type 2 (95% CI = 53.4-66.3%, I2 = 54.6%) and was determined to be of 58.2% in patients with vHL type 2A (95% CI = 49.7-66.3%, I2 = 36.2%), compared to 49.8% in vHL type 2B (95% CI = 39.9-59.7%, I2 = 42.7%), and 84.1% in vHL type 2C (95% CI = 75.1-93.1%, I2 = 0%). In meta-regression analysis, more recent studies were associated with a higher frequency of PPGL. All studies had at least one internal validity item classified as 'high risk of bias,' with 13% studies having low risk of bias in all external validity items. CONCLUSIONS: PPGLs are a common manifestation of vHL. Despite methodological limitations and differences across primary studies, our results point to the importance of PPGL screening in patients with vHL.

Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from Horticulturists with Onychomycosis in Piauí, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess susceptibility pattern of Candida species isolated from horticulturists with onychomycosis to four antifungal drugs and to compare the effectiveness of conventional identification methods with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). METHODS: This study was conducted in a community garden located in Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil, in the year 2014. The samples were identified through phenotypic methods and per MALDI-TOF MS, being used PCR as definitive identification test. The susceptibility pattern to four antifungal drugs was determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). RESULTS: Fourteen clinical isolates from seven different species were identified by the phenotypic method and by MALDI-TOF MS, with an observed concordance of 71.4% between the two methods. C. albicans (28.6%), C. parapsilosis (21.4%), C. guilliermondii and C. metapsilosis (both with 14.3%) were the most frequent species. With the exception of C. krusei, all species were sensitive to the tested antifungal. CONCLUSION: This is the first study of antifungal susceptibility of Candida in Piauí, Brazil. With the exception of C. krusei, no species showed resistance to the antifungal drugs used. This study suggests constants updates from the public databases used in MALDI-TOF MS to provide a rapid and accurate mycological diagnosis.

Avaliação Clínico-epidemiológica de Pacientes com Carcinoma de Células Escamosas Oral / Epidemiological and Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma / Evaluación Epidemiológica y Clínica de Pacientes con Carcinoma Oral de Células Escamosas

Introdução: O câncer bucal corresponde a cerca de 30% de todos os tumores de cabeça e pescoço. Aproximadamente 90% dessas neoplasias malignas são carcinomas espinocelulares (CEC) e cerca de 15 mil casos novos são estimados a cada ano no Brasil. Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de pacientes com CEC oral. Método: Estudo observacional, com delineamento transversal, quantitativo e retrospectivo, a partir da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de CEC bucal atendidos em um centro de referência em Oncologia da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas foram coletadas e analisadas. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o teste de qui-quadrado (p≤0,05). Resultados: Entre os 298 prontuários avaliados, predominaram pacientes do sexo masculino (75,2%), com idade média de 60,4 anos, tabagistas e etilistas (62,0%). A queixa mais frequente foi a presença de ferida ou lesão na boca (61,1%), e o local mais comum foi a língua (62,1%). As variáveis clínicas revelaram estadiamento clínico avançado (III ou IV) em 76,4% dos pacientes. Entre os pacientes com idade até 50 anos, houve maior concentração de homens (p=0,015) e maior consumo de álcool do que entre os pacientes acima dos 50 anos (p=0,010). As demais variáveis não exibiram diferença estatística significante entre os grupos. Conclusão: As características clínico-epidemiológicas relacionadas ao CEC bucal devem ser consideradas para o planejamento de políticas públicas, a fim de prevenir novos casos e permitir a realização de diagnóstico precoce

Introduction: Oral cancer corresponds to about 30% of all head and neck tumors. Approximately 90% of these malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and about 15 thousand new cases are estimated each year in Brazil. Objective: Evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with oral SCC. Method: Observational cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective design study, based on the analysis of medical records of patients with histopathological diagnosis of oral SCC treated at a reference center in oncology in Brazil's Northeast. Clinical and epidemiological variables were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test (p≤0.05). Results: Among the 298 medical records evaluated, male patients predominated (75.2%), with an average age of 60.4 years, smokers and alcoholics (62.0%). The most reported complaint was the presence of a wound or injury in the mouth (61.1%) and the most common location was the tongue (62.1%). Clinical variables revealed advanced clinical staging (III or IV) in 76.4% of patients. Among patients aged up to 50 years, there was high concentration of men (p=0.015) and greater use of alcohol than among patients over 50 years (p=0.010). The other variables did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to oral SCC should be considered when planning public policies, in order to prevent new cases as well as to allow for early diagnosis

Introducción: El cáncer oral corresponde a aproximadamente 30% de todos los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Aproximadamente 90% de estos tumores malignos son carcinomas de células escamosas (CCE) y se estiman alrededor de 15 mil casos nuevos cada año en Brasil. Objetivo: Evaluar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes con CCE oral. Método: Estudio observacional, con diseño transversal, cuantitativo y retrospectivo, basado en el análisis de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de CCE oral tratados en un centro de referencia en Oncología del Noreste de Brasil. Se recogieron y analizaron variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado (p≤0,05). Resultados: Entre las 298 historias clínicas evaluadas, predominaron los pacientes del sexo masculino (75,2%), con una edad promedio de 60,4 años, fumadores y alcohólicos (62,0%). La queja más frecuente fue la presencia de herida o lesión en la boca (61,1%) y la ubicación más común fue la lengua (62,1%). Las variables clínicas revelaron estadificación clínica avanzada (III o IV) en 76,4% de los pacientes. Entre los pacientes de hasta 50 años, hubo una mayor concentración de hombres (p=0,015) y un mayor consumo de alcohol que entre los pacientes mayores de 50 años (p=0,010). Las otras variables no mostraron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos. Conclusión: Las características clínicas y epidemiológicas relacionadas con el CCE oral deben considerarse al planificar las políticas públicas, a fin de prevenir nuevos casos y permitir un diagnóstico precoz

Fungal contamination and disinfection of dental chairs, Teresina, Piaui, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to analyze fungal contamination on dental chairs at the clinic of a Higher Education Institution in TeresinaPI, Brazil, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfectants: 70% alcohol and 1% sodium hypochlorite. We selected the five sites with most contact between patient and chair: headrest, backrest, armrests, seat and foot rest. Samples were collected from these sites on 14 chairs and inoculated in agar Sabouraud culture medium containing chloramphenicol. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from all sampling sites on the chairs. Highest frequencies were found on footrest, followed in decreasing order by seat, backrest, armrests and headrest. Fourteen species of filamentous fungi were identified, belonging to the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Fusarium, Penicillium and Paecillomyces. After sampling, seven chairs were disinfected with 70% alcohol and seven with 1% sodium hypochlorite, and samples were taken again using the same procedure. No fungal growth was detected following disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, which was clearly more effective than alcohol, after which there was still fungal growth. This study highlights the need for the biosafety protocol to include cleaning and disinfection of dental chairs with 1% sodium hypochlorite after each attendance in order to prevent crossinfection.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar contaminação fúngica em cadeiras odontológicas na clínica de uma Instituição de Educação Superior em Teresina PI, Brasil, e avaliar a efetividade de diferentes desinfetantes: álcool 70% e hipoclorito de sódio 1%. Nós selecionamos os cinco locais com maior contato entre o paciente e a cadeira: encosto da cabeça, das costas, dos braços, assento e encosto dos pés. As amostras foram coletadas destes locais das 14 cadeiras e inoculadas em meio de cultura agarSabouraud contendo cloranfenicol. Fungos patogênicos foram isolados de todos os locais de amostragem das cadeiras. As frequências mais altas foram encontradas no encosto dos pés, seguido em ordem decrescente pelo assento, encosto das costas, dos braços e encosto da cabeça. Quatorze espécies de fungos filamentoso foram identificados, pertencente aos gêneros Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Fusarium, Penicillium e Paecillomyces. Após a coleta, sete cadeiras foram desinfetadas com álcool 70% e sete com hipoclorito de sódio 1%, e as amostras foram colhidas novamente usando o mesmo procedimento. Não foi detectado crescimento fúngico após desinfecção com hipoclorito de sódio, que foi claramente mais efetivo que o álcool, do qual ainda houve crescimento fúngico. Este estudo destaca a necessidade da inclusão no protocolo de biossegurança a limpeza e desinfecção das cadeiras odontológicas com o hipoclorito 1% após cada atendimento, a fim de prevenir infecções cruzadas.

Analytical description of GMAX-induced magnetization.

The Gradient-Modulated Adiabatic Excitation (GMAX) method is characterized by the use of adiabatic pulses with main applications on volume localization in spectroscopy and slice selection in MRI. Its use derives from the interesting nodal point magnetization profile induced throughout the sample. Nevertheless, the interpretation on such behavior for the magnetization has been of qualitative purpose only, using the adiabatic condition as a starting point. Here, we present discrete spatial analytic solutions, starting from the solution in terms of the hypergeometric functions for sech and tanh pulses. From these discrete solutions, it is possible to infer analytically the characteristic behavior of transverse magnetization, on the purpose to obtain greater control of the magnetization from parameters of the sequence that carry physical interpretation.

[Distal radius fractures: consistency of the classifications]. / Fraturas do rádio distal: avaliação das classificações.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility of Frykman, AO and Universal classifications for the fractures of the distal radius. METHODS: In this study, 40 radiographs of fractures of the distal radius were selected and classifed by orthopedists of different centers and levels of experience, determining the intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility of the classifications using Kappa statistic method. RESULTS: The medium intra-observer concordance observed was moderate to Frykman and Universal classifications and light to the AO system. The medium interobserver reproducibility was light in the two readings to Frykman and Universal classifications and despicable in the second reading of the AO classification. CONCLUSION: All the classifications used presented questionable interobserver reproducibility compromising the use of the three evaluated systems.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A for spastic foot in post-stroke patients enrolled in a rehabilitation program.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on spastic foot in stroke patients in a rehabilitation program. METHOD: Hemiparetic stroke patients (n=21) enrolled in a rehabilitation program were divided into two groups. The first group (n=11) received a total of 300 UI BTX-A, and the second group (n=10) received 100 UI BTX-A. All patients were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injection for Modified Ashworth Score, time walking 10 meters, and the Functional Independence Measure (mFIM) motor score. RESULTS: The higher-dose group exhibited a significant improvement in spasticity, and both groups showed an improvement in time walking 10 meters and mFIM, with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that gains in gait velocity and functional independence were not correlated to BTX-A dose.

[Self-perceived oral health among elderly individuals in a medium-sized city in Northeast Brazil]. / Autopercepção da saúde bucal de idosos de um município de médio porte do Nordeste brasileiro.

This study focused on self-perceived oral health of the elderly and associated variables. The sample consisted of 321 functionally independent individuals 60 years or older living in Parnaíba, Piauí State, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed and questionnaires were applied during home visits. The elderly presented poor oral health, with mean DMFT 29.41 (SD = 4.10). However, their self-perceived oral health was positive, with 52% showing high scores according to the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-perceived oral health included the need for upper prostheses, oral mucosal lesions, and self-rated oral health. The most important predictor was self-rated oral health, with a weight of 20% variation in self-perceived oral health. In conclusion, subjective measurement of oral health in the elderly is less associated with their actual clinical status and more with other subjective factors.

Quantum information processing by nuclear magnetic resonance on quadrupolar nuclei.

Nuclear magnetic resonance is viewed as an important technique for the implementation of many quantum information algorithms and protocols. Although the most straightforward approach is to use the two-level system composed of spin 1/2 nuclei as qubits, quadrupolar nuclei, which possess a spin greater than 1/2, are being used as an alternative. In this study, we show some unique features of quadrupolar systems for quantum information processing, with an emphasis on the ability to execute efficient quantum state tomography (QST) using only global rotations of the spin system, whose performance is shown in detail. By preparing suitable states and implementing logical operations by numerically optimized pulses together with the QST method, we follow the stepwise execution of Grover's algorithm. We also review some work in the literature concerning the relaxation of pseudo-pure states in spin 3/2 systems as well as its modelling in both the Redfield and Kraus formalisms. These data are used to discuss differences in the behaviour of the quantum correlations observed for two-qubit systems implemented by spin 1/2 and quadrupolar spin 3/2 systems, also presented in the literature. The possibilities and advantages of using nuclear quadrupole resonance experiments for quantum information processing are also discussed.

Inequalities associated with lack of mammography in Teresina-Piauí-Brazil, 2010-2011.

INTRODUCTION: Randomized studies have shown that screening for breast cancer with mammography reduces the breast cancer mortality. However there are signs of a great inequality in access to mammography in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the percentage of women who did not undergo mammography according to socioeconomic and demographic variables in women aged from 40 to 69 years in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study in women aged 40-69 years in Teresina-Piauí in 2010/2011. The sampling was randomly conducted in five stages. The data were processed by SPSS 19.0 and it was performed univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 433 women who answered the questionnaire, 75,3% had a mammography and 17,2% of these women had not a mammography over the last two years. The lack of breast cancer screening was associated with non-white skin color (p = 0,030), never being married (p = 0,041), low levels of education (p = 0,010), low family income (p < 0,001), smoking (p = 0,006), having no private health insurance (p < 0,001). The Unified National Health System (SUS) performed 56,3% of reported mammograms. CONCLUSION: About 24.7% of women in the sample never had a mammography. According to the findings, the lack of breast cancer screening is associated with social and racial inequalities.

The impact of leprosy on health-related quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a potentially disabling infectious disease that evolves into emotional issues due to the prejudice that persists about the illness. The endemic has declined substantially with multidrug therapy (MDT) in the 80's; however, new demands associated with the reduction of stigma and the improvement of the affected people's quality of life have emerged. In Brazil, leprosy is still a public health problem. Piauí is the second state in the Northeast in prevalence and detection, and Teresina is a hyperendemic city. This study aimed to analyze the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people in treatment for leprosy in Teresina/PI. METHODS: An observational study was conducted using the SF-36 (a specific questionnaire for assessing quality of life), which sought the determinants of poor quality of life among people with leprosy, outlining the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of the 107 patients interviewed. RESULTS: The correlations between the variables showed five determinants of HRQoL: late diagnosis, multibacillary forms, reactions, disability diagnosis grade II, and prejudice. The profile of the participants showed that leprosy still affects the lower social classes in historically endemic areas, causing high percentages of secondary injuries that compromise the work capacity and quality of life of the affected people, perpetuating the stigma associated with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The study reinforces the need to implement more effective strategies of disease control, due to the development of severe and disabling forms of leprosy is directly related to poor HRQoL in the same cured patient.

Avaliação da dor durante a realização de marcação de lesão impalpável de mama com azul patente / Evaluation of pain during breast injury nonpalpable realization of achievement with blue patent

Objetivo: Avaliar a dor durante a marcação de lesões impalpáveis de mama com o uso do corante azul patente por meio de uma escala analógica de dor. Métodos: O estudo contou com 50 pacientes aten didas entre 2012 e 2015. Estas apresentavam lesões mamárias impalpáveis com diagnóstico de imagem feito por mamografia e ou ultrassonografia de mama. No dia da cirurgia, a marcação com o corante azul patente foi feita e, antes do procedimento, as pacientes foram orientadas a relatar a dor sentida após a ci rurgia através de uma escala visual de dor variando de 0 (nenhuma dor) a 10 (pior dor). Resultados: Das 50 pacientes estudadas, uma foi descartada por apresentar reações alérgicas. A idade média foi de 50,3 anos. A dor média durante a marcação foi de 5,13±2,84. Quando a marcação foi feita com ultrassono grafia, a média de dor foi 4,68±2,8, enquanto a mamografia apresentou 7,38±1,99 (p=0,02). Em relação ao câncer, observou se que sete pacientes com câncer apresentaram dor média de 5,43±3,2, enquanto as demais referiram uma dor média de 5,07±2,72 (p=0,769). Quando se analisa a dor em relação à idade, percebe se que a maior dor média é de 6,08±2,43 (p=0,465), relatada por pacientes acima de 60 anos. Conclusão: Pacientes que se submetem à marcação de lesões impalpáveis experimentam dor significa tiva, principalmente se a identificação for feita por meio de mamografia. Portanto, recomenda se, nesse grupo, utilizar procedimentos que reduzam o desconforto, como a utilização de anestésico tópico.

Objective: To evaluate pain during the marking of impalpable breast lesions with the use of patent blue dye through an analog pain scale. Methods: The study included 50 patients treated between 2012 and 2015. These had impalpable breast lesions with image diagnosis by mammography and ultrasound or breast. On the day of surgery, marking with the blue dye was made and, before the procedure, patients were instructed to report the perceived pain after surgery by visual pain scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Results: Of the 50 patients studied, 1 was dismissed by experience allergic reactions. The average age was 50.3 years. The average pain during the marking was 5.13±2.84. When the labeling was done with ultrasound, the average pain was 2.8±4.68, whereas mammography showed 7.38±1.99 (p=0.02). With respect to cancer, it was observed that 7 patients with cancer pain had a mean of 5.43±3.2, while the others reported an average pain of 5.07±2.72 (p=0.769). When analyzing the pain in relation to age, it is clear that pain is the highest average of 6.08±2.43 (p=0.465), reported by patients over 60 years. Conclusion: Patients who undergo marking nonpalpable lesions experience significant pain, especially if the identification is made by means of mammography. Therefore, it is recommended in this group use procedures that reduce discomfort, such as the use of topical anesthetic.

Fungal contamination and disinfection of dental chairs, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil / Contaminação de fungos e desinfecção em cadeiras odontologicas, Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze fungal contamination on dental chairs at the clinic of a Higher Education Institution in TeresinaPI, Brazil, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfectants: 70% alcohol and 1% sodium hypochlorite. We selected the five sites with most contact between patient and chair: headrest, backrest, armrests, seat and foot rest. Samples were collected from these sites on 14 chairs and inoculated in agar Sabouraud culture medium containing chloramphenicol. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from all sampling sites on the chairs. Highest frequencies were found on footrest, followed in decreasing order by seat, backrest, armrests and headrest. Fourteen species of filamentous fungi were identified, belonging to the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Fusarium, Penicillium and Paecillomyces. After sampling, seven chairs were disinfected with 70% alcohol and seven with 1% sodium hypochlorite, and samples were taken again using the same procedure. No fungal growth was detected following disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, which was clearly more effective than alcohol, after which there was still fungal growth. This study highlights the need for the biosafety protocol to include cleaning and disinfection of dental chairs with 1% sodium hypochlorite after each attendance in order to prevent crossinfection.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar contaminação fúngica em cadeiras odontológicas na clínica de uma Instituição de Educação Superior em TeresinaPI, Brasil, e avaliar a efetividade de diferentes desinfetantes: álcool 70% e hipoclorito de sódio 1%. Nós selecionamos os cinco locais com maior contato entre o paciente e a cadeira: encosto da cabeça, das costas, dos braços, assento e encosto dos pés. As amostras foram coletadas destes locais das 14 cadeiras e inoculadas em meio de cultura agarSabouraud contendo cloranfenicol. Fungos patogênicos foram isolados de todos os locais de amostragem das cadeiras. As frequências mais altas foram encontradas no encosto dos pés, seguido em ordem decrescente pelo assento, encosto das costas, dos braços e encosto da cabeça. Quatorze espécies de fungos filamentoso foram identificados, pertencente aos gêneros Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Fusarium, Penicillium e Paecillomyces. Após a coleta, sete cadeiras foram desinfe tadas com álcool 70% e sete com hipoclorito de sódio 1%, e as amostras foram colhidas novamente usando o mesmo procedimento. Não foi detectado crescimento fúngico após desinfecção com hipoclorito de sódio, que foi claramente mais efetivo que o álcool, do qual ainda houve crescimento fúngico.Este estudo destaca a necessidade da inclusão no protocolo de biossegurança a limpeza e desinfecção das cadeiras odontológicas com o hipoclorito 1% após cada atendimento, a fim de prevenir infecções cruzadas.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A for spastic foot in post-stroke patients enrolled in a rehabilitation program / Efeitos da toxina botulinica tipo A no pe espastico em pacientes pos-acidente vascular encefalico inseridos em programa de reabilitacao

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on spastic foot in stroke patients in a rehabilitation program. Method: Hemiparetic stroke patients (n=21) enrolled in a rehabilitation program were divided into two groups. The first group (n=11) received a total of 300UI BTX-A, and the second group (n=10) received 100 UI BTX-A. All patients were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injection for Modified Ashworth Score, time walking 10 meters, and the Functional Independence Measure (mFIM) motor score. Results: The higher-dose group exhibited a significant improvement in spasticity, and both groups showed an improvement in time walking 10 meters and mFIM, with no significant differences between them. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gains in gait velocity and functional independence were not correlated to BTX-A dose. .

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da toxina botulínica tipo A (TXB-A) sobre a espasticidade de membro inferior em pacientes pós-AVE em reabilitação. Método: 21 pacientes hemiparéticos foram divididos em dois grupos que receberam doses de TXB-A de 300UI (Grupo 1) e 100UI (Grupo 2) e foram avaliados antes da injeção e 2, 4, 8 e 12 semanas após, quanto à escala de Ashworth modificada, tempo para andar 10 metros e escore motor da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIFm). Resultados: O grupo que utilizou dose mais alta teve melhora significativa da espasticidade. Ambos os grupos tiveram melhora do tempo para andar 10 metros e da MIFm sem diferença significativa entre eles. Conclusões: A melhora da velocidade de marcha e da independência funcional não foram correlacionadas com a dose de TXB-A na amostra analisada. .