Lactic acid bacteria secreted proteins as potential Listeria monocytogenes quorum sensing inhibitors.

Listeria monocytogenes is an important human and animal pathogen able to cause an infection named listeriosis and is mainly transmitted through contaminated food. Among its virulence traits, the ability to form biofilms and to survive in harsh environments stand out and lead to the persistence of L. monocytogenes for long periods in food processing environments. Virulence and biofilm formation are phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing (QS) and, therefore, the control of L. monocytogenes through an anti-QS strategy is promising. This study aimed to identify, by in silico approaches, proteins secreted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) potentially able to interfere with the agr QS system of L. monocytogenes. The genome mining of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM revealed 151 predicted secreted proteins. Concomitantly, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of AgrB and AgrC proteins of L. monocytogenes were modeled and validated, and their active sites were predicted. Through protein-protein docking and molecular dynamic, Serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase and L,D-transpeptidase, potentially secreted by L. rhamnosus GG and L. acidophilus NCFM, respectively, were identified with high affinity to AgrB and AgrC proteins, respectively. By inhibiting the translocation of the cyclic autoinducer peptide (cyclic AIP) via AgrB, and its recognition in the active site of AgrC, these LAB proteins could disrupt L. monocytogenes communication by impairing the agr QS system. The application of the QS inhibitors predicted in this study can emerge as a promising strategy in controlling L. monocytogenes in food processing environment and as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy for the treatment of listeriosis.

Microbiology of street food: understanding risks to improve safety.

Street foods play important socioeconomic and cultural roles and are popular worldwide. In addition to providing convenient and low-cost meals for urban populations, street food offers an essential source of income for vendors, especially women, and it can reflect traditional local culture, which is an important attraction for tourists. Despite these benefits, the microbiological safety of street food has become a worldwide concern because it is often prepared and sold under inadequate safety conditions, without legal control and sanitary surveillance. Consequently, high counts of fecal indicator bacteria and several foodborne pathogens have been detected in street foods. This review provides insight into the microbiology of street food, focus on the associated microbiological safety aspects and main pathogens, and the global status of this important economic activity. Furthermore, the need to apply molecular detection rather than traditional culture-based methods is discussed to better understand the actual risks of microbial infection associated with street foods. Recognition is always the first step toward addressing a problem.

An economic study of neuro-oncological patients in a large developing country: a cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neuro-oncological patients require specialized medical care. However, the data on the costs incurred for such specialized care in developing countries are currently lacking. These data are relevant for international cooperation. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to estimate the direct cost of specialized care for an adult neuro-oncological patient with meningioma or glioma during hospitalization in the largest philanthropic hospital in Latin America. METHODS: The present observational economic analysis describes the direct cost of care of neuro-oncological patients in Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil. Only adult patients with a common primary brain tumor were included. RESULTS: Due to differences in the system records, the period analyzed for cost estimation was between December 2016 and December 2019. A group of patients with meningiomas and gliomas was analyzed. The estimated mean cost of neurosurgical hospitalization was US$4,166. The cost of the operating room and intensive care unit represented the largest proportion of the total cost. A total of 17.5% of patients had some type of infection, and 66.67% of these occurred in nonelective procedures. The mortality rate was 12.7% and 92.3% of all deaths occurred in emergency procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgeries were associated with an increased rate of infections and mortality. The findings of the present study could be used by policymakers for resource allocation and to perform economic analyses to establish the value of neurosurgery in achieving global health goals.

ANTECEDENTES: Pacientes neuro-oncológicos demandam tratamento médico especializado. Em países em desenvolvimento, há falta de dados sobre custos em neurocirurgia. Estes dados são relevantes para ajudar na cooperação internacional. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo objetiva estimar o custo direto de um paciente neuro-oncológico adulto com meningioma ou glioma durante sua internação no maior hospital filantrópico da América Latina. MéTODOS: A presente análise econômica observacional descreve os custos diretos de um paciente neuro-oncológico da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Apenas pacientes adultos e com os dois tumores cerebrais primários mais comuns foram considerados. RESULTADOS: Devido a uma mudança no sistema de prontuários, para análise de custos o período analisado foi de dezembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2019. Uma amostra significativa de pacientes com gliomas e meningiomas foi analisada. O custo médio da hospitalização foi de U$ 4.166. O tempo de sala cirúrgica e os cuidados em terapia intensiva representaram a maior proporção dentro do custo total. Um total de 17.5% dos pacientes teve algum tipo de infecção e 66.67% delas ocorreram em procedimentos não eletivos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 12.5% e 92.3% dos óbitos ocorreram em procedimentos de urgência. CONCLUSõES: Cirurgias de urgência foram mais associadas a taxas de infecção e mortalidade. Os achados do presente estudo podem ser usados por planejadores em política pública de saúde para alocação de recursos e para análise econômica para estabelecer o valor dos procedimentos neurocirúrgicos para atingir metas mundiais.

An economic study of neuro-oncological patients in a large developing country: a cost analysis / Um estudo de análise econômica dos pacientes neuro-oncológicos em um grande país em desenvolvimento: uma análise de custos

Abstract Background Neuro-oncological patients require specialized medical care. However, the data on the costs incurred for such specialized care in developing countries are currently lacking. These data are relevant for international cooperation. Objective The present study aimed to estimate the direct cost of specialized care for an adult neuro-oncological patient with meningioma or glioma during hospitalization in the largest philanthropic hospital in Latin America. Methods The present observational economic analysis describes the direct cost of care of neuro-oncological patients in Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil. Only adult patients with a common primary brain tumor were included. Results Due to differences in the system records, the period analyzed for cost estimation was between December 2016 and December 2019. A group of patients with meningiomas and gliomas was analyzed. The estimated mean cost of neurosurgical hospitalization was US$4,166. The cost of the operating room and intensive care unit represented the largest proportion of the total cost. A total of 17.5% of patients had some type of infection, and 66.67% of these occurred in nonelective procedures. The mortality rate was 12.7% and 92.3% of all deaths occurred in emergency procedures. Conclusions Emergency surgeries were associated with an increased rate of infections and mortality. The findings of the present study could be used by policymakers for resource allocation and to perform economic analyses to establish the value of neurosurgery in achieving global health goals.

Resumo Antecedentes Pacientes neuro-oncológicos demandam tratamento médico especializado. Em países em desenvolvimento, há falta de dados sobre custos em neurocirurgia. Estes dados são relevantes para ajudar na cooperação internacional. Objetivo O presente estudo objetiva estimar o custo direto de um paciente neuro-oncológico adulto com meningioma ou glioma durante sua internação no maior hospital filantrópico da América Latina. Métodos A presente análise econômica observacional descreve os custos diretos de um paciente neuro-oncológico da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Apenas pacientes adultos e com os dois tumores cerebrais primários mais comuns foram considerados. Resultados Devido a uma mudança no sistema de prontuários, para análise de custos o período analisado foi de dezembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2019. Uma amostra significativa de pacientes com gliomas e meningiomas foi analisada. O custo médio da hospitalização foi de U$ 4.166. O tempo de sala cirúrgica e os cuidados em terapia intensiva representaram a maior proporção dentro do custo total. Um total de 17.5% dos pacientes teve algum tipo de infecção e 66.67% delas ocorreram em procedimentos não eletivos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 12.5% e 92.3% dos óbitos ocorreram em procedimentos de urgência. Conclusões Cirurgias de urgência foram mais associadas a taxas de infecção e mortalidade. Os achados do presente estudo podem ser usados por planejadores em política pública de saúde para alocação de recursos e para análise econômica para estabelecer o valor dos procedimentos neurocirúrgicos para atingir metas mundiais.

Effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on biofilm formation and expression of virulence genes in penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis.

Biofilm formation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of enterococcal infections. Thus, the biofilm-forming ability and frequency of biofilm-related genes in penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis (PRASEF) compared to penicillin- and ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis (PSASEF) were assessed in the present study. In addition, the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics on biofilm formation and expression of virulence genes was evaluated. Twenty PRASEF and 21 PSASEF clinical isolates were used to determine the effect of sub-MICs of antibiotics (ampicillin, penicillin, and gentamicin) on biofilm formation, and ten selected isolates were subjected to RT-qPCR to detect the transcript levels of virulence genes (efaA, asa1, esp, and ace). Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated by the microdilution broth method. Biofilm formation assay was performed using the microtiter plate method. All PSASEF and PRASEF isolates produced biofilms in vitro. Most isolates had three or four virulence genes. Sub-MICs of ampicillin significantly decreased biofilm production and expression of ace and asa1 genes, although the transcript levels were significantly lower (-350% and -606.2%, respectively) among the PSASEF isolates only. Sub-MICs of gentamicin did not have any significant effect on biofilm formation, but slightly increased the transcript levels of efaA. In conclusion, this study showed that the biofilm-forming ability and frequency of the evaluated virulence genes were similar among the PRASEF and PSASEF isolates. Further, in vitro antibiotic sub-MICs were confirmed to interfere with the expression pattern of virulence genes and biofilm formation by E. faecalis. However, further studies are required to clarify the role of sublethal doses of antibiotics on enterococcal biofilms.

Clinical isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium harboring virulence genes show the concomitant presence of CRISPR loci and antibiotic resistance determinants.

In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility, the presence of gene-encoding virulence factors and CRISPR systems, as well as the ability to produce lytic enzymes among clinical E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates (n = 44). All enterococci isolates showed phenotypes of multidrug resistance. E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates exhibited high-level aminoglycoside resistance phenotype, several of them harboring the aac(6')Ie-aph(2″)Ia and aph(3')-IIIa genes. The gene vanA was the most frequent among vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. High prevalence of the virulence genes esp and efaA were observed; hyl gene was more associated with E. faecium, while ace and efaA genes were more frequently detected in E. faecalis. Caseinase activity was frequently detected among the isolates. Gelatinase and DNAse activities predominated among E. faecalis, while hemolytic capability was frequent among E. faecium isolates. Twenty-nine isolates showed at least one CRISPR system investigated. Several enterococci isolates harbored the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia or aph(3')-IIIa genes and a CRISPR loci. CRISPR loci were positively correlated to efaA and gelE genes, and gelatinase and DNAse activities, while CRISPR loci absence was related to hyl gene presence. These results show that clinical isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium harboring virulence genes show the concomitant presence of CRISPR loci and antibiotic resistance determinants.

Temperature, detriment, or advantage for memory emergence: The case of ZnO.

Despite the widespread emergence of memory effects in solid systems, understanding the basic microscopic mechanisms that trigger them is still puzzling. We report how ingredients of solid state transport in polycrystalline systems, such as semiconductor oxides, become sufficient conditions for a memristive response that points to the natural emergence of memory, discernible under an adequate set of driving inputs. The experimental confirmation of these trends will be presented along with a compact analytical theoretical picture that allows discerning the relative contribution of the main building blocks of memory and the effect of temperature, in particular. These findings can be extended to a vast universe of materials and devices, providing a unified physical explanation for a wide class of resistive memories and pinpointing the optimal driving configurations for their operation.

Bovicin HC5 and nisin reduce cell viability and the thermal resistance of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris endospores in fruit juices.

BACKGROUND: Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is an important thermoacidophilic spore-forming bacterium in fruit-juice deterioration, and alternative non-thermal methods have been investigated to control fruit juice spoilage. This work aimed to evaluate the capacity of bovicin HC5 and nisin to inhibit the growth of vegetative cells and reduce the thermal resistance of endospores of A. acidoterrestris inoculated (107 CFU mL-1 ) in different fruit juices. The number of viable cells was determined after 12 h incubation at 43 °C in the presence and absence of nisin or bovicin HC5 (10-100 AU mL-1 ). The exposure time (min) required to kill 90% of the initial population (reduction of one log factor) at 90 ºC (D90ºC ) was used to assess the thermal resistance of A. acidoterrestris endospores exposed (80 AU mL-1 ) or non-exposed to the bacteriocins. Additionally, the effect of bovicin and nisin on the morphology and cell structure of A. acidoterrestris was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). RESULTS: Bovicin HC5 and nisin were bactericidal against A. acidoterrestris inoculated in fruit juices and reduced the D90°C values up to 30-fold. AFM topographical images revealed substantial structural changes in the cellular framework of vegetative cells upon treatment with bovicin HC5 or nisin. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the potential application of lantibiotics as additional hurdles in food processing to control thermoacidophilic spoilage bacteria in fruit juices. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis isolates are uncommon in non-clinical sources.

This study aimed to investigate whether penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis (PRASEF) isolates are disseminated in non-clinical sources, and to compare the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of clinical and non-clinical E. faecalis isolates. Non-clinical samples (n = 280) were collected and 101 E. faecalis isolates were recovered from food (n = 18), faeces of healthy animals (n = 24), water (n = 28) and sewage (n = 31). PRASEF (n = 68) and penicillin-susceptible, ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis (n = 77) isolates of clinical origin were also evaluated. A significant variety of AMR profiles was observed among non-clinical isolates according to the source. No food isolate exhibited a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype different from those of isolates from animal faeces (50.0%) and sewage (38.7%). Overall, the MDR phenotype was more frequent among clinical (56.6%) than non-clinical isolates (22.8%) (p < 0.01). Non-clinical PRASEF isolates (n = 3) were only recovered from hospital sewage. Note that representative clinical and non-clinical PRASEF isolates were grouped in pulsotype A, and belonged to CC9 (clonal complex). In conclusion, E. faecalis isolates exhibiting the unusual penicillin-resistant but ampicillin-susceptible phenotype appeared to be restricted to the hospital environment. Our findings highlight the ability of PRASEF isolates to survive in sewage, which could enable these hospital-adapted lineages to spread to new ecological niches.

Slip Clip after successful microsurgery of a blister aneurysm: Should bypass always be the first option?

Blood Blister-like aneurysms are intracranial non-saccular aneurysms with higher rupture risk due to its fragile wall. Diagnosis is performed in the acute phase of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. There are several treatment options based on reconstructive or deconstructive techniques. This paper aims to discuss the limitations of microsurgery clipping for a ruptured blister aneurysm. We report on a case of a female patient presented with a Fisher III subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography revealed an internal carotid artery blister aneurysm. Initially microsurgery clipping was successfully performed. However, after a few days the patient presented new subarachnoid hemorrhage. The new cerebral angiography showed growth of the previously clipped aneurysm, with displacement of the clip from the position adjacent to the artery. High-flow bypass was performed obtaining definitive treatment. This is a definitive approach for blister aneurysms. If microsurgery clipping is chosen, a strict follow-up is required due to the dynamic nature of this lesion and the chance of re-bleeding even after successfully clipping.

Estratégias para controle de infeccção hospitalar causada por Enterococcus Vancomicina-resistentes: uma revisão integrativa / Strategies for the control of hospital infections caused by Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus: an integrative review / Estrategias para controlar la infección del hospital causada por Enterococcus resistente a la Vancomicina: una revisión integrativa

Objetivo: avaliar a importância dos Enterococcus resistentes à Vancomicina (VRE) como agentes de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS) e identificar as estratégias nacionais e internacionais usadas no controle de IRAS por VREs. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura. Seleção de 18 artigos que tratavam da importância de IRAS por VREs e das estratégias de controle. Resultados: observou-se concordância entre os artigos em relação às maneiras de minimizar os índices de IRAS por VREs. A ocorrência de IRAS é permissiva quando medidas para higiene são inadequadas. Ademais, treinamentos acerca do uso de antimicrobianos, culturas de vigilância e estruturação de uma comissão especializada são estratégias para redução de casos e que devem ser seguidas para contingência de VREs como agentes de IRAS. Conclusão: ações preventivas são a maneira mais eficiente de reduzir os casos de IRAS por VREs. É imprescindível padronizar e controlar o uso de antimicrobianos visando à prevenção da seleção de linhagens resistentes. Ainda, faz-se necessário manter ativas estratégias administrativas para controle de IRAS e atualização dos profissionais técnicos e da limpeza que atuam nos serviços de saúde, possibilitando educação continuada acerca de todos os tópicos que envolvam o controle dos casos.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the importance of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VREs) as agents of Health care-associated infections (HAIs) and to identify national and international strategies used in the control of HAIs by VREs. Method: this is an integrative literature review. We selected 18 articles that dealt with the importance of HAIs by VREs and the control strategies. Results: we noted an agreement among the articles regarding ways to minimize the rates of HAIs by VREs. The occurrence of HAIs is permissive when hygiene measures are inadequate. Furthermore, training on the use of antimicrobials, surveillance cultures, and the structuring of a specialized committee are strategies to reduce cases and should be followed for the contingency of VREs as agents of HAIs. Conclusion: preventive actions are the most efficient way to reduce cases of HAIs by VREs. It is essential to standardize and control the use of antimicrobials, in order to prevent the selection of resistant strains. Furthermore, it is necessary to keep active administrative strategies for the control of HAIs and to update the technical and cleaning professionals who work in health services, enabling continuing education on all topics involving case control.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar la importancia de los Enterococcus resistentes a la Vancomicina (VREs) como agentes de infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria (IAAS) e identificar las estrategias nacionales e internacionales utilizadas para controlar las IAAS causadas por los VREs. Método: revisión integradora de la literatura. Se seleccionaron 18 artículos que trataban sobre la importancia de las IAAS por los VREs y las estrategias de control. Resultados: se observó una concordancia entre los artículos sobre las formas de minimizar las tasas de IAAS por VREs. La aparición de IAAS es permisible cuando las medidas de higiene son inadecuadas. Además, los tratamientos sobre el uso de antimicrobianos, las culturas de vigilancia y la estructuración de una comisión especializada son estrategias para reducir los casos y que deben seguirse para la contingencia de los VREs como agentes de IAAS. Conclusión: las acciones preventivas son la forma más eficiente de reducir los casos de IAAS por VREs. Es imprescindible programar y controlar el uso de antimicrobianos para prevenir la aparición de líneas resistentes. Asimismo, es necesario mantener activas las estrategias administrativas para el control de las IAAS y la actualización de los profesionales técnicos y de limpieza que trabajan en los servicios sanitarios, permitiendo la formación continua en todos los temas que involucran el control de casos.(AU)

Safety and Efficacy of 980nm Diode Laser for Brain Tumor Microsurgery-A Pioneer Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life is essential for oncologic patients. Several tools are available to improve microsurgery and reduce morbidity. Diode laser is a precise and useful technology for microsurgery. The goal of this pioneer case series is to describe the oncologic use of the 980nm diode laser and the qualitative variables analyzed. Besides, review the current literature about lasers in neurosurgery. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study described patients with meningioma or glioma submitted to neurosurgical laser-assisted procedures. Also, we performed a review in medical databases using the terms "diode laser" and "neurosurgery." RESULTS: No paper described the use of a diode laser in neurooncology. The 980nm diode laser was used in 15 patients. The device is thin, silent, and easy to handle. Excellent hemostasis was observed, especially in skull base meningiomas. Also, it was easy and fast to delimit tumor from normal brain tissue without damage to surrounding parenchyma. No postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The diode laser is a useful tool for brain tumor surgery, particularly concerning hemostasis. Surgical site coagulation is effective without damage to adjacent structures, especially in gliomas near eloquent regions. We consider this technique a suitable adjuvant resource for brain tumor surgeries to provide an excellent hemostasis and help cut and vaporize a lesion.

O habitar na reabilitação psicossocial: análise entre dois Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos / Living in psychosocial rehabilitation: analysis between Two Residential Therapeutic Services

RESUMO Buscou-se analisar a interlocução das condições e das necessidades de moradia dos usuários em sofrimento psíquico grave dos Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos em relação à inserção social e à autonomia. Pesquisa transversal realizada com 74 moradores dos Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos de um município do interior do estado de São Paulo. Foi aplicado Instrumento para Estudos das Condições de Moradias de Portadores de Transtorno Mental Grave. O tratamento dos dados ocorreu por meio do programa Statistical Package Social Sciences, utilizando medidas descritivas e análise estatística com o teste qui-quadrado, considerando Intervalo de Confiança de 95% e p-valor<0,05. Entre os participantes, predominaram: sexo feminino, cor branca, não alfabetizado, sem parceiros e sem vínculo empregatício, morando mais que dois anos no serviço residencial e, em média, há 38 anos em tratamento psiquiátrico. Identificaram-se diferenças entre os serviços residenciais em relação à inserção social e à autonomia dos usuários e se discute a influência da localização geográfica desses serviços. A centralidade das residências terapêuticas à rede de saúde implica a promoção de inserção, autonomia e satisfação dos usuários em sofrimento psíquico grave. Assim, a fragilidade do habitar compromete a efetivação da reabilitação psicossocial compreendida no tripé: trabalho, rede social e moradia.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the relation of housing conditions and needs of users with severe mental disorders at therapeutic residential services regarding social inclusion and autonomy. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 74 residents of residential therapeutic services in a city in the countryside of São Paulo. The Instrument for the Study of the Housing Conditions of People with Severe Mental Disorder was applied. Data were processed using the Statistical Package Social Sciences program through descriptive measures and statistical analysis with the chi-square test. A Confidence Interval of 95% and p-value <0.05 were considered. There was a predominance of the variables female gender, white, illiterate, without partners and without employment relationship, with users who had been residing for more than two years in the residential service and who were, on average, 38 years under psychiatric treatment. Differences between residential services in relation to social inclusion and autonomy of users were identified and the influence of the geographic location of these services is discussed. The centrality of therapeutic residences within the health network implies the promotion of insertion, autonomy, and satisfaction of residents. Thus, the fragility of housing compromises the effectiveness of psychosocial rehabilitation comprised in the triad work, social network and housing.

Microsurgical Cisternostomy for Treating Critical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury - An alternative Therapeutic Approach

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality around the world. Few advances regarding surgical approaches have been made in the past few years to improve its outcomes. Microsurgical cisternostomy is a well-established technique used in vascular and skull base surgery and recently emerges as a suitable procedure with lesser costs and morbidity when compared with decompressive craniectomy in patients with diffuse TBI. This study aims to describe the technique, indications, and limitations of cisternostomy and to compare it with decompressive craniectomy (DC). Methods A prospective study is being conducted after obtaining approval of the local human ethics research committee. Once the inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied, the patients are submitted to microsurgical cisternostomy, pre and postoperative neurological status and brain computed tomography (CT) evaluation. A detailed review was also performed, which discusses diffuse TBI, DC, and cisternostomy for the treatment of TBI. Results Two patients were submitted to cisternostomy after TBI and the presence of acute subdural hematoma and hugemidline shift at admission computed tomography. The surgery was authorized by the family (the informed consent form was signed). Both patients evolved with a good recovery after the procedure, and had a satisfactory control brain CT. No further surgeries were required after the initial cisternostomy. Conclusions Cisternostomy is an adequate technique for the treatment of selected patients affected by diffuse TBI, and it is a proper alternative to DC with lesser costs and morbidity, since a single neurosurgical procedure is performed. A prospective study is being conducted for a better evaluation and these were the initial cases of this new protocol.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Transmodiolar Schwannoma.

BACKGROUND: Rare and deep located tumors are surgical challenge with high morbidity. Minimal invasive techniques should be encouraged for a better outcome. Intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) is a rare benign tumor that usually presents with hearing loss and tinnitus. Surgery is associated with high rate of facial paralysis and deafness. Radiosurgery is an option for tinnitus treatment, without the risk of facial paralysis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A young male patient presented with severe hearing loss and incapacitating tinnitus. Magnetic resonance revealed the presence of a small ILS. Radiosurgery was performed and obtained tinnitus control without complications and no further tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor control and symptoms relief could be safely achieved through a precisely plan using Gamma Knife radiosurgery, decreasing morbidity. This is the first radiosurgical description for a transmodiolar schwannoma.

Septum Pellucidum Cavernoma: A Case Report and Anatomical Consideration of an Extremely Rare Lesion.

Cavernous angiomas (cavernomas) are vascular malformations of the brain characterized by abnormal capillaries. Ventricular cavernomas are considered rare; however, an extremely unusual topography is the septum pellucidum, with only five reported cases in the English literature. These malformations may rupture and cause very large hematomas, leading to neurological impairment. Cavernomas can be familial or sporadic; additionally, these may appear following brain radiotherapy in extremely rare cases. Herein, we present an extremely rare and unique case of a septum pellucidum cavernoma that occurred in a young male who had previously undergone brain radiotherapy in childhood due to acute lymphoid leukemia. Following presentation, he was diagnosed with generalized seizures. The cavernoma was resected via an anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach, following which the patient remained stable without neurological sequelae. To conclude, ventricular cavernomas are rare lesions, especially when located at the septum pellucidum, thus constitute a challenging neurosurgical approach.

Infecção e fatores preditivos de óbito em pacientes queimados atendidos em um hospital universitário na cidade de Uberaba/MG / Infection and predicting factors of death in burnt patients attended in a university hospital in the city of Uberaba/MG

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência de infecções e as variáveis associadas a óbito entre pacientes queimados atendidos em um hospital universitário na cidade de Uberaba/MG. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo realizado por análise dos prontuários de pacientes queimados (2° e/ou 3° graus) internados entre janeiro de 2013 e janeiro de 2019. Foram avaliados tempo de internação, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), uso de antibióticos, superfície corporal queimada (SCQ), infecções, vias de acesso e comorbidades anteriores. Os dados foram tabulados no Microsoft® Excel e analisados por IBM SPSS statistics 21 e GraphPad Prism 7.0 (p<0.05). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 168 prontuários de pacientes com idades entre 0,12 e 84 anos (p=0,58). A ocorrência de infecção foi correlacionada a um risco relativo (RR) de quase seis vezes maior de óbito (RR=5,96; p=0,003). Pacientes com SCQ superior a 50% apresentaram RR cerca de 18 vezes maior de óbito (RR=18,33; p<0,0001). Demonstrou-se também aumento do número de óbitos em pacientes com mais de três acessos (RR=35,53; p <0,0001) e associação de óbitos com os custos hospitalares de internação (p=0,0018). Raça, sexo, tempo de hospitalização, hospitalização em UTI, comorbidades, uso de antibiótico e grau de queimadura não interferiram na sobrevida dos pacientes avaliados. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de infecções entre os pacientes queimados avaliados apresentou relação positiva com óbito, bem como a SCQ, o número de acessos utilizados e os gastos hospitalares. Atenção especial deve ser dada ao controle de infecções, visto ser esta uma variável possível de alteração mediante esforços e cuidados da equipe multiprofissional responsável por esses pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of infections and the variables associated with death among burn patients treated at a university hospital in the city of Uberaba/MG. METHODS: Retrospective study performed by analyzing the medical records of burned patients (2nd and/or 3rd degrees) hospitalized between January 2013 and January 2019. Length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, use of antibiotics, burned body surface (BBS), infections, access routes and previous comorbidities were evaluated. The data were tabulated in Microsoft® Excel and analyzed by IBM SPSS statistics 21 and GraphPad Prism 7.0 (p<0.05). RESULTS: 168 medical records of patients aged 0.12 to 84 years (p=0.58) were evaluated. The occurrence of infection was correlated with a relative risk (RR) of almost six times higher of death (RR=5.96; p=0.003). Patients with BBS greater than 50% had about 18 times higher risk of death (RR=18.33; p <0.0001). There was also an increase in the number of deaths in patients with more than three accesses (RR=35.53; p <0.0001) and an association of deaths with hospitalization costs (p=0.0018). Race, sex, length of hospital stay, ICU, stay comorbidities, use of antibiotics and degree of burn did not interfere with the survival of the evaluated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infections among the burn patients evaluated showed a positive relationship with death, as well as BBS, the number of accesses used and hospital expenses. Special attention should be given to infection control, as this is a variable that can be controlled through the efforts and care of the multidisciplinary team responsible for these patients.