Buckypaper-Based Nanostructured Sensor for Port Wine Analysis.

The development of electronic gadgets has become of great relevance for the detection of fraud in beverages such as wine, due to the addition of adulterants that bring risks to human health as well as economic impacts. Thus, the present study aims to apply a buckypaper (BP) based on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/cellulose fibers as a sensor for the analysis of Port wine intentionally adulterated with 5 vol.% and 10 vol.% distilled water and ethyl alcohol. The morphology of BP characterized by scanning electron microscopy indicates the formation of agglomerates of random MWCNTs dispersed on the surface and between the fibers of the cellulosic paper. The analysis of the response of the film through the normalized relative resistance change showed a higher response of 0.75 ± 0.16 for adulteration with 10 vol.% of water and a mean response time of 10.0 ± 3.60 s and recovery of approximately 17.2 min for adulteration with 5 vol.% alcohol. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used in data processing to evaluate the ability of BP to recognize and discriminate analytes and adulterating agents, allowing the investigation of its potential application as a low-cost and easy-to-handle multisensor.

Vulvar Hailey-Hailey disease treated with low-dose naltrexone: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: To report a case of vulvar familial benign pemphigus, or Hailey-Hailey disease, treated successfully with low-dose naltrexone and to review the current literature. METHODS: We report a case of a 71-year-old white woman with vulvar Hailey-Hailey disease recalcitrant to topical corticosteroids. After treatment with low-dose naltrexone, 3 mg nightly was initiated, the lesions began to heal and 5 months later her skin showed no lesions. A literature review on the use of low-dose naltrexone for Hailey-Hailey disease was performed. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE databases for previous case reports using the key words ''Pemphigus, Benign Familial'' and ''naltrexone". RESULTS: We found 35 more cases of Hailey-Hailey disease treated with naltrexone, showing promising results, reported until January 2020, with no major adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Low-dose naltrexone may represent a cost-effective and successful treatment modality in nongeneralized Hailey-Hailey disease without serious adverse effects. Future prospective studies are needed to investigate this interesting therapeutic option.

BRAZIL ROAD-KILL: a data set of wildlife terrestrial vertebrate road-kills.

Mortality from collision with vehicles is the most visible impact of road traffic on wildlife. Mortality due to roads (hereafter road-kill) can affect the dynamic of populations of many species and can, therefore, increase the risk of local decline or extinction. This is especially true in Brazil, where plans for road network upgrading and expansion overlaps biodiversity hotspot areas, which are of high importance for global conservation. Researchers, conservationists and road planners face the challenge to define a national strategy for road mitigation and wildlife conservation. The main goal of this dataset is a compilation of geo-referenced road-kill data from published and unpublished road surveys. This is the first Data Paper in the BRAZIL series (see ATLANTIC, NEOTROPICAL, and BRAZIL collections of Data Papers published in Ecology), which aims make public road-kill data for species in the Brazilian Regions. The dataset encompasses road-kill records from 45 personal communications and 26 studies published in peer-reviewed journals, theses and reports. The road-kill dataset comprises 21,512 records, 83% of which are identified to the species level (n = 450 species). The dataset includes records of 31 amphibian species, 90 reptile species, 229 bird species, and 99 mammal species. One species is classified as Endangered, eight as Vulnerable and twelve as Near Threatened. The species with the highest number of records are: Didelphis albiventris (n = 1,549), Volatinia jacarina (n = 1,238), Cerdocyon thous (n = 1,135), Helicops infrataeniatus (n = 802), and Rhinella icterica (n = 692). Most of the records came from southern Brazil. However, observations of the road-kill incidence for non-Least Concern species are more spread across the country. This dataset can be used to identify which taxa seems to be vulnerable to traffic, analyze temporal and spatial patterns of road-kill at local, regional and national scales and also used to understand the effects of road-kill on population persistence. It may also contribute to studies that aims to understand the influence of landscape and environmental influences on road-kills, improve our knowledge on road-related strategies on biodiversity conservation and be used as complementary information on large-scale and macroecological studies. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.

Intrapartum synthetic oxytocin and breastfeeding: a retrospective cohort study.

Non-pulsatile oxytocin given during labour can negatively affect breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to assess whether intrapartum oxytocin administration has any effect on breastfeeding. Secondly, to assess whether some maternal or neonatal variables influence breastfeeding. A retrospective cohort study was done, comparing two groups: women exposed (n = 101) and not exposed to oxytocin (n = 100) during labour. Women with caesarean section, vacuum extraction/forceps, twin pregnancy, breech presentation, premature neonates and with an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes were excluded. Duration of breastfeeding was evaluated by a phone call interview. A regression analysis was done, evaluating possible confounding factors. The use of oxytocin during labour was demonstrated to be a predictor of impaired first hour breastfeeding (OR =2.493, CI: 1.05-5.92; p = .038). At three months' postpartum, 26.7% women in the exposed group versus 14% in the non-exposed group were not breastfeeding (p = .035). This result was not statistically significant when adjusting for possible confounders. High pregestational body mass index was the best predictor of an impaired third month's postpartum breastfeeding (OR =0.901, CI: 0.835-0.972; p = .007). Intrapartum oxytocin administration could inhibit first hour breastfeeding. A novel association was detected, pregestational body mass index was a predictor of impaired breastfeeding at three months, possibly confounding the oxytocin effect. Additional prospective studies are needed to investigate potential associations between intrapartum oxytocin and breastfeeding. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Oxytocin is a common medical intervention during labour. Some studies suggest a negative association between intrapartum oxytocin dose, newborn sucking and an increased risk of early breastfeeding discontinuation. However, some maternal variables were not considered in these studies and the impact synthetic oxytocin may have on breastfeeding has not been thoroughly researched. What do the results of this study add? In this study, intrapartum oxytocin administration seems to inhibit the first hour breastfeeding. However, a novel association was detected, high pregestational body mass index was a predictor of impaired breastfeeding at three months, possibly confounding oxytocin effects. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Additional prospective studies are needed to investigate potential associations between intrapartum oxytocin and breastfeeding. Therefore, health care professionals should help obese women, starting from conception, to maximise breastfeeding outcomes as much as possible.

Applicability, Safety, and Efficiency of Salpingectomy versus Electrocoagulation and Laparoscopic Tubal Section in Ambulatory.

OBJECTIVE: Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that aims women to permanently stop the use of conception. The benefits, risks and cost-effectiveness are important issues. The purpose of this study was comparing the applicability, complications and efficacy of salpingectomy versus electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion by laparoscopy in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. METHODS: We performed a retrospective and observational study that included women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization procedures at our Ambulatory Surgery Unit, during three years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying the Fisher exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Linear Regression. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-one laparoscopic surgical procedures were performed, including 79 (35.7%) bilateral total salpingectomies and 142 (64.3%) electrocoagulation and bilateral tubal occlusion procedures. The majority of the procedures were performed by a resident (n = 162; 73.3%), with 40% (n = 33) of salpingectomies. The surgical time, independently the type of surgeon, was significantly shorter in the tubal occlusion (42.2 vs. 52.7 min, p < 0.001). Safety and efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups, with a case of pregnancy in tubal occlusion group. CONCLUSION: Salpingectomy is a safe and effective alternative comparing with electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion.

OBJETIVO: A esterilização feminina é um procedimento cirúrgico que auxilia as mulheres na paragem permanente de utilização de métodos contraceptivos. Os objetivos desde estudo foram comparar a aplicabilidade, complicações e eficácia da salpingectomia vs. eletrocoagulação e secção tubar na esterilização feminina em regime de ambulatório. MéTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo e observacional que incluiu mulheres submetidas a procedimentos de esterilização por laparoscopia no Serviço de Cirurgia de Ambulatório da ULSAM, durante três anos. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao SPSS, aplicando o teste exato de Fisher, o teste de Mann-Whitney e Regressão Linear. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 221 procedimentos cirúrgicos por laparoscopia, incluindo 79 (35,7%) salpingectomias totais bilaterais e 142 (64,3%) procedimentos por eletrocoagulação e secção tubar bilateral. A maioria dos procedimentos foram realizados por um interno de formação específica (n = 162; 73,3%), com 40% (n = 33) de salpingectomias. O tempo operatório foi significativamente inferior no grupo da eletrocoagulação (42,2 vs. 52,7 min, p < 0,001). Em relação à segurança e à eficácia não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos, com um caso de gravidez após eletrocoagulação e secção tubar. CONCLUSãO: A salpingectomia é uma alternativa segura e com alta taxa de eficácia quando comparada com eletrocoagulação e secção tubar.

One Year of COVID-19 in Pregnancy: A National Wide Collaborative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Even though the risk of COVID-19 in pregnancy may be increased, large-scale studies are needed to better understand the impact of the infection in this population. The aim of this study is to describe obstetric complications and the rate of vertical transmission in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Detected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy were registered in Portuguese hospitals by obstetricians. Epidemiological, pregnancy and childbirth data were collected. RESULTS: There were 630 positive cases in 23 Portuguese maternity hospitals, most at term (87.9%) and asymptomatic (62.9%). The most frequent maternal comorbidity was obesity. The rates of preterm birth and small-to-gestational-age were 12.1% and 9.9%, respectively. In the third trimester, 2.9% of pregnant women required respiratory support. There were eight cases (1.5%) of fetal death, including two cases of vertical transmission. There were five cases of postpartum respiratory degradation, but no maternal deaths were recorded. The caesarean section rate was higher in the first than in the second wave (68.5% vs 31.5%). RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 positivity among newborns was 1.3%. CONCLUSION: SARS-Cov-2 infection in pregnancy may carry increased risks for both pregnant women and the fetuses. Individualized surveillance and the prophylaxis of this population with vaccination. is recommended in these cases.

Introdução: Apesar do risco da COVID-19 na gravidez poder ser acrescido, são necessários estudos em larga escala para o melhor conhecimento do impacto desta infeção nesta população. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as complicações obstétricas e a taxa de transmissão vertical em grávidas com infeção a SARS-CoV-2. Material e Métodos: Os casos conhecidos de infeção por SARS-CoV-2 na gravidez foram registados nos hospitais portugueses por obstetras. Foram recolhidos dados epidemiológicos, da gravidez e do parto. Resultados: Registaram-se 630 casos positivos em 23 maternidades portuguesas, a maioria no termo (87,9%) e assintomática (62,9%). A comorbilidade materna mais frequente foi a obesidade. A taxa de parto pré-termo e de leves para a idade gestacional foi de 12,1% e 9,9%, respectivamente. No terceiro trimestre, 2,9% das grávidas necessitaram de suporte respiratório. Verificou-se uma taxa de 1,5% de morte fetal, incluindo dois casos de transmissão vertical. Houve cinco casos de degradação respiratória no pós-parto, mas sem mortes maternas registadas. A taxa de cesarianas foi mais elevada na primeira do que na segunda vaga (68,5% vs 31,5%). A positividade do RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 entre os recém-nascidos foi de 1,3%. Conclusão: A infeção pelo SARS-Cov-2 na gravidez pode acarretar riscos aumentados para as grávidas e fetos. Recomenda-se uma vigilância individualizada nestes casos e a profilaxia desta população com a vacinação.

Anesthetic management in bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for refractory ventricular arrhythmias: A case report.

Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation (CSD) has been shown to reduce shocks and subsequent pain of implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart diseases and recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) who did not respond properly to oral therapy and ablation. A 68-year-old man who presented an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired ejection fraction was treated for VT. A bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation was performed under general anesthesia. Patient was extubated in the operating room and transferred to ICU where he presented hypotension. He was discharged after five days and remained symptom-free without any incident of VT during hospital stay. Currently no definite anesthetic management is available to treat such patients. This report discusses an approach that made heart rate control and safe patient discharge possible.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of lectin from marine red alga Pterocladiella capillacea.

Researchers see algae as a promising tool to discover both efficient and safe agents for pain therapy. We evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of lectin from the marine alga Pterocladiella capillacea lectin (PcL). PcL was purified and tested in classical models of nociception and inflammation. Male Swiss mice received PcL 30 min prior to receiving 0.8% acetic acid (10 microl/10 g, i.p.), 1% formalin (20 microl/intraplantar) or the hot plate test, and were compared to untreated animals or animals pretreated with indomethacin or morphine. PcL (0.9, 8.1 or 72.9 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly reduced the number of writhes (30%, 39%, and 52%, respectively). PcL (72.9 mg/kg, i.v.) also reduced (p<0.05) both the first and second phases of the formalin test by 58% and 87%, respectively. However, PcL (72.9 mg/kg) did not present significant antinociceptive effects in the hot plate test when compared to morphine, suggesting that its antinociceptive action occurs via peripheral rather than a central-acting mechanism. It was also observed that leukocyte migration was induced by carrageenan (500 microg/cavity) in male Wistar rats and that PcL (8.1 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly reduced neutrophil migration by 84%, as compared to untreated animals, suggesting inhibition of inflammatory mediators. The data indicated that PcL has peripheral actions with both anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties.

An integrated approach for trace detection of pollutants in water using polyelectrolyte functionalized magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents.

Resistance of pathogenic micro-organisms to conventional antibiotics is an essential issue for public health. The presence of such pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems has been of major concern for which remediation and ultra-sensitive monitoring methods have been proposed. A less explored strategy involves the application of multifunctional nanosorbents for the uptake and subsequent detection of vestigial contaminants. In this study, colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) of iron oxide and gold were encapsulated in multi-layers of a charged polyelectrolyte (PEI: polyethyleneimine), envisaging the effective capture of tetracycline (TC) and its subsequent detection by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Adsorption studies were performed by varying operational parameters, such as the solution pH and contact time, in order to evaluate the performance of the nanosorbents for the uptake of TC from water. While the magnetic nanosorbents with an external PEI layer (Fe3O4@PEI and Fe3O4@PEI-Au@PEI particles) have shown better uptake efficiency for TC, these materials showed less SERS sensitivity than the Fe3O4@PEI- Au nanosorbents, whose SERS sensitivity for TC in water has reached the limit of detection of 10 nM. Thus, this study highlights the potential of such magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents as multi-functional platforms for targeting specific contaminants in water, by taking into consideration both functionalities investigated: the removal by adsorption and the SERS detection across the nanosorbents' surfaces.

Magnetite-Supported Gold Nanostars for the Uptake and SERS Detection of Tetracycline.

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated with gold nanostars (AuNSs) have been prepared by using a seed growth method without the addition of surfactants or colloidal stabilizers. The hybrid nanomaterials were investigated as adsorbents for the uptake of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions and subsequent detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Several parameters were investigated in order to optimize the performance of these hybrid platforms on the uptake and SERS detection of TC, including variable pH values and the effect of contact time on the removal of TC. The spatial distribution of TC and AuNS on the hybrid composites was accomplished by coupling SERS analysis with Raman imaging studies, allowing also for the determination of the detection limit for TC when dissolved in ultrapure water (10 nM) and in more complex aqueous matrices (1 µM). Attempts were also made to investigate the adsorption modes of the TC molecules at the surface of the metal NPs by taking into account the enhancement of the Raman bands in these different matrices.

Tendência da mortalidade por Paracoccidioidomicose no Brasil ­ 1996 a 2020 / Mortality trends due to Paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil ­ 1996 to 2020

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência da mortalidade por paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) e caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico no Brasil e suas regiões geográficas numa série temporal de 25 anos. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo ecológico de séries temporais. Considerou-se como participantes do estudo a população brasileira dividida em faixas etárias, que tiveram como causa básica do óbito a PCM. Para calcular a variação percentual anual (VPA) dos coeficientes, na análise de tendência, foi utilizada a regressão de Prais-Winsten. Os coeficientes de mortalidade foram calculados a nível nacional, segundo as regiões geográficas, sexo e faixa etária e proporcional para as demais variáveis. Resultados: De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, ocorreram 2.101 óbitos por PCM no Brasil. A tendência ao longo dos 25 anos evidenciou um comportamento estável nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Já no Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste houve uma tendêndia de queda. A mortalidade média no Brasil foi de 84,04/100 mil hab., VPA -3,29 (IC 95% -2,43; -4,14). Levando em consideração a análise dos aspectos sociodemográficos, houve um predomínio de escolaridade ignorada (764; 36%), raça/ cor da pele branca (1.109; 53%), estado civil misto: casado (942; 45%) e solteiro (640; 30%), local de ocorrência do óbito predominantemente no âmbito hospitalar (1.852; 88%). Conclusão: Tanto no Brasil como nas regiões geográficas Sudeste, Sul e Centro-Oeste a mortalidade por PCM apresentou-se com tendência temporal decrescente. Já nas regiões Nordeste e Norte a tendência foi estacionária. O perfil sociodemográfico dos pacientes que foram a óbito apontou para sexo masculino, adultos, de baixa escolaridade, brancos e casados.

Objective: To analyze the trend in mortality from paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and characterize the sociodemographic profile in Brazil and its geographic regions in a 25-year time series. Methods: This is an ecological time series study. The study participants were the Brazilian population divided into age groups whose underlying cause of death was PCM. To calculate the annual percentage change (VPA) of the coefficients in the trend analysis, the Prais-Winsten regression was used. National mortality coefficients were calculated according to geographic regions, sex and age group and proportional to the other variables. Results: According to this study, there were 2,101 deaths from PCM in Brazil. The trend over the 25 years showed stable behavior in the North and Northeast regions. In the South, Southeast, and Midwest, there was a downward trend. The average mortality in Brazil was 84.04/100,000 inhab., VPA -3.29 (95% CI -2.43; -4.14). According to the analysis of sociodemographic aspects, there was a predominance of ignored schooling (764 deaths; 36%), white race/skin color (1,109; 53%), mixed marital status: married (942; 45%) and single (640; 30%), and place of death predominantly in the hospital environment (1,852; 88%). Conclusion: In Brazil and in the Southeast, South, andMidwest geographic regions, mortality from PCM showed a decreasing temporal trend. In the Northeast and North regions, the trend was stationary. The sociodemographic profile of the dying patients indicated males, adults, with low education, white, and married.

Prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes by extreme values of first trimester screening markers.

BACKGROUND: To determine the association between extreme values of first trimester markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 916 women who underwent first-trimester combined screening during 2015 was performed. Extreme values of NT, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free ß-hCG, and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Low PAPP-A (<10th percentile) was associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.13), fetal growth restriction (AOR 3.94) and abruptio placentae (AOR 52.63). Abnormally low or high free ß-hCG, high PAPP-A or increased NT was not associated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes. DISCUSSION: PAPP-A <10th percentile could be associated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes. However, the majority of patients with these events do not have abnormal PAPP-A and few patients with PAPP-A <10th percentile will have an adverse outcome.

Fetal primary hydrothorax with spontaneous resolution.

Fetal primary hydrothorax is a rare congenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1:10.000-15.000 pregnancies, with an unpredictable clinical course, ranging from spontaneous resolution to fetal death. We present a case of a unilateral fetal pleural effusion identified at 35th gestational week. A 37 year-old woman (G2P1) presented to our routine term pregnancy evaluation. The pregnancy had been otherwise uneventful. At ecographic evaluation a large anechogenic fluid collection was identified in the right fetal hemithorax, with atelectasis of right lung, displacing the heart and mediastinal structures to the contralateral hemithorax. Hydramnios was also identified. No other structural abnormalities were detected, as no signs of hydrops. Fetal biometry was compatible with gestational age. Fetal ecochardiogram was structurally and functionally normal. Doppler evaluation of the peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery was normal. Screening for congenital infections was negative. Complete blood cell count, blood type and antibody screening rulled-out immune hydrops. Karyotype analysis was not performed as family decision. Serial ecographic re-evaluations showed a progressive volume decrease and at the 38th week there was total resolution of the effusion. A C-section was performed at the 39th week. A live female infant was born weighing 3205 g, with no need of ventilatory support. One year post-partum follow-up evaluation confirmed the child was healthy. Spontaneous regression has been reported to occur in 9-22% of primary fetal hydrothoraxes, but the features predicting a better prognosis remain difficult to define. Unilateral effusion, spontaneous resolution and absence of hydrops at the age of diagnosis seem to be indicators of better outcome.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in a pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of children aged 0-14 years diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and compare the following outcomes between children with prior diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and children without prior diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus length of hospital stay, severity on admission, insulin dosage, time of continuous insulin use, volume of fluids infused during treatment, and complications. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study with review of medical records of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a referral hospital from June 2013 to July 2015. The following data regarding 52 admissions were analyzed: age, sex, weight, body surface area, signs, symptoms and severity on admission, blood gas, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, serum osmolarity, and index of mortality. The insulin dosage, time of continuous insulin use, volume administered in the expansion phase and in the first 24h, length of stay, and complications such as electrolyte disturbances, hypoglycemia, cerebral edema, and death were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients without a previous diagnosis of DM1 were younger at admission, with mean age of 8.4 years (p<0.01), reported more nausea or vomiting, polydipsia and polyuria, and showed more weight loss (p<0.01). This study also observed a higher prevalence of hypokalemia (p<0.01) and longer hospital stay in this group. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in severity between groups were observed. The study showed that children without prior diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus were younger at admission, had more hypokalemia during the course of treatment, and had greater length of hospital stay.

Applicability, Safety, and Efficiency of Salpingectomy versus Electrocoagulation and Laparoscopic Tubal Section in Ambulatory / Aplicabilidade, segurança e eficiência da salpingectomia versus eletrocoagulação e secção tubar laparoscópica em regime de ambulatório

Abstract Objective Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that aims women to permanently stop the use of conception. The benefits, risks and cost-effectiveness are important issues. The purpose of this study was comparing the applicability, complications and efficacy of salpingectomy versus electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion by laparoscopy in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. Methods We performed a retrospective and observational study that included women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization procedures at our Ambulatory Surgery Unit, during three years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying the Fisher exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Linear Regression. Results Two hundred and twenty-one laparoscopic surgical procedures were performed, including 79 (35.7%) bilateral total salpingectomies and 142 (64.3%) electrocoagulation and bilateral tubal occlusion procedures. The majority of the procedures were performed by a resident (n = 162; 73.3%), with 40% (n = 33) of salpingectomies. The surgical time, independently the type of surgeon, was significantly shorter in the tubal occlusion (42.2 vs. 52.7 min, p < 0.001). Safety and efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups, with a case of pregnancy in tubal occlusion group. Conclusion Salpingectomy is a safe and effective alternative comparing with electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion.

Resumo Objetivo A esterilização feminina é um procedimento cirúrgico que auxilia as mulheres na paragem permanente de utilização de métodos contraceptivos. Os objetivos desde estudo foram comparar a aplicabilidade, complicações e eficácia da salpingectomia vs. eletrocoagulação e secção tubar na esterilização feminina em regime de ambulatório. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo e observacional que incluiu mulheres submetidas a procedimentos de esterilização por laparoscopia no Serviço de Cirurgia de Ambulatório da ULSAM, durante três anos. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao SPSS, aplicando o teste exato de Fisher, o teste de Mann-Whitney e Regressão Linear. Resultados Foram realizados 221 procedimentos cirúrgicos por laparoscopia, incluindo 79 (35,7%) salpingectomias totais bilaterais e 142 (64,3%) procedimentos por eletrocoagulação e secção tubar bilateral. A maioria dos procedimentos foram realizados por um interno de formação específica (n = 162; 73,3%), com 40% (n = 33) de salpingectomias. O tempo operatório foi significativamente inferior no grupo da eletrocoagulação (42,2 vs. 52,7 min, p < 0,001). Em relação à segurança e à eficácia não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos, com um caso de gravidez após eletrocoagulação e secção tubar. Conclusão A salpingectomia é uma alternativa segura e com alta taxa de eficácia quando comparada com eletrocoagulação e secção tubar.

Epidemiologia do câncer no sistema de saúde pública de Catanduva, São Paulo, Brasil / Epidemiology of cancer in the public health system of Catanduva, São Paulo, Brazil / Epidemiología del cáncer en el sistema de salud pública de Catanduva, São Paulo, Brasil

Introdução: As neoplasias malignas representam enorme demanda em saúde pública, devido a sua alta taxa de morbidade e mortalidade, associada à alta incidência e prevalência no Brasil e no mundo. O câncer tem vários fatores de risco que fazem com que os grupos populacionais exibam diferentes padrões de incidência. Esses padrões geralmente estão associados a hábitos e exposição ambiental. Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil epidemiológico de cânceres malignos da cidade de Catanduva e microrregião, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Método: Os dados foram obtidos dos diagnósticos confirmados de cânceres malignos a partir de biópsias realizadas pelo sistema público de saúde da cidade de Catanduva e da sua região de abrangência, analisados e comparados com dados das demais regiões brasileiras e mundiais. Resultados: Diferentes padrões para idade, sexo e tipos de câncer foram encontrados, como menor incidência de tumores de próstata, colo do útero e pulmão comparados ao perfil nacional. Em contraste, melanoma e câncer de útero tiveram maior incidência. Conclusão: Esses dados revelam uma distribuição epidemiológica distinta, possivelmente explicada pelas características socioeconômicas e ambientais da região e poderão auxiliar a formular políticas de saúde adequadas a essa realidade.(AU)

Introduction: Malignant neoplasms represent a huge demand in public health, due to their high rate of morbidity and mortality, associated with the high incidence and prevalence in Brazil and worldwide. Cancer has several risk factors that cause population groups to exhibit different patterns of incidence. These patterns are usually associated with environmental exposure and habits. Objective: To know the epidemiological profile of malignant cancers in the city of Catanduva and micro-region, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Method: Data were obtained from confirmed diagnoses of malignant cancers based on biopsies performed by the public health system in the city of Catanduva and its region of coverage, analyzed and compared with data from other Brazilian and world regions. Results: Different patterns for age, sex and types of cancer were found, such as a lower incidence of prostate, cervical and lung tumors compared to the national profile. In contrast, melanoma and uterine cancer had a higher incidence. Conclusion: These data reveal a distinct epidemiological distribution, possibly explained by the socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the region and may help to formulate health policies appropriate to this reality.(AU)

Introducción: Las neoplasias malignas representan una gran demanda de salud pública debido a su alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad, vinculada con una alta incidencia y prevalencia en Brasil y en todo el mundo. El cáncer tiene numerosos factores de riesgo, lo que hace que los grupos de población exhiban diferentes patrones de incidencia. Tales patrones se asocian generalmente con los hábitos y la exposición ambiental. Objetivo: Conocer el perfil epidemiológico de cánceres malignos de la ciudad de Catanduva y microrregión, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Los datos fueron obtenidos de los diagnósticos confirmados de cánceres malignos a partir de biopsias realizadas por el sistema público de salud de la ciudad de Catanduva y de su región de alcance, analizados y comparados con datos de las demás regiones brasileñas y mundiales. Resultados: Diferentes patrones para edad, sexo y tipos de cáncer se encontraron, como menor incidencia de tumores de próstata, cuello de útero y pulmón comparados al perfil nacional. En contraste, el melanoma y el cáncer de útero tuvieron mayor incidencia. Conclusión: Estos datos revelan una distribución epidemiológica distinta, posiblemente explicada por las características socioeconómicas y ambientales de la región y podrán auxiliar a formular políticas de salud adecuadas a esa realidad.(AU)

Use of digital media for the education of health professionals in the treatment of childhood asthma.

OBJECTIVES: Inhalation therapy is the main treatment for asthma and its adequate use has been a factor responsible for disease control; therefore, the aim of the study was to determine whether a digital media tool, which features portability on mobile phones, modifies the assimilation of the inhalation technique. METHODS: A total of 66 professionals working in the health care area with the pediatric population were selected. They were submitted to a pre-test on their knowledge of inhalation therapy. The professionals were randomized into two groups (A and B). Group A received a media application on their mobile phones showing the steps of inhalation therapy, while group B received the same information in written form only. A post-test was applied after 15 days. The results (pre- and post-) were analyzed by two pediatric pulmonologists. RESULTS: Of the 66 professionals, 87.9% were females. Of a total possible score of ten, the mean score obtained in the pre-test was 5.3 ± 3, and in the second test, 7.5 ± 2 (p<0.000). There were no significant differences when comparing the two groups (p=0.726). The nurses had the lowest mean scores in the initial test (2.3 ± 2); however, they were the group that learned the most with the intervention, showing similar means to those of other groups in the second test (6.1 ± 3). CONCLUSION: There was significant improvement in knowledge about inhalation therapy in all professional categories using both methods, demonstrating that education, when available to professionals, positively modifies medical practice.

Ferromagnetic sorbents based on nickel nanowires for efficient uptake of mercury from water.

This work reports the preparation of ferro-magnetic nickel nanowires (NiNW) coated with dithiocarbamate-functionalized siliceous shells and its application for the uptake of aqueous Hg(II) ions by magnetic separation. NiNW with an average diameter and length of 35 nm and 5 µm, respectively, were firstly prepared by Ni electrodeposition in an anodic aluminum oxide template. The NiNW surfaces were then coated with siliceous shells containing dithiocarbamate groups via a one-step procedure consisting in the alkaline hydrolytic co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and a siloxydithiocarbamate precursor (SiDTC). A small amount of these new nanoadsorbents (2.5 mg·L(-1)) removed 99.8% of mercury ions from aqueous solutions with concentration 50 µg·L(-1) and in less than 24 h of contact time. This outstanding removal ability is attributed to the high affinity of the sulfur donor ligands to Hg(II) species combined with the high surface area-to-volume ratio of the NiNW.

Functionalization of nickel nanowires with a fluorophore aiming at new probes for multimodal bioanalysis.

This work reports research on the development of bimodal magnetic and fluorescent 1D nanoprobes. First, ferromagnetic nickel nanowires (NiNW) have been prepared by Ni electrodeposition in an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. The highly ordered self-assembled AAO nanoporous templates were fabricated using a two-step anodization method of aluminum foil. The surface of the NiNW were then modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) which was previously labeled with an organic dye (fluorescein isothiocyanate: FITC) via covalent bonding. The ensuing functionalized NiNW exhibited the characteristic green fluorescence of FITC and could be magnetically separated from aqueous solutions by using a NdFeB magnet. Finally, the interest of these bimodal NiNW as nanoprobes for in vitro cell separation and biolabeling was preliminary assessed in a proof of principle experiment that involved the attachment of biofunctionalized NiNW to blood cells.