Effects of apigenin on gastric cancer cells.

Gastric Cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. As the currently available therapeutic options are invasive, new and more benign options are being explored. One of which is Apigenin (Api), a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, such as celery, parsley, garlic, bell pepper and chamomile tea. Api has known anti-inflammatory, -oxidant, and -proliferative proprieties in several diseases and its potential as an anticancer compound has been explored. Here we systematize the available data regarding the effects of Api on GC cells, in terms of cell proliferation, apoptosis, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and molecular targets. From the literature it is possible to conclude that Api inhibits cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which is accompanied by the reduction of clone formation and induction of apoptosis. This occurs through the Akt/Bad/Bcl2/Bax axis that activates the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, resulting in restriction of cell proliferation. Additionally, it seems that the anti-proliferative potential of Api on GC cells is particularly relevant in a more aggressive GC phenotype but can also affect normal gastric cells. This indicate that this flavonoid must be used in low-to-moderate doses to avoid side-effects induced by disturbance of the normal epithelium. In H. Pylori-infected cells, the literature demonstrates that Api reduces inflammation by diminishing the levels of H. pylori colonization, by preventing NF-kB activation and by diminishing the production of reactive oxygen specimens (ROS). Accordingly, in GC Api seems to regulate different hallmarks of cancer, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, inflammation and oxidative stress, demonstrating its potential has an anti-GC compound.

Fatal toxoplasmosis in a captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal.

New World monkeys are especially vulnerable to develop severe clinical manifestations and succumb to acute toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to describe the histopathological findings and genotypic characterization of the Toxoplasma gondii strain involved in a lethal case occurring in a zoo-housed black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal. Cyst-like structures suggestive of Sarcocystidae parasites and acute injuries in liver and brain were observed by light microscopy examination. By immunohistochemistry, calprotectin, T. gondii antigen and Iba1 antigen had a positive signaling in lung, liver and brain tissues. Toxoplasma gondii B1, ITS1 and 529 repetitive element fragments amplifications together with the genotyping of 13 microsatellite markers confirmed a systemic T. gondii infection linked to a non-clonal type II strain. This description is consistent to the majority T. gondii strains circulating in Europe.

Graduação em saúde coletiva: o que dizem os projetos pedagógicos / Graduation in public health: what the pedagogical projects say / Graduación en salud colectiva: lo que dicen los proyectos pedagógicos

O objeto de estudo desta dissertação é a formação do sanitarista no nível de graduação. Delimita-se na história dos cursos de graduação em saúde coletiva e no desenho formativo realizado para a nova profissão. Objetiva-se analisar a formação na graduação em saúde coletiva dos cursos existentes no Brasil à luz dos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e exploratório com abordagem documental, utilizando o método da análise de conteúdo. Depois da análise de 22 projetos, os resultados demonstraram uma abertura gradual dos cursos, com concentração entre 2008 e 2009, sendo o último aberto em 2019, e que estão organizados em maior número na região Norte, com 27,3%. A maioria dos cursos segue ou se adequou às Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Saúde Coletiva (DCNsCGSC), com predominância de carga horária igual ou superior a 3.200 horas, duração de oito a nove semestres e média de quatro anos, havendo turno noturno em 45,5% dos cursos. A oferta média é de 1.864 vagas/ano, 68% dos cursos são oferecidos por universidades federais, e 77,3% deles recebem a nomenclatura de bacharelado em saúde coletiva. Dos 18 cursos avaliados pelo Ministério da Educação (MEC), 67% são avaliados com conceito 5. A formação permite uma construção do conhecimento de forma gradativa a partir das bases da saúde coletiva. Os cursos articulam-se com os serviços e os sistemas de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e com a comunidade através de aulas práticas, estágios, pesquisa e projetos de extensão, fortalecendo o contato prático dos alunos com situações reais de saúde da população. Conclui-se que, embora o país esteja vivenciando uma crise na educação superior, os cursos de graduação em saúde coletiva estão na contramão dessa realidade. Apesar de as DCNsCGSC não estarem em vigor devido à não publicação pelo MEC em Diário Oficial, os cursos estão em conformidade com elas. A formação segue as bases da saúde coletiva, de modo que cumpre o objetivo de fortalecimento do SUS para a formação de recursos humanos em saúde.

The object of study of this dissertation is the training of the public health professional at the undergraduate level. It is delimited in the history of undergraduate courses in public health and in the training design carried out for the new profession. The objective is to analyze the undergraduate training in public health of the existing courses in Brazil in the light of the pedagogical projects of the courses. This is a qualitative and exploratory study with a document approach, using the method of content analysis. After analyzing 22 projects, the results showed a gradual opening of courses, with a concentration between 2008 and 2009, with the last one being in 2019, and which were organized in greater numbers in the Northern region, with 27.3%. Most courses follow or fit the National Curriculum Guidelines of the Undergraduate Course in Public Health (DCNCGSC), with a predominance of hours equal to or greater than 3,200 hours, duration of eight to nine semesters, and an average of four years, with night classes in 45.5% of the courses. The average offer is 1,864 places/year, 68% of the courses are offered by federal universities, and 77.3% of them receive the name of bachelor in public health. Of the 18 courses evaluated by the Ministry of Education (MEC), 67% are evaluated with a grade of 5. Training allows a gradual construction of knowledge based on the foundations of public health. The courses are articulated with health services and systems of the Unified Health System (SUS) and with the community with practical classes, internships, research, and extension projects, strengthening students' practical contact with real health situations in the population. Therefore, although the country is experiencing a crisis in higher education, the undergraduate courses in public health are going against this reality. Although the DCNsCGSC are not in force due to the non-publication by the MEC in the Official Gazette, the courses are in accordance with them. The training follows the basis of collective health so that it fulfills the objective of strengthening the SUS for the training of human resources in health.

El objeto de estudio de esta tesis es la formación de profesionales de la salud pública en el grado. Se hace una delimitación de la trayectoria de los cursos de grado en salud colectiva y el diseño formativo realizado para la nueva profesión. La investigación pretende analizar la formación de grado en salud colectiva en Brasil a partir de los proyectos pedagógicos de los cursos. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo y exploratorio, de enfoque documental, y con el método de análisis de contenido. Del análisis de 22 proyectos, los resultados muestran que hubo una ampliación gradual de los cursos en el período entre 2008 y 2009, la última se llevó a cabo en 2019, y que entre las regiones brasileñas donde se concentran destaca más el Norte, con un 27,3%. La mayoría de los cursos siguen o se ajustan a las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales de la Carrera de Grado en Salud Colectiva (DCNsCGSC), tienen carga horaria igual o superior a 3.200 horas, con una duración de ocho a nueve semestres y un promedio de cuatro años, con jornada nocturna en el 45,5%. La oferta promedio es de 1.864 vacantes/año, el 68% de los cursos son en universidades federales y el 77,3% llevan el nombre Licenciatura en Salud Colectiva. De los 18 cursos evaluados por el Ministerio de Educación (MEC), el 67% recibieron calificación 5. La formación permite construir paulatinamente conocimientos a partir de las bases de la salud colectiva. Los cursos se articulan con los servicios y redes de salud del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) brasileño y con la comunidad mediante clases prácticas, pasantías, proyectos de investigación y extensión, fortaleciendo el contacto de los alumnos con situaciones reales de salud de la población. Se concluye que, aunque el país viva una crisis en la educación superior, las carreras de grado en salud colectiva van en sentido contrario a esta realidad. Si bien las DCNsCGSC no se encuentran vigentes todavía, porque hace falta que el MEC las publique en el Diario Oficial, los cursos están de acuerdo con ellas. La formación sigue las bases de la salud colectiva, de modo que cumpla el objetivo de fortalecer el SUS para la formación de recursos humanos en salud.

O ensino na graduação em saúde coletiva: o que dizem os projetos pedagógicos / Undergraduate teaching in public health: what the pedagogical projects say

Resumo Em 2017, para nortear o currículo de ensino, são apresentadas as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Saúde Coletiva (DCNsCGSC). Com o objetivo de analisar o ensino nos cursos de graduação em saúde coletiva no brasil à luz dos projetos pedagógicos, realizamos um estudo qualitativo e exploratório com abordagem documental, utilizando o método da análise de conteúdo. Depois da análise de 22 projetos, observou-se que a maioria dos cursos segue ou se adequou (31,8%) às DCNsCGSC quanto a carga horária total, estágio, trabalho de conclusão e atividades complementares. A nomenclatura bacharelado em saúde coletiva é a principal denominação (77,3%). A maioria dos cursos está na região Norte (27,%) e em instituições federais (68,5%). Sobre o ensino, foram identificadas 274 citações de componentes obrigatórios com o termo de referência das subáreas da saúde coletiva. Desses, o eixo de políticas, planejamento e gestão em saúde, representa 66,42% (182) dos componentes e as ciências sociais e humanas em saúde 9,50% (26). O estudo elucidou como é realizado o ensino na graduação, agregando reflexões sobre a convergência das DCNsCGSC. Além disso, revela possíveis lacunas dos conteúdos de ensino necessários à formação para a atuação profissional, sobretudo para a consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract To standardize the teaching curriculum, the National Curriculum Guidelines for the Undergraduate Course in Public Health (DCNsCGSC) were set up in 2017. A qualitative and exploratory study with a documental approach was conducted, using the content analysis method, to analyze teaching in undergraduate courses in Public Health in Brazil in the light of Pedagogical Projects. After analysis of 22 projects, it was observed that the majority of the courses (31.8%) complied with the DCNsCGSC in terms of total workload, internship, final paper, and complementary activities. The term "bachelor's degree in public health" is the main denomination (77.3%). Most courses are in the northern region (27%) and federal institutions (68.5%). In terms of teaching, 274 mentions of mandatory components were identified with the term of reference of the subareas of Public Health. Of these, the areas of health policies, planning, and management represent 66.42% (182) of the components and the social and human sciences in health 9.5% (26). The study elucidated how undergraduate teaching is carried out, adding reflections on the convergence of DCNsCGSC. In addition, it revealed possible gaps in the teaching content necessary for training for professional practice, especially for the consolidation of the Unified Health System.

Risk Factors for Development of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors Longer Than 9 mm: Retrospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (R-NET) represent the most frequent of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN-GEP) according to the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. With an annual percentage of occurrence increasing to 8.2% of all rectal neoplasms, R-NET affect less than 2% and are reported in only 0.05% to 0.07% of patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The primary objective of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with R-NET greater than 10 mm. As a secondary objective, it was also aimed to evaluate the response to endoscopic treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, using data collected through the analysis of medical records of colonoscopies performed from January 2008 to December 2014. Records of polypectomies were identified, and the results were searched for pathological findings of R-NET. We also gathered epidemiological data and outcomes as risk factors for lesions greater than or equal to 10 mm, with local and distant recurrence. RESULTS: During the study period, 18 218 colonoscopies were performed and 10 865 polypoid lesions were detected and removed, 20 with R-NET anatomopathology. The detection rate was 0.1%. The risk factors associated with major lesions were Japanese ethnicity, the lack of previous cancer diagnosis, and a Ki67 index > 2%. The mean follow-up was 56.6 months, and there was no local lymph node recurrence or distant relapse. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that endoscopic resection is a good and effective method for treatment of Grade 1 rectal NET smaller than 11 mm, with high cure rates and low rates of local or distant relapse.

Recombinant myxoma virus infection associated with high mortality in rabbit farming (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Myxomatosis is an emergent disease in the Iberian hare, having been considered a rabbit disease for decades. Genome sequencing of the strains obtained from Iberian hares with myxomatosis showed these to be distinct from the classical ones that circulated in rabbits since the virus introduction in Europe, in 1952. The main genomic difference in this natural recombinant hare myxoma virus (ha-MYXV) is the presence of an additional 2.8 kb region disrupting the M009L gene and adding a set of genes homologous to the myxoma virus (MYXV) genes M060R, M061R, M064R, M065R and M066R originated in Poxviruses. After the emergence of this recombinant virus (ha-MYXV) in hares, in the summer of 2019, the ha-MYXV was not detected in rabbit surveys, suggesting an apparent species segregation with the MYXV classic strains persistently circulating in rabbits. Recently, a group of six unvaccinated European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) from a backyard rabbitry in South Portugal developed signs of myxomatosis (anorexia, dyspnoea, oedema of eyelids, head, ears, external genitals and anus, and skin myxomas in the base of the ears). Five of them died within 24-48 hr of symptom onset. Molecular analysis revealed that only the recombinant MYXV was present. This is the first documented report of a recombinant hare myxoma virus in farm rabbits associated with high mortality, which increases the concern for the future of both the Iberian hare and wild rabbits and questions the safety of the rabbit industry. This highlights the urgent need to evaluate the efficacy of available vaccines against this new MYXV.

Estudo bibliométrico da produção científica da Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia entre 2014 e 2019 / Bibliometric study of the scientific production of Brazilian Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology between 2014 and 2019

Resumo Objetivo Descrever e analisar o perfil das publicações da Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia (RBGG) entre 2014 e 2019. Método Trata-se de um estudo bibliométrico da produção científica da RBGG, durante o período de janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2019. A coleta de dados foi realizada por quatro pesquisadoras independentes, previamente treinadas e orientadas para a uniformização desse processo. Os dados coletados foram dispostos numa planilha no Microsoft Excel® e analisados no programa Stata versão 10.0. As variáveis analisadas foram organizadas em quatro eixos: identificação da publicação; tipo de estudo; autores; e processo editorial. Resultados Publicou-se um total de 504 estudos de 2014 a 2019, destes, 75% são artigos originais e 13,49% de revisão, 95,4% dos autores eram de nacionalidade brasileira e as instituições de afiliação eram majoritariamente do Sudeste (41,8%) e Sul (28,68%). A abordagem quantitativa foi predominante (70,5%) e as temáticas que se destacaram foram saúde pública (33,1%), doenças (19,9%) e assistência em saúde (19,4%). O tempo de aprovação apresentou uma redução média de quatro meses e o de publicação três meses. Conclusão Houve um aumento no número de publicações durante o período analisado, com destaque para artigos originais e estudos quantitativos. A diversidade de temas revela a tendência mais abrangente, para além daquelas centradas na doença, e mais para processos biopsicossociais e comportamentais, conforme verificado nos estudos em saúde pública. O processo editorial tem se mostrado célere com redução expressiva no tempo entre o recebimento e a publicação, e aumento no quantitativo de aprovação dos artigos recebidos.

Abstract Objective To describe and analyze the profile of publications of the Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia (RBGG) from 2014 to 2019. Method This is a bibliometric study of the scientific production of RBGG, during the period from January 2014 to December 2019. Data collection was performed by four independent researchers, previously trained and oriented to standardize this process. The collected data were arranged in a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel® and analyzed using the Stata version 10.0 program. The analyzed variables were organized into four axes: Publication identification; Kind of study; Authors; and Editorial process. Results A total of 504 studies were published from 2014 to 2019, of which 75% are original articles and 13.49% reviews, 95.4% of the authors were Brazilian nationals and affiliation institutions were mostly in the Southeast (41.8%) and South (28.68%). The quantitative approach (70.5%) was predominant and the themes that stood out were public health (33.1%), diseases (19.9%), and health care (19.4%). The approval time showed a reduction lasted an average of four months and the publication three months. Conclusion There was an increase in the number of publications during the analyzed period, with emphasis on original articles and quantitative studies. The diversity of themes reveals the most common trend, beyond those centered on the disease, and more towards biopsychosocial and behavioral processes, as verified in studies in public health. The editorial process was rapid with a significant reduction in the time between receipt and publication, and an increase in the amount of approval of the articles received.

Detection of recombinant Hare Myxoma Virus in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus).

In late 2018, an epidemic myxomatosis outbreak emerged on the Iberian Peninsula leading to high mortality in Iberian hare populations. A recombinant Myxoma virus (strains MYXV-Tol and ha-MYXV) was rapidly identified, harbouring a 2.8 kbp insertion containing evolved duplicates of M060L, M061L, M064L, and M065L genes from myxoma virus (MYXV) or other Poxviruses. Since 2017, 1616 rabbits and 125 hares were tested by a qPCR directed to M000.5L/R gene, conserved in MYXV and MYXV-Tol/ha-MYXV strains. A subset of the positive samples (20%) from both species was tested for the insert with MYXV being detected in rabbits and the recombinant MYXV in hares. Recently, three wild rabbits were found dead South of mainland Portugal, showing skin oedema and pulmonary lesions that tested positive for the 2.8 kbp insert. Sequencing analysis showed 100% similarity with the insert sequences described in Iberian hares from Spain. Viral particles were observed in the lungs and eyelids of rabbits by electron microscopy, and isolation in RK13 cells attested virus infectivity. Despite that the analysis of complete genomes may predict the recombinant MYXV strains' ability to infect rabbit, routine analyses showed species segregation for the circulation of MYXV and recombinant MYXV in wild rabbit and in Iberian hares, respectively. This study demonstrates, however, that recombinant MYXV can effectively infect and cause myxomatosis in wild rabbits and domestic rabbits, raising serious concerns for the future of the Iberian wild leporids while emphasises the need for the continuous monitoring of MYXV and recombinant MYXV in both species.

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Kingella Kingae infectious endocarditis / Endoftalmite endógena por endocardite infecciosa devido a Kingella Kingae

Abstract This report presents a rare case of endogenous endophthalmitis due to Kingella kingae infectious endocarditis. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare condition that has a systemic underlying cause, with hematogenic dissemination of a pathogen that will eventually reach and infect the eye. In this article, we present a case of a 54-year-old woman with fever, chills and decreased visual acuity and pain in the right eye. The slit-lamp exam showed conjunctival injection, anterior chamber reaction with a great amount of fibrinous material obscuring her visual axis. Ultrasound echography revealed profuse exudates and scarce membranous formation in the posterior segment. Blood culture was positive for Kingella kingae, and the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, along with topic dexamethasone and mydriatic. After 15 days of intravenous antibiotic therapy, the patient exhibited best visual acuity of 20/60. Endogenous endophthalmitis is an ocular emergency that demands quick diagnosis and aggressive intervention in order to preserve vision. Therefore, it is important to recognize its signs and symptoms with no retard.

Resumo O presente relato apresenta um raro caso de endoftalmite endógena por endocardite devido à Kingella kingae. Endoftalmite endógena é uma doença pouco comum com uma causa sistêmica subjacente. A disseminação hematogênica de um microrganismo infeccioso leva à infecção ocular. Nesse artigo, apresentamos o caso de uma mulher com 54 anos, febre, calafrios, baixa da acuidade visual e dor em olho direito. Ao exame na lâmpada de fenda apresentava injeção conjuntival, reação de câmara anterior e acúmulo de fibrina no eixo visual. Ultrassonografia revelou exsudatos profusos e escassa formação membranosa em segmento posterior.A hemocultura foi positiva para Kingella kingae e a paciente foi tratada com ceftriaxone venoso conjuntamente com dexametasona e midriático tópicos. Após 15 dias de terapia antibiótica endovenosa, a paciente apresentou acuidade visual corrigida de 20/60. Endoftalmite endógena é uma emergência ocular que demanda rápido diagnóstico e intervenção agressiva para preservar a visão. Portanto, é importante o reconhecimento precoce dos sinais e sintomas.

Prevenção de lesão por pressão: ações prescritas por enfermeiros de centros de terapia intensiva / Prevención de lesión por presión: acciones prescritas por enfermeros de centros de terapia intensiva / Prevention of pressure injuries: actions prescribed by intensive care unit nurses

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as ações de enfermagem prescritas por enfermeiros para a prevenção de lesões por pressão e sua ocorrência em centros de terapia intensiva. Método: estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, de abordagem quantitativa conduzido em duas instituições hospitalares de ensino de Campo Grande, Brasil. A coleta ocorreu entre março e junho de 2016 com 104 participantes. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: foi encontrada associação estatística entre as ações de mudança de decúbito, aplicação de cobertura hidrocoloide em região sacral, realização de higiene externa, troca de fixação do cateter orotraqueal e/ou cateter nasoenteral e inspeção da pele com a ausência de lesões por pressão. A ocorrência de lesões por pressão foi encontrada em 49% dos clientes em ambas as instituições. Conclusão: a elaboração e implementação de protocolos, o acompanhamento dos registros e dos grupos de maior risco são estratégias que direcionam a prescrição de ações preventivas adequadas para lesões por pressão.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las acciones de enfermería prescritas por enfermeros para la prevención de lesiones por presión y su ocurrencia en centros de terapia intensiva. Método: estudio transversal, descriptivo y analítico, de abordaje cuantitativo conducido en dos instituciones hospitalarias de enseñanza de Campo Grande, Brasil. La recolección ocurrió entre marzo y junio de 2016 comm 104 participantes. Los datos se sometieron al análisis estadístico. Resultados: se encontró asociación estadística entre las acciones de cambio de decúbito, aplicación de cobertura hidrocoloide en región sacral, realización de higiene externa, cambio de fijación del catéter orotraqueal y/o catéter nasoenteral e inspección de la piel con la ausencia de lesiones por presión. La presencia de lesiones por presión fue encontrada en el 49% de los clientes en ambas instituciones. Conclusión: la elaboración e implementación de protocolos, el seguimiento de los registros y de los grupos de mayor riesgo son estrategias que orientan la prescripción de acciones preventivas adecuadas para lesiones por presión.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the nursing actions prescribed by nurses for the prevention of pressure injuries and their occurrence in intensive care units. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical, quantitative study was conducted in two teaching hospitals in Campo Grande, Brazil. The collection occurred between March and June 2016, with 104 participants. The data were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: a statistical association was found between the actions of change of decubitus, application of hydrocolloid dressings on the sacral region, performance of external hygiene, change of the orotracheal catheter and/or nasoenteral catheter fixation device and inspection of the skin without pressure injuries. The occurrence of pressure injuries was found in 49% of the clients in both institutions. Conclusion: the elaboration and implementation of procedures and the monitoring of reports and of higher risk groups are strategies that direct the prescription of appropriate preventive actions for pressure injuries.

Life quality assessment of patients after phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: To study the quality of life, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction in patients who have undergone cataract surgery Methods: This comparative case series study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Service of the Bettina Ferro de Souza University Hospital, Belém, Pará, Brazil. Totally, 60 patients with cataract were included; 50% underwent conventional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECEE) and 50% underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification (PHACO). Patients were interviewed using the Visual Function 14 (VF-14) questionnaire to determine the quality of life before and 30 days after surgery. The results of ophthalmological examination were recorded in the patients' files and were available throughout this study. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc comparison, and the sign test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean VF-14 satisfaction index was 38.0 and 89.4 before and after surgery, respectively, for the ECEE group and 47.0 and 94.1, respectively, for the PHACO group. The improvement in patient quality of life after surgery was significant in both groups (p<0.0001), with a similar amount of improvement in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The observed improvement in quality of life was significant (p<0.0001) and directly related to patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes, which was also significant (p<0.0001) as assessed using the VF-14. Satisfaction and quality of life are individual factors; consequently, patient responses to questions regarding improvements in the ability to perform each activity are subjective and depend uniquely on individual perception.

Life quality assessment of patients after phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction / Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos à facoemulsificação ou extração extracapsular de catarata

Purpose: To study the quality of life, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction in patients who have undergone cataract surgery Methods: This comparative case series study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Service of the Bettina Ferro de Souza University Hospital, Belém, Pará, Brazil. Totally, 60 patients with cataract were included; 50% underwent conventional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECEE) and 50% underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification (PHACO). Patients were interviewed using the Visual Function 14 (VF-14) questionnaire to determine the quality of life before and 30 days after surgery. The results of ophthalmological examination were recorded in the patients' files and were available throughout this study. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc comparison, and the sign test were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean VF-14 satisfaction index was 38.0 and 89.4 before and after surgery, respectively, for the ECEE group and 47.0 and 94.1, respectively, for the PHACO group. The improvement in patient quality of life after surgery was significant in both groups (p<0.0001), with a similar amount of improvement in both groups. Conclusions: The observed improvement in quality of life was significant (p<0.0001) and directly related to patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes, which was also significant (p<0.0001) as assessed using the VF-14. Satisfaction and quality of life are individual factors; consequently, patient responses to questions regarding improvements in the ability to perform each activity are subjective and depend uniquely on individual perception. .

Objetivo: Estudar a qualidade de vida, resultados e satisfação em pacientes que se submeteram à cirurgia de catarata. Métodos: O trabalho foi realizado no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital Universitário Bettina Ferro de Souza, Belém, Pará, Brasil. O desenho experimental consistiu em séries de casos comparados. O estudo incluiu 60 indivíduos com catarata. Metade dos pacientes foi submetida à extração de catarata extracapsular convencional (ECEE) e a outra metade à extração de catarata por facoemulsificação (PHACO). Os pacientes foram entrevistados usando-se o questionário Visual Function 14 (VF-14) para determinar a qualidade de vida antes e 30 dias depois da cirurgia. Os resultados do exame oftalmológico foram registrados no arquivo de cada paciente e disponibilizados ao longo do trabalho. Foram usados análise de variância simples e comparação post-hoc com teste de Tukey e teste dos sinais para a análise estatística dos resultados. Resultados: O índice de satisfação médio VF-14 foi 38,0 e 89,4 antes e após a cirurgia, respectivamente, para o grupo ECEE, sendo 47,0 e 94,1 para o grupo PHACO. A melhora na qualidade de vida após a cirurgia foi significativa em ambos os grupos de pacientes (p<0,0001), tendo sido semelhante em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: A melhora observada na qualidade de vida avaliada foi significativa e diretamente relacionada à satisfação dos pacientes com os resultados da cirurgia, a qual também foi significativa (p<0,0001). A satisfação e a qualidade de vida são fatores individuais. Consequentemente, as respostas dos pacientes relativas à melhoria em cada atividade são subjetivas e dependem unicamente da percepção individual. .

Genotoxic effects in occupational exposure to formaldehyde: A study in anatomy and pathology laboratories and formaldehyde-resins production.

BACKGROUND: According to the Report on Carcinogens, formaldehyde ranks 25th in the overall U.S. chemical production, with more than 5 million tons produced each year. Given its economic importance and widespread use, many people are exposed to formaldehyde environmentally and/or occupationally. Presently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence in humans and in experimental animals. Manyfold in vitro studies clearly indicated that formaldehyde can induce genotoxic effects in proliferating cultured mammalian cells. Furthermore, some in vivo studies have found changes in epithelial cells and in peripheral blood lymphocytes related to formaldehyde exposure. METHODS: A study was carried out in Portugal, using 80 workers occupationally exposed to formaldehyde vapours: 30 workers from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-based resins production factory and 50 from 10 pathology and anatomy laboratories. A control group of 85 non-exposed subjects was considered. Exposure assessment was performed by applying simultaneously two techniques of air monitoring: NIOSH Method 2541 and Photo Ionization Detection equipment with simultaneously video recording. Evaluation of genotoxic effects was performed by application of micronucleus test in exfoliated epithelial cells from buccal mucosa and peripheral blood lymphocytes. RESULTS: Time-weighted average concentrations not exceeded the reference value (0.75 ppm) in the two occupational settings studied. Ceiling concentrations, on the other hand, were higher than reference value (0.3 ppm) in both. The frequency of micronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in epithelial cells was significantly higher in both exposed groups than in the control group (p<0.001). Moreover, the frequency of micronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in the laboratories group than in the factory workers (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between duration of occupational exposure to formaldehyde (years of exposure) and micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes (r=0.401; p<0.001) and in epithelial cells (r=0.209; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The population studied is exposed to high peak concentrations of formaldehyde with a long-term exposure. These two aspects, cumulatively, can be the cause of the observed genotoxic endpoint effects. The association of these cytogenetic effects with formaldehyde exposure gives important information to risk assessment process and may also be used to assess health risks for exposed workers.

Acute hepatitis associated with the use of levofloxacin.

BACKGROUND: Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone used globally to treat respiratory, skin, and genitourinary tract infections. It is generally well tolerated and there is a very low risk for liver injury in patients taking this antibiotic. OBJECTIVE: We report an acute case of hepatitis following treatment with levofloxacin for pneumonia. CASE SUMMARY: A 77-year-old white male (height, 162 cm; weight, 58 kg) with chronic bronchitis presented to the emergency department of the Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisbon, Portugal, with respiratory difficulty and productive cough. The patient had a history of chronic bronchitis, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and was being treated with salmeterol 50 µg plus fluticasone 250 µg BID, and amlodipine 5 mg, simvastatin 20 mg, alfuzosin 10 mg, and finasteride 5 mg once daily. Initially, the patient refused admission and was sent home, medicated with levofloxacin 500 mg once daily (single dose) for pneumonia and acetaminophen 1 g (as needed, maximum TID) if axillary temperature exceeded 38.0°C (100.4°F). Three days later, the patient returned for a follow-up visit, and despite clinical and radiologic improvement, blood tests revealed a slight aggravation of anemia. On the seventh day of treatment with levofloxacin, the patient showed an elevation of transaminases. The temporal relation between the use of levofloxacin and the liver injury, the exclusion of other causes of hepatitis, and a compatible liver biopsy (conducted 14 days after identification of hepatitis) was consistent with the diagnosis of levofloxacin-associated hepatotoxicity. Levofloxacin treatment was stopped and the patient made a full recovery. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score for this association was "probable" (score 7) and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method Scale score was "highly probable" (score 9). Unlike the 5 reported cases in the literature, this is the only case in which both a liver biopsy was performed in the course of the disease and the patient survived. CONCLUSION: The acute hepatitis observed in this elderly patient was probably associated with the administration of levofloxacin.

Blood loss anemia due to adenocarcinoma of the jejunum: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors are rare, accounting for only 3-6% of gastrointestinal neoplasms, 1-2% of these being malignant. They must be considered whenever a patient presents with gastrointestinal bleeding, with normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of jejunal adenocarcinoma presenting as a blood loss anemia in a 65 year-old male, doing a brief review on the subject. CONCLUSION: Our case intends to highlight the fact that small bowel tumours are rare and frequently present to the Internist as non-specific clinical symptoms.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated mucositis with minimal skin manifestations.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated mucositis is a rarely described complication of M. pneumoniae infection presenting with ocular, oral, and genital involvement but without the typical skin lesions seen in Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A 27-year-old man with a past history of asthma presented at the emergency room with a 1-week history of cough (initially non-productive but subsequently associated with non-bloody mucopurulent sputum), fever, myalgias, headache, and progressive dyspnea. Two days before admission he had commenced amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with no improvement. The patient reported bilateral conjunctival injection and hemorrhagic ulcers on the lips commencing the day prior to admission. Physical examination revealed fever (39 degrees C), bilateral exudative conjunctivitis, painful hemorrhagic ulcers on the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa, small scrotal erosions, erythema of the penile meatus, and small erythematous bullae on the dorsum of each hand; subsequently, the patient developed bullae at the venipuncture site on his right arm. Laboratory tests revealed positive IgM serology for M. pneumoniae, with titer elevation. The patient was successfully treated with levofloxacin and prednisolone. Our case appears to be the first adult patient described with M. pneumoniae-associated mucositis, which has previously been reported only in pediatric patients. This is also the first reported instance of a case of M. pneumoniae-associated mucositis treated with levofloxacin and prednisolone. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in all cases of mucositis, and treatment of this condition with levofloxacin and prednisolone seems to be effective.

Cardiac angiosarcoma--a review.

Based on a case of a patient with angiosarcoma (AS) of the right atrium with superior vena cava syndrome associated with urticaria and polyarthralgias, who died soon after surgery, the authors present a brief review of the subject of cardiac AS, an extremely rare pathology, usually diagnosed late due to its non-specific symptomatology. Several topics are discussed, including mechanisms of clinical manifestations caused by blood flow obstruction and valve dysfunction, local invasion with arrhythmias and pericardial effusion, embolic phenomena and constitutional symptoms. Imaging and histopathologic methods of diagnosis are considered, as well as references to cytogenetic analysis. Surgery is the first treatment choice, but heart AS are frequently not completely resectable and concomitant metastases at the time of surgery are common, both usually leading to a dismal prognosis. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and even heart transplantation do not substantially improve the survival of these patients. Urticaria is not generally assumed by most authors to be associated with malignancy, but there are rare reports of its association with some malignant tumors.

Schwannoma de reto associado à doença de Von Recklinghausen: relato de caso / Rectal Schwannoma associated to Von Recklinghausen disease: case story

Schwannomas são neoplasias de origem neurogênica benigna, com potencial de malignização, de crescimento lento, originárias das células de Schwann. São tumores raros que mais freqüentemente ocorrem intracranialmente no nervo acústico ou nos nervos espinhais. Podem ocorrer associados à Neurofibromatose tipo 1, que corresponde ao distúrbio clássico descrito por von Recklinghausen. Entre os pacientes com esta doença, 15-25por cento apresentam tumores neurais no trato gastrointestinal, envolvendo principalmente estômago e jejuno. É extremamente rara a ocorrência de Schwannoma em reto, principalmente na ausência de doença de von Recklinghausen. O presente trabalho é o relato de caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, com 42 anos de idade, portador de neurofibromatose de Von Recklinghausen e com queixas de hematoquesia e tenesmo retal, há três meses, quando procurou este serviço. Durante investigação diagnóstica, foi realizada colonoscopia que evidenciou tumoração retal, sendo indicada cirurgia. Realizou-se retossigmoidectomia anterior com anastomose colorretal primária com boa evolução. O exame anátomo-patológico da peça cirúrgica diagnosticou Schwannoma. Foram também biopsiadas as lesões cutâneas com diagnóstico anátomo patológico de neurofibroma. O paciente não apresenta metástases, tampouco recidiva, após 48 meses de acompanhamento.

Tratamento cirúrgico de hemorróidas internas e prolapso mucoso do reto pela técnica de Longo (grampeamento circular): experiência inicial / Surgical treatment of internal hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse by Longo technique (circular stapler): initial experience

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos do tratamento de doença hemorroidária e prolapso mucoso do reto pela técnica de Longo, observando-se a altura da sutura em bolsa e do grampeamento, complicações e seguimento pós-operatório. Casuística e Método: Estudaram-se prospectivamente 30 doentes operados no Serviço de Coloproctologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo, no período de setembro de 2002 a julho de 2003. A média de idade foi de 47,9 anos, sendo 21 doentes do sexo feminino e 09 do sexo masculino. Resultados: O tempo médio de cirurgia foi de 19,1 minutos. A altura do grampeamento ficou em média 2,7 cm acima da linha pectínea, observando-se que, quando o grampeamento situava-se a menos de 2 cm da linha pectínea, a dor referida pelos doentes era significantemente mais freqüente. Treze doentes (43,3por cento) necessitaram de pontos hemostáticos após o grampeamento, com média de 1,6 pontos/doente. Entre o 1° e o 7° dia pós-operatório, três doentes (10por cento) apresentaram sangramento anal volumoso, havendo necessidade de revisão cirúrgica em 2 casos. Nenhum deles precisou de transfusão sanguínea. Ainda neste período, quatro doentes (13,3por cento) referiram dor anal intensa, dois (6,6por cento) evoluíram com trombose hemorroidária externa e dois (6,6por cento) com fissura anal aguda, com boa resposta ao tratamento clínico instituído. O seguimento pós-operatório médio foi de 8,4 meses, quando 96,7por cento dos doentes encontravam-se assintomáticos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que se trata de técnica eficiente, pouco dolorosa para a maioria dos doentes (86,7por cento), havendo relação direta da dor com a altura do grampeamento.