Gas-diffusion microextraction combined with HPLC-DAD for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds in wood-based panels.

This work presents a novel application of gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds released from wood-based panels. GDME is a simple, fast, and environmentally friendly technique that allows the simultaneous extraction and derivatization of volatile carbonyls directly from solid samples. Commercial particleboards were analysed together with particleboard panels specifically produced using controlled conditions, materials, and reagents, to evaluate the differences in the emission profile of volatile carbonyl compounds. The effect of different production parameters, such as the type of wood particle, resin, and moisture content, on the emission profile of volatile carbonyls from particleboards was investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that GDME-HPLC-DAD could successfully differentiate particleboards according to their emission of carbonyl compounds, such as formaldehyde, furfural, benzaldehyde, and other aliphatic carbonyls. Besides the differences on the emission of formaldehyde caused by the type of resin used, UF (urea-formaldehyde) and mUF (UF fortified with melamine), it was found that pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) particleboards exhibit higher emissions of compounds such as acetaldehyde or hexanal when compared to the higher emissions of compounds such as furfural or benzaldehyde on the recycled particleboards.

Meaning in life, meaning-making and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between meaning in life (MiL), meaning-making and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in eighteen electronic databases. The screening and selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines. For the purpose of the meta-analysis, the correlation coefficients between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth were extracted from the included studies. The effect size (r) was calculated using the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator, a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q statistic, I2 index and forest plot, while publication bias was analyzed with the use of the funnel plot and Egger's test. Results: 889 records were considered according to the inclusion criteria. A total of nine articles, published between 2006 and 2021, were included in the systematic review. More than half were published in the last five years. The sample was mostly diagnosed with breast cancer. The meta-analysis included five articles (N = 844) and the results indicate a significant moderate correlation between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.43, 95% IC [0.36, 0.50]). Discussion: In conclusion, there is a clear association between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Future research should explore this relationship further, in order to better assist and guide meaning centered interventions that can potentiate a positive adjustment and possibly growth from the cancer experience.

IgG4-related disease of the thyroid gland.

IgG4-thyroid-related disease (TRD) represents an uncommon spectrum of diseases, with four subcategories established so far, IgG4-related Hashimoto's thyroiditis, fibrosing variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Riedel's thyroiditis and Graves disease with elevated IgG4 levels. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman presenting with painless cervical swelling and hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland was enlarged and distinctively very hard, with reduced mobility. Neck ultrasonography showed multiple nodularity and diffuse thyroid enlargement, which on CT scan conditioned slight deviation of the airway. Fine-needle aspiration of the biggest nodule was suggestive of lymphocytic thyroiditis. She developed compressive symptoms and was submitted to total thyroidectomy. Histology of the thyroid revealed extensive areas of fibrosis, oncocytic cells and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the predominance of IgG4-secreting plasma cells. IgG4-TRD is characterised by a rapidly progressive and destructive thyroiditis process. Typical presentation can often mimic malignancy; hence, an opportune recognition of IgG4-TRD may avoid unnecessary burdens.

Comprometimento e promoção do sono em unidades de terapia intensiva: revisão integrativa / Comprometimiento y promoción del sueño en unidades de cuidados intensivos: revisión integradora / Sleep impairment and sleep promotion in intensive care units: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar, nas bases de dados científicas, as evidências que comprometem o sono e as intervenções de enfermagem promotoras do sono em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL e Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, para responder às questões norteadoras do estudo, de acordo com o formato PICo, nos meses de maio e junho de 2019. Os idiomas considerados foram o inglês, português e espanhol. Resultados: Identificou-se 110 estudos e 12 foram considerados elegíveis para a revisão. A análise reporta que o comprometimento do sono é multicausal, sendo este influenciado sobretudo por desconforto ambiental e físico do paciente. As intervenções de enfermagem, tais como a gestão do ambiente, no âmbito do ruído e da luminosidade, o agrupamento da prestação de cuidados, o controle da dor e da ansiedade do paciente internado, são fundamentais para a qualidade do sono. Conclusão: A produção científica evidencia que as intervenções de Enfermagem identificadas, sobretudo no âmbito da promoção do conforto ambiental e físico do paciente, contribuem para a qualidade do sono em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, contudo a promoção do conforto psicoespiritual e social do paciente ainda é superficial, tendo em conta o foco e as prioridades nesta tipologia de internamento.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar, en bases de datos científicas, las evidencias que comprometen el sueño y las intervenciones de enfermería para promover el sueño en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Revisión integradora de literatura, realizada en las bases de datos MEDLINE, CINAHL y Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews para responder las preguntas orientadoras del estudio, de acuerdo con el formato PICO, en los meses de mayo y junio de 2019. Los idiomas considerados fueron inglés, portugués y español. Resultados: Se identificaron 110 estudios y 12 fueron considerados elegibles para la revisión. El análisis reporta que el comprometimiento del sueño es multicausal y lo que más influye en el sueño es la incomodidad ambiental y física del paciente. Las intervenciones de enfermería, tales como el manejo del ambiente respecto al ruido y a la luminosidad, el agrupamiento de la prestación de cuidados y el control del dolor y de la ansiedad del paciente internado, son fundamentales para la calidad del sueño. Conclusión: La producción científica evidencia que las intervenciones de enfermería identificadas, sobre todo respecto a la promoción del bienestar ambiental y físico del paciente, contribuyen con la calidad del sueño en unidades de cuidados intensivos. No obstante, la promoción del bienestar piscoespiritual y social del paciente aún es superficial, teniendo en cuenta dónde se centra la atención y cuáles son las prioridades en este tipo de internación.

Abstract Objective: To identify, in the scientific databases, evidence of factors that impair sleep and nursing interventions to promote sleep in Intensive Care Units. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted across the databases MEDLINE and CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews between May and June 2019 using the PICO framework, seeking to answer the guiding questions of the study. The languages included in the literature review were English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Results: One hundred and ten studies were identified, twelve of which were considered eligible for review. The analysis of the articles found that sleep impairment is multicausal, being influenced mainly by the patient's environmental and physical discomfort. Nursing interventions, such as environmental management of noise and light, grouping of care procedures, and control of pain and anxiety in the hospitalized patient, are fundamental for sleep quality. Conclusion: The academic literature shows that the nursing interventions identified, particularly those that promote the patient's environmental and physical comfort, contribute to the quality of sleep in Intensive Care Units. However, promotion of the patient's psychospiritual and social comfort is still lacking, given the focus and priorities of this type of hospitalization.

Isolated Non-16/18 High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Cervical Infection: Re-Evaluation After One Year.

INTRODUCTION: High-risk human papillomavirus cervical infection is currently a well-established cause of cervical cancer. However, only a few women with persistent infections will develop cervical precancerous and malignant lesions. Approximately 20% of all cervical cancers are attributable to non-16/18 serotypes. This study aims to evaluate the results of our clinical approach to women with this infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an observational and prospective study from September 2012 to September 2017, which included women with isolated non-16/18 high-risk human papillomavirus infection (with normal cytology). After re-evaluation, two groups were compared: women with spontaneous regression of the infection and women with persistent infection. Clinical and demographic data were analysed as well as the rate of progression to precancerous and malignant lesions. RESULTS: We included 165 women, of which 121 were re-evaluated with co-test at least one year later. After re-evaluation, 13.2% of women revealed precancerous lesions but only two (1.7%) of them presented high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Sixty-seven women (55.4%) showed spontaneous regression of the infection and 54 women (44.6%) maintained it. Women with persistent infection developed more precancerous lesions (27.8%; p < 0.001) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (3.7%; p < 0.001). There was also an association between persistent infection and postmenopausal status. DISCUSSION: Human papillomavirus 16/18 cervical infection is associated with higher risk of cervical cancer when compared with other serotypes. CONCLUSION: Re-evaluation with co-test one year after the diagnosis of isolated non-16/18 human papillomavirus infection seems to be a reasonable approach.

Introdução: O cancro cervical é causado pelo papiloma vírus humano de alto risco. No entanto, apenas algumas mulheres com infeções persistentes desenvolvem lesões pré-malignas e malignas. Aproximadamente 20% destas neoplasias são causadas por serotipos que não os 16 e 18. Este estudo surge com o objetivo de avaliar a nossa prática clínica neste âmbito. Material e Métodos: Realizámos um estudo observacional e prospetivo entre setembro de 2012 e setembro de 2017, com inclusão de mulheres com infeção cervical isolada com papiloma vírus humano de alto risco, excluindo os serotipos 16 e 18 (com citologia negativa). Após reavaliação, comparámos dois grupos: mulheres que apresentaram resolução espontânea da infeção e mulheres com infeção persistente. Foram analisados dados clínicos e demográficos bem como a taxa de progressão para lesões precursoras e malignas. Resultados: Incluímos 165 mulheres e reavaliámos com co-teste 121 delas com pelo menos um ano de intervalo. Após reavaliação, 13,2% desenvolveram lesões precursoras, mas apenas duas (1,7%) foram consideradas de alto grau. Sessenta e sete mulheres (55,4%) apresentaram resolução espontânea da infeção e 54 (44,6%) mantiveram-na. As mulheres com infeção persistente desenvolveram mais lesões precursoras (27,8%; p < 0,001) e de alto grau (3,7%; p < 0,001). Constatou-se uma associação entre a persistência da infeção e pós-menopausa. Discussão: A infecção cervical com serotipos 16/18 associa-se a uma maior risco de desenvolvimento de cancro cervical quando comparada com outros serotipos. Conclusão: A reavaliação com co-teste um ano após o diagnóstico de infecção cervical isolada com papiloma vírus humano de alto risco, excluindo os serotipos 16 e 18, parece ser uma abordagem adequada.

Adenosine A1 and A2A receptors differently control synaptic plasticity in the mouse dorsal and ventral hippocampus.

The hippocampus is a brain region involved in processing both memory and emotions, through a preferential involvement of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) and ventral hippocampus (VH), respectively. Adenosine A1 and A2A receptors (A1 R and A2A R) control both mood and memory, but it is not known if there is a different adenosine modulation of synaptic plasticity along the hippocampal axis. Using adult, C57BL/6 male mice, we show that both A1 R and A2A R were more abundant in DH compared with VH. However, recordings of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at Schaffer collaterals-CA1 pyramidal synapses revealed that A1 R were equi-effective to inhibit basal excitatory synaptic transmission in DH and VH, but endogenous A1 R activation was more effective to depress the probability of release in VH. In contrast, the selective A2A R antagonist (SCH58261, 50 nM) controlled both long-term potentiation (induced by a high frequency stimulation protocol) and long-term depression (induced by a low frequency stimulation protocol) selectively in DH rather than VH, whereas the selective A1 R antagonist (DPCPX, 100 nM) revealed a similar tonic inhibition of long-term depression in DH and VH. These findings show a different control of synaptic plasticity by the adenosine modulation system in the dorsal and ventral poles of the hippocampus, which may underlie a different efficiency of the adenosine system to control mood and memory.

Development of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles loaded with folic acid to induce osteoblastic differentiation.

Recently it has been shown that folic acid can have an important role in bone regeneration. For this reason, combining a classic bone regeneration system as, hydroxyapatite, loaded with folic acid, may be an important issue to be developed. To address this issue, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles loaded with folic acid were designed as an effective bone regenerative system, to induce osteoblast differentiation and improve the bone regeneration. HapNP were prepared by a hydrothermal method that used citric acid as a tailoring agent of particles morphology and, simultaneously, had the particularly to let carboxylic pendant groups in the particle surface, which provided a platform for the immobilization of folic acid (FA), producing HapNP-FA. A comparative study among hydroxyapatite nanoparticles loaded and unloaded with folic acid in presence of human mesenchymal stem cells was performed. The results demonstrate, that nanoparticles were able to be internalized by human mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, cell proliferation and viability were not affected in a wide concentration range. Both particles induced the expression of Runx2 and the expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase. However, HapNP-FA caused a significantly higher overexpression of Runx2. The osteoblastic differentiation confirms the potential applicability of HapNP-FA in the local bone regeneration.

Angiosarcoma of the lung.

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumor. Pulmonary involvement is usually attributable to metastasis from other primary sites, primary pulmonary angiosarcoma therefore being quite uncommon. We report a case of angiosarcoma with pulmonary involvement, probably primary to the lung, which had gone untreated for more than two years. We describe this rare neoplasm and its growth, as well as the extensive local invasion and hematogenous metastasis at presentation. We also discuss its poor prognosis.

Angiosarcoma of the lung / Angiossarcoma pulmonar

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumor. Pulmonary involvement is usually attributable to metastasis from other primary sites, primary pulmonary angiosarcoma therefore being quite uncommon. We report a case of angiosarcoma with pulmonary involvement, probably primary to the lung, which had gone untreated for more than two years. We describe this rare neoplasm and its growth, as well as the extensive local invasion and hematogenous metastasis at presentation. We also discuss its poor prognosis.

O angiosarcoma é um tumor vascular maligno. O envolvimento pulmonar é geralmente atribuído à metástase de outros sítios primários, sendo o angiossarcoma pulmonar primário extremamente raro. Relatamos um caso de angiossarcoma com envolvimento pulmonar, provavelmente primário no pulmão com mais de dois anos de evolução. Descrevemos seu crescimento e sua extensa invasão local e hematogênica na apresentação. Documentamos ainda seu mau prognóstico.

Falamos da mesma criança? Concordância mãe - pai - professores na avaliação do temperamento de crianças portuguesas / Is that the same child? Parents' and teachers' agreement in temperament assessment of portuguese children

Com este trabalho pretendeu-se analisar o grau de concordância entre diferentes informadores - mães, pais, professores do ensino regular e dos apoios educativos (quando aplicável) - na avaliação do temperamento de crianças com 2 a 7 anos de idade. O estudo incidiu sobre uma amostra de 138 crianças, distribuídas por quatro grupos com diferentes características desenvolvimentais: síndrome de Down, Autismo, Nascimento Prematuro e Desenvolvimento Normal. Os informadores preencheram a Temperament Assessment Battery for Children - Revised nas versões para pais ou para professores. Encontraram-se correlações elevadas entre informadores que observam a criança no mesmo contexto e baixas entre avaliações de adultos pertencentes a contextos diferentes. Os resultados são discutidos em função das suas possíveis implicações para a avaliação do temperamento de crianças.

This study was intended to address the issue of convergence between informants (mother, father, regular teacher and special education teacher, whenever applicable) when assessing the temperament of children between 2 and 7 years old. The study was based on a sample of 138 children, distributed into four groups with different developmental characteristics: Down syndrome, Autism, Premature Birth, and Normal Development. Informants filled in the Temperament Assessment Battery for Children - Revised in its parents' or teachers' versions. Whereas correlations between assessments made by adults of different contexts were low, high correlations were found between informants who observe the child in the same context. Results are discussed in terms of their possible implications for the assessment of children's temperament.

Peritonite por Rhizobium radiobacter / Peritonitis due to Rhizobium radiobacter

Rhizobium radiobacter (Agrobacterium radiobacter) is an aerobic Gram-negative rod belonging to Agrobacterium genus, a group of phytopathogenic bacteria present in the soil that has been implicated in human opportunistic infections. We report a clinical case of bacterial peritonitis in a 5-year-old child with chronic renal disease in peritoneal dialysis, who had a history of direct soil contact identified. The infection was treated with ceftazidime and piperaciline+tazobactam without relapses or the need to remove the peritoneal dialysis catheter.

O Rhizobium radiobacter (Agrobacterium radiobacter) é um microorganismo Gram-negativo aeróbio do gênero Agrobacterium, grupo de bactérias fitopatogénicas presentes no solo, que tem sido implicado em infecções oportunistas nos humanos. Relata-se um caso clínico de peritonite bacteriana em criança de 5 anos com doença renal crônica em diálise peritoneal, que teve um factor epidemiológico de contato direto com o solo identificado. A infecção foi tratada com ceftazidima e piperacilina+tazobactam, sem reinfecções ou necessidade de remoção do cateter de diálise peritoneal.

O impacto das sequelas sensório-motoras na autonomia eindependência dos pacientes pós-AVE / The impact of sensorial-motor sequels in the autonomy and independence of patients affected by cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) / El impacto de las secuelas sensorio-motoras en la autonomía y la independencia de pacientes afectados por accidentes cerebrovasculares (ACV)

O Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) é a segunda causa de mortes no mundo e uma das maiores causas de sequelas permanentes, em escala correspondente à gravidade da lesão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, sob a perspectiva do paciente pós-AVE, o impacto das sequelas em sua autonomia e independência funcional. É um estudo qualitativo, com entrevistas semiestruturadas de 4 sujeitos, de ambos os sexos, entre 44 e 71 anos. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo temático e emergiram em quatro categorias: o socorro imediato e o tratamento hospitalar; o impacto das sequelas na autonomia e independência; o modo deencarar as limitações; e o papel da fisioterapia na reabilitação. As limitações impostas pelas sequelas interferem nas atividades cotidianas,porém não são impeditivas, graças às adaptações desenvolvidas.

Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) is the second cause of deaths in the world and one of the most common permanent causes of sequels, in a scale corresponding to the gravity of the injury. The aim of this work was to evaluate, under the perspective of theafter-CVA patients, the impact of sequels in their autonomy and functional independence. It is a qualitative study, with semistructured interviews of 4 subjects, both male and female, with ages from 44 to 71 years. Data were analyzed by the technique of thematic content analysis and lead to the emergence of four categories: immediate help and hospital treatment; the impact of sequels in the autonomyand independence; ways to face the limitations; and the role of physiotherapy in rehabilitation. The limitations sequels cause interferein daily activities, although they are not impeditive, thanks to the adaptations developed.

Los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares (ACV) son la segunda causa de muertes en el mundo y una de las causas permanentes mascomunes de secuelas, en una escala que corresponde a la gravedad de lesión. La meta de este trabajo fue evaluar, bajo la perspectivade pacientes post-ACV, el impacto de secuelas en su autonomía e independencia funcional. Es un estudio cualitativo, con entrevistassemiestructuradas de 4 sujetos, hombres y mujeres, con edades desde 44 hacia 71 años. Los datos fueran analizados de promedio latécnica del análisis del contenido temático y hicieran emerger cuatro categorías: ayuda inmediata y tratamiento hospitalario; el impactode secuelas en la autonomía y la independencia; maneras de hacer frente a las limitaciones; y el papel de la fisioterapia en la rehabilitación. Las limitaciones causadas por las secuelas interfieren en las actividades diarias, aunque no sean impeditivas, gracias alas adaptaciones desarrolladas.

[Hypothyroidism and terminal renal failure in the neonatal period]. / Hipotiroidismo e insuficiência renal terminal no período neonatal.

It has been described alterations of the thyroid function in patients with chronic renal disease without primary disease of the thyroid gland. Nevertheless primary hypothyroidism is more frequent in this population than in other non renal chronic disease. Authors report two cases of hypothyroidism diagnosed in infants with terminal renal failure in the neonatal period, secondary to renal hypoplasia / dysplasia, both in peritoneal dialysis programme. The diagnosis was made by elevated value of thyrotropin (TSH) on the metabolic screening test (TSH/PKU screening test) and confirmed later by measure of serum TSH, total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroglobulin (TGB). It was also investigated antithyroid autoantibodies. Both infants initiated hormonal substitution with thyroxin, which have been suspended in one of them by two years of age when thyroid function was normal.

Outcome of three cases of untreated maternal glutaric aciduria type I.

We report, for the first time, the outcome of three children born to two women with untreated glutaric aciduria type I (GA I). Isolated hypocarnitinemia in neonatal screening in one baby allowed the identification of the disease in his mother, who was undiagnosed so far and had had a previous daughter. The other baby was born to an already diagnosed mother who was not treated; newborn screening in the child reflected the metabolic state of the mother. Biochemical abnormalities returned to normal within one week. At the age of 4 months, neuroimaging showed Sylvian enlargement in both infants and bilateral temporal arachnoid cysts in one. Physical and neurological developments were normal for the three patients at ages 2 and 5 years. We conclude that long-term follow up will determine the true impact of GA I in such children.

Indicadores de morbimortalidade hospitalar de tuberculose no Município de São Paulo / Indicators of tuberculosis morbimortality in hospitals in the city of São Paulo

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento de tuberculose é realizado atualmente nos serviços ambulatoriais, ficando a internação recomendada para os casos de maior gravidade ou com problemas sociais. No Município de São Paulo, contudo ainda tem sido internado um número expressivo de doentes de tuberculose. OBJETIVO DO TRABALHO: Estudar as características sociodemográficas e clínico-epidemiológicas dos doentes internados com tuberculose, residentes no Município de São Paulo em 2001. METODOLOGIA: Utilizando como fonte de dados o sistema de informação em tuberculose do Estado, (EPI - TB) programa de registro, acompanhamento e análise de notificações e dados de população do Deinfo/ SEMPLA e FIPE, foram calculados indicadores de morbimortalidade segundo variáveis existentes nas fichas de notificação dos doentes internados. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: No município de S.Paulo, no ano de 2001, foram internados 2.473 doentes com tuberculose. O coeficiente de internação desses doentes foi de 23,5 casos por 100.000 habitantes, o coeficiente de mortalidade encontrado foi de 4,1 por 100.000 habitantes, tendo ocorrido 485 óbitos e sendo a taxa de letalidade de 17,4 por cento. A taxa de coinfecção Tb/HIV foi de 32,7 por cento entre os internados e de 12,5 por cento entre os não internados, indicando que a epidemia de Aids exerceu forte influência tanto na magnitude quanto na gravidade da situação desses doentes, sendo a maior letalidade (48,4 por cento) a da forma disseminada/miliar, com a maioria de casos em doentes HIV positivos. Entretanto, se excluirmos os casos dos portadores de HIV, a taxa de letalidade ainda se mantém alta, 15,1 por cento, mostrando também a gravidade da tuberculose. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram indicadores com valores preocupantes, ficando evidente a importância do acompanhamento dos mesmos para monitorar a situação da tuberculose. RECOMENDAÇÕES: As vigilâncias epidemiológicas municipais devem estabelecer fluxos e estratégias de acompanhamento...

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of tuberculosis is currently carried out in outpatient health services and hospitalization is only recommended for the more severe cases or for those facing social problems. In São Paulo, however, a considerable number of tuberculosis patients are still hospitalized. OBJECTIVE: To study the socio-demographic and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized tuberculosis patients in the city of São Paulo in 2001. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To calculate tuberculosis morbimortality indicators for inpatients. METHODS: Indicators of morbimortality of inpatients were calculated taking as sources, data from the São Paulo state tuberculosis information system - (Epitb) registration program, and the follow-up and analysis of reports and population data from Deinfo/ SEMPLA and FIPE. RESULTS: A total of 2,473 tuberculosis patients were hospitalized in the city of São Paulo in 2001. The hospitalization rate for these patients was 23.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, and the mortality rate found was 4.1 per 100,000 inhabitants with 485 deaths, yielding a fatality rate of 17.4 percent. DISCUSSION: The TB/HIV co-infection rate was of 32.7 percent among inpatients and 12.5 percent among those not hospitalized, showing that the Aids epidemic has caused a considerable impact both in the magnitude and in the severity of the situation of hospitalized tuberculosis patients. The higher fatality rate (48.4 percent) is of disseminated / miliary tuberculosis, of which the majority occurs in HIV-positive patients. If, however, known HIV-positive cases are excluded, the fatality rate still remains high, i.e. 15 percent, showing that the severity of cases is not only due to co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: Taking all points into consideration, the indicators showed an alarming situation. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the epidemiological surveillance of municipalities establish flows and follow_up strategies for tuberculosis patients who...

Diagnostic pitfalls in fine-needle aspiration cytology of temporomandibular chondroblastoma: report of two cases.

Chondroblastoma is a benign bone neoplasm, which usually presents in the epiphysis of long bones, but can occur in unusual locations. This report describes the clinical, radiologic, and cytologic features on FNA of two chondroblastomas of the temporomandibular region that were only recognized by histopathologic study. This emphasizes the diagnostic pitfalls of this entity and expands the cytologic differential diagnosis of tumors of the parotid region.

BIOKID: randomized controlled trial comparing bicarbonate and lactate buffer in biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solutions in children [ISRCTN81137991].

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred dialysis modality in children. Its major drawback is the limited technique survival due to infections and progressive ultrafiltration failure. Conventional PD solutions exert marked acute and chronic toxicity to local tissues. Prolonged exposure is associated with severe histopathological alterations including vasculopathy, neoangiogenesis, submesothelial fibrosis and a gradual loss of the mesothelial cell layer. Recently, more biocompatible PD solutions containing reduced amounts of toxic glucose degradation products (GDPs) and buffered at neutral pH have been introduced into clinical practice. These solutions contain lactate, bicarbonate or a combination of both as buffer substance. Increasing evidence from clinical trials in adults and children suggests that the new PD fluids may allow for better long-term preservation of peritoneal morphology and function. However, the relative importance of the buffer in neutral-pH, low-GDP fluids is still unclear. In vitro, lactate is cytotoxic and vasoactive at the concentrations used in PD fluids. The BIOKID trial is designed to clarify the clinical significance of the buffer choice in biocompatible PD fluids. METHODS/DESIGN: The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that bicarbonate based PD solutions may allow for a better preservation of peritoneal transport characteristics in children than solutions containing lactate buffer. Secondary objectives are to assess any impact of the buffer system on acid-base status, peritoneal tissue integrity and the incidence and severity of peritonitis. After a run-in period of 2 months during which a targeted cohort of 60 patients is treated with a conventional, lactate buffered, acidic, GDP containing PD fluid, patients will be stratified according to residual renal function and type of phosphate binding medication and randomized to receive either the lactate-containing Balance solution or the bicarbonate-buffered Bicavera solution for a period of 10 months. Patients will be monitored by monthly physical and laboratory examinations. Peritoneal equilibration tests, 24-h dialysate and urine collections will be performed 4 times. Peritoneal biopsies will be obtained on occasion of intraabdominal surgery. Changes in small solute transport rates, markers of peritoneal tissue turnover in the effluent, acid-base status and peritonitis rates and severity will be analyzed.