Recurrent American visceral leishmaniasis in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report / Leishmaniasis visceral americana recidivante en un trasplantado renal: reporte de caso

Introduction: American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) is a neglected tropical disease that causes severe conditions in immunosuppressed patients such as kidney transplant recipients. In these individuals, the infection can be associated with renal graft dysfunction and loss. Objective: To describe the case of a female kidney transplant recipient assisted at the Hospital das Clínicas of Marília Medical School, who died probably as a result of hemodialysis-related complications after graft loss due to treatment toxicity of her underlying disease. Clinical case: A 22-year-old patient, resident in an endemic region of AVL, immunosuppressed due to renal transplantation, who evolved to graft loss after successive relapses, treatment and drug prophylaxis for AVL. With the interruption of immunosuppressive therapy and return to dialysis, amastigote forms were not observed in a bone marrow aspirate smears. However, after one year, she progressed to death due to a cerebrovascular accident resulting from comorbidities. Conclusions: It is described a rare case of successive relapses of AVL and difficult medical decision due to the therapeutic impasse between the use of immunosuppressive drugs for renal graft maintenance and treatment for the parasitic disease. The parasitological control was observed with the immunosuppression suspension, demonstrating the importance of a competent immune system and the adjuvant of specific drugs for the disease control(AU)

Introducción: La leishmaniasis visceral americana (LVA) es una enfermedad tropical desatendida causante de cuadros graves en pacientes inmunodeprimidos, tales como los trasplantados renales. En estos individuos, la infección puede asociarse a la disfunción y pérdida del injerto renal. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con transplante renal, atendida en el Hospital Clínico de la Facultad de Medicina de Marília, que murió probablemente como resultado de complicaciones por una hemodiálisis después de la pérdida del injerto por toxicidad del tratamiento de su enfermedad. Caso clínico: Paciente de 22 años, residente en una región endémica para LVA, con inmunosupresión debido a trasplante renal, que evolucionó con pérdida del injerto después de sucesivas recidivas, tratamiento y profilaxis medicamentosa contra LVA. Con la interrupción de la terapia inmunosupresora y el retorno a la terapia dialítica, no se observaron formas amastigotes en la muestra de aspirado de médula ósea. Sin embargo, después de un año, evolucionó a muerte por accidente vascular encefálico resultante de comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Se describe un caso raro de sucesivas recidivas de AVL y la toma de decisiones médicas difíciles debido a la disyuntiva terapéutica entre el uso de medicamentos inmunosupresivos para mantener el injerto renal y el tratamiento antiparasitario. El control parasitológico se logró con la suspensión de la inmunosupresión, lo que demuestra la importancia de un sistema inmunocompetente y la adyuvancia de drogas específicas para el control de la enfermedad(AU)

Safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma for severe COVID-19: a randomized, single blinded, parallel, controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma (CP) has been widely used to treat COVID-19 and is under study. However, the variability in the current clinical trials has averted its wide use in the current pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CP in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the early stages of the disease. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted on 101 patients admitted to the hospital with confirmed severe COVID-19. Most participants had less than 14 days from symptoms onset and less than seven days from hospitalization. Fifty patients were assigned to receive CP plus standard therapy (ST), and 51 were assigned to receive ST alone. Participants in the CP arm received two doses of 250 mL each, transfused 24 h apart. All transfused plasma was obtained from "super donors" that fulfilled the following criteria: titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG ≥ 1:3200 and IgA ≥ 1:800 antibodies. The effect of transfused anti-IFN antibodies and the SARS-CoV-2 variants at the entry of the study on the overall CP efficacy was evaluated. The primary outcomes were the reduction in viral load and the increase in IgG and IgA antibodies at 28 days of follow-up. The per-protocol analysis included 91 patients. RESULTS: An early but transient increase in IgG anti-S1-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels at day 4 post-transfusion was observed (Estimated difference [ED], - 1.36; 95% CI, - 2.33 to - 0.39; P = 0.04). However, CP was not associated with viral load reduction in any of the points evaluated. Analysis of secondary outcomes revealed that those patients in the CP arm disclosed a shorter time to discharge (ED adjusted for mortality, 3.1 days; 95% CI, 0.20 to 5.94; P = 0.0361) or a reduction of 2 points on the WHO scale when compared with the ST group (HR adjusted for mortality, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.5; P = 0.0376). There were no benefits from CP on the rates of intensive care unit admission (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.9; P = 0.6399), mechanical ventilation (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.25 to 1.7; P = 0.4039), or mortality (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 0.64 to 16; P = 0.1584). Anti-IFN antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 variants did not influence these results. CONCLUSION: CP was not associated with viral load reduction, despite the early increase in IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. However, CP is safe and could be a therapeutic option to reduce the hospital length of stay. Trial registration NCT04332835.

Listeriose em pacientes nefropatas imunossuprimidos - relato de dois casos / Listeriosis in patients immunosuppressed nephropaths - report of two cases

Contexto: A Listeria monocytogenes é um bacilo gram-positivo de baixa patogenicidade na população geral, mas importante causa de mortalidade por sepse e meningite em pacientes imunocomprometidos. Receptores de órgãos sólidos e candidatos em tratamento de dessensibilização são suscetíveis à infecção pela Listeria monocytogenes, embora sua apresentação clínica seja pouco reconhecida. Descrição dos casos: Paciente do sexo masculino, 43 anos, internado devido a rejeição aguda de enxerto pós-transplante renal, apresenta pico febril matutino e cefaleia. Paciente do sexo feminino, 59 anos, com doença renal crônica e em terapia de dessensibilização devido reatividade a painel antígeno leucocitário humano, busca pronto-socorro com febre, cefaleia e diarreia. A infecção por Listeria monocytogenes foi confirmada por hemocultura em ambos os casos. Discussão: A ocorrência de listeriose é esporádica e associada ao consumo de alimentos altamente contaminados, como laticínios, produtos frescos e carnes processadas. A redução da imunocompetência é o principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da doença em não gestantes, bem como para o aumento da mortalidade. O diagnóstico é estabelecido majoritariamente por hemocultura e o exame do líquido cefalorraquidiano é imprescindível para acessar o acometimento do sistema nervoso central, uma vez que os sinais meníngeos podem estar ausentes. O tratamento é realizado com beta-lactâmicos ou aminoglicosídeos. A ampicilina foi utilizada nos casos relatados e promoveu boa resposta clínica. Conclusão: Os profissionais devem atentar para a gravidade da infecção por Listeria monocytogenes e considerar sua ocorrência em pacientes imunocomprometidos, fornecendo orientações profiláticas a todos os candidatos a transplante de órgãos sólidos e tratamento empírico nos casos suspeitos.

uso probiótico no transtorno do espectro autista e na esquizofrenia: revisão narrativa da literatura / Probiotic use in autistic spectrum disorder and schizophrenia: narrative literature review

Introdução: devido à grande prevalência do transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) e da esquizofrenia e o caráter incapacitante dessas patologias, fez-se necessário o desenvolvimento de tratamentos cada vez mais eficientes e com menos efeitos adversos. Sendo a microbiota um regulador da inflamação e tendo esta um papel fundamental na gênese dos transtornos psiquiátricos, o uso de probióticos pode ser uma alternativa segura e com baixo custo para o tratamento complementar das doenças psiquiátricas. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre a eficácia do uso de probióticos na redução de sintomas clínicos e gastrointestinais, assim como da segurança no tratamento do TEA e da esquizofrenia. Metodologia: revisão dos estudos em humanos que avaliaram os efeitos terapêuticos dos probióticos no TEA e esquizofrenia. Resultados: foram selecionados 13 estudos, sendo 8 sobre TEA e 5 sobre esquizofrenia, com total de 485 pacientes. As evidências apontam melhora dos sintomas gastrintestinais dos pacientes com TEA e esquizofrenia; entretanto, sem mudanças conclusivas dos sintomas psiquiátricos na esquizofrenia, associado a potencial benefício no TEA. Conclusão: essa revisão sugere que o uso de probióticos tem um potencial benefício nos sintomas comportamentais no TEA, associado à melhora dos sintomas gastrointestinais na esquizofrenia e TEA; entretanto, não se observou mudanças nos sintomas psiquiátricos da esquizofrenia.

Introduction: due to the high prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia and the disabling nature of these pathologies, it has become necessary to develop increasingly efficient treatments with less adverse effects. As the microbiota is a regulator of inflammation and having a fundamental role in the genesis of psychiatric disorders, the use of probiotics may be a safe and low-cost alternative for the complementary treatment of psychiatric diseases. Objective: to perform a narrative review on the fficacy of probiotics use in reducing clinical and gastrointestinal symptoms, and adverse effects of the use of probiotics in the treatment of ASD and schizophrenia. Methodology: review of studies in humans that evaluated the therapeutic effects of probiotics on ASD and schizophrenia. Results: 13 studies were selected, 8 on TEA and 5 on schizophrenia, with a total of 485 patients. Evidence points to improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with ASD and schizophrenia; however, there were no conclusive changes in psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia, associated with a potential benefit in ASD. Conclusion: This review suggests that the use of probiotics has a potential benefit in behavioral symptoms in ASD, associated with the improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms in schizophrenia and ASD; however, there were no changes in the psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia.

Microbiota modulate sympathetic neurons via a gut-brain circuit.

Connections between the gut and brain monitor the intestinal tissue and its microbial and dietary content1, regulating both physiological intestinal functions such as nutrient absorption and motility2,3, and brain-wired feeding behaviour2. It is therefore plausible that circuits exist to detect gut microorganisms and relay this information to areas of the central nervous system that, in turn, regulate gut physiology4. Here we characterize the influence of the microbiota on enteric-associated neurons by combining gnotobiotic mouse models with transcriptomics, circuit-tracing methods and functional manipulations. We find that the gut microbiome modulates gut-extrinsic sympathetic neurons: microbiota depletion leads to increased expression of the neuronal transcription factor cFos, and colonization of germ-free mice with bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids suppresses cFos expression in the gut sympathetic ganglia. Chemogenetic manipulations, translational profiling and anterograde tracing identify a subset of distal intestine-projecting vagal neurons that are positioned to have an afferent role in microbiota-mediated modulation of gut sympathetic neurons. Retrograde polysynaptic neuronal tracing from the intestinal wall identifies brainstem sensory nuclei that are activated during microbial depletion, as well as efferent sympathetic premotor glutamatergic neurons that regulate gastrointestinal transit. These results reveal microbiota-dependent control of gut-extrinsic sympathetic activation through a gut-brain circuit.

On the roles of the Duodenum and the Vagus nerve in learned nutrient preferences.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In most species, including humans, food preference is primarily controlled by nutrient value. However, the gut-brain pathways involved in preference learning remain elusive. The aim of the present study, performed in C57BL6/J mice, was to characterize the roles in nutrient preference of two critical elements of gut-brain pathways, i.e. the duodenum and vagal gut innervation. METHODS: Adult wild-type C57BL6/J mice from a normal-weight cohort sustained one of the following three procedures: duodenal-jejunal bypass intestinal rerouting (DJB), total subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV), or sham surgery. Mice were assessed in short-term two-bottle preference tests before and after 24 h s exposures to solutions containing one of glutamate, lipids, sodium, or glucose. RESULTS: DJB and SDV interfered in preference formation in a nutrient-specific manner: whereas normal preference learning for lipids and glutamate was disrupted by both DJB and SDV, these interventions did not alter the formation of preferences for glucose. Interestingly, sodium preferences were abrogated by DJB but not by SDV. CONCLUSIONS: Different macronutrients make use of distinct gut-brain pathways to influence food preferences, thereby mirroring nutrient-specific processes of food digestion. Specifically, whereas both vagal innervation and duodenal sensing appear critical for generating responses to fats and protein, glucose preferences recruit post-duodenal, vagal-independent pathways in pair with the control of glucose homeostasis. Overall, our data suggest that the physiological processes involved in digesting and absorbing fats, amino acids, and glucose overlap with those mediating learned preferences for each of these nutrients.

Postpartum depression: epidemiological clinical profile of patients attended in a reference public maternity in Salvador-BA / Depressão pós-parto: perfil clínico epidemiológico de pacientes atendidas em uma maternidade pública de referência em Salvador-BA

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical epidemiological state of women with suspected post partum depression (PPD) in a public maternity hospital in Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional research was performed with puerperal patients attended at a public maternity hospital in Salvador, Bahia. Data collection was performed from June to September 2017. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used as a screening instrument, and, subsequently, women with positive scores answered a questionnaire to identify their clinical and epidemiological status. Results Out of 151 postpartum women from the research, 30 (19.8%) presented suspicion of PPD. There was a prevalence of single mothers 13 (43.3%), women with complete fundamental education 15 (50.0%), women with black skin color 14 (46.7%), and those with a monthly family income of up to one minimum wage 18 (40.0%). Conclusion Although PPD is an underdiagnosed disease, a high prevalence of the condition was found in our research. It is, then, considered that these results reinforce its significance as a public health problem, requiring prevention strategies, early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o perfil clínico epidemiológico de mulheres com suspeita de Depressão Pós-Parto em uma maternidade pública de referência de Salvador, no estado da BA. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com puérperas atendidas em uma maternidade pública de referência de Salvador, BA. A coleta de dados foi realizada de junho até setembro de 2017. Utilizou-sea escala de Edimburgo como instrumento, e, posteriormente, as mulheres com escore positivo responderam a um questionário para a identificação do seu perfil clínico e epidemiológico. Resultados Das 151 puérperas pesquisadas, 30 (19,8%) apresentaram suspeita de depressão pós-parto. Predominaram as puérperas solteiras 13 (43,3%), com ensino médio completo 15 (50,0%), cor da pele preta 14 (46,7%), e aquelas com renda familiar mensal de até um salário mínimo 18 (40,0%). Conclusão Ainda que a depressão pós-parto seja uma enfermidade subdiagnosticada, neste estudo verificou-se uma elevada prevalência da condição. Considera-se, então que estes resultados reforçam o seu significado como problema de saúde pública, exigindo estratégias de prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento efetivo.

Sensibilidad y Especificidad de la Citología Cervicouterina y la prueba PCRhrHPV con el diagnóstico Histopatológico, en el Hospital "Solon Espinosa Ayala", Solca-Quito / Sensitivity and Specificity of cervical cytological diagnoses, PCR-hrHPV test and histopathological diagnoses, at the "Solón Espinosa Ayala" Hospital, Solca Quito

Introducción: La implementación de las pruebas moleculares para la detección de la infección por hrHPV ha generado cambios en las directrices del tamizaje en la detección oportuna del carcinoma cervicouterino. El objetivo del estudio es presentar la sensibilidad y especificidad de los estudios citológicos y las pruebas moleculares con los estudios histológicos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, retrospectivo en el hospital de Solca-Quito de enero a diciembre 2014. Se recolectaron los casos con los diagnósticos citológicos cervicouterinos, los resultados de la prueba de PCR tiempo real de hrHPV (Hibribio®) y los diagnósticos histopatológicos en las pacientes a las que se realizó biopsia. El análisis realizado fue "de prueba diagnóstica" para medir la sensibilidad y especificidad de las pruebas. Resultados: 730 estudios moleculares de hrHPV conjuntamente con estudios citológicos fueron realizados. Los casos positivos para hrHPV fueron 301/730 casos (41.2 %). La mayoría de casos hrHPV positivos corresponde a los genotipos 16/18 (59.5 %) y se encuentra en los rangos de edad entre 30 y 49 años (58.8 %). En 168 casos se realizó además estudio histopatológico, en los que se determinó la sensibilidad (S) de la citología Vs Histología la cual fue de 76 %, la especificidad (E) fue de 48 %, con un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) de 90 %. La S de HrHPV vs Histología fue de 74%, E 39 %, VPP 89 %; la S de Citología + HrHVP vs Histología fue de 91 %, E 40 %, VPP 90 %. Conclusión: La mayor sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de cáncer cervicouterino la realización de la Citología y la presencia de HrHVP. La mayor especificidad se consiguió con el estudio de Citología.

Introduction: The implementation of molecular tests for the detection of hrHPV infection has generated changes in the screening guidelines in the timely detection of cervical carcinoma. The aim of the study is to present the sensitivity and specificity of cytological studies and molecular tests with histological studies. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out in the Solca-Quito hospital from January to December 2014. Cases were collected with cervical cytological diagnoses, the results of the real-time PCR test of hrHPV (Hibribio®) and the diagnoses Histopathological findings in patients who underwent a biopsy. The analysis performed was "diagnostic test" to measure the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Results: 730 molecular studies of hrHPV in conjunction with cytological studies were performed. The positive cases for hrHPV were 301/730 cases (41.2 %). The majority of hrHPV positive cases correspond to genotypes 16/18 (59.5 %) and are in the age ranges between 30 and 49 years (58.8 %). In 168 cases, a histopathological study was also carried out, in which the sensitivity (S) of the cytology Vs Histology was determined, which was 76 %, the specificity (E) was 48 %, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90 % The S of HrHPV vs Histology was 74%, E 39%, PPV 89 %; S for Cytology + HrHVP vs Histology was 91 %, E 40 %, PPV 90 %. Conclusion: The highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of cervical cancer is the completion of Cytology and the presence of HrHVP. The highest specificity was obtained with the Cytology study.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Recruits a Gut PPAR-α-Striatal D1R Pathway to Reduce Fat Appetite in Obese Rats.

Bariatric surgery remains the single most effective long-term treatment modality for morbid obesity, achieved mainly by lowering caloric intake through as yet ill-defined mechanisms. Here we show in rats that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)-like rerouting of ingested fat mobilizes lower small intestine production of the fat-satiety molecule oleoylethanolamide (OEA). This was associated with vagus nerve-driven increases in dorsal striatal dopamine release. We also demonstrate that RYGB upregulates striatal dopamine 1 receptor (D1R) expression specifically under high-fat diet feeding conditions. Mechanistically, interfering with local OEA, vagal, and dorsal striatal D1R signaling negated the beneficial effects of RYGB on fat intake and preferences. These findings delineate a molecular/systems pathway through which bariatric surgery improves feeding behavior and may aid in the development of novel weight loss strategies that similarly modify brain reward circuits compromised in obesity.

Quality of Life and Functional Independence in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

PURPOSE: To verify the association between functional independence (FI) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study composed of 93 patients with knee osteoarthritis was performed. Osteoarthritis was stratified according the classification of Ahlbach. For evaluation of the patient's overall FI, the Barthel index was used. The patient's QOL was measured by means of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60 years (range, 54.0 to 69.5 years) and only 32 patients (34.3%) were found to be independent. Dependent or independent individuals presented difference in all domains of the QOL including physical function (p=0.001), role-physical (p=0.005), bodily pain (p=0.001), general health (p=0.004), vitality (p=0.009), social function (p=0.010), role-emotional (p=0.002) and mental health (p=0.001). Correlation between FI and QOL was different for all domains of the SF-36. Correlation with FI was strongest for physical function (r=0.609, p<0.001), followed by the domains of bodily pain (r=0.410, p<0.001) and mental health (r=0.402, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated a strong association of FI with QOL and positive correlations with all QOL domains, indicating the greater the FI is, the higher the QOL is.

Assessment of quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients using the SF-36 questionnaireMETHODS: Cross-sec-tional study with 93 knee osteoarthritis patients. The sample was categorized according to Ahlbӓck score. All individuals were interviewed with the SF-36 questionnaireRESULTS: The main finding of the study is related to the association of edu-cation level with the functional capacity, functional limitation and pain. Patients with higher education level had better functional capacity when they were compared to patients with basic level of educationCONCLUSION: Individuals with osteoarthritis have a low perception of their quality of life in functional capacity, functional limitation and pain. There is a strong association between low level of education and low perception of quality of life. Level of Evidence IV, Clinical Case Series.

Leishmaniose visceral e gestação em transplantada renal: Relato de Caso / Visceral leishmaniasis and pregnancy in renal transplanted patient: Case Report

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV), ou Calazar, é uma doença grave e potencialmente fatal para o homem. É causada por espécies do gênero Leishmania, predominando no Brasil a Leishmania chagasi. Os principais sintomas são febre, mal-estar, anorexia, perda ponderal e aumento do volume abdominal. A esplenomegalia e hepatomegalia são os sinais característicos da leishmaniose visceral, atualmente considerada infecção oportunista em imunocomprometidos, incluindo os receptores de transplante de órgãos sólidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de leishmaniose visceral associado à gravidez pós-transplante renal.

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and potentially fatal disease caused by different Leishmania species, Leishmania chagasi prevailing in Brazil. Main symptoms include fever, malaise, anorexia, weight loss and abdominal enlargement with typically occurring hepatosplenomegaly Currently, VL is considered an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised hosts, including solid organ transplanted patients. The present study reports a case of VL associated to pregnancy after renal transplantation.

Conformational and functional effects induced by D- and L-amino acid epimerization on a single gene encoded peptide from the skin secretion of Hypsiboas punctatus.

Skin secretion of Hypsiboas punctatus is the source of a complex mixture of bioactive compounds where peptides and small proteins prevail, similarly to many other amphibians. Among dozens of molecules isolated from H. punctatus in a proteomic based approach, we report here the structural and functional studies of a novel peptide named Phenylseptin (FFFDTLKNLAGKVIGALT-NH2) that was purified as two naturally occurring D- and L-Phes configurations. The amino acid epimerization and C-terminal amidation for both molecules were confirmed by a combination of techniques including reverse-phase UFLC, ion mobility mass spectrometry, high resolution MS/MS experiments, Edman degradation, cDNA sequencing and solid-phase peptide synthesis. RMSD analysis of the twenty lowest-energy (1)H NMR structures of each peptide revealed a major 90° difference between the two backbones at the first four N-terminal residues and substantial orientation changes of their respective side chains. These structural divergences were considered to be the primary cause of the in vitro quantitative differences in antimicrobial activities between the two molecules. Finally, both molecules elicited equally aversive reactions in mice when delivered orally, an effect that depended entirely on peripheral gustatory pathways.

Leptin regulates the reward value of nutrient.

We developed an assay for quantifying the reward value of nutrient and used it to analyze the effects of metabolic state and leptin. In this assay, mice chose between two sippers, one of which dispensed water and was coupled to optogenetic activation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and the other of which dispensed natural or artificial sweeteners. This assay measured the reward value of sweeteners relative to lick-induced optogenetic activation of DA neurons. Mice preferred optogenetic stimulation of DA neurons to sucralose, but not to sucrose. However, the mice preferred sucralose plus optogenetic stimulation versus sucrose. We found that food restriction increased the value of sucrose relative to sucralose plus optogenetic stimulation, and that leptin decreased it. Our data suggest that leptin suppresses the ability of sucrose to drive taste-independent DA neuronal activation and provide new insights into the mechanism of leptin's effects on food intake.

Síndrome branquio-oto-renal: relato de caso / Branchiootorenal syndrome (BOR): case report

Introdução: A Síndrome Branquio-Otorrenal é uma doença autossômica dominante de expressividade variável e alta, porém provavelmente de penetrância incompleta. Manifesta-se através de anormalidades do segundo arco branquial (fossetas pré-auriculares, fístulas ou cistos branquiais, entre outras) associadoa anormalidades renais (desde hipoplasia até agenesia renal). Objetivo: Nosso objetivo com o presente relato de caso é estimular a investigação precoce nas alterações renais em pacientes com defeitos otorrinolaringológicos, o que implica melhor prognóstico e qualidade de vida para os acometidos. Relatode caso: Relatamos a evolução de um caso de Síndrome Branquio-Otorrenal em paciente acompanhada há13 anos no ambulatório de nefrologia da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília. A paciente em questão apresenta anormalidades como fístula pré-auricular e fenda branquial, além de hipoacusia do tipo mista,com a concomitância de anormalidades renais. Discussão: Discutimos o diagnóstico a partir da pacienterelatada, bem como as manifestações da síndrome e o tratamento apropriado. Conclusão: Concluímos que o diagnóstico é simples de ser realizado, e sua detecção precoce propicia menor morbi-mortalidade.

Introduction: Branchiootorenal Syndrome (BOR) is an autosomal dominant disease with a high and variable expression, but probably with an incomplete penetrance. It manifests itself through the second branchial arch abnormalities (pre-auricular pits, branchial fistulae or cysts) associated with renal abnormalities (ranging from renal agenesis to hypoplasia). Objective: Our goal is to stimulate early investigation of renal changes in patients with ear and neck defects implying in a better prognosis and quality of life for those affected by BOR. Case report: We report a case of branchiootorenal syndrome development in a patient followed up for 13 years at the nephrology outpatient clinic of the Faculdade de Medicina de Marília). The patient presented with abnormalities that consisted in pre-auricular andbranchial clefts, mixed hearing loss, and renal defect. Discussion: We discuss the diagnosis as well as the manifestations of the syndrome and the appropriate treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that the diagnosis is simple to perform, and its early detection provides less morbidity and mortality.

Initial experience with the Buttonhole technique in a Brazilian hemodialysis center / Experiência inicial com a técnica de Buttonhole em um centro de hemodiálise Brasileiro

INTRODUÇÃO: A técnica de punção de fístulas arteriovenosas para hemodiálise mais comumente utilizada é a de alternância de sítios de punção. Uma técnica opcional (buttonhole) vem-se popularizando, pois os sítios de punção são constantes, oferecendo vantagens para pacientes com características especiais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar experiência inicial do serviço com a técnica de buttonhole e determinar sua utilidade. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: 21 pacientes com fístulas curtas, tortuosas, de difícil punção ou dolorosas foram puncionados pela primeira vez utilizando-se agulhas apropriadas para a técnica buttonhole. RESULTADOS: Não foram observados sangramentos intra- ou pós-hemodiálise, assim como não houve hematomas. Observou-se dor de intensidade leve e mesmo ausência de dor em alguns pacientes (15 por cento). Houve perda de duas fístulas arteriovenosas (9,5 por cento) e 47,6 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram coágulos em algum momento, situações essas relacionadas com a troca de puncionador. Um paciente apresentou abscesso paravertebral, admitindo-se a disseminação via fístula arteriovenosa. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO: As vantagens de menor dor, menor erro de punção e hematoma são contrabalançadas por aumento do risco de infecção e perda do acesso quando ocorre quebra da técnica ou mais de um puncionador está envolvido. É técnica útil para pacientes selecionados.

INTRODUCTION: The most commonly used technique of arteriovenous fistula cannulation for hemodialysis is the rope-ladder technique with alternation of the cannulation site. An alternative technique, the buttonhole (BH) technique, has become popular because its constant cannulation sites are advantageous for patients with special characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To assess the initial experience of our service with the BH technique and determine its usefulness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with short, tortuous, painful fistulae of difficult cannulation were submitted to the BH technique for the first time using appropriate needles. RESULTS: Neither bleeding nor hematoma were observed during or after hemodialysis. Some patients (15 percent) reported little or no pain. Two (9.5 percent) arteriovenous fistulae were lost, and 47.6 percent of the patients developed fistula clotting at some point in the study, both situations related to change in cannulators. One patient had a paravertebral abscess, possibly originating from the arteriovenous fistula. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The advantages of reducing pain, miscannulation, and hematoma incidence were counterbalanced by an increased risk of infection and loss of vascular access, due to noncompliance with the technique or involvement of more than one cannulator. The BH technique is useful for selected patients.

Fontes de fibra de coprodutos agroindustriais protéicos para coelhos em crescimento / Fiber sources of proteic agricultural co-products for growing rabbits

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a influência da fibra oriunda de diferentes fontes (feno de alfafa, farelo de linhaça e farelo proteinoso de milho) sobre o desempenho, coeficientes de digestibilidade e características da carne de coelhos em crescimento. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e oito repetições, sendo uma ração referência e duas rações testes: FA - ração controle, com feno de alfafa; FL - substituição total do feno de alfafa por farelo de linhaça e FP - substituição total do feno de alfafa por farelo proteinoso de milho. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste Duncan (P<0,05). A maior quantidade de hemicelulose e a baixa capacidade de hidratação das dietas FA e FP proporcionaram maior peso vivo dos animais aos 89 dias (2123 e 1934 g, respectivamente) contra 1797 g da dieta FL e melhor coeficiente de digestibilidade da MS e MO (média de 80,80 para MS e 81,76 por cento para MO, respectivamente) em relação à dieta FL (73,86 e 75,84 por cento, respectivamente). A dieta FP apresentou maior coeficiente de digestibilidade para a FDN (56,59 por cento) contra a média de 33,11 por cento para as demais dietas. A força de cisalhamento foi menor para a carne dos animais alimentados com FA e FP (1,90 e 1,63 kgf) em comparação com a FL (2,33 kgf) (P<0,05), o que indica carne mais macia. O farelo proteinoso de milho proporcionou peso vivo dos animais aos 89 dias semelhante ao do feno de alfafa. O farelo de linhaça, pela grande quantidade de fibra solúvel e alta capacidade higroscópica, prejudicou o desempenho dos animais e a maciez da carne.

The objective of this paper was to study the influence of fiber fractions from different sources (alfalfa hay, linseed bran and corn gluten meal) on performance, digestibility coefficients and meat characteristics of growing rabbits. The animals were distributed into a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replications, with one reference and two test diets: AH- control diet, with alfalfa hay; LB- total substitution of alfalfa hay by linseed bran and GM- total substitution of alfalfa hay by corn gluten meal. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the averages were compared by Duncan test (P<.05). The largest amount of hemicellulose and the low hydration capacity of the diets AF and GM proportioned greater animals live weight at 89 days of age (2123 and 1934 g, respectively) versus 1797 g of the animals fed with the diet LB and better digestibility coeficients of DM and OM (average of 80.80 for DM and 81.76 percent for OM, respectively) in relation to diet LB (73.86 and 75.84 percent, respectively). The diet GM showed a higher digestibility coefficient of NDF (56.59 percent) against the average of 33.11 percent for the other diets. The shear force was lower for meat from animals fed with AH and GM (1.90 and 1.63 kgf) compared to LB (2.33 kgf) (P<.05), which indicates meat tenderness. The corn gluten meal proportioned live weight to the animals at 89 days of age similar to the alfalfa hay. The linseed bran, due to large amount of soluble fiber and high hydration capacity, impaired animal performance and meat tenderness.

Aplicações de técnica estereotáctica para a neurocirurgia molecular: uma revisão / Use of stereotactic procedures in molecular neurosurgery: a review

Avanços consideráveis foram obtidos na compreensão das bases moleculares de várias doenças neurológicas. Embora a biologia molecular dos tumores cerebrais e doenças neurodegenerativas tenham se tornado mais conhecidas, a utilização desses conhecimentos para alcançar resultados terapêuticos melhores permanece um desafio. Os procedimentos estereotácticos na neurocirurgia molecular constituem um método adequado de introdução de material gênico na estrutura tissular cerebral. Numerosas doenças resistentes a qualquer tratamento são passíveis de cura em um futuro próximo devido a terapia genética incuráveis abrem perspectivas para num futuro próximo serem manuseadas pela terapia gênica, apesar das limitações no presente como a rejeição imunológica e a ausência de um vetor ideal.

Remarkable advances have been made in the understanding of the molecular basis of many neurological diseases. Although the molecularbiology of brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases are better understood, the use of this information to achieve better therapeutic resultsremains a challenge. The stereotactic procedure for molecular neurosurgery constitutes an adequate method of delivery of genetic material to cerebral tissue. A number of diseases resistant to any treatment are amenable to be cured in a short future due to genetic therapy although the present limitations that include immunological rejection and the lack of an ideal vector.

Estudo retrospectivo e analítico de biópsias estereotácticas / Retrospective study of stereotactic brain biopsies

Fundamento: A biópsia estereotáctica tem sido considerada técnica simples e sem complicações e com resultados satisfatórios para o diagnóstico. Neste estudo ficou evidente que nem sempre o procedimento é simples e pode apresentar riscos. Métodos: Foram analisados procedimentos (n=78) para biópsia estereotáctica de novembro de 2000 a setembro de 2007. As biópsias foram diagnósticas em 85,7% e não diagnósticas em 4%. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro cirúrgico próximo à radiologia e à sala de patologia. Foi usado equipamento do tipo arco-alvo-centrado compatível com coordenadas cartesianas. Os fiduciais usados foram adequados somente para o equipamento de TC. A cânula de biópsia foi do tipo Nashold e as coordenadas foram calculadas no tomógrafo com programa computadorizado. Resultados: Pré-operatoriamente, observaram-se déficits motores e visuais em 35%, convulsões em 38% e alterações do nível de consciência em 27%. Foram incluídos nas biópsias pacientes com lesões expansivas intracranianas e as indefinidas. Foram excluídos os casos com discrasia sanguínea, tumores vasculares, intraventriculares e doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob. As lesões expansivas predominaram no nível supratentorial e os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres: 64% e 36% respectivamente. O mais jovem tinha 16 anos e o mais velho 74. A lesão expansiva predominante foi o glioblastoma multiforme. Entre os diagnósticos da TC 1/3 não correspondeu à biópsia. Não houve morbidade e/ou mortalidade. Conclusão: O procedimento da biópsia estereotáctica não é isenta de risco, assim como de complicações. Em 1/3 dos casos o diagnóstico neuro-radiológico foi diferente do resultado da biópsia dificultando a conduta cirúrgica. O glioma predominante foi do tipo glioblastoma multiforme supratentorial em faixa etária mais alta e glioma de baixo grau nos mais jovens.

Background: Stereotactic biopsy has been considered simple and safe. In this paper it is shown that the stereotactic procedure is not always without risk. Methods: Procedures (n=78) for stereotactic biopsy were analysed from november 2000 to september 2007. Diagnosis was accurate in 85,7% and misdiagnosis was 4%. The isocentric stereotactic arc-centered system type was used with cartesian system of coordinates. Fiducials were adapted only for CT scanner. Biopsy probe Nashold was used. The coordinates were made within the tomographic machine. Results: The patients presented lesions causing motor déficits and visual disturbances in 35%, convulsions in 38%, and conscience level disturbances in 27%. Patients with tumours and undefined lesions were chosen. Patients with blood dyscrasia, vascular and intraventricular tumors, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were excluded. The tumours were mainly supratentorial and men were more affected than women. The younger patient was 16 and the olderst 74 years old. Glioblastoma was the more frequent glioma. Among the cases, 1/3 diagnosed by neuroradiologists was different in relation to the pahological findings. No morbimortality was registered. Conclusions: Stereotactic biopsies are not always safe and with no risks. The neuroradiologic diagnosis were different in 1/3 of the cases in comparison to the pathological findings. The predominant glioma was the glioblastoma type for the older and low grade gliomas for the younger subjects.

Correção da hipofosfatemia grave com dialisato enriquecido de fósforo em paciente hemodialisado / Treatment of serious hypophophatemia with phosphorus-enriched hemodialysis in patient in dialysis units

Introdução: A hipofosfatemia é definida como fósforo plasmático menor que 2,5 mg/dl podendo ser severa se inferior a 1,0 mg/dl. Ocorre em 2 a 5 pacientes hospitalizados, sendo descrita em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) submetidos a tratamento dialítico intenso. O quadro clínico decorre da diminuição de 2,3-difosfoglicerato e de outros compostos energéticos do metabolismo celular (ATP), podendo resultar em diminuição da contratilidade diafragmática, rabdomiólise, disfunção hematológica, miocárdica e da parte central do sistema nervoso. Metodologia: Este trabalho é um estudo retrospectivo realizado por meio de pesquisa do prontuário do paciente em programa regular de hemodiálise na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Marília, no período de janeiro de 2003 a março de 2004, analisando-se os exames clínicos e laboratoriais apresentados pelo paciente, bem como o resultado das intervenções de suplementação efetuadas. Discussão: Num estudo retrospectivo de três anos em 149 pacientes sob hemodiálise com bicarbonato, baixos níveis de fosfato foram encontrados em 11 (7,3).