O controle social em disputa: a reiteração do lugar excluído? / Social control in dispute: the reiteration of the excluded place?

Resumo: As experiências de controle social sobre as ações governamentais despertam a curiosidade científica de vários pesquisadores vinculados à defesa da cidadania. O objetivo desta abordagem é investigar as contribuições e as influências que as pessoas com deficiência exerceram na formulação da política de saúde no Pará. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, descritivo e analítico. A pesquisa conclui que o grupo pesquisado não desempenhou capacidade política para impor inflexões nas opções governamentais.

Abstract: Experiences of social control over government actions arouse the scientific curiosity of several researchers linked to the defense of citizenship. The objective of this approach is to investigate the contributions and influences that people with disabilities exerted on the formulation of health policy in Pará. This is a qualitative, descriptive and analytical study. The research concludes that the group studied did not have the political capacity to impose changes in government options.

Effect of propolis on Th2 and Th17 cells: interplay with EtxB- and LPS-treated dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that drive the differentiation of T CD4+ cells into different profiles according to the nature of the antigen or immunomodulator. Propolis is a resinous product made by bees that has numerous pharmacological properties, including an immunomodulatory action. To assess whether propolis can modulate the activation of CD4+ T cells by stimulating DCs with heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (EtxB) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms affected by propolis in the differential activation of T lymphocytes. Cell viability, lymphocyte proliferation, gene expression (GATA-3 and RORc), and cytokine production (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17A) were analyzed. Propolis, EtxB, and LPS induced a higher lymphoproliferation compared with the control. Propolis induced GATA-3 expression and, in combination with EtxB, maintained the baseline levels. Propolis alone or in combination with LPS inhibited RORc expression. EtxB alone and in combination with propolis increased IL-4 production. Propolis in combination with LPS prevented LPS-induced IL-17A production. These results opened perspectives for the study of biological events that may be favored by propolis by promoting Th2 activation or helping in the treatment of inflammatory conditions mediated by Th17 cells.

Feira das Cartas: integrando promoção, regionalização e gestão em saúde em atividade lúdica e interativa / Letters fair: integrating regionalization, health promotion and management in a playful and interactive activity

Resumo Introdução: A educação médica, por meio de metodologias ativas, proporciona o ensino e a aplicação integrada de conceitos da saúde coletiva, como regionalização, promoção e gestão em saúde. Durante a pandemia de Covid-19, ao considerar a necessidade de adaptações de ensino para a manutenção da qualidade do aprendizado, o módulo de Saúde Coletiva III do curso de graduação em Medicina implementou a atividade remota "Feira Virtual das Cartas de Promoção da Saúde", a qual proporcionou o desenvolvimento de habilidades importantes. Dessa maneira, objetiva-se, neste relato, expor o ensino teórico e a aplicação prática integrada dos conceitos e princípios de promoção, regionalização e gestão da saúde, importantes no estudo da saúde coletiva, por meio dessa atividade no ensino remoto. Relato de experiência: A atividade "Feira Virtual das Cartas de Promoção da Saúde", desenvolvida no terceiro período, contou com quatro etapas. A etapa 0 consistiu em um encontro síncrono para que os docentes explicassem aos discentes as demais etapas e o desenvolvimento da atividade. A primeira compreendeu a leitura das "Cartas de Promoção da Saúde" e a confecção de produto ou ação factível, executável e aplicável para apresentarem na feira. A segunda parte foi composta por gerenciamento de recursos fictícios por cada equipe, considerando a qualidade e as necessidades dos produtos ofertados na feira. A última etapa consistiu na avaliação, por meio de feedback, entre docentes e discentes. Discussão: Por meio dessa dinâmica, os discentes aprofundaram seus conhecimentos acerca das "Cartas de Promoção da Saúde" e puderam aplicar, a partir delas, as diretrizes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em um contexto mais amplo e globalizado. Os estudantes potencializaram suas habilidades de gestão e criatividade, embora algumas limitações tenham sido observadas, como a falta de um conhecimento mais abrangente sobre "gestão em saúde", o qual poderia ter aprimorado o aproveitamento durante a atividade. Conclusão: Os discentes puderam atuar de forma ativa na construção do conhecimento ao longo do processo, desenvolvendo habilidades imprescindíveis para a prática profissional. A atividade, de forma lúdica, proporcionou a integração de diversos conceitos em saúde coletiva, representando um exemplo de como a educação médica pode atuar de maneira integrativa e prática.

Abstract Introduction: Medical education, through active methodologies, provides the teaching and integrated application of Collective Health concepts, such as Regionalization, Health Promotion and Management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the need for adaptations in teaching methods to maintain the quality of learning, the Collective Health Module III of the undergraduate medical course implemented the remote activity "Virtual Fair of Health Promotion Letters", which provided the development of important skills. Thus, the aim of this report is to expose the theoretical teaching and the integrated practical application of the concepts and principles of health promotion, regionalization and health management, which are important in the study of Collective Health, through this remote learning activity. Experience report: The activity "Virtual Fair of Health Promotion Letters", developed in the third term, had 4 stages. Stage zero consisted of a synchronous meeting for the teachers to explain the other stages and the development of the activity to the students. The first stage included reading the "Health Promotion Letters" and making a feasible, executable and applicable product or action to present at the Fair. The second part consisted of each team managing fictitious resources, considering the quality and needs of the products offered at the fair. The final stage was an evaluation based on feedback between teachers and students. Discussion: Through this dynamic, the students deepened their knowledge about the "Health Promotion Letters" and were able to apply the guidelines of the Unified Health System (SUS) in a broader, globalised context. Students enhanced their management and creativity skills, although some limitations were observed, such as the lack of more comprehensive knowledge about "Health management", which could have improved their performance during the activity. Conclusion: The students were able to play an active role in the construction of knowledge throughout the process, developing essential skills for professional practice. The activity, in a playful way, provided the integration of several concepts in Collective Health; representing an example of how medical education can act in an integrative and practical way.

Effect of propolis on Th2 and Th17 cells: interplay with EtxB- and LPS-treated dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that drive the differentiation of T CD4+ cells into different profiles according to the nature of the antigen or immunomodulator. Propolis is a resinous product made by bees that has numerous pharmacological properties, including an immunomodulatory action. To assess whether propolis can modulate the activation of CD4+ T cells by stimulating DCs with heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (EtxB) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms affected by propolis in the differential activation of T lymphocytes. Cell viability, lymphocyte proliferation, gene expression (GATA-3 and RORc), and cytokine production (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17A) were analyzed. Propolis, EtxB, and LPS induced a higher lymphoproliferation compared with the control. Propolis induced GATA-3 expression and, in combination with EtxB, maintained the baseline levels. Propolis alone or in combination with LPS inhibited RORc expression. EtxB alone and in combination with propolis increased IL-4 production. Propolis in combination with LPS prevented LPS-induced IL-17A production. These results opened perspectives for the study of biological events that may be favored by propolis by promoting Th2 activation or helping in the treatment of inflammatory conditions mediated by Th17 cells.

Biochemical and hormonal parameters of goats kept in a controlled environment consuming water with different levels of salinity / [Parâmetros bioquímicos e hormonais de caprinos consumindo água com diferentes níveis de salinidade mantidos em ambiente controlado]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical and hormonal variables of Moxotó and Canindé goats submitted to two temperatures - 26.0±0.6 (thermoneutral) and 32.0±1.2°C (above thermal comfort zone) - and consuming water with three levels of salinity (1.0, 6.0 and 12.0 dSm-1). Thirty-six animals (18 of each breed) were used, with an average age of 5.0±0.6months and an average weight of 20.0±2.3kg, housed in metabolic cages inside a climate chamber. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme (2 breeds, 2 temperatures and 3 levels of salinity) and three replications. The glucose and urea had a significant effect (P>0.05) according to water salinity. Glucose, cholesterol, protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and hormones (T4, T3 and cortisol) varied according to temperature (P<0.05). There was a significant effect of time on hormonal variables (P<0.05). Biochemical and hormonal variables changed according to temperature and day shift, so that metabolism was reduced in the animals under thermal stress and accelerated when animals were in the thermal comfort zone.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as variáveis bioquímicas e hormonais de caprinos das raças Moxotó e Canindé, submetidos a duas temperaturas (26,0±0,6ºC e 32,0±1,2ºC), termoneutra e acima da zona de conforto térmico, respectivamente), consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade (1,0, 6,0 e 12,0dSm-1), utilizando-se 36 animais (18 de cada raça), com idade média de 5,0±0,6 meses e peso médio de 20,0±2,3kg, alojados em gaiolas metabólicas no interior de uma câmara climática. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial de 2 x 2 x 3 (2 raças, 2 temperaturas e 3 níveis de salinidade) e três repetições. A glicose e a ureia apresentaram efeito significativo (P<0,05) em função da salinidade da água. Glicose, colesterol, proteína, albumina, globulina, AST e hormônios (T4, T3 e cortisol) variaram conforme as temperaturas (P<0,05). Observou-se efeito significativo do horário sobre as variáveis hormonais (P<0,05). As variáveis bioquímicas e hormonais sofrem alterações em função da temperatura e do turno do dia, de modo que o metabolismo é reduzido em animais sob estresse térmico e acelerado quando os animais encontram-se na zona de conforto térmico.(AU)

The impact of a low-calorie, low-glycemic diet on systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review

Abstract Background: Diet plays a critical role in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients, impacting on the microbiota composition and, consequently, on the immune response. The objective was to analyze and verify the diet effect on SLE patients. Methods: This is a systematic review performed at the Evidences-based Health Lab, Escola Superior em Ciências da Saúde, Brasília (DF), Brazil. In March, 2021, five databases, and grey literature, through JSTOR, Open Grey, and Google Scholar were searched. Randomized Clinical Trials in which SLE patients with calorie restricted, low glycemic index or other diet involving the joint adequacy of these aspects, compared with placebo or different types of diet, were included. Results: It was identified in the databases 758 articles; 132 were duplicated; 616 references were screened, and 604 were excluded. After reading the title and abstract, 12 articles were included for full-text reading. After the full-text reading, three studies were included for quantitative analysis. The diet improved the quality of life at 6 (MD 16.30; 5.91;26.69) and 12 weeks (MD 14.60; 0.88;28.32). The GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Conclusion: There is low evidence that the diet has a positive impact on the quality of life of SLE patients. Trial registration PROSPERO—CRD4202012208.

Burnout Syndrome prevalence among nursing technicians of an Adult Intensive Care Unit / Prevalencia de Síndrome de Burnout em técnicos em enfermería de una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Adulto / Prevalência de esgotamento profissional em técnicos em enfermagem de uma unidade de Terapia Intensiva Adulto

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify Burnout Syndrome prevalence among nursing technicians of an adult Intensive Care Unit and associate prevalence with sociodemographic and clinical data. Method: a cross-sectional study carried out in an adult Intensive Care Unit of a large public hospital in southern Brazil, between March and April/2018. Prevalence was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: 122 nursing technicians participated (aged 39±2.5 years), 76% being women. Burnout Syndrome prevalence was 19.7% and 62.9%. There was a significant association between Burnout Syndrome and depression (p=0.004), as well as Burnout Syndrome and comorbidities (p=0.033), when less conservative criteria were adopted. Conclusion: the findings are relevant to professionals in this area and may contribute to adopting strategies to combat Burnout Syndrome.

RESUMEN Objetivo: verificar laprevalencia de agotamiento profesional (Síndrome de Burnout) en técnicos de enfermería de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de adultos y asociar la prevalencia con datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Método: estudio transversal, desarrollado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos para adultos de un gran hospital público delsur de Brasil, entre marzo y abril de 2018. La prevalencia se evaluó mediante el Maslach Burnout Inventory. Resultados: participaron 122 técnicos de enfermería (edad 39±2,5 años), de los cuales 76% eran mujeres. La prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout fue del 19,7% y del 62,9%. Hubo asociación significativa entre Síndrome de Burnout y depresión (p=0,004), así como Síndrome de Burnout y comorbilidades (p=0,033), cuando se adoptó un criterio menos conservador. Conclusión: los hallazgos son relevantes para los profesionales de esta área y pueden contribuir a laadopción de estrategias para combatir el Síndrome de Burnout.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de esgotamento profissional (Síndrome de Burnout) em técnicos em enfermagem de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulto e associar a prevalência a dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Método: estudo transversal, desenvolvido em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulto de hospital público de grande porte do Sul do Brasil, entre março e abril de 2018. A prevalência foi avaliada com o Maslach Burnout Inventory. Resultados: participaram 122 técnicos em enfermagem (idade 39 ± 2,5 anos), sendo 76% mulheres. As prevalências de Síndrome de Burnout foram 19,7% e 62,9%. Houve associação significativa entre Síndrome de Burnout e depressão (p=0,004), assim como Síndrome de Burnout e comorbidades (p=0,033), quando adotado critério menos conservador. Conclusão: os achados são relevantes para os profissionais desta área, podendo contribuir para adoção de estratégias de combate à Síndrome de Burnout.

Estresse ocupacional em técnicos de enfermagem de uma unidade de terapia intensiva adulto / Occupational stress in nursing technicians of an adult intensive care unit

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de Síndrome de Burnout (SB) em técnicos de Enfermagem de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) adulto e sua associação com dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Método: Estudo transversal, desenvolvido em uma UTI adulto de um hospital público de grande porte do Sul do Brasil, entre março e abril/2018. Foram incluídos técnicos de Enfermagem adultos, de ambos os sexos, com no mínimo 20 horas semanais de trabalho. Avaliou-se a prevalência utilizando o Maslach Burnout Inventory- MBI, conforme critérios de Maslach et al e Grunfeld et al. Resultados: Participaram 122 técnicos de Enfermagem (idade média 39 ± 2,5 anos); predominou o sexo feminino (76%). As prevalências da SB foram: 19,7% (Maslach et al) e 62,9 % (Grunfeld et al). Houve associação significativa entre SB e depressão (p=0,004); SB e comorbidades (p=0,033). Conclusão: Os achados mostram-se relevantes principalmente para os profissionais que atuam em UTI, podendo contribuir para futuras estratégias de combate à SB. (AU)

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate, gastric cancer and tooth agenesis.

BACKGROUND: To determine the frequency of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in first-degree relatives and to analyze the prevalence of tooth agenesis in patients with gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational, case-control study included 798 patients attended at hospital Santa Casa in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais and Alfa Institute of Gastroenterology of the Federal University of the Minas Gerais. Information on basic demographic data and tooth agenesis of both groups and their family history of NSCL/P in first-degree relatives were evaluated. The collected information was stored in a database and analyzed using statistical program SPSS version 21.0 and the values with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 798 patients, 113 (14.16%) consisted of the case group and 685 of the control group (85.84%). Non-Caucasian males were the most affected, although no differences among the groups were detected. Of all participants (n=798), 66 (8.27%) presented tooth agenesis and 25 (3.13%) presented oral cleft in first degree relative. CONCLUSIONS: Our results no found increase in the frequency of tooth agenesis in patients with gastric cancer and in the frequency of NSCL/P in the first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer.

Microbiological and faunal soil attributes of coffee cultivation under different management systems in Brazil / Atributos microbiológicos e da fauna do solo com diferentes sistemas de cultivo de cafeeiro no Brasil

Abstract Brazil is the biggest coffee producer in the world and different plantation management systems have been applied to improve sustainability and soil quality. Little is known about the environmental effects of these different management systems, therefore, the goal of this study was to use soil biological parameters as indicators of changes. Soils from plantations in Southeastern Brazil with conventional (CC), organic (OC) and integrated management systems containing intercropping of Brachiaria decumbens (IB) or Arachis pintoi (IA) were sampled. Total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), microbial activity (C-CO2), metabolic quotient (qCO2), the enzymes dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase and arylsulphatase, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization and number of spores and soil fauna were evaluated. The greatest difference between the management systems was seen in soil organic matter content. The largest quantity of TOC was found in the OC, and the smallest was found in IA. TOC content influenced soil biological parameters. The use of all combined attributes was necessary to distinguish the four systems. Each management presented distinct faunal structure, and the data obtained with the trap method was more reliable than the TSBF (Tropical Soils) method. A canonic correlation analysis showed that Isopoda was correlated with TOC and the most abundant order with OC. Isoptera was the most abundant faunal order in IA and correlated with MBC. Overall, OC had higher values for most of the biological measurements and higher populations of Oligochaeta and Isopoda, corroborating with the concept that the OC is a more sustainable system.

Resumo O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de café e diferentes sistemas de manejo têm sido aplicados para melhorar a sustentabilidade e a qualidade do solo. Pouco se conhece sobre os efeitos ambientais desses sistemas de manejo, assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi utilizar parâmetros biológicos do solo como indicadores de mudanças nos sistemas. Foram amostrados, na região sudeste do Brasil, solos com cultivo convencional (CC), orgânico (OC) e sistema integrado de cultivo consorciado com Brachiaria decumbens (IB) ou com Arachis pintoi (IA) na entrelinha. Foram avaliados o carbono orgânico total (TOC), carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana (MBC e MBN), atividade microbiana (C-CO2), quociente metabólico (qCO2), as enzimas desidrogenase, urease, fosfatase ácida e arilsulfatase, a colonização e número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (AMF) e a fauna do solo. A maior diferença entre os sistemas de manejo foram verificadas no teor de matéria orgânica do solo. O maior teor de TOC foi encontrado no OC, e o menor teor encontrado no sistema IA. O teor de TOC influenciou os parâmetros biológicos e a diferenciação da fauna do solo. O uso combinado de todos os atributos foi necessário para diferenciar os quatro sistemas de cultivo. Cada manejo apresentou estruturas diferentes de fauna, e dados obtidos com o método de armadilhas tipo pitfall foi mais confiável do que o método TSBF (Solos Tropicais). A análise de correlação canônica mostrou que Isopoda foi correlacionado com TOC e a ordem mais abundante em OC. Isoptera foi a ordem da fauna mais abundante em IA e foi correlacionada com MBC. Em geral, OC apresentou os maiores valores para a maioria dos atributos biológicos, inclusive para abundância de indivíduos de Oligochaeta e Isopoda, corroborando com o conceito de que OC é um sistema mais sustentável.

The effect of paramagnetic contrast in choline peak in patients with glioblastoma multiforme might not be significant.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: (1)H-MR spectroscopy is a useful tool in brain tumor evaluation. A critical point in obtaining representative spectra is the correct voxel positioning, which can be more accurate after Gd administration. Some experimental data suggested that Gd could cause Cho signal loss. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Gd in the Cho peak area and width in patients with GBM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed multivoxel (1)H-MR spectroscopy before and after Gd administration in 18 patients with GBM. Quantification of Cho peak area and width in each voxel was completed, and the Cho mean and maximum values before and after Gd injection were calculated in the tumor and contralateral hemisphere. Choline peak area and width values obtained before and after contrast were compared, considering as separate entities enhancing and nonenhancing tumoral voxels and the contralateral hemisphere. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found for the Cho peak area mean values in the tumoral voxels or contralaterally (P > .05). A tendency for an increase in the Cho peak width mean value was found in the tumoral enhancing voxels (P = .055). A statistically significant decrease was found for the mean value of the maximum Cho peak area in enhancing tumoral voxels (P = .020). No significant differences were found in the nonenhancing tumoral voxels or contralaterally (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The injection of Gd before performing (1)H-MR spectroscopy might not significantly affect the Cho peak area in patients with GBM. The paramagnetic contrast seems to cause a different effect, depending on Gd enhancement.

Micobacteriosis sistémica por mycobacterium avium en paciente con SIDA / Systemic mycobacteriosis for Mycobacterium avium in a AIDS patient

Se analizaron repetidas muestras procedentes de un paciente cubano con SIDA, para descartar la presencia de bacilos ácido alcohol resistente (BAAR), pasadas 2-3 semana en las muestras de esputo, líquido cefalorraquídeo y de hemocultivo que habían sido procesadas y cultivadas se detecta la presencia de algunas colonias, como resultado se obtuvo el aislamiento de una cepa micobacteriana no pigmentada, de crecimiento lento perteneciente al Grupo III de Runyon, esta cepas fueron clasificadas como Mycobacterium avium por los métodos convencionales establecidos para la identificación de cepas micobacterianas, como técnica confirmativa diagnóstica se utilizó el análisis de las fracciones de ácido micólicos por la técnica de cromatografía en capa delgada bidimensional. El objetivo fundamental de este estudio ha sido reportar el primer caso de micobacteriosis sistémica en un paciente cubano con SIDA

Several sputum and blood culture simples from a Cuban HIV/AIDS patient were analyzed to discard the presence of alcohol acid resistant bacillus. After 2-3 weeks the culture revealed in both kinds of samples some colonies from non-pigmented mycobacterium strain with slow growth and belonging to III Runyon Group. This strain was classified as Mycobacterium avium by conventional methods established for mycobacterium identification. To diagnostic confirmative method was used the analysis of fraction mycolic acid by bi-dimensional thin layer chromatography. The main objective of this study was to report the first case of systemic mycobacteriosis in a Cuban HIV/AIDS patient

Chronic myeloid leukaemia in two multiple sclerosis patients on interferon beta-1a.

Haematological problems are commonly associated with use of beta-interferon in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However these problems are usually benign and are reversible when the drug is stopped. We describe two patients, with the diagnosis of MS, who developed leucocytosis. Cytogenetic studies showed the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome in all the cells analysed, confirming the diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The first patient currently on imatimib mesylate and interferon beta-1a is asymptomatic. For the second patient, interferon beta-1a was withdrawn after suspicion of CML.

Effects of the LactoSorb bioabsorbable plates on the craniofacial development of rabbits: direct morphometric analysis using linear measurements.

The use of plates for the treatment of fractures can affect craniofacial bone development. This study investigated the effect of bioabsorbable plates and titanium microscrews on the growth of the craniofacial skeleton of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), in the neonatal period. A LactoSorb plate and PROMM titanium microscrews were positioned across the coronal suture in animals in the study group. In the control group, only PROMM titanium microscrews were attached to the cranium. Anteroposterior linear measurements were obtained using 3 different gauging devices: digital precision caliper, EKG caliper and nylon string. Frontal-nasal (FN) distances were statistically different between the left and right side when the digital caliper (P

Oral avascular bone necrosis associated with chemotherapy and biphosphonate therapy.

BACKGROUND: Oral avascular bone necrosis is an important adverse effect of chemotherapy and biphosphate therapy. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in oral avascular bone necrosis in cancer patients assigned to undergo chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients presenting oral avascular bone necrosis were selected from the clinical files of five Stomatological Clinics in Brazil. Clinical data as well as treatment and prognosis information were obtained from all 14 patients. RESULTS: Twelve patients (86%) were submitted to biphosphonate therapy. The most important symptom was pain, present in all cases, and the mandible was the most common involved site. Most patients (79%) had their conditions managed by antibiotic therapy and surgical debridation; however complete response was achieved in only three cases (21%). CONCLUSION: Avascular bone necrosis is a serious oral side-effect of cancer chemotherapy, particularly in patients using biphosphonates, and antibiotic therapy and surgical debridation were not able to promote complete response in most cases.

Human herpes virus-8 serology and DNA analysis in recipients of renal allografts showing Kaposi's sarcoma and their respective donors.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) developed among 11 of 416 renal allograft recipients transplanted between 1985 and 2000. Only 3 among 364 Caucasian recipients developed KS, while it affected 8 of 52 Black patients, all of whom had been born in African countries (P <.001). All patients had their immunosuppression reduced; two also received daunorubicin and one received electrotherapy. Three patients developed accelerated renal allograft dysfunction, probably due to the reduced immunosuppression. Remission of KS was observed in seven patients, while lesions stabilized or improved partially in the other four. After resuming dialysis 2 of 11 patients died; both were in KS remission. Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) serology and DNA analysis was evaluated in sera obtained from seven donors: all were negative. Conversely, among eight sera collected pretransplant from the nine living recipients, HHV-8 IgG was detected in six and DNA was present in one. HHV-8 IgG was expressed in all patients (9/9) at some point posttransplant; DNA was detected in three patients. Therefore, the robust ethnic predisposition to KS was associated with a high pretransplant prevalence of HHV-8 among African recipients. Although some seroconversions were detected posttransplant, there was no evidence for donor-to-recipient transmission.

Parâmetros genéticos para escore de umbigo e características de produção em bovinos da raça Nelore / Genetics parameters for umbilicus score and production characteristics in Nellore breed beef cattle

Utilizaram-se 11.310 medidas de escore visual da característica umbigo, medida aos 18 meses em bovinos, para estimar os componentes de variância, a herdabilidade e as correlações genéticas entre escore do umbigo e peso à desmama (PD) e ganho de peso da desmama ao sobreano (GP345), utilizando-se modelo animal bi-característica. Os escores de umbigo (EU) variaram de 1 (mais pendulosos) a 5 (mais curtos). Os valores de herdabilidade foram 0,31 (PD), 0,14 (GP345) e 0,29 (EU), e as correlações genéticas foram -0,05 (EUIPD) e 0,14 (EUIGP345). A correlação entre avaliação do umbigo de machos e fêmeas foi de 0,80. Conclui-se que a característica umbigo é passível de seleção e que ela não compromete a seleção para melhores PD e GP345.

Hepatic damage in C282Y homozygotes relates to low numbers of CD8+ cells in the liver lobuli.

BACKGROUND: Although most Caucasian patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) show the same mutation in the HFE gene, the phenotypic expression of the disease varies greatly. We have previously shown that patients with HH who have high iron stores have low numbers of circulating CD8+ T lymphocytes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Liver and peripheral blood were studied in 37 C282Y homozygous HH patients; nine normal livers and 11 livers from patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus or alcoholic liver disease were also investigated. Eleven jejunal biopsies from HH patients and 17 normal biopsies were studied. The numbers of CD8+ cells were determined in peripheral blood by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and in the liver or small intestine by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In HH patients the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood correlated significantly with the number of CD8+ cells in the liver lobuli but not with that in the small intestine. Body iron stores correlated negatively with the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and in the liver, but not with the number in the small intestine. HH patients with cirrhosis had the lowest CD8+ cell count in liver sections, in contrast with other forms of cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that HH patients with the HFE C282Y mutation and low numbers of CD8+ cells in the liver lobuli have higher iron stores and are more prone to develop liver cirrhosis.

[Detection of preclinical Cushing's syndrome in overweight type 2 diabetic patients]. / Detección de síndrome de Cushing preclínico en pacientes con sobrepeso y diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Preclinical Cushing's syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which cortisol excess is not associated to clinical features of Cushing's syndrome. The aim of this study was to detect PCS in 48 ambulatory overweight type 2 diabetic patients (DM). Controls were 40 normoglycemic obese (Ob) and 36 normo-weight healthy subjects (N). In DM (47/48) total urinary cortisol (UF) levels were similar to those found in Ob and N. Evening urinary cortisol (Spot F) was significantly higher than either Ob (p: 0.0001) or N (p: 0.03), although values did not overcome the upper normal limit (44 ng/mg creatinine). False positive results to the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test were found in 31% and 22% of DM and Ob, respectively. In a DM female an elevated UF and Spot F associated to absence of cortisol inhibition to the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test was repeatedly detected. Diagnosis of PCS was performed. Remission of hypercorticism and glycemic control were achieved after pituitary surgery. It would be useful to screen DM patients with poor glycemic control for PCS.