Exploiting Co(III)-Cyclopentadienyl Complexes To Develop Anticancer Agents.

In recent years, organometallic complexes have attracted much attention as anticancer therapeutics aiming at overcoming the limitations of platinum drugs that are currently marketed. Still, the development of half-sandwich organometallic cobalt complexes remains scarcely explored. Four new cobalt(III)-cyclopentadienyl complexes containing N,N-heteroaromatic bidentate, and phosphane ligands were synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques, and DFT methods. The cytotoxicity of all complexes was determined in vitro by the MTS assay in colorectal (HCT116), ovarian (A2780), and breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) human cancer cell lines and in a healthy human cell line (fibroblasts). The complexes showed high cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines, mostly due to ROS production, apoptosis, autophagy induction, and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane. Also, these complexes were shown to be nontoxic in vivo in an ex ovo chick embryo yolk sac membrane (YSM) assay.

Access to psychological treatment for chronic cancer-related pain in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer-related pain (CRP) is among the most frequent collateral effects of cancer, with chronic CRP, lasting at least 3 months, affecting >40% of cancer survivors. Evidence-based treatments, including pain-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are available, but it appears that cancer patients/survivors are often poorly informed about CRP or the potential benefits of CBT for such pain. This study examined current experience of Swedish cancer patients/survivors in relation to CRP. METHODS: Participants (N = 276; 83% female; mean age = 55.5 years, SD = 11.9) were recruited to an online survey via cancer websites in Sweden, and they provided information about their history of chronic CRP and whether they received information about or treatment for CRP from a healthcare professional. RESULTS: Participants had a history of breast (36%), gynecological (12%), lung (10%), colon (8%), and other forms of cancer (36%). A majority (74%) reported a history of chronic CRP and being prescribed analgesic medications (70%). Less than half (47%) received information from their healthcare provider about the risk of CRP and only 13% with chronic CRP received psychological treatment, and of these, only 33% received CBT. Among those receiving psychological treatment for chronic CRP, satisfaction rates were moderate, reported as an average of 6 on a 0-10 scale (standard deviation 2.6). CONCLUSIONS: Greater efforts are needed to raise awareness among cancer patients/survivors and healthcare providers about the risk of CRP and evidence-based interventions, including CBT, the first-line intervention for chronic pain. These efforts will need to be matched with increases in treatment capacity, particularly pain-focused CBT.

La restauration de l'être: par le Rorschach d'une adolescente anorexique / A restauração do ser: através do Rorschach de uma adolescente anoréxica / The restoration of being: Through the Rorschach test of an anorexic adolescent / La restauración del ser: a través del Rorschach de una adolescente anoréxica

L'anorexie est une pathologie du vide de sens, qui presente une défaillance au niveau des processus de la pensée, avec des implications directes au niveau de la construction identitaire. Le Rorschach a été utilise comme instrument d'évaluation du fonctionnement mental et comme méthode d'analyse des transformations psychiques. Martha est une adolescente de dix-sept ans, avec deux hospitalisations, avec un diagnostic d'anorexie. L'analyse du Rorschach à mettre en évidence deux mouvements psychiques: la présence d'une forte tension pulsionnelle, mobilisée face à l'atteinte ressentie dans la relation Moi-Autre; la dévitalisation du Moi, par un fort mouvement d'annulation du Moi. La compréhension de ces mouvements a permis une intervention thérapeutique dans le but de restaurer son Être, de consolider son identité et de permettre un ensemble de transformations psychiques qui permettent la subjectivation et la croissance mentale.

Resumos A anorexia é uma patologia do vazio do sentido, que apresenta uma falha ao nível dos processos do pensamento, com implicações diretas ao nível da construção da identidade. O Rorschach foi usado como um instrumento para aceder ao funcionamento mental e como um método de análise das transformações psíquicas. Martha é uma adolescente de dezessete anos, com duas internações, com um diagnóstico de anorexia. A análise de Rorschach permitiu destacar dois movimentos psíquicos: a presença de uma forte tensão pulsional, mobilizada perante o ataque sentido na relação Eu-Outro; a desvitalização do Eu, através de um movimento de uma forte anulação do próprio eu. A compreensão desses movimentos permitiu uma intervenção terapêutica com o objetivo de restaurar o seu Ser, consolidar sua identidade e permitir um conjunto de transformações psíquicas que possibilitam a subjetivação e o crescimento mental.

Anorexia is a pathology of the emptiness of meaning, which presents a failure at the level of thought processes, with direct implications in self-identity. Rorschach test was used as an instrument to assess mental functioning and as a method to analyze the psychic transformations. Martha is a 17-year-old adolescent, with two previous hospitalizations, diagnosed with anorexia. Through Rorschach test, it was possible to highlight two movements: the presence of a strong instinctual drive, mobilized in the face of the perceived attack in the Self-Other relationship; the devitalization of the Self, through a strong annulment of the self. The understanding of such movements enabled a therapeutic intervention aimed at restoring her Being, consolidating her identity and enabling a set of psychic transformations that allow for subjectivation and mental growth.

La anorexia es una patología del vacío de sentido, que presenta una falla al nivel de los procesos del pensamiento, con implicaciones directas en la construcción de la identidad. El Rorschach se utilizó como instrumento para evaluar el funcionamiento mental y como método de análisis de las transformaciones psíquicas. Martha es una adolescente de 17 anos, con dos hospitalizaciones y diagnóstico de anorexia. El análisis del Rorschach reveló dos movimientos psíquicos: la presencia de una fuerte tensión instintiva, movilizada frente al ataque sentido en la relación Yo-Otro; la desvitalización del Yo, mediante un fuerte movimiento de anulación del Yo. La comprensión de estos movimientos permitió aplicar una intervención terapéutica con el objetivo de restaurar el Ser de la paciente, consolidar su identidad y permitir un conjunto de transformaciones psíquicas que permitan la subjetivación y el crecimiento psíquico.

The contribution of psychological flexibility to functioning in people living with cancer-related pain.

BACKGROUND: Studies of individuals with non-cancer-related chronic pain find that higher levels of psychological flexibility (PF) are associated with less distress, better functioning, and a better response to treatment. People diagnosed with cancer are at a significantly increased risk of developing chronic cancer-related pain, the presence of which is associated with poorer health outcomes. Little is known about whether PF is applicable to cancer pain. The current study investigates the relationship between chronic cancer-related pain, distress and functioning, and three theoretical processes proposed by the PF model: pain acceptance, present-moment focus, and committed action. METHODS: Adults (n = 246) with a cancer diagnosis (current or previous), and living in Sweden, completed an online survey involving standardized measures of cancer-related pain (intensity and impairment), depression, fatigue, PF and social stigma. RESULTS: Moderate to strong correlations were found between PF and all variables. In regression analyses, PF, and particularly pain acceptance, accounted for a large and significant proportion of the observed variance in depression, pain-related and overall functioning, after controlling for cancer status, pain intensity and social stigma. CONCLUSION: Consistent with studies of non-cancer-related pain, higher levels of PF were strongly associated with lower levels of distress and better functioning in individuals with cancer-related pain. Further studies are needed to further explore these relationships and to determine whether psychosocial treatments targeting PF may be of benefit to people with chronic cancer-related pain. SIGNIFICANCE: This study explores the relationship between cancer-related pain (intensity and impairment), depression, fatigue, overall functioning, social stigma and PF. The findings suggest that higher levels of PF are associated with lower levels of distress and improved functioning in chronic cancer-related pain, after controlling for cancer status (current, in remission), pain intensity and social stigma.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Risk Associated with Squats: A Systematic Review.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is highly prevalent; it can cause severe pain and evolve into progressive functional loss, leading to difficulties performing daily tasks such as climbing and descending stairs and squatting. This systematic review aimed to find evidence, in the literature, of squat movements that can cause or worsen PFPS. This work was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and its protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019128711). From the 6570 collected records, 37 were included. From these 37 articles, 27 present a causal relationship between knee flexion and PFPS, 8 describe a relationship, considering the greater existence of muscle contractions, and one article did not describe this relationship in its results. The main limitations stem from the fact that different studies used different evaluation parameters to compare the force exerted on the patellofemoral joint. Furthermore, most studies are focused on sports populations. After analysing the included works, it was concluded that all squat exercises can cause tension overload in the knee, especially with a knee flexion between 60° and 90° degrees. The main causal/worsening factors of PFPS symptoms are the knee translocation forward the toes (on the same body side) when flexing the knee, and the muscle imbalance between the thigh muscles.

Mulheres despossuídas no século XXI: trabalho, justiça e gênero / Dispossessed women in the 21st century: work, justice and gender

Decorridos 177 anos da publicação dos artigos de Marx (2017), na Gazeta Renana, no contexto europeu, sua contribuição segue não só atual, mas necessária para compreendermos os processos sociais no contexto latino-americano e periférico. Situando a historicidade da obra e da realidade brasileira, o fito de resgatá-la é justamente para que se mostre a face bárbara da acumulação capitalista, ainda mais agudizada no que se refere às pessoas em situação de criminalização por parte do Estado. Isso porque, na condição de infratora da lei, a mulher passa a ser objeto de sanção e pena, e dela não é suprimido somente o direito à liberdade, mas também o direito de ser protagonista de resistência, de pulsão antagônica ao modo de produção capitalista. Essas mulheres correspondem a uma massa de desempregadas informais, constituindo-se nas despossuídas do século XXI.

177 years after the publication of Marx's articles (2017), in Gazeta Renana, in the European context, his contribution is not only current, but necessary for us to understand social processes in the Latin American and peripheral context. Situating the historicity of the work and the Brazilian reality, the purpose of rescuing it is precisely to show the barbaric face of capitalist accumulation, which is even more acute with regard to people in a situation of criminalization by the State. This is because, as a lawbreaker, women become the object of sanction and penalty, and from it not only the right to freedom is suppressed, but also the right to be the protagonist of resistance, of antagonistic drive to the capitalist mode of production. These women correspond to a mass of informal unemployed, constituting the dispossessed of the century XXI.

Liver stiffness regression after sustained virological response by direct-acting antivirals reduces the risk of outcomes.

The role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) after sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV patients treated by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate LSM regression value after SVR and to identify risk factors associated with liver related complications (LRC) or death. This retrospective study analyzed patients with LSM ≥ 10 kPa with LSM by transient elastography pre-DAAs and post-SVR. Patients with previous hepatic decompensation were excluded. Medical records were reviewed to identify primary outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and time-to-event Cox proportional-hazard models were performed. 456 patients [65% female, 62 years (IQR 57-68)] were included. During a follow-up of 2.3 years (IQR 1.6-2.7), 28 patients developed 37 outcomes [rate = 29.0 (95% CI 20.0-42.0) per 1000 person-years]. The cumulative incidence of outcomes was significantly lower in patients who regressed LSM ≥ 20% [3.4% (95% CI 1.8-7.0) vs. 9.0% (5.5-14.5), p = 0.028]. In a multivariate Cox-model [HR(95% CI)], male gender [HR = 3.00 (1.30-6.95), p = 0.010], baseline albumin < 3.5 mg/dL [HR = 4.49 (1.95-10.34), p < 0.001] and baseline unfavorable Baveno-VI [HR = 4.72 (1.32-16.83), p = 0.017] were independently associated and LSM regression ≥ 20% after SVR had a trend to reduce the risk of LRC or death [HR = 0.45 (0.21-1.02), p = 0.058]. The use of simple parameters before DAAs and repetition of LSM post-SVR can identify patients with different risks for severe outcome after HCV eradication.

Cateteres nasoenterais mal posicionados: relato de casos / Catéteres nasoenterales mal posicionados: informes de casos / Poorly positioned nasoenteral catheters: case reports

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar casos de cateteres nasoenterais mal posicionados, após inserção às cegas à beira leito. Método: são apresentados três casos, os quais ocorreram em uma instituição hospitalar localizada no estado de São Paulo. Os cateteres foram inseridos pelo enfermeiro conforme protocolo institucional, para posicionamento em nível entérico. Ausculta epigástrica e mensuração do pH foram os métodos empregados na confirmação do posicionamento dos cateteres e posteriormente foi realizado o exame de Raios-X, considerado exame de referência para confirmar o posicionamento de cateteres nasoenterais. Resultados: dos três cateteres mal posicionados, dois estavam com a extremidade distal projetada para a junção esofagogástrica e uma não foi visibilizada, apesar de a ausculta ter sido positiva e os valores de pH terem sido superiores a seis. Conclusão: os resultados revelaram importantes limitações de ambos os métodos na verificação do posicionamento de cateteres nasoenterais que foram inseridos recentemente às cegas à beira leito.

RESUMEN Objetivo: reportar casos de catéteres nasoenterales mal posicionados tras inserción ciega a pie de cama. Método: se presentan tres casos, ocurridos en un hospital ubicado en el estado de São Paulo. Los catéteres fueron insertados por el enfermero según protocolo institucional, para su colocación a nivel entérico. La auscultación epigástrica y la medición del pH fueron los métodos utilizados para confirmar la posición de los catéteres y posteriormente se realizó el examen de rayos X, considerado un examen de referencia para confirmar la posición de los catéteres nasoenterales. Resultados: de los tres catéteres mal posicionados, dos tenían el extremo distal proyectado a la unión esofagogástrica y uno no se visualizaba, a pesar de que la auscultación era positiva y los valores de pH superiores a seis. Conclusión: los resultados revelaron importantes limitaciones de ambos métodos para verificar la posición de los catéteres nasoenterales recientemente insertados a ciegas a la cabecera de la cama.

ABSTRACT Objective: to report cases of poorly positioned nasoenteral catheters after blind insertion at the bedside. Method: three cases are presented, which occurred in a hospital located in the state of São Paulo. The catheters were inserted by the nurse according to institutional protocol, for placement at the enteric level. Epigastric auscultation and pH measurement were the methods used to confirm the positioning of the catheters and subsequently the X-Ray exam was performed, considered a reference exam to confirm the positioning of nasoenteral catheters. Results: of the three poorly positioned catheters, two were with the distal end projected to the esophagogastric junction and one was not visualized, despite the auscultation being positive and the pH values being higher than six. Conclusion: the results revealed important limitations of both methods in verifying the positioning of nasoenteral catheters that were recently inserted blindly at the bedside.

A Prime-Boost Immunization Strategy with Vaccinia Virus Expressing Novel gp120 Envelope Glycoprotein from a CRF02_AG Isolate Elicits Cross-Clade Tier 2 HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies.

Development of new immunogens eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is a main priority for the HIV-1 vaccine field. Envelope glycoproteins from non-B-non-C HIV-1clades have not been fully explored as components of a vaccine. We produced Vaccinia viruses expressing a truncated version of gp120 (gp120t) from HIV-1 clades CRF02_AG, H, J, B, and C and examined their immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Mice primed with the recombinant Vaccinia viruses and boosted with the homologous gp120t or C2V3C3 polypeptides developed antibodies that bind potently to homologous and heterologous envelope glycoproteins. Notably, a subset of mice immunized with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens developed a cross-reactive neutralizing response against tier 2 HIV-1 Env-pseudoviruses and primary isolates. Rabbits vaccinated with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens also generated potent binding antibodies, and one animal elicited antibodies that neutralized almost all (13 of 16, 81.3%) tier 2 HIV-1 isolates tested. Overall, the results suggest that the novel CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens and prime-boost immunization strategy elicit the type of immune responses required for a preventive HIV-1 vaccine.

Microglia cytoarchitecture in the brain of adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice: Brain region and sex specificities.

Microglia cells exert a critical role in brain development, mainly supported by their immune functions, which predicts an impact on the genesis of psychiatric disorders. In fact, microglia stress during gestation is, for instance, associated with chronic anxiety and cognitive deficits accompanied by long-lasting, region- and sex-specific changes in microglia morphology. We recently reported that the pattern of microglia morphologic plasticity, which is sex-determined, impacts on anxious-like behaviour and cognition. We also reported that the pharmacologic blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2A R) is able to reshape microglia morphology, in a sex-specific manner and with behavioural sequelae. In order to better understand the role of A2A R in the sex differentiation of microglia, we now compared their morphology in wild-type and A2A R knockout male and female C57BL/6 mice in two cardinal brain regions implicated in anxiety-like behaviour and cognition, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP). We report interregional differences between PFC and dHIP in a sex-specific manner: while males presented more complex microglia in the dHIP, microglia from females had a more complex morphology in the PFC. Surprisingly, the genetic deletion of A2A R did not alter these sex differences, but promoted the exclusive remodelling (increase in complexity) in PFC microglia from females. These findings further support the existence of a heterogeneous microglial network, distinct between sexes and brain regions, and help characterizing the role of A2A R in the sex- and brain region-specific morphologic differentiation of microglia.

Análise da concordância da ausculta epigástrica e mensuração do pH na confirmação do posicionamento de sonda nasoenteral / Analysis of epigastric auscultation agreement and pH measurement in the confirmation of nasoenteral tube placement

Justificativa: A sonda nasoenteral é a principal via de escolha para administração de nutrição enteral, líquidos e medicamentos diretamente no trato gastrointestinal. A inserção da sonda naosoenteral às cegas, à beira leito, é um procedimento comum nas instituições de saúde. A confirmação do seu correto posicionamento pode evitar eventos adversos graves, principalmente, os respiratórios. Embora o exame de raios X seja o método de primeira linha para confirmar o posicionamento das sondas nasoenterais, existem restrições quanto ao seu uso. Dentre os métodos clínicos não radiológicos, a ausculta epigástrica é a mais utilizada. Contudo, evidências científicas disponíveis a contraindicam. A mensuração do pH do aspirado gástrico é o método não radiográfico mais recomendado na literatura internacional por apresentar alta sensibilidade, apesar das suas limitações. A partir do exposto, observou-se, no hospital participante deste estudo, práticas não baseadas nas melhores evidências científicas para confirmar o posicionamento de sondas nasoenterais recém inseridas às cegas, à beira leito. A ausculta epigástrica é o método mais utilizado na instituição, seguida pelo exame de raios X. Objetivo: avaliar a concordância entre os métodos clínicos (ausculta epigástrica e mensuração do pH) na confirmação do posicionamento de sonda nasoenteral. Método: estudo transversal realizado em um hospital privado de médio porte do interior do estado de São Paulo. Participaram 49 pacientes que foram submetidos a 90 procedimentos de inserção e confirmação do posicionamento da sonda. Os métodos clínicos foram realizados na seguinte ordem: ausculta epigástrica e mensuração do pH. Em seguida, todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao exame de raios X. Os dados foram coletados por meio de dispositivo móvel e foram inseridos na plataforma on-line Survey Monkey®. Variáveis demográficas, clínicas e terapêuticas foram obtidas do prontuário médico. Foram avaliados parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo. A concordância, entre os métodos clínicos e o resultado do exame de raios X, foi analisada por meio da estatística AC1, desenvolvida por Gwet. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo feminino (67,3%), idosa (95,9%), com média de 82 anos de idade, branca (93,8%), aposentada (95,9%) e procedente do estado de São Paulo. O diagnóstico mais frequente, segundo a Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID-10), foi a colocação de sonda gástrica ou duodenal, e a indicação principal foi a disfagia, seguida de inapetência. Todas as sondas inseridas eram de fino calibre, medidas para serem posicionadas no intestino. A ausculta epigástrica foi o método que apresentou maior sensibilidade (100,0%), porém menor especificidade (2,0%). A ausculta sugeriu que a sonda estava no estômago, quando de fato estava posicionada no intestino, em 51,1%. Ainda, em 2,2%, a ausculta foi positiva para posição gástrica. Contudo, a extremidade distal estava posicionada na junção esofagogástrica. A mensuração do pH apresentou sensibilidade menor (63,0%) que a ausculta, porém, maior especificidade (58%). Entretanto o valor é considerado regular. Ademais, o valor preditivo positivo da mensuração do pH foi de 55% e o negativo, de 66%. Não houve concordância entre a ausculta epigástrica e o exame de raios X (AC1 = 0,109; p = 0,372) e entre o método de mensuração do pH e o exame de raios X (AC1 = 0,206; p = 0,066). Conclusão: Os métodos clínicos avaliados, neste estudo, apresentaram limitações importantes que podem expor os pacientes a riscos. A ausculta epigástrica deve ser abolida da prática clínica e o exame de raios X permanece o método de primeira linha na confirmação do posicionamento de sondas nasoenterais recém inseridas às cegas, à beira leito. Implicações para a prática: Espera-se que os resultados deste estudo possam ser utilizados pelas lideranças do hospital e incorporados ao protocolo institucional para reduzir os riscos relacionados ao mau posicionamento de sondas nasoenterais.

Justification: The nasoenteral tube is the main passage of choice to nutrition management of enteral nutrition, liquids and medication straight to gastrointestinal tract. The blindly insertion of nasoenteral tube at the bedside is an ordinary procedure in health institutions. The confirmation of its correct positioning may prevent adverse events especially respiratory ones. Although the X-ray examination is the first-line method to confirm the placement of nasoenteral tubes, there are restrictions on their use. Among the non-radiological clinical methods, epigastric auscultation is the most used. However, available scientific evidences contraindicate it. The measurement of the gastric aspirated is the non-radiographic method most recommended in the international literature because of its high sensitivity, despite its limitations. From the above, it was observed in the hospital participating in this study, practices non based in the best scientific evidences to confirm the positioning of nasoenteral tubes recently inserted blindly at the bedside. The epigastric auscultation is the most used method in the institution, followed by the X-ray examination. Objective: to evaluate the agreement between the clinical methods (epigastric auscultation and pH measurement) in the confirmation of the nasoenteral tube placement. Method: cross-sectional study carried out in a medium-sized private hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Forty-nine patients who were submitted to ninety insertion procedures and confirmation of tube placement. The clinical methods were performed in the following order: epigastric auscultation and pH measurement. Next, all the patients were submitted to X-ray examination. The data were collected through a mobile device and were inserted in the on-line platform Survey Monkey ®. Demografic, clinical and therapeutic variables were obtained from medical records. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values parameters were evaluated. The agreement of clinical methods and the result of the X-ray examination was analyzed through the AC1 statistics developed by Gwet. Results: most of the patients were female (67.3%), elderly (95.5%), with an average of 82 years old, white (93.8%), retired (95.9%) and from the State of São Paulo. The most frequent diagnosis, according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD10), was the gastric or duodenal tube placement, and the main indication was dysphagia, followed by inappetence. All the tubes inserted were fine caliber, measured to be placed in the intestine. The epigastric auscultation was the method with highest sensitivity (100.0%), but the lowest specificity (2.0%). The auscultation suggested the tube was in the stomach, when in fact was placed in the intestine, at 51.1%. Still, at 2.2% auscultation was positive for gastric position. However, the distal was placed at the esophagogastric junction. The pH measurement was less sensitive (63.0%) than auscultation, but more specific (58%). However, the value is considered regular. Moreover, the positive predictive value of the pH measurement was 55% and the negative, 66%. There was no agreement between epigastric auscultation and X-ray examination (AC1 = 0,109; p = 0,372) and between the pH measurement method and X-ray examination (AC1 = 0,206; p = 0,066). Conclusion: The clinical methods evaluated in this study presented important limitations that can expose patients to risks. The epigastric auscultation should be abolished from clinical practice and X-ray examination remains the first-line method in confirmation of tube placement of newly-inserted nasoenteral tubes blindly at the bedside. Implication for practice: It is hoped that the results of this study can be used by hospital leadership and incorporated to institutional protocol to reduce the risks related to the wrong position of nasoenteral tubes.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Colon Carcinoma Metastasis.

INTRODUCTION: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava due to vascular compression by a mass or intrinsic obstruction. The authors describe SVC syndrome caused by an isolated metastatic mediastinal mass from a resected primary colon carcinoma. CASE REPORT: An 81-year-old woman was referred to the hospital with swelling of the neck and upper left limb, dysphonia and dysphagia, associated with an involuntary weight loss of 16 kg. Mediastinal metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma was found, causing the SVC syndrome. The mass was unresectable and the patient was referred to palliative radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: Only 12 cases of mediastinal metastasis from colorectal cancer have been reported in the English literature. CONCLUSION: As a rare manifestation of colorectal cancer, the presented case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of rare metastases at the time of diagnosis. LEARNING POINTS: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome can result from vascular compression by a mass.Although mediastinal lymph node metastasis is rare in colorectal cancer, physicians should be aware of less common locations.Patients should have a close follow-up in order to avoid the growth of unresectable metastases, since surgery, when possible, can lead to a better prognosis.

Effectiveness of direct-acting agents for hepatitis C and liver stiffness changing after sustained virological response.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Few studies have evaluated sustained virological response (SVR) rates by direct-acting agents (DAAs) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) changing post-SVR in limited-resource settings. We aimed to describe the effectiveness of DAAs for hepatitis C virus treatment and to assess the changing of LSM post-SVR. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data of consecutive hepatitis C virus-infected patients treated by DAAs from 2015 to 2017 in two tertiary centers in Brazil. SVR rates were reported by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. LSM by transient elastography performed before treatment and post-SVR was compared, and logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy-one patients (63% female, 62 years [55-68], 89% genotype 1, 8% HIV co-infected, and 64% with cirrhosis) were included. Most patients were treated by sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin (74%) and sofosbuvir/simeprevir ± ribavirin (21%). SVR rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 94.6% (92.7-96.1) and 97.8% (96.4-98.7) for intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, respectively. The leading adverse event was anemia (9.6% [95% CI 7.6-12.1]). Pretreatment and post-SVR12 LSM were available in 400 patients. LSM had significantly decreased after SVR (13.6 kPa [interquartile range, 10.0-21.6] vs 10.2 kPa [7.0-17.6], P < 0.001). A total of 167 patients (42%) decreased at least 30% of LSM post-SVR. The absence of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio = 1.52 [95% CI 1.05-2.21], P = 0.028) and presence of platelet count ≥ 150 × 109 /mm3 (odds ratio = 1.75 [1.23-2.50], P = 0.002) were independently associated with a significant LSM regression (≥ 30%) post-SVR. CONCLUSION: DAAs were highly effective and safe, and LSM significantly decreased after SVR in a real-life cohort in Brazil. The absence of type 2 diabetes and presence of high platelet count were independently associated with LSM decrease post-SVR.

Region-specific control of microglia by adenosine A2A receptors: uncoupling anxiety and associated cognitive deficits in female rats.

Epidemiologic studies have provided compelling evidence that prenatal stress, through excessive maternal glucocorticoids exposure, is associated with psychiatric disorders later in life. We have recently reported that anxiety associated with prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX, a synthetic glucocorticoid) correlates with a gender-specific remodeling of microglia in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a core brain region in anxiety-related disorders. Gender differences in microglia morphology, the higher prevalence of anxiety in women and the negative impact of anxiety in cognition, led us to specifically evaluate cognitive behavior and associated circuits (namely mPFC-dorsal hippocampus, dHIP), as well as microglia morphology in female rats prenatally exposed to dexamethasone (in utero DEX, iuDEX). We report that iuDEX impaired recognition memory and deteriorated neuronal synchronization between mPFC and dHIP. These functional deficits are paralleled by microglia hyper-ramification in the dHIP and decreased ramification in the mPFC, showing a heterogeneous remodeling of microglia morphology, both postnatally and at adulthood in different brain regions, that differently affect mood and cognition. The chronic blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2A R), which are core regulators of microglia morphology and physiology, ameliorated the cognitive deficits, but not the anxiety-like behavior. Notably, A2A R blockade rectified both microglia morphology in the dHIP and the lack of mPFC-dHIP synchronization, further heralding their role in cognitive function.

The role of psychological factors in oncology nurses' burnout and compassion fatigue symptoms.

PURPOSE: This study explored the role of several psychological factors in professional quality of life in nurses. Specifically, we tried to clarify the relationships between several dimensions of empathy, self-compassion, and psychological inflexibility, and positive (compassion satisfaction) and negative (burnout and compassion fatigue) domains of professional quality of life. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 221 oncology nurses recruited from several public hospitals filling out a battery of self-report measures. RESULTS: Results suggested that nurses that benefit more from their work of helping and assisting others (compassion satisfaction) seem to have more empathic feelings and sensibility towards others in distress and make an effort to see things from others' perspective. Also, they are less disturbed by negative feelings associated with seeing others' suffering and are more self-compassionate. Nurses more prone to experience the negative consequences associated with care-providing (burnout and compassion fatigue) are more self-judgmental and have more psychological inflexibility. In addition, they experience more personal feelings of distress when seeing others in suffering and less feelings of empathy and sensibility to others' suffering. Psychological factors explained 26% of compassion satisfaction, 29% of burnout and 18% of compassion fatigue. CONCLUSION: We discuss the results in terms of the importance of taking into account the role of these psychological factors in oncology nurses' professional quality of life, and of designing nursing education training and interventions aimed at targeting such factors.

Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention on oncology nurses' burnout and compassion fatigue symptoms: A non-randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Job stress and burnout are highly frequent in healthcare professionals, and prevalence in nurses can be as high as 40%. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and increasing well-being in a wide range of populations and contexts. However, controlled studies with healthcare professionals, and especially nurses, are scarce. OBJECTIVES, DESIGN AND SETTING: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an on-site, abbreviated mindfulness-based intervention for nurses, using a nonrandomized, wait-list comparison design. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured through several validated self-report measures that participants completed before and after the intervention, assessing burnout, compassion fatigue, psychological symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, experiential avoidances, rumination, and satisfaction with life. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 94 oncology nurses agreed to participate in the study and self-selected into an experimental (n=45) and comparison condition (n=48). Complete data was obtained for 48 of the initial 94 participants, mainly due to poor follow-up data rather than high drop-out rate. RESULTS: Statistical analyses included a series of 2×2 ANOVAs and ANCOVAs. Results indicated that nurses in the intervention reported significant decreases in compassion fatigue, burnout, stress, experiential avoidance, and increases in satisfaction with life, mindfulness and self-compassion, with medium to large effect sizes. Nurses in the comparison group didn't present significant changes in these variables. Results also pointed to a high degree of acceptability of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that mindfulness-based interventions may be efficacious in reducing oncology nurses' psychological symptoms and improving their overall well-being, and thus may be worthy of further study in this population.

Desafios para proteção social especial: a ambiência da violação de direitos na política nacional de assistência social / Challenges for special social protection: the ambience of rights violation in national social assistance policy

O presente artigo discute a Proteção Social Especial (PSE) e problematiza alguns dos desafios contemporâneos na reconfiguração da Política de Assistência Social brasileira, visando a um aprofundamento teórico sobre as questões que envolvem a PSE bem como oferecendo subsídios para a reflexão, os debates e a construção de estratégias de ação aos trabalhadores no Sistema Único de Assistência Social (SUAS).

This article discusses the Special Social Protection (PSE) and problematize challenges in the contemporary reconfiguration of social assistance policy in Brazil, aimed to deepen theory on issues surrounding the PSE and to offer subsidies for reflection, discussion and construction action strategies to employees in the SUAS.

[Metallosis: A Rare Cause of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia]. / Metalose: Causa Rara de Anemia Hemolítica Autoimune.

INTRODUCTION: Hemolytic anemia may be associated with multiple etiologies, including toxic substances, such as metals, which is a rare cause. CASE STUDY: 55-year-old male, who underwent a total arthroplasty of the right hip (uncemented prostheses with ceramic-ceramic articulation with an acetabular component consisting of a dome composed of an alloy of titanium, aluminum and vanadium into which fitted a ceramic 'insert'). Approximately 4 years after surgery the patient complained of noise originating from the prosthesis which occurred on movement. A surgical revision was performed and showed the presence of dark thick intracapsular fluid, fracture of the ceramic acetabular 'insert' and signs of wear of the acetabular metal dome. Extensive washing was carried out and the fractured ceramic 'insert' was replaced for a polyethylene 'insert'. Two months later he was referred to the Emergency Room due to worsening of his general health, floating in the right hip and mucocutaneous jaundice. Laboratory tests suggested autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Arthrocentesis was performed and a large volume of metal fluid was drained off. The CT scan showed a large heterogeneous pelvic cystic collection seeded with prosthesis fragments, suggestive of metallosis. Hemolytic anemia was explained as toxicity of the particles and metal ions caused by the wear of the prosthesis. The patient was started on a high-dose steroid treatment. Afterwards, when he was stable, prosthesis components replacement and drainage of pelvic debris fluid were carried out. DISCUSSION: After the fracture of the ceramic 'insert' the ceramic head began to articulate directly with the metallic acetabular component, causing noise and wear with release of particles and ions. This caused a cystic pelvic abscess, which went unnoticed on the first surgical revision. Surgical debridement lead to the cystic collection extending into the adjacent tissues and the systemic circulation, triggering serious systemic effects, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The potential toxicity of each of the metal elements of this prosthesis is unknown, and there are still no available laboratory tests for its detection. CONCLUSION: Metallosis is a rare cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Introdução: A anemia hemolítica pode estar associada a múltiplas etiologias, nomeadamente a tóxicos, como os metais, sendo esta uma causa rara.Caso Clínico: Homem de 55 anos de idade, sujeito a artroplastia total da anca direita (prótese não cimentada com articulação cerâmica-cerâmica, cujo componente acetabular era constituído por uma cúpula metálica composta por uma liga de titânio, vanádio e alumínio na qual encaixava um insert cerâmico). Cerca de quatro anos após esta intervenção cirúrgica referia ruídos na prótese com os movimentos. Foi sujeito a revisão cirúrgica tendo-se constatado a presença de líquido espesso intracapsular de cor escura, fractura do insert acetabular cerâmico e sinais de desgaste da cúpula metálica acetabular. Procedeu-se a lavagem abundante e substituição do insert cerâmico fracturado por um insert de polietileno. Dois meses depois recorreu ao Serviço de Urgência por degradação do estado geral, flutuação na anca direita e icterícia muco-cutânea. Analiticamente evidenciava valores compatíveis com anemia hemolítica autoimune. Foi feita punção articular com saída de abundante líquido metalótico. A tomografia computorizada revelou extensa colecção heterogénea quística intrapélvica com múltiplos fragmentos de prótese no seu interior, sugestivos de metalose. A anemia hemolítica foi interpretada como consequência da toxicidade das partículas e iões metálicos oriundos do desgaste da prótese. Iniciou corticoterapia em altas doses e posteriormente quando houve condições procedeu-se à substituição de todos os componentes da prótese e drenagem do material acumulado intra-pélvico.Discussão: Após a fractura do insert cerâmico a cabeça cerâmica passou a articular directamente com o componente acetabular metálico, originando os ruídos e desgaste com libertação de partículas e iões. Este material formou uma coleção quística intrapélvica, que passou despercebida na primeira revisão cirúrgica. O desbridamento cirúrgico pôs em comunicação esta coleção com os tecidos adjacentes e com a circulação sistémica, desencadeando efeitos sistémicos graves, como anemia hemolítica auto-imune. Desconhece-se o potencial de toxicidade de cada um dos elementos metálicos desta prótese, não estando ainda disponíveis testes laboratoriais de detecção.Conclusão: A metalose é uma causa rara de anemia hemolítica auto-imune.

Lupus or syphilis? That is the question!

A 47-year-old man presented with fever, a maculopapular rash of the palms and soles, muscular weakness, weight loss, faecal incontinence, urinary retention and mental confusion with 1 month of evolution. Neurological examination revealed paraparesis and tactile hypoesthesia with distal predominance, and no sensory level. Laboratory investigations revealed a venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titre of 1/4 and Treponema pallidum haemagluttin antigen (TPHA) of 1/640, positive anti-nuclear antibodies of 1/640 and nephrotic proteinuria (3.6 g/24 h). Lumbar puncture excluded neurosyphilis, due to the absence of TPHA and VDRL. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was established and even though transverse myelitis as a rare presentation of SLE has a poor outcome, the patient improved with cyclophosphamide, high-dose corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. A diagnosis of secondary syphilis was also established and the patient was treated with intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.