Morphological and ultrastructural changes in fungal agents after LASER application.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection of difficult treatment due to the fungal survival capacity and reduced number of effective therapies. The present study aimed to isolate fungal agents that cause onychomycosis in immunocompetent patients and evaluate how LASER treatments affect the growth and ultrastructure of isolates. METHODS: In total, 21 patients with positive direct microscopic examination (DME) for onychomycosis had nail samples collected for cultivation and phenotypic identification of microorganisms. From these patients, 12 underwent LASER treatment, divided in Group 1 (n = 5) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm, and Group 2 (n = 7) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm + Er: YAG 2,940 nm + topical isoconazole. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate ultrastructural changes after treatment. RESULTS: DME, cultivation, and phenotypic identification showed that the most identified fungus was Trichophyton rubrum spp. After LASER therapy, sample cultivation showed alterations in the fungal morphology with reduction of hyphae, conidia, and reproductive structures. Alterations in fungal cell wall structure, cytoplasm density, and organelles were observed by TEM. CONCLUSION: LASER irradiation causes changes in the fungal cells, especially in the number of hyphae and the presence of conidia. In addition, it affects fungal growth and reproduction capacity, which interferes with their infection ability and virulence.

A peculiar case of onychomycosis caused by Cladosporium halotolerans

ABSTRACT A 49-year-old patient with changes in the nails of the hallux for 10 years was diagnosed with onychomycosis. The identity of the causative agent was confirmed as Cladosporium halotolerans from the Cladosporium sphaerospermum species complex using molecular techniques. MALDI-TOF identified the agent as C. sphaerospermum complex species. Overall, species such as onychomycosis agents should attract special attention to avoid mistakes in the identification process while considering a probable contaminant as responsible for the disease. These species deserve attention since there are rare descriptions of them as causes of onychomycosis. It is important to recognize them as causes of disease and not just as a probable contaminant.

Bench to bedside defining calcific aortic valve disease: osteocardiology.

INTRODUCTION: For years, calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) was thought to be due to a degenerative process, but recent scientific discoveries have proven it to be an active process. Understanding the cellular mechanisms for the development of disease and translating the cellular changes critical in the development of calcific phenotypes. The use of multimodality imaging has been the gold standard to define the development of calcification to determine the timing of therapy. AREAS COVERED: This review will discuss the scientific literature in a new and evolving field known as osteocardiology, which specifically defines the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of the osteogenic phenotype in the heart and vasculature. The work in this field has been highlighted by the calcific aortic valve disease working group at the NIH. This review will discuss the appropriate use criteria for multimodality imaging techniques to identify early cellular and hemodynamic disease progression in the aortic valve to help determine the timing of therapy, the osteocardiology theory. EXPERT OPINION: The authors will provide their background in basic science and clinical medicine to support the opinions in this paper.

Vancomycin-associated linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis

Abstract Linear IgA dermatosis is a rare subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease characterized by linear deposition of IgA along the basement membrane zone. In the last three decades, many different drugs have been associated with the drug-induced form of the disease, especially vancomycin. We report a case of vancomycin-induced linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis. The aim of this work is to emphasize the need to include this differential diagnosis in cases of epidermal detachment and to review the literature on the subject and this specific clinical presentation.

TINU syndrome: review of the literature and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU Syndrome) is an uncommon clinical entity, and the majority of patients are adolescents and young women. The case reported refers to an elderly patient with ophthalmologic symptoms detected earlier than kidney manifestations, being probably the first case described in Brazil. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 60 years-old, sought medical attention for complaints of "red eye". Three months after the first episode of eye manifestation, the patient presented with systemic symptoms and renal dysfunction. Renal biopsy showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with signs of activity. DISCUSSION: The pathophysiology of TINU Syndrome remains poorly understood, probably involving both cellular and humoral immunity. This syndrome can be differentiated from systemic conditions associated with nephritis and uveitis, and prior exclusion of other diseases is necessary to confirm diagnosis, especially in the presence of ophthalmologic findings. CONCLUSION: The clinical suspicion and the knowledge of the management of the disease by nephrologists, internists and ophthalmologists is mandatory in the treatment of patients with TINU Syndrome.

Síndrome TINU: revisão de literatura à propósito de um caso / TINU syndrome: review of the literature and case report

Resumo Introdução: A síndrome nefrite tubulointersticial e uveíte (síndrome TINU) é uma entidade clínica incomum e a maioria dos pacientes são adolescentes e mulheres jovens. O caso relatado a seguir refere-se a uma paciente idosa com manifestações oftalmológicas que antecederam às renais, sendo provavelmente o primeiro caso descrito no Brasil. Relato de Caso: Paciente feminina, 60 anos, procurou atendimento médico por queixa de "olhos vermelhos". Três meses após o primeiro episódio do quadro ocular, a paciente cursou com sintomas sistêmicos e disfunção renal. A biópsia renal evidenciou nefrite tubulointersticial com sinais de atividade. Discussão: A fisiopatologia da síndrome TINU permanece pouco entendida, provavelmente envolvendo a imunidade celular e humoral. Essa síndrome pode ser diferenciada de condições sistêmicas associadas à uveíte e à nefrite, sendo necessária a exclusão de outras doenças antes de se confirmar seu diagnóstico, especialmente na presença de achados oftalmológicos. Conclusão: A suspeição clínica e o conhecimento do manejo desta patologia por nefrologistas, internistas e oftalmologistas são mandatórios no tratamento do paciente com Síndrome TINU.

Abstract Introduction: Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU Syndrome) is an uncommon clinical entity, and the majority of patients are adolescents and young women. The case reported refers to an elderly patient with ophthalmologic symptoms detected earlier than kidney manifestations, being probably the first case described in Brazil. Case Report: Female patient, 60 years-old, sought medical attention for complaints of "red eye". Three months after the first episode of eye manifestation, the patient presented with systemic symptoms and renal dysfunction. Renal biopsy showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with signs of activity. Discussion: The pathophysiology of TINU Syndrome remains poorly understood, probably involving both cellular and humoral immunity. This syndrome can be differentiated from systemic conditions associated with nephritis and uveitis, and prior exclusion of other diseases is necessary to confirm diagnosis, especially in the presence of ophthalmologic findings. Conclusion: The clinical suspicion and the knowledge of the management of the disease by nephrologists, internists and ophthalmologists is mandatory in the treatment of patients with TINU Syndrome.

Vancomycin-associated linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Linear IgA dermatosis is a rare subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease characterized by linear deposition of IgA along the basement membrane zone. In the last three decades, many different drugs have been associated with the drug-induced form of the disease, especially vancomycin. We report a case of vancomycin-induced linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis. The aim of this work is to emphasize the need to include this differential diagnosis in cases of epidermal detachment and to review the literature on the subject and this specific clinical presentation.

Análise da produção normativa no direito à saúde dos inimputáveis - doentes mentais infratores (2011-2014) / Analysis of rulemaking on health in the right to health of unindictable mentally ill offenders (2011-2014)

O presente artigo é voltado para o direito à saúde dos doentes mentais que cometeram condutas delitivas. A imputabilidade é a capacidade do agente em entender o caráter ilícito do fato praticado e de determinar-se de acordo com isso. Assim, para o doente mental que não pode ser culpável, imputável e penalmente responsabilizado, criouse a medida de segurança. Apesar dos avanços da Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira, o direito a um tratamento adequado no SUS está distante de ocorrer, considerando que o 'louco infrator' é sentenciado com medida de segurança para tratamento compulsório em Hospitais de Custódia e Tratamento Psiquiátrico. Avalia-se, então, a abordagem da produção normativa em saúde mental para o cumprimento da política de atenção integral a essa população, tendo em vista que a estratégia para consolidação da política de saúde mental está na legislação do país. Objetiva-se avaliar o direito à saúde dos portadores de doença mental, considerados inimputáveis, na produção normativa vigente no Senado Federal, da Câmara Legislativa e Ministério da Saúde produzida no período de 2011 a 2014. Diante disso, observou-se que, no campo do Direito Sanitário a legislação em saúde mental envolvendo os loucos infratores é pouco estudada e legislada. Diante de vários posicionamentos acerca do tratamento em saúde desses indivíduos, há necessidade de atualização das normativas sobre o tema e a vinculação com o setor de justiça no país. Desde então, discutem-se os obstáculos ao avanço do direito à saúde mental e as possibilidades de sua superação. Por fim, aponta-se a necessidade de fortalecimento de políticas de saúde e de mudanças nas práticas judiciais

This article focuses on the right to health of mental patients who have committed criminal conduct. The accountability is the ability of the agent to understand the illicit nature of the fact committed and determined in accordance with it. Thus, for the mentally ill who cannot be guilty, attributable and criminally liable, it was created a safety measure. The study is focused on the right to health of mentally ill persons who have committed criminal behaviors. Despite advances in Brazilian Psychiatric Reform, the right to appropriate treatment in SUS is far from occurring since the "mad offender" is sentenced a detention order for compulsory treatment in hospitals of Custody and Psychiatric Treatment. Then it is evaluated the approach of production rules in mental health for the compliance with the policy is the law of the country. The goal is to assess the right to health of people with mental illness, considered incompetent, and production in current legislation in the Senate, the Legislative Chamber and the Ministry of Health from 2011 to 2014. Given this, it was observed that, in the field the health Law mental health legislation involving insane offenders is understudied and legislated for. In the face of multiple positions on the health treatment of these individuals, there is a need to update the legislation on the subject and linking with the justice sector in the country. Thereafter, the obstacles to the advancement of the right to mental health and the possibilities of its overcoming have been discussed. Finally, it points out the need for strengthening health policies and of changes in judicial practices.

La rendición de cuentas es la capacidad del agente de comprender el carácter ilícito del hecho cometido y determinado de acuerdo con él. Por lo tanto, para los enfermos mentales que no pueden ser culpables, atribuible penalmente responsable, fue elaborado una medida de seguridad. El estudio se centra en el derecho a la salud de las personas con enfermedades mentales que han cometido conductas delictivas. A pesar de los avances de la Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileña, el derecho a un tratamiento adecuado en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) está lejos de ser ocurriendo desde que el "delincuente loco" es a medida de seguridad condenados por el tratamiento obligatorio en los hospitales de Custodia y Tratamiento Psiquiátrico. Evalúa entonces, el enfoque de las normas de producción en salud mental para el cumplimiento de la atención política plena a esta población, ya que la estrategia para la consolidación de la política de salud mental es la ley del país. El objetivo es evaluar el derecho a la salud de las personas con enfermedad mental en las actuales reglas de producción en el Senado, la Cámara Legislativa y el Ministerio de Salud producido en el período 2011-2014. De este modo, se observó que, en el campo la Ley de Salud legislación de salud mental que involucra delincuentes loco está poco estudiado y legislado. A través de varias posiciones en la salud de estas personas en el tratamiento, sin necesidad de actualizar la normativa sobre la materia y la vinculación con el sector de la justicia en el país. A partir de entonces, se discuten los obstáculos para el avance del derecho a la salud mental y las posibilidades de superarlos. Por último, apunta a la necesidad de fortalecer las políticas de salud y los cambios en las prácticas judiciales.

SALTIRE-RAAVE: targeting calcific aortic valve disease LDL-density-radius theory.

SALTIRE and RAAVE were the first two studies to evaluate the use of statin therapy for impeding calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). This review presents the findings of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-density-radius theory as tested using the combined results from the SALTIRE and RAAVE studies. Patients who received statin therapy had a greater degree of LDL cholesterol lowering, seen as the % change in LDL (47 vs 2%, p = 0.012), which in itself was significantly associated with a lesser change in aortic valve area (AVA; p < 0.001 and R(2) = 0.27). The percent change in the AVA for the treated patients was 5% and 15% for the nontreated patients (p = 0.579 and R(2) = 0.03). In summary, these published findings suggest that when applying the LDL-density-radius theory, which combines the cellular biology and the hemodynamics as defined by the continuity equation for AVA, there may be a role for lipid-lowering therapy in contemporary patients with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD).

Rosuvastatin slows the development of diastolic dysfunction in calcific aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims were to test the effect of rosuvastatin on the progression of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), and to evaluate the use of beta-natriuretic-peptide (BNP) as a marker of diastolic dysfunction in this condition. METHODS: Sixty-one hypercholesterolemic, consecutive new referrals with moderate AS were administered rosuvastatin (Crestor) 20 mg/day for 18 months, while a further 60 subjects with normal cholesterol levels remained untreated. The LV diastolic function was determined using conventional Doppler echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI); BNP plasma levels were monitored when subjects entered the study and then assessed prospectively at six-month intervals until the study end. RESULTS: After an 18-month (mean 73 +/- 24 weeks) period of treatment with rosuvastatin (Tx group), patients showed a significantly better diastolic function than untreated subjects (uTx group), as indicated by an isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (Tx 102.0 +/- 42.8 versus 97.2 +/- 19.1; p < 0.001; uTx 99.7 +/- 21.7 versus 95.2 +/- 21.8 ms; p = 0.032), E/A ratio (Tx 1.0 +/- 0.6 versus 0.9 +/- 0.3, p = 0.52; uTx 1.2 +/- 0.40 versus 0.9 +/- 0.30 versus, p = 0.006), and E/E' ratio (Tx 11.4 +/- 1.5 versus 11.4 +/- 1.8, p = 0.19; uTx 15.4 +/- 1.2 versus 12.3 +/- 1.5, p < 0.001). Similarly, at study end, plasma levels of BNP were significantly lower in the Tx group than in the uTx group [median (1st-3rd quartiles): 37.0 pg/ml (20.1-65.2 pg/ml) versus 57.1 pg/ml (46.9-98.2 pg/ml); p = 0.017]. CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective follow up study of asymptomatic patients showed that rosuvastatin treatment delays the progression of diastolic dysfunction in moderate AS when assessed using hemodynamic echocardiographic parameters or by the release of plasma physiological markers. Hence, the benefits of statin treatment in AS, which are known to affect the valve endothelium, also extend to changes affecting myocardial function itself.

[Bicuspid aortic valve and aortic disease: past, present and future]. / Válvula aórtica bicúspide e aortopatia: o passado, o presente e o futuro [121].

Bicuspid Aortic Valve is the most common cardiac congenital abnormality occurring in 1% to 2% of the general population. The acquired bicuspid valve has been considered by some authors to be a rheumatic disease consequence. Meanwhile, some recent experimental studies where atrioventricular valves have been studied for the presence of rheumatic stigmata have excluded this hypothesis. There are some theories that can explain the genesis of this disease but actually Bicuspid Aortic Valve is often considered a benign lesion early in life, but its valvular and vascular complications result in considerable morbidity and mortality later in life. Beside beta-blockers, there are some drugs that are being study and may be used in a nearly future for slower disease progression, although the definitive treatment still is the cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Medical therapy for rheumatic heart disease: is it time to be proactive rather than reactive?

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is well known to be an active inflammatory process which develops progressive calcification and leaflet thickening over time. The potential for statin therapy in slowing the progression of valvular heart disease is still controversial. Retrospective studies have shown that medical therapy is beneficial for patients with calcific aortic stenosis and recently for rheumatic valve disease. However, the prospective randomized clinical trials have been negative to date. This article discusses the epidemiologic risk factors, basic science, retrospective and prospective studies in valvular heart disease and a future clinical trial to target RHD with statin therapy to slow the progression of this disease. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed the risk factors associated with valvular disease include male gender, smoking, hypertension and elevated serum cholesterol and are similar to the risk factors for vascular atherosclerosis. An increasing number of models of experimental hypercholesterolemia demonstrate features of atherosclerosis in the aortic valve (AV), which are similar to the early stages of vascular atherosclerotic lesions. Calcification, the end stage process of the disease, must be understood as a prognostic indicator in the modification of this cellular process before it is too late. This is important in calcific aortic stenosis as well as in rheumatic valve disease. There are a growing number of studies that describe similar pathophysiologic molecular markers in the development of rheumatic valve disease as in calcific aortic stenosis. In summary, these findings suggest that medical therapies may have a potential role in patients in the early stages of this disease process to slow the progression of RHD affecting the valves. This review will summarize the potential for statin therapy for this patient population.

Effect of experimental ehrlich ascites tumors on healing of abdominal wall wounds in mice.

 Many systemic factors may influence the healing process. The present study aimed to analyze histological modifications induced by the presence of Ehrlich ascites tumors on laparotomic surgical scars in BALB/c mice. A total of 52 mice were used. Half of the mice were injected with Ehrlich tumor cells, and 7 days later (day 7) all mice underwent laparotomy. On day 11, the scar was resected in 10 mice with the tumor and in the 10 control mice. The procedure was repeated on day 14 with the remaining animals. The scar tissue was histologically evaluated by means of semiquantitative analysis for acute inflammation, re-epithelization, formation of granulation tissue, chronic inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagenization. Mice injected with tumor cells gained weight due to ascites growth. Histologic results showed that Ehrlich ascites tumor cells did not affect initial acute inflammation, re-epithelization, and formation of granulation tissue (P = ns). Chronic inflammation and fibroblast proliferation were, however, significantly decreased in mice with tumors, whereas collagenization had increased (P = 0.001). These results show that Ehrlich ascites tumors affect the healing process in mice. Despite a decrease in chronic inflammation and fibroblast activity, scars in these animals had more collagen, were more fibrous, and were better organized. .

New cardiovascular biomarkers: clinical implications in patients with valvular heart disease.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is characterized by an ongoing, inflammatory cellular response which results in a left ventricular hemodynamic stress change in response to valvulopathy. The current inflammatory hypothesis suggests that as the heart valve disease progresses the inflammatory cytokine response is activated causing continuation of deleterious effects on the heart and vasculature. This can lead to progression of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. Over the last 10 years, a number of biologically active molecules, termed biomarkers, have been discovered in VHD. These can be used to detect the progression and pathogenesis of heart failure and to assess the severity of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) can diagnose underlying cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In high-risk patients BNP is also considered to be a useful tool for assisting in the diagnosis and monitoring the progression of VHD. Patients with symptomatic VHD benefit from aortic valve surgery; however, management in the absence of symptoms remains challenging. While the lack of symptoms can delay aortic valve replacement, unselected premature aortic valve replacement may be associated with unbalanced risks of cardiac surgery. This review summarizes the current and emerging clinical and potential research application of specific biomarkers of VHD.

Alterações renais em diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 descrição da histologia em estudo de necrópsia / Renal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus a renal histological description in autopsies

Introdução: As alterações histológicas renais encontráveis no paciente com Diabetes Mellitus do tipo 2 (DM2) ainda não estão bem estabelecidas, comoo foram aquelas do diabetes tipo l. Acreditamos que esse fato se deve, em parte, à indicação de biópsia renal em DM2 que se restringe aos casos commanifestações clínicas atípicas, como proteinúria nefrótica, função renal comprometida sem retinopatia ou rápida progressão para insuficiência renal.Objetivos: Descrever as alterações da histologia renal presentes em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 submetidos à necrópsia após óbito por qualquer causa.Métodos: Análise histológica renal pela microscopia comum de 61 rins de humanos diabéticos necropsiados num período de dez anos (janeiro de 1994 ajaneiro de 2004), no Hospital Universitário em Londrina-PR. Resultados: Dos 61 casos analisados, a glomeruloesclerose diabética clássica, comproliferação nodular, se fez presente em tão somente 49,2%, encontrando-se doença glomerular superimposta à glomeruloesclerose diabética em 6,6%,alterações crônicas com predomínio vascular em 13,1% e outra doença glomerular isolada em 31,1%. Discussão: À semelhança de nossos resultados,em três outros estudos também nos rins obtidos por necrópsias em DM2 houve predomínio da nefroesclerose diabética, por vezes associada a outraspatologias renais. Em nosso material de estudo, 44,2% dos casos apresentavam lesão não diabética composta por outra glomerulopatia em 31,1% enefroesclerose hipertensiva em 13,1%. Conclusões: A análise histológica de rins de pacientes com DM2, obtida por necrópsia, encontra-se emconsonância com os dados da literatura mundial. A biópsia renal em diabéticos com nefropatia certamente permitirá reconhecer, nesse contexto, patologiaseventualmente curáveis.

Background: The structural lesions associated with the signs and symptoms of renal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus are not as well defined as thoseof type 1; the literature refers to findings other than the typical glomerulosclerosis, but the true prevalence of lesions remains to be established. In general,there is a restrictive biopsy policy in the diabetic patient, indicated only in the presence of heavy proteinuria or renal dysfunction with the absence of retinalchanges. Methods: in the department of pathology of our University Hospital we examined by light microscopy the renal tissue of 61 diabetic type 2 patientswho died from different causes to assess the presence and type of renal changes. Results: 30/61 (49.2%) of the patients had classical diabeticglomerulosclerosis; concomitant diabetic lesion and glomerulonephritis was present in 6.6%;isolated glomerulonephritis in 31.1% and predominant vasculardamage in 1.,1%. Discussion: In our study as well as in three other published studies regarding renal autopsy findings of type 2 diabetic patients, almosthalf of the cases presented a non- classic diabetic glomerular lesion and was represented by hypertensive nephrosclerosis or a potentially curableglomerulonephritis. Conclusions: Our findings with respect to the autopsied diabetic type 2 renal histology are in accordance with the medical literature.Prospectively unrestricted kidney biopsy of type 2 diabetic patients should be stimulated to establish the causes of the renal dysfunction and find treatablelesions, thus enabling us to prevent deterioration is some cases.

New understanding about calcific aortic stenosis and opportunities for pharmacologic intervention.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article will discuss aortic stenosis, the evolving studies defining the cellular mechanisms and the potential for medical therapies for the treatment of this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Currently, the only therapy for these patients is surgical valve replacement. In the past decade there has been a change in the paradigm towards our understanding of the cellular biology of this disease process. Studies in laboratories across the world have demonstrated that this disease has an active biology and that this biology may be targeted with medical therapies similar to that of vascular atherosclerosis. SUMMARY: Calcific aortic stenosis is the third most common form of cardiovascular disease in the USA. It has replaced rheumatic heart disease in prevalence in western countries due to improved access to healthcare and the widespread use of antibiotics.

Modelo mecânico para simulação do condicionamento pulmonar do ar respirado / Mechanical model for simulating the conditioning of air in the respiratory tract

OBJETIVO: A criação de um modelo mecânico que pudesse ser regulado para simular o condicionamento do ar inspirado e expirado nos mesmos valores normais de temperatura, pressão e umidade relativa do aparelho respiratório de um homem jovem hígido sob ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Utilizando-se diversos tipos de materiais, um aparelho mecânico foi construído e regulado com valores normais de capacidade vital, volume corrente, pressão inspiratória máxima, pressão expiratória final positiva e temperatura do gás dentro do sistema. O aparelho foi submetido a ventilação mecânica por um período de 29,8 min. A cada dois segundos, foram registradas as alterações de temperatura do ar circulado no sistema. RESULTADOS: Mediante análise estatística dos dados coletados observou-se que o aparelho construído foi eficiente no condicionamento do ar aproximadamente nos moldes do aparelho respiratório de um ser humano. CONCLUSÃO: Ao final deste estudo, conseguiu-se desenvolver um aparelho mecânico capaz de simular o condicionamento do ar respirado nas mesmas condições de temperatura, pressão e umidade do aparelho respiratório de um ser humano hígido.

OBJECTIVE: To create a mechanical model that could be regulated to simulate the conditioning of inspired and expired air with the same normal values of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity as those of the respiratory system of a healthy young man on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Using several types of materials, a mechanical device was built and regulated using normal values of vital capacity, tidal volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and gas temperature in the system. The device was submitted to mechanical ventilation for a period of 29.8 min. The changes in the temperature of the air circulating in the system were recorded every two seconds. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the data collected revealed that the device was approximately as efficient in the conditioning of air as is the respiratory system of a human being. CONCLUSION: By the study endpoint, we had developed a mechanical device capable of simulating the conditioning of air in the respiratory tract. The device mimics the conditions of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity seen in the respiratory system of healthy individuals.

The role of statins in aortic stenosis. Myth or reality?

Our understanding of aortic valve disease has improved in the past decade from considering it a degenerative process to the realization that it is an active biologic disease. Aortic valve disease, although it has a similar atherosclerotic pathogenesis to vascular disease, differs in terms of bone calcification. Determining the appropriate timing of statin therapy to slow the progression of bone formation in these lesions is essential for the routine use of these drugs in such patients. Knowledge of the biology of valve lesions will play an important part in understanding this disease and future treatment options for these patients.