Structured light for touchless 3D registration in video-based surgical navigation.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic surgery, with its inherent difficulties on visibility and maneuverability inside the joint, poses significant challenges to surgeons. Video-based surgical navigation (VBSN) has proven to have clinical benefits in arthroscopy but relies on a time-consuming and challenging surface digitization using a touch probe to accomplish registration of intraoperative data with preoperative anatomical models. This paper presents an off-the-shelf laser scanner for noninvasive registration that enables an increased area of reachable region. METHODS: Our solution uses a standard arthroscope and a light projector with visual markers for real-time extrinsic calibration. Nevertheless, the shift from a touch probe to a laser scanner introduces a new challenge-the presence of a significant amount of outliers resulting from the reconstruction of nonrigid structures. To address this issue, we propose to identify the structures of interest prior to reconstruction using a deep learning-based semantic segmentation technique. RESULTS: Experimental validation using knee and hip phantoms, as well as ex-vivo data, assesses the laser scanner's effectiveness. The integration of the segmentation model improves results in ex-vivo experiments by mitigating outliers. Specifically, the laser scanner with the segmentation model achieves registration errors below 2.2 mm, with the intercondylar region exhibiting errors below 1 mm. In experiments with phantoms, the errors are always below 1 mm. CONCLUSION: The results show the viability of integrating the laser scanner with VBSN as a noninvasive and potential alternative to traditional methods by overcoming surface digitization challenges and expanding the reachable region. Future efforts aim to improve hardware to further optimize performance and applicability in complex procedures.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: An Intensive Care Unit Case of Exceptionally High Creatinine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening neurologic emergency known to be related to the administration or sudden withdrawal of dopaminergic medications. The clinical course, symptoms, and bloodwork are very heterogeneous, making this syndrome difficult to identify. Thus, NMS is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of severe NMS with exceptionally high creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels with unclear etiology and a challenging differential diagnosis. Also, our case stands out because it was serious, unique, and had a favorable outcome, which could contribute to the management of future similar cases.

Cranioplasty is not required in the reconstruction of small combined scalp and calvarial defects.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of scalp malignancies may include the need for craniectomy. The decision to perform cranioplasty is not straightforward and is frequently subjective. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes after reconstruction of complex scalp and calvarial defects by comparing patients with and without cranioplasty. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical records of a consecutive series of patients who underwent scalp soft tissue reconstruction after craniectomy for malignancy or osteoradionecrosis between 2014 and 2022 at Royal Melbourne Hospital was conducted. Demographics, previous treatments, surgical details, and post-operative complications were assessed. Traumatic injuries and decompressive craniectomies were excluded. Minimum follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. Indications for surgery included skin malignancies, osteoradionecrosis, or both. There was one reconstructive failure (in the non-cranioplasty group). Infection and metalware exposure were common complications in patients who underwent cranioplasty (38.5%). No patient developed neurological symptoms subsequent to craniectomy. One patient needed revision surgery due to esthetic reasons (cranioplasty group). Transposition flaps were associated with more complications and revision procedures. CONCLUSION: Combined scalp and calvarial defects pose a difficult reconstructive challenge. Stable soft tissue coverage is more reliably achieved with free flap reconstruction. Cranioplasty is not always mandatory and should be reserved for cases with a very large bony defect or when the defect is located in a cosmetically sensitive area.

"Submarine-Shaped" Radial Forearm Flap for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Oral and Lower Lip Defects".

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the oral cavity commonly results in trismus and lip incompetence. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aim to describe an innovative design of a radial forearm free flap for resurfacing bilateral buccal defects and simultaneous functional lower lip reconstruction in a single stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2019, 6 males underwent simultaneous buccal and lower lip reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range, 50-68 years). The defects were caused by trismus release and due to previous treatments. The mean size of the defects was 17.9 cm in length and 3.25 cm in width. Flaps were harvested, including the proximal perforators of the radial vessels, and the inset began in the buccal area opposite the anastomosis side. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 16 to 21 × 2 to 4 cm. The recipient vessels used were the superficial temporal (4) and facial (2). All flaps survived. Lip infection was seen in 2 cases and managed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 19.2 months (range, 12-28 months). The mean increase in the interincisal distance was 10.7 mm. Oral continence was good in all patients. Speech intelligibility was considered total in 4 patients and partial in the remaining 2. CONCLUSION: The radial forearm flap constitutes an option for simultaneous lower lip reconstruction and resurfacing of bilateral buccal areas after trismus release. The procedure provides a thin and pliable reconstruction using only 1 donor site and 1 set of recipient vessels.

Impact of persistent PSA after salvage radical prostatectomy: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Persistent prostatic specific antigen (PSA) represents a poor prognostic factor for recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, the impact of persistent PSA on oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing salvage RP is unknown. To investigate the impact of persistent PSA after salvage RP on long-term oncologic outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent salvage RP for recurrent prostate cancer between 2000 and 2021 were identified from twelve high-volume centers. Only patients with available PSA after salvage RP were included. Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models were used to test the effect of persistent PSA on biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastasis and any death after salvage RP. Persistent PSA was defined as a PSA-value ≥ 0.1 ng/ml, at first PSA-measurement after salvage RP. RESULTS: Overall, 580 patients were identified. Of those, 42% (n = 242) harbored persistent PSA. Median follow-up after salvage RP was 38 months, median time to salvage RP was 64 months and median time to first PSA after salvage RP was 2.2 months. At 84 months after salvage RP, BCR-free, metastasis-free, and overall survival was 6.6 vs. 59%, 71 vs. 88% and 77 vs. 94% for patients with persistent vs. undetectable PSA after salvage RP (all p < 0.01). In multivariable Cox models persistent PSA was an independent predictor for BCR (HR: 5.47, p < 0.001) and death (HR: 3.07, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Persistent PSA is common after salvage RP and represents an independent predictor for worse oncologic outcomes. Patients undergoing salvage RP should be closely monitored after surgery to identify those with persistent PSA.

Simultaneous Gastric and Colonic Metastasis of Breast Cancer.

Although breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women, metastasization to the gastrointestinal tract is rare. We present a 59-year-old woman with simultaneous gastric and colonic metastasis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. She had been diagnosed with BC and underwent surgery and systemic therapy. Two years later, an increase in tumor markers motivated investigation, including upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, which identified gastric ulcers and mucosal irregularity in the cecum. Histopathological analysis was compatible with gastric and colonic metastases from BC. We highlight the importance of biopsying every endoscopically visible lesion in patients with BC history.

Predicting Prosthetic Mobility at Discharge From Rehabilitation Following Major Amputation in Vascular Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct a decision aid to estimate the likelihood of independence with a prosthesis following rehabilitation for limb loss secondary to advanced ischaemia (acute or chronic limb threatening ischaemia) or diabetic foot disease (DFD). A secondary aim was to determine whether prosthetic independence is a surrogate marker of long term survival. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database of unilateral amputations due to ischaemia or DFD entering rehabilitation between 2007 and 2020 was performed. Predictors of independent prosthetic mobility (IPM) were used in construction of the IPM prediction model, which underwent bootstrap internal and criterion validation through correlation with predictors of other measures of function: Timed Up and Go (TUG) and two minute walk test. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to address the secondary aim. RESULTS: Of the 771 patients included, only 49.9% of amputees achieved IPM. Independent negative predictors of IPM were age > 75 years, female sex, higher amputation level, active malignancy, cerebrovascular disease, end stage renal disease, and cognitive impairment. The model yielded high discrimination (C statistic 0.778), and internal validation was demonstrated with bootstrapping (C statistic 0.778), confirming no over optimism. There was a strong correlation between IPM, TUG, and two minute distance and their predictors, confirming strong criterion validity. The IPM group had a median survival of 93.7 (80.7, 105) months, whereas the non-IPM group fared worse with a median survival of 56.6 (48.5, 66.7) months (p < .001). CONCLUSION: An internally validated decision aid for estimating the likelihood of independence with a prosthesis after major amputation was constructed. A strong association between female sex and poorer prosthetic mobility was observed. Prosthetic function was shown to be a surrogate marker of long term survival. Future research will involve external validation studies to confirm the generalisability of the decision aid in clinical practice.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate vs Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Extremely Large Prostates ≥200 cc: A Comparative Analysis.

Introduction and Objectives: Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are both well-established, minimally invasive surgical treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic enlargement. We have reported the first comparative analysis of both techniques in patients with prostates of ≥200 cc. Materials and Methods: Between 2009 and 2020 a total of 53 patients with a prostate volume of ≥200 cc were surgically treated at OLV Hospital Aalst (Belgium): 31 underwent RASP and 22 underwent HoLEP. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included uroflowmetry with maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR), as well as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (IPSS-QoL). The complication rates were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Results: Patients treated with RASP had significantly larger prostate volumes compared with HoLEP (median 226 cc vs 204.5 cc, p = 0.004). After a median follow-up of 14 months, both groups showed a significant improvement in the maximum flow rate (+10.60 mL/s vs +10.70 mL/s, p = 0.724) and a reduction of the IPSS score (-12.50 vs -9, p = 0.246) as well as improvement of the QoL (-3 vs -3, p = 0.880). Median operative time was similar in both groups (150 minutes vs 132.5 minutes, p = 0.665). The amount of resected tissue was lower in the RASP group (134.5 g vs 180 g, p = 0.029) and there was no significant difference in postoperative prostate-specific antigen (1.2 ng/mL vs 0.8 ng/mL, p = 0.112). Despite a similar median catheterization time (3 days vs 2 days, p = 0.748), the median hospitalization time was shorter in the HoLEP group (4 days vs 3 days, p = 0.052). Complication rates were similar in both groups (32% vs 36%, p = 0.987). Conclusion: Our results suggest similar outcomes for RASP and HoLEP in patients with very large prostates ≥200 cc. These findings will require external validation at other high-volume centers.

Predictors for adverse events following intravesical botulinum toxin injections in men.

INTRODUCTION: Intravesical botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been long established as treatment for overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. However, most published data are reported among a female cohort. Adverse events such as intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) play a large role in discontinuation of therapy. There is currently limited information regarding predictive factors to appropriately counsel male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on male patients undergoing their first intravesical BTX-A therapy from January 2016 to July 2021 in two high-volume centers. Data included demographics, past medical and surgical history, and urodynamic parameters. Patients were excluded if they had a long-term catheter or ISC before initiation of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 69 men were included in the study with a median age of 66 years. There were 18 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Thirty men had urge incontinence secondary to radical prostatectomy or bladder outflow surgery. Overall rates of ISC were 43.5%. Predictors for ISC included a baseline postvoid residual (PVR) ≥ 50 mL (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-13.03, p = 0.01), BTX-A dose >100 units (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.36-13.0, p = 0.01). Stress urinary incontinence was protective against ISC (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-1.00, p = 0.049) as well as history of prostatectomy/bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) surgery (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05-0.47, p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model with these factors yielded a c-statistic of 0.80 (optimism-adjusted = 0.75). An enlarged prostate was the only predictor for UTI among our male cohort (OR: 8.0, 95% CI: 2.03-31.5, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study assessing risk factors of adverse events among men following BTX-A injection. High PVR and BTX-A dose of >100U were predictors of requiring ISC after BTX-A. Stress incontinence, previous radical prostatectomy, and BOO surgery were all protective against needing ISC post-BTX-A. An enlarged prostate was associated with development of UTI. These factors can be used to assist in counseling male patients regarding their risk of ISC and UTI.

Oncologic Outcomes of Lymph Node Dissection at Salvage Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node invasion (LNI) represents a poor prognostic factor after primary radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa). However, the impact of LNI on oncologic outcomes in salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of lymph node dissection (LND) and pathological lymph node status (pNX vs. pN0 vs. pN1) on long-term oncologic outcomes of SRP patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent SRP for recurrent PCa between 2000 and 2021 were identified from 12 high-volume centers. Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models were used. Endpoints were biochemical recurrence (BCR), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: Of 853 SRP patients, 87% (n = 727) underwent LND, and 21% (n = 151) harbored LNI. The median follow-up was 27 months. The mean number of removed lymph nodes was 13 in the LND cohort. At 72 months after SRP, BCR-free survival was 54% vs. 47% vs. 7.2% for patients with pNX vs. pN0 vs. pN1 (p < 0.001), respectively. At 120 months after SRP, OS rates were 89% vs. 81% vs. 41% (p < 0.001), and CSS rates were 94% vs. 96% vs. 82% (p = 0.02) for patients with pNX vs. pN0 vs. pN1, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, pN1 status was independently associated with BCR (HR: 1.77, p < 0.001) and death (HR: 2.89, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In SRP patients, LNI represents an independent poor prognostic factor. However, the oncologic benefit of LND in SRP remains debatable. These findings underline the need for a cautious LND indication in SRP patients as well as strict postoperative monitoring of SRP patients with LNI.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of Extensive Lower Lip Defects: An Algorithm for Free Flap Selection and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Large defects of the lower lip pose a difficult challenge for any reconstructive surgeon. When there is limited local tissue available to resurface the defects, free flaps are the preferred option. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We reported our experience in the reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects. The authors propose a new algorithm for microsurgical technique selection and assessment of the functional outcomes obtained. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all microsurgical reconstructions of extensive lower lip defects by the senior author for 10 years was performed. The functional outcomes assessed included speech, feeding, and oral continence. Patients were stratified according to their status of simultaneous mandible resection (none, marginal, segmental). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included in this study. Almost all patients (96.1%) achieved intelligible speech. Only 1 patient experienced severe drooling. Most patients could eat a solid or soft diet (72.5%). Mandible resection was associated with the worst feeding outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical reconstruction of extensive lip defects is safe and provides good results. Free flap selection should take into account the location of the defect, the resected structures, and the body mass index of the patient. Feeding status seems to be inversely correlated with the amount of mandibular resection.

Direct peroral cholangioscopy with conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscope.

An 83-year-old male with a history of Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) due to pancreatic cancer, underwent endoscopic retrograde colangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis. Because of the altered anatomy, an upper gastrointestinal endoscope was used. Severe stricture of the hepaticojejunal anastomosis was found. The anastomotic stricture was dilated with a 12mm through-the-scope (TTS) balloon under fluoroscopy and direct visualization. Right and left ducts were explored with Dormia basket and balloon, with extraction of bile duct stones and pus. Cholangioscopy with upper gastrointestinal endoscope was performed and residual cholesterol stones were identified in branches of the left hepatic duct and these were removed with the stone extraction balloon under endoscopic visualization. Ciprofloxacin was administered for 5 days and post interventional course was uneventful. Direct peroral colangioscopy using a conventional endoscope provides high quality endoscopic imaging, enabling access to virtual chromoendoscopy and the 2.8 mm diameter working channel allows for interventional procedures. This strategy is useful and economical, helping confirm clearance of common bile duct stones, while allowing extraction of any residual stones. New, cost effective scopes for peroral cholangioscopy are needed to improve the safety and success rate.

Pediatric Thyroidectomy: Experience From a Portuguese Hospital.

Background and objective Pediatric thyroid disease requiring surgery is rare. Thyroid nodules are a frequent indication for surgery and are mostly benign. However, up to 25% of cases can be malignant. In this study, we aimed to describe our center's experience with regard to pediatric thyroid surgery. Methods This was a retrospective transverse study involving pediatric patients who underwent thyroid surgery at a tertiary hospital between January 2010 and December 2021. Results A total of 14 patients underwent 15 surgeries. The main reason for referral to pediatric endocrinology was thyroid nodules (n=10). Thirteen fine needle aspirations (FNAs) were performed, with follicular tumor (n=6) being the most common finding. The median age of patients at surgery was 15.9 years [interquartile range (IQR): 14.0-16.8]. The most common surgical indications were the presence of a follicular tumor on FNA (n=5) and thyroid nodule size causing symptoms (n=5). There was one case of prophylactic thyroidectomy due to the identification of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) mutation. The most frequently described histopathology results were follicular adenoma (n=6) and colloid nodular goiter (n=6). Three postoperative complications were observed in three different patients: bilateral lesion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, cervical hematoma, and transient hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemia. Conclusion In our study, the most frequent surgical indication was a follicular tumor. A good correlation was found between FNA cytology and final histopathology results, which is in accordance with previous studies. This reinforces the importance of FNA in diagnosis and surgical planning. The rate of complications in our study is comparable to that in larger single-center series in the literature.

Salvage Radical Prostatectomy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following First-line Nonsurgical Treatment: Validation of the European Association of Urology Criteria in a Large, Multicenter, Contemporary Cohort.

Salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) is a potentially curative option for locally radiorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) but is associated with significant morbidity. Therefore, the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines recommend restricting sRP to a favorable-prognosis group according to the EAU criteria, but these have been validated considering only biochemical recurrence (BCR). Our aim was to test these criteria in a large, multicenter, contemporary cohort. We retrospectively reviewed 1265 patients who underwent sRP at 14 referral centers (2000-2021), stratified by compliance with the EAU criteria. Our primary outcome was metastasis-free survival (MFS). We included 1030 men, of whom 221 (21.5%) fully met the EAU recommended criteria for sRP and 809 (78.5%) did not. The EAU-compliant group experienced more favorable pathological and functional outcomes (79% vs 63% wearing no pads at 1 yr; p < 0.001) and had significantly better MFS (90% vs 76% at 5 yr; p < 0.001), prostate-specific antigen-free survival (55% vs 38% at 5 yr; p < 0.001), and overall survival (89% vs 84% at 5 yr; p = 0.01). This was verified by Cox regression analysis for MFS (hazard ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.99; p = 0.01). We found that adherence to the EAU criteria is associated with a lower risk of BCR and, more importantly, of metastasis after surgery. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at outcomes of surgical removal of the prostate for prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy or other nonsurgical treatments according to whether or not patients met the European Association of Urology (EAU) criteria for this surgery. We found that men who did not meet the criteria had a higher risk of metastasis and their benefit from surgery might be significantly less than for patients who do meet the EUA criteria.

Microglial TNFα orchestrates protein phosphorylation in the cortex during the sleep period and controls homeostatic sleep.

Sleep intensity is adjusted by the length of previous awake time, and under tight homeostatic control by protein phosphorylation. Here, we establish microglia as a new cellular component of the sleep homeostasis circuit. Using quantitative phosphoproteomics of the mouse frontal cortex, we demonstrate that microglia-specific deletion of TNFα perturbs thousands of phosphorylation sites during the sleep period. Substrates of microglial TNFα comprise sleep-related kinases such as MAPKs and MARKs, and numerous synaptic proteins, including a subset whose phosphorylation status encodes sleep need and determines sleep duration. As a result, microglial TNFα loss attenuates the build-up of sleep need, as measured by electroencephalogram slow-wave activity and prevents immediate compensation for loss of sleep. Our data suggest that microglia control sleep homeostasis by releasing TNFα which acts on neuronal circuitry through dynamic control of phosphorylation.

Refractory benign esophageal strictures - Cut or dilate?

A 67-year-old male patient with long term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on double dose proton pump inhibitors, presented with dysphagia for soft foods. He underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy which revealed a severe regular stricture at the level of the esophagogastric junction with a residual luminal orifice measuring 2 mm. Biopsies at the site of the stricture ruled out malignancy and were suggestive of peptic etiology. The patient underwent twelve endoscopic dilatation sessions, 11 of them with Savary-Guillard bougies and 1 with TTS balloon, up to a maximal diameter of 18 mm, with only partial relief of dysphagia symptoms. Due to the persistence of the stricture and dysphagia symptoms, incisional therapy was performed in two endoscopic sessions at the site of the stricture was performed with a Mori´s knife parallel to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus in a radial manner in all of the quadrants. There were no adverse events. On follow-up, 2 months later after the last session, the patient had a significant improvement and did not have any dysphagia symptoms. UGI endoscopy revealed minimal residual narrowing at the site of the previous stricture in the distal esophagus. He remains asymptomatic after 6 months follow-up.

A saúde promovida por redes sociais e comunitárias de mulheres de baixa renda / Health promoted by social and community networks of low-income women / La salud promovida por las redes sociales y comunitarias de mujeres de bajos ingresos

Resumo: As redes sociais e comunitárias constituem um importante determinante social de saúde, especialmente nos segmentos populares da sociedade civil e em suas lutas para garantir o direito à saúde. Esta pesquisa buscou compreender quais são as redes sociais e comunitárias constituídas por mulheres residentes em uma comunidade de baixa renda e sua relação com a produção da saúde nesse grupo social. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 11 mulheres participantes de uma organização não governamental (ONG) da comunidade, e os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. A análise destacou quatro categorias: a comunidade como uma grande rede - formada por múltiplas redes dinâmicas interligadas; a rede das "tias" - mulheres com papel importante no cuidado da comunidade, tratadas como parte da família; as rodas de conversa - como o rito de encontro periódico nas calçadas, apontado como importante espaço garantidor de estabilidade emocional e qualidade de vida; e as benzedeiras e o uso de plantas medicinais - referências de cuidado na comunidade, que proporcionam prevenção/tratamento à saúde e encaminhamento para a unidade de saúde quando necessário. Conclui-se que as redes sociais e comunitárias formadas pelas participantes são determinantes sociais importantes. Assim, é necessária a valorização de tais redes pelos equipamentos de saúde inscritos no território.

Abstract: Social and community networks constitute an important social determinant of health, especially in the poorer segments of civil society and in their struggles to guarantee the right to health care. This study sought to understand the social and community networks created by women living in a low-income community and their relationship with the development of health care in this social group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women participating in a nongovernmental organization in the community, and the data were subjected to content analysis. The analysis highlighted four categories: the community as a large network, formed by multiple interconnected dynamic networks; the network of "aunts", women with an important role in the care of the community, treated as part of the family; the conversation circles, such as the rite of periodic meeting on the sidewalks, indicated as an important space that guarantees emotional stability and quality of life; and the benzedeiras with the use of medicinal plants, they are reference care within the community, providing disease prevention, health treatment, and referral to the health care unit when necessary. We concluded that the social and community networks created by the participants are important social determinants, and health facilities registered in the territory should value such networks.

Resumen: Las redes sociales y comunitarias constituyen un importante determinante social de salud, especialmente en los segmentos populares de la sociedad civil y en sus luchas para garantizar el derecho a la salud. La presente investigación buscó comprender cuáles son las redes sociales y comunitarias tejidas por las mujeres residentes en una comunidad de bajos ingresos y su relación con la producción de la salud en este grupo social. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con 11 mujeres participantes de una organización no gubernamental de la comunidad, y los datos se sometieron a análisis de contenido. El análisis destacó cuatro categorías: la comunidad como una gran red - formada por múltiples redes dinámicas interconectadas; la red de las "tías" - mujeres con papel importante en el cuidado de la comunidad, tratadas como parte de la familia; las ruedas de conversación - como el rito de encuentro periódico en las aceras, señalado como un espacio importante que garantiza la estabilidad emocional y la calidad de vida, y las curanderas y el uso de plantas medicinales - referencias de cuidado en la comunidad; que proporcionan prevención/tratamiento a la salud y el encaminamiento para la unidad de salud cuando sea necesario. Se concluye que las redes sociales y comunitarias tejidas por las participantes son determinantes sociales importantes, siendo necesaria la valorización de tales redes por los equipos de salud inscritos en el territorio.

Ulcerating stasis dermatitis of the forearm associated with arteriovenous graft and central vein stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Stasis dermatitis is a pathologic condition of the skin that most commonly occurs in the lower limb, where it is caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Stasis dermatitis of the upper limb is rare. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old male, resident in Angola, presented to the emergency department with an ulcer encompassing the entire left forearm. Past medical history comprised arterial hypertension and end stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis. Dialysis access consisted of a left brachial-basilic AV graft obtained 4 years before. The patient also reported that a right internal jugular vein catheter was used previously during the maturation of the left brachial-basilic AV graft. Stenosis of the left brachiocephalic vein was documented at angiography. Angioplasty was performed, with complete resolution of the wound 2 months after admission. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of extensive ulcer of the forearm must include neoplasms, cellulitis, and/or deep tissue infection with secondary ulceration, but it is also important to maintain suspicion for venous stasis syndrome as a rare but possible cause of these lesions.