Magnetic resonance imaging features of cerebellar atrophy pattern after epilepsy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Clinically, it has been found that some patients with epilepsy are accompanied by cerebellar atrophy that is inconsistent with symptoms, but the pattern of cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy and the role of cerebellar atrophy in the mechanism of epilepsy have not been elucidated. This study aims to explore the specific pattern of cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy via analyzing magnetic resonance images in patients with postepileptic cerebellar atrophy.@*METHODS@#A total of 41 patients with epilepsy, who received the treatment in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to January 2022 and underwent cranial MRI examination, were selected as the case group. The results of cranial MRI examination of all patients showed cerebellar atrophy. In the same period, 41 cases of physical examination were selected as the control group. General clinical data and cranial MRI results of the 2 groups were collected. The maximum area and signal of dentate nucleus, the maximum width of the brachium pontis, the maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the pontine, and the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle were compared between the 2 groups. The indexes with difference were further subjected to logistic regression analysis to clarify the characteristic imaging changes in patients with cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the maximum width of the brachium pontis and the maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the pontine were decreased significantly, the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle was increased significantly in the case group (all P<0.05). The difference in distribution of the low, equal, and high signal in dentate nucleus between the 2 groups was statistically significant (χ2=43.114, P<0.001), and the difference in the maximum area of dentate nucleus between the 2 groups was not significant (P>0.05). The maximum width of the brachium pontis [odds ratio (OR)=3.327, 95% CI 1.454 to 7.615, P=0.004] and the maximum transverse area of the fourth ventricle (OR=0.987, 95% CI 0.979 to 0.995, P=0.002) were independent factors that distinguished cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy from the normal control, while the anterior-posterior diameter of pontine (OR=1.456, 95% CI 0.906 to 2.339, P>0.05) was not an independent factor that distinguished them.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In MRI imaging, cerebellar atrophy after epilepsy is manifested as significant atrophy of the brachium pontis, significant enlargement of the fourth ventricle, and increased dentate nucleus signaling while insignificant dentate nucleus atrophy. This particular pattern may be associated with seizures and exacerbated pathological processes.

Analysis of TUBB4A gene variant in a patient with adolescent-onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophy with atrophy of basal ganglia and cerebellum / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a patient with adolescent-onset hypomyelinated leukodystrophy with atrophy of basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC).@*METHODS@#A patient who was diagnosed with H-ABC in March 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was selected as the study subject. Clinical data was collected. Peripheral venous blood samples of the patient and his parents were collected. The patient was subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The patient, a 31-year-old male, had manifested with developmental retardation, cognitive decline and abnormal gait. WES revealed that he has harbored a heterozygous c.286G>A variant of the TUBB4A gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that neither of his parents has carried the same variant. Analysis with SIFT online software indicated the amino acid encoded by this variant is highly conserved among various species. This variant has been recorded by the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) with a low population frequency. The 3D structure constructed by PyMOL software showed that the variant has a harmful effect on the structure and function of the protein. According to the guidelines formulated by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was rated as likely pathogenic.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.286G>A (p.Gly96Arg) variant of the TUBB4A gene probably underlay the hypomyelinating leukodystrophy with atrophy of basal ganglia and cerebellum in this patient. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of TUBB4A gene variants and enabled early definitive diagnosis of this disorder.

Clinical analysis of 30 cases of basal ganglia germinoma in children / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma and to improve the level of early clinical diagnosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of children diagnosed with basal ganglia germinoma admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Ward of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma.@*RESULTS@#A total of 30 patients were included in the study, 28 were male, 2 were female, the mean age at onset was (9.7±2.2) years, the median disease duration was 7 months, 27 had unilateral disease, and 3 had bilateral disease. The clinical manifestations were decreased limb muscle strength, cognitive function disorders, polydipsia, precocious puberty, intracranial hypertension, dysphonia and swallowing dysfunction. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal in the 30 patients, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) were normal in 8 patients.The serum β-HCG was normal in 11 patients but the cerebrospinal fluid β-HCG was slightly elevated, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid β-HCG were slightly elevated in 11 patients. A total of 33 lesions with irregular shapes were found by imaging examination, including 15 (45.5%) patchy lesions, 10 (30.3%) patchy lesions, and 8 (24.2%) round-like high-density lesions. Tumors showed obvious high-density shadows on computed tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the tumors showed low or isointensity on T1WI and isointensity on T2WI, accompanied by mild peritumoral edema, hemispheric atrophy, cerebral peduncle atrophy, calcification, cystic degeneration, ventricular dilatation and wallerian degeneration. On contrast-enhanced scans, the tumor showed no enhancement or heterogeneous enhancement.@*CONCLUSION@#The main age of onset of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia in children is about 10 years old, and males are absolutely dominant. The clinical features and imaging manifestations have certain characteristics. With both combined, the early diagnosis of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia can be improved.

Regional brain atrophy is related to social cognition impairment in multiple sclerosis / La atrofia cerebral regional se relaciona con el deterioro de la cognición social en sclerosis múltiple

ABSTRACT Background: Multiple sclerosis exhibits specific neuropathological phenomena driving to both global and regional brain atrophy. At the clinical level, the disease is related to functional decline in cognitive domains as the working memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. However, the compromise of social-cognitive abilities has concentrated some interest in recent years despite the available evidence suggesting the risk of disorganization in social life. Recent studies have used the MiniSEA test to assess the compromise of social cognition and have found relevant relationships with memory and executive functions, as well as with the level of global and regional brain atrophy. Objective: The present article aimed to identify structural changes related to socio-cognitive performance in a sample of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Methods: 68 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Chilean patients and 50 healthy control subjects underwent MRI scans and neuropsychological evaluation including social-cognition tasks. Total brain, white matter, and gray matter volumes were estimated. Also, voxel-based morphometry was applied to evaluate regional structural changes. Results: Patients exhibited lower scores in all neuropsychological tests. Social cognition exhibited a significant decrease in this group mostly related to the declining social perception. Normalized brain volume and white matter volume were significantly decreased when compared to healthy subjects. The regional brain atrophy analysis showed that changes in the insular cortex and medial frontal cortices are significantly related to the variability of social-cognitive performance among patients. Conclusions: In the present study, social cognition was only correlated with the deterioration of verbal fluency, despite the fact that previous studies have reported its link with memory and executive functions. The identification of specific structural correlates supports the comprehension of this phenomenon as an independent source of cognitive disability in these patients.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La esclerosis múltiple presenta fenómenos neuropatológicos específicos que conducen a la atrofia cerebral global y regional. A nivel clínico, la enfermedad está relacionada con el deterioro funcional de los dominios cognitivos como la memoria de trabajo, la velocidad de procesamiento y la fluidez verbal. Sin embargo, el compromiso de las habilidades socio-cognitivas ha concentrado cierto interés en los últimos años debido a la evidencia disponible que sugiere el riesgo de desorganización en la vida social. Estudios recientes han utilizado la prueba MiniSEA para evaluar el compromiso de la cognición social y han encontrado relaciones relevantes con la memoria y funciones ejecutiva, así como con el nivel de atrofia cerebral global y regional. Objetivo: El presente artículo tiene como objetivo identificar cambios estructurales relacionados con el rendimiento sociocognitivo en una muestra de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple recurrente-remitente. Métodos: 68 pacientes Chilenos con esclerosis múltiple recurrente-remitente y 50 sujetos de control sanos se sometieron a resonancias magnéticas y evaluación neuropsicológica, incluidas las tareas de cognición social. Se estimaron los volúmenes cerebrales totales, de materia blanca y materia gris. Además, se aplicó la morfometría basada en vóxel para evaluar los cambios estructurales regionales. Resultados: Los pacientes muestran puntuaciones más bajas en todas las pruebas neuropsicológicas. La cognición social exhibe una disminución significativa en este grupo principalmente relacionada con la disminución de la percepción social. El volumen normalizado del cerebro y el volumen de la materia blanca disminuyeron significativamente en comparación con los sujetos sanos. El análisis regional de atrofia cerebral mostró que los cambios en la corteza insular y la corteza frontal medial están significativamente relacionados con la variabilidad del rendimiento sociocognitivo entre los pacientes. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio, la cognición social sólo se correlacionó con el deterioro de la fluencia verbal, a pesar de que estudios previos han reportado su vinculación con la memoria y funciones ejecutivas. La identificación de correlatos estructurales específicos apoya la comprensión de este fenómeno como una fuente independiente de discapacidad cognitiva en estos pacientes.

Clinical assessment of pterygoid and anterior implants in the atrophic edentulous maxilla: a retrospective study / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction of anterior and pterygoid implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous maxilla with posterior atrophy.@*METHODS@#Given a minimum follow-up of 1 year, 25 patients with fixed maxillary rehabilitation over anterior and pterygoid implants were enrolled in this retrospective study. The implant survival rates, peri-implant soft tissue status (including probing depth, modified sulcus bleeding index, and plaque index), marginal bone loss, and patient satisfaction were measured.@*RESULTS@#The survival rates for anterior and pterygoid implants at 1-year follow-up were 96.5% and 97.8%, respectively (@*CONCLUSIONS@#For the edentulous maxilla with posterior atrophy, full-arch fixed prostheses supported by anterior and pterygoid implants has an acceptable short-term clinical outcome and excellent patient satisfaction. It may be considered as a predictable and feasible method for maxillary rehabilitation.

Gray matter atrophy in parkinsons disease and the parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy: a combined roi- and voxel-based morphometric study

OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) and the parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) are distinct neurodegenerative disorders that share similar clinical features of parkinsonism. The morphological alterations of these diseases have yet to be understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gray matter atrophy in PD and MSA-P using regions of interest (ROI)-based measurements and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). METHODS: We studied 41 patients with PD, 20 patients with MSA-P, and 39 controls matched for age, sex, and handedness using an improved T1-weighted sequence that eased gray matter segmentation. The gray matter volumes were measured using ROI and VBM. RESULTS: ROI volumetric measurements showed significantly reduced bilateral putamen volumes in MSA-P patients compared with those in PD patients and controls (p<0.05), and the volumes of the bilateral caudate nucleus were significantly reduced in both MSA-P and PD patients compared with those in the controls (p<0.05). VBM analysis revealed multifocal cortical and subcortical atrophy in both MSA-P and PD patients, and the volumes of the cerebellum and temporal lobes were remarkably reduced in MSA-P patients compared with the volumes in PD patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both PD and MSA-P are associated with gray matter atrophy, which mainly involves the bilateral putamen, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, and temporal lobes. ROI and VBM can be used to identify these morphological alterations, and VBM is more sensitive and repeatable and less time-consuming, which may have potential diagnostic value.

Combined high-frequency and Doppler ultrasound in early diagnosis of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini

Abstract: Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is a skin disorder affecting dermal collagen and is clinically characterized by well-defined plaques of depressed skin. Histopathological changes are subtle, and in most cases, the diagnosis requires a comparative study with healthy skin from the same anatomical site. High frequency ultrasound is a useful imaging method for diagnosis of atrophic skin changes. A case is presented in which ultrasound can support the clinical and the histopathological diagnosis of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini.

O Laser e o tratamento da flacidez e atrofia vulvo-vaginal: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Laser and the treatment of vulvo-vaginal laxity and atrophy: an integrative review of literature

A atrofia vulvo-vaginal (VVA) é uma condição progressiva e crônica que se manifesta como involução das mucosas vulvo-vaginais e tecidosdevido à diminuição dos níveis de estrogênio. O uso do laser com papel terapêutico ganhou interesse como um tratamento não hormonal para a VVA. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos dos lasers de CO2 e Erbium: YAG na flacideze atrofia vulvo-vaginal em mulheres menopausadas. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizada na base de dados PubMed, utilizando os descritores: vagina, postmenopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, vulvovaginal laxity e laser. Ambos os tipos de lasers aumentam a espessura do epitélio pavimentoso estratificado, estimulam a produção de fibras colágenas, elásticas e outros componentes da matriz extracelular, melhoram a irrigação vascular da vagina e aliviam os sintomas de secura, ardor e dispareunia. No entanto, a duração dos efeitos terapêuticos e a segurança de aplicações repetidas ainda precisam ser mais bem estudados.(AU)

Vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) is a progressive and chronic condition that manifests as involution of the vulvovaginal mucosa and tissues due to decreased levels of estrogen. The use of laser with therapeutic paper gained interest as a non-hormonal treatment for VVA. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CO2 and Erbium: YAG lasers on vulvovaginal laxity and atrophy in menopausal women. It is an integrative review, carried out in the PubMed database, using the descriptors: vagina, postmenopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, vulvovaginal laxity and laser. Both types of lasers increase the thickness of the stratified squamous epithelium, stimulate the production of collagen, elastic fibers, and other components of the extracellular matrix, improve vascular irrigation of the vagina, and relieve symptoms of dryness, burning, and dyspareunia. However, the duration of therapeutic effects and the safety of repeated applications still need to be better studied.(AU)

Atrophic nodular cutaneous amyloidosis*

Abstract: Primary cutaneous amyloidosis is limited to the skin without involving any other tissue. Nodular amyloidosis is rare, and atrophic nodular cutaneous amyloidosis is even rarer. We describe the fourth case of atrophic nodular cutaneous amyloidosis by searching PubMed databases. A 52-year-old female presented to our hospital with a 2-year history of orange papules and nodules without subjective symptom on her right abdomen. Review of systems was negative. Atrophic nodular amyloidosis may progress to primary systemic disease in up to 7% of cases. Because our patient had no systemic involvement, she was diagnosed with atrophic nodular cutaneous amyloidosis based on characteristic symptoms and histopathologic examination. Routine follow-up for this patient is necessary to detect any potential disease progression.

Cognitive dysfunction in corticobasal degeneration / Disfunção cognitiva na degeneração corticobasal

ABSTRACT Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) was originally described as a distinct clinicopathological entity in 1967. Since then, different phenotypic presentations have emerged as possible manifestations of CBD histopathological findings. In addition, pathophysiological findings and the molecular basis have been delineated and several aspects of its cognitive manifestations have been clarified. Thus, not only the spectrum of what is currently designated as CBD has expanded, but overlap with other degenerative and even secondary disorders has made clinical diagnostic certainty even more challenging in the absence of specific and readily-available markers. Cognitive deficits in CBD are now recognized as a frequent initial presentation and may appear up to eight years before the motor symptoms, depending on the phenotypic variant. Characteristic cognitive features of CBD involve language deficits, visuospatial and executive dysfunctions, apraxia, and behavioral disorders. Semantic and episodic memories are usually preserved, while language is often impaired in the early stages.

RESUMO A degeneração corticobasal (DCB) foi originalmente descrita como uma entidade clínico-patológica distinta em 1967. Desde então, nossa compreensão sobre DCB evoluiu substancialmente. Diferentes apresentações fenotípicas emergiram refletindo possíveis manifestações das anormalidades histopatológicos da DCB. Adicionalmente, dados fisiopatológicos e moleculares foram delineados e aspectos das manifestações cognitivas foram explorados. Assim, não só o espectro do que é atualmente designado DCB foi expandido, mas a sobreposição com outras doenças degenerativas e até mesmo secundárias tornaram o diagnóstico clínico ainda mais desafiador na ausência de marcadores específicos e prontamente disponíveis. Déficits cognitivos na DCB são agora reconhecidos frequentemente como apresentações iniciais e podem surgir até 8 anos antes dos sintomas motores, dependendo da variante fenotípica. O quadro cognitivo envolve característicamente déficits de linguagem, disfunção visuoespacial e executiva, apraxia, e distúrbios comportamentais. Anormalidades da linguagem são frequentemente descritas nos estágios iniciais da DCB.

Critical analysis on the present methods for brain volume measurements in multiple sclerosis / Análise crítica dos métodos atuais para medidas de volume cerebral em esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Objective The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has quickly evolved from a time when controlling clinical relapses would suffice, to the present day, when complete disease control is expected. Measurement of brain volume is still at an early stage to be indicative of therapeutic decisions in MS. Methods This paper provides a critical review of potential biases and artifacts in brain measurement in the follow-up of patients with MS. Results Clinical conditions (such as hydration or ovulation), time of the day, type of magnetic resonance machine (manufacturer and potency), brain volume artifacts and different platforms for volumetric assessment of the brain can induce variations that exceed the acceptable physiological rate of annual loss of brain volume. Conclusion Although potentially extremely valuable, brain volume measurement still has to be regarded with caution in MS.

RESUMO Objetivo O tratamento da esclerose múltipla (EM) evoluiu rapidamente de um tempo onde o controle clínico dos surtos era suficiente para o momento atual, quando se almeja o completo controle da doença. Medidas de volume cerebral ainda estão em fases iniciais para utilização nas decisões terapêuticas na EM. Métodos Este artigo fornece uma revisão crítica de potenciais vieses e artefatos na volumetria cerebral utilizada no seguimento de pacientes com EM. Resultados Condições clínicas (como hidratação ou ovulação), hora do dia, tipo de máquina de ressonância magnética (fabricante e força do campo) artefatos de volume e diferentes plataformas de avaliação volumétrica cerebral podem induzir variações que excedem a taxa aceitável de perda anual fisiológica do volume cerebral. Conclusão Embora seja potencialmente de grande valor, a medida de volume cerebral ainda deve ser vista com cautela na EM.

Brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis: therapeutic, cognitive and clinical impact / Atrofia cerebral en esclerosis múltiple: impacto clínico, cognitivo y terapéutico

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) was always considered as a white matter inflammatory disease. Today, there is an important body of evidence that supports the hypothesis that gray matter involvement and the neurodegenerative mechanism are at least partially independent from inflammation. Gray matter atrophy develops faster than white matter atrophy, and predominates in the initial stages of the disease. The neurodegenerative mechanism creates permanent damage and correlates with physical and cognitive disability. In this review we describe the current available evidence regarding brain atrophy and its consequence in MS patients.

RESUMEN La esclerosis múltiple (EM) fue considerada históricamente como una enfermedad inflamatoria de la sustancia blanca. Hoy en día hay mucha evidencia que apoya, además, el compromiso de la sustancia gris y los mecanismos neurodegenerativos, que son al menos parcialmente independientes de la inflamación. La atrofia de la sustancia gris se desarrolla más rápido que la atrofia de la sustancia blanca y predomina en las etapas iniciales de la enfermedad. El mecanismo neurodegenerativo, crea un daño permanente y se correlacionaría con la discapacidad física y cognitiva del paciente. En esta revisión, se describe la evidencia disponible actual con respecto a la atrofia cerebral y su consecuencia en los pacientes con EM.

Aumento de detección de lesiones gástricas premalignas mediante protocolo Sydney en comparación con biopsias no protocolizadas / Increased detection of premalignant gastric lesions through Sydney protocol in comparison with non-protocolized gastric biopsies

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Chile. The development ofgastric adenocarcinoma its preceded by a histopathologic cascade composed of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia. Sydney protocol has been proposed as the standard method for diagnosingthese conditions. The aim of this research study was to establish whether Sydney protocol increase thedetection of premalignant gastric lesions, as gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, compared to non protocolizedendoscopies/biopsies. Methods: Upper gastroduodenal endoscopies (GDE) from Hospital Clí-nico Universidad Católica de Chile between April-May 2015 and April-May 2016 was analyzed. Patientswith histological study with 18 years-old or older were included. Patients with history of GC or malignantlesions at GDE where excluded. Detection of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and suggestive findingsof autoimmune gastritis where compared between Sydney protocol and non-protocolized endoscopies/biopsies...

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico (CG) es la principal causa de muertes por cáncer en Chile. El desarrollo del adenocarcinoma gástrico es precedido por una cascada histopatológica (gastritis; atrofia gástrica/AG; metaplasia intestinal/MI). Se ha propuesto la biopsia del cuerpo, ángulo y antro a través del protocolo de Sydney para la búsqueda de estas condiciones. Objetivo: Determinar la diferencia en la detección delesiones premalignas gástricas a través del protocolo de Sydney comparado con el estudio endoscópico habitual. Métodos: Se analizaron las endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) realizadas en el Centro de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica en los períodos entre abril y mayo del 2015 y 2016. Se incluyeron las EDA de pacientes mayores de 18 años con estudio histológico. Fueron excluidos los pacientes con antecedente personal de CG o lesiones de aspecto maligno macroscópicas. Se comparó la detección de AG, MI y gastritis autoinmune (GA) en el estudio histológico entre los pacientes con protocolo Sydney y el estudio endoscópico no protocolizado...

Anesthesiologist: the patient's perception / O anestesiologista: a visão do doente

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthesia is still a major concern for patients, although the anesthetic complications have decreased significantly. Additionally, the role assigned to the anesthesiologist remains inaccurate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concerns with anesthesia and assess the patient's knowledge about the anesthesiologist's duties. METHODS: Prospective study conducted over three months with patients in the preoperative anesthetic visit in a university hospital. Demographic information about the level of education and prior anesthesia was obtained. The knowledge of patients regarding the anesthesiologists' education was evaluated. Patients' concerns and anesthesiologist and surgeon responsibilities were classified with a 5-point scale. The analysis was performed with SPSS 21, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We included 204 patients, and 135 (66.2%) recognized the anesthesiologist as a specialist physician. Not waking up after surgery and postoperative infection were the main concerns compared to all others (p < 0.05). Women expressed more concern than men about not waking up after surgery, nausea and postoperative vomiting, medical problems, and waking up during surgery (p < 0.05). Ensure that patients do not wake up during surgery was the anesthesiologist task most recognized, compared to all other (p < 0.05). The surgeon was more recognized (p < 0.05) than the anesthesiologist in post-operative, antibiotics administration, and blood transfusions pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Patients need to be informed about the current safety of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist's functions. The patient involvement will demystify some fears and reassure the confidence in the health system.

JUSTIFICATIVA/OBJETIVOS: A anestesia ainda é uma preocupação importante para os doentes, embora as complicações anestésicas tenham diminuído significativamente. Adicionalmente, o papel atribuído ao anestesiologista permanece impreciso. Avaliar as preocupações com a anestesia e verificar o conhecimento dos doentes acerca das funções do anestesiologista foram os objetivos deste estudo. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospetivo decorrido durante 3 meses em doentes com consulta de anestesia pré-operatória num Hospital Universitário. Foi questionada informação demográfica, nível de educação e anestesia prévia. Foi avaliado o conhecimento dos doentes relativamente à educação do anestesiologista. As preocupações dos doentes, responsabilidades dos anestesiologistas e cirurgiões foram classificadas usando uma escala de 5 pontos. A análise foi realizada com SPSS 21, p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 204 doentes. 135 (66,2%) reconheceram o anestesiologista como médico especialista. Não acordar após a cirurgia e infeção pós-operatória foram as principais preocupações, comparativamente a todas as outras (p < 0,05). As mulheres manifestaram maior preocupação do que os homens com (p < 0,05): não acordar após a cirurgia, náuseas e vómitos pós-operatórios, problemas médicos e acordar durante a cirurgia. Assegurar que os doentes não acordem durante a cirurgia foi a tarefa mais reconhecida no anestesiologista, comparativamente a todas as outras (p < 0,05). O cirurgião foi mais reconhecido (p < 0,05) do que o anestesiologista na gestão da dor pós-operatória, administração de antibióticos e transfusões sanguíneas. CONCLUSÕES: Os doentes necessitam de ser informados acerca da atual segurança da anestesia e sobre as funções do anestesiologista. Envolver o doente irá desmistificar alguns receios e reassegurar a confiança no sistema de saúde.

Prediction of brain atrophy using three drug scores in neuroasymptomatic HIV-infected patients with controlled viremia

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Despite potent antiretroviral therapy, HIV still causes brain damage. Better penetration into the CNS and efficient elimination of monocyte/macrophages reservoirs are two main characteristics of an antiretroviral drug that could prevent brain damage. The aim of our study was to assess efficacy of three antiretroviral drug scores to predict brain atrophy in HIV-infected patients.METHODS:A cross sectional study consisting of 56 HIV-infected patients with controlled viremia, who had no clinically evident neurocognitive impairment. All patients had MRI of the head. A typical T2 transversal slice was analyzed and ventricles-brain ratio (VBr) as an overall brain atrophy index was calculated. Three antiretroviral drug scores were used and correlated with VBr: 2008 and 2010 CNS penetration effectiveness scores (SCPE2008 and SCPE2010) and the recently established monocyte efficacy (SME) score. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:SCPE2010 was significantly associated with VBr in both univariate (r = -0.285, p = 0.033) and multivariate (ß = -0.299, p = 0.016) regression models, while SCPE2008 was not (r = -0.141, p = 0.300 and ß = -0.156,p = 0.214). SME was associated with VBr in multivariate model only (r = -0.297, p = 0.111 andß = -0.406, p = 0.029). Age and reported duration of HIV infection were also significant predictors of overall brain atrophy in multivariate regression models.CONCLUSIONS:Although based on similar type of research, SCPE2010 is a superior drug score compared to SCPE2008. SME is an efficient drug score in determining brain damage. Both SCPE2010 and SME scores should be taken into account in preventive strategies of brain atrophy and neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients.

Cortical correlates of affective syndrome in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease / Correlatos corticais da síndrome afetiva na demência da doença de Alzheimer

Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are prevalent, however their relationship with patterns of cortical atrophy is not fully known. Objectives To compare cortical atrophy’s patterns between AD patients and healthy controls; to verify correlations between neuropsychiatric syndromes and cortical atrophy. Method 33 AD patients were examined by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Patients and 29 controls underwent a 3T MRI scanning. We considered four NPI syndromes: affective, apathy, hyperactivity and psychosis. Correlations between structural imaging and neuropsychiatric scores were performed by Freesurfer. Results were significant with a p-value < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons. Results Patients exhibited atrophy in entorhinal cortices, left inferior and middle temporal gyri, and precuneus bilaterally. There was correlation between affective syndrome and cortical thickness in right frontal structures, insula and temporal pole. Conclusion Cortical thickness measures revealed atrophy in mild AD. Depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with atrophy of right frontal, temporal and insular cortices. .

Os sintomas neuropsiquiátricos na doença de Alzheimer (DA) são prevalentes, porém suas relações com padrões de atrofia cortical não são totalmente compreendidas. Objetivos Comparar padrões de atrofia cortical entre DA e controles; verificar se há correlações entre sintomas neuropsiquiátricos e atrofia cortical. Método 33 pacientes com DA foram examinados pelo Inventário Neuropsiquiátrico. Os pacientes e 29 controles foram submetidos à RNM. Consideramos quatro síndromes: afetiva, apatia, hiperatividade e psicose. Correlações entre imagens estruturais e os scores foram feitas pelo Freesurfer. Os resultados foram significantes com um valor de p < 0,05, corrigido para múltiplas comparações. Resultados Pacientes exibiram atrofia nos córtices entorrinais, giros temporal médio e inferior esquerdos, e precuneo bilateralmente. Houve correlação entre síndrome afetiva e espessura cortical em estruturais frontais direitas, ínsula e polo temporal. Conclusão Medidas de espessura cortical revelaram atrofia na DA. Sintomas de depressão e ansiedade foram associados à atrofia dos córtices frontal direito, temporal e ínsula. .

Photoelastic Analysis of Two Maxillary Protocols Using Zygomatic Implants / Análisis Fotoelástico de Dos Protocolos Maxilares con Uso de Implantes Cigomáticos

The aim of this study was to analyse the in vitro the stress distribution in craniofacial structures around zygomatic implants. Synthetic polyurethane skulls replicas were used as templates for installation of standard and zygomatic implants performing two techniques using rehabilitation with using one zygomatic implant in the right and left side in combination with 2 and 4 standard implants in the anterior maxilla (group 1 and group 2). The skull replicas of photoelastic resin were subjected to photoelastic analysis after linear loading using an Instron 4411 servohydraulic mechanical testing, with a 2 mm displacement. The stress distribution showed the fringes with concentration in the body and the frontal process of zygomatic bone. In the case of model 1, higher concentrations of stress were found around the standard and zygomatic implants and surrounding bone. Under this condition, the rehabilitation with 2 zygomatics implants and 4 standard implants (group 2) provided the most favorable behavior.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el estrés in vitro y la distribución de tensiones en la estructura craneofacial a partir de los implantes cigomaticos. Réplicas de cráneo de poliuretano fueron usados como modelos para la instalación de implantes cigomáticos estándar utilizando dos modelos de distribución de implantes. Estos modelos fueron usados como modelos utilizando 1 implante en cada lado con dos o cuatro implantes convencionales en la región anterior maxilar (grupo 1 y grupo 2); posteriormente, se realizó una carga compresiva unilateral en la máquina Instrom 4411 utilizando 2 mm de desplazamiento máximo. La distribución de estrés se concentró principalmente en la región de cuerpo de hueso cigomático y en la región frontal del proceso cigomático; el modelo 1, con dos implantes convencionales, mostró mayor distribución de estrés en la región cigomática al comparase con el grupo 2; bajo estas condiciones, se concluye que la distribución con cuatro implantes convencionales entrega mejores condiciones de distribución de tensiones.

Los principios éticos universales y su aplicación a los ensayos clínicos de medicamentos / Universal ethical principles and their application in clinical drug trials

Desde el año 1931 y, especialmente, desde el Código de Núremberg de 1947, un creciente número de declaraciones, regulaciones, normas, guías, leyes, resoluciones y disposiciones pretenden generar condiciones para una mejor protección de los sujetos que participan en estudios de investigación, aunque también algunas implican retrocesos en el respeto a los derechos de poblaciones vulnerables. Sin embargo, todavía no se ha podido evitar la violación de la dignidad de los sujetos de experimentación en ensayos clínicos. Lo que se investiga, cómo se investiga, la calidad y transparencia de los datos obtenidos, el análisis y la publicación de los resultados (tanto de los datos crudos como de los ya elaborados) están sometidos a la lógica del lucro, la cual presenta una tensión permanente con los principios bioéticos y las necesidades de la sociedad. Es necesario el protagonismo activo de los pueblos para que la investigación farmacológica, sus resultados y aplicaciones avancen en un rumbo que subordine el beneficio económico a la protección de los derechos humanos.

Since 1931, and especially since the Nuremberg Code of 1947, an increasing number of declarations, regulations, norms, guidelines, laws, resolutions, and rules intended to create conditions for better protection of subjects participating in research studies have been published, although some have meant setbacks in the human rights of vulnerable populations. As such, violations of the dignity of experimental subjects in clinical trials continue. What researchers investigate and how the research is done, the quality and transparency of the data, and the analysis and the publication of results (of both raw and processed data) respond to the financial interests of the pharmaceutical companies, coming into permanent tension with bioethical principles and the needs of society. The active participation of civil society is necessary to make it so that pharmaceutical research, results and applications subordinate economic benefits to the protection of human rights.