The landscape of biomedical research funding in Brazil: a current overview

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This study is based on the most recent edition of the course Funding for Research and Innovation in the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine which was a three-day course with 12 hours of instruction. The course brought together leading experts in the field to comprehensively discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. Each speaker provided a presentation on a specific topic related to research funding. After the workshop, speakers assembled relevant topics in this manuscript. Results: collaborative research is critical for securing research funding. It optimizes proposal competitiveness, amplifies societal impact, and manages risks effectively. As such, fostering and supporting these collaborations is paramount for both researchers and funding agencies. To maintain the highest integrity in research, investigators involved in these collaborations must disclose any relationships that could potentially influence the outcomes or interpretation of their projects. Conclusions: In Brazil, the mainstay of research funding stems from public entities, with agencies such as CNPq, CAPES, and state bodies like FAPESP, FAPERJ, FAPEMIG and others at the forefront. Concurrently, industry funding offers viable pathways, especially through industry-sponsored studies, investigator-led projects, and collaborative initiatives. The Brazilian funding landscape is further enriched by innovative platforms, including crowdfunding and the contributions of institutions like the Serrapilheira Institute. Internationally, esteemed organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stand out as potential funders.

Artificial cornea transplantation and visual rehabilitation: an integrative review / Transplante de córnea artificial e reabilitação visual: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Due to the development of complications and the biocompatibility and scarcity of transplant donor tissues, artificial corneas, which can be used for the rehabilitation of optical functions, have been developed. The current study aimed to analyze the visual rehabilitation effects of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis, Boston type II keratoprosthesis, Aurolab keratoprosthesis, osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, and tibial bone keratoprosthesis. Results showed that the Boston type I keratoprosthesis was the most effective for visual rehabilitation in patients with moist ocular surfaces. The Aurolab keratoprosthesis had a lower efficacy for visual rehabilitation. Nevertheless, it is still a viable option for individuals in economically restricted countries. In patients with dry eyes, the Boston type II keratoprosthesis was associated with the best visual rehabilitation. However, the final visual acuity of patients who received osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis and tibial bone keratoprosthesis implantation was not evaluated as the necessary information was not available.

RESUMO Em decorrência de complicações, da biocompatibilidade e da escassez de tecido doador para transplantes de córnea natural, foram elaboradas córneas artificiais que são potenciais para reabilitar funções ópticas. Nessa perspectiva, objetivou-se a análise da eficácia da reabilitação visual entre os implantes: Boston tipo I, Boston tipo II, Aurolab, osteo-odonto-ceratoprótese e ceratoprótese de Osso Tibial. De modo geral, a princípio observou-se uma tendência de melhoria da Best-corrected visual acuity em todos os tipos de lentes, mas considerável queda durante acompanhamento a longo prazo. O dispositivo com melhor reabilitação visual em pacientes com superfícies oculares úmidas é a Boston tipo I, seguida pela Aurolab, que é economicamente viável em países emergentes. Ao considerar pacientes com olhos secos, o implante de Boston tipo II apresenta maior reabilitação visual. Por fim, em virtude de não apresentarem dados equiparáveis, as lentes osteo-odonto-ceratoprótese e de osso tibial não puderam ser analisadas.

Benefícios do planejamento digital para cirurgias periodontais estéticas: relato de caso / Benefits of digital planning for esthetic periodontal surgeries: case report

Sorriso gengival é comumente conhecido pela exposição excessiva das gengivas ao sorrir, acarretando assim na diminuição das coroas dos elementos. No que tange a etiologia dessa condição, ela se apresenta de maneiras diversas e sua identificação é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de um plano de tratamento eficaz. O planejamento clínico pode ser feito usando uma abordagem dinâmica e digital do sorriso, como softwares, exames de imagem, modelos virtuais 3D e guias cirúrgicos, melhorando a qualidade e precisão do tratamento, oferecendo diversos benefícios aos pacientes. Sendo assim esse estudo teve como objetivo demonstrar a importância dos processos digitais no planejamento e correção do sorriso gengival. Paciente queixou-se da desproporção do sorriso, caracterizado por coroas curtas nas regiões de pré-molares e incisivos ligadamente com a exposição excessiva da gengiva ao sorrir. Após estudos clínicos e de imagem, a etiologia foi diagnosticada como erupção passiva alterada, tipo I (fenótipo espesso). O tratamento de escolha foi o remodelamento gengival associado à osteotomia e osteoplastia obtendo assim uma maior precisão no tratamento, sendo confeccionado um guia cirúrgico duplo. Sendo assim, é possível contemplar que o planejamento digital permite uma maior previsibilidade da execução, compatibilidade em relação a expectativa do paciente e profissional, além da total individualização do caso, tornando os resultados mais favoráveis e exatos e minimizando as chances de iatrogenias(AU)

Gummy smile is commonly known for exposing the gums to the smile, thereby increasing the crowns elevation of the elements. Regarding a condition, it presents itself in different ways and its identification is fundamental for the development of a treatment plan. The clinician can be done using a dynamic and digital approach to image treatment, such as software, imaging exams, various 3D virtual models and elaborate guides, improving the quality and precision of treatment, offering benefits to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the importance of digital processes in planning and correcting the gummy smile. Patient complained of disproportion of the smile, facing the regions of premolar crowns and incisors of the smile, facing the exposure of the gingiva when smiling. After clinical and imaging exams, the diagnostic studies were diagnosed as passive eruption, type I (phenotype and specific). The choice of choice was remodeling associated with surgery treatment and surgery treatment, thus providing a greater precision in the treatment, being a double guide elaborated. Therefore, it is possible that the digital is possible a predictability of execution, compatibility in relation to patient and professional care, in addition to the greater possibility of individualization planning than it allows, making the results more planned as possibilities and exactly the iatrogenic(AU)

Evaluating TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 as a predictive tool for kidney injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ABSTRACT A major challenge in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) indicate renal cell stress and are associated with cell cycle arrest. The [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] ratio (Nephrocheck®) has been recently applied in patients in intensive care units patients to predict the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these biomarkers performance to distinguishing obstructive hydronephrosis (HN) from non-obstructive HN. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with UPJO were enrolled in this study. Urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] and clinical characteristics (hydronephrosis grade, differential renal function, and drainage half-time) were measured in the following groups: 26 children with obstructive HN at initial diagnosis (group 1A) and after six months of dismembered pyeloplasty (group 1B); 22 children with non-obstructive HN (group 2), and 26 children without any urinary tract condition, as the control group (group 3). Results: Comparing the initial samples, [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] had higher levels in the HN groups and lower levels in the control group; however, no difference was observed between the HN groups (obstructive vs. non-obstructive). After six months of follow-up, patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty showed stability in the urinary concentration of [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7]. All patients with [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] higher than 1.0 (ng/mL)2/1000 had diffuse cortical atrophy on ultrasonography. Conclusions: We showed that urinary levels of urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] are higher in children with HN than controls. Nephrocheck® is not reliable in predicting the need for surgical intervention for pediatric patients with UPJO.

Can we use Ki67 expression to predict prostate cancer aggressiveness? / Podemos usar a expressão de Ki67 para prever a agressividade do câncer de próstata?

ABSTRACT Introduction: specialists have an urge for biomarkers that can discriminate indolent prostate cancer from aggressive tumors. Ki67 is a proliferation marker, and its expression is associated with the aggressiveness of several cancers. Objective: analyze the expression of Ki67 in prostate cancer samples correlating with the aggressiveness of the disease. Methods: Ki67 mRNA levels were determined utilizing data from a TCGA cohort (Tumor(n)=492 and control(n)=52). The protein expression was determined on 94 biopsies from patients by immunohistochemical assay. Results: in mRNA, the Ki67 upregulation is associated with cancer tissue (p<0.0001) and worst disease-free survival (p=0.035). The protein upregulation is associated with increase of the ISUP score (p<0.0001), cancer stage (p=0.05), biochemical recurrence (p=0.0006) and metastasis (p<0.0001). We also show a positive correlation between Ki67 expression and ISUP score (r=0.5112, p<0.0001) and disease risk stratification (r=0.3388, p=0.0009). Ki67 expression is a factor independently associated with biochemical recurrence (p=0.002) and metastasis (p<0.0001). Finally, the patients with high Ki67expression shows better survival regarding biochemical recurrence (p=0.008) and metastasis (p=0.056). Patients with high Ki67 expression are 2.62 times more likely to develop biochemical recurrence (p=0.036). Conclusion: Ki67 upregulation is associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness.

RESUMO Introdução: especialistas precisam biomarcadores que podem discriminar o câncer de próstata indolente de tumores agressivos. Ki67 é um marcador de proliferação, e sua expressão está associada à agressividade de vários tumores. Objetivo: analisar a expressão do Ki67 em amostras de câncer de próstata correlacionando com a agressividade da doença. Métodos: os níveis de mRNA de Ki67 foram determinados utilizando dados de uma coorte de TCGA (Tumor(n)=492 e controle(n)=52). A expressão da proteína foi determinada em 94 biópsias de pacientes por ensaio imuno-histoquímica. Resultados: no mRNA, a superexpressão Ki67 está associada ao tecido canceroso (p<0,0001) e à pior sobrevida livre de doença (p=0,035). A superexpressão proteica está associada ao aumento do escore ISUP (p<0,0001), estágio de câncer (p=0,05), recorrência bioquímica (p=0,0006) e metástase (p<0,0001). Também mostramos uma correlação positiva entre a expressão Ki67 e o escore ISUP (r=0,5112, p<0,0001) e a estratificação de risco de doença (r=0,3388, p=0,0009). A expressão Ki67 é um fator independentemente associado à recorrência bioquímica (p=0,002) e metástase (p<0,0001). Finalmente, os pacientes com alta expressão de Ki67 expression mostram melhor sobrevivência em relação à recorrência bioquímica (p=0,008) e metástase (p=0,056). Os pacientes com alta expressão de Ki67 são 2,62 vezes mais propensos a desenvolver recorrência bioquímica (p=0,036). Conclusão: a superexpressão Ki67 está associada à agressividade do câncer de próstata.

A relação entre a dieta e a fisiopatologia da diverticulite: revisão integrativa / The relation between the diet and the diverticulitis pathophysiology: an integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Diverticulitis is an acute inflammatory process that affects individuals with diverticular disease. Given the sharp increase in the diagnostic rate of such a pathological process, there was also an increased interest in elucidating the possible causes related to the development of this clinical condition. Among the main factors investigated, diet excels, the object of study of this integrative literature review. METHODS: After searching the virtual health library and PubMed databases, five prospective cohort studies were selected that best answered the guiding question: "Is there a relationship between diet and the incidence of diverticulitis?". RESULTS: It was observed that the high intake of red meat and the low intake of dietary fiber were the most strongly associated dietary factors with the incidence of this inflammatory process. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is evident that choosing healthy eating habits can considerably reduce the incidence of diverticulitis and, consequently, potentially more serious complications directly related to it.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A diverticulite é um processo inflamatório agudo que afeta indivíduos com doença diverticular. Diante do acentuado aumento da taxa diagnóstica desse processo patológico, também houve o aumento do interesse em elucidar as possíveis causas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento dessa condição clínica. Entre os principais fatores investigados, destaca-se a dieta; objeto de estudo desta revisão integrativa da literatura. MÉTODOS: Após pesquisa nas bases de dados da biblioteca virtual em saúde e PubMed, foram selecionados cinco estudos de coorte prospectivos que melhor responderam à questão norteadora "Há relação entre dieta e incidência de diverticulite?". RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que o alto consumo de carnes vermelhas e o baixo consumo de fibra alimentar são os fatores dietéticos mais fortemente associados à incidência desse processo inflamatório. Fica evidente, portanto, que a escolha de hábitos alimentares saudáveis pode reduzir consideravelmente a incidência de diverticulite e, consequentemente, de possíveis complicações mais graves diretamente relacionadas a ela.

PSA density of the lesion: a mathematical formula that uses clinical and pathological data to predict biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients / Densidade de PSA da lesão: uma fórmula matemática baseada em dados clínicos e patológicos para prever a recidiva bioquímica em pacientes com câncer de próstata

ABSTRACT A main challenge in the clinical management of prostate cancer is to identify which tumor is aggressive and needs invasive treatment. Thus, being able to predict which cancer will progress to biochemical recurrence is a great strategy to stratify prostate cancer patients. With that in mind, we created a mathematical formula that takes into account the patients clinical and pathological data resulting in a quantitative variable, called PSA density of the lesion, which has the potential to predict biochemical recurrence. To test if our variable is able to predict biochemical recurrence, we use a cohort of 219 prostate cancer patients, associating our new variable and classic parameters of prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence. Total PSA, lesion weight, volume and classic PSA density were positively associated with biochemical recurrence (p<0.05). ISUP score was also associated with biochemical recurrence in both biopsy and surgical specimen (p<0.001). The increase of PSA density of the lesion was significantly associated with the biochemical recurrence (p=0.03). Variables derived from the formula, PSA 15% and PSA 152, were also positive associated with the biochemical recurrence (p=0.01 and p=0.002 respectively). Logistic regression analysis shows that classic PSA density, PSA density of the lesion and total PSA, together, can explain up to 13% of cases of biochemical recurrence. PSA density of the lesion alone would have the ability to explain up to 7% of cases of biochemical recurrence. In conclusion, this new mathematical approach could be a useful tool to predict disease recurrence in prostate cancer.

RESUMO Um dos principais desafios no manejo clínico do câncer de próstata é identificar qual tumor é agressivo e precisa de tratamento invasivo. Assim, ser capaz de prever qual irá progredir para recorrência bioquímica é uma ótima estratégia para estratificar pacientes com câncer de próstata. Pensando nisso, criamos uma fórmula matemática que leva em consideração os dados clínicos e patológicos resultando em uma variável quantitativa, denominada densidade de PSA da lesão, que tem potencial para predizer recidiva bioquímica. Para testar se nossa variável é capaz de predizer recorrência bioquímica, usamos uma coorte de 219 pacientes com câncer de próstata, associando nossas variáveis e parâmetros clássicos como a recorrência bioquímica. PSA total, peso da lesão, volume e densidade de PSA clássico foram associados com recorrência bioquímica (p<0,05). O escore ISUP também foi associado à recorrência bioquímica na biópsia e na amostra cirúrgica (p<0,001). O aumento da densidade do PSA da lesão foi significativamente associado à recidiva bioquímica (p=0,03). As variáveis ??derivadas da fórmula, PSA 15% e PSA 152, também foram associadas positivamente à recorrência bioquímica (p=0,01 e p=0,002 respectivamente). A análise de regressão logística mostra que a densidade do PSA clássico, do PSA da lesão e PSA total, juntos, podem explicar até 13% dos casos de recorrência. A densidade de PSA da lesão por si só poderia explicar até 7% dos casos de recorrência. Em conclusão, esta nova abordagem matemática pode ser uma ferramenta útil para prever a recorrência da doença no câncer de próstata.

Music as a transpersonal care tool - perceptions of hospitalized people assisted in the university extension / La música como instrumento de cuidado transpersonal - percepciones de individuos hospitalizados asistidos en la extensión universitaria / A música como instrumento de cuidado transpessoal - percepções de indivíduos hospitalizados assistidos na extensão universitária

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the perception of hospitalized patients about the care received through an extensionist musical visit under the perspective of the Theory of Human Caring. Method: a descriptive-exploratory-qualitative research conducted in a hospital of the state of Bahia, with 15 hospitalized patients, interviewed within 24 hours after receiving the extensionist musical visit. Collection involved semi-structured interview, analyzed through Discourse of the Collective Subject. Results: three axes emerged: Musical Care at the interface with Transpersonal Care; Music as a rescue element of hope during hospitalization; and Beyond music - a meeting between care, art and human relations. The results show the feelings evoked during the experience of the musical visit and emphasize the importance of this activity. Conclusion and Implications for the practice: music as a Transpersonal Care strategy motivates patient-staff-family ties, encouraging optimism and hope by mobilizing feelings and sensations of body, mind and soul, enabling the emergence of resilient behaviors during the hospitalization process. The study promotes reflection and guidance for the most creative, sensitive and bold care in the hospital environment. It suggests greater use of music by the health staff - meeting a care extended to human needs that transcend the physical.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la percepción de los pacientes hospitalizados sobre la atención recibida a través de una visita musical extensionista bajo la lente de la Teoría del Cuidado Transpersonal. Método: investigación descriptiva-exploratoria-cualitativa, realizada en un hospital de Bahia con 15 pacientes hospitalizados entrevistados hasta 24 horas después de haber recibido la visita musical extensionista. La recolección involucró entrevista semiestructurada, analizada mediante Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados: convergieron en 3 ejes: Cuidado Musical en la interfaz con el Cuidado Transpersonal; La música como elemento de rescate de la esperanza durante la hospitalización; y, además de la música - un encuentro entre cuidado, arte y relaciones humanas. Estos mostraron los sentimientos evocados durante la vivencia de la visita musical y resaltaron la importancia de esta actividad. Conclusión e Implicaciones para la práctica: la música como estrategia de Cuidado Transpersonal motiva los vínculos entre paciente-equipo-familia, estimulando optimismo y esperanza al movilizar sentimientos y sensaciones del cuerpo, mente y alma, posibilitando la emersión de comportamientos resilientes durante el proceso de hospitalización. El estudio promueve reflexión y orientación para un cuidado más creativo, sensible y audaz en el ambiente hospitalario, sugiriendo un mayor uso de la música por el equipo de salud al encuentro de un cuidado ampliado a las necesidades humanas que trascienden a las físicas.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a percepção de pacientes hospitalizados sobre o cuidado recebido por meio de uma visita musical extensionista sob as lentes da Teoria do Cuidado Transpessoal. Método: pesquisa descritivo-exploratória-qualitativa realizada em um hospital baiano, com 15 pacientes hospitalizados, entrevistados até 24 horas após terem recebido a visita musical extensionista. A coleta envolveu entrevista semiestruturada, analisada mediante Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: emergiram 3 eixos: Cuidado Musical na interface com o Cuidado Transpessoal; A música como elemento de resgate da esperança durante a hospitalização; e Para além da música - um encontro entre cuidado, arte e relações humanas. Os resultados mostram os sentimentos evocados durante a vivência da visita musical e ressaltam a importância desta atividade. Conclusão e Implicações para a prática: a música como estratégia de cuidado transpessoal motiva os vínculos entre paciente-equipe-família, estimulando otimismo e esperança ao mobilizar sentimentos e sensações do corpo, da mente e da alma, viabilizando a emersão de comportamentos resilientes durante o processo de hospitalização. O estudo promove reflexão e orientação para o cuidado mais criativo, sensível e ousado no ambiente hospitalar, sugerindo maior uso da música pela equipe de saúde - ao encontro de um cuidado ampliado às necessidades humanas que transcendem as físicas.

Effect of phyllanthus niruri on metabolic parameters of patients with kidney stone: a perspective for disease prevention

ABSTRACT Phyllanthus niruri (P.niruri) or stone breaker is a plant commonly used to reduce stone risk, however, clinical studies on this issue are lacking. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of P. niruri on the urinary metabolic parameters of patients with urinary lithiasis. Materials and Methods: We studied 56 patients with kidney stones <10mm. Clinical, metabolic, and ultrasonography assessment was conducted before (baseline) the use of P. niruri infusion for 12-weeks (P. niruri) and after a 12-week (wash out) Statistical analysis included ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's/McNemar's test for categorical variables. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Mean age was 44±9.2 and BMI was 27.2±4.4kg/m2. Thirty-six patients (64%) were women. There were no significant changes in all periods for anthropometric and several serum measurements, including total blood count, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, urine volume and pH; a significant increase in urinary potassium from 50.5±20.4 to 56.2±21.8 mg/24-hour (p=0.017); magnesium/creatinine ratio 58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio 39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.008) from baseline to wash out. The kidney stones decreased from 3.2±2 to 2.0±2per patient (p<0.001). In hyperoxaluria patients, urinary oxalate reduced from 59.0±11.7 to 28.8±16.0mg/24-hour (p=0.0002), and in hyperuricosuria there was a decrease in urinary uric acid from 0.77±0.22 to 0.54±0.07mg/24-hour (p=0.0057). Conclusions: P.niruri intake is safe and does not cause significant adverse effects on serum metabolic parameters. It increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium caused a significant decrease in urinary oxalate and uric acid in patients with hyperoxaluria and hyperuricosuria. The consumption of P.niruri contributed to the elimination of urinary calculi.

Assessment of a new kind of surgical simulator. The physical surgical simulator

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether the use of the physical surgical simulator may benefit the development of laparoscopic skills. Methods: Ten medical students were divided into two groups: the first one performed ten weekly training sessions with a physical surgical simulator - ETX A2 LAP and, afterwards, one laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model, while the second group performed only a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both groups were compared regarding bleeding, total surgical time, time to perform each surgical step and qualitative parameters, based on a previously validated tool. Results: There was no difference in any of the evaluated parameters. Conclusion: We did not find any evidence of benefit in the use of the physical simulator for surgical performance in medical students.

A dinâmica familiar frente ao risco de morte ­ uma análise sistêmica do processo de hospitalização / Family Dynamics Face The Risk Of Death - A Systemic Analysis Of The Hospitalization Process / La dinámica familiar frente al riesgo de muerte ­ un análisis sistémico del proceso de hospitalización

Este estudo objetivou compreender a dinâmica adaptativa do sistema familiar vulnerável à morte e ao morrer. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritivo-exploratória com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em um hospital público, com nove famílias, delimitadas pela saturação dos dados. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de abril a maio de 2015 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e desenvolvimento de Genograma e Ecomapa familiar, analisados mediante Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Utilizamos como fundamento teórico o Pensamento Sistêmico. Os resultados envolveram 05 eixos: modulação sistêmica para superação da crise, equipe de saúde como parceira no processo de enfrentamento saudável, rede social como elemento protetor, espiritualidade como fonte de apoio, e recursos financeiros como sustento necessário. Concluímos que a família expressa interações sistêmicas adaptativas e resilientes frente ao processo de hospitalização, a partir de recursos próprios, da equipe de saúde e da rede de apoio socioeconômica e espiritual. Assim, inferimos que os profissionais de saúde devem aperfeiçoar seu saber-fazer e o cuidado junto à família, sugerindo-se a abordagem Sistêmica como metodologia inovadora a uma práxis de cuidados integrais à família vulnerável à morte e ao morrer no contexto hospitalar.

This study aimed to understand the adaptive dynamics of a family system vulnerable to death and dying. It is a descriptiveexploratory research with qualitative approach, developed in a public hospital, with nine families delimited by data saturation. Data were collected from April to May 2015 by means of semi-structured interview and development of a Family Ecomap and Genogram, analyzed through the Discourse of the Collective Subject. Systemic Thinking was used as theoretical foundation. The results comprehended 5 axes: systemic modulation to overcome the crisis, health team as a partner in the process of healthy coping, social network as a protective element, spirituality as a source of support, and financial resources as necessary sustenance. In conclusion, families express adaptive and resilient systemic interactions face the hospitalization process using resources of their own, of the health team and of the socioeconomic and spiritual support network. Thus, it is inferred that health professionals must enhance their know-how and care practices with the family, and the Systemic approach is suggested as an innovative methodology for a praxis of comprehensive care of families vulnerable to death and dying in the hospital context.

Identificar la percepción de familiares de dependientes de alcohol y otras drogas y profesionales del área de la salud sobre las concepciones de autonomía y reinserción social que basan el abordaje de la reducción del daño. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, realizado con 21 participantes: 11 familiares y 10 profesionales reclutados en CAPS (Colegios de Aplicaciones Pedagógicas) ubicados en el Sur de Brasil. Los datos, recolectados entre junio/2013 y mayo/2014, utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas, fueron sometidos al análisis temático. Resultados: Para los familiares la concepción de autonomía comporta una dualidad: un grupo la asocia con inestabilidad en las relaciones, perjuicios en el trabajo e inseguridad por el hecho de que la persona mantiene contacto con ambientes de comercialización de drogas; otro grupo la considera una estrategia que ayuda a la persona dependiente a aceptar el tratamiento, controlar la ingesta y amenizar los síntomas de la abstinencia. Para los profesionales, es una estrategia que estimula a la persona a reflexionar sobre su relación con la(s) droga(s) y a tomar sus decisiones. La reinserción social es considerada esperanzadora por los profesionales y las familias, pues favorece la sustitución del grupo anterior de convivencia y la integración en actividades ocupacionales. Conclusión: La autonomía y reinserción social son, sin duda, conceptos importantes para el trabajo con dependientes químicos, desde que involucre a la familia y una red de apoyo social.

The challenge of cystine and struvite stone formers: clinical, metabolic and surgical assessment

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the clinical, metabolic, and calculi characteristics of cystine and struvite stone patients after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). Material and Methods: Between January/2006-July/2013, 11 cystine stone patients were treated in our clinic. Of those, 3 were excluded due to incomplete follow-up. Eight cystine stone patients (2 with bilateral disease; 10 renal units-RU) were considered for further analysis. A cohort of 8 struvite stone formers (10RU) was matched having the same age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and Guys stone score. Analyzed parameters comprised demographic data, serum/urinary metabolic evaluation and surgical outcomes. Results: Both groups had 6 female patients. Groups were similar in regards to age, gender, BMI, stone burden, and serum creatinine (p=NS). All patients had PCNL as the first surgical treatment modality. Stone free rate (SFR) after the first PCNL tended to be lower (0%) in the cystine compared to the struvite group (40%)(p=0.08). Final SFR after secondary procedures increased to 70% in cystine and 80% in struvite patients (p=1.0); mean number of procedures to achieve stone free status was higher in the first group (3.57 vs. 2.0;p=0.028). Hypocitraturia was found in all patients, but struvite cases presented with lower mean urinary citrate levels (p=0.016). Other common abnormalities were elevated urinary pH (cystine 75% and struvite 62.5%;p=1.0) and low urinary volume (62.5%,37.5%;p=0.63). Conclusion: Multiple interventions and suboptimal stone free rates are trait of the significant stone burden of struvite and cystine patients. Underlying metabolic abnormalities characterized by increased urinary pH, hypocitraturia and low urinary volume are often encountered in both populations.

Loss of TIMP-1 immune expression and tumor recurrence in localized prostate cancer

Introduction and objective: Overexpression of MMPs has been related to biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. TIMP1 and TIMP2 are controllers of MMPs and the aim of this study is to evaluate the expression levels of MMPs and their regulators using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray of localized prostate cancer (PC). Materials and Methods: Immune-expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP1, TIMP-2, MMP-14 and IL8, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in radical prostatectomy specimens of 40 patients with localized PC who underwent surgery between September 1997 and February 2000. Protein expression was considered as categorical variables, negative or positive. The results of the immune-expression were correlated to Gleason score (GS), pathological stage (TNM), pre-operatory PSA serum levels and biochemical recurrence in a mean follow up period of 92.5 months. Results: The loss of TIMP1 immune-expression was related to biochemical recurrence. When TIMP1 was negative, 56.3% patients recurred versus 22.2% of those whose TIMP1 was positive (p=0.042). MMP-9, MMP-2, IL8 and MMP-14 were positive in the majority of PC. TIMP-2 was negative in all cases. Conclusion: Negative immune-expression of TIMP1 is correlated with biochemical recurrence in patients with PC possibly by failing to control MMP-9, an important MMP related to cancer progression.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with solitary kidney: a critical outcome analysis

To describe our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with solitary kidneys and analyze factors that can impact on intra-operative bleeding and postoperative complications.

Micro RNA expression and prognosis in low-grade non-invasive urothelial carcinoma

Purpose To analyze a possible correlation between a miRNA expression profile and important prognostic factors for pTa urothelial carcinomas (UC), including tumor size, multiplicity and episodes of recurrence. Materials and Methods Thirty low-grade non-invasive pTa bladder UC from patients submitted to transurethral resection were studied, in a mean follow-up of 17.7 months. As controls, we used normal bladder tissue from five patients submitted to retropubic prostatectomy to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Extraction, cDNA and amplification were performed for 14 miRNAs (miR-100, -10a, -21, -205, -let7c, -143, -145, -221, -223, -15a, -16, -199a and -452) using specific kits, and RNU-43 and -48 were used as endogenous controls. Statistical tests were used to compare tumor size, multiplicity and episodes of recurrence with miRNAs expression profiles. Results There was a marginal correlation between multiplicity and miR-let7c over-expression. For all others miRNA no correlation between their expression and prognostic factors was found. Conclusion We did not find differences for miRNAs expression profiles associated with prognostic factors in tumor group studied. The majority of miRNAs are down-regulated, except miR-10a, over-expressed in most of cases, seeming to have increased levels in tumor with more unfavorable prognostic factors. More studies are needed in order to find a miRNA profile able to provide prognosis in pTa UC to be used in clinical practice. .

Biochemical recurrence rates are similar for pT2-positive surgical margins and pT3a

Objective Histological details of positive surgical margins in radical prostatectomy specimens have been related to outcome after surgery in rare studies recently published. Our objective is to assess whether the status of surgical margins, the extent and the Gleason score of positive margins, and the extent of the extraprostatic extension are predictive of biochemical recurrence post-radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods Three hundred sixty-five radical prostatectomy specimens were analyzed. The length of the positive surgical margin and extraprostatic extension and the Gleason score of the margin were recorded. Statistical analyses examined the predictive value of these variables for biochemical recurrence.Results 236 patients were stage pT2R0, 58 pT2R1, 25 pT3R0 and 46 pT3R1. Biochemical recurrence occurred in 11%, 31%, 20% and 45.7% of pT2R0, pT2R1, pT3R0 and pT3R1, respectively. The extent of the positive surgical margins and the Gleason score of the positive surgical margins were not associated with biochemical recurrence in univariate analysis in a mean follow up period of 35.9 months. In multivariate analyses, only the status of the surgical margins and the global Gleason score were associated with biochemical recurrence, with a risk of recurrence of 3.1 for positive surgical margins and of 3.8 for a Gleason score > 7.Conclusion Positive surgical margin and the global Gleason score are significant risk factors for biochemical recurrence post-radical prostatectomy, regardless of the extent of the surgical margin, the extent of the extraprostatic extension, or the local Gleason score of the positive surgical margin or extraprostatic tissue. pT2R1 disease behaves as pT3R0 and should be treated similarly.

PGC and PSMA in prostate cancer diagnosis: tissue analysis from biopsy samples

Purpose The discovery of new diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has become an important field of research. In this study, we analyzed the diagnostic value of the expression of the pepsinogen C (PGC) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) genes in tissue samples obtained from prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods This study was comprised of 51 consecutive patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies between January 2010 and March 2010. The biopsies were performed with 12 cores, and an additional core was randomly retrieved from the peripheral zone from each patient for study purposes. The expression of the PGC and PSMA genes was analyzed from the cDNA from the samples via the qRT-PCR technology. The expression patterns of patients with PCa were compared with those of patients without a PCa diagnosis. Results PSMA was overexpressed in only 43.4% of PCa cases, and PGC was overexpressed in 72.7% of cases. The median expression of PSMA was 1.5 times (0.1 to 43.9) and the median PGC expression was 8.7 times (0.1 to 50.0) the expression observed in prostatic tissue from TRUS-guided biopsies of normal patients. Analysis of patients with high-risk PCa indicated that PGC was overexpressed in 71.4% of cases (with a median expression of 10.6 times), and PSMA was overexpressed in only 35.7% of cases (with a median expression of 4.5 times). Among patients with low-risk PCa, PGC was also overexpressed in 71.4% of cases (with a median expression of 5.9 times), and PSMA was overexpressed in only 42.8% of cases (with a median expression of 2.5 times). Conclusions PGC gene expression is significantly higher in prostatic tissue in men affected by PCa when compared to normal prostates. Further analyses are necessary to confirm our results. .

Carbonic Anhydrase IX is Not a Predictor of Outcomes in Non-Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma - A Digital Analysis of Tissue Microarray

Introduction The knowledge about the molecular biology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is evolving, and Carbonic Anhydrase type IX (CA-IX) has emerged as a potential prognostic marker in this challenging disease. However, most of the literature about CA-IX on ccRCC comes from series on metastatic cancer, with a lack of series on non-metastatic cancer. The objective is to evaluate the expression of CA-IX in a cohort of non-metastatic ccRCC, correlating with 1) overall survival, and 2) with established prognostic parameters (T stage, tumor size, Fuhrman nuclear grade, microvascular invasion and peri-renal fat invasion). Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. We evaluated 95 patients with non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, as to the expression of CA-IX. The analyzed parameters where: overall survival (OS), TNM stage, tumor size (TS), Fuhrman nuclear grade (FNG), microvascular invasion (MVI), peri-renal fat invasion (PFI). We utilized a custom built tissue microarray, and the immunoexpression was digitally quantified using the Photoshop® software. Results: Th e mean follow-up time was 7.9 years (range 1.9 to 19.5 years). The analysis of CA-IX expression against the selected prognostic parameters showed no correlation. The results are as follows: Overall survival (p = 0.790); T stage (p = 0.179); tumor size (p = 0.143); grouped Fuhrman nuclear grade (p = 0.598); microvascular invasion (p = 0.685), and peri-renal fat invasion (p = 0.104). Conclusion Carbonic anhydrase type IX expression does not correlate with overall survival and conventional prognostic parameters in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. .