Influence of environmental conditions on the mercury levels of the sediment along the Balbina Reservoir, Brazilian Amazon.

Mercury dynamics in hydroelectric reservoirs have been studied worldwide. In tropical reservoirs, especially in those of the Amazon, the influence of geochemistry on Hg levels along this aquatic system is not well understood. The main objective of the present study was to assess the influence of environmental conditions (physical and chemical water parameters, trace element concentrations of sediment and sediment geochemistry) on mercury levels of sediment along the Balbina Reservoir (Amazon basin, Brazil). Sediment was collected along the reservoir and in the main tributaries in May 2015 (n = 10). These samples were assessed for labile iron (LFe), manganese (LMn), aluminum (LAl) and mercury (LHg) concentrations, total mercury (THg) concentrations, organic matter (OM) content, and granulometry. Concentrations in the sediment were 4-212 (LFe), 2-460 (LAl), 180-613 (LMn), < detection limit-256 (LHg), and 12-307 µg kg-1 dry weight (THg). In general, these concentrations decreased along the reservoir from upstream to downstream, reaching the lowest concentrations in the middle of the lake, and they increased in the sampling points near the dam. The lability and concentrations of mercury were influenced by the concentrations of LFe, LMn, LAl, and the granulometry and OM content of the sediment. Altogether, THg concentrations of sediments of the Balbina Reservoir encompass the range of concentrations of other reservoirs or natural lakes in the Amazon basin (from ten to a few hundred µg kg-1 dry weight).

Is breath testing without 13C-labelled external urea able to detect Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main cause of gastric inflammation and peptic ulcer disease. Diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent these outcomes. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection can be performed by non-invasive methods, such as 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT). As endogenous urea is normally released to body cavities, we sought to investigate the usefulness of UBT without 13C-labelled external urea to detect H. pylori infection. The analysis was performed in a series of adult patients just before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy to investigate dyspeptic symptoms. Breath samples were analyzed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The natural variation of 13C and 18O isotopic abundance in the breath samples was also investigated. The results of the isotopic analysis were compared with the findings of the histopathological evaluation of gastric biopsies, which is the gold standard to detect H. pylori infection. No differences between patients with or without H. pylori infection could be detected by the isotope analysis of breath tests without 13C-urea. Therefore, our results showed that UBT without 13C-urea, analyzed by IRMS, was not useful to detect H. pylori infection in the study population.

Bioconversion of Chicken Feather Meal by Aspergillus niger: Simultaneous Enzymes Production Using a Cost-Effective Feedstock Under Solid State Fermentation.

This study reported for the first time the simultaneous production of hydrolytic enzymes by Aspergillus niger under solid state fermentation using chicken feather meal as substrate. The effect of some culture parameters for production of protease, lipase, phytase and keratinase enzymes was evaluated using a central composite rotatable design. The results obtained demonstrated that the independent variables initial moisture of the culture medium and incubation temperature presented as highly significant on the enzymes production. The production of protease and lipase followed a similar profile, in which the highest values of enzymatic activities were detected after 48 h of fermentation. The conduction of the fermentative process using an initial moisture of 50%, 30 °C as incubation temperature and supplementation of the feather meal with 15% wheat bran resulted in higher yields of protease (> 300 U g-1) and lipase (> 90 U g-1) after 48 h and satisfactory values of phytase activity (> 70 U g-1) after 72 h. No significant effects of the independent variables on keratinase production were observed. However, under the selected conditions for the other enzymes, keratinase production reached values higher than 13 U g-1 after 72 h fermentation. Thus, our work contributed to the proposal of an alternative process for the simultaneous production of proteases, lipases, phytases and keratinases in a single and simplified process using chicken feather meal.

A focussed single-view hand-held echocardiography protocol for the detection of rheumatic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic screening represents an opportunity for reduction in the global burden of rheumatic heart disease. A focussed single-view screening protocol could allow for the rapid training of healthcare providers and screening of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a focussed single-view hand-held echocardiographic protocol for the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease in children. METHODS: A total of nine readers were divided into three reading groups; each interpreted 200 hand-held echocardiography studies retrospectively as screen-positive, if mitral regurgitation ⩾1.5 cm and/or any aortic insufficiency were observed, or screen-negative from a pooled study library. The performance of experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, non-experts receiving focussed hand-held protocols, and experts receiving complete hand-held protocols were determined in comparison with consensus interpretations on fully functional echocardiography machines. RESULTS: In all, 587 studies including 76 on definite rheumatic heart disease, 122 on borderline rheumatic heart disease, and 389 on normal cases were available for analysis. The focussed single-view protocol had a sensitivity of 81.1%, specificity of 75.5%, negative predictive value of 88.5%, and a positive predictive value of 63.2%; expert readers had higher specificity (86.1 versus 64.8%, p<0.01) but equal sensitivity. Sensitivity - experts, 96% and non-experts, 95% - and negative predictive value - experts, 99% and non-experts, 98% - were better for definite rheumatic heart disease. False-positive screening studies resulting from erroneous identification of mitral regurgitation and aortic insufficiency colour jets increased with shortened protocols and less experience (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our data support a focussed screening protocol limited to parasternal long-axis images. This holds promise in making echocardiographic screening more practical in regions where rheumatic heart disease remains endemic.

Handgrip strength as a predictor of bone mineral density in outpatients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Osteoporosis is well recognized as a cirrhosis complication; however, most studies assessing this condition included only patients on liver transplantation lists with an elevated rate of bone diseases. While general population studies show that handgrip strength is clearly associated with bone mineral density, until now this tool has not been applied to patients with cirrhosis in relation to their bone condition. This study aimed to evaluate whether handgrip strength, bone, and liver tests may be useful as predictors of bone disease in outpatients with cirrhosis. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine subjects were included (77 men and 52 women). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was applied to evaluate lumbar-spine and femoral-neck T scores. Osteoporosis/osteopenia rates were 26.3%/35.6% in the lumbar spine and 6.9%/41.8% in the femoral neck, respectively. Model selections were based on backward procedures to find the best predictors of low T scores. RESULTS: For lumbar spine, only low handgrip strength and high parathyroid hormone levels were clearly related to low T scores. For femoral neck, only age was associated with low T scores. CONCLUSIONS: Handgrip strength may serve as an effective predictor of low lumbar spine T score among outpatients with cirrhosis. As cirrhosis affects the lumbar spine more than the femoral neck, these results suggest that handgrip strength should be tested in all patients with cirrhosis as a first indicator of bone health.

Case report: Biliobronchial fistula after biliary tract stenosis.

Biliobronchial fistula (BBF) is a rare abnormality resulting from congenital or acquired communication between the bile ducts and the bronchial tree. Patients often suffer from chronic cough, dyspnea, and bilioptysis, a pathognomonic symptom of this condition. Conservative methods such as less-invasive procedures are gradually consolidating. Nonetheless, surgery remains the primary treatment, especially in more complex cases. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a chronic cough, no verified periods of fever, cyclic jaundice, and episodes of yellowish sputum. She had undergone cholecystectomy in 2018 and had been hospitalized several times since for pneumonia treatment. All consequent investigations for mycobacteriosis were negative. When referred to our hospital, she had cyclic jaundice and parenchymal consolidation in the right lower lobe. Suspected bilioptysis motivated the search for a biliobronchial fistula. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) confirmed stenosis of the biliary tract and fistulous path, and sputum analysis indicated high bilirubin levels. External biliary bypass was performed as an initial conservative and definitive therapy due to the presence of liver cirrhosis. Although BBF is a rare condition when bilioptysis is suspected, a diagnostic investigation should be initiated. Our case study proposes two criteria for diagnosis: an imaging exam demonstrating the fistulous path and confirmation of bilirubin in the sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). When diagnosed, surgical correction should be performed.

COVID-19 in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which manifests mainly as a respiratory condition, has become a global pandemic that causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although the symptoms remain mild in most patients, the elderly and patients with previous comorbidities have higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Patients with liver cirrhosis, especially after decompensation, may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to systemic immune dysfunction. CASE REPORT The patient was a 51-year-old man who was hypertensive, an ex-alcoholic abstinent for 6 months, and a smoker. He was diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis in July 2019, and was using norfloxacin at home for secondary prophylaxis of bacterial peritonitis. He was also using furosemide and spironolactone to control ascites and propranolol for primary prophylaxis of esophageal varices. The patient entered our hospital in July 2020 with cough, dyspnea, runny nose, diarrhea, and fever. During hospitalization, we confirmed infection by COVID-19 and secondary nosocomial pulmonary infection. Chest tomography compatible with ground-glass standard was performed. The patient developed the need for auxiliary oxygen but without invasive mechanical ventilation. The patient received dexamethasone 6 mg/day and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (he was started on cefepime but switched to meropenem). At the end of the 14-day isolation period, he was discharged with improved respiratory status. CONCLUSIONS Despite high mortality rates in patients with advanced cirrhosis who become infected with COVID-19, we report a case with a favorable outcome. Success has been achieved with the use of medications in studies of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the rapid detection of complications caused by the virus. Further studies in SARS-CoV-2 patients with chronic liver disease are needed.

Histopathological prognostic factors for colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

INTRODUCTION: Resection is the mainstay of treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Many different histopathological factors related to the primary colorectal tumour have been well studied; however, histopathological prognostic factors related to CRLMs are still under evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To identify histopathological factors related to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with resected CRLMs. METHODS: A systematic review was performed with the following databases up to August 2020: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS. The GRADE approach was used to rate the overall certainty of evidence by outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies including 4,641 patients were eligible. We found very low certainty evidence that the following histopathological prognostic factors are associated with a statistically significant decrease in OS: presence of portal vein invasion (HR, 0,50 [95% CI, 0,37 to 0,68]; I²=0%), presence of perineural invasion (HR, 0,55 [95% CI, 0,36 to 0,83]; I²=0%), absence of pseudocapsule (HR, 0,41 [CI 95%, 0,29 to 0,57], p<0,00001; I²=0%), presence of satellite nodules (OR, 0,45 [95% CI, 0,26 to 0,80]; I²=0%), and the absence of peritumoural inflammatory infiltrate (OR, 0,20 [95% CI, 0,08 to 0,54]; I²=0%). Outcome data on DFS were scarce, except for tumour borders, which did not present a significant impact, precluding the meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Of the histopathological prognostic factors studied, low- to moderate-certainty evidence shows that vascular invasion, perineural invasion, absence of pseudocapsule, presence of satellite nodules, and absence of peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate are associated with shorter overall survival in CRLMs.

Health Education about Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Community-Based Cluster Randomized Trial: Rheumatic Heart Disease Educational Strategies.

Introduction: The burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still high in Brazil. Lack of population awareness about the disease limits the efficacy of prevention programs. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of education on RHD in schools, comparing the conventional expository teaching method with tablet-based worked examples. Method: A prospective, cluster randomized trial was conducted over eight months in six randomly selected low-income Brazilian public schools. Each class was considered a cluster (total: 90), being randomized 1:1 to receive one of the educational methods. Pre-test evaluated students' prior knowledge on RHD. Post-tests, 10 days, and three months later, evaluated retention of knowledge. Results: At total 1,301 students (52% female) completed the study, being 63% from high school. Baseline knowledge about RHD was universally low (average score expository classes [G1] 33.9% vs. worked examples [G2] 32.5%, p = 0.23). A significant but similar improvement was observed in both groups in the immediate post-test (pre- vs. post: p < 0.001): G1 57.5% vs. G2 56.7%, p = 0.69. In the late post-test, a significant 20% worsening was observed in both groups and the final scores were again similar: G1 45.0% vs. G2 45.9%, p = 0.87. Highschool students had higher scores (p < 0.001), and girls had better overall performances than boys (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The novel technology of tablet-based worked examples had similar results compared with expository classes for RHD education in schools. Both educational processes resulted in modest gains in knowledge, with low retention. More studies are needed to determine if increased knowledge leads to behavioral changes that could reduce RHD burden. Highlights: In a cluster-randomized trial, two different educational strategies about Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) for children - standard expository classes and worked examples based on interactive modules in tablet computers - were compared in public schools of underserved Brazilian neighborhoods.Baseline knowledge was low, and the novel tablet-based technology had similar results compared with traditional teaching for RHD education in schools, with no differences in acquisition and mid-term retention of knowledge.Both educational interventions resulted in similar 71% improvement in the immediate post-test, although with suboptimal retention, with over 20% worsening in three months in both groups.Our data suggests that the optimal strategy for RHD education is yet to be determined, and future studies should be warranted to determine if increased knowledge leads to behavioral changes that could reduce disease burden in endemic areas.

INCREASE OF LIPIDS DURING HCV TREATMENT: VIRUS ACTION OR MEDICATION?

BACKGROUND: The interaction between serum lipids and C virus infection is well known, as are serum lipid levels in the Peg-IFN / RBV-based treatment. However, with direct action antivirals (DAAs) this behavior is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare serum lipids levels between patients treated with Peg-IFN/RBV and DAAs and to evaluate lipids in sustained virological response (SVR) with DAAs. METHODS: Retro prospective study comparing the behavior of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) serum levels during treatment with DAAs (G-DAAs) and a control historic group Peg-IFN/RBV (G-PR). Coorte, prospective study, to study the behavior of lipids in the SVR with DAAs. Data were collected at the beginning of treatment (baseline: t-base) and at week 12 of treatment (t-12) for G-DAAs and at week 24 (t-24) for G-PR, groups. In the cohort evaluation, the samples at t-base and at week 12 after the end of treatment (t-SVR). Delta lipids: difference between lipids in t-12 / t-24 minus t-base for comparison between G-PR and G-AADs groups and t-SVR minus t-base for lipid analysis in SVR. Analysis with Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon tests to compare the delta lipids of the groups. The P value was 0.05. RESULTS: In the assessment between G-PR and G-DAAs groups, we included 63 and 121 patients, respectively. The groups did not differ one from the other (BMI, sex, genotype, fibrosis, total cholesterol, LDL, and TG) except by age (50.38±10.44 vs 56±9.69, P=0.0006). We observed a decrease in levels of TC and LDL and an increase in TG, in G-PR, and in G-DAAs the opposite (Δ TC -13.9±34.5 vs 4.12±34.3 P=0.0005, Δ LDL -7.16±32 vs 10.13±29.92, P=0.003, Δ TG 4.51±53.7 vs -8.24±49.93, P=0.0025). In the coorte analysis, we included 102 patients, 70% men and 56% F4, 95 of them reached SVR. We observed an increase of TC and LDL and a decrease of TG in both groups (SVR and non SVR), with no statistical difference (Δ TC P=0.68; Δ LDL P=0.69; Δ TG P=0.43). We did not find significant difference in delta evaluation by genotype 1 and 3 (Δ TC +29.7±40.2 vs +13.4±30.3, P=0.06; Δ LDL +21.4±28.6 vs +16.6±31.3, P=0.41; Δ TG -3.6±60.6 vs -0.7±40, P=0.91). CONCLUSION: Serum lipids level differed during treatment with Peg-IFN and DAAs. Treatment with DAAs was associated with an increase of TC and LDL and a decrease of TG, independently of SVR.

INSULIN RESISTANCE REDUCTION AFTER SUSTAINED VIROLOGICAL RESPONSE WITH DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRAL:NOT EVERY POPULATION IMPROVES.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health problem, that affects approximately 170 million people worldwide. Chronic HCV infection is associated with hepatic insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes HCV-infected patients has been well documented. OBJECTIVE: To assess the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in patients treated with direct acting antiviral (DAAs) medication in the sustained virological response (SVR), categorized by the presence or absence of cirrhosis. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Data were collected at the beginning of treatment (t-base) and in the twelfth week after the completion of treatment (t-SVR12). The inclusion criteria were presence of: HCV infection (RNA-HCV positive), age ≥18 years, completion of DAAs' therapy, and presence of diabetes with use of oral hypoglycemic agents. All samples were collected during the study period. The exclusion criteria were: presence of HBV/HIV co-infection, hepatocellular carcinoma at baseline, diabetic patients taking insulin and transplanted patients (liver/kidney). Fibrosis was assessed by hepatic elastography or biopsy (METAVIR). Cirrhosis was determined by clinical results or imaging. HOMA-IR was calculated as fasting insulin (µU/mL) × fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5) The patients were divided into two groups: the general study population (all patients, including the diabetic patients) and the special population (patients with normal values of HOMA-IR, which is >2.5, and without diabetes). The delta HOMA-IR value was calculated as: HOMA-IR at t-base - HOMA-IR at t-SVR12. For the descriptive statistical analysis, the paired t-test and generalized linear model assuming the log binding function were performed. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We included 150 patients, and 75 were cirrhotic. The mean age was 55.3±9.97 and body mass index was 27.4±5.18. Twenty-two (14.67%) were diabetic patients using oral hypoglycemic agents, and 17 (11%) were cirrhotic. In the general study population, the mean glucose and HOMA-IR values increased at t-SVR12, but insulin decreased. Delta HOMA-IR was negative at t-SVR12, but there was no significant difference. Excluding diabetic patients and those with normal HOMA-IR values (<2.5), mean glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased at t-SVR12. Delta HOMA-IR decreased significantly at t-SVR12 (P: 0.02). CONCLUSION: In the general population, glucose and HOMA-IR values increased at t-SVR12, but insulin decreased. In the special population, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and Delta HOMA-IR decreased at t-SVR12.

Telehealth solutions to enable global collaboration in rheumatic heart disease screening.

Background The global burden of rheumatic heart disease is nearly 33 million people. Telemedicine, using cloud-server technology, provides an ideal solution for sharing images performed by non-physicians with cardiologists who are experts in rheumatic heart disease. Objective We describe our experience in using telemedicine to support a large rheumatic heart disease outreach screening programme in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Methods The Programa de Rastreamento da Valvopatia Reumática (PROVAR) is a prospective cross-sectional study aimed at gathering epidemiological data on the burden of rheumatic heart disease in Minas Gerais and testing of a non-expert, telemedicine-supported model of outreach rheumatic heart disease screening. The primary goal is to enable expert support of remote rheumatic heart disease outreach through cloud-based sharing of echocardiographic images between Minas Gerais and Washington. Secondary goals include (a) developing and sharing online training modules for non-physicians in echocardiography performance and interpretation and (b) utilising a secure web-based system to share clinical and research data. Results PROVAR included 4615 studies that were performed by non-experts at 21 schools and shared via cloud-telemedicine technology. Latent rheumatic heart disease was found in 251 subjects (4.2% of subjects: 3.7% borderline and 0.5% definite disease). Of the studies, 50% were preformed on full functional echocardiography machines and transmitted via Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and 50% were performed on handheld echocardiography machines and transferred via a secure Dropbox connection. The average time between study performance date and interpretation was 10 days. There was 100% success in initial image transfer. Less than 1% of studies performed by non-experts could not be interpreted. Discussion A sustainable, low-cost telehealth model, using task-shifting with non-medical personal in low and middle income countries can improve access to echocardiography for rheumatic heart disease.

Comparison Between Different Strategies of Rheumatic Heart Disease Echocardiographic Screening in Brazil: Data From the PROVAR (Rheumatic Valve Disease Screening Program) Study.

BACKGROUND: Considering the limited accuracy of clinical examination for early diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), echocardiography has emerged as an important epidemiological tool. The ideal setting for screening is yet to be defined. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of latent RHD in schoolchildren (aged 5-18 years) and to compare effectiveness of screening between public schools, private schools, and primary care centers in Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: The PROVAR (Rheumatic Valve Disease Screening Program) study uses nonexperts and portable and handheld devices for RHD echocardiographic screening, with remote interpretation by telemedicine, according to the 2012 World Heart Federation criteria. Compliance with study consent and prevalence were compared between different screening settings, and variables associated with RHD were analyzed. In 26 months, 12 048 students were screened in 52 public schools (n=10 901), 2 private schools (n=589), and 3 primary care centers (n=558). Median age was 12.9 years, and 55.4% were girls. Overall RHD prevalence was 4.0% borderline (n=486) and 0.5% definite (n=63), with statistically similar rates between public schools (4.6%), private schools (3.5%), and primary care centers (4.8%) (P=0.24). The percentage of informed consents signed was higher in primary care centers (84.4%) and private schools (66.9%) compared with public schools (38.7%) (P<0.001). Prevalence was higher in children ≥12 years (5.3% versus 3.1%; P<0.001) and girls (4.9% versus 4.0%; P=0.02). Only age (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.17; P<0.001) was independently associated with RHD. CONCLUSIONS: RHD screening in primary care centers seems to achieve higher coverage rates. Prevalence among schoolchildren is significantly high, with rates higher than expected in private schools of high-income areas. These data are important for the formulation of public policies to confront RHD.

Síndrome DRESS por paracetamol / DRESS syndrome due to acetaminophen

A síndrome DRESS é uma entidade rara e distinta, caracterizada por acometimento cutâneo e envolvimento de órgãos internos, com risco potencial de morte. O diagnóstico e o tratamento pre- coces são de vital importância. Relatos de DRESS por paraceta- mol são raros na literatura, razão pela qual apresentamos este caso. Paciente do sexo masculino, 56 anos, com surgimento de rash maculopapular, febre, linfadenopatia e hipereosinofilia 3 semanas após suspensão de paracetamol, associados ao ante- cedente familiar de reação a fármaco. Evoluiu bem após pulso- terapia com metilprednisolona.

DRESS syndrome is a rare and distinct entity characterized by cutaneous manifestations and internal organs involvement with a potential risk of death. Early diagnosis and treatment are vi- tally important. Reported cases of DRESS syndrome due to ace- taminophen are rare in the literature, and that is the reason for this case report. A 56-year-old male patient with maculopapular rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and hypereosinophilia three we- eks after suspension of acetaminophen, associated with a family history of drug reaction. It progressed well after pulse therapy with methylprednisolone.

Evaluation of a preventive educational program for malocclusions: 7-year study.

RESULTS: 506 of the 802 guardians/children referred to the PPM joined. As for the children, the most frequently assessed habits were: bottle (56.1%), bottle and pacifier (18.4%), finger (11.9%), bottle and finger (7.1%), pacifier (5.7%), pacifier and finger (0.6%), and bottle/pacifier/finger (0.2%). After parent participation in the meetings, 335 (66.2%) children abandoned their habits. There was a statistical difference between type of oral habit and time to abandonment (p = 0.0001). However, those with only one habit abandoned it more easily (72.6%) than those with two or more associated habits (48.1%) (p = 0.042). Presence or absence of breastfeeding and parents' level of education had no significant effect on habit abandonment. CONCLUSION: PPM was an important tool for spreading knowledge to guardians, greatly contributing to the abandonment of deleterious oral habits. Bottle sucking warrants special attention - mentioned by 81.8% of parents - either alone or associated with other habits. Thus, educational actions to implement the children's approach to oral health are fundamental to making behavioral changes and promoting education of healthy habits, thereby keeping malocclusions from developing.

Echocardiographic prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Brazilian schoolchildren: Data from the PROVAR study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate estimates of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) burden are needed to justify improved integration of RHD prevention and screening into the public health systems, but data from Latin America are still sparse. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of RHD among socioeconomically disadvantaged youth (5-18years) in Brazil and examine risk factors for the disease. METHODS: The PROVAR program utilizes non-expert screeners, telemedicine, and handheld and standard portable echocardiography to conduct echocardiographic screening in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cardiologists in the US and Brazil provide expert interpretation according to the 2012 World Heart Federation Guidelines. Here we report prevalence data from the first 14months of screening, and examine risk factors for RHD. RESULTS: 5996 students were screened across 21 schools. Median age was 11.9 [9.0/15.0] years, 59% females. RHD prevalence was 42/1000 (n=251): 37/1000 borderline (n=221) and 5/1000 definite (n=30). Pathologic mitral regurgitation was observed in 203 (80.9%), pathologic aortic regurgitation in 38 (15.1%), and mixed mitral/aortic valve disease in 10 (4.0%) children. Older children had higher prevalence (50/1000 vs. 28/1000, p<0.001), but no difference was observed between northern (lower resourced) and central areas (34/1000 vs. 44/1000, p=0.31). Females had higher prevalence (48/1000 vs. 35/1000, p=0.016). Age (OR=1.15, 95% CI:1.10-1.21, p<0.001) was the only variable independently associated with RHD findings. CONCLUSIONS: RHD continues to be an important and under recognized condition among socioeconomically disadvantaged Brazilian schoolchildren. Our data adds to the compelling case for renewed investment in RHD prevention and early detection in Latin America.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS FOR MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 3: CONTROVERSIES AND UNRESECTABLE METASTASES.

In the last module of this consensus, controversial topics were discussed. Management of the disease after progression during first line chemotherapy was the first discussion. Next, the benefits of liver resection in the presence of extra-hepatic disease were debated, as soon as, the best sequence of treatment. Conversion chemotherapy in the presence of unresectable liver disease was also discussed in this module. Lastly, the approach to the unresectable disease was also discussed, focusing in the best chemotherapy regimens and hole of chemo-embolization.

Neste último módulo do consenso, abordou-se alguns temas controversos. O primeiro tópico discutido foi o manejo da doença após progressão na primeira linha de quimioterapia, com foco em se ainda haveria indicação cirúrgica neste cenário. A seguir, o painel debruçou-se sobre as situações de ressecção da doença hepática na presença de doença extra-hepática, assim como, qual a melhor sequência de tratamento. O tratamento de conversão para doença inicialmente irressecável também foi abordado neste módulo, incluindo as importantes definições de quando se pode esperar que a doença se torne ressecável e quais esquemas terapêuticos seriam mais efetivos à luz dos conhecimentos atuais sobre a biologia tumoral e taxas de resposta objetiva. Por último, o tratamento da doença não passível de ressecção foi discutida, focando-se nos melhores esquemas a serem empregados e seu sequenciamento, bem como o papel da quimioembolização no manejo destes pacientes.

Prevalence of the hepatitis C virus among University employees in São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil: predictive factors and geoprocessing spatial analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies on the prevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Objective Identify the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in university employees of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Digital serological tests for anti-HCV have been performed in 3153 volunteers. For the application of digital testing was necessary to withdraw a drop of blood through a needlestick. The positive cases were performed for genotyping and RNA. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used, with P-value <0.05 indicating statistical significance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were also used. RESULTS: Prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.7%. The risk factors associated with HCV infection were: age >40 years, blood transfusion, injectable drugs, inhalable drugs (InDU), injectable Gluconergam®, glass syringes, tattoos, hemodialysis and sexual promiscuity. Age (P=0.01, OR 5.6, CI 1.4 to 22.8), InDU (P<0.0001, OR=96.8, CI 24.1 to 388.2), Gluconergam® (P=0.0009, OR=44.4, CI 4.7 to 412.7) and hemodialysis (P=0.0004, OR=90.1, CI 7.5 - 407.1) were independent predictors. Spatial analysis of the prevalence with socioeconomic indices, Gross Domestic Product and Human Development Index by the geoprocessing technique showed no positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HCV infection was 0.7%. The independent risk factors for HCV infection were age, InDU, Gluconergan® and hemodialysis. There was no spatial correlation of HCV prevalence with local economic factors.

Grade 4 febrile neutropenia and Fournier's Syndrome associated with triple therapy for hepatitis C virus: A case report.

The use of triple therapy for hepatitis C not only increases the rate of sustained virological responses compared with the use of only interferon and ribavirin (RBV) but also leads to an increased number of side effects. The subject of this study was a 53-year-old male who was cirrhotic with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 A and was a previous null non-responder. We initially attempted retreatment with boceprevir (BOC), Peg-interferon and RBV, and a decrease in viral load was observed in the 8(th) week. In week 12, he presented with disorientation, flapping, fever, tachypnea, arterial hypotension and tachycardia. He also exhibited leucopenia with neutropenia. Cefepime and filgrastim were initiated, and treatment for hepatitis C was suspended. A myelogram revealed hypoplasia, cytotoxicity and maturational retardation. After 48 h, he developed bilateral inguinal erythema that evolved throughout the perineal area to the root of the thighs, with exulcerations and an outflow of seropurulent secretions. Because we hypothesized that he was suffering from Fournier's Syndrome, treatment was replaced with the antibiotics imipenem, linezolid and clindamycin. After this new treatment paradigm was initiated, his lesions regressed without requiring surgical debridement. Triple therapy requires knowledge regarding the management of adverse effects and drug interactions; it also requires an understanding of the importance of respecting the guidelines for the withdrawal of treatment. In this case report, we observed an adverse event that had not been previously reported in the literature with the use of BOC.