Tight Versus Liberal Blood Glucose Control in Patients With Diabetes in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Glycemia is an important factor among critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). There is conflicting evidence on the preferred strategy of blood glucose control among patients with diabetes in the ICU. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis comparing tight with liberal blood glucose in critically ill patients with diabetes in the ICU. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tight versus liberal blood glucose control in critically ill patients with diabetes from inception to December 2023. We pooled odds-ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with a random-effects model for binary endpoints. We used the Review Manager 5.17 and R version 4.3.2 for statistical analyses. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB2). Results: Eight RCTs with 4474 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.95-1.28; P = .18; I² = 0%) between a tight and liberal blood glucose control. RoB2 identified all studies at low risk of bias and funnel plot suggested no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: In patients with diabetes in the ICU, there was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality between a tight and liberal blood glucose control. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023485032.

Influence of SPION Surface Coating on Magnetic Properties and Theranostic Profile.

This study aimed to develop multifunctional nanoplatforms for both cancer imaging and therapy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Two distinct synthetic methods, reduction-precipitation (MR/P) and co-precipitation at controlled pH (MpH), were explored, including the assessment of the coating's influence, namely dextran and gold, on their magnetic properties. These SPIONs were further functionalized with gadolinium to act as dual T1/T2 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Parameters such as size, stability, morphology, and magnetic behavior were evaluated by a detailed characterization analysis. To assess their efficacy in imaging and therapy, relaxivity and hyperthermia experiments were performed, respectively. The results revealed that both synthetic methods lead to SPIONs with similar average size, 9 nm. Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated that samples obtained from MR/P consist of approximately 11-13% of Fe present in magnetite, while samples obtained from MpH have higher contents of 33-45%. Despite coating and functionalization, all samples exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Hyperthermia experiments showed increased SAR values with higher magnetic field intensity and frequency. Moreover, the relaxivity studies suggested potential dual T1/T2 contrast agent capabilities for the coated SPpH-Dx-Au-Gd sample, thus demonstrating its potential in cancer diagnosis.

Results of transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma as a bridging therapy to liver transplantation / Resultados da quimioembolização transarterial do carcinoma hepatocelular como terapia ponte para transplante de fígado

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the degree of tumor necrosis after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), used as a bridging therapy in patients awaiting liver transplantation, and its effect on survival. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving 118 patients submitted to TACE prior to liver transplantation, after which the degree of tumor necrosis in the explant and post-transplant survival were evaluated. Results: Total necrosis of the neoplastic nodule in the explant was observed in 76 patients (64.4%). Of the patients with total necrosis in the explanted liver, 77.8% had presented a complete response on imaging examinations. Drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), despite showing a lower rate of complications than conventional TACE, provided a lower degree of total necrosis, although there was no statistical difference between the two. By the end of the study period, 26 of the patients had died. Survival was longer among the patients with total necrosis than among those with partial or no necrosis (HR = 2.24 [95% CI: 0.91-5.53]; p = 0.078). Conclusion: In patients undergoing TACE as a bridging therapy, total tumor necrosis appears to be associated with improved patient survival.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da necrose tumoral após quimioembolização transarterial (TACE) como terapia ponte e seu reflexo na sobrevida dos pacientes. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com 118 pacientes que realizaram TACE, em que foram avaliados o grau de necrose tumoral no explante e a sobrevida pós-transplante. Resultados: Necrose total do nódulo neoplásico no explante foi observada em 76 pacientes (64,4%). Observou-se que 77,8% dos pacientes com necrose total no explante hepático tinham apresentado resposta completa nos exames de imagem. A DEB-TACE, apesar de ter demonstrado menor taxa de intercorrências, proporcionou menor grau de necrose total em relação à TACE convencional, a despeito de não haver diferença estatística. Ao final do seguimento do estudo, o número de óbitos foi de 26. A sobrevida foi maior nos pacientes que tiveram necrose total quando comparada com grau de necrose parcial ou ausência de necrose [HR = 2,24 (IC 95%: 0,91-5,53); p = 0,078]. Conclusão: Necrose completa do tumor nos pacientes submetidos a TACE como terapia ponte parece estar associada com melhora da sobrevida.

Results of transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma as a bridging therapy to liver transplantation.

Objective: To evaluate the degree of tumor necrosis after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), used as a bridging therapy in patients awaiting liver transplantation, and its effect on survival. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving 118 patients submitted to TACE prior to liver transplantation, after which the degree of tumor necrosis in the explant and post-transplant survival were evaluated. Results: Total necrosis of the neoplastic nodule in the explant was observed in 76 patients (64.4%). Of the patients with total necrosis in the explanted liver, 77.8% had presented a complete response on imaging examinations. Drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), despite showing a lower rate of complications than conventional TACE, provided a lower degree of total necrosis, although there was no statistical difference between the two. By the end of the study period, 26 of the patients had died. Survival was longer among the patients with total necrosis than among those with partial or no necrosis (HR = 2.24 [95% CI: 0.91-5.53]; p = 0.078). Conclusion: In patients undergoing TACE as a bridging therapy, total tumor necrosis appears to be associated with improved patient survival.

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da necrose tumoral após quimioembolização transarterial (TACE) como terapia ponte e seu reflexo na sobrevida dos pacientes. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com 118 pacientes que realizaram TACE, em que foram avaliados o grau de necrose tumoral no explante e a sobrevida pós-transplante. Resultados: Necrose total do nódulo neoplásico no explante foi observada em 76 pacientes (64,4%). Observou-se que 77,8% dos pacientes com necrose total no explante hepático tinham apresentado resposta completa nos exames de imagem. A DEB-TACE, apesar de ter demonstrado menor taxa de intercorrências, proporcionou menor grau de necrose total em relação à TACE convencional, a despeito de não haver diferença estatística. Ao final do seguimento do estudo, o número de óbitos foi de 26. A sobrevida foi maior nos pacientes que tiveram necrose total quando comparada com grau de necrose parcial ou ausência de necrose [HR = 2,24 (IC 95%: 0,91-5,53); p = 0,078]. Conclusão: Necrose completa do tumor nos pacientes submetidos a TACE como terapia ponte parece estar associada com melhora da sobrevida.

Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: A tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a Spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. RESULTS: The study involved 8 patients. All of them previously received immunosuppressive therapy. The Rituximab were administered as an intravenous infusion, in a dose of 375 mg/m2, and all doses were administered in a period during which the disease was in remission. The depletion of lymphocytes B (CD19, 0%) were confirmed after the first dose of Rituximab except for one, with a lymphocyte count of 1%. The period of depletion lasts 10,3 months (median; range 6,5-16 months), and only one of the patients registered a relapse of the disease in this period. A reduction of relapses suffered by patients has been shown after the treatment began (3,6 relapses/year in the previous year to the start of the treatment versus 0,1 relapses/year during the first year post-rituximab). The relapse-free survival in the first year reached 83,3% in patients who suffered more than one relapse (75% of patients), and without a relapse after the treatment began in 2 cases. One or more drugs could be removed in 87,5% of patients after the first cycle of rituximab. After the rituximab treatment, we reached a 96,5% decrease in the corticosteroids doses administered (28,5 mg/m2/day during the 3 months pre-treatment versus 1 mg/m2/day in the last 3 months of patient monitoring). Not a significant observed adverse effect attributed to the drug after the post-rituximab monitoring period (median 46,5 months, range 5-97 months). CONCLUSION: The favorable results reported after rituximab treatment in our patients seems to confirm the effectiveness of this drug in the steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, making that therapeutic option into consideration and legitimating the use of the drug in complex cases involving pediatric patients. Even so, it seems recommendable to design pertinent studies to clarify, among others, the optimum regimen of the treatment (dose, interval and cycles), clinical repercussion and potential adverse effects in long terms.

Tratamiento con rituximab en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente. Experiencia en un hospital terciario / Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital

Introducción: La corticoterapia continúa siendo la piedra angular en el tratamiento del síndrome nefrótico. El manejo de los pacientes que desarrollan dependencia a esteroides es complejo, implicando distintas pautas de fármacos inmunosupresores. El rituximab, anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20, parece tener efectos beneficiosos en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente de difícil manejo clínico, si bien aún no está bien definido su papel en esta entidad. Con el fin de aportar información útil sobre el papel del rituximab en esta patología, presentamos nuestra experiencia personal en pacientes pediátricos tratados con este fármaco en los últimos años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico idiopático córtico-dependiente controlados en la Sección de Nefrología Pediátrica de un hospital terciario español, y que habían recibido, al menos, un ciclo de tratamiento con rituximab durante cualquier momento de la evolución de la enfermedad. (AU)

Background: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. Methods: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. (AU)

COVID-19 diagnosis by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein detection in saliva using an ultrasensitive magneto-assay based on disposable electrochemical sensor.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has fueled the search for diagnostic tests aiming at the control and reduction of the viral transmission. The main technique used for diagnosing the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. However, considering the high number of cases and the underlying limitations of the RT-PCR technique, especially with regard to accessibility and cost of the test, one does not need to overemphasize the need to develop new and less expensive testing techniques that can aid the early diagnosis of the disease. With that in mind, we developed an ultrasensitive magneto-assay using magnetic beads and gold nanoparticles conjugated to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) peptide (Gln24-Gln42) for the capturing and detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in human saliva. The technique applied involved the use of a disposable electrochemical device containing eight screen-printed carbon electrodes which allow the simultaneous analysis of eight samples. The magneto-assay exhibited an ultralow limit of detection of 0.35 ag mL-1 for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in saliva. The magneto-assay was tested in saliva samples from healthy and SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. In terms of efficiency, the proposed technique - which presented a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 93.7% for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-exhibited great similarity with the RT-PCR technique. The results obtained point to the application potential of this simple, low-cost magneto-assay for saliva-based point-of-care COVID-19 diagnosis.

Seed ecology of European mesic meadows.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: European mesic meadows are semi-natural open habitats of high biodiversity and an essential part of European landscapes. These species-rich communities can be a source of seed mixes for ecological restoration, urban greening and rewilding. However, limited knowledge of species germination traits is a bottleneck to the development of a competitive native seed industry. Here, we synthesize the seed ecology of mesic meadows. METHODS: We combined our own experimental data with data obtained from databases to create a combined dataset containing 2005 germination records of 90 plant species from 31 European countries. We performed a Bayesian meta-analysis of this dataset to test the seed germination response to environmental cues including scarification, stratification, temperature, alternating temperature and light. We also used multivariate ordination to check the relationship between seed traits (germination and morphology) and species ecological preferences, and to compare the seed ecology of mesic meadows with that of other herbaceous plant communities from the same geographic area. KEY RESULTS: The seed ecology of mesic meadows is characterized by (1) high seed germinability when compared with other herbaceous plant communities; (2) low correspondence between seed traits and species ecological preferences; and (3) a deep phylogenetic separation between the two major families, Poaceae and Fabaceae. Poaceae produce many light seeds that respond to gap-detecting germination cues (alternating temperatures and light); Fabaceae produce fewer heavy seeds, which need scarification to break their physical dormancy. CONCLUSIONS: High germinability of meadow seeds will reduce their capacity to form persistent seed banks, resulting in dispersal limitations to passive regeneration. For centuries, human activities have shaped the regeneration of meadows, leading to a loss of seed dormancy and decoupling seeds from seasonal cycles, as has been found in many domesticated species. The same anthropic processes that have shaped semi-natural mesic meadows have left them dependent on continued human intervention for their regeneration, highlighting the importance of active restoration via seed supply.

Análise comparativa das mastectomias e reconstruções de mama realizadas no sistema único de saúde do Brasil nos últimos 5 anos / Comparative analysis of mastectomies and breast reconstructions performed in the Brazilian Unified Health System in the last 5 years

RESUMO Introdução: O câncer de mama é a segunda neoplasia maligna mais comum em mulheres no Brasil. O grande desafio para os profissionais de saúde é conciliar a fila de espera tanto para as cirurgias oncológicas quanto para as reconstrutivas. O objetivo é avaliar o cenário dos últimos 5 anos das cirurgias de câncer de mama em comparação ao número de cirurgias reconstrutivas realizadas no mesmo período. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem transversal e retrospectiva sobre mastectomias, segmentectomias e reconstruções mamárias realizadas no SUS, entre os anos de 2015 e 2020. Os dados foram coletados no serviço de transferência de dados do SUS, segundo os procedimentos e códigos escolhidos e tabulados no software Microsoft Excel 365. Resultados: Foram realizadas 204.569 cirurgias de câncer de mama, sendo 57% segmentectomias/quadrantectomias e 43% mastectomias. No mesmo período, foram realizadas 17.927 cirurgias plásticas reconstrutivas de mama com implantes após mastectomia, sendo que apenas 20,52% das mulheres mastectomizadas foram submetidas à reconstrução imediata com implantes. Conclusão: O número de cirurgias reconstrutivas de mama no Brasil está bem abaixo do ideal, deixando a maioria das mulheres mastectomizadas com sequelas por um longo período de tempo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm in women in Brazil. A great challenge for health professionals and to reconcile the waiting line for both oncological and reconstructive surgeries. The objective is to evaluate the last 5 years of breast cancer surgeries compared to the number of reconstructive surgeries performed in the same period. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a transversal and retrospective approach on mastectomies, segmentectomies and breast reconstructions performed at SUS, between the years 2015 and 2020. According to the procedures and codes chosen and tabulated in the Microsoft Excel 365 software, the data were collected in the SUS data transfer service. Results: 204,569 breast cancer surgeries were performed, with 57% segmentectomies/quadrantectomies and 43% mastectomies. In the same period, 17,927 reconstructive plastic breast surgeries were performed with implants after mastectomy, with only 20.52% of mastectomized women undergoing immediate reconstruction with implants. Conclusion: The number of reconstructive breast surgeries in Brazil is below the ideal level, leaving most women mastectomized with sequelae for a long time.

[Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital]. / Tratamiento con rituximab en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente. Experiencia en un hospital terciario.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. RESULTS: The study involved 8 patients. All of them previously received immunosuppressive therapy. The Rituximab were administered as an intravenous infusion, in a dose of 375 mg/m2, and all doses were administered in a period during which the disease was in remission. The depletion of lymphocytes B (CD 19%) were confirmed after the first dose of Rituximab except for one, with a lymphocyte count of 1%. The period of depletion lasts 10.3 months (median; range 6.5-16 months), and only one of the patients registered a relapse of the disease in this period. A reduction of relapses suffered by patients has been shown after the treatment began (3.6 relapses/year in the previous year to the start of the treatment vs. 0.1 relapses/year during the first year post-rituximab). The relapse-free survival in the first year reached 83.3% in patients who suffered more than one relapse (75% of patients), and without a relapse after the treatment began in 2 cases. One or more drugs could be removed in 87.5% of patients after the first cycle of rituximab. After the rituximab treatment, we reached a 96.5% decrease in the corticosteroids doses administered (28.5 mg/m2/day during the 3 months pre-treatment vs. 1 mg/m2/day in the last 3 months of patient monitoring). Not a significant observed adverse effect attributed to the drug after the post-rituximab monitoring period (median 46.5 months, range 5-97 months). CONCLUSION: The favorable results reported after rituximab treatment in our patients seems to confirm the effectiveness of this drug in the steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, making that therapeutic option into consideration and legitimating the use of the drug in complex cases involving pediatric patients. Even so, it seems recommendable to design pertinent studies to clarify, among others, the optimum regimen of the treatment (dose, interval and cycles), clinical repercussion and potential adverse effects in long terms.

Insuficiencia respiratoria súbita como primera manifestación de quiste hidatídico pulmonar / Sudden respiratory failure as a first sign of a pulmonary hydatid cyst

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Achados comportamentais e cognitivos em crianças de 5 a 11 anos nascidas com baixo peso / Behavioral and cognitive fi ndings in 5-11-year-old children born underweight

Introdução: O número de nascimentos prematuros cresceu nos últimos anos, aumentando a morbimortalidade infantil. Sabe-se que estes estão mais sujeitos a problemas futuros, devido à pouca maturidade de órgãos e ao baixo peso ao nascer. Contudo, a interação do indivíduo com o ambiente familiar e social também influencia no desenvolvimento e comportamento. O estudo avaliou crianças entre cinco e 11 anos de idade em acompanhamento no ambulatório de Pediatria da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Pelotas nascidas prematuras ou com baixo peso ao nascer e avaliou o perfil cognitivo e comportamental. Método: Participaram do estudo 47 crianças, sendo 11 prematuras e 36 nascidas a termo. Os instrumentos de avaliação utilizados foram: uma escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade, o MTA SNAP-IV e o Questionário de Habilidades e Dificuldades (SDQ). Para avaliação econômica, utilizou-se o Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil ­ ABEP. Utilizou-se ainda o teste das matrizes progressivas de Raven para estimar o quociente intelectual e um questionário com dados do histórico da criança, gestação e antecedentes dos pais. Resultados: Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre crianças a termo e prematuras, no sintoma impulsividade e e nos sintomas de transtorno de conduta, além de uma maior pontuação nos sintomas psiquiátricos em geral. Conclusão: Os achados sugerem que crianças prematuras apresentam maior prevalência de problemas de comportamento do que as nascidas a termo (AU)

Introduction: The number of preterm births has grown in recent years, increasing infant morbidity and mortality rates. It is known that preterm infants are more prone to future problems due to low maturity of organs and low birth weight. However, the interaction of the individual with the family and social environment also influences the development and behavior. This study assessed the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of children with low weight between 5 and 11 years as pediatric outpatients cared for in the School of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas. Method: The study included 47 children, 11 preterm and 36 term born. The assessment instruments used were the MTA SNAP-IV ­ Assessment Scale of Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the Skills and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). For socioeconomic evaluation, we followed the Economic Classification Criterion Brazil ­ ABEP. We also used Raven's Progressive Matrices and a questionnaire with the child's historical data, gestation, and parental background. Results: A statistical difference between preterm and full-term children was observed in the symptom impulsivity and conduct disorders as well as a higher score in psychiatric symptoms in general. Conclusion: The findings suggest that preterm infants have a higher prevalence of behavior problems than those born at term (AU)

Is diverticulopexy better than diverticulectomy in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum?

Dez pacientes portadores de diverticulo de Zenker foram submetidos a diverticulopexia associada a miotomia do musculo cricofaringeo para tratamento dessa afeccao, entre o periodo de 1983 a 1992. A tecnica consiste na disseccao do diverticulo e ancoramento do mesmo a fascia pre-vertebral de modo a ficar invertido, o que impede o seu enchimento com a degluticao. A media de idade dos pacientes era de 78,8 anos e todos tinham o diagnostico de diverticulo confirmado pela historia clinica e pela radiografia contrastada do esofago. Os sintomas mais comuns eram disfagia e regurgitacao, que foram avaliados no pos-operatorio em todos os pacientes...