Inflammatory Profile of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Patients in Brazil: Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the inflammatory profile of CRSwNP in Brazil and characterize the subgroups of CRSwNP patients in this population through cluster analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study involving 15 centers representing different regions of Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 166 patients and 80 controls, aged 18 to 70 years old, number of surgeries for CRS, history of asthma and aspirin sensitivity, and Lund-Mackay scores on CT scans. During nasal endoscopy, we obtained the Lund-Kennedy scores and collected 2 samples of nasal polyps: one for eosinophil and neutrophil tissue counts and one to quantify different cytokines. RESULTS: 79.6% of our patients had 10 or more eosinophils/HPF. CRSwNP groups exhibited significantly lower concentrations of TNF-alpha and significantly higher concentrations of IFN-gamma, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL24/Eotaxin-2/MPIF-2, and CCL26/Eotaxin-3 versus the control group (Kruskal-Wallis test). Comparison between CRSwNP groups (≥10 vs <10 eosinophils/HPF) showed no difference in cytokine concentration (Mann-Whitney test). Hierarchical clustering and PCA according to cytokine concentrations revealed 2 main Clusters, with a significantly higher concentration of all cytokines in Cluster 1 (n = 35) than in Cluster 2 (n = 121), except IL-6 and IL-33 (Mann-Whitney test). According to ROC curve analysis the best cut-off to differentiate the 2 clusters was 43 eosinophils/HPF. The group with ≥43 presented a higher prevalence of men and a higher Lund-Mackay score (Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: CRSwNP patients in Brazil present mixed inflammation, with 2 distinct groups (high and low inflammatory pattern) that can be distinguished by tissue eosinophilia of ≥43 eosinophils/HPF cut-off in nasal polyps.

Prevalence and Magnitude of Olfactory Dysfunction in Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Although allergic rhinitis (AR) can negatively impact the ability to smell, the degree to which this occurs is not clear and prevalence estimates vary among studies. This study had 4 main objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence and the degree of olfactory dysfunction in AR patients; (2) To compare olfactory perception between AR patients with different persistence and severity of symptoms and determine if olfactory testing may aid in differentiating among Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) groups; (3) To determine whether allergic reactions to different allergens differentially impact olfactory function, and (4) Verify possible changes in the olfactory epithelium (OE) caused by AR. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three patients with AR and one hundred controls were tested. The main outcome was the score in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). The OE was examined using immunofluorescence markers for neuronal activity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, signal transduction, eosinophils, and epithelial thickness. RESULTS: Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the AR patients was higher (AR: 42.9% vs controls: 9%, P < .001). No difference was found either between intermittent and persistent disease cases (P = .58) or between cases with mild and those with moderate/severe symptomatology (P = .33). Lower olfactory capacity was not associated with the reaction to more (P = .48) or diverse types of allergens (Ps > .05). Although not significant, patients with AR had a greater amount of eosinophilia and a lower amount of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) in the OE. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a higher prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in AR patients compared to controls, but olfactory testing may not effectively differentiate AR severity or allergen sensitivities. Although trends suggest potential pathophysiological changes in the OE of AR patients, further research is needed to validate these findings.

A Computational Model for the Simulation of Prepulse Inhibition and Its Modulation by Cortical and Subcortical Units.

The sensorimotor gating is a nervous system function that modulates the acoustic startle response (ASR). Prepulse inhibition (PPI) phenomenon is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating, defined as the reduction of ASR when a high intensity sound (pulse) is preceded in milliseconds by a weaker stimulus (prepulse). Brainstem nuclei are associated with the mediation of ASR and PPI, whereas cortical and subcortical regions are associated with their modulation. However, it is still unclear how the modulatory units can influence PPI. In the present work, we developed a computational model of a neural circuit involved in the mediation (brainstem units) and modulation (cortical and subcortical units) of ASR and PPI. The activities of all units were modeled by the leaky-integrator formalism for neural population. The model reproduces basic features of PPI observed in experiments, such as the effects of changes in interstimulus interval, prepulse intensity, and habituation of ASR. The simulation of GABAergic and dopaminergic drugs impaired PPI by their effects over subcortical units activity. The results show that subcortical units constitute a central hub for PPI modulation. The presented computational model offers a valuable tool to investigate the neurobiology associated with disorder-related impairments in PPI.

Brazilian guideline for the use of immunobiologicals in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ‒ 2024 update.

INTRODUCTION: Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation have revolutionized the way we treat patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Particularly in severe and difficult-to-control cases, these drugs have provided a new reality for these patients, allowing for the effective and safe treatment of extensive diseases that were not completely managed with the typical strategy of surgery and topical medications. OBJECTIVES: The experience achieved with the approval of these medications by ANVISA for use in CRSwNP and the knowledge obtained regarding outcomes, adverse effects, and the ideal patient profile prompted the update of the previously published guideline, with a detailed review of the most recent scientific literature, the personal experiences of experts, and the adaptation to the reality of the Brazilian healthcare system, both public and private. RESULTS: We proposed a new eligibility criterion for biologics in patients with CRSwNP based on four pillars of indication: the impact of the disease on the patient's life, whether in the presence of specific symptoms or in overall quality of life; the extent of sinonasal disease; the presence of type 2 comorbidities, considering other associated diseases that may also benefit from anti-T2 biologics, and the presence of biomarkers to define type 2 inflammation, especially those associated with worse disease prognoses. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative and pioneering method has two major advantages. First, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation of patients; second, it is flexible, as advancements in our understanding of the disease and changes in cost-effectiveness can be addressed by simply adjusting the required score for indication, without the need to modify the entire evaluation scheme.

Exploring the impact of inflammatory endotypes on olfactory function and quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to determine the endotypic inflammatory pattern of a sample of patients with CRS in Brazil, correlate it with olfactory function, and evaluate the clinical severity of the disease. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 73 CRS patients were recruited. Patients were classified into type 2 and non-type 2 endotypic patterns based on IgE and eosinophilia levels. All subjects performed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®) and responded to the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). RESULTS: The majority of patients had type 2 CRS (n=57, 78.1%). Patients with type 2 CRS compared to non-type 2 CRS had a higher prevalence of nasal polyps (93% vs. 12.5%), asthma (40.3% vs. 12.5%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD, 17.5% vs. 0%). Type 2 patients also had significantly lower UPSIT® and higher SNOT-22, Lund-Kennedy, and Lund-Mackay scores. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that type 2 CRS is associated with a higher prevalence of nasal polyps, asthma, and NERD, as well as decreased olfactory function and worse quality of life scores. These data will contribute to the body of knowledge on CRS and the development of treatments for this disease in Brazil.

Exploring the impact of inflammatory endotypes on olfactory function and quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis patients

Abstract Objectives The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to determine the endotypic inflammatory pattern of a sample of patients with CRS in Brazil, correlate it with olfactory function, and evaluate the clinical severity of the disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 73 CRS patients were recruited. Patients were classified into type 2 and non-type 2 endotypic patterns based on IgE and eosinophilia levels. All subjects performed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®) and responded to the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Results The majority of patients had type 2 CRS (n = 57, 78.1%). Patients with type 2 CRS compared to non-type 2 CRS had a higher prevalence of nasal polyps (93% vs. 12.5%), asthma (40.3% vs. 12.5%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD, 17.5% vs. 0%). Type 2 patients also had significantly lower UPSIT® and higher SNOT-22, Lund-Kennedy, and Lund-Mackay scores. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that type 2 CRS is associated with a higher prevalence of nasal polyps, asthma, and NERD, as well as decreased olfactory function and worse quality of life scores. These data will contribute to the body of knowledge on CRS and the development of treatments for this disease in Brazil. Level of evidence: 3.

Brazilian guideline for the use of immunobiologicals in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ‒ 2024 update

Abstract Introduction Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation have revolutionized the way we treat patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Particularly in severe and difficult-to-control cases, these drugs have provided a new reality for these patients, allowing for the effective and safe treatment of extensive diseases that were not completely managed with the typical strategy of surgery and topical medications. Objectives The experience achieved with the approval of these medications by ANVISA for use in CRSwNP and the knowledge obtained regarding outcomes, adverse effects, and the ideal patient profile prompted the update of the previously published guideline, with a detailed review of the most recent scientific literature, the personal experiences of experts, and the adaptation to the reality of the Brazilian healthcare system, both public and private. Results We proposed a new eligibility criterion for biologics in patients with CRSwNP based on four pillars of indication: the impact of the disease on the patient's life, whether in the presence of specific symptoms or in overall quality of life; the extent of sinonasal disease; the presence of type 2 comorbidities, considering other associated diseases that may also benefit from anti-T2 biologics, and the presence of biomarkers to define type 2 inflammation, especially those associated with worse disease prognoses. Conclusions This innovative and pioneering method has two major advantages. First, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation of patients; second, it is flexible, as advancements in our understanding of the disease and changes in cost-effectiveness can be addressed by simply adjusting the required score for indication, without the need to modify the entire evaluation scheme.

Descriptive study of goat external and middle ear through computed tomography and endoscopic evaluation, compared with the human ear.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the external and middle ear of goats, using computed tomography and endoscopic dissection, comparing them with the anatomy of the human ear, aiming to evaluate the viability of this animal model for training in otological endoscopic surgery. METHODS: Images of the external and middle ear of goats were produced by computed tomography in the coronal and axial planes and analyzed. The radiological anatomy of the external and middle goat and human ear are described. Some measures of surgical interest were described, such as the length of the external auditory canal, external and internal cross-sectional area of the external auditory canal, middle ear depth, vertical angle of the external auditory canal, length of malleus and incus. After the tomographic study, we analyzed the importance of evaluations through the endoscopic dissection of the goat ear. RESULTS: The bony canal is extremely tortuous and shows a bony prominence with significant elevation near the lower edge of the tympanic membrane. The middle ear has a large tympanic bulla in the hypotympanum region. The malleus is shaped similarly to that of the human, but its handle is located anterior to its head. The mastoid is not pneumatized. Compared to the human mastoid, there was a statistically significant difference in the external and internal cross-sectional area, at the depth of the middle ear, in the vertical angle of the canal and in the length of the incus. CONCLUSION: Goat morphometric anatomy showed that this model is suitable for surgical simulation in the initial training for endoscopic otological surgery. It is an important contribution to the development of skills to accelerate the subsequent endoscopic otological surgical training in humans, despite some differences found.

Descriptive study of goat external and middle ear through computed tomography and endoscopic evaluation, compared with the human ear

Abstract Objective: To describe the external and middle ear of goats, using computed tomography and endoscopic dissection, comparing them with the anatomy of the human ear, aiming to evaluate the viability of this animal model for training in otological endoscopic surgery. Methods: Images of the external and middle ear of goats were produced by computed tomography in the coronal and axial planes and analyzed. The radiological anatomy of the external and middle goat and human ear are described. Some measures of surgical interest were described, such as the length of the external auditory canal, external and internal cross-sectional area of the external auditory canal, middle ear depth, vertical angle of the external auditory canal, length of malleus and incus. After the tomographic study, we analyzed the importance of evaluations through the endoscopic dissection of the goat ear. Results: The bony canal is extremely tortuous and shows a bony prominence with significant elevation near the lower edge of the tympanic membrane. The middle ear has a large tympanic bulla in the hypotympanum region. The malleus is shaped similarly to that of the human, but its handle is located anterior to its head. The mastoid is not pneumatized. Compared to the human mastoid, there was a statistically significant difference in the external and internal cross-sectional area, at the depth of the middle ear, in the vertical angle of the canal and in the length of the incus. Conclusion: Goat morphometric anatomy showed that this model is suitable for surgical simulation in the initial training for endoscopic otological surgery. It is an important contribution to the development of skills to accelerate the subsequent endoscopic otological surgical training in humans, despite some differences found.

Dengue no Brasil: fatores socioambientais associados a prevalência de casos / Dengue in Brazil: socio-environmental factors associated with the prevalence of cases / Dengue en Brasil: factores sociales y ambientales asociados a la prevalencia de casos

A dengue é uma das doenças virais mais distribuídas pelo mundo. Por meio de uma revisão integrativa, este estudo busca identificar os possíveis fatores socioambi- entais associados à prevalência dos casos de dengue. Foi realizada uma pesquisa em es- tudos indexados nas bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Literatura La- tino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), no período de 2017 a 2023, utilizando-se os seguintes descritores (DeCS): dengue, aedes aegypti e infecções por ar- bovírus. Em seguida, foram selecionados quinze trabalhos, que foram publicados em por- tuguês e espanhol. Os resultados mostraram que a dengue está relacionada a diversos fatores, ligados a esfera social e ambiental. Inicialmente, observou-se que o crescimento urbano desordenado desencadeou uma série de questões que contribuem para o aumento dos casos de dengue e o consequente impacto sobre a saúde pública. Entre os principais fatores sociais, verificou-se um crescimento populacional nas cidades, o que levou ao agravamento da desigualdade social, elevação das moradias precárias e necessidade de melhor infraestrutura. Entre os principais fatores ambientais, pode-se destacar a deficiên- cia no fornecimento de água, o que costuma levar as pessoas a buscarem armazenar água em reservatórios descobertos. Além disso, é comum a ocorrência do manejo inadequado dos resíduos sólidos. Portanto, o trabalho evidenciou os fatores que estão associados à prevalência da dengue, assim como mostrou a necessidade de investimento em diversas áreas, no intuito de diminuir a desigualdade social.

Dengue is one of the most widespread viral diseases in the world. Through an integrative review, this study seeks to identify possible socio-environmental factors associated with the prevalence of dengue cases. A search was carried out on studies in- dexed in the databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), from 2017 to 2023, using the following de- scriptors (DeCS): dengue, aedes aegypti and arbovirus infections. Then, fifteen works were selected, which were published in Portuguese and Spanish. The results showed that dengue is related to several factors, linked to the social and environmental sphere. Ini- tially, it was observed that disorderly urban growth has triggered a series of issues that contribute to the increase in dengue cases and the consequent impact on public health. Among the main social factors, there was a population growth in the cities, which led to the worsening of social inequality, an increase in precarious housing and the need for better infrastructure. Among the main environmental factors, we can highlight the defi- ciency in the water supply, which usually leads people to seek to store water in uncovered reservoirs. In addition, the occurrence of inadequate management of solid waste is com- mon. Therefore, the work highlighted the factors that are associated with the prevalence of dengue, as well as showing the need for investment in several areas, in order to reduce social inequality.

El dengue es una de las enfermedades virales más extendidas en el mundo. A través de una revisión integradora, este estudio busca identificar posibles factores so- cioambientales asociados a la prevalencia de casos de dengue. Se realizó una búsqueda en estudios indexados en las bases de datos: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS) y Litera- tura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), de 2017 a 2023, utilizando los siguientes descriptores (DeCS): dengue, aedes aegypti y arbovirus infec- ciones Luego, quince obras fueron seleccionadas, que fueron publicadas en portugués y español. Los resultados mostraron que el dengue está relacionado con varios factores, vinculados a las esferas social y ambiental. Inicialmente, se observó que el crecimiento urbano desordenado desencadenó una serie de problemas que contribuyen al aumento de casos de dengue y el consecuente impacto en la salud pública. Entre los principales fac- tores sociales, hubo un crecimiento de la población en las ciudades, lo que condujo al recrudecimiento de la desigualdad social, aumento de la vivienda precaria y la necesidad de mejorar la infraestructura. Entre los principales factores ambientales, se puede destacar la deficiencia en el suministro de agua, lo que suele llevar a las personas a buscar alma- cenar agua en reservorios descubiertos. Además, es común la ocurrencia de un inade- cuado manejo de los residuos sólidos. Por lo tanto, el trabajo destacó los factores que están asociados a la prevalencia del dengue, además de mostrar la necesidad de inversión en varias áreas, con el fin de reducir la desigualdad social.

Tuberculose: principais fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento / Tuberculosis: main factors associated with treatment abandonment / Tuberculosis: principales factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento

O abandono do tratamento de tuberculose é uma questão relevante e preocu- pante na saúde pública mundial. Mediante uma revisão integrativa, esse estudo busca identificar os possíveis fatores que levam ao abandono do tratamento. Foi realizada pes- quisa em estudos indexados nas bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), no período de 2017 a 2021, utilizando-se os seguintes descritores (DeCS): tuberculose, agente antituberculose e tuberculose pul- monar. Ao fim, foram selecionados onze estudos, publicados nos idiomas português, es- panhol e inglês. Os resultados mostraram que o abandono está relacionado a fatores de diversas esferas, com destaque para as esferas social, da saúde e a do próprio tratamento. Como perfil das pessoas dos casos de abandono, em geral, observou-se que elas são eco- nomicamente ativas, com faixa etária entre 15 e 49 anos, possuem baixa escolaridade, baixa renda e é comum que os usos abusivos de álcool e drogas sejam apresentados como comorbidades relevantes. Portanto, o trabalho evidenciou os principais fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento de tuberculose e a importância da participação de diferentes atores como forças que somarão para diminuir a ocorrência do problema em questão.

The abandonment of tuberculosis treatment is a relevant and worrisome issue in public health worldwide. Through an integrative review, this study seeks to iden- tify the possible factors that lead to treatment dropout. A search was carried out in studies indexed in the databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), from 2017 to 2021, using the following descriptors (DeCS): tuberculo- sis, antitubercular agentes and pulmonary tuberculosis. Finally, eleven studies, published in Portuguese, Spanish and English, were selected. The results showed that abandonment is related to factors from different spheres, with emphasis on the social, health and treat- ment spheres. As for the profile of people in cases of abandonment, in general, it was observed that they are economically active, aged between 15 and 49 years old, have low education, low income and it is common for alcohol and drug abuse to be presented as relevant comorbidities. Therefore, the work highlighted the main factors associated with the abandonment of tuberculosis treatment and the importance of the participation of dif- ferent actors as forces that will add to reduce the occurrence of the problem in question. KEYWORDS: Tuberculosis; Antitubercular Agents; Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

El abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis es un tema relevante y pre- ocupante en la salud pública mundial. A través de una revisión integradora, este estudio busca identificar los posibles factores que conducen al abandono del tratamiento. Se rea- lizó una búsqueda en estudios indexados en las bases de datos: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS) y Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), de 2017 a 2021, utilizando los siguientes descriptores (DeCS): tuberculosis, agente antituberculoso y tuberculosis pul- monar. Al final, fueron seleccionados once estudios, publicados en portugués, español e inglés. Los resultados mostraron que el abandono está relacionado con factores en dife- rentes esferas, con énfasis en las esferas social, de salud y de tratamiento. Como perfil de las personas en casos de abandono, en general, se observó que son económicamente acti- vas, con edades entre 15 y 49 años, baja escolaridad, bajos ingresos y es común que el abuso de alcohol y drogas se presenten como comorbilidades relevantes. Por lo tanto, el trabajo destacó los principales factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento de la tuber- culosis y la importancia de la participación de diferentes actores como fuerzas que se sumarán para disminuir la ocurrencia del problema en cuestión.

Patência nasal em crianças respiradoras orais / Nasal patency in mouth breathing children

RESUMO Vários estudos mostram a importância da avaliação quantitativa na patência nasal e do estado funcional das vias aéreas superiores para fornecer informações clínicas e diagnósticas em indivíduos respiradores orais, as quais são de grande interesse para a fonoaudiologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação de solução salina nasal nas vias aéreas superiores através da aeração nasal e rinomanometria anterior ativa em crianças respiradoras orais. Estudo de série de oito casos, realizado em crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, com diagnóstico clínico otorrinolaringológico de respiração oral. O estudo consistiu em três etapas: avaliação inicial; intervenção e avaliação final. Foram aplicados os questionários do Índice de Identificação dos Sinais e Sintomas da Respiração Oral e qualidade de vida específica para doenças em pacientes pediátricos com queixas sinonasais. Realizaram-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e o exame da rinomanometria anterior ativa. A intervenção foi realizada por meio da irrigação de solução salina nasal com 10 ml. Em seguida, os pacientes foram reavaliados pela avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, para comparar os resultados. Em relação à avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, das 16 medidas comparativas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal, constataram-se mudanças significativas na aeração nasal e na resistência nasal. A irrigação nasal resultou em melhora nas medidas da aeração nasal, enquanto para o fluxo nasal da rinomanometria, as medidas permaneceram inalteradas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown the importance of quantitative assessment in nasal patency and functional status of the upper airways to provide clinical and diagnostic information in oral breather individuals, which are of great interest to speech therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal saline solution irrigation on the upper airways through nasal aeration and active anterior rhinomanometry in oral breathing children. This was an eight case series study, carried out in children aged 7 to 10 years with an otorhinolaryngological clinical diagnosis of mouth breathing. The study consisted of three stages: (I) initial evaluation; (II) intervention; and (III) final evaluation. The questionnaires of the Index for the Identification of Oral Breathing Signs and Symptoms and disease-specific quality of life in pediatric patients with sinonasal complaints were applied, nasal aeration assessments and the anterior active rhinomanometry exam were carried out. The intervention was performed by irrigating nasal saline solution with 10ml. Afterwards, they were re-evaluated by nasal aeration evaluation and rhinomanometry to compare the results. Regarding nasal aeration and rhinomanometry evaluation, from the 16 comparative measurements between pre and post nasal irrigation, we obtained significant changes in nasal aeration and nasal resistance. Nasal irrigation resulted in improvement in nasal aeration measurements while nasal flow measurements from rhinomanometry remained unchanged considering pre and post nasal irrigation.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an illustrated guide for the trainee radiologist.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, headache, and visual perturbations. Although the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is obscure, several mechanisms have been proposed, such as increased cerebral blood volume, excessive cerebrospinal fluid volume (due to high production or impaired resorption), and inflammatory mechanisms as a likely cause of or contributor to impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation. It predominantly affects women of reproductive age who are overweight or obese. The most common symptoms are daily headache, synchronous pulsatile tinnitus, transient visual perturbations, and papilledema with visual loss. The main neuroimaging findings are a partially empty sella turcica; flattening of the posterior sclera; transverse sinus stenosis (bilateral or in the dominant sinus); a prominent perioptic subarachnoid space, with or without optic nerve tortuosity; and intraocular protrusion of the optic nerve head. The main complication of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is visual loss. Within this context, neuroimaging is a crucial diagnostic tool, because the pathology can be reversed if properly recognized and treated early.

A hipertensão intracraniana idiopática é caracterizada por aumento da pressão intracraniana, cefaleia e manifestações visuais. Apresenta fisiopatologia incerta, porém, alguns mecanismos já foram propostos, como o aumento do volume sanguíneo cerebral, o excesso de líquor por aumento da produção ou a redução da reabsorção, e mecanismos inflamatórios como fator causal ou mesmo determinando limitação na circulação do líquor. Predomina em mulheres obesas em idade reprodutiva. Os sintomas e sinais mais comuns são cefaleia diária, zumbido síncrono ao pulso, obscurecimentos visuais transitórios e papiledema com perda visual. Os principais achados em neuroimagem são: sela turca vazia, achatamento posterior do globo ocular/esclera, estenose do seio transverso bilateral ou do seio dominante, distensão do espaço liquórico perióptico com ou sem tortuosidade do nervo óptico e protrusão intraocular da cabeça do nervo óptico. A principal complicação da hipertensão intracraniana idiopática é a perda visual. Nesse contexto, o papel da neuroimagem no diagnóstico é fundamental, pois a doença pode ser revertida se devidamente reconhecida e precocemente tratada.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an illustrated guide for the trainee radiologist / Hipertensão intracraniana idiopática: um guia ilustrado para o residente de radiologia

Abstract Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, headache, and visual perturbations. Although the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is obscure, several mechanisms have been proposed, such as increased cerebral blood volume, excessive cerebrospinal fluid volume (due to high production or impaired resorption), and inflammatory mechanisms as a likely cause of or contributor to impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation. It predominantly affects women of reproductive age who are overweight or obese. The most common symptoms are daily headache, synchronous pulsatile tinnitus, transient visual perturbations, and papilledema with visual loss. The main neuroimaging findings are a partially empty sella turcica; flattening of the posterior sclera; transverse sinus stenosis (bilateral or in the dominant sinus); a prominent perioptic subarachnoid space, with or without optic nerve tortuosity; and intraocular protrusion of the optic nerve head. The main complication of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is visual loss. Within this context, neuroimaging is a crucial diagnostic tool, because the pathology can be reversed if properly recognized and treated early.

Resumo A hipertensão intracraniana idiopática é caracterizada por aumento da pressão intracraniana, cefaleia e manifestações visuais. Apresenta fisiopatologia incerta, porém, alguns mecanismos já foram propostos, como o aumento do volume sanguíneo cerebral, o excesso de líquor por aumento da produção ou a redução da reabsorção, e mecanismos inflamatórios como fator causal ou mesmo determinando limitação na circulação do líquor. Predomina em mulheres obesas em idade reprodutiva. Os sintomas e sinais mais comuns são cefaleia diária, zumbido síncrono ao pulso, obscurecimentos visuais transitórios e papiledema com perda visual. Os principais achados em neuroimagem são: sela turca vazia, achatamento posterior do globo ocular/esclera, estenose do seio transverso bilateral ou do seio dominante, distensão do espaço liquórico perióptico com ou sem tortuosidade do nervo óptico e protrusão intraocular da cabeça do nervo óptico. A principal complicação da hipertensão intracraniana idiopática é a perda visual. Nesse contexto, o papel da neuroimagem no diagnóstico é fundamental, pois a doença pode ser revertida se devidamente reconhecida e precocemente tratada.

SARS-CoV-2 infection with bilateral intralabyrinthine hemorrhage.

A 47-year-old woman presented with the complaint of sudden hearing loss associated with vertigo. Serological testing was positive for IgM and negative for IgG COVID-19 antibodies, with no other associated factors. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed bilateral intralabyrinthine hemorrhage.

The Antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Restores the Behavioral Deficits in a Neurodevelopmental Model of Schizophrenia Through a Mechanism That Involves Nitric Oxide.

The disruption of neurodevelopment is a hypothesis for the emergence of schizophrenia. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that a redox imbalance could account for the developmental impairments associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, there is a deficit in glutathione (GSH), a main antioxidant, in this disorder. The injection of metilazoximetanol acetate (MAM) on the 17th day of gestation in Wistar rats recapitulates the neurodevelopmental and oxidative stress hypothesis of schizophrenia. The offspring of rats exposed to MAM treatment present in early adulthood behavioral and neurochemical deficits consistent with those seen in schizophrenia. The present study investigated if the acute and chronic (250 mg/kg) treatment during adulthood with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor, can revert the behavioral deficits [hyperlocomotion, prepulse inhibition (PPI), and social interaction (SI)] in MAM rats and if the NAC-chronic-effects could be canceled by L-arginine (250 mg/kg, i.p, for 5 days), nitric oxide precursor. Analyses of markers involved in the inflammatory response, such as astrocytes (glial fibrillary acid protein, GFAP) and microglia (binding adapter molecule 1, Iba1), and parvalbumin (PV) positive GABAergic, were conducted in the prefrontal cortex [PFC, medial orbital cortex (MO) and prelimbic cortex (PrL)] and dorsal and ventral hippocampus [CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG)] in rats under chronic treatment with NAC. MAM rats showed decreased time of SI and increased locomotion, and both acute and chronic NAC treatments were able to recover these behavioral deficits. L-arginine blocked NAC behavioral effects. MAM rats presented increases in GFAP density at PFC and Iba1 at PFC and CA1. NAC increased the density of Iba1 cells at PFC and of PV cells at MO and CA1 of the ventral hippocampus. The results indicate that NAC recovered the behavioral deficits observed in MAM rats through a mechanism involving nitric oxide. Our data suggest an ongoing inflammatory process in MAM rats and support a potential antipsychotic effect of NAC.

Guideline for the use of immunobiologicals in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in Brazil / Diretriz para o uso dos imunobiológicos em rinossinusite crônica com pólipo nasal (RSCcPN) no Brasil

Abstract Introduction Severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps has a negative impact on an individual's quality of life. Therefore, new biologics have emerged for use in specific phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis, changing the paradigms of its treatment. Objective To review the current status of biologic treatment indications in chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods The Brazilian Academy of Rhinology brought together different specialists to suggest a course of action, considering its particularities and aspects related to the national reality. Results Of particular interest for decision making will be the identification of subgroups of patients refractory to pre-existing treatment options and the construction of a strategy that improves their quality of life, with the best cost-benefit ratio. Conclusion The use of biologics is a valid option for treatment in more severe cases. This strategy must be better understood and improved in the future, with more studies and greater clinical experience.

Resumo Introdução A rinossinusite crônica com pólipos nasais grave não controlada impacta negativamente na qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Para esses casos, novos imunobiológicos têm surgido, para uso em fenótipos específicos da rinossinusite crônica, e mudaram os paradigmas de seu tratamento. Objetivo Revisar o estado atual das indicações de imunobiológicos em rinossinusite crônica. Método A Academia Brasileira de Rinologia reuniu diferentes especialistas para sugerir uma conduta que considerasse suas particularidades e seus aspectos relacionados à realidade nacional. Resultados De particular interesse para a tomada de decisão serão a identificação dos subgrupos de pacientes refratários às opções de tratamento pré-existentes e a construção de uma estratégia que realmente melhore a qualidade de vida deles, dentro da melhor relação custo-benefício. Conclusão O uso de imunobiológicos é uma opção válida para tratamento em casos mais graves. Essa estratégia deve ser mais bem compreendida e aprimorada no futuro, com mais estudos e maior experiência clínica.

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) and esophageal rupture by candida infection: A case report and review.

We probably describe the first report of esophageal rupture in a patient with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy - candidiasis - ectodermal dystrophy (APECED, OMIM # 240300), who had candida esophagitis as the main feature for decades. Strong evidence shows that this rupture may have been caused directly and indirectly by chronic candidiasis. In this way, we demonstrate how severe and harmful the persistent esophageal candidiasis can cause in the esophagus, especially in immunodeficient patients.

Electrical activity and fatigue of respiratory and locomotor muscles in obstructive respiratory diseases during field walking test.

INTRODUCTION: In subjects with obstructive respiratory diseases the increased work of breathing during exercise can trigger greater recruitment and fatigue of respiratory muscles. Associated with these changes, lower limb muscle dysfunctions, further contribute to exercise limitations. We aimed to assess electrical activity and fatigue of two respiratory and one locomotor muscle during Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) in individuals with obstructive respiratory diseases and compare with healthy. METHODS: This is a case-control study. Seventeen individuals with asthma (asthma group) and fifteen with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD group) were matched with healthy individuals (asthma and COPD control groups). Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalene (ESC), and rectus femoris (RF) were recorded during ISWT. sEMG activity was analyzed in time and frequency domains at baseline and during the test (33%, 66%, and 100% of ISWT total time) to obtain, respectively, signal amplitude and power spectrum density (EMG median frequency [MF], high- and low-frequency bands, and high/low [H/L] ratio). RESULTS: Asthma group walked a shorter distance than controls (p = 0.0007). sEMG amplitudes of SCM, ESC, and RF of asthma and COPD groups were higher at 33% and 66% of ISWT compared with controls groups (all p<0.05). SCM and ESC of COPD group remained higher until 100% of the test. MF of ESC and RF decreased in asthma group (p = 0.016 and p < 0.0001, respectively) versus controls, whereas MF of SCM (p < 0.0001) decreased in COPD group compared with controls. H/L ratio of RF decreased (p = 0.002) in COPD group versus controls. CONCLUSION: Reduced performance is accompanied by increased electromyographic activity of SCM and ESC and activation of RF in individuals with obstructive respiratory diseases during ISWT. These are susceptible to be more pronounced respiratory and peripheral muscle fatigue than healthy subjects during exercise.