Effective treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus variants with oclacitinib: Seven cases.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) variants generally requires immunosuppression, which often results in potentially severe adverse effects. Janus kinase inhibitors, like oclacitinib, might be a valuable treatment option due to their rapid inhibition of the action of interferons known to be relevant in the pathogenesis of CCLE. OBJECTIVES: To report the efficacy and safety of oral oclacitinib for the treatment of canine CCLE variants. ANIMALS: Seven dogs were diagnosed with CCLE based on clinical signs and compatible histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oclacitinib was administered at the induction dosage of 0.45 mg/kg twice daily to 1.8 mg/kg once daily. The response to treatment was graded as 'good' when there was ≥50% lesion reduction, or as 'complete remission' if all active lesions had resolved. Complete blood counts were performed at variable intervals. RESULTS: A complete remission of all lesions was obtained in the dog with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, both dogs with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus and three of four dogs with facial discoid lupus erythematosus (FDLE); a good response was seen in the remaining dog with FDLE. The first visible improvement of signs was seen within 2-to-3 weeks, while the time to complete remission was around 2 months. Clinical adverse effects were not seen, and haematological parameters remained within the reference range. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oclacitinib may be considered an effective treatment option for different variants of canine CCLE.

Health beliefs towards kefir correlate with emotion and attitude: A study using an emoji scale in Brazil.

Emojis can be used to explore food-evoked emotions in order to provide information that can support the product development and marketing decisions. This study aimed to evaluate consumers' acceptance, purchase intent and emotional responses to milk beverages, with and without kefir added, before and after these consumers were informed about the products' composition (0%, 15%, 30% and 50% m/v) and health claims toward kefir (blind and informed tests, respectively). Emotional responses were assessed by emoji use within a RATA questionnaire in order quantify the perceived significance of the emojis chosen. In the informed test, the consumers' perception of the sensory attributes of the milk beverages, such as their perception of an acid taste in added kefir beverages was shown to have changed. Overall, participants attributed significantly higher acceptance and purchase intent scores to added kefir beverages after they had been informed on its health benefits. In addition, expressions of positive emotion increased when participants were exposed to stimuli related to health benefits of kefir (15%, 30% and 50% m/v), while negative expressions of emotion decreased. The provided information of kefir modified valence and arousal in subjects, and it can be said that to 30% of kefir can be added to yogurt without compromising its sensory acceptability. Thus, health benefits alone cannot improve product acceptance, since participants found a 50% addition of kefir to be unpleasant when tasted during a blind test. Mixed beverages may present a probiotic beverage alternative for consumers who dislike kefir milk, but want to include it in their diets. The implications of liking and purchase intent and how they are linked to emotions are discussed in this paper as well.

Evaluation of palate area before and after rapid maxillary expansion, using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the changes in the palate area after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with the Hyrax expander in growing subjects, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Fourteen patients (9 girls and 5 boys; mean age = 11.7 ± 2.4 years) who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment were included in this study. CBCT records had been taken before RME treatment (T0), at the end of active expansion (T1) and after a 6-month retention period (T2). The CBCT scans were manipulated with Dolphin Imaging® version 11.7 Premium software, in which landmarks were positioned and measured in relation to sagittal, coronal and axial planes, to verify the palate surface area. In addition, linear measurements of the palatal depth and width were assessed. These measurements were compared by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. A p-value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The palatal surface area and width significantly increased from T0 to T1, respectively by 9.27% and 9.71%, and both decreased in a non-significant manner from T1 to T2. The palatal depth had non-significant differences at T0, T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: RME promotes a significant gain in the surface area of the palate and an increase in intermolar width. The Hyrax appliance was effective for the treatment of maxillary atresia in growing patients. There was no vertical alteration of the palate. After a 6-month retention period, the maxilla transverse dimension and the surface area of the palate remained stable.

Yellow fever: profile of cases and factors associated with death in a hospital in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of confirmed cases of yellow fever whose patients were hospitalized in a general hospital for infectious diseases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 11, 2017 to June 15, 2018, during a recent outbreak and factors associated with death. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study with analysis of secondary databases of local epidemiological surveillance system, and complementary data collection from epidemiological investigation records and clinical records. Study variables included demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data. A descriptive statistical analysis and a bivariate and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were performed to analyze factors associated with death. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with yellow fever were hospitalized, 86.5% male patients, median age 49.5 years, 40.4% rural workers. The most frequent signs and symptoms were fever (90.4%), jaundice (86.5%), nausea and/or vomiting (69.2%), changes in renal excretion (53.8%), bleeding (50%), and abdominal pain (48.1%), with comorbidity in 38.5% of all cases. The lethality rate was 40.4%. Factors significantly associated with a higher chance of death in the bivariate analysis were: bleeding, changes in renal excretion, and maximum values of direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine. In the multivariate analysis by logistic regression, only changes in renal excretion and ALT remained significant predictors of higher chance of death. A threshold effect was also observed for AST. The cutoff points identified as high risk for death were ALT > 4,000 U/L and AST > 6,000 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributed to the knowledge on the profile of confirmed cases of high severity yellow fever. The main factors associated with death were changes in renal excretion and elevated serum transaminases, especially ALT. High lethality emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of increasing vaccination coverage.

Handgrip Strength and Pulmonary Disease in the Elderly: What is the Link?

Societies in developed countries are aging at an unprecedented rate. Considering that aging is the most significant risk factor for many chronic lung diseases (CLDs), understanding this process may facilitate the development of new interventionist approaches. Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a serious problem in older adults with CLDs, reducing their quality of life and survival. In this study, we reviewed the possible links between handgrip strength (HGS)-a simple, noninvasive, low-cost measure of muscle function-and CLDs in the elderly. Different mechanisms appear to be involved in this association, including systemic inflammation, chronic hypoxemia, physical inactivity, malnutrition, and corticosteroid use. Respiratory and peripheral myopathy, associated with muscle atrophy and a shift in muscle fiber type, also seem to be major etiological contributors to CLDs. Moreover, sarcopenic obesity, which occurs in older adults with CLDs, impairs common inflammatory pathways that can potentiate each other and further accelerate the functional decline of HGS. Our findings support the concept that the systemic effects of CLDs may be determined by HGS, and HGS is a relevant measurement that should be considered in the clinical assessment of the elderly with CLDs. These reasons make HGS a useful practical tool for indirectly evaluating functional status in the elderly. At present, early muscle reconditioning and optimal nutrition appear to be the most effective approaches to reduce the impact of CLDs and low muscle strength on the quality of life of these individuals. Nonetheless, larger in-depth studies are needed to evaluate the link between HGS and CLDs.

Evaluation of palate area before and after rapid maxillary expansion, using cone-beam computed tomography

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the changes in the palate area after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with the Hyrax expander in growing subjects, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Fourteen patients (9 girls and 5 boys; mean age = 11.7 ± 2.4 years) who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment were included in this study. CBCT records had been taken before RME treatment (T0), at the end of active expansion (T1) and after a 6-month retention period (T2). The CBCT scans were manipulated with Dolphin Imaging® version 11.7 Premium software, in which landmarks were positioned and measured in relation to sagittal, coronal and axial planes, to verify the palate surface area. In addition, linear measurements of the palatal depth and width were assessed. These measurements were compared by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. A p-value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The palatal surface area and width significantly increased from T0 to T1, respectively by 9.27% and 9.71%, and both decreased in a non-significant manner from T1 to T2. The palatal depth had non-significant differences at T0, T1 and T2. Conclusions: RME promotes a significant gain in the surface area of the palate and an increase in intermolar width. The Hyrax appliance was effective for the treatment of maxillary atresia in growing patients. There was no vertical alteration of the palate. After a 6-month retention period, the maxilla transverse dimension and the surface area of the palate remained stable.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a alteração na área do palato após expansão rápida da maxila (ERM) com o expansor Hyrax em indivíduos em crescimento, utilizando tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Métodos: quatorze pacientes (9 meninas e 5 meninos; idade média 11,7± 2,4 anos) que necessitavam de ERM como parte de seu tratamento ortodôntico foram incluídos nesse estudo. Os registros de TCFC foram obtidos antes do tratamento com ERM (T0), ao término da expansão ativa (T1) e após um período de contenção de 6 meses (T2). Os exames de TCFC foram manipulados no software Dolphin Imaging® versão 11.7 Premium, no qual os pontos anatômicos foram posicionados e medidos em relação aos planos sagital, coronal e axial, para verificar-se a área de superfície do palato. Além disso, medidas lineares da profundidade e largura do palato foram avaliadas. Essas medidas foram comparadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) para medidas repetidas. Valores de p< 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: a área de superfície e a largura do palato aumentaram significativamente de T0 para T1, respectivamente em 9,27% e 9,71%, e ambas diminuíram de forma não significativa de T1 para T2. A profundidade do palato teve diferenças não significativas em T0, T1 e T2. Conclusões: a ERM promove ganho significativo na área de superfície do palato e aumento na largura intermolar. O aparelho Hyrax foi efetivo para o tratamento da atrasia maxilar em pacientes em crescimento. Não houve alteração vertical no palato. Após um período de contenção de 6 meses, a dimensão transversal da maxila e a área de superfície do palato permaneceram estáveis.

The effectiveness of a therapist-oriented home rehabilitation program for a patient with acromegaly: A case study.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly causes numerous functional limitations that negatively impact patients' performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and contribute to the deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, the purpose of the present case study was to evaluate the effect of therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) for a patient with acromegaly. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with primary acromegaly 17 years ago. He complained of difficulties performing tasks that involved his hands, pain in the lower limbs, and fatigue when he climbed a few flights of stairs. Although he performed ADLs independently, he reported some difficulties or discomfort when performing them. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient underwent a booklet-guided physical exercise program that lasted two months (three times per week, 60 minutes per session). The activities included overall stretching, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises, along with aerobic conditioning through functional circuit training. After two months of exercise, he reported improved HRQoL as assessed with the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire, with increases in quadriceps muscle strength and 6-min walking distance. However, none of these benefits remained when the patient was assessed after a 1-month washout period. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with acromegaly may benefit markedly from TOHR, which could provide a novel therapeutic approach as an adjunct to hormone control therapy.

Physical exercise improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with acromegaly: a 12-week follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Although the focus of acromegaly treatment is the hormonal control of the disease, a new perspective must be given to the functional rehabilitation of these patients, especially when considering the recent increase in survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) on patients with acromegaly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen adults with acromegaly followed an exercise programme from a booklet with instructions for each exercise prescribed, for 2 months, and were reassessed after 1 month of washout. At each of the 3 timepoints (before and after the intervention and at the 1-month follow-up), the participants were subjected to the following assessments: body composition through bioimpedance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Acromegaly Quality of Life (AcroQoL) questionnaire, general fatigue through the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, handgrip strength, lower extremity functionality using isometric dynamometry and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), body balance through stabilometry, and functional capacity through 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). RESULTS: After performing TOHR, improvements in general fatigue, quadriceps muscle strength, LEFS, 6MWD, balance control and all AcroQoL dimensions were observed (all P < 0.05). After 1 month of washout, however, these gains were lost for all parameters, except the LEFS and balance control. CONCLUSIONS: In acromegaly, TOHR results in improvements in muscle function, functional capacity, general fatigue, body balance, and HRQoL. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate these benefits and to recommend rehabilitation, especially for those with long-term illness.

Diagnostic performance of a qPCR for Leishmania on stained cytological specimens and on filter paper impressions obtained from cutaneous lesions suggestive of canine leishmaniosis.

BACKGROUND: Detection of Leishmania in cutaneous lesions is possible by visualization of amastigotes. Detection of Leishmania DNA by PCR presents greater sensitivity, and PCR has been used to diagnose cutaneous leishmaniosis in humans using noninvasive clinical specimens. OBJECTIVES: Study I: to determine if Leishmania DNA could be efficiently extracted and amplified from archived Diff-Quik® -stained slides of cytological specimens from canine cutaneous lesions. Study II: to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a Leishmania-quantitative (q)PCR on stained cytological specimens and on filter paper impressions (FPI) obtained from cutaneous lesions suggestive of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). ANIMALS: Samples from cutaneous lesions of 54 dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Study I: Leishmania-qPCR was performed on 19 glass slides (from nine dogs) with cytologically visible amastigotes. Fifteen slides with no visible amastigotes, obtained from 12 dogs seronegative for Leishmania by ELISA, served as controls. Study II: Leishmania-qPCR was performed on glass slides and FPI from cutaneous lesions compatible with clinical leishmaniosis in 33 dogs. RESULTS: Study I: all slides with visible amastigotes had positive qPCR, whereas all control slides yielded negative results. Study II: of 13 dogs definitively diagnosed with clinical leishmaniosis, eight had visible amastigotes on cytology, whereas Leishmania-qPCR was positive on 11 glass slides and 13 FPI. Leishmaniosis was ruled out by standard methods in 20 dogs, four of which yielded positive qPCR on FPI and/or glass slides. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Leishmania-DNA can be detected efficiently by qPCR from cutaneous cytological specimens and FPI to diagnose Leishmania infection in dogs with cutaneous lesions suggestive of CanL.

Obstructive sleep apnea and quality of life in elderly patients with a pacemaker.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have a pacemaker. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age) with a pacemaker. The dependent variable was quality of life, as evaluated with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sociodemographic and clinical parameters, including anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score), as well as the presence of OSA (defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h), were analyzed as independent variables. Patients with cognitive/neurological deficits or decompensated heart failure were excluded. RESULTS: We evaluated 72 patients, 17 (23.6%) of whom presented OSA. Of those 17 patients, 9 (52.9%) were male. The mean age was 72.3 ± 9.3 years. A diagnosis of OSA was not associated with gender (p = 0.132), age (p = 0.294), or body mass index (p = 0.790). There were no differences between the patients with OSA and those without, in terms of the SF-36 domain scores. Fourteen patients (19.4%) presented moderate or severe anxiety. Of those 14 patients, only 3 (21.4%) had OSA (p = 0.89 vs. no OSA). Twelve patients (16.6%) had moderate or severe depression. Of those 12 patients, only 2 (16.6%) had OSA (p = 0.73 vs. no OSA). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with a pacemaker, OSA was not found to be associated with quality of life or with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Computerized photogrammetric assessment of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide a computerized photogrammetric description of the postural alignment of visually impaired athletes. METHODS: Twenty-six athletes were evaluated. Athletes were asked to stand at easy with styrofoam balls placed on selected anatomical landmarks, and photographic images were acquired in four viewpoints. Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO) was applied for image analysis. Body's angles and distances were calculated and transformed in absolute (nonnegative) values for analysis. Factor analysis was applied for data reduction. RESULTS: Absolute values of PAS/SAPO variables resulted in lower coefficient of variation (CV) than raw values (average of 57% versus 500%, respectively), which potentially enhances the comparative use of these measures. Head's forward positioning and rightward inclination were among the most prevalent postural deviation, being observed in more than 70% of the athletes. With respect to the magnitude of the deviation, large variability was observed in data derived from anterior/posterior compared with lateral viewpoint. For instance, head's rightward inclination (head horizontal alignment in the anterior view) achieved 2.9 ±â€¯2.5° (mean ±â€¯SD), with a CV of 86%, while head's forward positioning (C7 horizontal alignment in left viewpoint) reaches 42.7 ±â€¯6.6°, with a CV of only 16%. Factor analysis did not result in significant data reduction, although anterior body's angles and distances were identified as important sources of data variability. CONCLUSIONS: The PAS/SAPO values described here can be adopted as reference for future investigations of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

Yellow fever: profile of cases and factors associated with death in a hospital in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 2017-2018 / Febre amarela: perfil dos casos e fatores associados ao óbito em hospital referência no estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2017-2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of confirmed cases of yellow fever whose patients were hospitalized in a general hospital for infectious diseases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 11, 2017 to June 15, 2018, during a recent outbreak and factors associated with death. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study with analysis of secondary databases of local epidemiological surveillance system, and complementary data collection from epidemiological investigation records and clinical records. Study variables included demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data. A descriptive statistical analysis and a bivariate and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were performed to analyze factors associated with death. RESULTS Fifty-two patients diagnosed with yellow fever were hospitalized, 86.5% male patients, median age 49.5 years, 40.4% rural workers. The most frequent signs and symptoms were fever (90.4%), jaundice (86.5%), nausea and/or vomiting (69.2%), changes in renal excretion (53.8%), bleeding (50%), and abdominal pain (48.1%), with comorbidity in 38.5% of all cases. The lethality rate was 40.4%. Factors significantly associated with a higher chance of death in the bivariate analysis were: bleeding, changes in renal excretion, and maximum values of direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine. In the multivariate analysis by logistic regression, only changes in renal excretion and ALT remained significant predictors of higher chance of death. A threshold effect was also observed for AST. The cutoff points identified as high risk for death were ALT > 4,000 U/L and AST > 6,000 U/L. CONCLUSIONS This study contributed to the knowledge on the profile of confirmed cases of high severity yellow fever. The main factors associated with death were changes in renal excretion and elevated serum transaminases, especially ALT. High lethality emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of increasing vaccination coverage.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos casos confirmados de febre amarela internados em hospital geral de referência para doenças infecciosas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, de 11 de março de 2017 a 15 de junho de 2018, durante recente surto e fatores associados ao óbito. MÉTODOS Estudo observacional retrospectivo, com análise de bases de dados secundários da vigilância epidemiológica local e coleta complementar de dados nas fichas de investigação epidemiológica e prontuários clínicos. As variáveis analisadas incluíram dados demográficos, epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais. Foi conduzida análise estatística descritiva bivariada e múltipla por regressão logística para estudo de fatores associados ao óbito. RESULTADOS Foram internados 52 casos confirmados, 86,5% deles homens, com mediana de idade de 49,5 anos e 40,4% trabalhadores rurais. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes foram: febre (90,4%), icterícia (86,5%), náuseas e/ou vômitos (69,2%), alterações de excreção renal (53,8%), hemorragias (50%) e dor abdominal (48,1%), com comorbidade em 38,5% dos casos. A letalidade foi de 40,4%. Os fatores associados significativamente à maior chance de óbito na análise bivariada foram: hemorragia, alterações de excreção renal e valores máximos de bilirrubina direta, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), ureia e creatinina. Na análise múltipla por regressão logística, apenas alterações de excreção renal e ALT permaneceram como preditores significativos de maior chance de óbito. Observou-se ainda efeito limítrofe para AST. Os pontos de corte identificados como de alto risco para óbito foram ALT > 4.000 U/L e AST > 6.000 U/L. CONCLUSÕES O estudo contribuiu para o conhecimento do perfil de casos confirmados de febre amarela com gravidade alta. Os principais fatores associados ao óbito foram a alteração da excreção renal e a elevação sérica de transaminases, sobretudo a ALT. A letalidade elevada reforça a necessidade de diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, e a importância do incremento da cobertura vacinal.

Obstructive sleep apnea and quality of life in elderly patients with a pacemaker / Apneia obstrutiva do sono e qualidade de vida em idosos portadores de marca-passo

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate quality of life in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have a pacemaker. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age) with a pacemaker. The dependent variable was quality of life, as evaluated with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sociodemographic and clinical parameters, including anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score), as well as the presence of OSA (defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h), were analyzed as independent variables. Patients with cognitive/neurological deficits or decompensated heart failure were excluded. Results: We evaluated 72 patients, 17 (23.6%) of whom presented OSA. Of those 17 patients, 9 (52.9%) were male. The mean age was 72.3 ± 9.3 years. A diagnosis of OSA was not associated with gender (p = 0.132), age (p = 0.294), or body mass index (p = 0.790). There were no differences between the patients with OSA and those without, in terms of the SF-36 domain scores. Fourteen patients (19.4%) presented moderate or severe anxiety. Of those 14 patients, only 3 (21.4%) had OSA (p = 0.89 vs. no OSA). Twelve patients (16.6%) had moderate or severe depression. Of those 12 patients, only 2 (16.6%) had OSA (p = 0.73 vs. no OSA). Conclusions: In elderly patients with a pacemaker, OSA was not found to be associated with quality of life or with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida em idosos portadores de marca-passo e apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS). Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal com idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos) portadores de marca-passo cardíaco. A variável dependente foi qualidade de vida, avaliada por meio do Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram analisados como variáveis independentes, entre os quais ansiedade e depressão (por meio da Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), assim como presença de AOS (definida como um índice de apneia-hipopneia ≥ 15 eventos/h). Pacientes com déficits cognitivos/neurológicos ou descompensação cardíaca foram excluídos. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 72 pacientes, 17 dos quais (23,6%) apresentaram AOS - 9 homens (52,9%). A média de idade foi de 72,3 ± 9,3 anos. Não houve associações de presença de AOS com sexo (p = 0,132), idade (p = 0,294) e índice de massa corpórea (p = 0,790). Não foram observadas diferenças dos domínios do SF-36 entre os grupos com e sem AOS. Em relação à ansiedade, 14 pacientes (19,4%) apresentaram sintomas moderados ou graves, dos quais apenas 3 (21,4%) tinham AOS (p = 0,89 vs. sem AOS). No tocante à depressão, 12 pacientes (16,6%) apresentaram sintomas moderados ou graves, dos quais 2 (16,6%) tinham AOS (p = 0,73 vs. sem AOS). Conclusões: Nesta amostra em idosos portadores de marca-passo, a presença de AOS não foi associada a qualidade de vida e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão.

Expression of CK7 and CDKN2 in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Correlation with Clinical Outcome.

AIM: To evaluate cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) formalin-fixed samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Staining with antibody clones G175-405 for CDKN2A and OV-TL 12/30 for CK7 were evaluated and the detection of protein expressions were compared in 147 patients with CIN. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up of patients with CIN1 and CIN2 showed that most patients had a favorable outcome. Single CDKN2A or CK7 expression and their combined expression had a greater sensitivity and negative predictive value in CIN1, corresponding to the non-development of the disease. The positive predictive value of CDKN2A was greater than that of CK7. Combined expression of CDKN2A and CK7 showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values had their maximum index in the CIN1 group. Analysis of combined expression of CDKN2A and CK7 showed that 85.7% of patients presented unfavorable clinical outcomes, with positive expression for both markers identified in CIN2. CONCLUSION: Combined expression of CK7 and CDKN2A was associated with a better diagnosis of CIN, and negative expression in CIN1/2 groups had a greater negative predictive value for patient clinical outcome.

Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.

Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Desigualdades no acesso à HAART e diferenças de sobrevida de acordo com a categoria de exposição ao HIV no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Desigualdades en el consumo de la TARGA y supervivencia diferencial según la categoría de exposición en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract: Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.

Resumo: Apesar de uma melhora substancial no prognóstico e na qualidade de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA) no Brasil, permanecem desigualdades no acesso ao tratamento. Avaliamos o impacto dessas desigualdades na sobrevida na cidade do Rio de Janeiro ao longo de 12 anos (2000/11). Os dados foram consolidados a partir de quatro bases que constituem o sistema nacional de monitoramento da aids: SINAN-aids (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação; casos de aids), SISCEL (exames laboratoriais), SICLOM (controle logístico de medicamentos) e SIM (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), usando relacionamento probabilístico. As regressões de Cox foram ajustadas para avaliar o impacto da HAART (terapia antirretroviral altivamente ativa) na mortalidade relacionada à aids entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), usuários de drogas injetáveis (UDI) e heterossexuais diagnosticados com aids entre 2000 e 2011 na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Dos 15.420 casos, 60,7% eram heterossexuais, 36,1% HSH e 3,2% UDI. Houve 2.807 óbitos (18,2%) e a sobrevida mediana foi 6,29 anos. Houve associação significativa entre HAART e contagem de CD4+ > 200 na linha de base e importantes efeitos protetores. Comparados aos brancos, os não-brancos tiveram um risco 33% maior de morrer de aids. Os UDI tiveram um risco 56% maior, enquanto HSH tiveram um risco 11% menor de morrer de aids, comparados aos heterossexuais. Os indivíduos não-brancos, aqueles com menos de oito anos de escolaridade e UDI mostraram probabilidade mais alta de não receber HAART e de morrer de aids. No Rio de Janeiro, persistem desigualdades importantes no acesso ao tratamento, que resultam em impactos diferenciados na mortalidade de acordo com as categorias de exposição. Apesar da persistência dessas disparidades, a mortalidade diminuiu significativamente ao longo do período em todas as categorias analisadas, e o acesso à HAART teve impacto dramático no tempo de sobrevida.

Resumen: Pese a la mejora sustancial en el pronóstico y calidad de vida entre las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PLWHA) en Brasil, persisten las desigualdades en el acceso al tratamiento. Evaluamos el impacto de estas desigualdades en la supervivencia en Río de Janeiro, durante un período de 12 años (2000/11). Los datos fueron recabados de cuatros bases de datos que comprenden el sistema nacional de monitoreo del SIDA: SINAN-SIDA (Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación; casos de SIDA), SISCEL (pruebas de laboratorio), SICLOM (sistema dispensador electrónico), y SIM (Sistema de Información sobre la Mortalidad), usando una vinculación probabilística. Las regresiones de Cox fueron usadas para evaluar el impacto de la TARGA (terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad) en la mortalidad relacionada con el SIDA, entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), individuos que se inyectan drogas por vía intravenosa (PWID por sus siglas en inglés), y heterosexuales diagnosticados con SIDA, entre 2000 y 2011, en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Entre 15.420 casos, un 60,7% eran heterosexuales, un 36,1% HSH y un 3,2% PWID. Hubo 2.807 (18.2%) muertes y el tiempo medio de supervivencia fue 6,29. TARGA y CD4+ > 200 en la base de referencia estuvieron asociados con efectos importantes de protección. Los no-blancos tuvieron un riesgo un 33% mayor de morir a consecuencia de SIDA que los blancos. Los PWID tuvieron un riesgo un 56% mayor, y los HSH un riesgo un 11% menor, de morir de SIDA que los heterosexuales. Los no-blancos, con menos de ocho años de educación formal, y los PWID, eran más propensos a morir de SIDA y menos a recibir TARGA. Existen importantes inequidades en el acceso al tratamiento, resultando en efectos dispares en la mortalidad entre las diferentes categorías exposición. A pesar de estas persistentes disparidades, la mortalidad decreció significativamente durante el periodo para todas las categorías bajo análisis, y el impacto general positivo del TARGA en la supervivencia había sido importantísimo.

Hidromel: uma opção de renda para o apicultor / Mead: an income option for the beekeeper

O hidromel é uma bebida derivada do mel, obtida por meio da fermentação alcoólica de uma solução diluída de mel, realizada por leveduras, com graduação alcoólica final entre 8 e 18%. As etapas envolvidas na produção são preparação do mosto, tratamento térmico, inoculação da levedura, fermentação e clarificação. A qualidade do produto está relacionada ao processo de fabricação, formulação, à qualidade da matéria-prima e às características das leveduras utilizadas. A produção de hidromel tem potencial no país, devido à grande diversidade florística e à crescente demanda por produtos artesanais e diferenciados. Assim, o hidromel representa uma fonte alternativa de renda para o apicultor, devido à baixa valorização do mel in natura, simplicidade de produção e ótimo custo-benefício. Diante do exposto, este trabalho trata- -se de uma revisão bibliográfica com foco nas características da bebida, processo de produção e mercado.(AU)

Mead is a drink derived from honey, obtained by alcoholic fermentation of a diluted solution of honey, carried out by yeasts, with final alcoholic content between 8-18%. The steps involved in the production are wort preparation, heat treatment, yeast inoculation, fermentation and clarification. The quality of the product is related to the manufacturing process, formulation, quality of the raw material and characteristics of the yeasts used. Moreover, the production of mead has potential in the country, due to the great floristic diversity and the growing demand for artisan and differentiated products. Thus, mead represents an alternative source of income for beekeepers, due to the low commercial value of honey in nature, simplicity of production and great cost-benefit. In view of the above, this work is a bibliographical review focused on the characteristics of the beverage, production process and market

Herbst appliance with skeletal anchorage versus dental anchorage in adolescents with Class II malocclusion: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Herbst appliance is an orthodontic appliance that is used for the correction of class II malocclusion with skeletal discrepancies. Research has shown that this is effective. However, a potential harm is excessive protrusion of the lower front teeth. This is associated with gingival recession, loss of tooth support, and root resorption. This trial evaluates a method of reducing this problem. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a single-center, randomised, assessor-blinded, superiority clinical trial with parallel 1:1 allocation. Male and female young people (10-14 years old) with prominent front teeth (class II, division 1) will be treated in one orthodontic clinic. Group 1 will be treated with the conventional Herbst appliance with dental anchorage and group 2 with the Herbst appliance with indirect skeletal anchorage for 12 months. The primary objective will be to compare the proclination of the lower incisors between the Herbst appliance with dental anchorage and skeletal anchorage. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate the changes occurring between the groups in the mandible, maxilla, lower and upper molars, and in gingival recession and root resorption at the end of the treatment. Additionally, the young patient's experience using the appliances will be assessed. The primary outcome measure will be the amount of lower incisor proclination at the end of treatment. This will be assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) superimposition. Secondary outcome measures will be the changes in the mandible, maxilla, lower and upper molars at the end of treatment assessed by tomography superimposition and the young patient's experience using the appliances assessed by self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The randomisation method will be blocked randomisation, using software to generate a randomised list. The allocation concealment will be done in opaque envelopes numbered from 1 to 40 containing the treatment modality. The randomisation will be implemented by the secretary of the Department of Orthodontics of Rio de Janeiro State University before the beginning of the study. The patients and the orthodontists who will treat the patients cannot be blinded, as they will know the type of appliance used. The technician who will take the CBCT image and the data analyst will be blinded to patients' group allocation. DISCUSSION: If this new intervention is effective, the findings can change orthodontic practice and may also be relevant to other forms of treatment in which appliances are fixed to the bones of the jaws. However, if the bone anchoring is not effective, the trial will provide much needed information on the use of this comparatively new development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, protocol ID: NCT0241812 . Registered on 26 March 2015.

Cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions grades 1 and 2: value of an alternative morphological classification and of p16 immunohistochemistry in the prediction of clinical outcome / Lesões intraepiteliais escamosas cervicais graus 1 e 2: valor de uma classificação morfológica alternativa e do estudo imuno-histoquímico com p16 na predição do desfecho clínico

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diagnostic reproducibility and determination of prognostic factors in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias grades 1 and 2 are still relevant problems in the daily practice of gynecological histopathology. Objective: To correlate the value of morphological reclassification and of p16 immunoexpression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias grades 1 and 2 with clinical outcome. Materials and methods: Sixty-six patients were included (34 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1, and 32 with grade 2); an immunohistochemical study with p16 and reclassification according to the Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) Consensus and by the alternative proposal of Herfs and Crum were done; unfavorable outcome was defined as a subsequent histologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Results: We observed superior performance of the alternative morphological classification (p = 0.002) to determine unfavorable outcome. We also detected superior performance of p16 in the same determination (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The use of an alternative morphological classification is promising; in the context of the use of immunohistochemical antibodies as biomarkers, p16 showed good sensitivity and negative predictive value in the determination of cases in which the outcome was unfavorable.

RESUMO Introdução: A reproducibilidade diagnóstica e a determinação de fatores prognósticos em neoplasias intraepiteliais cervicais graus 1 e 2 ainda são problemas relevantes na prática diária da histopatologia ginecológica. Objetivo: Correlacionar o valor da reclassificação morfológica e da imunoexpressão do marcador p16 em neoplasias intraepiteliais cervicais graus 1 e 2 com o desfecho clínico. Materiais e métodos: Incluídas 66 pacientes (34 com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau 1 e 32 com grau 2); realizou-se estudo imuno-histoquímico com p16 e reclassificação segundo o Consenso Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) e a proposta alternativa de Herfs e Crum; desfecho desfavorável foi definido como diagnóstico histológico subsequente de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau 3 ou carcinoma de células escamosas invasivo. Resultados: Observamos performance superior da classificação morfológica alternativa (p = 0,002) para determinação de desfecho desfavorável. Também detectamos performance superior do marcador p16 na mesma determinação (p = 0,002). Conclusão: A utilização de uma classificação morfológica alternativa é promissora. No âmbito da utilização dos anticorpos imuno-histoquímicos como biomarcadores, o p16 apresentou boa sensibilidade e valor preditivo negativo na determinação dos casos em que o desfecho foi desfavorável.

Fatores associados ao aumento da vulnerabilidade de participantes de pesquisa / Factors linked to the increased vulnerability of research subjects / Factores asociados al aumento de la vulnerabilidad de los participantes de la investigación

Resumo Trata-se de estudo de corte transversal cujo objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência de fatores associados ao aumento da vulnerabilidade de participantes de pesquisas. Foram entrevistados 116 pacientes e 18 médicos. Entre os pacientes, 15% eram analfabetos, 27% desconheciam o motivo do seu internamento e 45% não sabiam qual tratamento estavam recebendo. Do total da amostra, 43% procediam de zona rural e 70% haviam cursado, no máximo, ensino fundamental, fatores que tornam essa população especialmente vulnerável. Os percentuais de acerto em questões relacionadas à compreensão do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e de prescrição médica foram, respectivamente, 12% e 7%. Entre os médicos, 44% não conheciam todas as pesquisas realizadas na enfermaria pela qual eram responsáveis e 17% afirmaram que a permanência hospitalar de pacientes que participam de pesquisas é maior. É elevada a prevalência de fatores que aumentam a vulnerabilidade de participantes em pesquisas médicas.

Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out that aimed to assess the prevalence of factors associated with the increased vulnerability of research subjects. A total of 116 patients and 18 doctors were interviewed. A proportion of 15% of patients were illiterate, 27% did not know the reason for their hospitalization and 45% did not know what treatment they were receiving. Of the total sample, 43% were from rural areas and 70% had at most an elementary level education, factors that make this population especially vulnerable. The percentage of correct answers on issues related to the understanding of free and informed consent and prescriptions were 12% and 7%, respectively. Among the doctors, 44% were not aware of all the research projects being carried out in the ward for which they were responsible, and 17% said that the hospital stays of patients participating in research were longer. The prevalence of factors that increased the vulnerability of subjects in medical research was high.

Se trata de un estudio de corte transversal que tuvo como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de los factores asociados con el aumento de vulnerabilidad de los participantes de investigación. Fueron entrevistados 116 pacientes y 18 médicos. Entre los pacientes, el 15% eran analfabetos, el 27% desconocía el motivo de su hospitalización y el 45% no sabía qué tratamiento estaba recibiendo. Del total de la muestra, el 43% era de zonas rurales, y el 70% había cursado, como máximo, la educación básica, factores que tornan a esta población especialmente vulnerable. El porcentaje de respuestas correctas en cuestiones relacionadas con la comprensión del consentimiento libre e informado y de la prescripción médica fue de, respectivamente, 12% y 7%. Entre los médicos, el 44% no conocía todas las investigaciones realizadas en la enfermería de la cual eran responsables y el 17% afirmó que la permanencia hospitalaria de los pacientes que participan de investigaciones es mayor. Es elevada la prevalencia de factores que aumentan la vulnerabilidad de los participantes en investigaciones médicas.