The Effect of Coping on the Relationship between Work-Family Conflict and Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.

The challenges experienced in the context of the pandemic have required a significant reconciliation between work and family domains due to confinement and the need to spend more time at home, which may have increased the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, making it necessary to use resilient coping strategies to overcome the difficulties felt. This study examined the effect of resilient coping on the relationship between work-family conflict and stress, anxiety, and depression in this context. Data were collected using a self-report protocol from a sample of Portuguese workers (N = 476). The results indicated that work-family conflict was positively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Resilient coping established a negative relationship with stress, anxiety, and depression. The moderation effect was not corroborated; it was found that in the presence of the moderating variable (resilient coping), the relationship between the variables of work-family conflict and stress, anxiety, and depression was strengthened. This study reinforces the importance of appropriate interventions in resilient coping in the work-family context, which helps control stress, anxiety, and resilience levels.

Blood count, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a case-control animal study of induced periodontitis in female rodents.

Introduction: Periodontitis is a non-communicable chronic inflammatory disease with a systemic burden. Animal models of induced periodontitis help elucidate the mechanisms by which periodontal inflammation drives systemic effects. Studying this systemic involvement over longer follow-up periods may provide a strong foundation for future research on the association between diseases and periodontitis, particularly in female rats. Therefore, we aimed to compare blood, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a rat model of induced periodontitis in females with their control counterparts. Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced in 20 female Wistar rats by the application and maintenance of silk ligatures on the upper molars. The rats were then assessed for macroscopical analysis, complete blood count, and biochemical, endocrine, and immunologic markers at 21, 28, 42, and 56 days. Results: Chronic periodontal inflammation was observed after 42 days of exposure to the ligatures. Additionally, it was also possible to notice significant systemic manifestations, such as the reduction of triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels, along with an increase in the expression of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Discussion: The study's findings imply that certain changes can be underscored to highlight a reduced risk of conception. Notably, previous investigations have indicated that subfertile women exhibit lower levels of thyroid hormones and elevated lactate dehydrogenase expression. Despite the absence of preclinical data delineating a possible association between periodontitis and female infertility, the results of this study may prove to be a crucial contribution to both the scientific and medical fields.

Unraveling the Sexual Dimorphism of First Instar Nymphs of the Giant Stick Insect, Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835, from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

The first instar nymphs, both male and female, of the giant stick insect Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835 were carefully described and measured, revealing a remarkable sexual dimorphism that is considered rare among insects and is poorly explored in the order Phasmida. The studied F1 nymphs originated in captivity from eggs laid by a coupled female specimen collected in the Atlantic Forest in the vicinity of Petrópolis city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The first instar nymphs of C. phyllinus were measured and illustrated in high-resolution photographs to show the general aspects and details of sexually dimorphic traits, making clear the phenotypic differences in the sexes. A total of 100 nymphs were kept alive until morphological sexual dimorphism was confirmed and quantified. All recently hatched first instar nymphs were separated based on the presumed male and female characteristics, i.e., the presence and absence of the suture in the metanotum in the males and females, respectively, had their sexes confirmed in 100% of the specimens as previously assigned. These results confirm this new morphological trait, which here is named "alar suture" as sex-specific in the first instar nymphs, a novelty in this stage of development of sexual differentiation. In addition, the distinct conformations of the last three abdominal sternites of both sexes were recorded.

Psychosocial Risks in Teachers from Portugal and England on the Way to Society 5.0.

Being a teacher is one of the most demanding jobs, as a result of this responsibility, these workers face many psychosocial risks. This study aims to characterize and compare psychosocial factors in Portuguese and British teachers and discuss how new developments in technology, namely digital technology can improve education and, in particular, contribute to fewer issues related to mental health. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire Medium Version (COPSOQ II) was applied to the teachers of six Portuguese schools (three public schools and three private schools), three British public schools and three private schools with an international British curriculum (Switzerland, Spain and Portugal). The results showed that cognitive, emotional, and quantitative demands, as well as work rhythm and work/family conflict, are the key psychosocial factors among these teachers. Differences were found between the teachers of both countries. Some models are proposed, through the proposals of Society 5.0, for their minimization and/or removal. Society 5.0 is the vision of a new human-centered society in the fifth stage launched by Japan in April 2016, and it is cited in our study with the hope that it will contribute to solving many problems of today's society.

COVID-19, lockdowns and international trade: evidence from firm-level data.

The COVID-19 pandemics and the lockdowns imposed to mitigate the rise of infections beyond manageable levels strongly affected international trade. Although the health crisis and the mobility restrictions associated with lockdowns are closely related, their impacts on international trade have a different nature. This paper uses monthly firm-level trade data for Portuguese firms to measure the impact of partner countries' lockdowns on nominal export and import flows during 2020 and the first half of 2021, while also assessing the impact of the health crisis. The high time frequency and granularity of the data contribute to the identification of the impact of these obstacles on trade. We conclude that the detrimental impact of lockdowns is sizeable and broadly similar in exports and imports, and the impact of the health conditions is slightly stronger in exports. There is evidence that the detrimental impact of lockdowns was stronger for larger firms, for those with higher geographical concentration of trade, more integrated in global value chains and in the upper quartiles of the trade unit value distribution. The negative impact is also estimated to be larger for industries with high import content and for trade partners that are more important as sources of value added to be embodied in Portuguese exports. Results also suggest that exports adapted to the prevailing circumstances as of June 2020, but such an effect is not clear in imports.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health and overall wellbeing of university students in Portugal.

Throughout the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, university students were considered a vulnerable risk group for mental health impairment and wellbeing deterioration. This study aimed at evaluating the pandemic's impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing among students of a Portuguese university. This cross-sectional study included 913 participants and ran from June to October 2020. Data collected included sociodemographics, three mental health self-report questionnaires (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Brief COPE) and lifestyle practices (eating and sleeping patterns, media, and entertainment habits) during the first months of the pandemic, which included a 72-day full national lockdown. Descriptive and correlational statistical analysis were conducted. Students' food habits changed during the pandemic, namely on the consumption of snacks and fast food and, overall, less balanced meals became more prevalent. Additionally, almost 70% of the students reported Body Mass Index changes, while 59% went through sleep pattern changes-these were more pronounced in women and younger students. Over half (67%) of the inquirees exhibited an increase in their stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. Also, the study demonstrates that students' lifestyles trended negatively during the pandemic and highlights how important regular psychological, health monitoring and emotional support is, amongst this somehow overlooked population throughout the pandemic. Universities should provide support to overcome challenges in future stressful situations. This study might have an impact on how universities and higher education systems approach their students in terms of mental and physical health monitoring and promotion in future situations, non-related with COVID. Moreover, it has a large sample of students well characterized in terms of mental and physical health, which might be of interest for future comparison with other worldwide group of students throughout stressful situations, such as tragic events, wars, pandemics.

A Less Common Cause of Acute Hepatitis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, representing an important global public health problem. Immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E can clear the infection spontaneously; however, in approximately two thirds of cases, immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant (KT) recipients, fail to clear the HEV infection and develop chronic hepatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report 3 cases of HEV infection in KT patients. Two presented only with laboratory abnormalities and elevated liver enzymes, and 1 presented with symptomatic disease motivating hospital admission. None was able to clear the infection spontaneously, and they were all treated with ribavirin, accompanied with reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. Adverse effects of the treatment were reported in 2 patients, and in 1 case, a dose reduction was necessary. All patients responded to the treatment and have no current evidence of active disease. No alterations of basal kidney function during or related to the treatment were registered. DISCUSSION: HEV screening in KT patients presenting with abnormal liver function of undetermined cause is fundamental, as it might have poorer outcomes in this specific population. The treatment with ribavirin seems to be safe and effective, although we must always be alert to potential side effects, maintaining a close follow-up of these patients.

The type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine influences serological response in kidney transplant recipients.

Vaccination is a promising strategy to control the ongoing pandemic; however, solid organ recipients tend to develop a weaker immune response to vaccination. Anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titers were measured 2-4 weeks post-vaccination completion in 131 KT patients without previous infection. Demographic, clinical, and laboratorial parameters were analyzed to identify which factors contributed to seroconversion. Factors that influenced seroconversion, that occurred in 76 patients (58%), were longer time post-transplant, immunosuppression without an antiproliferative drug and vaccination with mRNA vaccines. Patients who received mRNA vaccines had significantly higher rates of seroconversion compared with adenovirus vector vaccines (67% vs 33%, P < .001) and higher anti-spike IgG titers. These findings reinforce the need to discuss the vaccination strategy in this population, including a third dose with a mRNA vaccine.

A Case of Acute Interstitial Nephritis After Two Doses of the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: The development of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 breakouts came with highly positive results but some unexpected side effects. Rare side effects have been seen with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV 2 vaccine. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 45-year-old female patient who developed an acute kidney injury needing urgent hemodialysis one week after the second administration of the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV 2 vaccine. She developed a macular rash on her lower limbs and palms as well. A kidney biopsy was performed 10 days after vaccine inoculation, diagnosing acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis with cellular casts. The patient was treated with three corticosteroid pulses followed by daily prednisolone. We witnessed clinical improvement 4 days after the initial corticosteroid treatment with progressive recovery of kidney function and hemodialysis withdrawal. After 2 weeks, the patient had recovered her kidney function. Immunophenotyping was performed, diagnosing a hypersensitivity to the vaccine and the polyethylene glycol excipient. CONCLUSION: Patients may develop acute reactions to vaccines. In this case, symptoms seem to correlate significantly with its inoculation and, although this case had a favourable outcome, these side effects must be made aware for clinicians and patients.

[Neutropenic Fever in Lung Cancer: Clinical Aspects Related to Mortality and Antibiotic Failure].

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death. Patients treated with chemotherapy are at risk of developing chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN), a potentially life-threatening complication. The aims of this study were (1) to characterize FN admissions of patients with LC in a pulmonology department, and (2) to determine associations between patient profiles, first-line antibiotic failure (FLAF) and mortality. METHODS: Retrospective observational case-series, based on the analysis of medical records of LC patients that required hospitalization due to chemotherapy-induced FN. RESULTS: A total of 42 cases of FN were revised, corresponding to 36 patients, of which 86.1% were male, with a mean age of 66.71±9.83 years. Most patients had a performance status (PS) equal or less than 1, and metastatic disease was present in 40.5% (n=17). Respiratory tract infections accounted for 42.9% (n=18) of FN cases, and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most isolated agent. The mortality rate was 16.7% (n=7), and the FLAF was 26.2% (n=11). Mortality was associated with a PS≥2 (P=0.011), infection by a Gram-negative agent (P=0.001) and severe anemia (P=0.048). FLAF was associated with longer hospitalizations (P=0.020), PS≥2 (P=0.049), respiratory infections (P=0.024), and infection by a Gram-negative (P=0.003) or multidrug-resistant agent (P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Lower PS, severe anemia, and infections by Gram-negative or multi-resistant agents seem to be associated with worse outcomes in FN patients.

Insights on chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis' treatment: Factors associated with a favourable response to azathioprine.

BACKGROUND: The use of immunosuppressive and antifibrotic agents for the treatment of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) appears promising, but there is still no evidence supporting the clinical decision regarding the implementation of each specific pharmacological strategy. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CHP and treated with azathioprine (AZA) were retrospectively selected from a single centre for Interstitial Lung Diseases. Baseline clinical data, as well as functional, imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histology features were assessed. Longitudinal data on functional parameters were collected and comparatively analysed with patients' characteristics. RESULTS: In this cohort of 80 patients, of those who reached 12 months of treatment, 78.3% presented a preserved forced vital capacity, with 59 being eligible to be classified as AZA responders (n = 36) or non-responders (n = 23). BAL lymphocytosis was associated with a favourable response to AZA treatment (OR 1.051; 95% CI 1.015-1.089), although it didn't identify all responders. CONCLUSIONS: AZA revealed to be effective in disease stabilisation in most patients, while ineffective for a subset. BAL lymphocytosis appears as a potentially valuable strategy to identify AZA responders, although with limited accuracy. Further studies are needed to clarify other response markers to immunosuppressive agents, in order to optimize the therapeutic options for this condition.

Low rectal cancer treatment strategies: a cohort study assessing watch and wait.

PURPOSE: Treatment strategies for low rectal cancer have been evolving toward achieving less treatment morbidity with the same oncological success-we aimed to assess the results of the new watch and wait (W&W) strategy in our cohort. METHODS: A tertiary care cohort study was conducted. New patients with rectal adenocarcinoma up to 6 cm from the anal margin, cM0, locally staged higher than cT1N0, evaluated between November 2014 and October 2018, were included. All 93 patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Re-evaluation was planned 8-12 weeks after the end of treatment. Patients showing clinical complete response (cCR) were given the choice of either to proceed to surgery or to enter W&W. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients, 82.8% were re-evaluated and 20.8% had cCR. Patients in clinical stages II/III were significantly less likely to achieve cCR than those in stage I (p = 0.017). After a mean follow-up of 17.44 months, there were 4 regrowths in the 16 patients under W&W, all submitted to R0 surgery, ypN0; there were no deaths or local recurrences; one patient with regrowth had distant recurrence. Sixty patients underwent direct surgery after a mean follow-up of 16.23 months; 3 patients had local and distant recurrences; 7 others had only distant recurrences; there were 8 deaths. There were no statistically significant differences between patients under W&W and patients who underwent direct surgery regarding local or distant recurrences, or death (p > 0.9; p = 0.44; p = 0.19, respectively). CONCLUSION: The W&W strategy for low rectal cancer achieved the same oncological outcomes as the traditional strategy while sparing some patients from surgery.

Functional and Endoscopic Indicators for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients.

(1) Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, whose bulbar involvement compromises language, swallowing, and airway protection. When oral nutrition is no longer adequate, percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG) may be indicated. However, as exact timing is still debatable, we tried to find it. (2) Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed using fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), functional evaluation scales (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and bulbar sub-score (ALSFRS-R-B)), lung function tests (like Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Cough Peak Flow (CPF)) and anthropometric data. (3) Results: Twenty-three patients were enrolled (mean 65.4 ± 9.1 years, 60.9% males), 12 with spinal-onset. During the study period, 58 FEES were performed (1⁻4/patients). Even before formal the PEG indication, suggestions were given to correct the alterations found. PEG was placed in 12 patients, on average 21.8 months after diagnosis (FVC = 69.9% ± 26.7%, ALSFRS-R-B = 7.7 ± 3.7, ALSFRS-R = 28.9 ± 12.3), and being 91.7% under ventilatory support. ALSFRS-R-B, CPF, FVC, and ALSFRS-R showed significant discriminant ability for PEG placement. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, ALSFRS-R-B ≤ 8 (100/90.9), CPF ≤ 205 (83.3), FVC ≤ 74 (83.3/74.2), and ALSFRS-R < 29 (83.3/65.1). (4) Conclusions: FEES provide additional information beyond formal PEG indication. ALSFRS-R-B score ≤ 8 was found as a best functional and noninvasive indicator for PEG performance in ALS patients.

HIV-1 genetic diversity and resistance to antiretroviral drugs among pregnant women in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil. Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing genetic diversity of HIV-1 and emergence of drug-resistant mutations may reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis that are used to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and prevalence of drug-resistant mutations among HIV-infected pregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at an outpatient clinic for infectious diseases within gynecology and obstetrics. METHODS: This study evaluated the dynamics of HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of transmitted and acquired drug-resistant mutations among 38 HIV-infected pregnant women (20 previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy and 18 naive), in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil, between 2010 and 2011. Genotyping was performed by means of molecular sequencing of the protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the HIV-1 pol gene. RESULTS: Subtype B was identified in 84.2% of the samples, recombinant forms between B and F in 7.9%, subtype F1 in 5.3% and the recombinant form K/F in 2.6%. No mutation associated with transmitted drug resistance was detected in the samples from the naive pregnant women, whereas mutations associated with acquired drug resistance were found in 35.0% of the pregnant women previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: The results showed that subtype B predominated, while there was low prevalence of sequences with transmitted drug resistance.

HIV-1 genetic diversity and resistance to antiretroviral drugs among pregnant women in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil. Cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Increasing genetic diversity of HIV-1 and emergence of drug-resistant mutations may reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis that are used to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and prevalence of drug-resistant mutations among HIV-infected pregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at an outpatient clinic for infectious diseases within gynecology and obstetrics. METHODS: This study evaluated the dynamics of HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of transmitted and acquired drug-resistant mutations among 38 HIV-infected pregnant women (20 previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy and 18 naive), in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil, between 2010 and 2011. Genotyping was performed by means of molecular sequencing of the protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the HIV-1 pol gene. RESULTS: Subtype B was identified in 84.2% of the samples, recombinant forms between B and F in 7.9%, subtype F1 in 5.3% and the recombinant form K/F in 2.6%. No mutation associated with transmitted drug resistance was detected in the samples from the naive pregnant women, whereas mutations associated with acquired drug resistance were found in 35.0% of the pregnant women previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: The results showed that subtype B predominated, while there was low prevalence of sequences with transmitted drug resistance.

Histórias patográficas de mutilados dentais de um serviço de prótese do Sistema Único de Saúde / Patographics histories of dental maimed of a Unified Health System prosthesis service

Objetivo Analisar as dimensões objetivas e subjetivas de pacientes mutilados dentais que utilizaram, estão utilizando ou ainda aguardam um Serviço de Prótese Dental do Sistema Único de Saúde, Campinas, São Paulo. Métodos Foram consideradas a Política Municipal de Saúde, a estruturação do serviço, as práticas e a assistência em face das necessidades de saúde bucal do sujeito-paciente. O percurso teórico-metodológico fundamenta-se na Análise Institucional. Os instrumentos de investigação foram entrevistas com 18 mutilados dentais do referido serviço, a fim de elaborar suas histórias patográficas, e um diário de pesquisa realizado ao longo do trabalho. Resultados Os resultados encontrados apontam para a insuficiência e inadequação do Serviço existente, embora seja solução para aqueles usuários que conseguem a finalização de suas próteses. Conclusão Espera-se apontar possibilidades de reestruturação do Serviço mencionado, a fim de contribuir para qualificação da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal em seus micro espaços de trabalho, levando em conta a percepção dos pacientes edêntulos. Isso porque estes possuem sentimentos de inferioridade, insegurança, vergonha, entre outros, o que os leva à sensação de exclusão perante a sociedade.

Objective To analyze the objective and subjective dimensions of dental maimed patients who have used, are still using or are waiting to use the Unified Health System in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods Were considered the Municipal Health Politics, structuring of the service, assistance, and practice in the point of view of the patients. The theoretical-methodological course is based on the Institutional Analysis. The research instruments were interviews with 18 dental maimed of the service in order to elaborate their Patographic Histories, and a research diary carried out during the work. Results The results found show the insufficiency and inadequacy of the existing Service, although it is still a solution for those users who achieve the finalization of their prostheses. Conclusion We hope to point out possibilities of restructuring the aforementioned Office in order to contribute to the qualification of the National Oral Health Policy in its micro spaces, taking the perception of edentulous patients into account, since these have feelings of inferiority, insecurity, shame among others leading them to feel excluded from society.

Anemia e perfil de lipídeos em gestantes vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Anemia and lipids profile in pregnant women living with HIV

A infecção pelo HIV associa-se à anemia e às alterações no perfil de lipídeos de pessoas que vivem com o vírus. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a prevalência de anemia e as alterações nos níveis de lipídeos em gestantes que vivem com HIV/aids. O estudo foi do tipo coorte retrospectiva, realizado com 117 gestantes, em uso de terapia antirretroviral combinada, atendidas em ambulatório de pré-natal no período de 2010 a 2012, utilizando-se de dados secundários. A prevalência de anemia foi de 45,6% e nenhuma gestante apresentou anemia severa. Observou-se aumento progressivo das dosagens de colesterol total (p<0,001), HDL (p=0,05), LDL (p<0,001) e triglicérides (p<0,001), com maior aumento dos níveis de triglicérides ao longo dos três trimestres gestacionais. O monitoramento da presença de anemia e dos níveis de lipídeos ao longo da gestação é essencial para a realização de intervenções precoces, quando necessário, evitando complicações gestacionais e desfechos indesejados.

HIV infection is associated with anemia and with changes in the profile of lipids in HIV-infected people. Current retrospective study described the prevalence of anemia and changes in lipid levels in pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS and was performed with 117 pregnant women who were using antiretroviral therapy in pre-natal clinics, between 2010 and 2012, through secondary data. The prevalence of anemia reached 45.6%, although no one had severe anemia. There was a progressive increase in total cholesterol (p<0.001), HDL (p=0.05), LDL (p<0.001) and triglycerides (p<0.001), with greater increase in triglycerides levels throughout pregnancy. Monitoring anemia and lipid levels during pregnancy is crucial for early interventions since undesirable complications and unwanted results are avoided.

Pathological findings of colorectal polyps analyzed in Curitiba - Brazil / Achados anatomopatológicos de pólipos colorretais analisados em Curitiba ­ Brasil

ABSTRACT Context: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from malignancy in the world and the fourth leading cause in Brazil's ranks. Adenomatous polyps are considered premalignant lesions, and its resection reduces both morbidity and mortality rates. Objectives: Investigate the prevalence of premalignant lesions and correlate it with age and gender, as well as with the lesion found profile: location, morphology, histology and grade dysplasia. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational and descriptive study. We analyzed and tabulated results of polyps reports sent to Pathology Laboratory in the period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2013, in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Results: We analyzed 4640 reports of colorectal polypectomy, coming from 3089 patients, of whom 97.6% were examined by colonoscopy. Concerning gender, 56.5% were female and 43.5% were male. The mean age was 57.6 years (ranging from 15 to 92 years). The predominant removal areas of polyps were rectum in 26.2% and sigmoid in 24.2% cases. About histological aspects, the most common type - adenoma - was present in 75.1% polyps, of which 74.2% were tubular and 21.7% were serrated. Among the non-adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic prevailed with 88.7% cases. Malignancy was observed in 100 cases (2.15%). Conclusion: This study showed higher incidence of colorectal polyps in women, although adenocarcinomas are equally distributed in both sexes. In addition, the average age of patients undergoing colonoscopy is decreasing. Furthermore, 2.15% polyps sent for pathology analysis were found to be malignant.

RESUMO Contexto: O câncer colorretal (CCR) é a terceira causa de morte por doença maligna no mundo e, no Brasil, ocupa a quarta posição. Os pólipos adenomatosos são considerados lesões pré-malignas e a sua ressecção diminui a taxa de morbimortalidade. Objetivos: Verificar a prevalência das lesões pré-malignas e malignas, correlacionando com a idade e gênero, com perfil da lesão encontrada: tamanho, localização, aspecto morfológico, tipo histológico e grau de displasia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional e descritivo. Foram analisados os resultados dos laudos encaminhados a um Laboratório de Patologia, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2013, em Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Resultado: No total, analisou-se 4640 laudos de polipectomias colorretais, oriundos de 3089 pacientes, dos quais 97,6% realizaram exame por colonoscopia. Em relação ao gênero, 56,5% eram mulheres e 43,5% homens. A idade média foi 57,6 anos (entre 15 e 92 anos). Os locais predominantes de retirada dos pólipos foram reto (26,2%) e sigmoide (24,2%) dos casos. Em relação aos aspectos histológicos, o tipo mais comum foi adenoma, presente em 75,1% dos pólipos, dos quais 74,2% eram do tipo tubular e 21,7% serrilhado. Dentre os pólipos não adenomatosos, predominou o hiperplásico com 88,7% dos casos. A presença de malignidade foi observada em 100 casos (2,15%). Conclusão: O presente estudo evidenciou maior frequência de pólipos colorretais em mulheres, embora os adenocarcinomas estejam distribuídos igualmente em ambos os sexos. Além disso, a média de idade dos indivíduos que fazem colonoscopia está diminuindo. Malignidade foi encontrada em 2,15% dos pólipos encaminhados para análise anatomopatológica.

PTH and ionized calcium evaluation in unilateral thyroidectomized cats

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as concentrações de cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto (iPTH) após a tireoidectomia com implantação da paratireoide em gatos hipertireoideos. Gatos hipertireoideos podem apresentar hipocalcemia por apresentarem distúrbio na homeostase de cálcio. A tireoidectomia pode levar a hipocalcemia pós-operatória, sendo, portanto, fundamental a mensuração dos níveis de cálcio antes da cirurgia em pacientes hipertireoideos. Dezessete gatos com hipertireoidismo com lobos cervicais palpáveis foram examinados e avaliados laboratorialmente para a cirurgia. Tireoidectomia unilateral com implantação da glândula paratireoide foi realizada. Hemograma completo, ureia, creatinina, fosfatase alcalina, alanino aminotransferase, fósforo, potássio e tiroxina total foram realizados antes e sete dias após a cirurgia. Amostras de sangue para avaliar cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto foram coletadas antes e nos dias 1, 2, 7, 15 e 21 após a cirurgia. Os níveis séricos de cálcio diminuíram significativamente em 24 horas após a cirurgia. Hipocalcemia subclínica ocorreu em dois gatos. As concentrações de iPTH foram uniformemente baixas ao longo do estudo e não avaliaram a função da glândula paratireoide após a tireoidectomia nesses gatos. Não houve correlação entre os níveis de cálcio e de iPTH. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os níveis de iPTH não indicam função da glândula paratireoide e que os níveis de cálcio devem ser avaliados antes da tireoidectomia, mesmo nos casos de tireoidectomia unilateral.

The aim of this study was to measure ionized calcium and intact parathormone concentrations after unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid autotransplantation in hyperthyroid cats. Hiperthyroid cats may have calcium homeostasis disorder and have decreased calcium concentration. Calcium levels decrease after thyroidectomy and their levels must be measured before thyroidectomy. Seventeen hyperthyroid cats with palpable nodules were submitted to clinical and laboratorial examination and they were prepared to surgery. Unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid gland autotransplantation was performed. Concentrations of serum urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, potassium, total thyroxine and hematologic profile were determined before and seven days after surgery. Blood samples for serum ionized calcium concentration were collected before and after surgery on days 1, 2, 7, 15, 21. Serum calcium concentration fell significantly in all cats within 24 hours after surgery. Hypocalcemia occurred in two cats without clinical signs. The iPTH concentration measurements for samples throughout the study were uniformly low, with no patterns or trends identified. There wasn't correlation between serum calcium levels and iPTH levels in any moment before and after surgery. iPTH couldn't indicate parathyroid gland function after thyroidectomy in cats. The results of this study suggest that calcium concentration of all thyroidectomized cats must be measured before surgery even if they are submitted to unilateral thyroidectomy. iPTH concentration doens't evaluate patathyroid gland function

Penile brachytherapy-Retrospective review of a single institution.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of exclusive brachytherapy (BT) to treat patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma confined to the glans or prepuce. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of 25 patients treated for T1-T2 penile cancer with exclusive interstitial BT between July 1989 and March 2014 at our institution. RESULTS: Median followup was 9.2 years (range, 0-19). The mean patient age was 65.3 years (range, 51-80). Most patients underwent exclusive low-dose-rate BT (56%; n = 14) or pulsed-dose-rate BT (40%; n = 10). Only 1 patient received high-dose-rate BT (4%). The median prescribed dose was 60 Gy. Eight patients died during follow-up because of systemic progression (one case) and other intercurrent causes (seven cases). Two failures were recorded (one local and one regional), both at 4 months after BT. The remaining patients continued follow-up at our institution and maintained response. Two patients underwent partial phallectomy for toxicity. At the time of this report, 12 of the 25 patients are alive and free of disease. The most common late toxicities were telangiectasia, urethral stenosis, and atrophy, in 48%, 43%, and 17.4% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BT with low dose rate/pulsed dose rate provides excellent locoregional control for small (≤4 cm) T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the penile glans.