Exploring men's health in medium and high complexity care in Brazil: A deductive thematic analysis of social determinants.

Background: Men's health is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural determinants. Understanding how these aspects affect the health of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings is essential for improving healthcare services and promoting better health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the health status of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings based on social determinants and conditioners. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design involving 45 adult cisgender men receiving care in medium/high complexity services in Bahia, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July 2019 to February 2020, and data were interpreted based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's Model of Social Determinants of Health using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Proximal determinants included biological aspects, preventive behaviors, lifestyle/social life, and aging processes. Intermediate factors included work conditions, access/utilization of healthcare services/medications, and psychosocial factors. Macro determinants involved income distribution, power dynamics, resource allocation, health inequalities/iniquities, morbidity, culture, political decisions, environmental factors, and structural elements. Conclusion: The health status of men in medium/high complexity care was profoundly influenced by structural social determinants. These determinants impacted healthcare attention, service organization, cultural influences, the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity patterns, lifestyle, social support, and socioeconomic conditions necessary to realize the right to health. Nursing practices should conduct comprehensive assessments that extend beyond physical health indicators.

Essential Oils of Duguetia Species A. St. Hill (Annonaceae): Chemical Diversity and Pharmacological Potential.

Duguetia A. St. Hill (Annonaceae) is recognized as one of the major genera with approximately 100 species, 67 of which are found in Brazil (29 of those are endemic). They are arboreal species with edible fruits known as "pindaíba", "pindaíva" "pinha", and "envira" in Brazil. Many Duguetia species, in particular, have been used in traditional medicine to treat renal colic, stomachache, rheumatism, cough, toothache, muscle pain, fever, gastrointestinal pain, and breathing difficulties. In this study, we reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs) from Duguetia species. A total of 12 species were found, along with their EO chemical constituents and bioactivities. Bicyclogermacrene, humulene epoxide II, spathulenol, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, viridiflorene, α-pinene, ß-caryophyllene, and ß-pinene were the main chemical constituents reported. The pharmacological effects of Duguetia species EOs included anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-trypanosoma, cytotoxic and antitumor properties. This information adds to our understanding of the potential of the EOs of Duguetia species.

B-scan ultrasound, visual electrophysiology and perioperative videoendoscopy for predicting functional results in keratoprosthesis candidates.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We analysed the ability of B-scan ultrasound, ocular electrophysiology testing and videoendoscopic examination for predicting visual prognosis in Boston Type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro-1) candidates. Indirect anatomical and electrophysiological findings and results from direct endoscopic evaluations were correlated with postoperative functional data. METHODS: In this prospective and interventional study, we included 13 individuals who had previously been indicated for Kpro-1 surgery. All subjects underwent preoperative screening, including ophthalmic evaluation, B-scan ultrasound, electrophysiological testing, and perioperative intraocular videoendoscopic evaluation (VE). B-scan ultrasound, electrophysiological testing, and VE evaluation results were categorised as favourable or unfavourable predictors of postoperative functional results according to predefined criteria. The predictability values of B-scan ultrasound, electrophysiological testing, and VE prognostication were calculated based on the visual acuity level achieved. RESULTS: All surgeries and perioperative VEs were uneventful. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from light perception to counting fingers. The 1-year postoperative BCVA was better than 20/200 (satisfactory visual acuity result) in 10 eyes (76.9%) and 20/40 or better in 5 eyes (38.5%). B-scan ultrasound presented a positive predictive value (PPV) of 85.7% for satisfactory postoperative visual acuity, electroretinography showed a PPV of 66.7%, and visual evoked potential presented a PPV of 66.7%. The perioperative VE PPV of a negative finding for satisfactory visual acuity was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Fundoscopic visualisation by intraocular VE is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to predict functional outcomes in keratoprosthesis candidates. This technique demonstrated better prognostication in keratoprosthesis candidates than B-scan ultrasound and electrophysiological testing.

Immediate effects of myofascial release maneuver applied in different lower limb muscle chains on postural sway.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence about the myofascial release maneuver (MLM) targeting the fascial tissue and its effect on postural balance. This study investigated the immediate effects of the MLM in different lower limb muscle chains on the postural sway of healthy men. METHODS: Sixty-three healthy men (27.2 ± 4.7 years) were randomly assigned to 7 groups (n = 9 each) to receive MLM applied to the lower limb muscle chains (anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, anterior/posterior, and medial/lateral) or placebo intervention. Skin pressure during the 3-min MLM was determined by the visual analog scale between 5 and 7 as previously assessed on participants. Posturography analysis of the elliptical area (Area) and average velocity (Vavg) of the center-of-pressure displacement was performed before and immediately after the MLM in single-leg support and with eyes closed. RESULTS: A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed no interaction effect of factors group and time (Area: p = 0.210, ω2 = 0.004; Vavg: p = 0.358, ω2 < 0.001). Within-factor main effect of time was observed for both Area (p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.038) and Vavg (p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.028), with decreased Area and Vavg after all interventions. No between-factor main effect of group was observed for Area or Vavg (MLM or placebo, p = 0.188 or higher). CONCLUSION: MLM applied to the lower limb muscle chains showed no immediate specific effects on postural sway in healthy men. Pre-post effects of MLM were not different from those elicited by a superficial massage. MLM in lower limb muscle chains is not advocated for an immediate improvement of postural balance in this population.

Increased lacrimal inflammatory mediators in patients with keratoconus.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the tear film immunologic profile in keratoconus (KC) patients compared with healthy individuals (control group) and to investigate the correlation between the tear film immunologic profile and atopy, disease severity, and disease status over time. Methods: The study involved 30 KC patients and 18 healthy individuals. Tear collection was obtained using microcapillary tubes. Tear film levels of fractalkine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α), MIP-1ß, MIP-3α, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected. Keratometric measurements and topographic patterns were used to diagnose and define disease progression. Tear immunologic profiles were compared, emphasizing the presence or absence of ocular allergy. Correlations between the cytokine profile, disease severity, and disease status were also analyzed longitudinally in the KC patients. Results: Lacrimal cytokine concentrations were higher in the KC patients than they were in the controls in 14 of 21 cytokines analyzed. IL-6 was the most relevant cytokine found in KC patients, especially when associated with ocular allergy. There was no correlation between KC progression and the level of inflammatory cytokines when analyzed longitudinally. KC severity correlated with IL-6 concentration, where the more severe KC presented a higher IL-6 concentration in tears. Conclusions: Inflammatory activity seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of KC. Out of 21 cytokines, 14 were more concentrated in the tears of KC patients than healthy subjects. IL-6 was significantly higher in KC patients' tears and was related to disease severity. Disease progression did not correlate with cytokine levels when analyzed longitudinally.

Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis: Antibacterial Resistance and Microbiota Evaluation of Soft Contact Lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate microbiota colonizing soft contact lenses (CL) in eyes with Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BKPro), and determine the prevalence of resistance to fourth-generation fluoroquinolone (FQ). DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SUBJECTS: Patients with BKPro using CL as routine who were in postoperative follow-up in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Federal University of Sao Paulo, and volunteered to participate in the study. All patients were under a prophylactic scheme of topical 0.5% moxifloxacin 3 times a day and topical 5% povidone-iodine (PI) at the time of CL exchange. METHODS: Patients on scheduled replacement scheme of CL had their lenses removed and sent for microbiological analysis. Standard culture methods were used for microorganism identification and susceptibility to different antibiotics was tested. Main outcome measure was prevalence of resistance to fourth-generation FQ. RESULTS: Among the 19 eyes, 12 eyes (63%) had at least 1 positive bacterial culture. The most prevalent isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci. Actinomyces viscosus was isolated in 1 CL. Fungal cultures were all negative. Of the 12 eyes with culture bacterial growth, resistance to fourth-generation FQ (0.5% moxifloxacin) was identified in 6 different eyes (50%). None presented infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: FQ-resistant bacteria were isolated in some patients. Although our prophylactic antibiotic regimen has been efficient in preventing bacterial infection, this analysis demonstrated that prophylaxis with PI and low FQ dose might increase resistance to antibiotics. Investigations in this field may help to outline future changes of prophylactic guidelines and therapeutic strategies.

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty with a simplified technique and low complication rate: the samba technique.

PURPOSE: We report a simplified Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) technique that involves safe and effective preparation and introduction, correct orientation, and easy unfolding of the donor graft inside the recipient anterior chamber. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we assessed the surgical outcomes of 26 eyes of 23 consecutive patients (mean age, 61.2 ± 11.4 yr; range, 39-82 yr) with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (n=19) or bullous keratopathy (n=7) who underwent the Samba technique, a simplified DMEK method, at the Sorocaba Ophthalmology Hospital, Sorocaba Eye Bank, Sorocaba, Brazil, between August 2011 and July 2012. RESULTS: Of the 26 operated eyes, only two (7.7%) experienced partial graft detachment requiring rebubbling, and in those eyes, the graft was reattached successfully with one air bubble. There were no cases of primary graft failure, tissue loss, or pupillary block. All patients with good visual potential achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better at 6 months, and 82.6% achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better 1 month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, the Samba technique, a simplified DMEK procedure, was safe and effective, with an acceptably low rebubbling rate and no incidence of primary graft failure or pupillary block. Moreover, rapid and nearly complete visual recovery was achieved. This simplified DMEK technique can be adopted by corneal surgeons worldwide as a primary treatment for endothelial dysfunction with a less steep learning curve and low rate of postoperative complications.

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty with a simplified technique and low complication rate: the samba technique / Ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet com técnica simplificada e baixa taxa de complicação: a técnica de samba

ABSTRACT Purpose: We report a simplified Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) technique that involves safe and effective preparation and introduction, correct orientation, and easy unfolding of the donor graft inside the recipient anterior chamber. Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed the surgical outcomes of 26 eyes of 23 consecutive patients (mean age, 61.2 ± 11.4 yr; range, 39-82 yr) with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (n=19) or bullous keratopathy (n=7) who underwent the Samba technique, a simplified DMEK method, at the Sorocaba Ophthalmology Hospital, Sorocaba Eye Bank, Sorocaba, Brazil, between August 2011 and July 2012. Results: Of the 26 operated eyes, only two (7.7%) experienced partial graft detachment requiring rebubbling, and in those eyes, the graft was reattached successfully with one air bubble. There were no cases of primary graft failure, tissue loss, or pupillary block. All patients with good visual potential achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better at 6 months, and 82.6% achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better 1 month postoperatively. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, the Samba technique, a simplified DMEK procedure, was safe and effective, with an acceptably low rebubbling rate and no incidence of primary graft failure or pupillary block. Moreover, rapid and nearly complete visual recovery was achieved. This simplified DMEK technique can be adopted by corneal surgeons worldwide as a primary treatment for endothelial dysfunction with a less steep learning curve and low rate of postoperative complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar uma técnica simplificada de ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet (DMEK) que envolve a preparação e a introdução seguras e eficazes, a orientação correta e o fácil desdobramento do enxerto doador dentro da câmara anterior receptora. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram revisados e avaliados os resultados cirúrgicos de 26 olhos de 23 pacientes consecutivos (idade média: 61,2 ± 11,4 anos, intervalo: 39 a 82 anos) com distrofia corneana endotelial de Fuchs (n=19) ou ceratopatia bolhosa (N=7) submetidos à técnica "Samba", método de DMEK simplificado, no Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba, Banco de Olhos de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, Brasil, entre agosto de 2011 e julho de 2012. Resultados: Dos 26 olhos operados, apenas 2 olhos (7,7%) apresentaram descolamento parcial do enxerto que necessitou de nova injeção de ar na câmara anterior "re-bubble", e nesses olhos o enxerto foi posicionado com sucesso com o procedimento de "re-bubble". Nenhum dos 26 olhos apresentaram falência primária do enxerto ou perda de tecido, ou bloqueio pupilar. Todos os pacientes com bom potencial visual obtiveram a acuidade visual melhor corrigida de 20/30 ou melhor e 82,6% tinham acuidade visual melhor corrigida de 20/30 ou melhor com 1 mês de cirurgia. Conclusão: Neste estudo retrospectivo, a técnica de Samba, um procedimento de DMEK simplificado, mostrou-se segura e eficaz, com uma taxa de "re-bubble" aceitavelmente baixa e nenhuma incidência de falência primária ou complicação com bloqueio pupilar. Além disso, a recuperação visual rápida e completa foi rapidamente alcançada. Esta técnica DMEK simplificada pode ser adotada por cirurgiões de córnea em todo o mundo como um tratamento primário para disfunção endotelial com uma curva de aprendizado rápida e baixa taxa de complicações pós-operatórias.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography findings in type I Boston keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE: To report the results of high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography of patients implanted with a type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro). METHODS: The retrospective study cohort included 11 eyes of 11 patients (average age, 58.4 years; range, 34-83 years). All subjects underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography at a single posteoperative time point. The main outcome measures were retro-backplate and retro-optic membrane formation, thinning and gap formation of the corneal carrier graft (melting), and degree of angle closure. RESULTS: Preoperative diagnoses included chemical burn (55%), failed corneal transplant (36%), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (9%). The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 38.5 (range, 12-72) months. The most frequent findings of anterior segment optical coherence tomography were retroprosthetic membrane formation (63%, 7/11), thinning of the corneal carrier graft (melting; 55%, 6/11), and a narrow or closed angle (91%, 10/11). Other less common findings were epithelial growth over the optic surface and periprosthetic cyst formation. Retroprosthetic membrane formation was observed in all patients with melting (6/11). CONCLUSIONS: Detailed postoperative examination and visualization of subtle changes of keratoprosthesis implanted eyes by slit lamp biomicroscopy are often difficult. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a useful, noninvasive, and quantitative imaging technique that provides useful information to postoperatively monitor the anatomic stability of an implanted keratoprosthesis.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography findings in type I Boston keratoprosthesis / Achados de tomografia de coerência óptica do seguimento anterior em ceratoprótese de Boston tipo I

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the results of high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography of patients implanted with a type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro). Methods: The retrospective study cohort included 11 eyes of 11 patients (average age, 58.4 years; range, 34-83 years). All subjects underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography at a single posteoperative time point. The main outcome measures were retro-backplate and retro-optic membrane formation, thinning and gap formation of the corneal carrier graft (melting), and degree of angle closure. Results: Preoperative diagnoses included chemical burn (55%), failed corneal transplant (36%), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (9%). The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 38.5 (range, 12-72) months. The most frequent findings of anterior segment optical coherence tomography were retroprosthetic membrane formation (63%, 7/11), thinning of the corneal carrier graft (melting; 55%, 6/11), and a narrow or closed angle (91%, 10/11). Other less common findings were epithelial growth over the optic surface and periprosthetic cyst formation. Retroprosthetic membrane formation was observed in all patients with melting (6/11). Conclusions: Detailed postoperative examination and visualization of subtle changes of keratoprosthesis implanted eyes by slit lamp biomicroscopy are often difficult. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a useful, noninvasive, and quantitative imaging technique that provides useful information to postoperatively monitor the anatomic stability of an implanted keratoprosthesis.

RESUMO Objetivos: Reportar os resultados das imagens de pacientes com Ceratoprótese de Boston tipo I (KPro) usando tomografia de coerência óptica de alta resolução do seguimento anterior (AS-OCT). Métodos: Nós realizamos um estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos à KPro. Um total de 11 olhos de 11 pacientes foram incluídos. As imagens de AS-OCT foram realizadas em um único tempo de pós-operatório. Os principais resultados incluem formação de membrana retroprostética atrás do prato posterior e atrás do cilindro ótico, afinamento e lacunas na córnea doadora (melt) e graus de ângulo fechado. Resultados: Os diagnósticos pré-operatórios inclui queimadura química (55%), falência pós transplante de córnea (36%) e síndrome de Stevens Johnson (9%). A idade média foi de 58.4 anos (escala, 34-83 anos). A média de tempo de pós-operatório foi de 38.5 meses (escala, 12-72 meses). Os achados mais frequentes de AS-OCT foram: membrana retroprostética, 63% (7/11); afinamento da córnea doadora (melting), 55% (6/11); angulo estreito ou fechado, 91% (10/11). Outros achados menos comuns foram crescimento epitelial sobre a superfície ótica e cistos periprostéticos. Todos os pacientes com melting (6/11) apresentaram membrana retroprostética. Conclusões: O exame pós-operatório e a visualização detalhada das mudanças em olhos com KPro pela lâmpada de fenda pode ser difícil. AS-OCT é uma técnica de imagem útil, não invasiva e quantitativa que permite o monitoramento da estabilidade anatômica no seguimento de KPro implantadas.

Results with the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis after Acanthamoeba keratitis.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of implantation of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis in three patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a severe infection that can lead to significant visual loss. OBSERVATIONS: Case series reporting three patients with difficult cases of AK that needed multiple corneal transplantations and glaucoma surgeries. All patients were implanted with the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis device. The main outcomes measure were the visual function and anatomical retention after implantation of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis. All patients retained the device over the long-term and had good visual function. In one patient a retroprosthetic membrane developed and in another patient an epithelial lip developed over the anterior surface of the keratoprosthesis. The visual acuities range from 20/25 to 20/80 in the implanted eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: The Boston Type I keratoprosthesis resulted in good anatomic and functional results after multiple graft failures after AK.

Análise comparativa entre hábitos alimentares e condições socioeconômicas no controle glicêmico de crianças com diabetes melito tipo 1: capital x interior da Bahia / Comparative analysis of eating habits and socioeconomic conditions in glycemic control of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: capital x interior of Bahia

Objetivo: conhecer os hábitos alimentares e as condições socioeconômicas de crianças com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) e as possíveis diferenças entre as que residem na capital e as do interior do estado da Bahia. Metodologia: estudo de corte transversal realizado entre abril e agosto de 2013, nos Serviços de Endocrinologia Pediátrica de dois hospitais públicos universitários de Salvador, Bahia. As condições socioeconômicas foram obtidas por meio do Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil (CCEB) e as características sociodemográficas e os hábitos alimentares foram mensurados por um questionário estruturado para pesquisa. Estas variáveis foram comparadas aos resultados da hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c). Resultados: participaram do estudo 68 crianças portadoras de DM1, das quais a maioria 36 (52,9%) residiam no interior do estado e 32 (47,1%) são oriundas de Salvador. Quando comparado o controle glicêmico, com base na localidade, constata-se no grupo residente em Salvador um maior número de crianças (9) com valores de HbA1c dentro dos parâmetros adequados (13,2%), já no grupo de crianças residentes no interior da Bahia o controle glicêmico dentro das condições estabelecidas pela ADA foi percebido apenas em 4 (5,9%) participantes. Discussão: a residência nas cidades do interior da Bahia, baixo nível de escolaridade e hábitos alimentares precários, foi predominante em relação a capital, pode ser relacionado à falta de serviços públicos especializados nessas localidades. Razões para explicar o mau controle glicêmico em crianças residentes em Salvador, bem como no interior da Bahia, fundamenta-se na realidade que manter níveis mais baixos de HbA1c é uma dificuldade persistente, mesmo para centros de referência. Conclusão: hábitos alimentares e condições socioeconômicas dos participantes do estudo mostraram associação negativa com resultados de HbA1c, o que confirma a importância destas variáveis como preditores do controle glicêmico. Os resultados apresentados servem como subsídios para uma reflexão sobre as políticas e práticas implementadas no estado acerca da alimentação e condições socioeconômicas que assegurem melhores condições de atenção e cuidado para essas crianças, contribuindo assim para um melhor controle glicêmico nessa população.

Objective: Knowing the eating habits and socioeconomic conditions of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and possible differences between those living in the capital and those in the interior of the state of Bahia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out between April and August 2013 at the Pediatric Endocrinology Services of two public university hospitals in Salvador, Bahia. Socioeconomic conditions were obtained through the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria (CCEB) and the sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits were measured by a questionnaire structured for research. These variables were compared to the results of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: 68 children with DM1 participated in the study, of those 36 (52.9%) lived in the interior of the state and 32 (47.1%) came from Salvador. When comparing the glycemic control, based on the locality, a greater number of children (9) with HbA1c values within the appropriate parameters were found in the resident group in Salvador (13.2%), and in the group of children living in the interior of Bahia, the glycemic control under the conditions established by the ADA was perceived only in 4 (5.9%) participants. Discussion: Residence in the cities of the interior of Bahia, low level of schooling and precarious eating habits, was predominant in relation to the capital, can be related to the lack of specialized public services in these localities. Reasons to explain poor glycemic control in children living in Salvador, as well as in the interior of Bahia, is based on the reality that maintaining lower levels of HbA1c is a persistent difficulty, even for reference centers. Conclusion: Eating habits and socioeconomic conditions of the study participants showed a negative association with HbA1c results, confirming the importance of these variables as predictors of glycemic control. The results presented serve as subsidies for a reflection on the policies and practices implemented in the state regarding food and socioeconomic conditions that ensure better attention and care conditions for those children, thus contributing to a better glycemic control in that population.

Febre de origem indeterminada em portador de marcapasso definitivo / Fever of unknown origin in permanent pacemaker carrier

O implante de marcapasso tem sido cada vez mais utilizado, em decorrência de sua segurança e dos baixos índices de complicação. No entanto, a infecção de dispositivos é um quadro grave, que apresenta elevada morbimortalidade e alto custo de tratamento. Algumas vezes essa infecção evolui com endocardite bacteriana, complicação cuja incidência vem aumentando nos últimos anos. É de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento, seja pela inespecificidade dos sintomas clínicos seja pela variação dos achados de imagem no ecocardiograma. Descrevemosum caso de febre de origem indeterminada em portador de marcapasso, que investigação posterior demonstrou ser decorrente de infecção dos cabos-eletrodos e de endocardite secundária. O paciente foi tratado comantibioticoterapia prolongada e retirada do sistema por cirurgia aberta.

Pacemaker implantation has increased due to their safety and low complications rate. However, the infection of the devices is a serious event with high morbidity and mortality rates and high treatment cost. Infections may evolve to bacterial endocarditis, whose incidence has increased in the last years. It is difficult to diagnose and treat due to the unspecificity of clinical symptoms and variation in imaging findings at theechocardiogram. We report a case of fever of unknown origin in a pacemaker carrier, which later proved to havebeen caused by electrode-cable infection and secondary endocarditis. The patient was treated with prolonged antibiotic therapy and retrieval of the device by open surgery.

Microscopy-based HTS examines the mechanism of stress F-actin fiber disruption by cytochalasin D: orientation texture data collated with quantitative kinetic modeling.

We report a drug dose-response, end-point study of intracellular filamentous actin (F-actin) by automated fluorescence microscopy, complemented with theoretical kinetic simulation of drug action. We highlight the use of an advanced orientation-sensitive image processing procedure ( transform), specially tailored for the detection of ordered filamentous "patches" in cell images. To examine the extent of stress F-actin disruption caused by the drug, we compare the measured response based on the above transformation with the theoretical data obtained from a quantitative model. We show that the assay data are consistent with the first-order mass action kinetics predicted by a basic reaction model. As a concluding remark, we briefly discuss advantages, perspectives, and challenges of conventional fluorescent microscopy within the context of the quantitative high-throughput screening paradigm.

Angiogenesis: an improved in vitro biological system and automated image-based workflow to aid identification and characterization of angiogenesis and angiogenic modulators.

Angiogenesis is a general term describing formation of new tube-like microvessel sprouts that are the size of capillary blood vessels. Angiogenesis is fundamental in key stages of embryonic development, organ formation, and wound repair and is also involved in the development and progression of a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer (tumor growth and metastasis), cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Because of its diverse roles in key physiological and pathological processes, angiogenesis is an important area of medical research, with a considerable number of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic drugs currently undergoing clinical trials. Cost-effective and efficient screening for potential lead compounds is therefore of prime importance. However, screening methodologies vary in their physiological relevance depending on how faithfully critical aspects of angiogenesis are represented. Cell-based in vitro angiogenesis assays are important tools for screening, which in many cases rely on imaging microscopy to ascertain drug effects. Unfortunately, such screens can be hampered by poorly defined biology, slow image acquisition by manual or semiautomated hardware, and slow data analysis by non-dedicated software. This article describes use of a 96-well microplate in vitro angiogenesis screening system as part of an integrated workflow, comprising (1) setting up the biology in a three-dimensional physiologically relevant system, (2) acquiring a series of image slices ("stacks") using an automated z-stage instrument, (3) collapsing the image stack series into sets of two-dimensional images, (4) segmenting objects of interest, and (5) analyzing the segmentation patterns in order to obtain statistically relevant data.

Discovery of active proteins directly from combinatorial randomized protein libraries without display, purification or sequencing: identification of novel zinc finger proteins.

We have successfully linked protein library screening directly with the identification of active proteins, without the need for individual purification, display technologies or physical linkage between the protein and its encoding sequence. By using 'MAX' randomization we have rapidly constructed 60 overlapping gene libraries that encode zinc finger proteins, randomized variously at the three principal DNA-contacting residues. Expression and screening of the libraries against five possible target DNA sequences generated data points covering a potential 40,000 individual interactions. Comparative analysis of the resulting data enabled direct identification of active proteins. Accuracy of this library analysis methodology was confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo analyses of identified proteins to yield novel zinc finger proteins that bind to their target sequences with high affinity, as indicated by low nanomolar apparent dissociation constants.

Fluorescent microplate-based analysis of protein-DNA interactions. I: Immobilized protein.

A simple protein-DNA interaction analysis has been developed using a high-affinity/high-specificity zinc finger protein. In essence, purified protein samples are immobilized directly onto the surface of microplate wells, and fluorescently labeled DNA is added in solution. After incubation and washing, bound DNA is detected in a standard microplate reader. The minimum sensitivity of the assay is approximately 0.2 nM DNA. Since the detection of bound DNA is noninvasive and the protein-DNA interaction is not disrupted during detection, iterative readings may be taken from the same well, after successive alterations in interaction conditions, if required. In this respect, the assay may therefore be considered real time and permits appropriate interaction conditions to be determined quantitatively. The assay format is ideally suited to investigate the interactions of purified unlabeled DNA binding proteins in a high-throughput format.

Fluorescent microplate-based analysis of protein-DNA interactions. II: Immobilized DNA.

A simple protein-DNA interaction analysis has been developed using both a high-affinity/high-specificity zinc finger protein and a low-specificity zinc finger protein with nonspecific DNA binding capability. The latter protein is designed to mimic background binding by proteins generated in randomized or shuffled gene libraries. In essence, DNA is immobilized onto the surface of microplate wells via streptavidin capture, and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled protein is added in solution as part of a crude cell lysate or protein mixture. After incubation and washing, bound protein is detected in a standard microplate reader. The minimum sensitivity of the assay is approximately 0.4 nM protein. The assay format is ideally suited to investigate the interactions of DNA binding proteins from within crude cell extracts and/or mixtures of proteins that may be encountered in protein libraries generated by codon randomization or gene shuffling.