Macroscopic and histological aspects of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758).

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an endangered species that resides in much of Latin America, but it has been losing its habitat, especially in the Cerrado biome, where it constantly suffers traumas resulting from fires and roadkill. The anatomical knowledge of structures of the respiratory system is important for a better morphophysiological understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to perform the macroscopic and histomorphological description of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater. Twelve adult giant anteaters were used, three of them fixed in buffered formalin for further dissection and pharynx and larynx macroscopic analysis of structures. From the other animals, samples of the pharynx and larynx were collected and prepared for histological evaluation under optical microscope. Macroscopically, their pharynx and soft palate are extensive, and the anatomical location of these structures and the larynx differs greatly from that described in other species. The larynx, although more caudal, was similar to that of other animals. Histologically, the epithelium of these regions varied between the pseudostratified ciliated columnar and the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Laryngeal cartilages were composed of elastic (epiglotti) and hyaline cartilages (arytenoid, cricoid and thyroid cartilage), with an ossification process and glandular clusters around the hyaline cartilage. The distinct anatomical location of the pharynx and larynx of Myrmecophaga tridactyla is the main macroscopic finding of this study, besides the length of the pharynx and soft palate of these animals.

Pericardite tuberculosa em paciente imunocompetente: relato de caso / Tuberculous pericarditis in an immunocompetent patient: case report

A pericardite tuberculosa é uma forma rara de apresentação de tuberculose extrapulmonar, sendo mais frequente em regiões endêmicas e em pacientes imunocomprometidos. O quadro clínico é na maioria das vezes insidioso, por vezes com sintomas inespecíficos ou com quadro de tamponamento cardíaco. O diagnóstico é feito pela análise do líquido pericárdico ou biópsia pericárdica e o tratamento é realizado com rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol. O presente caso relata uma paciente de 51 anos, imunocompetente, com quadro de febre e dispneia há 7 dias. Em tomografia de tórax foi identificado importante derrame pericárdico, sem repercussão hemodinâmica em ecocardiografia transtorácica. A paciente foi submetida à drenagem do derrame pericárdico, com diagnóstico de tuberculose pericárdica pela análise do líquido. Iniciado o tratamento com RHZE, com boa evolução clínica e seguimento ambulatorial.

Tuberculous pericarditis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, being more frequent in endemic regions and in immunocompromised patients. The clinical picture is most often insidious, sometimes with nonspecific symptoms or with cardiac tamponade. Diagnosis is made by analysis of pericardial fluid or pericardial biopsy, and treatment is performed with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The present case reports a 51-year-old patient, immunocompetent, with fever and dyspnea for 7 days. A chest tomography showed significant pericardial effusion, without hemodynamic repercussions on transthoracic echocardiography. The patient underwent drainage of the pericardial effusion, with a diagnosis of pericardial tuberculosis by fluid analysis. Treatment with RHZE was started, with good clinical evolution and outpatient follow-up.

Association between academic performance and cognitive dysfunction in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between the profile of cognitive dysfunction and academic outcomes in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). METHODS: Patients aged ≤18 years at the onset of the disease and education level at or above the fifth grade of elementary school were selected. Cognitive evaluation was performed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by Beck scales; disease activity was assessed by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI); and cumulative damage was assessed by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC). The presence of autoantibodies and medication use were also assessed. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was adopted. RESULTS: 41 patients with a mean age of 14.5±2.84 years were included. Cognitive dysfunction was noted in 17 (41.46%) patients. There was a significant worsening in mathematical performance in patients with cognitive dysfunction (p=0.039). Anxiety symptoms were observed in 8 patients (19.51%) and were associated with visual perception (p=0.037) and symptoms of depression were observed in 1 patient (2.43%). CONCLUSION: Patients with JSLE concomitantly with cognitive dysfunction showed worse academic performance in mathematics compared to patients without cognitive impairment.

Association between academic performance and cognitive dysfunction in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus / Associação entre desempenho acadêmico e disfunção cognitiva em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil

Abstract Objective To determine whether there is an association between the profile of cognitive dysfunction and academic outcomes in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Methods Patients aged ≤18 years at the onset of the disease and education level at or above the fifth grade of elementary school were selected. Cognitive evaluation was performed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by Beck scales; disease activity was assessed by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI); and cumulative damage was assessed by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC). The presence of autoantibodies and medication use were also assessed. A significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted. Results 41 patients with a mean age of 14.5 ± 2.84 years were included. Cognitive dysfunction was noted in 17 (41.46%) patients. There was a significant worsening in mathematical performance in patients with cognitive dysfunction (p = 0.039). Anxiety symptoms were observed in 8 patients (19.51%) and were associated with visual perception (p = 0.037) and symptoms of depression were observed in 1 patient (2.43%). Conclusion Patients with JSLE concomitantly with cognitive dysfunction showed worse academic performance in mathematics compared to patients without cognitive impairment.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar se há associação entre o perfil de disfunção cognitiva e os resultados acadêmicos em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil (LESj). Métodos Foram selecionados pacientes com idade de início da doença ≤ 18 anos e com escolaridade mínima do quinto ano do Ensino Fundamental seguidos em um hospital universitário. A avaliação cognitiva foi feita de acordo com as recomendações do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (ACR). Os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram avaliados pelas escalas Beck, a atividade da doença foi avaliada pelo Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (Sledai) e o dano cumulativo pelo Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (Slicc). Também foram avaliados a presença de autoanticorpos e o uso de medicação. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados Foram incluídos 41 pacientes com média de 14,5 ± 2,84 anos. Disfunção cognitiva foi observada em 17 (41,46%). Observou-se pioria significativa no desempenho de matemática em pacientes com disfunção cognitiva (p = 0,039). Sintomas de ansiedade foram observados em oito pacientes (19,51%) e estavam associados à percepção visual (p = 0,037) e sintomas de depressão foram observados em um paciente (2,43%). Conclusão Pacientes com LESj com disfunção cognitiva apresentam pior desempenho acadêmico em matemática em relação a pacientes sem disfunção cognitiva.