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This article is the result of practical research in the field of performing arts, with emphasis on processes and artistic achievements in studies focused in Pirandello’s scene studies. In search of a theatricality built from the intersection between theatre and performance, the dramaturgy of the Italian author is investigated from its head node: the acknowledgement by the playwright himself of the theatre’s unpower of representation. In this article, we organize documents and reflections derived from a year of practical activities around the Italian author’s scene and dramaturgy, revisited from a performative theatricality, in light of Deleuze’s concept of the theatre of repetition.

Background: The MAGGIC risk score has been validated to predict mortality in patients with heart failure (HF)., Objectives: To assess the score ability to predict hospitalization and death and to compare with natriuretic peptides., Methods: Ninety-three consecutive patients (mean age 62±10 years) with chronic HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) <50% were studied. The MAGGIC score was applied at baseline and the patients were followed for 219±86 days. MAGGIC score was compared with NT-proBNP in the prediction of events. The primary end point was the time to the first event, which was defined as cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF., Results: There were 23 (24.7%) events (3 deaths and 20 hospitalizations). The median score in patients with and without events was, respectively, 20 [interquartile range 14.2-22] vs. 15.5 [11/21], p=0.16. A ROC curve was performed and a cutoff point of 12 points showed a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 37% with an area under the curve of 0.59 (95% CI 0.48-0.69) which was lower than that of NT-proBNP (AUC 0.67; 95% CI 0.56-0.76). The mean event-free survival time for patients above and below this cutpoint was 248.8±13 vs. 290±13.7 days (log rank test with p=0.044). Using the COX proportional hazard model, age (p=0.004), NT-proBNP >1000 pg/mL (p=0.014) and the MAGGIC score (p=0.025) were independently associated with the primary outcome., Conclusion: The MAGGIC risk score was an independent predictor of events, including heart failure hospitalization. The addition of biomarkers improved the accuracy of the score., (Copyright © 2022 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The present study aimed to perform two different heat-treatments in an austenitic NiTi ProFile instrument and to compare the mechanical performance of original and heat-treated instruments. Heat treatment of ProFile (tip size 25 and 0.06 taper) instruments were carried out in a furnace in argon atmosphere using a heating rate of 10° C/min. After reaching the programmed temperatures of 450 ºC or 500 ºC the system remained at a constant temperature for 10 minutes; followed by cooling in water at room temperature. Afterwards; the three groups (n=30 per group) of instruments were compared regarding their cyclic fatigue (n=10 per group); bending (n=10 per group); and buckling resistance (n=10 per group). After cyclic fatigue tests; a scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the fracture surfaces and observe the fracture mode. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test; with an alpha type error set at 0.05. Yellowish and blueish coloration was observed in the ProFile instruments after 450 ºC or 500 ºC heat treatments; respectively. Conventional ProFile instruments showed the lower cyclic fatigue; and the higher bending and buckling resistance (P<0.05). In contrast; yellowish ProFile instruments (heat treated at 500° C) showed the higher cyclic fatigue; and the lower bending and buckling resistance (P>0.05). It can be concluded that the different heat treatments performed on ProFile instruments increased its cyclic fatigue resistance and improved the flexibility and buckling resistance.

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is currently the gold standard treatment for obesity. The two most accomplished surgeries are the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy, and controversies exist in which is better., Objective: To compare the two techniques in relation to weight loss with at least five years of follow-up., Methods: Search in Medline, PubMed, Embase, SciElo, Lilacs, Cochrane databases from 2001 (beginning of vertical gastrectomy) until 2018, using the following headings: "sleeve" or "sleeve gastrectomy" combined with "gastric bypass" or "Roux-en-Y gastric bypass", "weight loss" and "clinical trial". Criteria for inclusion of articles were patients aged between 18 and 65 years; clinical trial; comparison between the two techniques; minimum five-year follow-up; outcome with weight loss assessment., Results: The initial search identified 1940 articles, of which 185 publications were identified as clinical trials. One hundred and forty-one were excluded, 67 because they did not compare the two techniques, 57 not addressed weight loss and 17 were repeated articles. Thirty-four studies were retrieved for a more detailed analysis; 36 studies were excluded due to a follow-up of less than five years, and another compared the mini-gastric bypass. In total, seven studies were included in the systematic review, but there was no significant difference in three of them., Conclusion: The gastric bypass had a greater weight loss than the vertical gastrectomy in all the evaluated studies.

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge growth of the members of the Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency League in comparison with a nonparticipating group, with similar characteristics, at the Fluminense Federal University., Methods: we evaluated 50 league members and 50 non-members (control group) through questionnaires applied at the beginning and end of a school year. We used a generalized linear model, with interaction effect between groups and tests (multiple comparisons with Bonferroni correction). We included the following control variables: gender, period, age, and attendance to some other course on a similar topic., Results: there was an increase of 22 percentage points (p<0.001) for the group with more than 75% presence in the League compared with the eight points in the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant growth for the group with less than 75% presence., Conclusion: the growth of knowledge was significantly higher in the group that assiduously participated in the League, which reinforces its importance in complementing the traditional content of medical courses.

Objective: to report the prevalence of arterial corona mortis and to describe its surgical and clinical applicabilities., Methods: We dissected 60 hemipelvises (50 men and 10 women) fixed in a 10% formalin solution for the purpose of gathering information on corona mortis. We measured the caliber and length of the obturator artery and its anastomotic branch with the aid of a digital caliper and submitted the data to statistical analyzes and comparisons with the GraphPad Prism 6 software., Results: arterial corona mortis was present in 45% of the studied sample. The most common origin of the obturator artery was the internal iliac artery; however, there was one exceptional case in which it originated from the femoral artery. The caliber of the anastomotic branch was on average 2.7mm, whereas the caliber of the obturator artery was 2.6mm., Conclusion: the vascular connections between the obturator, internal iliac, external iliac and inferior epigastric arterial systems are relatively common over the upper pubic branch. The diameter and a trajectory of the anastomotic artery may vary. Thus, iatrogenic lesions and pelvic and acetabular fractures can result in severe bleeding that puts the patient's life at risk.

The Gestational Trophoblastic Disease includes an interrelated group of diseases originating from placental tissue, with distinct behaviors concerning local invasion and metastasis. The high sensitivity of the serial dosages of human chorionic gonadotrophin, combined with advances in chemotherapy treatment, have made gestational trophoblastic neoplasia curable, most often through chemotherapy. However, surgery remains of major importance in the management of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, improving their prognosis. Surgery is necessary in the control of the disease's complications, such as hemorrhage, and in cases of resistant/relapsed neoplasia. This review discusses the indications and the role of surgical interventions in the management of women with molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. RESUMO Doença trofoblástica gestacional inclui um grupo interrelacionado de doenças originadas do tecido placentário, com tendências distintas de invasão local e metástase. A alta sensibilidade das dosagens seriadas de gonadotrofina coriônica humana aliada aos avanços do tratamento quimioterápico tornou a neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional, curável, na maioria das vezes, através da quimioterapia. No entanto, a cirurgia permanece ainda, da maior importância na condução de pacientes com doença trofoblástica gestacional, melhorando seu prognóstico. A cirurgia é necessária no controle de complicações da doença, tais como hemorragia, e em casos de neoplasia resistente/recidivada. Esta revisão discute as indicações e o papel das intervenções cirúrgicas durante o manejo de mulheres com gravidez molar e neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional.

Treatment of frontal sinus fractures depends on the structures involved: the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the nasofrontal duct. It may vary from the correction of the defect in the anterior wall to the cranialization with obliteration of the nasofrontal duct. The inversion of the frontal sinus's anterior wall to correct the defect in the fractured region is a good treatment option for sequelae, since this technique eliminates or reduces the use of biomaterial in the area, and allows direct assessment of the permeability of the nasofrontal duct. This work describes the technique of fractured segment inversion for the treatment of frontal sinus fracture sequelae in a motorcycle accident victim.

Background: Obesity is an epidemic and chronic disease that can bring other comorbidities to the patient. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up to 90% of these patients and can progress to hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma. The relationship of this liver disease and obesity is already well known; however, it is possible that some parameters of the comorbidities are more related than others in the pathophysiology of the disease., Aim: Was analyzed the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the comorbidities of metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients., Methods: Was involved ultrasonography and laboratory assessment of obese patients before bariatric surgery. NAFLD was assessed using the same sonography parameters for all patients. Based on the results, the patients were divided into groups with and without NAFLD. Comparisons between them involved clinical and laboratory variables such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein, albumin and ferritin. Patients who reported alcohol abuse (defined as the consumption of >14 drinks per week) or who had hepatitis were excluded., Results: Eighty-two patients (74 women and 8 men) were studied, of whom 53 (64.6%) had NAFLD and 29 (35.4%) did not. The levels of glycated hemoglobin (p=0.05) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.01) were significantly altered in patients with NAFLD. However, weight, body mass index and excess weight did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.835, p=0.488 and p=0.727, respectively)., Conclusions: Altered LDL cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels were related to the presence of NAFLD., Competing Interests: none

Objective: To determine the frequency of HRCT findings and their distribution in the lung parenchyma of patients with organizing pneumonia., Methods: This was a retrospective review of the HRCT scans of 36 adult patients (26 females and 10 males) with biopsy-proven organizing pneumonia. The patients were between 19 and 82 years of age (mean age, 56.2 years). The HRCT images were evaluated by two independent observers, discordant interpretations being resolved by consensus., Results: The most common HRCT finding was that of ground-glass opacities, which were seen in 88.9% of the cases. The second most common finding was consolidation (in 83.3% of cases), followed by peribronchovascular opacities (in 52.8%), reticulation (in 38.9%), bronchiectasis (in 33.3%), interstitial nodules (in 27.8%), interlobular septal thickening (in 27.8%), perilobular pattern (in 22.2%), the reversed halo sign (in 16.7%), airspace nodules (in 11.1%), and the halo sign (in 8.3%). The lesions were predominantly bilateral, the middle and lower lung fields being the areas most commonly affected., Conclusions: Ground-glass opacities and consolidation were the most common findings, with a predominantly random distribution, although they were more common in the middle and lower thirds of the lungs.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of controlled-release oxycodone in the treatment of postoperative pain of head and neck oncologic resections., Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational and open study, with 83 patients with moderate to severe pain after head and neck oncological operations. All patients received general anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and sevoflurane. Postoperatively, should they have moderate or severe pain, we began controlled-release oxycodone 20 mg 12/12 b.i.d on the first day and 10 mg b.i.d. on the second. We assessed the frequency and intensity of adverse effects, the intensity of postoperative pain by a verbal numeric scale and the use of rescue analgesia from 12 hours after administration of the drug and between 7 and 13 days after the last oxycodone dose., Results: The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pruritus, insomnia, constipation and urinary retention, most mild. No serious adverse events occurred. In less than 12 hours after the use of oxycodone, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of postoperative pain, which remained until the end of the study. The rescue medication was requested at a higher frequency when the opioid dose was reduced, or after its suspension., Conclusion: Controlled release oxycodone showed to be safe and well tolerated and caused a significant decrease in post-operative pain.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze chest CT scans of patients with thoracic textiloma., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 16 patients (11 men and 5 women) with surgically confirmed thoracic textiloma. The chest CT scans of those patients were evaluated by two independent observers, and discordant results were resolved by consensus., Results: The majority (62.5%) of the textilomas were caused by previous heart surgery. The most common symptoms were chest pain (in 68.75%) and cough (in 56.25%). In all cases, the main tomographic finding was a mass with regular contours and borders that were well-defined or partially defined. Half of the textilomas occurred in the right hemithorax and half occurred in the left. The majority (56.25%) were located in the lower third of the lung. The diameter of the mass was ≤ 10 cm in 10 cases (62.5%) and > 10 cm in the remaining 6 cases (37.5%). Most (81.25%) of the textilomas were heterogeneous in density, with signs of calcification, gas, radiopaque marker, or sponge-like material. Peripheral expansion of the mass was observed in 12 (92.3%) of the 13 patients in whom a contrast agent was used. Intraoperatively, pleural involvement was observed in 14 cases (87.5%) and pericardial involvement was observed in 2 (12.5%)., Conclusions: It is important to recognize the main tomographic aspects of thoracic textilomas in order to include this possibility in the differential diagnosis of chest pain and cough in patients with a history of heart or thoracic surgery, thus promoting the early identification and treatment of this postoperative complication.

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease present selenium (Se) plasma deficiency which is an essential trace element with important biological functions and, the best known biological role is attributed to its presence in the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The Se content of foods depends on soil and some authors have suggested that Amazon soil (North Brazilian region) has high Se concentrations when compared to other regions of Brazil., Objective: The objective of this work was to compare the Se status in hemodialysis (HD) patients from North and Southeast of Brazil., Methods: Thirty-eight patients from Southeast region (22 men and 16 women, 15% diabetic, 53.5 ± 26.4 yrs) were compared to 40 patients from North region (28 men and 12 women, 22.5% diabetic, 63.5 ± 11.9 yrs). Se in plasma was determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation., Results: The plasma Se levels in patients from Southeast region were significantly lower (17.5 ± 11.9 μg/L) when compared to patients from the North (37.1 ± 15.8 μg/L) (p < 0.001). However, both patient groups presented low Se plasma levels when compared to recommended values (60- 120 μg/L). There was no correlation between plasma Se levels and analyzed parameters., Conclusion: We concluded that patients from North (Amazon) region present higher plasma Se levels when compared to the patients from Southeast of Brazil. However, independently of the region, HD patients presented Se deficiency.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a causal agent of nephropathy, ureteral stenosis and hemorrhagic cystitis in kidney transplant recipients, and is considered an important emerging disease in transplantation. Regular screening for BKPyV reactivation mainly during the first 2 years posttransplant, with subsequent pre-emptive reduction of immunosuppression is considered the best option to avoid disease progression, since successful clearance or reduction of viremia is achieved in the vast majority of patients within 6 months. The use of drugs with antiviral properties for patients with persistent viremia has been attempted despite unclear benefits. Clinical manifestations of BKPyV nephropathy, current strategies for diagnosis and monitoring of BKPyV infection, management of immunosuppressive regimen after detection of BKPyV reactivation and the use of antiviral drugs are discussed in this review.

Introduction: Polyphenols contained in natural sources such as grapes, have been considered pharmacological agents to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, common features in Chronic Kidney Disease patients., Objective: To evaluate the effects of grape powder supplementation on inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in hemodialysis (HD) patients., Methods: The double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial evaluated non-diabetic HD patients that received grape powder (500 mg of polyphenols/day) (n = 16, 9 men, 53.0 ± 9.8 years of age, 111.6 ± 58.2 HD months) or placebo (n = 16, 9 men, 52.7 ± 13.7 years of age, 110.4 ± 93.1 HD months) for five weeks. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated by ELISA method., Results: After the intervention period, the patients receiving grape powder showed an increase in the GSH-Px activity (16.5 (41.0) to 42.0 (43.3) nmol/min/ml) (p < 0.05) and they did not have the CRP levels increased as seen in placebo group (2.6 (0.28) to 2.8 (0.23 mg/L) (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The use of grape powder as phenolic source could play an important role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in non-diabetic HD patients.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its clinical interrelations in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)., Methods: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study with 100 patients with diagnosed PCOS based on the consensus of Rotterdam (2003). We investigated the interrelationships of MS, with intrinsic PCOS data. Dermatological profile was analyzed, in addition to acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the presence of hirsutism and acne. The use of HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) aimed at the correlation with MS in order to establish the metabolic dysfunction with the state of insulin resistance., Results: The mean and standard deviations corresponding figures for age, body mass index and waist circumference were, respectively, 25.72 (± 4.87), 30.63 (± 9.31) and 92.09 (± 18.73). The prevalence of MS was 36% and significantly correlated with BMI, AN, and in 51% of patients the state of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Regarding skin profile, only AN significant correlation with MS., Conclusion: We propose the routine inspection of metabolic components related to severe PCOS. These parameters configure the cardiovascular risk and such conduct is of undoubted importance to public health.

We compared bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) and pneumococcal empyema (PE), in terms of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, in under-fives. A cross-sectional nested cohort study, involving under-fives (102 with PE and 128 with BPP), was conducted at 12 centers in Argentina, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Among those with PE, mean age was higher; disease duration was longer; and tachypnea, dyspnea, and high leukocyte counts were more common. Among those with BPP, fever and lethargy were more common. It seems that children with PE can be distinguished from those with BPP on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Because both conditions are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, prompt diagnosis is crucial.

Objective: To compare the performance of nested polymerase chain reaction (NPCR) with that of cultures in the detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens., Methods: We analyzed 20 and 78 pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens, respectively, of 67 hospitalized patients suspected of having tuberculosis. An automated microbial system was used for the identification of Mycobacterium spp. cultures, and M. tuberculosis IS6110 was used as the target sequence in the NPCR. The kappa statistic was used in order to assess the level of agreement among the results., Results: Among the 67 patients, 6 and 5, respectively, were diagnosed with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and the NPCR was positive in all of the cases. Among the 98 clinical specimens, smear microscopy, culture, and NPCR were positive in 6.00%, 8.16%, and 13.26%, respectively. Comparing the results of NPCR with those of cultures (the gold standard), we found that NPCR had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83%, respectively, in pulmonary specimens, compared with 83% and 96%, respectively, in extrapulmonary specimens, with good concordance between the tests (kappa, 0.50 and 0.6867, respectively)., Conclusions: Although NPCR proved to be a very useful tool for the detection of M. tuberculosis complex, clinical, epidemiological, and other laboratory data should also be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Introduction: The consolidation of nephrology as a medical specialty is relatively new and its denomination does not intuitively reflects its true scope., Objective: To assess the degree of knowledge from a population sample regarding the term "nephrology"., Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in Niterói, RJ, with adult passerby individuals answering to the question "Do you know what nephrology is?". The variables recorded included: gender, age, skin-color, residence, income, educational level and kidney-disease history in the family. p values < 0.05 were considered significant., Results: Of the 564 individuals asked, 504 were willing to answer. Of those who refused, 64% were males, 58% caucasians--from whom 85% were aged > 30 years. The mean age among participants was 39 (22-56) years, 49% were males and 56% caucasians. Twenty-eight percent of the interviewees knew the term "nephrology". Their knowledge came from school (39%) and family (30%). Those who knew about the term "nephrology" were older (42 ± 17 vs. 39 ± 17 years, p < 0.05), had higher income (R$ 4,522 vs. R$ 2,934, p < 0.05) and higher education (27% vs. 12% with complete higher education, p < 0.001). They were predominantly caucasians (64% vs. 53%, p = 0.001), and had a higher rate of renal disease in the family (55% vs. 36%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, associations were maintained for age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03, p = 0.004); higher education (OR 10.60, 95% CI, 4.20 to 26.86, p < 0.001) and kidney disease in the family (OR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.40 to 3.41, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Only 28% knew the term "nephrology", illustrating the specialty's low penetration. We must strive to popularize this field of medicine aiming at better educating the population concerning the prevention and care of kidney diseases.

Introduction and Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present anorexia, which may be related with the chronic inflammatory process. Thus the objective of this study was to evaluate if there is association between inflammation and the orexigenic hormone, acyl-ghrelin, in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD)., Methods: Thirty-six patients were studied (61.1% men, 46.7 ± 14.9 years, BMI 22.9 ± 3.9 kg/m²) in regular HD program (65.0 ± 46.8 months). Plasma levels of acyl-ghrelin and inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP were measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELI-SA, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Anthropometric parameters were collected for assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake was assessed by food recall., Results: The patients presented elevated plasma levels of IL-6 (83 ± 10 pg/mL), TNF-α (21.06 pg/mL [20.6-40.0]) and CRP (2.7 pg/mL [1.73.4]) compared to normal values. Acylghrelin plasma levels were (18.0 [1.3 to 77.7 pg/mL]) low when compared to healthy individuals. However, patients with high BMI (> 25 kg/m²) presented lower acyl-ghrelin plasma levels (13.6 [1.3 to 30.5] pg/mL) when compared to patients with BMI < 25 kg/m² (21.7 [7.4 to 77.7] pg/mL) (p < 0.05). Acylghrelin and BMI were negatively correlated (r = -0.38, p = 0.02) and there was no significant correlation between acyl-ghrelin and inflammatory markers., Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients showed low acyl-ghrelin levels and seem to present an acyl-ghrelin resistance and there was no correlation between inflammation and this orexigenic hormone.

Objective: To investigate the effects of maternal protein malnutrition during lactation on the elastic fibers in the tracheas of Wistar rat pups., Methods: At delivery, 12 male pups of two Wistar rat dams were equally divided into two groups: control, in which the dam received water and standard rat chow ad libitum during lactation; and protein-restricted (PR), in which the dam received water ad libitum and an isoenergetic PR diet (8% protein). At 21 days of age, the pups were killed and their tracheas were excised. The elastic fibers were stained with Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin (after oxidation) and evaluated under light microscopy. Morphometric determinations were performed by stereology, with the point-counting method, and expressed as volumetric densities., Results: Elastic fibers, most having a longitudinal distribution, were identified beneath the tracheal mucosa. In addition, well-defined circular layers of elastic fibers were found around the inner and outer surfaces of the cartilaginous ring. There were no differences between the groups regarding the organization and distribution of the elastic fibers. The volumetric density of the elastic fibers of the pups in the control and PR groups was 2.46 ± 0.99% and 3.25 ± 1.13%, respectively (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: The volumetric density of elastic fibers appears to be greater in rat pups breastfed by dams receiving a PR diet than in those breastfed by dams receiving a normal diet.

Objective: To evaluate liver regeneration modulated by ischemic preconditioning after ischemia, reperfusion and partial hepatectomy., Methods: We used 24 Wistar rats of 12 weeks of age, which were randomly assigned into four groups: control (SHAM), hepatectomy (HEP), ischemia and reperfusion (IRG) and Ischemic Preconditioning (SRG). Analyses were made on liver enzymes ALT and AST, assessment of regeneration through the initial and final weight of the liver and the proliferation of hepatocytes by immunohistochemical analysis with Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA)., Results: In all groups there was liver regeneration, with no statistically significant difference between them. There were significant differences in ALT and AST between groups HEP and SHAM, PRE and GIR, GIR and SHAM and PRE and SHAM (p <0.05). There were also significant differences in the PCNA labeling of the SHAM group as compared to other groups (p <0.05)., Conclusion: The ischemic preconditioning decreased liver injury, but did not influence the regeneration up to 48 hours.

Background: Dermatomycoses caused by non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi are rare infections, except for onychomycosis, whose prevalence has increased over the past few years. Among these etiologic agents, we highlight Scytalidium dimidiatum and S. hyalinum, emergent fungi that cause mycoses that affect the nails and skin., Objective: To investigate the characteristics of onychomycosis and other mycoses caused by the fungi Scytalidium spp, using sex, age and site of infection as parameters., Methods: Eighty-one samples were evaluated showing positive culture for Scytalidium spp, obtained from 74 patients referred to the Laboratory of Investigation in Dermatology (ID) located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, between 1997 and 2006. The samples were submitted to diagnostic confirmation through direct exam and culture., Results: The prevalence of onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. was of 0,87%. The most prevalent age was between 41-60 years (48.64%). Regarding the site of infection, the feet (91.36%) were most affected, with predominance of the left hallux. Hyaline hyphae were the most common structures in direct examination and the species S. dimidiatum was the most frequent in culture., Conclusion: Onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. is rare and S. dimidiatum was the most isolated species in this laboratory during the period of the study.

The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system for lung cancer has been modified since its first edition in the late 1960s. Its seventh edition has been recently published and, for the first time, a truly worldwide database was analyzed in order to propose modifications in the staging. Significant changes have been made in the tumor and metastasis descriptors. Although the recommendations for the node descriptor have remained unchanged, the analysis of the factors related to this descriptor suggests that modifications will be made in the future. The forthcoming revisions of the TNM staging system might take the molecular aspects of lung cancer into consideration, aiming at a more refined staging system.

Introduction: This paper studies the influence of a Scientific Initiation Programme (SIP) on the professional profile of new doctors from a Brazilian university., Aim and Methods: Evaluate fifty-two new doctors divided into two groups matched by sex, age and academic performance and differing only in participation in the SIP. Professional and socioeconomic data were collected, including schooling of parents; average income before, during and after the medical course; current professional situation; results of exams for civil servant recruitment; and titles and degrees obtained after graduation., Results: Significant differences were found only in civil servant recruitment exam results (p=0.0098) and in income after graduation (p=0.02), which were both higher in the non-SIP group. Only one doctor got a M.Sc. degree after graduation, but many of them in both groups obtained technical titles, and had papers presented at congresses or published., Conclusions: Apparently, taking part in a SIP led to lower income and worse civil servant recruitment exam results. However, this may only reflect a transient phase in a long-term process. New research currently under way will answer this remaining question, now that more time has elapsed since graduation. Rev Port Pneumol 2010; XVI (5): 797-808., (© 2010 Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia/SPP.)

Objective: To determine the efficacy of the scoring system, recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health (NMH), for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents, regardless of their HIV status., Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out between January of 2002 and December of 2006, involving 239 individuals less than 15 years of age. The patients were divided into four groups: latent TB (LTB group; n = 81); no-TB (NTB group; n = 41); TB group (n = 104); and TB/HIV group (n = 13). We studied the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings according to the scoring system., Results: Reports of fever, cough, asthenia and weight loss for at least two weeks were significantly higher in the TB group (p < 0.0001). The proportion of cases with a history of any contact and household contact with a TB patient was, respectively, 95.0% and 86.1% in the TB group, versus 75.0% and 58.3% in the TB/HIV group. In the TB and TB/HIV groups, respectively, chest X-rays revealed parenchymal alterations in 75.0% and 53.9%, revealing combined parenchymal/lymph node alterations in 18.2% and 30.8%. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the tuberculin skin test results. In the TB group, 16.3% of the patients were malnourished (p < 0.005 vs. the LTB group). The mean NMH system scores in the LTB, NTB, TB and TB/HIV groups were, respectively, 24.2, 18.5, 45.3 and 41.5., Conclusions: The NMH system scores were significantly higher in the TB and TB/HIV groups than in the other two groups. Therefore, this scoring system was valid for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in this population, regardless of HIV status.

Histoplasmosis is systemic mycosis caused by a small fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, whose natural habitat is soil contaminated by bat or bird excrement. The incidence of histoplasmosis is worldwide. In Brazil, the disease is found in all regions; however, the state of Rio de Janeiro is responsible for most of the microepidemics described. Human infection occurs when airborne spores of H. capsulatum are inhaled. The most common clinical presentation is asymptomatic. The symptoms of acute or epidemic histoplasmosis are high fever, cough, asthenia and retrosternal pain, as well as enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, liver and spleen. The most common radiological findings are diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates in both lungs, as well as hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement. In chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis, the clinical and radiological manifestations are identical to those of reinfection with pulmonary tuberculosis. Histoplasmosis is diagnosed by means of the identification or culture growth of the fungus in sputum or fiberoptic bronchoscopy specimens. Histopathological examination reveals the fungus itself within or surrounding macrophages, as well as granulomatous lesions with or without caseous necrosis. Double agar gel immunodiffusion is the most easily used and readily available serologic test for making the immunological diagnosis. Acute histoplasmosis with prolonged symptoms requires treatment, as do the disseminated or chronic pulmonary forms of the disease. The drug of choice is itraconazole.

Thymolipoma is a very rare benign neoplasm of the thymus. We present the case of a 42-year-old male with a massive mediastinal tumor discovered on a chest X-ray after a motorcycle accident. The patient had no complaints, and his physical examination was unremarkable. Chest CT scans revealed a lipomatous mass containing areas of soft tissue density. The patient was submitted to median sternotomy expanded to left anterolateral thoracotomy, resulting in the complete excision of the tumor. The pathological diagnosis was thymolipoma. Thymolipoma usually attains enormous dimensions by the time of diagnosis, and the occasional symptoms are related to compression of adjacent structures. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and offers the only possibility of cure. The airway deserves special care during anesthesia induction.

Objective: To present the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis., Methods: The HRCT scans of 10 adult patients (seven females and three males; mean age, 38.7 years) were retrospectively analyzed. The films were studied independently by two radiologists., Results: The most common tomographic findings were ground-glass attenuation and linear subpleural calcifications, which were seen in 90% of the patients. Other relevant findings were small parenchymal nodules, calcification along the interlobular septa, nodular cissures, subpleural nodules, subpleural cysts, dense consolidations, and a mosaic pattern of attenuation., Conclusions: The HRCT findings presented by individuals with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis are distinct. In most cases, such findings can form the basis of the diagnosis, eliminating the need to perform a lung biopsy.

Medical literature has emphasized the role of scientific research and publications in medical education. This study had the aim to detect the impact of PIC (program of scientific support) upon scientific published production of the professors teaching at Universidade Federal Fluminense. The group comprised 32 professors that participated in the PIC for at least 4 semesters. Each issue published was registered as one "product". Between 1996 and 2003, 8 years were considered for the registration of the "products" by each professor. The mean point of this period was the moment when each professor entered the program. For each professor we counted the products during the 4 years before he entered the program and during the 4 years after this occurred. Finally we summed up the products of all professors for the period before entering the program and had the mean. The same was done for the period after entering the program. Applying the paired t test, two means were reached for the two periods of scientific productivity. The same procedure was followed for two subgroups of professors: masters and doctors. The professors had 25.13 products after and 16.81 before the PIC (P< or =0.001); those with a master degree presented 16.36 products after PIC versus 5.18 before (p< or =0.08); doctors, 29.71 products after versus 22.9 products before PIC (p< or =0.028). The authors concluded that the PIC increased written production of professors, either with degree of master or doctor with relevance for those with degree of master.