Search

Intraoral stents have been provided to minimize acute and chronic toxicities induced by radiotherapy, including oral mucositis, salivary changes, trismus, radiation-related caries, and osteoradionecrosis. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis is necessary to determine their effectiveness.The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of intraoral stent use and determine whether these prosthetic devices can reduce radiation dosage to nontargeted oral tissues and adverse effects related to head and neck radiation.Two independent reviewers made a systematic search for articles published from January 2010 to March 2020 in 3 databases, supplemented by a manual search. Studies were included if they were clinical trials (randomized controlled trials, both prospective and retrospective), published in English, and evaluated radiation dose and oral adverse side effects (acute or chronic) induced by radiotherapy of participants with and without intraoral stents.The search strategy identified 201 studies; of which, 9 were included. A total of 251 participants were evaluated; of whom, 168 (77.3%) used intraoral stents and 57 (22.7%) were treated with radiotherapy without a prosthetic device. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the use of intraoral stents for preventing oral mucositis (P.001), salivary changes (P=.003), and trismus (P.02). A funnel plot showed asymmetry among the differences of means in all selected studies.Intraoral stents have a positive effect on preventing oral mucositis. Further clinical trials are needed to address the flaws identified in the present systematic review.

Immunotherapy with BCG is an effective and widely used treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. BCG sepsis is a rare but life-threatening and frequently not a straightforward complication of this treatment; in cases with a high index of suspicion, anti-bacillary treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation and be instituted immediately. We report a severe case of BCG sepsis, in which timely diagnosis and initiation of antituberculosis agents enabled a full recovery.

A 64-year-old woman presented with diffuse abdominal pain, postprandial bloating and 5 kg of unintentional weight loss in the last 3 months. She had a previous medical history of nephrectomy due to recurrent pyelonephritis and hypothyroidism. Physical examination revealed only mild tenderness in

Aim: To evaluate the association between functional literacy and the recognition of the word “bruxism” among adolescentes. Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a mid-sized city in Brazil. The sample consisted of 375 schoolchildren, age 12, and 368, aged 15 to 19 years, selected at random. Two calibrated examiners (Kappa > 0.80) applied the oral health literacy instrument, validated for adolescents, the “Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry” (BREALD-30) and the recognition of the word “bruxism” was used as a dependent variable, in addition to a questionnaire on functional literacy (Functional Literacy Index – INAF). Parents/caregivers answered a sociodemographic questionnaire. Unadjusted analysis and logistic regression were performed for complex samples (p < 0.05). Results: In the final model, the 12-year-old adolescents who were most likely not to recognize the word “bruxism” were those from public schools (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.79-4.46; p = 0.001), without health insurance (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.21-3.37; p = 0.007), and with a lower level of functional literacy (OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1, 66-4.26; p < 0.001). Adolescents, aged 15 to 19, who had a greater chance of not recognizing the word “bruxism” were those with the lowest level of functional literacy (OR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.93-5.60; p < 0.001), who lived with more people at home (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.02-4.11; p = 0.040), who had parents/guardians with a low level of education (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.15-3.36; p = 0.013). and who had never been to the dentist (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.26-7.52; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The recognition of the term “bruxism” among 12-year-olds was influenced by the presence of a health plan and a higher level of functional literacy. In the older age group, the higher level of functional literacy, the smaller number of people at home, the higher level of education of the person in charge, and the individual’s visit to the dentist influenced the recognition of the term. Uniterms: Health literacy. Bruxism. Oral health. Pediatric dentistry.

Objective To analyze the effects of hospital cardiorespiratory physical therapy protocol on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods From January to December 2019, bilateral dynamometry, Manovacuometry and Ventilometry, peak expiratory flow "Peak Flow", 6-min walk test (6MWT), SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were applied in patients who have undergone an allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), pre-conditioning (initial evaluation) and pre-discharge (final evaluation). The patients were submitted to an intervention protocol, consisting of aerobic training, muscle strengthening and respiratory muscle training, between the two assessments. Results 29 patients were enrolled in the study and 24 (83%) completed all procedure. Myeloablative and reduced intensity conditioning were performed in 89.6% and 10.4%, respectively; 17 (58%) patients have undergone an autologous HSCT; 10 (35%) identical related allogeneic HSCT, and 2 (7%) haploidentical allogeneic HSCT. The median number of interventions per patient was 3 (1–9). A decreasing in the right and left dynamometry (p ≤ 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively) and, also in the distance covered in the 6MWT (p = 0.004), was observed after HSCT. There was no significant difference in respiratory muscle strength, quality of life and fatigue sensation. Conclusion Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation can preserve functional capacity and quality of life.

RESUMO Introdução: Considerado atributo de uma sociedade contemporânea mais democrática, igualitária e justa, o acesso à informação é um direito constitucionalmente garantido a todo cidadão. Objetivo: Assim, este estudo foi realizado com profissionais vinculados ao Sistema Eletrônico do Serviço de Informação ao Cidadão (e-SIC), objetivando conhecer o perfil do (a) gestor (a) desse serviço, bem como sua satisfação em relação ao desempenho de suas funções profissionais nesse ambiente de trabalho. Metodologia: Quanto aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa caracteriza-se por sua natureza, predominantemente, qualitativa do tipo descritiva. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários. Resultados: Entre os objetivos alcançados na pesquisa, destaca-se o perfil dos profissionais responsáveis pelo gerenciamento do e-SIC: a maioria tem entre 41 e 50 anos, é do sexo feminino, pertence a diferentes profissões, como, por exemplo, advogado e delegado, e atua de um a dois anos nesse ambiente de trabalho. Conclusão: Verificou-se, também, que, apesar das barreiras encontradas, os (as) gestores (as) do e-SIC desempenham suas funções satisfatoriamente e consideram o Sistema como uma ferramenta de poder entre a sociedade e o setor público, o que possibilita mais controle e comunicação social e contribui significativamente com a população. ABSTRACT Introduction: Considered an attribute of a more democratic, egalitarian and fair contemporary society, access to information is a constitutionally guaranteed right for every citizen. Objective: Therefore, this study was conducted with professionals linked to the Electronic System of the Citizen Information Service (e-SIC), with the purpose of knowing the profile of the manager of this service, as well as his/her satisfaction in relation to the performance of his/her professional duties in this work environment. Methodology: As for the methodological procedures, the research is characterized by its nature, predominantly qualitative of the descriptive type. The data were collected by means of questionnaires. Results: Among the objectives achieved in the survey, the profile of the professionals responsible for the management of e-SIC stands out: most of them are between 41 and 50 years old, are female, belong to different professions, such as lawyer and delegate, and work from one to two years in this work environment. Conclusion: It has also been found that, despite the barriers encountered, the e-SIC managers perform their functions satisfactorily and consider the System as a power tool between society and the public sector, which enables more control and social communication and contributes significantly to the population.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs have been one of the hallmarks of success in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Brazil, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has increased, leading to a reduction in new infections among children. Currently, lifelong ART is available to all pregnant, however yet challenges remain in eliminating mother-to-child transmission. In this paper, we focus on the role of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to analyse blood plasma samples of pregnant women with HIV infection to differentiate pregnant women without HIV infection. Seventy-seven samples (39 HIV-infected patient and 38 healthy control samples) were analysed. Multivariate classification of resultant NIR spectra facilitated diagnostic segregation of both sample categories in a fast and non-destructive fashion, generating good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. This method is simple and low-cost, and can be easily adapted to point-of-care screening, which can be essential to monitor pregnancy risks in remote locations or in the developing world. Therefore, it opens a new perspective to investigate vertical transmission (VT). The approach described here, can be useful for the identification and exploration of VT under various pathophysiological conditions of maternal HIV. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis as a screening tool for fast and low-cost HIV detection.

A constante e farta disponibilidade de hortaliças convencionais, tais como cenoura, tomate, alface, batata, etc, em diversos mercados favoreceram a aquisição e o consumo habitual dessas pelos brasileiros. Isso, aliado ao processo de globalização, que resultou no crescente uso de alimentos industrializados e na introdução das redes de fast-food, proporcionou mudanças profundas nos hábitos alimentares da população. Com isso, o consumidor ganhou em constância no fornecimento de determinadas espécies vegetais produzidas em larga escala, porém, houveram mudanças significativas no padrão alimentar e perdas de características culturais na alimentação também foram esquecidas ao longo do tempo. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo resgatar a utilização de hortaliças não convencionais na alimentação dos estudantes do Instituto Federal Fluminense – Campus Avançado Cambuci, utilizando-se, a priori, algumas hortaliças de fácil preparo. Para a avaliação destas hortaliças foi aplicado um questionário aos alunos como forma de validação de seu uso na alimentação. Como resultado o projeto possibilitou a troca de saberes entre as partes participantes e em alguns casos houve boa aceitação em relação as hortaliças servidas.

Submitted by (omml@ubi.pt) on 2021-07-05T10:47:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Pessoa (pfep@ubi.pt) on 2021-07-05T10:49:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Rejected by Pessoa (pfep@ubi.pt), reason: Rever os nomes dos autores. Depois da correção é só voltar a submeter. on 2021-07-05T10:54:19Z (GMT) Submitted by (omml@ubi.pt) on 2021-07-05T11:52:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Pessoa (pfep@ubi.pt) on 2021-07-05T13:34:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Pessoa (pfep@ubi.pt) on 2021-07-05T13:35:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-05T13:35:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2021_Bousquet J_A_COVID anaphylaxis.pdf: 12561118 bytes, checksum: 2f801ee76ad2cb3cbdaa02ffabea8e09 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021-04-02 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study explored the association between family cohesion and self-perceived need for dental treatment among adolescents. A school-based representative cross-sectional study was conducted with 746 students aged 15 to 19 randomly selected from schools in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/guardians provided information on sociodemographic data, and students completed questionnaires about the self-perceived need for dental treatment, dental pain, and family cohesion and adaptability (FACES III). Two dentists were trained (kappa >0.80) to diagnosis dental caries using the Nyvad criteria and assess adolescents’ level of functional oral health literacy (BREALD-30). Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by nonadjusted and adjusted robust binary logistic regression for complex samples ( α = 5 % ). The prevalence of self-perceived need for dental treatment was 88.6%. The presence of dental caries ( OR = 2.10 ; IC 95%: 1.22–3.61), tooth loss ( OR = 15.81 ; IC 95%: 2.14–116.56), dental pain in the last six months ( OR = 1.87 ; IC 95%: 1.06–3.31), and enmeshed family cohesion type ( OR = 10.23 ; IC 95%: 3.96–26.4) remained associated with the self-perceived need for dental treatment in the final model. In conclusion, dental caries, dental pain, tooth loss, and family cohesion influenced the self-perceived need for dental treatment in adolescents.

Objective: To describe the type of milk used to feed infants seen in private pediatric practices in Brazil. To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding, type of delivery, and history of prematurity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and observational study that included 4929 infants in the first year of life seen in private pediatric practices in the five geographic regions of Brazil. Mothers provided information about the type of milk used by their infant, the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), and whether the birth was premature. Results: Breastfeeding was the only source of milk for 56.1% (1546/2755) of infants in the first six months of life and 32.9% (716/2174) in the second. Of the infants who received other types of milk besides breastfeeding, there was a predominance of infant formula in 98.6% and 93.8% of the infants, respectively, in the first and in the second six months of life. Whole cow's milk was used by 0.7% (20/2755) of infants in the first six months and by 4.1% (90/2174) of infants in the second (p < 0.001). In the first six months of life, breastfeeding as the only type of milk was associated with vaginal delivery (OR = 1.79; p < 0.001) and not having a history of prematurity (OR = 2.48; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Breastfeeding was the only milk source for more than half of infants before 180 days of life. Birth by cesarean section and history of prematurity were negatively associated with breastfeeding as the only source of milk used in infant feeding.

Current knowledge about mechanisms and interventions for pain has largely been derived from samples that are healthier, wealthier, younger, and more likely to be White than the general population. Failure to conduct inclusive pain research not only restricts generalizability and application of findings, but also hampers the discovery of mechanisms and the development of measures and interventions that are valid across population subgroups. Most of all, inclusive practices are critical to ensure that underrepresented groups derive equitable benefit from pain research. Here, we provide guidance for the pain research community on how to adopt inclusive research practices. We define “inclusion” to encompass a range of identities and characteristics, including racialized group/ethnicity, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and age. We first describe principles relevant to promoting inclusion in pain research, including attention to: 1) stakeholder engagement; 2) structural factors underlying inequities; 3) the limitations of “disparity” research; 4) intersectionality; and 5) universal design. Next, we provide checklists with practical strategies for making studies more inclusive at each stage of the research process. We conclude by calling for system-level changes to ensure that the future of pain research is socially just, scientifically productive, and responsive to the needs of all people. Perspective : This paper offers guidance on promoting inclusion of underrepresented groups in pain research. We describe principles relevant to conducting more inclusive research; e.g., attention to stakeholder engagement, structural factors, and universal design. We provide checklists with practical strategies for inclusion at each stage of the research process.

Objective: To evaluate the complementary feeding practices, food intake, and nutritional status of infants on a cow’s milk protein elimination diet. Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted to compare infants aged 4-18 months who were on a cow’s milk protein elimination diet with a control group of healthy infants without any dietary restrictions. General information on the child’s health, demographic data, and food consumption were collected. Results: The study included 96 infants in the elimination diet group and 99 in the control group. In the elimination diet group, the median age (in months) of introduction of solid foods (5.0 × 4.0; p < 0.001) and water (5.5 × 4.0; p < 0.05) was later, consumption of soft drinks and industrialized cookies was less frequent (p < 0.05), and a lower index of complementary feeding inadequacies (2.75 × 3.50; p < 0.001) was observed. The elimination diet group presented lower individual values of Z scores for weight/age, weight/height, and body mass index/age, although they were fed with higher amounts of energy (117.4 × 81.3 kcal/kg of weight; p < 0.001) and macro-and micronutrients, except for vitamin A. In the elimination diet group, breast milk and its substitutes contributed to more than 67% of energy intake. Although calcium consumption was a deficit in 31.5% of the infants, none received supplementation. Conclusion: Infants on an elimination diet presented more adequate complementary feeding practices and higher nutritional intake, despite lower body weight values.

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that consists of correcting the abnormalities of the maxilla, mandible or both. Maxillary movements have a direct effect on the upper airways. For this reason, in the preoperative period, bone movements should be carefully analyzed and planned to avoid causing any damages to the airways. The goal of this study was to discuss the long-term evolution of the airways after orthognathic surgery. In order to do that, a search was performed through the databases PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Scopus, using the acronym PICO strategy and a guiding question to conduct the search. Through the keywords and boolean operators "and" and "or" we found 930 articles. After reading the titles, abstracts and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, we had 21 articles that were studied in their integrity. At the end of the selection, only 8 studies were included in the review. The postoperative evaluations from the selected studies showed that the airways suffered variations, independently of the patient's facial pattern. In addition, the airways tend to return to initial volumes, but none of the included studies obtained a complete return to the initial airways, even 6 years after surgery. Therefore, more studies with controlled methodologies should be conducted in order to have a better understanding of the airways and their changes.

Occult breast cancer is a rare presentation of breast cancer ( axillary lymphadenopathy . It represents a diagnostic challenge, gradually improved by technological innovations. The difficulty in deciding therapeutic conduct lays in the paucity of prospective studies and thereby of consensus. We present a brief review of the literature, concerning the case report of a 56-year-old woman diagnosed with this type of cancer at our center, after presenting with an axillary nodule. No relevant abnormality in the breast or other organs was found. Immunohistochemical and imaging diagnosis are assessed as well as treatment, which consisted of homolateral axillary lymph node ressection, followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

Despite constant medical evolution, the reimbursement policy of Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) for the study and risk stratification of coronary heart disease has remained unchanged for several decades. Lack of adjustment to contemporary clinical practice has long been evident. However, the recent publication of the European Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic coronary syndromes further highlighted this gap and the urgent need for a change. Prompted by these Guidelines, the Working Group on Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac CT, the Working Group on Echocardiography and the Working Group on Stress Pathophysiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, began a process of joint reflection on the current limitations and how these recommendations could be applied in Portugal. To this end, the authors suggest that the new imaging methods (stress echocardiogram, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance), should be added to exercise treadmill stress test and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the available exam portfolio within the Portuguese NHS. This change would allow full adoption of European guidelines and a better use of tests, according to clinical context, availability and local specificities. The adoption of clinical guidance standards, based on these assumptions, would translate into a qualitative improvement in the management of these patients and would promote an effective use of the available resources, with potential health and financial gains.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a debilitating complication associated with antiresorptive agents, in which treatment can be quite challenging. This study aimed to report two cases of cancer patients with MRONJ treated in a complementary manner by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Both patients were male, 84 and 82 years old, respectively, and had a diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma and bone metastasis, treated with intravenous injections of bisphosphonates. The dental history for both was toothache, followed by extraction of dental elements that culminated with the appearance of necrotic bone in the mandibular region, which was confirmed with imaging exams and histopathological reports. The treatment protocol for both cases consisted of performing the aPDT once a week, associated with the use of 10 volumes hydrogen peroxide and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate for continuous use after oral brushing and amoxicillin with clavulanate three times a day for 7 days. The patient in case 1 performed 27 sessions, responded well to treatment, however, due to complications of the underlying neoplasm, he died without complete resolution of the osteonecrosis. In case 2, 32 sessions were carried out, with a good evolution of the symptoms. The patient is being followed up for 14 months, with no need for surgical intervention to date. Based on the reported cases and the literature survey, it can be concluded that aPDT can be an effective alternative in cases of MRONJ. The patients in the study in question showed success and control of the clinical picture.

Background Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles that has been associated with orofacial disorders and psychosocial factors AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between possible awake bruxism (PAB) and family functioning, bullying, and dental caries in children 8-10 years of age. Design A school-based study was conducted with 739 pairs of parents/guardians and children. The parents/guardians answered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales for the establishment of family functioning. Information on bullying due to dental conditions was collected from the children. Dental caries in the children was evaluated using International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. A directed acyclic graph was used to define the theoretical model and select control factors. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression for complex samples. Results Considering the parental reports, fewer years of mother's schooling, a low family income, very flexible family adaptability, and cavitated dental caries were associated with PAB. The female sex, bullying, and orofacial dysfunction were associated with self-reported PAB. Conclusions Therefore, the factors associated with PAB differ according to the reports of parents/guardians or self-reports of children. Healthcare providers should consider both reports for a more effective intervention addressing PAB.

Resumo: Relato de caso de um paciente com hérnia diafragmática direita crônica. Paciente em emergência de hospital referência de trauma com obstrução intestinal grave. Hérnia diafragmática pós-traumática é uma injúria pouco encontrada na prática médica, principalmente quando acomete o hemidiafragma direito. As rupturas do lado direito estão associadas a alta morbi-mortalidade e, portanto, o subdiagnóstico de lesões à direita pode ser devido a uma maior mortalidade pré-hospitalar ou a um atraso no diagnóstico intra-hospitalar, muitas vezes em consequência do grau variável de acometimento traumático. A ruptura diafragmática contusa, por ser uma condição pouco frequente, deve ter alto índice de suspeição nos pacientes vítima de trauma tóraco-abdominal, independente do mecanismo de trauma. A associação com lesões múltiplas e graves é frequente, apresentando considerável taxa de morbi-mortalidade, devido aos riscos de complicações imediatas e tardias envolvidas no atraso diagnóstico.

This study aimed to determine the enthalpy index in three municipalities of Mato Grosso, to characterize the bioclimatic profile for the poultry industry. In the research, the compensated daily dry bulb temperature and the daily average relative humidity were used. The data corresponding to a historical series of 35 years, between 01/01/1985 and 12/31/2020, recorded in conventional meteorological stations in the municipalities of Canarana, Nova Xavantina, and Santo Antônio de Leverger, available in the Meteorological Database for Teaching and Research of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Then, monthly descriptive statistics of the historical series were determined and bar plot graphs with enthalpy values were developed. These graphs included the lower and upper enthalpy limits, suitable for laying hens and broilers, to qualify the thermal conditions of environmental comfort in the three municipalities of Mato Grosso. It was concluded that the enthalpy index made it possible to characterize the bioclimatic profile of the mentioned municipalities for poultry farming, according to the months of the year. The natural thermal conditions in these municipalities were not favorable to poultry farming, requiring extra investments in the air conditioning of the sheds. The increase in thermal discomfort for broilers was accentuated from the fourth week of the production cycle. The applied methodology presented itself as an adequate tool to assist in the elaboration of projects related to environmental changes in aviaries.

Background: The HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is the most common neurological manifestation associated with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection. Although cognitive impairment has been highlighted in the spectrum of HTLV-1 neurological manifestations, it may go unnoticed in those who do not spontaneously report it. We aimed at evaluating the applicability of a self-perceived memory score (SMS) and the cognitive event-related potential (P300) for the early detection of cognitive impairment in HTLV-1-infected people. Methods: The SMS was measured by a 0-10 visual analog scale combined with a sad-happy faces rating scale. The higher the number, the better was the SMS. The P300 was obtained through an oddball paradigm with a mental counting task. The participants were 15(21,4%) individuals with HAM/TSP, 20(28,6%) HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers, and 35(50%) seronegative controls. Results: SMS (p369.0 milliseconds were considered as altered result and indicated cognitive impairment. The HAM/TSP group showed the highest prevalence of altered P300 (80%) and SMS (87%). Interestingly, the asymptomatic group also presented significant higher prevalence of altered SMS (60%) and P300 (35%) when compared to controls (Conclusion: The use of SMS in the medical consultation was a useful and easy-to-apply method to screen HTLV-1 infected subjects for everyday memory complaints.

Resumen Introduccion La corticoterapia continua siendo la piedra angular en el tratamiento del sindrome nefrotico. El manejo de los pacientes que desarrollan dependencia a esteroides es complejo, implicando distintas pautas de farmacos inmunosupresores. El rituximab, anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20, parece tener efectos beneficiosos en pacientes con sindrome nefrotico cortico-dependiente de dificil manejo clinico, si bien aun no esta bien definido su papel en esta entidad. Con el fin de aportar informacion util sobre el papel del rituximab en esta patologia, presentamos nuestra experiencia personal en pacientes pediatricos tratados con este farmaco en los ultimos anos. Materiales y metodos Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes con sindrome nefrotico idiopatico cortico-dependiente controlados en la Seccion de Nefrologia Pediatrica de un hospital terciario espanol, y que habian recibido, al menos, un ciclo de tratamiento con rituximab durante cualquier momento de la evolucion de la enfermedad. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio ocho pacientes. Todos habian recibido terapia inmunosupresora previamente. El rituximab se administro por via intravenosa a una dosis de 375 mg/m2, y todas las dosis se administraron en situacion de remision de la enfermedad. Se confirmo la deplecion completa de linfocitos B (CD 19%), tras la primera dosis de rituximab en todos, excepto en uno, en el que el recuento fue del 1%. El periodo de deplecion fue de 10,3 meses (mediana; rango 6,5-16 meses), y solamente en uno de los pacientes se registro una recaida de la enfermedad durante este periodo. Tras el inicio del tratamiento, se observo una reduccion en el numero de recaidas (3,6 recaidas/ano en el ano previo al inicio del tratamiento vs. 0,1 recaidas/ano durante el primer ano posrituximab). La supervivencia libre de recaida en el primer ano fue del 83,3% en los pacientes, con mas de una recaida (75% de los pacientes), sin existir recaidas tras el inicio del tratamiento en dos pacientes. En un 87,5% de los pacientes se pudieron retirar uno o mas farmacos tras el primer ciclo de rituximab. Tras el tratamiento con rituximab, se consiguio una reduccion del 96,5% de las dosis de corticoides administrados (28,5 mg/m2/dia en los tres meses pretratamiento vs. 1 mg/m2/dia en los tres ultimos meses de seguimiento en los pacientes tratados). Tras el periodo de seguimiento posrituximab (mediana 46,5 meses, rango 5-97 meses), no se observaron efectos adversos significativos atribuibles al farmaco. Conclusiones Los resultados favorables reportados tras el tratamiento con rituximab en nuestros pacientes parecen confirmar la eficacia del farmaco en el sindrome nefrotico cortico-dependiente y lo hacen considerar como una opcion terapeutica valida en casos de dificil manejo clinico en la edad pediatrica. Aun asi, parece recomendable disenar estudios apropiados que traten de aclarar, entre otros, el regimen optimo de tratamiento (dosis, intervalo y numero de ciclos), repercusion clinica y potenciales efectos adversos a largo plazo.

Background Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) may represent undiagnosed early-stage or subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILAs are often observed incidentally in patients who subsequently develop clinically overt ILD. There is limited information on consensus definitions for, and the appropriate evaluation of, ILA. Early recognition of patients with ILD remains challenging, yet critically important. Expert consensus could inform early recognition and referral. Research Question Can consensus-based expert recommendations be identified to guide clinicians in the recognition, referral, and follow-up of patients with or at risk of developing early ILDs? Study Design and Methods Pulmonologists and radiologists with expertise in ILD participated in two iterative rounds of surveys. The surveys aimed to establish consensus regarding ILA reporting, identification of patients with ILA, and identification of populations that might benefit from screening for ILD. Recommended referral criteria and follow-up processes were also addressed. Threshold for consensus was defined a priori as ≥ 75% agreement or disagreement. Results Fifty-five experts were invited and 44 participated; consensus was reached on 39 of 85 questions. The following clinically important statements achieved consensus: honeycombing and traction bronchiectasis or bronchiolectasis indicate potentially progressive ILD; honeycombing detected during lung cancer screening should be reported as potentially significant (eg, with the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System “S-modifier” [which indicates clinically significant or potentially significant noncancer findings]), recommending referral to a pulmonologist in the radiology report; high-resolution CT imaging and full pulmonary function tests should be ordered if nondependent subpleural reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing, centrilobular ground-glass nodules, or patchy ground-glass opacity are observed on CT imaging; patients with honeycombing or traction bronchiectasis should be referred to a pulmonologist irrespective of FVC and diffusion capacity values; and patients with systemic sclerosis should be screened with pulmonary function tests for early-stage ILD. Interpretation Guidance for identifying clinically relevant ILA, with subsequent referral and follow-up, was established. These results lay the foundation for developing practical guidance on managing patients with ILA.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients exhibit skeletal muscle atrophy, denervation, and reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Whilst chronic tobacco smoke exposure is implicated in COPD muscle impairment, the mechanisms involved are ambiguous. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor that activates detoxifying pathways with numerous exogenous ligands, including tobacco smoke. Whereas transient AHR activation is adaptive, chronic activation can be toxic. On this basis, we tested the hypothesis that chronic smoke‐induced AHR activation causes adverse muscle impact. Methods We used clinical patient muscle samples, and in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo models (mouse), to perform gene expression, mitochondrial function, muscle and neuromuscular junction morphology, and genetic manipulations (adeno‐associated virus‐mediated gene transfer). Results Sixteen weeks of tobacco smoke exposure in mice caused muscle atrophy, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and reduced oxidative capacity. Similarly, smoke exposure reprogrammed the muscle transcriptome, with down‐regulation of mitochondrial and neuromuscular junction genes. In mouse and human patient specimens, smoke exposure increased muscle AHR signalling. Mechanistically, experiments in cultured myotubes demonstrated that smoke condensate activated the AHR, caused mitochondrial impairments, and induced an AHR‐dependent myotube atrophy. Finally, to isolate the role of AHR activity, expression of a constitutively active AHR mutant without smoke exposure caused atrophy and mitochondrial impairments in cultured myotubes, and muscle atrophy and neuromuscular junction degeneration in mice. Conclusions These results establish that chronic AHR activity, as occurs in smokers, phenocopies the atrophy, mitochondrial impairment, and neuromuscular junction degeneration caused by chronic tobacco smoke exposure.

Background The management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) requires a multidisciplinary approach, with an increasing interest for non-operative strategies. Liquid biopsy for obtaining circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can provide information on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) pathological response and cancer-specific prognosis, and therefore might be a promising guide for these treatments. Methods A systematic review of the studies available in literature has been performed to assess the role of ctDNA as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in LARC patients. Results We retrieved 21 publications, of which 17 full-text articles and 4 abstracts. Results have been labelled into two groups: predictive and prognostic. Data about the usefulness of liquid biopsy in this setting is still inconclusive. However, baseline higher levels of longer fragments of cell-free DNA and integrity index, tumor-specific mutations and certain methylated genes could predict non-responders. Also, undetectable baseline ctDNA and decrease of common rectal cancer mutations throughout treatment (dynamic monitoring) were predictive factors of pathological complete response. The continuous detection of ctDNA in different timepoints of treatment (minimal residual disease) was consistently associated with worse prognosis. Conclusions ctDNA is a promising biomarker that could assist predicting treatment response to nCRT and prognosis in patients with LARC. The ideal methods and timings for the liquid biopsy still have to be defined.

Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (GNT1116371), and by foundation partner, Boehringer Ingelheim, and program partners, Roche and Galapagos. Rationale : The interstitial lung disease (ILD) multidisciplinary meetings (MDM), composed of pulmonologists, radiologists, and pathologists, is integral to the rendering of an accurate ILD diagnosis. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the conduct of ILD MDMs, and questions regarding their best practices remain unanswered. Objectives : To achieve consensus among ILD experts on essential components of an ILD MDM. Methods : Using a Delphi methodology, semi-structured interviews with ILD experts were used to identify key themes and features of ILD MDMs. These items informed two subsequent rounds of online questionnaires that were used to achieve consensus among a broader, international panel of ILD experts. Experts were asked to rate their level of agreement on a five-point Likert scale. An a priori threshold for consensus was set at a median score 4 or 5 with an interquartile range of 0. Results : We interviewed 15 ILD experts, and 102 ILD experts participated in the online questionnaires. Five items and two exploratory statements achieved consensus on being essential for an ILD MDM following two questionnaire rounds. There was consensus that the presence of at least one radiologist, a quiet setting with a visual projection system, a high-quality chest high-resolution computed tomography, and a standardized template summarizing collated patient data are essential components of an ILD MDM. Experts also agreed that it would be useful for ILD MDMs to undergo an annual benchmarking process and a validation process by fulfilling a minimum number of cases annually. Twenty-seven additional features were considered to be either highly desirable or desirable features based on the degree of consensus. Although our findings on desirable features are similar to the current literature, several of these remain controversial and warrant further research. The study also showed an agreement among participants on several future concepts to improve the ILD MDM, such as performing regular self-assessments and conducting research into shared practices to develop an international expert guideline statement on ILD MDMs. Conclusions : This Delphi study showed consensus among international ILD experts on essential and desirable features of an ILD MDM. Our data represent an important step toward potential collaborative research into future standardization of ILD MDMs. Postprint

Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori–negative gastric cancer (HpNGC) can be as low as 1%, when infection is assessed using more sensitive tests or considering the presence of gastric atrophy. HpNGC may share a high-risk profile contributing to the occurrence of cancer in the absence of infection. We estimated the proportion of HpNGC, using different criteria to define infection status, and compared HpNGC and positive cases regarding gastric cancer risk factors. Methods: Cases from 12 studies from the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project providing data on H. pylori infection status determined by serologic test were included. HpNGC was reclassified as positive (eight studies) when cases presented CagA markers (four studies), gastric atrophy (six studies), or advanced stage at diagnosis (three studies), and were compared with positive cases. A two-stage approach (random-effects models) was used to pool study-specific prevalence and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: Among non-cardia cases, the pooled prevalence of HpNGC was 22.4% (n = 166/853) and decreased to 7.0% (n = 55) when considering CagA status; estimates for all criteria were 21.8% (n = 276/1,325) and 6.6% (n = 97), respectively. HpNGC had a family history of gastric cancer more often [OR = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–4.61] and were current smokers (OR = 2.16; 95% CI, 0.52–9.02). Conclusion: This study found a low prevalence of HpNGC, who are more likely to have a family history of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives. Impact: Our results support that H. pylori infection is present in most non-cardia gastric cancers, and suggest that HpNGC may have distinct patterns of exposure to other risk factors.

Sunitinib is one of the first-line multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and resistance to sunitinib continues to be a limiting factor for the successful treatment. As interleukin-6 (IL-6) is overexpressed in sunitinib-resistant cells, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential of IL-6 inhibition with tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, to overcome resistance. In vitro, two sunitinib-resistant renal cell carcinoma cell lines (Caki-1 and SN12K1) were treated with tocilizumab. A mouse subcutaneous xenograft model was also used. Cell viability was studied by MTT assay, and apoptosis by morphology and ApopTag. Expression of IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Bcl-2 was analyzed by qPCR. In vitro, tocilizumab induced significant cell death, and reduced the expression of IL-6, VEGF, and Bcl-2 in sunitinib-resistant cells. However, the in vitro findings could not be successfully translated in vivo, as tocilizumab did not decrease the growth of the tumors.

BACKGROUND: Malignant airway obstruction (MAO) leads to quality of life impairment and increased mortality. Interventional bronchoscopy allows airway patency restoring, leading to a better survival. We investigated predictors of survival and successful bronchoscopic intervention among MAO patients. METHODS: This observational prospective study enrolled 100 patients who were newly diagnosed with MAO. Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and curves compared by log-rank test. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for odds ratio calculation. RESULTS: A proportion of 73% of the patients were male with a median age was 62.5 years (range, 21–88 years). Lung cancer was the most common primary malignancy (74%). The majority had single (61%), endoluminal (62%) lesions and were classified as grade III in Myer Cotton scale (57%). The most used techniques comprised mechanical debulking (n=81) and laser therapy (n=68). Twenty-two airway stents were placed. While eleven patients were considered untreatable, technical success was achieved in 78%. Haemorrhage was the most common acute complication (16%). No deaths occurred as a result of the procedure. Median global survival was 8 months. Adjusting for age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG), extrinsic compression or mixed airway obstructions [hazard ratio (HR) =2.075; P=0.012], successful bronchoscopic intervention (HR =0.468; P=0.025) and initiation of cancer treatment (HR =0.373; P=0.006) were independent predictors of survival. The absence of distal airway patency on thoracic CT was independently associated with failure of the intervention [odds ratio (OR) =0.013; P

PURPOSE To generate and present the survey results on critical issues relevant to screening, diagnosis, and staging tools for prostate cancer (PCa) focused on developing countries. METHODS A total of 36 of 300 questions concern the main areas of interest of this paper: (1) screening, (2) diagnosis, and (3) staging for various risk levels of PCa in developing countries. A panel of 99 international multidisciplinary cancer experts voted on these questions to create recommendations for screening, diagnosing, and staging tools for PCa in areas of limited resources discussed in this manuscript. RESULTS The panel voted publicly but anonymously on the predefined questions. Each question was deemed consensus if 75% or more of the full panel had selected a particular answer. These answers are based on panelist opinion not a literature review or meta-analysis. For questions that refer to an area of limited resources, the recommendations consider cost-effectiveness and the possible therapies with easier and greater access. Each question had five to seven relevant answers including two nonanswers. The results were tabulated in real time. CONCLUSION The voting results and recommendations presented in this document can be used by physicians to support the screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in areas of limited resources. Individual clinical decision making should be supported by available data; however, as guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in developing countries have not been developed, this document will serve as a point of reference when confronted with this disease.

© 2021 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with high rates of hospitalization and death. It also has a negative impact on patients' functional capacity and quality of life, as well as on healthcare costs. In recent years, new HFrEF prognosis-modifying drugs have emerged, leading to intense debate within the international scientific community toward a paradigm shift for the management of HFrEF. In this article, we report the contribution of a Portuguese HF expert panel to the ongoing debate. Based on the most recently published clinical evidence, and the panel members' clinical judgment, three key principles are highlighted: (i) sacubitril/valsartan should be preferred as first-line therapy for HFrEF, instead of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker; (ii) the four foundation HFrEF drugs are the angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, regardless of the presence of type-2 diabetes mellitus; (iii) these four HFrEF drug classes should be introduced over a short-term period of four to six weeks, guided by a safety protocol, followed by a dose up-titration period of 8 weeks., A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) está associada a níveis elevados de hospitalização e mortalidade. A ICFEr também tem um impacto negativo na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida dos doentes, bem como na despesa em saúde. Nos últimos anos, surgiram novos medicamentos modificadores do prognóstico da ICFEr, originando um intenso debate na comunidade científica internacional em relação a uma mudança de paradigma para o tratamento da ICFEr. Neste artigo, relatamos a contribuição de um painel de especialistas portugueses em IC para o debate em curso. Com base na evidência clínica publicada mais recentemente e no julgamento clínico dos membros do painel, três princípios-chave são destacados: (i) sacubitril/valsartan deve ser preferido como terapia de primeira linha para a ICFEr, em vez de um inibidor da enzima de conversão da angiotensina ou um bloqueador do recetor da angiotensina; (ii) os quatro medicamentos básicos para a ICFEr são o inibidor do recetor da angiotensina e da neprilisina, os agentes bloqueadores beta-adrenérgicos, os antagonistas do recetor mineralocorticoide e os inibidores do cotransportador sódio-glucose 2, independentemente da presença de diabetes mellitus tipo 2; (iii) essas quatro classes de medicamentos para a ICFEr devem ser rapidamente introduzidas num período curto de 4-6 semanas, seguindo um protocolo de segurança, e depois tituladas durante as oito semanas seguintes.

Aims: To investigate the value of previously described pretreatment hematological and biochemical biomarkers as predictors of pathological response. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 191 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy at two Portuguese centers. The authors performed logistic regression analysis to search for predictive markers of pathological complete and good response. Results: High platelet–neutrophil index (p = 0.042) and clinical tumor stage >2 (p = 0.015) were predictive of poor response. None of the analyzed biomarkers predicted pathological complete response in this study. Conclusion: A high platelet–neutrophil index before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could help predict poorer pathological response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. However, no other blood biomarker predicted incomplete or poor response in this study.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:46:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Few works on solution-processed zinc oxide vertical transistors and electrolyte-gated transistors have shown the merits of both architectures. Here, we present an electrolyte-gated vertical field-effect transistor (EGVFET) based on a spray-deposited zinc oxide/silver nanowire (ZnO/AgNW) Schottky contact. The output curve shows that the device operates at a sub-1 V bias. Also, the electrolyte does not affect the diode cell, and the cyclic voltammetry of the capacitor cell does not indicate a faradic process between AgNW and the top-gate electrode. From the transfer curve, we extracted an ION/IOFF ratio of 104, an on-current density of 65.3 mA/cm2 and a normalized transconductance of 113.4 S/cm2. Our contribution places the ZnO-EGVFET structure on the front line to develop printed transistors without a high-resolution pattern. São Paulo State University – UNESP, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT), Physics Department, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. (e-mail: leonardo.nogueira@unesp.br) São Paulo State University – UNESP, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT), Physics Department, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Physics Department, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Universidade Tecnológica Federal Do Paraná – UTFPR, Physics Department, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Objective To investigate the effect of Wendler glottoplasty on voice feminization, voice quality and voice-related quality of life. Methods Prospective interventional cohort of transgender women submitted to Wendler glottoplasty. Acoustic analysis of the voice included assessment of fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time formant frequencies (F1 and F2), frequency range, jitter and shimmer. Voice quality was blindly assessed through GRBAS scale. Voice-related quality of life was measured using the Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire and the self-perceived femininity of the voice. Results A total of 7 patients were included. The mean age was 35.4 years, and the mean postoperative follow-up time was 13.7 months. There was a mean increase of 47.9 ± 46.6 Hz (p = 0.023) in sustained/e/F0 and a mean increase of 24.6 ± 27.5 Hz (p = 0.029) in speaking F0 after glottoplasty. There was no statistical significance in the pre- and postoperative comparison of maximum phonation time, formant frequencies, frequency range, jitter, shimmer, and grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale. Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire decreased following surgery from 98.3 ± 9.2 to 54.1 ± 25.0 (p = 0.007) and mean self-perceived femininity of the voice increased from 2.8 ± 1.8 to 7.7 ± 2.4 (p = 0.008). One patient (14%) presented a postoperative granuloma and there was 1 (14%) premature suture dehiscence. Conclusion Glottoplasty is safe and effective for feminizing the voice of transgender women. There was an increase in fundamental frequency, without aggravating other acoustic parameters or voice quality. Voice-related quality of life improved after surgery.