Canine cutaneous neoplasms in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil / Neoplasias cutâneas caninas na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to describe the occurrence and epidemiological features of skin neoplasms diagnosed in dogs in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil. Diagnoses from dog biopsies from 2011 to 2016 provided by a private veterinary pathology laboratory were analyzed. The main diagnoses were mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and hemangioma. Highest frequency of neoplasms was found in female dogs, dogs aged > 8 years, and purebred dogs, particularly the American Pit Bull Terriers and the Poodles. Most common sites affected by the neoplasms were the limb and the head. Using multiple correspondence analysis, groups of neoplasms were found to be associated with different epidemiological features and the size of the neoplasms was associated with the biological behavior. The results of this study described predispositions and verified the importance of different types of skin neoplasms in dogs in the region being studied.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e as características epidemiológicas das neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás. Foram analisados os diagnósticos de um laboratório do setor privado de 2011 a 2016. Mastocitoma, hemangiossarcoma, carcinoma de células escamosas, melanoma maligno e hemangioma representaram os principais diagnósticos. A maioria dos casos ocorreram em cães de raças definidas, fêmeas e com idade >8 anos. American Pit Bull Terrier e Poodle foram as raças mais encontradas. As neoplasias acometeram principalmente regiões de membros e cabeça. Pela análise de correspondência múltipla, associou-se os grupos de neoplasias com diferentes características epidemiológicas e o tamanho da neoplasia com o comportamento biológico. A comparação dos resultados com pesquisas prévias possibilitou confirmar predisposições previamente descritas e verificar a importância dos diferentes tipos de neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região estudada.(AU)

Technical note and clinical instructions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in patients with Covid-19: Brazilian Society of Nephrology and Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine / Nota técnica e orientações clínicas sobre a Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA) em pacientes com Covid-19: Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia e Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira

ABSTRACT We produced this document to bring pertinent information to the practice of nephrology, as regards to the renal involvement with COVID-19, the management of acute kidney injury cases, and practical guidance on the provision of dialysis support.As information on COVID-19 evolves at a pace never before seen in medical science, these recommendations, although based on recent scientific evidence, refer to the present moment. The guidelines may be updated when published data and other relevant information become available.

RESUMO Este documento foi desenvolvido para trazer informações pertinentes à prática nefrológica em relação ao conhecimento sobre o acometimento renal da COVID-19, conduta frente aos casos de injúria renal aguda e orientações práticas sobre a provisão do suporte dialítico.Como as informações sobre a COVID-19 evoluem a uma velocidade jamais vista na ciência médica, as orientações apresentadas, embora baseadas em evidências científicas recentes, referem-se ao momento presente. Essas orientaços poderão ser atualizadas à medida que dados publicados e outras informações relevantes venham a ser disponibilizadas.

Occurrence of ticks in dogs in a hospital population in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Ocorrência de carrapatos em cães de população hospitalar no Espírito Santo

Ticks, along with fleas, are considered the main ectoparasites affecting dogs in Brazil. The literature is rich in reports on the occurrence of ticks, which are vectors of diseases in both dogs and humans. The study of the epidemiology of these arthropods provides important data that can help control the infestation in residential areas where dogs are present. Thus, the study of their occurrence in urban areas and veterinary services is very important. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of ticks in dogs in a veterinary hospital population in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Over a one-year period (July 2012 to July 2013), 1483 dogs brought to veterinary services in south-eastern Brazil were examined. Among the dogs examined, 8.97% presented tick infestation, of which 100% were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Given that this species of tick acts as a vector for diseases, it is important that the official health services monitor the occurrence of infestation in dogs and humans, in order to identify diseases transmitted by these ticks in this region.(AU)

Os carrapatos, juntamente com as pulgas, são considerados, no Brasil, como os principais ectoparasitas do cão. A literatura é rica em relatos considerando a ocorrência de carrapatos, que são vetores de doenças para cães e humanos. O estudo da epidemiologia de artrópodes é um dado importante que pode ajudar a controlar a infestação em áreas domiciliadas com a presença de cães. Nesse sentido, o estudo de sua ocorrência em áreas urbanas e ou mesmo em serviços médicos veterinários é importante. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de carrapatos em cães em uma população hospitalar do estado de Espírito Santo, Brasil. Durante um ano (julho de 2012 a julho de 2013), foram examinados 1483 cães atendidos em serviços hospitalares no sudeste do Brasil. Entre os cães examinados, 8,97% apresentaram infestação de carrapatos, sendo 100% deles identificados como Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Uma vez que se trata de uma espécie de carrapato que atua como vetor de doenças, é importante que os serviços oficiais de saúde mantenham um monitoramento da ocorrência de infestação tanto em cães como em humanos, a fim de identificar doenças transmitidas por esses carrapatos nesta região.(AU)

Cytokine Profile and Clinical Correlates in HIV-Exposed Infants with Severe (Hypoxic) Pneumonia

Introduction. Severe pneumonia in infants who are HIV-infected is a common problem in many parts of the developing world; especially sub-Saharan Africa. What has been missing from previous studies of severe pneumonia in HIV-infected infants; however; is a description of the host inflammatory response and cytokine/chemokine profile that accompanies this disease. Objective. To describe the cytokine profiles associated with severe hypoxic pneumonia in HIV-infected infants Methods. In a cohort of HIV-infected children diagnosed clinically with severe hypoxic pneumonia; paired serum and sputum cytokines were tested. A control group of HIV-infected children with bronchiectasis contributed matching controls.Results. A total of 100 infants (mean age 2.8 months) with a clinical diagnosis of severe hypoxic pneumonia were included in this study. IP-10 was markedly elevated in both sputum (mean 560.77pg/ml) and serum (mean 9091.14pg/ml); while IP-10 was elevated in serum (mean 39.55 pg/ml); with both these cytokines being significantly higher than in stable children with HIV-related bronchiectasis. Conclusion. This study of HIV-infected infants with severe hypoxic pneumonia suggests that IL-10 and IP-10 are associated with more severe lung disease. However; further investigation of this association is required

Incidence and mortality of ischemic stroke subtypes in Joinville, Brazil: a population-based study / Incidência e mortalidade dos subtipos de AVCi em Joinville, Brasil: um estudo de base populacional

Aims To measure the incidence and mortality rates of ischemic stroke (IS) subtypes in Joinville, Brazil. Methods All first-ever IS patients that occurred in Joinville from January 2005 to December 2006 were identified. The IS subtypes were classified by the TOAST criteria, and the patients were followed-up for one year after IS onset. Results The age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was 26 (17-39) for large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), 17 (11-27) for cardioembolic (CE), 29 (20-41) for small vessel occlusion (SVO), 2 (0.6-7) for stroke of other determined etiology (OTH) and 30 (20-43) for stroke of undetermined etiology (UND). The 1-year mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 5 (2-11) for LAA, 6 (3-13) for CE, 1 (0.1-6) for SVO, 0.2 (0-0.9) for OTH and 9 (4-17) for UND. Conclusion In the population of Joinville, the incidences of IS subtypes were similar to those found in other populations. These findings highlight the importance of better detection and control of atherosclerotic risk factors. .

Objetivos Avaliar as incidências e as taxas de mortalidade dos subtipos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico em Joinville, Brasil. Métodos A partir do Registro de AVC de Joinville, um banco de dados de base populacional em curso, foram identificados todos os primeiros eventos de AVC isquêmico que ocorreram em Joinville entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2006. Os subtipos foram classificados pelos critérios de TOAST, e os pacientes foram seguidos por um ano após o evento. Resultados A incidência ajustada por idade por 100.000 habitantes foi de 26 (17-39) para a aterosclerose da artéria grande (AGA), 17 (11-27) para cardioembolia (CE), 29 (20-41) para a oclusão de pequena artéria (OPA), 2 (0,6-7) para outras etiologias determinadas (OTR) e 30 (20-43) para etiologia indeterminada (IND). A taxa de mortalidade de 1 ano por 100.000 habitantes foi de 5 (2-11) para AGA, 6 (3-13) para CE, 1 (0,1-6) para OPA, 0,2 (0-0,9) para OTR e 9 (4-17) para IND. Conclusão Na população de Joinville, as incidências dos subtipos foram semelhantes aos encontrados em outras populações. Estes resultados destacam a importância de uma melhor detecção e controle dos fatores de risco para aterosclerose. .

Biomimetic oxidation studies of monensin A catalyzed by metalloporphyrins: identification of hydroxyl derivative product by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Monensin A is an important commercially available natural product isolated from Streptomyces cinnamonensins that shows antibiotic and anti-parasitic activities. This molecule has a significant influence in the antibiotic market, but until now there are no studies on putative metabolite formations. Bioorganic catalysts applying metalloporphyrins and mono-oxygen donors are able to mimic the cytochrome P450 reactions. This model has been employed for natural product metabolism studies affording several new putative metabolites and in vivo experiments confirming the relevance of this procedure. In this work we evaluated the potential of 10,15,20-tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin metal(III) chloride [Fe(TFPP)Cl] catalyst models to afford a putative monensin A metabolite. Oxidation agents such as meta-chloroperoxy benzoic acid, iodosylbenzene, hydrogen peroxide 30 wt.% and tert-butyl hydroperoxide 70 wt.%, were used to investigate different reaction conditions, in addition to the analysis of the influence of the solvent. The quantification of total monensin A conversion and the structure of the new hydroxylated putative metabolite were proposed based on electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The porphyrin tested, afforded moderate conversions of monensin A in all reaction conditions and the selectivity was found to be dependent on the oxidation/medium employed.

Gradiente social, envejecimiento y diagnóstico tardío del cáncer oral / Social gradient, aging and delayed diagnosis of oral cancer

Desde la perspectiva de la salud pública se requiere abordar con mayor interés los problemas de salud bucal y la identificación de sus principales determinantes. Una de estas enfermedades, es el cáncer oral. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de literatura incorporando algunos elementos críticos y de opinión. Se destaca cómo las desigualdades en salud oral son aún poco comprendidas, en especial las relacionadas con el cáncer oral. El cáncer oral se caracteriza principalmente por ser acumulativo y más prevalente en adultos mayores. Esta población en países en vías de desarrollo se encuentra en desventaja social por la futura transición demográfica, el gradiente social y las deficiencias en la detección temprana, temas que son abordados en esta revisión. Es de vital importancia comprender el diagnóstico tardío del cáncer oral desde los determinantes sociales con el objetivo de fortalecer la política pública que se teje alrededor del cáncer.

A public health-based perspective is required to approach, with greater interest, both oral health problems and the identification of their main determinant factors. One of such problems is oral cancer. In this study, a narrative literature review was conducted while including some elements of critique and opinion. We highlight the fact that inequalities in oral health are yet to be completely understood, especially those related to oral cancer. The main characteristics of oral cancer are its accumulative nature and its prevalence in the elderly. In developing countries, this population is at social disadvantage, mainly because of the future demographic transition, the social gradient and a failure to detect the condition early. This review approaches these topics. Accordingly, it is very important to understand the causes of oral cancer's late diagnosis in terms of its social determinants in order to strengthen the public policies regarding cancer in general.

Painel molecular para detecção de microrganismos associados à sepse / Molecular panel for detection of sepsis-related microorganisms

INTRODUÇÃO: A sepse é uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica relacionada com altas taxas de mortalidade no meio hospitalar. O diagnóstico etiológico tardio e terapia antimicrobiana inadequada se associam a falhas do tratamento. Exames moleculares baseados na reação em cadeia da polimerase são considerados métodos mais rápidos e precisos do que técnicas de hemocultura para identificação microbiana, proporcionando uma taxa mais elevada de sucesso terapêutico. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um painel de seqüências iniciadoras (primers) para fragmentos de DNA de microrganismos associados à sepse. MÉTODOS: Seqüências iniciadoras para amplificação de Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Candida spp. foram desenvolvidos e testados quanto a sensibilidade e especificidade com base em suas respectivas cepas padrão. RESULTADOS: A especificidade pretendida foi obtida para os primers de P. aeruginosa, S. aureus e Candida spp. O teste de sensibilidade mostrou um limite de detecção de 5 ng a 500 fg em amostras de sangue contaminado com DNA microbiano. CONCLUSÕES: O painel molecular apresentado oferece a vantagem de constituir um sistema flexível "aberto" em comparação a outros métodos de detecção múltipla.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response related to high mortality rates in the hospital environment. Delayed etiological diagnosis and inadequate antimicrobial therapy are associated with treatment failures. Molecular tests based on polymerase chain reaction are regarded as faster and more accurate procedures than culture techniques for microbial identification, providing a higher rate of therapeutic success. OBJECTIVE: To develop a panel of primers for DNA fragments of sepsis-related microorganisms. METHODS: Primers for amplification of Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. were designed and tested for sensitivity and specificity on the basis of their respective standard strains. RESULTS: The intended specificity was obtained for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and Candida spp primers. Sensitivity tests showed a threshold for detection from 5 ng to 500 fg in blood samples contaminated with microbial DNA. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular panel presented offers the advantage of a flexible 'open' system when compared to other multiplex detection methods.

Diretrizes para tratamento da sepse grave/choque séptico: avaliação da perfusão tecidual / Guidelines for treatment of severe sepsis/septic shock: tissue perfusion assessment

A sepse tem alta incidência, alta letalidade e custos elevados, sendo a principal causa de mortalidade em unidades de terapia intensiva. Está claramente demonstrado que pacientes reconhecidos e tratados precocemente tem melhor prognóstico. A formulação de diretrizes de tratamento é fundamental para a adequação desse tratamento. Pacientes com claros sinais de hipoperfusão devem ser submetidos a otimização hemodinâmica. Assim, o reconhecimento dos sinais de hipoperfusão é um dos principais passos do tratamento. A presente diretriz aborda as evidências disponíveis na literatura em relação aos principais parâmetros hemodinâmicos utilizados atualmente.

Sepsis is a very frequent condition and causes high mortality rates and healthcare costs; it is the main cause of death in intensive care units. Clear, improved prognosis was shown for early diagnosed and treated patients. Treatment guidelines are fundamental for appropriate therapy. It is clear that hypoperfusion patients should be hemodynamically optimized; therefore, recognition of hypoperfusion signs is one of the main therapeutic steps. This guideline discusses the current literature and available data regarding the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters.

Potassium-Uptake Systems of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Genomic and Protein Organization and Potential Roles in Microbial Pathogenesis and Chemotherapy

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a formidable microbial pathogen which uses multiple mechanisms to subvert host immune defences. These include the effective; protective barrier presented by the outer waxy coat; intracellular concealment from host defences; and the ability to enter a prolonged; dormant phase in the infected host. Priority strategies to combat the scourge of TB include the identification of novel and selective targets on/in MTB which are amenable to pharmacological or immune-mediated control. Because they are structurally different from their counterparts in eukaryotic cells and are likely to be essential for survival and growth; the major K+ transporters of MTB represent alternative and novel targets for drug and vaccine design. These K+-uptake systems of MTB are the primary focus of this review; with particular emphasis on their genomic and protein structures; properties and functions; and potential roles in intracellular survival

Augmentation of the acute phase response in vitamin C-supplemented ultramarathoners

Objective. To investigate the effects of vitamin C (VC) supplementation on the alterations in systemic markers of inflammation as a result of participation in a 90 km down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in 29 subjects who completed the 1999 Comrades Marathon. Interventions. Runners were divided into groups receiving 500 mg/day VC (VC500; N = 10); 1 500 mg/day VC (VC1500; N = 12) or placebo (P; N = 7) for 7 days before the race; on the day of the race; and for 2 days following completion. Main outcome measures. Each subject recorded dietary intake before; during and after the race and provided 35 ml blood samples 15 - 18 hours before the race; immediately post race; 24 hours post race and 48 hours post race. These were analysed for full blood count; vitamins A; C and E; glucose; C-reactive protein (CRP); amyloid A; interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations. All post race concentrations were adjusted for plasma volume changes. Results. Analyses of dietary intakes and blood glucose and anti-oxidant status on the day preceding the race and the day of the race excluded carbohydrate intake or plasma vitamins E and A as significant confounders in the study. Mean pre-race concentrations of serum vitamin C in VC500 and VC1500 groups (128 - 10.2 and 153 - 10.2 mol/l) were significantly higher (p 0.01) than in the P group (83 - 10.8 mol/l) and confirmed the additional dietary VC intake of both groups. Serum CRP concentrations were significantly higher (p 0.05) in the VC500 group than in the VC1500 and P groups. This finding was supported by similar trends in serum amyloid A; plasma IL-6 and IL-8. When the data from the two VC groups were pooled and the vitamin intake in the placebo (N 500 mg per day

Adaptação da escala de homofobia implícita e explícita ao contexto brasileiro / Adaptation of the implicit and explicit homophobia scale to the brazilian context

O grande número de atitudes agressivas e comportamentos discriminatórios reportados com relação aos homossexuais tem sido amplamente discutido. Estudos recentes têm mostrado que o preconceito se modificou, tornando-se mais sutil. No entanto, são escassos os estudos que procuram enfatizar essa modificação no que diz respeito ao preconceito frente a estes grupos minoritários. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar a escala de homofobia implícita e explícita para o contexto brasileiro. Participaram desta pesquisa 231 estudantes universitários, com idade variando de 17 a 55 anos (M = 24,0; DP= 5,38), sendo a maioria (51,5 porcento) do sexo masculino. Estes responderam à escala mencionada e questões sócio-demográficas. Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória corroboraram a estrutura bi-fatorial da medida. Conjuntamente, o instrumento apresentou consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach = 0,87), mostrando-se uma medida fidedigna para utilização neste contexto

Importância anatomocirúrgica das características macroscópicas, localização e suprimento vascular das glândulas paratireóides cervicais / Anatomic and surgical importance of macroscopic characteristics, location and vascular supply of cervical parathyroid glands

OBJETIVOS: A importância anatômica e cirúrgica das glândulas paratireóides, notadamente, no curso das tireoidectomias continua viva e despertando interesse científico. Por outro lado, são raros os trabalhos científicos sobre a investigação da anatomia das paratireóides. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir para estabelecer essa ponte anatomocirúrgica. MÉTODO: Estudo macro e microscópico das glândulas paratireóides dissecadas nas peças anatômicas de dezenove cadáveres, todos do sexo masculino e com idade entre 20 e 60 anos. Na abordagem do suprimento vascular foi utilizada a técnica de corrosão para identificar a vascularização e a glândula tireóide adotada como referência espacial na localização das paratireóides. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas na macro e microscopia 76 glândulas paratireóides cervicais. Trinta e quatro (44,73 por cento) possuíam a coloração vermelho-amarelada, 26 (34,21 por cento) a cor preto-acinzentada e dezesseis (21,06 por cento) a cor castanho-amarelada. O tamanho encontrado ficou entre 3 e 15mm, prevalecendo o intervalo de 4 a 6,9mm em 43 (56,58 por cento) glândulas. Foram encontradas de duas a seis paratireóides por cadáver, prevalecendo o número de quatro (47,37 por cento) em nove necrópsias. Quarenta e duas (55,26 por cento) glândulas localizavam- se superior à tireóide e 34 (47,74 por cento) inferiormente. Os moldes da vascularização das paratireóides após a corrosão demonstraram que os capilares provenientes das artérias tireóideas superiores e inferiores se unem próximo à glândula. CONCLUSÕES: Com forte influência no curso das tireoidectomias, o estudo evidenciou que as glândulas paratireóides cervicais superiores e inferiores podem ser encontradas em diferentes posições frente à tireóide com maior ou menor intimidade em relação à cápsula tireóidea e que a irrigação vascular de uma paratireóide não é proveniente apenas de uma artéria.

OBJECTIVES: The anatomic and surgical importance of the parathyroid glands, notably in the course of thyroidectomy still continues alive and awaking scientific interests. On the other hand, there are scarce scientific studies about the investigation of parathyroid glands anatomy. The main objective of this study is to contribute to establish these anatomic and surgical connections. METHODS: The macro and microscopic studies of the parathyroid glands dissected in anatomic parts from nineteen corpses, all male between 20 and 60 years old. To approach the vascular supply, it was used an erosion technique to identify the blood vessels and the thyroid gland adopted as a space reference in the parathyroid glands location. RESULTS: There were identified in macro and microscopy 76 cervical parathyroid glands. Thirty-four (44.73 percent) had a yellow-red colouring, 26 (34.21 percent) a grey-black colouring and sixteen (21.06 percent) a yellow-tan colouring. The size was between 3 to 15 mm, prevailing the interval of 4 to 6.9 mm in 43 (56.58 percent) glands. There were found from two to six parathyroid glands per corpse, prevailing the number of four in nine (47.37 percent) necropsies. Forty-two (55.26 percent) parathyroid glands were from the upper and 34 (47.74 percent) from the lower thyroid gland. Blood vessels moulds of parathyroid glands after the erosion technique, demonstrated that capillaries prevailing from the upper and lower thyroid arteries join together next to the gland. CONCLUSION: With strong influence in the course of thyroidectomies, the study showed up that upper and lower cervical parathyroid glands can be found in different positions face to thyroid gland, with greater or smaller intimacy gland is not prevailing of a unique artery.

Color vision loss in patients treated with chloroquine

Patient that make use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, drugs which are frequently administered for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erithromatosus or malaria, may suffer alterations in color vision and in contrast sensitivity. The present work evaluates the visual functions of these patients in a joint study of the University of São Paulo (USP), in São Paulo, and of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), in belém. Thirty two chloroquine user patients without alterations in the eye fundus exam were evaluated in São Paulo (n=10; aged 38 to 71 years; mean=55,8 years) and in Belém (n=22; aged 20 to 67; mean=40 years). The described accumulated chloroquine dose was 45 to 430g (mean=213g; as=152g) for the São Paulo group, and 36 to 540g (mean=174g; sd=183g) for the Belém group. Tests were performed monocularly corrected eye refractive state. Color discrimination was evaluated using the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT): the color discrimination threshold was measured first in the protan, deutan and tritan axes and , in succession, three MacAdamÆs ellipses were determined. The patientÆs color vision was also evaluated with color arrangement tests: the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue (FM100), the Farnsworth-Munsell D15, and the Lanthony Desaturated (D15d) tests. We also measured the contrast sensitivity for black-and-white sine wave grating of twenty two patients. The results were compared with control without ophthalmologic or neuro-ophthalmologic pathologies. Twenty four patients presented acquired dyschromatopsia. There were cases of selective loss (11 patients) and of diffuse loss (13 patients). Although losses were present in the FM100 there was no correlation between the FM100 error score and the ellipse area measured by the CCT. Moreover, three patients that scored normal in the FM100, failed to reach normal threshold in the CCT. The Lanthony test was less sensitive than the other two tests, since it failed to indicate loss in about half the patients, and the D15 was the least sensitive test, having failed to indicate loss in 9 out of 10 patients. Contrast sensitivity was within normal values for patients submitted to this test. The extent of losses in color discrimination was positively correlated with the accumulated dose. The CCT is recommended for follow up since it provides quantitative data that can be directly interpreted in CIE (Commission Internationalle dÆÉclairage) color space.

Avaliacao da eficacia de um metodo educativo na rotina de lavar as maos em UTI / Evaluation of the efficacy of an educative method in the routine of hand washing in the ICU

Nosocomial infections are a great problem in the ICUs and hand washing is the best way to control it. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an educative method in the routine of hand washing in the ICU before and after having contact with the patient The study was perfomed in a general ICU with eight beds and is composed of two parts. In the firs part an anonymous observer checked all the times an ICU professional had contact with the patients and washed or not his hands before and after this contact. This was repeated in the second part of the study after a doctor had oriented the professionals with lecture, written material and posters. At none part of the professionals were noticed about its existence. At the first part there were 515 contacts. Hand washing occurred in 25 (4,8 por cento) opportunities before and in 62 (12 por cento) after contact with the patients. In the second part there were 473 contacts with hand washing in 87 (18,5 por cento) times before and 141 (29,6 por cento) after having the contact. The aderence to hand washing was significantly better after orientation (p menor 0,0001) before and after the contacts but still is very unsatisfactory, showing the importance of frequently remembering the importance of this habit

Frequencia de realizaçäo e acurácia do auto-exame das mamas na detecçäo de nódulos em mulheres submetidas à mamografia / Frequency of performance and accuracy of breast self-examination in the detection breast lumps in women who underwent mammographic examination

Realizamos um estudo transversal prospectivo cujo objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia do auto-exame de mamas (AEM) na detecçao de nódulos mamários palpáveis e a relaçao com sua freqüência. Foram entrevistadas 2672 mulheres que realizaram mamografia na Regiao do Vale dos Sinos/RS no período de janeiro de 94 a julho de 97, questionando-se quanto à freqüência da realizaçao de AEM. As mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo I (mensalmente), grupo II (quase nunca). As mulheres que relataram realizar o AEM ocasionalmente foram excluídas da análise principal. Foi perguntado à pacicente se ela ou seu médico haviam palpado alguma lesao mamária. Comparou-se os achados de palpaçao da paciente com os do médico (relatados pela paciente). A sensibilidade do AEM foi maior no grupo I comparado ao II (57,4 por cento versus 33,3 por cento; P<0,05). Concluímos que existe uma associaçao entre a realizaçao mensal de AEM e uma maior sensibilidade na detecçao de nódulos mamários palpáveis.

The effects of temperature, light and water upon the hatching of the ova of Schistosoma japonicum.

Eggs of Schistosoma japonicum were obtained from infected patients' feces from Yujiang City, China to observe the effects of temperature, light and water on the hatching of eggs. The temperature of water and light played important roles on the hatching of S. japonicum, but the type of water did not. A constant temperature of 28 degrees C and electrical light produced the highest rate of hatching, and reproducible results, whereas a temperature of 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C, and the absence of light inhabited the hatching of eggs. The percentage of eggs hatched during the first 8 hours of 24 hours incubation was 94.90%, so that using the hatching rate of the first 8 hours could approximate the total hatching rate of samples.

Detection of respiratory syncytial virus from clinical specimens: comparison between reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and tissue culture.

RT-PCR was compared with tissue culture to detect RSV from nasopharyngeal aspirates. RT-PCR was more sensitive and specific than tissue culture method. RT-PCR has sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 97%, respectively. The results indicate that RT-PCR can be used for detection of RSV in clinical specimens.

Tratamento da intoxicaçäo por paraquat: relato de dois casos e revisäo da literatura / Treatment of paraquat poisoning: report of two cases and literature review

Os autores relatam dois casos de pacientes intoxicados por parquat, na tentativa de suicídio, usando-os como ponto inicial para revisäo da literatura. Säo abordados os aspectos mais recentes da fisiopatologia e do tratamento, com ênfase nos métodos dialíticos