Medida do grau de correção das orelhas proeminentes utilizando algoritmo de tratamento padronizado / Assessment of the degree of correction of prominent ears using a standardized treatment algorithm

The goal of aesthetic otoplasty is the correction of ear deformities by creating harmonious and symmetrical external ears, without visible scars. Otoplasty techniques based on the excision of postauricular skin are associated with high recurrence rates. Modern otoplasty is based on cartilage-cutting and cartilage-sparing techniques, alone or in combination, which lead to lower recurrence rates. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of otoplasty combined with other techniques in the correction of ear deformities, based on a modified version of the "algorithm for otoplasty at the Craniofacial Center at Texas Children's Hospital". Methods: Forty patients, who underwent otoplasty for prominent ears in our institution between March and September of 2009, were prospectively assessed. The mastoid-helix distance was measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The most common deformities were scaphoconchal angle greater than 90° (51.3%, 41/80 ears) and conchal hypertrophy > 2.5 cm (46.3%, 37/80 ears). Recurrence occurred in 2 (5%) patients and partial stenosis of the ear canal in 1 (2.5%). Significant reductions in the mastoid-helix distance were observed at the three time points compared with baseline (P

O objetivo da otoplastia estética é a correção de deformidades da orelha, criando orelhas externas harmoniosas e simétricas. As técnicas de otoplastia, baseadas na excisão da pele pós-auricular, estão associados com a recorrência elevada. A otoplastia moderna é baseada nas técnicas de ressecção e/ou modelagem da cartilagem, que levam que menores taxas de recorrência. Objetivo: Foi avaliada a eficácia da otoplastia com técnica combinada na correção de deformidades da orelha, baseado numa versão modificada do "algoritmo para otoplastia", na Centro Craniofacial do Hospital Infantil do Texas". Método: Quarenta pacientes submetidos à otoplastia por orelhas proeminentes, entre março e setembro de 2009, foram avaliados prospectivamente. A distância mastoide-hélice foi medida no pré-operatório e após 1, 3 e 6 meses após a cirurgia. Resultados: As deformidades mais comuns foram ângulo escafo_concha I maior que 90° (51,3%, 41/80 orelhas) e hipertrofia de concha> 2,5cm (46,3%, 37/80 orelhas). Reduções significativas na distância mastoide_hélice foram observadas nos três períodos em comparação com os valores basais (P

Stethoscope: a friend or an enemy?

CONTEXT: The stethoscope is a universal tool in the hospital that is in direct contact with many patients and can therefore be a vector in the dissemination of bacterial infections. OBJECTIVE: To research the presence of bacteria, fungi and yeast on the stethoscope diaphragm and the resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial drugs. DESIGN: Descriptive, prospective, non-controlled. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital. SAMPLE: Samples were taken randomly from 300 stethoscopes employed by medical staff (medical residents, medical students, nurses and nursing school students) and other sectors of the hospital. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Three hundred stethoscope diaphragms used in several sectors of the hospital facilities by medical doctors (63 samples), medical residents (54 samples), medical students (106 samples), nursing school students (33 samples) and specific sectors (36 samples) were analyzed. Material was collected randomly. It was collected with the aid of a sterile swab moistened in physiological solution, inoculated into Brain Heart Infusion media and incubated in an oven for 24 to 48 hours. After this period, the samples were inoculated into blood agar, MacConkey agar and Sabouraud media and identified by Gram staining and biochemical assays. An assay to test bacteria sensitivity to antibiotics was also carried out by the Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of the analyzed stethoscopes were contaminated. Gram-positive cocci, yeasts, fungi and Gram-positive and negative bacilli were isolated. There was no significant association between the most predominant microorganisms and professional category. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus negative coagulase and Bacillus were significantly more frequent in relation to the presence of more than one microorganism on the stethoscope diaphragm. CONCLUSION: Stethoscopes presented a high rate of contamination and their use without precautions can spread nosocomial infections

Resinas para reembasamento imediato: resistência a traçäo e alongamento / Hard chairside reline resins: tensile strength and elongation

Neste estudo foram avaliados a resistência a traçäo e o alongamento de duas resinas autopolimerizáveis, indicadas para o reembasamento imediato, e de uma resina termopolimerizável, utilizada tanto na confecçäo de bases de próteses como no reembasamento do tipo mediato. Os testes foram realizados em uma máquina de ensaios mecânicos, após o armazenamento dos corpos-de-prova em água destilada a 37ºC, por 48 horas e 30 dias. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos a análise de variância, seguida pelo Teste de Duncan a 95 por cento de confiança, indicando que a resina termopolimerizável Lucitone 550 apresentou resistência a traçäo superior às das resinas para reembasamento imediato Duraliner II e Kooliner. Entre os materiais para reembasamento imediato, a resina Duraliner II apresentou maior porcentagem de alongamento, ao passo que a resina termopolimerizável Lucitone 550 proporcionou os menores valores. Além disso, foi possível observar que os dois períodos de armazenagem avaliados näo influenciaram a resistência a traçäo e o alongamento dos materiais analisados