Meta-analysis to Implement Alpha-Synuclein in Extracellular Vesicles as a Potential Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT Background: In Parkinson's disease (PD), exosomes carry α-synuclein (α-syn), a fibrillar protein aggregates with potential value as a biomarker. Objective: Evidence on blood levels of exosomal α-syn in PD patients and controls was reviewed for their consistency. Methods: Thirty-six studies on exosomal α-syn concentrations in PD were identified in a systematic literature search and meta-analysis. Results: Both raw and ratio-adjusted blood exosomal α-syn levels were consistently higher in PD patients than in controls. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.54 (0.18-2.90, CI95%, p < 0.01) and 1.53 (0.23-2.83, CI95%, p < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Our results suggest that exosomal α-syn concentrations could be a useful biomarker for PD.

Evisceración vaginal espontánea en paciente con antecedente de histerectomía: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Spontaneous vaginal evisceration in woman with prior pelvic surgery: case report and literature review

Reportar un caso de evisceración vaginal espontánea en paciente con antecedentes quirúrgicos de histerectomía vaginal y hacer una revisión de la literatura sobre los principales factores de riesgo asociados a la presentación de este evento. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 74 años multípara de 12 partos vaginales con antecedente ginecológico de histerectomía vaginal en 2012, en el año 2014 una sacroespinocolpopexia con colocación de cinta transobturadora más colporrafia anterior, en 2018 presenta cuadro con asas intestinales protruyendo con signos de isquemia a través de defecto en cúpula vaginal, se realiza resección de intestino delgado y anastomosis termino-terminal, con posterior cierre de defecto por vía abdominal. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar y Science Direct para artículos publicados en inglés y español, de los últimos 22 años. Se identificaron 16 títulos que cumplieron con los criterios de selección, los resultados de la revisión muestran factores de riesgo comunes. La evisceración vaginal por dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal es una patología poco prevalente, el abordaje mínimamente invasivo, que ha aumentado en los últimos años, ha conllevado un aumento de la incidencia, siendo la histerectomía por laparoscopia el de mayor riesgo.

To report a case of spontaneous vaginal evisceration in a patient with a surgical history of vaginal hysterectomy, and to review the literature on the main risk factors associated with the presentation of this event. We present the case of a 74-year-old multiparous patient with 12 vaginal deliveries with a gynecological history of vaginal hysterectomy in 2012, in 2014 a sacrospinocolpopexy with placement of transobturator tape plus anterior colporrhaphy, in 2018 she presented with intestinal loops protruding with signs of ischemia through a defect in the vaginal vault, resection of the small intestine and end-to-end anastomosis were performed, with subsequent closure of the defect through the abdomen. A search was made in the PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases for articles published in English and Spanish, from the last 22 years. 16 titles that met the selection criteria were identified; the results of the review show common risk factors. Vaginal evisceration due to dehiscence of the vaginal vault is a rare pathology, the minimally invasive approach, which has increased in recent years, has led to an increase in incidence, with laparoscopic hysterectomy being of greater risk.

Riesgo de desarrollar LIE-AG en pacientes con tamizaje inicial positivo para VPH y citología cervicovaginal negativa en seguimiento hasta 10 años: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Risk of developing H-SIL in patients with initial positive screening for HPV and negative cervicovaginal cytology in follow-up up to 10 years: systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer de cérvix es el segundo en frecuencia y el tercero en mortalidad; la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) está asociada al riesgo de cáncer; sin embargo, no se conoce el riesgo acumulado a 1, 2, 3, 5 y 10 años. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de las pacientes VPH positivo con evaluación inicial citológica negativa para desarrollar lesión intraepitelial de alto grado a lo largo del tiempo. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos en inglés y español de los últimos 20 años, usando las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, ProQuest y Embase. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados en los que se determinaba el estado VPH y se realizaba seguimiento con citología cervicovaginal a 1, 2, 3, 5 y 10 años en mujeres de 20-64 años. Resultados: Se incluyeron siete ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, con un total de 98.521 mujeres, de ellas 8820 VPH positivo y 89.701 VPH negativo al ingreso, seguidas hasta por 10 años con citología cervicovaginal, encontrando que la infección por VPH es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado a 2, 5 y 10 años, con un riesgo relativo de 110.94 (79.41-154.97), 83.65 (55.22-126.73) y 29.71 (5.72-154.33), respectivamente. Conclusiones: La infección por VPH es un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado a 2, 5 y 10 años.

Abstract Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second in frequency and the third in mortality, infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with the risk of increased cancer; however, the cumulative risk of 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years is not known. Objective: To determine the risk of HPV-positive patients with negative initial cytological evaluation for developing high-grade intraepithelial lesion over time. Method: A systematic review of articles in English and Spanish in the last 20 years was carried out, using the PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, ProQuest and Embase databases. Randomized clinical trials were included in which HPV was performed and subsequent follow-up with cervicovaginal cytology at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years in women aged 20-64 years. Results: Seven randomized clinical trials were included, a total of 98,521 women, 8820 with positive HPV and 89701 negative on admission and followed up for up to 10 years with cervicovaginal cytology. Finding that HPV infection is a risk factor for developing high-grade intraepithelial lesion at 2, 5 and 10 years with a relative risk of 110.94 (79.41-154.97), 83.65 (55.22- 126.73) and 29.71 (5.72-154.33), respectively. Conclusions: HPV infection is an important risk factor for the development of high-grade intraepithelial lesion at 2, 5 and 10 years.

Suplementação de Vitamina D Induz Remodelação Cardíaca em Ratos: Associação com a Proteína de Interação com a Tiorredoxina e a Tiorredoxina / Vitamin D Supplementation Induces Cardiac Remodeling in Rats: Association with Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein and Thioredoxin

Resumo Fundamento: A vitamina D (VD) tem um importante papel na função cardíaca. No entanto, a vitamina exerce uma curva "dose-resposta" bifásica na fisiopatologia cardiovascular e pode causar efeitos deletérios, mesmo em doses não tóxicas. A VD exerce suas funções celulares ligando-se ao seu receptor. Ainda, a expressão da proteína de interação com a tiorredoxina (TXNIP) é positivamente regulada pela VD. A TXNIP modula diferentes visa de sinalização celular que podem ser importantes para a remodelação cardíaca. Objetivos: Avaliar se a suplementação com VD leva à remodelação cardíaca, e se a TXNIP e a tiorredoxina (Trx) estão associadas com esse processo. Métodos: Duzentos e cinquenta ratos Wistar machos foram alocados em três grupos: controle (C, n=21), sem suplementação com VD; VD3 (n = 22) e VD10 (n=21), suplementados com 3,000 e 10,000 UI de VD/ kg de ração, respectivamente, por dois meses. Os grupos foram comparados por análise de variância (ANOVA) com um fator e teste post hoc de Holm-Sidak (variáveis com distribuição normal), ou pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis e análise post-hoc de Dunn. O nível de significância para todos os testes foi de 5%. Resultados: A expressão de TXNIP foi mais alta e a atividade do Trx foi mais baixa no grupo VD10. Os animais que receberam suplementação com VD apresentaram aumento de hidroperóxido lipídico e diminuição de superóxido dismutase e glutationa peroxidase. A proteína Bcl-2 foi mais baixa no grupo VD10. Observou-se uma diminuição na β-oxidação de ácidos graxos, no ciclo do ácido tricarboxílico, na cadeia transportadora de elétrons, e um aumento na via glicolítica. Conclusão: A suplementação com VD levou à remodelação cardíaca e esse processo pode ser modulado por TXNIP e Trx, e consequentemente por estresse oxidativo.

Abstract Background: Vitamin D (VD) has been shown to play an important role in cardiac function. However, this vitamin exerts a biphasic "dose response" curve in cardiovascular pathophysiology and may cause deleterious effects, even in non-toxic doses. VD exerts its cellular functions by binding to VD receptor. Additionally, it was identified that the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) expression is positively regulated by VD. TXNIP modulate different cell signaling pathways that may be important for cardiac remodeling. Objective: To evaluate whether VD supplementation lead to cardiac remodeling and if TXNIP and thioredoxin (Trx) proteins are associated with the process. Methods: A total of 250 Male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: control (C, n=21), with no VD supplementation; VD3 (n = 22) and VD10 (n=21), supplemented with 3,000 and 10,000 IU of VD/ kg of chow respectively, for two months. The groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Holm-Sidak post hoc analysis, (variables with normal distribution), or by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's test post hoc analysis. The significance level for all tests was 5%. Results: TXNIP protein expression was higher and Trx activity was lower in VD10. The animals supplemented with VD showed increased lipid hydroperoxide and decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The protein Bcl-2 was lower in VD10. There was a decrease in fatty acid β-oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain with shift to increase in glycolytic pathway. Conclusion: VD supplementation led to cardiac remodeling and this process may be modulated by TXNIP and Trx proteins and consequently oxidative stress.

Influência do Consumo de Suco de Laranja (Citrus Sinensis) na Remodelação Cardíaca de Ratos Submetidos a Infarto do Miocárdio / Influence of Consumption of Orange Juice (Citrus Sinensis) on Cardiac Remodeling of Rats Submitted to Myocardial Infarction

Resumo Fundamento O suco de laranja (SL) é rico em polifenóis com propriedades anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes. Após o infarto do miocárdio (IM), mudanças complexas ocorrem na estrutura e na função cardíacas, processo conhecido como remodelação cardíaca (RC). O estresse oxidativo e a inflamação podem modular esse processo. Nossa hipótese foi a de que o consumo de SL atenua a RC após o IM. Objetivos Avaliar a influência do SL sobre a RC após IM pela análise de variáveis funcionais, morfológicas, de estresse oxidativo, de inflação, e de metabolismo energético. Métodos Um total de 242 ratos machos pesando entre 200 e 250g foram submetidos a um procedimento cirúrgico (ligação da artéria coronária ou cirurgia simulada). Sete dia após a cirurgia, os animais sobreviventes foram divididos para um dos quatro grupos: 1) SM, animais sham que receberam água e maltodextrina (n= 20); 2) SSL, animais sham que receberam SL (n= 20); 3) IM, animais infartados que receberam água e maltodextrina (n= 40); e 4) ISL, animais infartados que receberam SL (n = 40). A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de ANOVA com dois fatores com o teste de Holm-Sidak. Os resultados foram apresentados em média ± desvio padrão, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados Três meses depois, o IM levou à hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), com disfunção sistólica e diastólica, e aumento nos mediadores inflamatórios e de estresse oxidativo. Os animais que consumiram SL apresentaram menor atividade da glutationa peroxidase e maior expressão da heme-oxigenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusão O SL atenuou a RC, e a HO-1 pode exercer um importante papel nesse processo.

Abstract Background Orange juice (OJ) is rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. After myocardial infarction (MI), complex changes occur in cardiac structure and function, which is known as cardiac remodeling (CR). Oxidative stress and inflammation can modulate this process. We hypothesized that the consumption of OJ attenuates the CR after MI. Objectives To evaluate the influence of OJ on CR after MI by analysis of functional, morphological, oxidative stress, inflammation, and energy metabolism variables. Methods A total of 242 male rats weighing 200-250 g were submitted to a surgical procedure (coronary artery ligation or simulated surgery). Seven days after surgery, survivors were assigned to one of the four groups 1) SM, sham animals with water and maltodextrin (n= 20); 2) SOJ, sham animals with OJ (n= 20); 3) IM, infarcted animals with water and maltodextrin (n= 40); and 4) IOJ, infarcted animals with OJ (n = 40). Statistical analysis was performed by the two-way ANOVA supplemented by Holm-Sidak. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation, the level of significance adopted was 5%. Results After 3 months, MI led to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. OJ intake reduced LV cavity and improved systolic and diastolic function. The OJ animals presented lower activity of glutathione peroxidase and higher expression of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion OJ attenuated CR in infarcted rats and HO-1 may be play an important role in this process.

Fermentative characteristics and nutritional value of sugarcane silage added with two types of urea / Características fermentativas y valor nutricional del ensilaje de caña de azúcar con adición de dos tipos de urea / Características fermentativas e valor nutricional da silagem de cana-de-açúcar aditivada com dois tipos de ureia

Abstract Background: Dry matter (DM) loss is high in sugarcane silage due to its high content of soluble carbohydrates which favors yeast growth and ethanol production, thus reducing the nutritional value of the preserved forage. Objective: To determine the effect of adding two types of urea at two concentration levels to sugarcane silage on the nutritional value and fermentative characteristics of the silage. Methods: A completely randomized 2×2+1 factorial design was used, based on two types of urea (conventional and protected), two urea concentration (0.5 and 1.0% of the natural matter), and a control (sugarcane silage with no additives). Six replicates were used. The mixture was placed in PVC silos and opened after 60 days. Results: There was no difference in DM content or effluent losses by the addition of urea. In regards to neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin, decreased levels were observed compared to the control, regardless of urea type. Urea type and concentration had an effect on ammoniacal nitrogen content, with higher values for conventional urea, but not affecting the pH. The addition of urea to sugarcane silage reduced gas losses and raised the levels of crude protein, ether extract, and effective degradability. Conclusion: Adding protected or conventional urea at 1% of natural matter at the time of sugarcane ensiling reduces gas losses and improves nutritional composition of the silage.

Resumen Antecedentes: La caña de azúcar ensilada presenta una elevada pérdida de materia seca (MS) debido a su alto contenido de carbohidratos solubles que favorece el crecimiento de levaduras y la producción de etanol, reduciendo así el valor nutricional del ensilado. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de dos tipos de urea en dos concentraciones sobre las características fermentativas y el valor nutricional del ensilaje de caña de azúcar. Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar, en esquema factorial 2x2+1, basado en dos tipos de urea (común o protegida), dos concentraciones de urea (0,5 y 1,0% de la materia natural) y un control (ensilaje de caña de azúcar sin aditivos). Se utilizaron seis réplicas de cada tratamiento. El material fue ensilado en silos de PVC, los que fueron abiertos después de 60 días. Resultados: No hubo diferencia en el contenido de MS o en las pérdidas por efluentes con la adición de urea. En relación a la fibra detergente neutra, fibra detergente ácida y lignina, se observó disminución de éstos con respecto al control, independientemente del tipo de urea. Se observó un efecto de la concentración y del tipo de urea para el contenido de nitrógeno amoniacal, con mayores valores para la urea común, pero sin efecto sobre el pH. La adición de urea en el ensilado de caña redujo las pérdidas por gases y elevó los niveles de proteína bruta, extracto etéreo y degradabilidad efectiva. Conclusión: La adición de urea común o protegida, al 1% de materia natural, al inicio del ensilaje de caña de azúcar reduce las pérdidas por gases y mejora la composición nutricional del ensilaje.

Resumo Antecedentes: A ensilagem de cana-de-açúcar sem aditivos apresenta elevada perda de matéria seca (MS) devido ao alto teor de carboidratos solúveis, favorecendo o crescimento de leveduras e produção de etanol, reduzindo assim o valor nutricional da forragem conservada. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito do tipo de ureia (comun ou protegida) e diferentes concentrações nas características fermentativas e valor nutritivo das silagens de cana-de-açúcar. Métodos: Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 + 1, sendo dois tipos de ureia (comun ou protegida), e duas concentrações (0,5 e 1,0% com base na matéria natural) mais o controle (silagem exclusiva de cana-de-açúcar); com seis repetições. O material foi ensilado em silos de PVC e abertos após 60 dias. Resultados: Não houve diferença no teor de MS e nas perdas por efluentes com adição da ureia. Em relação à fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina observou-se diminuição destes em relação ao controle, independente do tipo de ureia. Observou-se efeito das concentrações e do tipo de ureia para o teor de nitrogênio amoniacal, com maiores valores para a ureia comum, porém sem efeito no pH. A adição de ureia na ensilagem de cana reduziram as perdas por gases e elevaram os teores de proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e degradabilidade efetiva. Conclusão: O uso de 1% de ureia, independente do tipo, promove um incremento no valor nutricional da silagem de cana-de-açúcar e reduz as perdas por gases.

Intoxicación con rodenticidas anticoagulantes: serie de casos y revisión de literatura / Intoxication with anticoagulant rodenticides: Case series and review of the literature

Introducción. Los superwarfarinicos (SWF) son una de las herramientas utilizadas por el ser humano para el control de roedores y a la vez son tóxicos para el hombre y pueden conducir a la muerte sin los debidos cuidados en su uso.Casos clinicos. Tres pacientes masculinos, que consultaron por sangrados (gingivorragia, epistaxis, hematuria, hemartrosis y hematomas cutaneos) asociados a alteraciones del coagulograma (Tiempo de protrombina (TP) y tiempo de tromboplastina parcial (KPTT) prolongados). Todos tuvieron exposición a superwarfarinicos. Nuestro servicio no dispone del análisis de SWF en suero. Se administró vitamina K1 en los tres pacientes y plasma fresco congelado (PFC) en uno solo (sangrado mayor: hematuria). El seguimiento se realizó mediante controles seriados de coagulograma y su evolución fue favorable. Discusión. En todos los casos, el diagnóstico de intoxicación por SWF fue clínico, basado en caracteristicas clínicas de pacientes y alteraciones en sus parámetros de coagulación, y debido a imposibilidad de derivación de análisis a otro laboratorio. Se realizo tratamiento especifico (vitamina K1 y PFC) segun recomendación de expertos, ya que no hay hasta la fecha, estudios clinicos que evaluen las diferentes opciones terapéuticas. Conclusión. La intoxicación por SWF aunque no es frecuente, debe sospecharse en casos de paciente con coagulopatia sin otras causas que puedan justificarlo. El manejo del cuadro tóxico es la reposición de vitamina k y de plasma fresco congelado, en casos donde se necesite una rápida corrección de la alteración hemostática, como los sangrados mayores. Es imprescindible la oportuna consulta con médicos hematólogos y/o la consulta con un centro regional de control de intoxicaciones para todas las exposiciones sospechosas por SWF.

Introduction. Superwarfarinics (SWF) are one of the tools used by humans for rodent control. They are toxic to humans and can lead to death without due care in its use. Clinical cases. Three male patients, who consulted due to bleeding (gingivorragia, epistaxis, hematuria, hamartrosis and skin hematomas) associated with coagulogram alterations (prolonged protombine time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (KPTT)). All them exposure to superwarfarinics. SWF serum analysis was not available in our hospital. Vitamin K1 was administered in all three patients and fresh frozen plasma (PFC) in only one (major bleeding: hematuria). The followup was performed by serial coagulogram controls and the evolution was. Discussion. In all cases, the diagnosis of SWF intoxication was clinical, based on clinical characteristics of patients and alterations in their coagulation parameters, due to the impossibility of deriving the analysis of SWF in serum to another laboratory. Specific treatment was carried out (vitamin k and PFC) according to experts' recommendation, since there are no clinical studies to evaluate the different therapeutic options to date. Conclusion. SWF poisoning, although not frequent, should be suspected in patients with coagulopathy without other causes that may justify it. The management of toxic symptoms is the administration of vitamin K1 and fresh frozen plasma, in cases where a rapid correction of the haemostatic alteration is required, such as major bleedings. It is essential to consult with hematologists and / or consult a regional poison control center for all suspicious exposures by superwarfarins.

Brazilian consensus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Part 2: rehabilitation and systemic care / Consenso brasileiro para distrofia muscular de Duchenne. Parte 2: reabilitação e cuidados sistêmicos

ABSTRACT Significant advances in the understanding and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have occurred since the publication of international guidelines for DMD care in 2010. Our objective was to provide an evidence-based national consensus statement for multidisciplinary care of DMD in Brazil. A combination of the Delphi technique with a systematic review of studies from 2010 to 2016 was employed to classify evidence levels and grade of recommendations for the guideline. Our recommendations were divided in two parts. Guideline methodology and overall disease concept descriptions are found in Part 1. Here we present Part 2, where we provide the results and recommendations on rehabilitation and systemic care for DMD.

RESUMO Avanços significativos na compreensão e no manejo da Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) ocorreram desde a publicação de diretrizes internacionais para o cuidado destes pacientes em 2010. Nosso objetivo foi elaborar um consenso nacional baseado em evidências para o cuidado multidisciplinar dos pacientes com DMD no Brasil. Utilizamos uma combinação da técnica de Delphi com uma revisão sistemática da literatura de 2010 a 2016 para classificarmos os níveis de evidência e graus de recomendação para o consenso. Nossas recomendações foram divididas em duas partes. A metodologia utilizada na elaboração do consenso e conceitos gerais da doença encontram-se na parte 1. Neste artigo fornecemos os resultados e recomendações sobre reabilitação e cuidados sistêmicos para DMD.

Ureteroileal bypass: a new technic to treat ureteroenteric strictures in urinary diversion

ABSTRACT Objective: To present our technique of ureteroileal bypass to treat uretero-enteric stric- tures in urinary diversion. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-one medical records were reviewed from patients submitted to radical cystectomy to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer between 2013 and 2015. Twelve (8.5%) patients developed uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture during follow-up. Five patients were treated with endoscopic dilatation and double J placement. Four were treated surgically with standard terminal-lateral im- plantation. Three patients with uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture were treated at our institution by "ureteroileal bypass", one of them was treated with robotic surgery. Results: All patients had the diagnosis of uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture via computerized tomography and DTPA renal scan. Time between cystectomy and diag- nosis of uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture varied from five months to three years. Mean operative time was 120±17.9 minutes (98 to 142 min) and hospital stay was 3.3±0.62 days (3 to 4 days). Mean follow-up was 24±39.5 months (6 to 72 months). During follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic and presented improvement in ure-terohydronephrosis. Serum creatinine of all patients had been stable. Conclusions: Latero-lateral ureter re-implantation is feasible by open or even robotic surgery with positive results, reasonable operation time, and without complications.

Phenotype-driven strategies for screening Candida parapsilosis complex for molecular identification

Abstract In this study, phenotypic methods presented >80% agreement with the molecular identification of 59 Candida parapsilosis complex. Growth at 15% NaCl or pH 7.0 significantly reduced cfu-counts of Candida orthopsilosis, suggesting these conditions may support the development of phenotypic methods for the differentiation of the cryptic species of C. parapsilosis complex.

Phenotype-driven strategies for screening Candida parapsilosis complex for molecular identification

Abstract In this study, phenotypic methods presented >80% agreement with the molecular identification of 59 Candida parapsilosis complex. Growth at 15% NaCl or pH 7.0 significantly reduced cfu-counts of Candida orthopsilosis, suggesting these conditions may support the development of phenotypic methods for the differentiation of the cryptic species of C. parapsilosis complex.

The influence of previous robotic experience in the initial learning curve of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study analyzed the impact of the experience with Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) on the initial experience with Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) by examining perioperative results and early outcomes of 110 patients. LRPs were performed by two ro-botic fellowship trained surgeons with daily practice in RALP. Patients and Methods: 110 LRP were performed to treat aleatory selected patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups for prospective analyses. A transperitoneal approach that simulates the RALP technique was used. Results: The median operative time was 163 minutes (110-240), and this time significantly decreased through case 40, when the time plateaued (p=0.0007). The median blood loss was 250mL. No patients required blood transfusion. There were no life-threatening complications or deaths. Minor complications were uniformly distributed along the series (P=0.6401). The overall positive surgical margins (PSM) rate was 28.2% (20% in pT2 and 43.6% in pT3). PSM was in the prostate apex in 61.3% of cases. At the 12-month follow-up, 88% of men were continent (0-1 pad). Conclusions: The present study shows that there are multiple learning curves for LRP. The shallowest learning curve was seen for the operative time. Surgeons transitioning between the RALP and LRP techniques were considered competent based on the low perioperative complication rate, absence of major complications, and lack of blood transfusions. This study shows that a learning curve still exists and that there are factors that must be considered by surgeons transitioning between the two techniques.

Predicting outcomes in partial nephrectomy: is the renal score useful?

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective The R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry system (RNS) has been validated in multiple open, laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy series. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry system in predicting perioperative outcomes in surgical treatment of kidney tumors <7.0cm in a prospective model. Materials and Methods Seventy-one patients were selected and included in this prospective study. We evaluate the accuracy of RNS in predicting perioperative outcomes (WIT, OT, EBL, LOS, conversion, complications and surgical margins) in partial nephrectomy using ROC curves, univariate and multivariate analyses. R.E.N.A.L. was divided in 3 groups: low complexity (LC), medium complexity (MC) and high complexity (HC). Results No patients in LC group had WIT >20 min, versus 41.4% and 64.3% MC and HC groups respectively (p=0.03); AUC=0.643 (p=0.07). RNS was associated with convertion rate (LC:28.6% ; MC:47.6%; HC:77.3%, p=0.02). Patients with RNS <8 were most often subjected to partial nephrectomy (93% x 72%, p=0.03) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (56.8% x 28%, p=0.02), AUC=0.715 (p=0.002). The RNS was also associated with operative time. Patients with a score >8 had 6.06 times greater chance of having a surgery duration >180 min. (p=0.017), AUC=0.63 (p=0.059). R.E.N.A.L. score did not correlate with EBL, complications (Clavien >3), LOS or positive surgical margin. Conclusion R.E.N.A.L. score was a good method in predicting surgical access route and type of nephrectomy. Also was associated with OT and WIT, but with weak accuracy. Although, RNS was not associated with Clavien >3, EBL, LOS or positive surgical margin.

A large 15 - year database analysis on the influence of age, gender, race, obesity and income on hospitalization rates due to stone disease

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the public hospitalization rate due to stone disease in a large developing nation for a 15-year period and its association with socio-demographic data. Materials and Methods: A retrospective database analysis of hospitalization rates in the Brazilian public health system was performed, searching for records with a diagnosis code of renal/ureteral calculi at admission between 1998­2012. Patients managed in an outpatient basis or private care were excluded. Socio-demographic data was attained and a temporal trend analysis was performed. Results: The number of stone-related hospitalizations increased from 15.7%, although the population-adjusted hospitalization rate remained constant in 0.04%. Male:female proportion among hospitalized patients was stable (49.3%:50.7% in 1998; 49.2%:50.8% in 2012), though there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of male hospitalizations (−3.8%;p=0.041). In 2012, 38% of hospitalized patients due to stone disease had 40­59 years-old. The ≥80 years-old strata showed the most significant decrease (−43.44%;p=0.022), followed by the 20­39 (−23.17%;p<0.001) and 0­19 years-old cohorts (−16.73%;p=0.012). Overall, the lowest relative hospitalization rates were found for yellow and indigenous individuals. The number of overweight/obese individuals increased significantly (+20.6%), accompanied by a +43.6% augment in the per capita income. A significant correlation was found only between income and obesity (R=0.64;p=0.017). Conclusions:The prevalence of stone disease requiring hospitalization in Brazil remains stable, with a balanced proportion between males and females. There is trend for decreased hospitalization rates of male, <40 and ≥80 years-old individuals. Obesity and income have a more pronounced correlation with each other than with stone disease.

Roles of the Taql and Bsml vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in hospital mortality of burn patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of the Taql and Bsml vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in hospital mortality of burn patients. METHODS: In total, 105 consecutive burn injury patients over 18 years in age who were admitted to the Burn Unit of Bauru State Hospital from January to December 2013 were prospectively evaluated. Upon admission, patient demographic information was recorded and a blood sample was taken for biochemical analysis to identify the presence of the Taql(rs731236) and Bsml(rs1544410) polymorphisms. All of the patients were followed over their hospital stay and mortality was recorded. RESULTS: Eighteen of the patients did not sign the informed consent form, and there were technical problems with genotype analysis for 7 of the patients. Thus, 80 patients (mean age, 42.5±16.1 years) were included in the final analysis. In total, 60% of the patients were male, and 16.3% died during the hospital stay. The genotype frequencies for the Taql polymorphism were 51.25% TT, 41.25% TC and 7.50% CC; for the Bsml polymorphism, they were 51.25% GG, 42.50% GA and 6.25% AA. In logistic regression analysis, after adjustments for age, gender and total body surface burn area, there were no associations between the Taql (OR: 1.575; CI95%: 0.148-16.745; p=0.706) or Bsml (OR: 1.309; CI95%: 0.128-13.430; p=0.821) polymorphisms and mortality for the burn patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Taql and Bsml vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are not associated with hospital mortality of burn patients.

Azole resistance in Candida spp. isolated from Catú Lake, Ceará, Brazil: an efflux-pump-mediated mechanism

Abstract Since, there is no study reporting the mechanism of azole resistance among yeasts isolated from aquatic environments; the present study aims to investigate the occurrence of antifungal resistance among yeasts isolated from an aquatic environment, and assess the efflux-pump activity of the azole-resistant strains to better understand the mechanism of resistance for this group of drugs. For this purpose, monthly water and sediment samples were collected from Catú Lake, Ceará, Brazil, from March 2011 to February 2012. The obtained yeasts were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Of the 46 isolates, 37 were Candida spp., 4 were Trichosporon asahii, 3 were Cryptococcus laurentii, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 was Kodamaea ohmeri. These isolates were subjected to broth microdilution assay with amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole, according to the methodology standardized by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole were 0.03125–2 µg/mL, 0.0625 to ≥16 µg/mL, and 0.5 to ≥64 µg/mL, respectively, and 13 resistant azole-resistant Candida isolates were detected. A reduction in the azole MICs leading to the phenotypical reversal of the azole resistance was observed upon addition of efflux-pump inhibitors. These findings suggest that the azole resistance among environmental Candida spp. is most likely associated with the overexpression of efflux-pumps.