Interferon-gamma gene diplotype (AA-rs2069716 / AG-rs2069727) may play an important role during secondary outcomes of severe dengue in Brazilian patients

ABSTRACT Dengue is a global and growing health threat, especially in Southeast Asia, West Pacific and South America. Infection by the dengue virus (DENV) results in dengue fever, which can evolve to severe forms. Cytokines, especially interferons, are involved in the immunopathogenesis of dengue fever, and so may influence the disease outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between severe forms of dengue and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interferon-gamma gene (IFNG): A256G (rs2069716) and A325G (rs2069727). We included 274 patients infected with DENV serotype 3: 119 cases of dengue without warning signs (DWoWS), and 155 with warning signs (DWWS) or severe dengue (SD). DNA was extracted, and genotyped with Illumina Genotyping Kit or real time PCR (TaqMan probes). We estimated the adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) by multivariate logistic regression models. When comparing with the ancestral AA/AA diplotype (A256G/A325G), we found a protective association of the AA/AG against DWWS/SD among patients with secondary dengue (OR 0.51; 95% IC 0.24-1.10, p = 0.085), adjusting for age and sex. The variant genotype at locus A325G of the IFNG, in combination with the ancestral genotype at locus A256G, can protect against severe clinical forms of secondary dengue in Brazilian DENV3-infected patients.

Autonomic response of older women to the submaximal effort in the six-minute walk test: a cross-sectional study / Resposta autonômica de mulheres idosas ao esforço submáximo do teste de caminhada de seis minutos: um estudo transversal / Respuesta autonómica de ancianas al esfuerzo submáximo en la prueba de paso de seis minutos: un estudio transversal

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the autonomic response of older women in the six-minute walk test. In total, 32 women aged 60 years or older without a diagnosed health problem were evaluated during the six-minute walk test. To monitor the autonomic response, the following variables were considered: heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and perceived exertion. These variables were compared during rest, effort, and recovery. This study also sought a correlation between autonomic function variables and performance in the test and perceived exertion. Results showed that the effort made by older women in the six-minute walk test induces an autonomic response resulting in increased heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure; however, the respiratory rate remained unchanged during the test. Diastolic blood pressure remained high during recovery. No correlation was found neither between perceived exertion and cardiovascular physiological response nor between distance covered and variation of the autonomic response or level of physical conditioning. Therefore, the effort spent in the six-minute walk test promotes an autonomic response in older women, increasing cardiovascular stress without increasing ventilation. In this context, the Borg scale was not representative of cardiovascular stress during the test.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a resposta autonômica de idosas ao esforço do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M). Realizou-se um estudo transversal a partir da avaliação de 32 idosas, sem problemas de saúde diagnosticados, com 60 anos ou mais, durante o TC6M. Para o monitoramento da resposta autonômica, foram consideradas as seguintes variáveis: frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, frequência respiratória e percepção de esforço. Essas variáveis foram comparadas durante o período de repouso, esforço e recuperação. Buscou-se também correlação entre as variáveis da função autonômica e o desempenho no teste e a percepção de esforço. Os resultados demonstraram que o esforço gerado no TC6M induz uma resposta autonômica que leva ao aumento da frequência cardíaca e da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica em mulheres, porém a frequência respiratória permaneceu inalterada durante o teste. A pressão arterial diastólica permaneceu elevada durante a recuperação. Não houve correlação entre a percepção de esforço e a resposta fisiológica cardiovascular apresentada, nem entre a distância percorrida e a variação da resposta autonômica ou o nível de condicionamento físico. Concluiu-se que o esforço despendido no TC6M promove uma resposta autonômica em idosas, intensificando o estresse cardiovascular sem aumentar a ventilação. Nesse contexto, a escala de Borg não foi representativa do estresse cardiovascular durante o teste.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la respuesta autonómica de ancianas al esfuerzo en la prueba de paso de 6 minutos (6MWT). Se realizó un estudio transversal con la participación de 32 ancianas, de 60 años o más, sin problemas de salud diagnosticados durante la 6MWT. Para monitorear la respuesta autonómica, se consideraron las siguientes variables: frecuencia cardíaca, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, frecuencia respiratoria y esfuerzo percibido. Se compararon estas variables durante el período de reposo, esfuerzo y recuperación. También se buscó una correlación entre las variables de función autonómica y rendimiento en la prueba y el esfuerzo percibido. Los resultados mostraron que el esfuerzo producido en la 6MWT genera una respuesta autonómica que conduce a un aumento de la frecuencia cardíaca y de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en las mujeres, pero la frecuencia respiratoria se mantuvo sin cambios durante la prueba. La presión arterial diastólica se mantuvo alta durante el período de recuperación. No hubo correlación entre el esfuerzo percibido y la respuesta fisiológica cardiovascular presentada, tampoco entre la distancia recorrida y la variación de la respuesta autonómica o el nivel de condicionamiento físico. Se concluyó que el esfuerzo realizado en la 6MWT generó una respuesta autonómica en las ancianas al intensificar el estrés cardiovascular pero sin aumentar la ventilación. En este contexto, la escala de Borg no fue significativa para el estrés cardiovascular durante la prueba.

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma in minor salivary gland

ABSTRACT Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma is a rare neoplasm usually confused with other neoplasms in the salivary glands region. It has great similarity with the breast carcinoma. We report a case of a patient who presented with gingival submucosal bleeding and lesion, with the initial histopathological examination revealing salivary gland neoplasm of low crane. Computed tomography revealed the lesion near the tooth 27, with extension to the floor of the left maxillary sinus and to the palate mucosa. Resection of the infra-structure was performed, with a diagnosis of breast cancer secretory carcinoma in the minor salivary gland.

Fatores associados à sobrecarga e a qualidade de vida de cuidadores de idosos com demência / Factors associated with burden and quality of life for the caregivers of elderly people with dementia

O presente estudo objetivou analisar os fatores associados à sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de cuidadores de idosos com demência a partir das características do idoso e do cuidador. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado na cidade de Maceió, Alagoas. A amostra foi composta por 170 indivíduos, 85 pares cuidador/idoso, sendo os idosos com diagnóstico de síndrome demencial e seus respectivos cuidadores principais. A coleta foi realizada por meio de entrevistas com aplicação de escalas validadas. Foi avaliada a sobrecarga e a qualidade de vida do cuidador, através da escala Zarit Burden Interview e do Whoqol-bref, respectivamente, e o estado cognitivo e capacidade funcional dos idosos com a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) e o Índice de Katz. Para os cuidadores, predominou o sexo feminino (88,2%), com média de idade de 51,9 (± 12,0), estado civil casado (55,3%), nível educacional acima de nove anos de estudo (77,6%) e renda per capita de até um salário (43,6%). A maior média de qualidade de vida foi encontrada no domínio físico e a menor no ambiental. Encontrou-se relação estatisticamente significativa entre a capacidade funcional e a sobrecarga. Correlação inversa estatisticamente significativa foi evidenciada entre sobrecarga e qualidade de vida. Os achados desta pesquisa sugerem que o declínio funcional dos idosos com demência mostrou exercer influência sobre a sobrecarga dos cuidadores principais, onde foi identificado maior sobrecarga com níveis intermediários de demência.(AU)

The present study aimed to analyze the influence of the functional decline of elderly people with dementia related to the burden and the quality of life of their main caregivers. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the city of Maceió, Alagoas. The sample consisted of 170 individuals, 85 caregiver/elderly pairs, the elderly being diagnosed with dementia syndrome and their respective main caregivers. The data were collected through interviews with the application of validated scales. Caregiver burden and quality of life were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview and Whoqol-bref scale, respectively, and the cognitive status and functional capacity of the elderly with the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and the Katz Index. The caregivers were predominately female (88.2%), with a mean age of 51.9 (± 12.0) years old, married marital status (55.3%), educational level above nine years of study (77, 6%) and per capita income of up to one salary (43.6%). The highest average quality of life was found in the physical domain and the lowest in the environmental domain. A statistically significant relationship was found between functional capacity and burden. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between burden and quality of life. The findings of this research suggest that(AU)

Efeito de um treinamento com realidade virtual não imersiva sobre a execução da tarefa motora real em idosos: relato de casos / Effect of training with non-imersive virtual reality on the performance of the real motor task in the elderly: case reports

| INTRODUÇÃO: No contexto de reabilitação em gerontologia surge como destaque a melhoria da capacidade de execução de tarefas motoras a fim de promover a autonomia, dessa maneira, é preciso investigar ferramentas para viabilizar esse objetivo clinico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de um treino com realidade virtual não imersiva sobre a execução da tarefa motora real em idosos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODO: Trata-se de um relato de casos, com intervenção única, utilizando o Nintendo® Wii com sujeitos de idade superior a 60 anos submetidos à intervenção com treinamento de arremesso no jogo wii sports resort, e avaliados com analise cinemática angular de vídeo com o software Kinovea®, antes e depois da intervenção, protocolo composto por uma bateria de dez arremessos, antes e após a intervenção, além da avaliação subjetiva da melhora pós-treino. RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 4 sujeitos, sendo 3 do sexo feminino, com média de idade 70,7 anos ± 7,13 e escolaridade 8 anos ± 6,16. Para as variáveis angulares verificou-se que, após o treino com Wii, houve acentuação na flexão de ombro e decréscimo no cotovelo para na postura inicial do arremesso; já na posição final do arremesso, ocorreu decréscimo na extensão de cotovelo e aumento da flexão de punho. Também foi verificado aumento do salto e diminuição no tempo de execução da tarefa. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Diante disso é possível concluir que o Nintendo® Wii se mostra um recurso potencial para melhoria de gestos no âmbito real para idosos.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of rehabilitation in gerontology, the improvement of the ability to perform motor tasks is highlighted to promote autonomy, so it is necessary to investigate tools to achieve this clinical objective. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of training with non-immersive virtual reality on the execution of the real motor task in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This is a case report, with a single intervention using the Nintendo® Wii, with subjects over 60 years old who underwent intervention with throw training in the game Wii sports resort and evaluated with video angular kinematic analysis with the Kinovea® software before and after the intervention, a protocol consisting of a battery of ten shots before and after the intervention, in addition to the subjective assessment of posttraining improvement. RESULTS: Four subjects participated in the research, 3 females, with a mean age of 70.7 years ± 7.13 and schooling 8 years ± 6.16. For the angular variables, it was found that, after training with the Wii, in the initial throwing posture, there was an accentuation in the shoulder flexion and a decrease in the elbow for the same movement in the final position. There was a decrease in the elbow extension and an increase in the wrist flexion. It was also verified an increase in the jump and a decrease in the task execution time. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Given this, it is possible to conclude that the Nintendo® Wii is a potential resource for improving gestures in real life for the elderly

A Call for a Rational Polypharmacy Policy: International Insights From Psychiatrists

Objective@#Recently, rational polypharmacy approaches have been proposed, regardless of the lower risk and cost of monotherapy. Considering monotherapy as first-line treatment and polypharmacy as rational treatment, a balanced attitude toward polypharmacy is recommended. However, the high prevalence of polypharmacy led the Japanese government to establish a polypharmacy reduction policy. Based on this, the association between the policy and psychiatrists’ attitude toward polypharmacy has been under debate. @*Methods@#We developed an original questionnaire about Psychiatrists’ attitudes toward polypharmacy (PAP). We compared the PAP scores with the treatment decision-making in clinical case vignettes. Multiple regression analyses were performed to quantify associations of explanatory variables including policy factors and PAP scores. The anonymous questionnaires were administered to psychiatrists worldwide. @*Results@#The study included 347 psychiatrists from 34 countries. Decision-making toward polypharmacy was associated with high PAP scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that low PAP scores were associated with the policy factor (β=-0.20, p=0.004). The culture in Korea was associated with high PAP scores (β=0.34, p<0.001), whereas the culture in India and Nepal were associated with low scores (β=-0.15, p=0.01, and β=-0.17, p=0.006, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Policy on polypharmacy may influence psychiatrists’ decision-making. Thus, policies considering rational polypharmacy should be established.

Histórico familiar de câncer gástrico em pacientes dispépticos indicados à triagem endoscópica / Antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico en pacientes dispépticos derivados a triaje endoscópico / Family history of gastric cancer in dyspeptic patients referred for endoscopic screening

Resumo Objetivo Identificar o histórico familiar de primeiro grau de câncer gástrico em pacientes com sintomas dispépticos atendidos em um serviço público de endoscopia. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com pacientes dispépticos que tinham indicação para realizar o exame de endoscopia digestiva alta. A associação entre o histórico familiar de câncer gástrico e os resultados do exame endoscópico foi verificada por meio dos testes de Qui-quadrado ou Fisher, e medida seu efeito por meio da razão de chance e intervalo de confiança em analises uni e multivariadas. Utilizou-se regressão logística na análise dos dados. Resultados Observou-se que dos 751 pacientes dispépticos investigados, 44 (5,9%) possuíam histórico familiar de câncer gástrico, destes a maioria era do sexo feminino (70,5%), com idade maior ou igual a 45 anos (56,8%). Os pacientes com histórico familiar de câncer gástrico tinham maiores chances de não apresentarem diagnostico endoscópico de úlcera péptica (p=0,05; RC=2,33; IC=0,99-5,48). Além de maiores chances de alterações na mucosa gástrica (p=0,05; RC=1,06; IC=1,04-1,08) e infecção pela Helicobacter pylori (p=0,04; RC=1,79; IC=0,94-3,39) mesmo após ajustes nas análises. Conclusão A alteração endoscópica da mucosa gástrica e a infecção pela Helicobacter pylori em pacientes com sintomas dispépticos, mostraram associação independente com o histórico familiar de câncer gástrico. Diante disso, faz-se necessário a elaboração de protocolos de assistência à saúde para melhor investigação e vigilância dos familiares de câncer gástrico, bem como ações de educação em saúde para orientar os pacientes a respeito do rastreio e prevenção do câncer gástrico.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los antecedentes familiares de primer grado de cáncer gástrico en pacientes con síntomas dispépticos atendidos en un servicio público de endoscopía. Métodos Estudio transversal llevado a cabo con pacientes dispépticos que habían sido derivados a realizar un estudio de endoscopía digestiva alta. La relación entre los antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico y los resultados del estudio endoscópico fue verificada mediante la prueba χ2 de Pearson o de Fisher, y su efecto fue medido a través de la razón de momios y del intervalo de confianza en análisis uni y multivariados. Se utilizó la regresión logística en el análisis de los datos. Resultados Se observó que de los 751 pacientes dispépticos investigados, 44 (5,9 %) tenían antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico, de los cuales la mayoría era de sexo femenino (70,5 %), de 45 años o más (56,8 %). Los pacientes con antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico tenían mayores chances de no presentar diagnóstico endoscópico de úlcera péptica (p=0,05; RC=2,33; IC=0,99-5,48). Además de mayores probabilidades de alteraciones en la mucosa gástrica (p=0,05; RC=1,06; IC=1,04-1,08) e infección por Helicobacter pylori (p=0,04; RC=1,79; IC=0,94-3,39), inclusive después de ajustes en los análisis. Conclusión La alteración endoscópica de la mucosa gástrica y la infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con síntomas dispépticos mostraron relación independiente con los antecedentes familiares de cáncer gástrico. Ante este escenario, es necesaria la elaboración de protocolos de atención a la salud para una mejor investigación y observación de los familiares de cáncer gástrico, así como también acciones de educación en salud para orientar a los pacientes sobre la detección y prevención del cáncer gástrico.

Abstract Objective To identify first-degree relative history of gastric cancer in patients with dyspeptic symptoms receiving care at a public endoscopy service. Methods A cross-sectional study, performed with dyspeptic patients referred for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The association between the family history of gastric cancer and the findings of the endoscopic examination was verified using the Chi-square or Fisher tests, and its effect was shown using odds ratio and confidence interval in univariate and multivariate analyses. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results Among the 751 dyspeptic patients enrolled, 44 (5.9%) had a family history of gastric cancer, mostly females (70.5%) aged 45 years or older (56.8%). Patients with a family history of gastric cancer were more likely to have no endoscopic diagnosis of peptic ulcer (p=0.05; OR=2.33; CI=0.99-5.48). In addition, higher chances of gastric mucosal changes (p=0.05; RC=1.06; CI=1.04-1.08) and Helicobacter pylori infection (p=0.04; RC=1.79; CI=0.94-3.39) were found, even after adjusting the analyses. Conclusion The endoscopic gastric mucosal changes and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspeptic symptoms showed an independent association with family history of gastric cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop health care protocols for better investigation and surveillance of gastric cancer relatives, as well as health education actions to guide patients regarding screening and prevention of gastric cancer.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters of breast cancer cases analyzed in a reference laboratory

Objective: To determine the histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters of breast cancer cases treated in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and observational study in which samples from 278 patients were analyzed. In the histopathological analysis were considered, among other factors, the differentiation and histopathological classification of the tumor, based on the WHO classification. As for immunohistochemistry, the presence and intensity of expression of the cell proliferation antigen Ki-67, gene product of HER2, and estrogen and progesterone receptors were evaluated. Then, the tumors were classified into luminal A, luminal B, luminal hybrid, HER2 group, and basal-like. Results: The most common histological subtypes were invasive carcinoma of no special type (88.7%), carcinoma in situ (5.5%), and invasive mucinous carcinoma (2.9%). The most common immunohistochemical subtypes were luminal A (26.1%), basal-like (23.6%), and luminal B (23.2%). We also found a statistically significant inversely proportional relationship (p<0.01) of hormone receptor expression with nuclear grade. Conclusion: The results show the importance of immunohistochemical analysis for staging, as well as for the therapeutic decision of each patient. However, further studies with a larger sample must be performed for more effective analysis of the general population.

Perfil de pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de vesícula biliar / Profile of patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de vesícula e identificar o estadiamento do tumor estabelecido no momento do diagnóstico, bem como o padrão histopatológico no momento da biópsia. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal e descritivo realizado em um serviço de referência em oncologia clínica, baseado em análise secundária de dados correspondentes aos prontuários de indivíduos com diagnóstico de câncer de vesícula biliar atendidos entre janeiro de 2007 e janeiro de 2017. Resultados: A distribuição por sexo foi de cinco mulheres (62,5%) e três homens (37,5%). A idade variou de 47 a 74 anos, com média de 61,1 anos e desvio padrão de ±9,03. Nenhum indivíduo era assintomático ao diagnóstico; seis (75%) apresentaram dor em hipocôndrio direito, dois (25%) perda de peso e dois outros (25%) massa palpável. Dos oito indivíduos, seis (75%) apresentavam estadiamento clínico (EC) IV ao diagnóstico. O perfil histopatológico apresentou 100% de adenocarcinoma, sendo uma amostra com áreas papilíferas, três moderadamente diferenciadas, três metastáticas e uma bem diferenciada. Conclusão: O perfil clínico-epidemiológico estabelecido foi maior prevalência de câncer de vesícula biliar em mulheres, com média de idade na sétima década. Predominou a cólica biliar como sintoma. O padrão de adenocarcinoma foi identificado em todos os indivíduos. Três quartos dos indivíduos apresentavam estágio avançado de doença. (AU)

Objective: to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, and to identify tumor staging established at the time of diagnosis, as well as the histopathological pattern at the biopsy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out in a reference service of clinical oncology, based on secondary analysis of data corresponding to the medical records of patients diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer seen between January-2007 and January-2017. Results: Gender distribution was of five women (62.5%), and three men (37.5%). Patients' ages ranged from 47-74 years, mean age of 61.1 years and standard deviation of ±9.03). No patient was asymptomatic at diagnosis, six (75%) had right hypochondrium pain, two (25%) showed weight loss, and two others (25%), palpable mass. Of the eight patients, six (75%) had EC IV staging at diagnosis. The histopathological profile showed 100% of adenocarcinoma, with one sample having papilliferous areas, three being moderately differentiated, three metastatic, and one well differentiated. Conclusion: The clinical-epidemiological profile established in this study had a higher prevalence of gallbladder cancer in women, with a mean age of the individual around the 7th decade. The most frequent symptom was biliary colic. The adenocarcinoma pattern was identified in all individuals. Three-quarters of them had advanced disease. (AU)

More frequent detection of calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques and mineralized laryngeal cartilages on digital than on film-based panoramic radiographs

PURPOSE: To determine whether calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques (CCAPs) and mineralized laryngeal cartilages (MLCs) were more frequently detected on digital or film-based panoramic radiographs. The clinical relevance of this question is that some radiopacities seen on digital radiographs may correspond to medium-density tissues that are not necessarily mineralized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from panoramic radiographs and the respective reports issued by 2 private oral radiology centers. A total of 388 radiographs and reports were divided into film-based (group A) and digital (group D) radiographs. The frequencies of CCAPs and MLCs were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, and odds ratios were also calculated (α=1%). RESULTS: The mean age of patients whose reports and radiographs showed CCAPs and/or MLCs ranged from 50.1 to 54.1 years. There was a predominance of females. A higher frequency of CCAPs and MLCs was observed in group D than in group A at both centers (P<0.01). CCAPs and MLCs were detected 4 times more frequently in group D than in group A at one of the centers. CONCLUSION: CCAPs and MLCs were more frequently detected on digital than on film-based panoramic radiographs. Further studies are needed to determine whether such radiopacities do indeed correspond to mineralized, rather than medium-density, tissues.

Genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum isolated from bloodstream infection from a nosocomial outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Corynebacterium striatum has been cited with increased frequency as pathogen of nosocomial infections. In this study, we report the draft genome of a C. striatum isolated from a patient with bloodstream infection in a hospital of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The isolate presented susceptibility only to tetracycline, vancomycin and linezolid. The detection of various antibiotic resistance genes is fully consistent with previously observed multidrug-resistant pattern in Corynebacterium spp. A large part of the pTP10 plasmid of MDR C. striatum M82B is present in the genome of our isolate. A SpaDEF cluster and seven arrays of CRISPR-Cas were found.

Association between renal cysts and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A case-control study / Associação entre cistos renais e aneurismas da aorta abdominal: Um estudo de caso-controle

Summary Objective: To investigate the positive association between the presence of simple renal cysts (SRCs) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Method: In a retrospective case-control study including subjects aged > 50 years, we evaluated the incidence of SRCs on computed tomography (CT) scan. We compared 91 consecutive patients with AAA referred from the Division of Vascular Surgery and 396 patients without AAA, randomly selected after being matched by age and gender from 3,186 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal CT. SRC was defined as a round or oval low-attenuation lesion with a thin wall and size > 4 mm on CT without obvious evidence of radiographic enhancement or septations. Patients were considered as having AAA if the size of aorta was greater than 3.0 cm. Results: Patients with AAA and without AAA were similar in terms of age (67.9± 8.41 vs. 68.5±9.13 years) (p=0.889) and gender (71.4 vs. 71.2% of male subjects, respectively) (p=0.999). There was no difference in the prevalence of SRC between case and controls. Among individuals with AAA, 38 (41.8%; [95CI 32.5-52.6]) had renal cysts compared to 148 (37.4%; [95CI 32.7-42.2]) in the control group (p=0.473), with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.16 (95CI 0.80-1.68). Conclusion: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of SRCs among patients with AAA and controls. Our findings suggest that the presence of SRCs is not a risk factor or a marker for AAA.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar uma possível associação entre presença de cistos renais simples (CRS) e aneurisma aórtico abdominal (AAA). Método: Em um estudo de caso versus controle com sujeitos com idade > 50 anos, avaliamos a prevalência de CRS detectados por tomografia computadorizada (TC). Comparamos os achados de 91 pacientes consecutivos com AAA oriundos da Divisão de Cirurgia Vascular com 396 pacientes sem AAA, randomicamente selecionados e ajustados por idade e gênero dentre 3.186 pacientes consecutivos que se submeteram a TC abdominal. Cisto simples foi definido como lesão hipodensa oval ou arredondada com paredes finas, maiores do que 4 mm em TC sem realce contrastual ou septação. Pacientes foram considerados com AAA quando o diâmetro da aorta era maior que 3,0 cm. Resultados: Pacientes com AAA e sem AAA eram semelhantes quanto a idade (67,9±8,41 vs. 68,5±9,13 anos) (p=0,889) e gênero (71,4 vs. 71,2% dos indivíduos masculinos, respectivamente) (p=0,999). Não havia diferença de prevalência de CRS entre casos e controles. Dentre indivíduos com AAA, 38 (41,8%; [IC95% 32,5-52,6]) tinham cistos renais, comparados com 148 (37,4%; [IC95% 32,7-42,2]) no grupo controle (p=0,473), com uma razão de prevalência (RP) de 1,16 (IC95% 0,80-1,68). Conclusão: Não observamos diferenças significativas na prevalência de CRS entre pacientes com AAA e controles. Nossos resultados sugerem que presença de CRS não é fator de risco ou preditor para AAA.

SAÚDE MENTAL MATERNA: RASTREANDO OS RISCOS CAUSADORES DA DEPRESSÃO PÓS-PARTO / MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH: TRACKING DOWN THE RISKS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION / SALUD MENTAL DE LA MADRE: RASTREANDO LOS RIESGOS DE LA DEPRESIÓN POSPARTO

Objetivo: identificar os fatores de riscos que contribuem para DPP em mulheres assistidas em maternidade do interior do Maranhão. Método: abordagem quantitativa de caráter descritivo e exploratório. Realizou-se a coleta de dados em uma maternidade no interior do Maranhão, com uma amostra de 280 puérperas em atendimento na maternidade. O instrumento utilizado para coleta dos dados foi a Escala de Depressão Pós-parto de Edimburgo (EPDS), os dados foram tratados e analisados conforme o estatística descritiva. Resultados: detectou-se que 80 (28,6%) delas apresentavam risco para DPP. A baixa escolaridade, a baixa renda e o desemprego são os três principais fatores encontrados entres as mães com riscos para DPP, com índice acima de 50%. Conclusão: esta pesquisa possibilitou a caracterização de um perfil de vulnerabilidade para DPP de uma região importante do estado. A abordagem desta temática mostra que ainda existe um longo caminho a ser percorrido para a melhoria e agilidade dos serviços de saúde no rastreamento, prevenção e tratamento da depressão puerperal.

Objective: to identify the risk factors that contribute to PPD in women assisted at a maternity hospital in the countryside of the Maranhão state. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach. The data collection was carried out in a maternity hospital in the state of Maranhão, with a sample of 280 mothers in maternity care. The instrument used for data collection was the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the data were processed and analyzed according to the statistical. Results: it was found that 80 (28,6%) of them were at risk for PPD. Low education, low income and unemployment are the three main factors found among mothers with risk for PPD, with index above of 50%. Conclusion: this study allowed the characterization of a vulnerability profile for PPD in an important region of the state. The approach of this issue shows that there is still a long way to go to improve and speed of health services to screening, prevention and treatment of postpartum depression.

Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo que contribuyen a la PPD en mujeres atendidas en un hospital de maternidad en el estado de Maranhão. Método: estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con enfoque cuantitativo. La recolección de datos fue en una maternidad en el estado de Maranhão, con una muestra de 280 madres hospitalizadas en la maternidad. El instrumento utilizado para la recolección de datos fue la escala de depresión posparto de Edimburgo (EPDS), los datos fueron procesados y analizados de acuerdo con el método estadístico. Resultados: se encontró que 80 (28,6%) de ellos eran en riesgo de PPD. El bajo nivel de educación, los bajos ingresos económicos y el desempleo son los tres factores principales encontrados entres las madres con riesgo de PPD, con índice superior a 50%. Conclusión: este estudio permitió la caracterización de un perfil de vulnerabilidad para la DPP en una región importante del estado. El enfoque de esta cuestión pone de manifiesto que todavía queda un largo camino por recorrer para mejorar y agilizar los servicios de salud para la detección, prevención y tratamiento de la depresión posparto.

Clonal multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum within a nosocomial environment, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Corynebacterium striatum is a potentially pathogenic microorganism with the ability to produce outbreaks of nosocomial infections. Here, we document a nosocomial outbreak caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) C. striatum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. C. striatum identification was confirmed by 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing. Fifteen C. striatum strains were isolated from adults (half of whom were 50 years of age and older). C. striatum was mostly isolated in pure culture from tracheal aspirates of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation procedures. The analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) indicated the presence of four PFGE profiles, including two related clones of MDR strains (PFGE I and II). The data demonstrated the predominance of PFGE type I, comprising 11 MDR isolates that were mostly isolated from intensive care units and surgical wards. A potential causal link between death and MDR C. striatum (PFGE types I and II) infection was observed in five cases.

Relationship among blood indicators of lipomobilization and hepatic function during early lactation in high-yielding dairy cows

Blood indicators are used as a tool to diagnose metabolic disorders. The present work was conducted to study the relationships among blood indicators of lipomobilization and hepatic function in high-yielding dairy cows. Two groups of Holstein cows were studied: 27 early lactation cows and 14 mid lactation cows from four different herds with similar husbandry characteristics in Galicia, Spain. Blood samples were obtained to measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG), and the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Cows in early lactation had higher levels of BHB and NEFA than mid lactation cows. High lipomobilization (NEFA > 400 micromol/L) was detected in 67% and 7% of early lactation and mid lactation cows, respectively, while subclinical ketosis (BHB > 1.2 mmol/L) was detected in 41% and 28% of the early lactation and lactation cows, respectively. TG concentrations were low in all cows suffering subclinical ketosis and in 61% of the cows with high lipomobilization. During early lactation, 30% of cows suffered hepatic lipidosis as detected by levels of AST. Compromised hepatic function was observed in early lactation cows as shown by lower concentrations of glucose, total protein, and urea.