Lobato technique for acute type B aortic dissection complicated by thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and total true lumen occlusion of the infrarenal aorta.

A 63-year-old man had presented for emergency endovascular treatment of acute type B aortic dissection complicated by acute occlusion of the true lumen of the infrarenal aorta and a Crawford type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. These findings precluded the use of a conventional endovascular approach. A novel technique was developed with the insertion of guidewires through the left femoral and subclavian arteries to deliver stent grafts to cover the dissection entry tear and exclude the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. A femorofemoral bypass was performed to preserve the circulation. The procedure and follow-up course were uneventful. This technique appears to be a promising tool for thoracic endovascular aortic repair in emergency setting. More experience with the method is warranted.

Perfil dos pacientes com gangrena de Fournier utilizando a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica como tratamento adjuvante / Profile of Fournier gangrene patients using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjuvant treatment

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados obtidos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) como tratamento adjuvante na Gangrena de Fournier (GF). Casuística e Método: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo baseado na análise de prontuários físicos de pacientes portadores de GF submetidos a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, através da câmara hiperbárica no período de fevereiro de 2008 a maio de 2018, atendidos em uma clínica de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica na cidade de Bauru, SP. Os dados coletados foram: idade, sexo, etiologia, comorbidades, localização e extensão da lesão, número total de sessão e mortalidade. Resultado: Trinta e oito pacientes foram analisados, sendo 76% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 55,6 anos. Entre os pacientes, 17 (44,7%) obtiveram alta médica, 18 (47,4%) interromperam o tratamento antes do término e ocorreram três (8,21%) óbitos. A principal etiologia foi o abcesso e os principais comorbidades predisponentes foram a diabetes mellitus e a hipertensão arterial. A localização e extensão com áreas mais afetadas foram na região escrotal, seguida pela região perineal. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que o efeito da OHB como tratamento adjuvante oferece vantagem no tratamento da GF, resultando em considerável alta médica dos pacientes e baixa mortalidade. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Evaluating the results obtained from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an adjuvant treatment in Fournier's Gangrene (GF). Casuistic and Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study based on the analysis of physical records of patients with GF submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy through the hyperbaric chamber from February 2008 to May 2018, assisted at the hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic, in Bauru, SP. The data collected were age, gender, etiology, comorbidities, lesion location and extension, total session number, and mortality. Result: It totaled 38 patients, 76% male, with a mean age of 55.6 years. Among the patients, 17 (44.7%) were discharged, 18 (47.4%) discontinued treatment before termination, and three (8.21%) deaths occurred. The main etiology was an abscess and the main predisposing comorbidities were diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The location and extension lesion with the most affected areas were in the scrotal region, followed by the perineal region. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the effect of HBOT as an adjuvant treatment has an advantage in the treatment of GF resulting in considerable patient medical discharge and low mortality. (AU)

Predictors of relapse of visceral leishmaniasis in inner São Paulo State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health threat for several tropical countries, including Brazil. Therapy failures and relapses aggravate VL morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed at identifying predictors of relapse and thus contributes to directing therapeutic options and patient follow-up. METHODS: A nonconcurrent cohort of 571 subjects who completed successful therapy for VL in the city of Bauru, São Paulo State, Brazil, was followed for 24 months in order to identify the incidence and predictors of relapse. Extensive review of medical charts and laboratory files was conducted. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify predictors for the outcome of interest. A hierarchical strategy was used for variable selection in multivariable models. RESULTS: Relapses occurred in 6.8% of treated subjects, after a median of 6 months (interquartile range, 4-9). In a comprehensive multivariable model, relapse was associated with: HIV-coinfection (hazard ratio [HR], 7.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.58-21.55); the presence of lower limb edema (HR, 6.06; 95%CI, 1.38-26.77) and low platelet count upon admission (HR for platelet count × 1000, 0.99; 95%CI, 0.98-0.99) ; and secondary pneumonia (HR, 5.49; 95%CI, 1.49-20.18). On the other hand, therapy with Liposomal Amphotericin (as opposed to Antimoniate) was not independently associated with relapse (HR, 5.97; 95%CI, 0.63-56.29). CONCLUSION: Besides reinforcing the impact of HIV coinfection on the outcome of VL, our study points to clinical and laboratory findings that characterize patients who were more likely to relapse. Those groups should be more closely followed, and possibly could benefit from novel therapeutic options.

Exploring the Hierarchical Structure and Alignment of Wood Cellulose Fibers for Bioinspired Anisotropic Polymeric Composites.

Materials found in nature have their properties tuned by the chemical composition and hierarchical organization of their structures. Wood is one example of natural material which has properties tuned by its multi-scale hierarchical organization. The cellulose microfibril angle is critical for physical and mechanical properties of wood. On the other hand, polymeric composites containing fibrillar additives, like cellulose fibers, are widespread and have exceptional mechanical properties, which enable them to be used as structural materials. However, obtaining polymer composites with well-aligned cellulose fibers is a challenging task. This work aims to explore the hierarchical structure and alignment of cellulose fibers from wood in polymeric composites with anisotropic mechanical properties, inspired by what trees naturally do. In this sense, cellulosic material from wood was analyzed on a multi-scale; impregnation with polyethylene and densification were performed to form composites; and their mechanical properties were correlated with fiber angles in composite specimens. Moreover, polymer addition to the cellulosic backbone has tremendously increased the material resistance to wetting and chemical oxidation.

Alterações cardiorrespiratórias de pacientes submetidos à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica / Alteraciones cardiorrespiratorias de pacientes sometidos a la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica / Cardiorespiratory alterations in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar modificações cardiorrespiratórias em decorrência de sessão única de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Método Estudo aleatorizado com pacientes: grupos-controle e oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. As avaliações ocorreram no início, durante e após a exposição ao oxigênio puro acima de uma atmosfera, durante 2 horas. A pressão arterial sistêmica, saturação periférica de oxigênio, frequência de pulso, volume e capacidade pulmonar, pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas foram avaliadas. A saturação periférica de oxigênio, frequência de pulso e pressão arterial sistêmica foram avaliadas durante a pressurização na primeira hora. Os dados foram avaliados pelo teste de ANOVA, Mann-Whitney e teste t independente (p<0,05). Resultados Foram avaliados 14 pacientes adultos. No grupo sob terapia (sete sujeitos), idade: 49,57±14,59 anos houve redução da frequência de pulso de 16 batimentos por minuto após 35 minutos de terapia (análise intragrupo), e a saturação periférica de oxigênio foi maior neste mesmo período se comparado ao grupo-controle. Conclusão A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica promove alterações cardiorrespiratórias com o aumento da saturação periférica de oxigênio e redução da frequência de pulso, sem alterar os níveis pressóricos arteriais e a força, volumes e capacidades respiratórios.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar modificaciones cardiorrespiratorias consecuentes de sesión única de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Método Estudio aleatorizado con pacientes: grupos de control y oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Las evaluaciones ocurrieron en el inicio, durante y después de la exposición al oxígeno puro por encima de una atmósfera, durante dos horas. La presión arterial sistémica, saturación periférica de oxígeno, frecuencia de pulso, volumen y capacidad pulmonar, presiones inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas fueron evaluadas. La saturación periférica de oxígeno, frecuencia de pulso y presión arterial sistémica fueron evaluadas durante la presurización en la primera hora. Los datos fueron evaluados por el test de ANOVA, Mann Whitney y prueba t independiente (p<0,05). Resultados Fueron evaluados 14 pacientes adultos. En el grupo bajo terapia (siete sujetos), edad: 49,57±14,59 años, hubo reducción de la frecuencia de pulso de 16 latidos por minuto tras 35 minutos de terapia (análisis intragrupo), y la saturación periférica de oxígeno fue mayor en ese mismo período si comparado con el grupo de control. Conclusión La oxigenoterapia hiperbárica proporciona alteraciones cardiorrespiratorias con el aumento de la saturación periférica de oxígeno y la reducción de la frecuencia de pulso, sin alterar los niveles de presión arteriales y la fuerza, volúmenes y capacidades respiratorios.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate cardiorespiratory alterations due to a single session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Method Randomized study with patients: a control group and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Evaluations occurred in the beginning, during, and after exposure to pure oxygen above atmosphere for 2 hours. Systemic blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, lung volume and lung capacity, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were evaluated. Peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and systemic blood pressure were evaluated during the pressurizing in the first hour. Data were evaluated by means of ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and independent t-test (p<0.05). Results A total of 14 adult patients were evaluated. In the group under therapy (seven subjects), aged: 49.57±14.59 years, there was a decrease in the pulse rate of 16 beats per minute after 35 minutes of therapy (intragroup analysis), and the peripheral oxygen saturation was higher within the same period compared to the control group. Conclusion The hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes cardiorespiratory alterations with the increase of the peripheral oxygen saturation and decrease of the pulse rate, without altering blood pressure levels and the strength, volumes, and respiratory capacities.

Cellulose Nanocrystals from Fibers of Macauba (Acrocomia Aculeata) and Gravata (Bromelia Balansae) from Brazilian Pantanal.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were obtained from macauba and gravata fibers. Macauba (or Bocaiuva) is a palm tree found throughout most of Brazil and Gravata is an abundant kind of bromelia with 1-2m long leaves, found in Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado. The raw fibers of both fibers were mercerized with NaOH solutions and bleached; they were then submitted to acid hydrolysis using H2SO4 at 45 °C, varying the hydrolysis time from 15 up to 75 min. The fibers were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). XRD patterns did not present changes in the crystal structure of cellulose after mercerization, but it was observed a decrease of hemicellulose and lignin contents, and consequently an increase of cellulose content with the increase of NaOH solution concentration in the mercerization. After acid hydrolysis, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which showed an acicular or rod-like aspect and nanometric dimensions of CNC from both fibers, but the higher values of aspect ratio (L/D) were found on CNC obtained from gravata after 45 min of acid hydrolysis. The mercerization and subsequent bleaching of fibers influenced the crystallinity index and thermal stability of the resulting CNC, but their properties are mainly influenced by the hydrolysis time, i. e., there is an increase in crystallinity and thermal stability up to 45 min of hydrolysis, after this time, both properties decrease, probably due to the cellulose degradation by the sulfuric acid.

Cardiorespiratory alterations in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. / Alterações cardiorrespiratórias de pacientes submetidos à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cardiorespiratory alterations due to a single session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. METHOD: Randomized study with patients: a control group and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Evaluations occurred in the beginning, during, and after exposure to pure oxygen above atmosphere for 2 hours. Systemic blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, lung volume and lung capacity, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were evaluated. Peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and systemic blood pressure were evaluated during the pressurizing in the first hour. Data were evaluated by means of ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and independent t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 14 adult patients were evaluated. In the group under therapy (seven subjects), aged: 49.57±14.59 years, there was a decrease in the pulse rate of 16 beats per minute after 35 minutes of therapy (intragroup analysis), and the peripheral oxygen saturation was higher within the same period compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes cardiorespiratory alterations with the increase of the peripheral oxygen saturation and decrease of the pulse rate, without altering blood pressure levels and the strength, volumes, and respiratory capacities.

Biodegradable blends of urea plasticized thermoplastic starch (UTPS) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL): Morphological, rheological, thermal and mechanical properties.

Biodegradable blends of urea plasticized thermoplastic starch (UTPS) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared in a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The UTPS and PCL content varied in a range of 25wt%. The materials were characterized by capillary rheometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), termogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests. Capillary rheometry showed better interaction between UTPS and PCL at 110°C than at 130°C. SEM showed immiscibility of all blends and good dispersion of UTPS in PCL matrix up to 50wt%. However, a co-continuous morphology was found for UTPS/PCL 75/25. Thermal analysis showed that introducing PCL in UTPS, increased Tonset due to higher thermal stability of PCL, and blends presented an intermediate behavior of neat polymers. The presence of PCL in blends improved significantly the mechanical properties of neat UTPS. Because they are totally biodegradable, these blends can be vehicles for controlled or slow release of nutrients to the soil while degraded.

The involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 in cytokine and nitric oxide production in visceral leishmaniasis patients before and after treatment with anti-leishmanial drugs.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have significant involvement in Leishmania infection, although little is known about the relationship between these receptors, cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) before or after treatment with anti-leishmanial drugs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in CD3+ and CD14+ cells and the production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, TGF-ß and NO in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from VL patients pre- and post-treatment with anti-leishmanial drugs. In addition, we investigated whether these receptors were involved in the production of these cytokines and NO. In the active VL patients, increased TLR2 and TLR4 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, increased production of TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-ß and decreased production of IFN-γ, IL-17 and NO were observed. After treatment, TLR2 and TLR4 were still expressed in lymphocytes and monocytes, the TNF-α and IL-10 levels were lower, the production of IFN-γ, IL-17 and NO was higher, and the TGF-ß level remained high. Before treatment, the production of TNF-α and NO was associated with TLR2 and TLR4 expression, while IL-10 production was only associated with TLR2 expression. After treatment, both receptors were associated with the production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and NO, while the production of IL-17 was associated only with TLR4 expression. The results presented in this study suggest that both TLR2 and TLR4 participate in the modulation of cytokine and NO production in VL patients, contributing to the pathogenesis of VL prior to treatment and the protective immune response after treatment.

Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of patients with visceral leishmaniasis before and after treatment with leishmanicidal drugs

Introduction Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani complex. VL may be asymptomatic or progressive and is characterized by fever, anemia, weight loss and the enlargement of the spleen and liver. The nutritional status of the patients with VL is a major determinant of the progression, severity and mortality of the disease, as it affects the clinical progression of the disease. Changes in lipoproteins and plasma proteins may have major impacts in the host during infection. Thus, our goal was evaluate the serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein levels, as well as the body composition, of VL patients before and after treatment. Methods Nutritional evaluation was performed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition. Biochemical data on the serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein were collected from the medical charts of the patients. Results BIA indicated that both pre-treatment and post-treatment patients exhibited decreased phase angles compared to the controls, which is indicative of disease. Prior to treatment, the patients exhibited lower levels of total body water compared to the controls. Regarding the biochemical evaluation, patients with active VL exhibited lower levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and albumin and higher triglyceride levels compared to patients after treatment and the controls. Treatment increased the levels of albumin and lipoproteins and decreased the triglyceride levels. Conclusions Our results suggest that patients with active VL present biochemical and nutritional changes that are reversed by treatment. .

Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of patients with visceral leishmaniasis before and after treatment with leishmanicidal drugs.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani complex. VL may be asymptomatic or progressive and is characterized by fever, anemia, weight loss and the enlargement of the spleen and liver. The nutritional status of the patients with VL is a major determinant of the progression, severity and mortality of the disease, as it affects the clinical progression of the disease. Changes in lipoproteins and plasma proteins may have major impacts in the host during infection. Thus, our goal was evaluate the serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein levels, as well as the body composition, of VL patients before and after treatment. METHODS: Nutritional evaluation was performed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition. Biochemical data on the serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein were collected from the medical charts of the patients. RESULTS: BIA indicated that both pre-treatment and post-treatment patients exhibited decreased phase angles compared to the controls, which is indicative of disease. Prior to treatment, the patients exhibited lower levels of total body water compared to the controls. Regarding the biochemical evaluation, patients with active VL exhibited lower levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and albumin and higher triglyceride levels compared to patients after treatment and the controls. Treatment increased the levels of albumin and lipoproteins and decreased the triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients with active VL present biochemical and nutritional changes that are reversed by treatment.

Estudo angiográfico de fístula arteriovenosa utilizando gás carbônico como meio de contrante / Arteriovenous fistula angiography using carbon dioxide as contrast medium

OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem por finalidade obter um método diagnóstico angiográfico alternativo que possa ser utilizado em doentes com alto risco ao uso de meio de contraste iodado. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 26 doentes com insuficiência renal crônica, que tiveram suas fístulas analisadas, submetidos à angiografia digital - na primeira fase, utilizando o meio de contraste iodado e, na segunda fase, gás carbônico como meio de contraste, com registro em filme angiográfico. A angiografia foi avaliada por dois médicos independentes, que analisaram a opacificação, o diagnóstico radiológico e o calibre dos vasos; a análise comparativa das medidas da artéria, da veia e da freqüência respiratória antes e após a injeção de contraste foi realizada pelo autor. RESULTADOS: Os resultados obtidos pela analise estatística utilizando coeficiente kappa apresentaram concordância entre os dois médicos, referente à opacificação, de 0,3217, referente ao diagnóstico radiológico, de 0,5583, e referente à analise de calibre dos vasos, de 0,4298. A análise das medidas da artéria e da veia não apresentou diferença significativa pela medida de posição e dispersão, mostrando concordância na regressão linear, com p-valor de 0,3657 e de 0,2041; para a freqüência respiratória, as análises das medidas de posição e dispersão não apresentaram diferença significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos ser este método uma alternativa no estudo angiográfico em pacientes com antecedente alérgico ou com risco nefrotóxico.

Pseudoaneurisma de artéria vertebral: relato de caso clínico / False aneurysm of the vertebral artery: report of a case

Os autores apresentam um caso de pseudoaneurisma da artéria vertebral, pós-trauma, em paciente de 12 anos. O trauma da artéria vertebral é incomum e ocorre em menos de 10 por cento dos traumas vasculares da cabeça e do pescoço, segundo a literatura. O propósito deste relato de caso é chamar a atençao para o diagnóstico arteriográfico, onde devemos estudar também a circulaçao intracraniana, da qual dependerá a escolha do melhor tratamento cirúrgico.

Cardiomiopatia periparto refratária ao tratamento convencional, mas com boa resposta à medicaçäo imunodepressora: apresentaçäo de um caso / Peripartum cardiomyopathy refractory to conventional therapy, but with good response to immunodepressive drugs: report of a case

Apresenta-se o caso de uma mulher portadora de cardiomiopatia periparto e insuficiência cardíaca refratária no tratamento convencional, que se compensou quando ao tratamento de base se acrescentaram drogas imunodepressoras (azatioprina e prednisona). Após revisäo da literatura, fazem-se comentários sobre a pertinência dessa terapêutica e a possibilidade de se usarem os imunodepressores com mais freqüência nessa patologia, abrindo, talvez, melhor perspectiva para a evoluçäo dessas doentes