Pocket-Sized Portable Labs: Control Engineering Practice Made Easy in Covid-19 Pandemic Times.

New pocket-sized laboratories are proving to be an excellent tool as complementary equipment that students and lecturers can deploy to test control engineering design techniques. Here, the description and outcome results of an IFAC activity funded project entitled as Pocket-Sized Portable Labs: Control Engineering Practice Made Easy are presented. The project was executed in Portugal, from January 2021 to the end of June 2021, during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. The global aim of this project was to motivate pre-university students to enroll in control engineering courses by showing and demonstrating that simple practical experiments may be easily accomplished using portable pocket-size laboratories.

Social determinants of health and survival on Brazilian patients with glioblastoma: a retrospective analysis of a large populational database.

Background: The majority of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma develop recurrent disease resulting in poor prognoses. The current study aimed to determine the survival rates of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma in Brazil accounting for the influence of age, treatment modalities, public and private practices, and educational level using a population-based national database. Methods: Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma from 1999-2020 were identified from The Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo database to create a retrospective cohort. Patients were described according to age, education level treatment modalities and medical practice. In a Cox proportional hazards model, controlled for confounding factors for overall survival, the hazard ratio and 95% CI of overall survival in adults was evaluated. Findings: A total of 4,511 patients were included. The median lengths of survival for patients treated in the public and private settings were 8 and 17 months (p<0.001), respectively. Young patients had longer median overall survival (OS: 18 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years, 61 to 65 years, 66 to 70 years and over than 70 years was 22 months, 10 months, 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, respectively (p<0.001). In general, combined treatments were associated with higher median survival compared to monotherapy. The higher educational level, the higher median survival was observed (4 months for illiterate versus 14 months for university degree). In the multivariable analyses, the significant independent predictors for overall survival were practice setting, educational level, age and treatment modalities. Interpretation: Public practice, older patients, less intensive treatment, and lower educational level were associated with worse survival outcomes in Brazilian glioblastoma patients.

Case for diagnosis. Erythematous and pruritic papules on forearms.

Gamasoidosis is a poorly known and underdiagnosed mite infestation. It is characterized by the presence of erythematous and flattened papules that are quite pruritic, and can affect any region of the body, with preference for areas of folds. This article reports a case of the disease caused by mites of the species Dermanyssus gallinae. Increasingly, the agents that cause this disease are found in urban environments, increasing the incidence of people affected by the disease. This dermatosis has a self-limiting clinical picture and the treatment is done with the use of topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.

Update on parasitic dermatoses.

These are cutaneous diseases caused by insects, worms, protozoa, or coelenterates which may or may not have a parasitic life. In this review the main ethological agents, clinical aspects, laboratory exams, and treatments of these dermatological diseases will be studied.

Update on parasitic dermatoses

Abstract These are cutaneous diseases caused by insects, worms, protozoa, or coelenterates which may or may not have a parasitic life. In this review the main ethological agents, clinical aspects, laboratory exams, and treatments of these dermatological diseases will be studied.

Approach Selection and Surgical Planning in Posterior Cranial Fossa Meningiomas: How I Do It.

Posterior cranial fossa meningiomas represent approximately 9% of all the intracranial meningiomas. Despite the recent reports of radiation therapy in the management of these tumors, surgical resection continues to be the first line of treatment method aiming the permanent meningioma eradication. The evolution of imaging studies improved the preoperative evaluation of meningiomas providing greater anatomical detail of small structures not previously visualized. Nonetheless, the preoperative radiological evaluation should go beyond the differential diagnosis of a posterior fossa tumor. Anatomo-radiological assessment of meningiomas is discussed in detail. Based on our clinical experience, literature review, and case illustration, we highlight important preoperative anatomo-radiological aspects of posterior fossa meningiomas and their implications in the surgical management of these tumors.

An unusual variant of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon neoplasm that is most often seen in young adults. The most common clinical presentation is the protruding form; however, other subtypes are known, such as the atrophic. In 2012 there were only 33 reports of this variant in the literature. Many cases of Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in children are only discovered in adulthood because they were not diagnosed early. Due the high morbidity, we raise the need for attention from the dermatologist to recognize uncommon neoplasms in the clinical practice. We report a case of a 15-year-old patient diagnosed with atrophic Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on the back.

An unusual variant of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Abstract: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon neoplasm that is most often seen in young adults. The most common clinical presentation is the protruding form; however, other subtypes are known, such as the atrophic. In 2012 there were only 33 reports of this variant in the literature. Many cases of Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in children are only discovered in adulthood because they were not diagnosed early. Due the high morbidity, we raise the need for attention from the dermatologist to recognize uncommon neoplasms in the clinical practice. We report a case of a 15-year-old patient diagnosed with atrophic Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on the back.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum combined with a tubular apocrine adenoma.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum and tubular apocrine adenoma are rare benign sweat gland tumors. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum occurs alone or in association with other tumors. Although it is rare, the association of tubular apocrine adenoma with syringocystadenoma papilliferum developing in a sebaceous nevus on the scalp is well documented. However, the co-existence of these two tumors without the background of a sebaceous nevus has not been frequently reported. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum and tubular apocrine adenoma may have a histopathological overlap, but a few cases of a syringocystadenoma papilliferum combined with a tubular apocrine adenoma have been reported. Herein we describe an unusual case of syringocystadenoma papilliferum co-existing with a tubular apocrine adenoma located on the back of a 14-year-old patient in the absence of a pre-existing sebaceous nevus.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum combined with a tubular apocrine adenoma

Abstract: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum and tubular apocrine adenoma are rare benign sweat gland tumors. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum occurs alone or in association with other tumors. Although it is rare, the association of tubular apocrine adenoma with syringocystadenoma papilliferum developing in a sebaceous nevus on the scalp is well documented. However, the co-existence of these two tumors without the background of a sebaceous nevus has not been frequently reported. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum and tubular apocrine adenoma may have a histopathological overlap, but a few cases of a syringocystadenoma papilliferum combined with a tubular apocrine adenoma have been reported. Herein we describe an unusual case of syringocystadenoma papilliferum co-existing with a tubular apocrine adenoma located on the back of a 14-year-old patient in the absence of a pre-existing sebaceous nevus.

Blister-Like Aneurysms: Report of Successful Surgical Treatment of Consecutive Cases and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Blister-like aneurysms (BAs) are usually defined as arterial lesions arising from nonbranching sites on intracranial arteries. Because of specific peculiarities such as different pathophysiology, fragility of the aneurysmal wall, high risk of intraoperative bleeding, and high probability of losing parent vessel patency, their treatment is controversial, and both endovascular and surgical options have been reported. METHODS: From 2006 to 2015 (10 years), 7 aneurysms in 6 patients were treated. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients to analyze clinical pictures and outcomes, which are expressed as modified Rankin Score. RESULTS: In our sample of 7 aneurysms in 6 patients, all BAs were successfully treated (complete exclusion in 100% on follow-up angiography). A good outcome (modified Rankin Score = 0) was achieved in all patients, with no difference related to aneurysm size and location. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of BAs may be effective and have acceptable complications and outcomes.

Vasa Vasorum and the Growing of Thrombosed Giant Aneurysm of the Vertebral Artery: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Giant aneurysms arising from the vertebral artery (VA) are often associated with thrombosis and present as mass lesions with slow progression of symptoms and signs. A consensus is still to be established on the underlying growth mechanisms and surgical management of thrombosed giant aneurysms of the VA. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we report the case of a 54-year-old man who sought neurosurgical care after 3 months of progressive cervical axial pain. He underwent cervical magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography, which revealed a giant VA aneurysm with thrombosed component. After failure of proximal and distal endovascular treatment, it was decided to adopt a surgical approach, which revealed a markedly developed vasa vasorum in the aneurysmal walls, raising the possibility of intra-aneurysmal nutrition from vasa vasorum. The patient recovered progressively and almost completely after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Another report described the case of a 58-year-old woman harboring a partially thrombosed giant aneurysm of the VA. At the time of resection, a marked development of vasa vasorum on the occluded VA and the neck of the aneurysm was noted. We highlight the need to comprehend vasa vasorum as potential sources for aneurysmal growth.

Biomechanical effects of the transcondylar approach on the craniovertebral junction.

The transcondylar variation of the far-lateral, retrosigmoid approach is intended for pathologies in the anterolateral portion of the foramen magnum. That area is more clearly visualized when a fraction of the ipsilateral occipital condyle is removed. In this study, the biomechanical effect of this approach on occiput-C2 rotation was investigated. Our hypothesis was that the biomechanical characteristics are significantly altered following the transcondylar approach. Five human cadaveric upper cervical spine specimens (occiput-C7) were used in the study. Torsional moments were applied from zero to a maximum of 1.5 N m to the left and to the right using a mechanical testing machine. The resulting rotational motions of the O-C1, C1-2, and O-C2 segments were measured in the intact specimen and after a simulated right-sided transcondylar approach with resection of 2/3 of the condyle, confirmed by CT scanning and visual inspection. After the posterior two-thirds of the occipital condyle were removed, the neutral zone (NZ) increased 1.3° to the left and 2° to the right at C0-C1, and 7.4° to the left and 6.2° to the right at C1-2. The cumulative increase in NZ between O and C2 was 8.7° to the left and 8.2° to the right. The transcondylar approach also resulted in significant increases in range of motion (ROM) in axial rotation to both sides in all segments. ROM increased 2.8° to the left and 2.4° to the right between C0 and C1, 7.3° to the left and 5.4° to the right between C1 and C2, and 10.1° to the left and 7.8° to the right between CO and C2. Upon inspection, the area of the occipital condyle where the alar ligament attaches had been completely removed in three of the five specimens. Removing the posteromedial two-thirds of one occipital condyle alters the normal axial rotational movements of the craniovertebral junction on both sides. The insertion of the alar ligament can be inadvertently removed during condylar resection, and this could contribute to atlanto-axial instability. There is a biomechanical substrate to cranio-cervical instability following a transcondylar approach; these patients may need to be followed over several years to ensure it does not progress and necessitate occipito-cervical fusion.

XI cranial nerve cervical schwannoma - case report / Schwannoma do nervo acessório cervical- relato de caso

Cisternal spinal accessory schwannoma are still a rare condition without neurofibromatosis with only 32 cases reported so far. We describe a cisternal accessory schwannoma presented in a 36-year-old woman with posterior cervical pain and cervical mieolopaty, defined by grade IV tetraparesia. A suboccipital craniectomy with C1 posterior arch resection was performed. During microsurgical dissection together with electrophysiological monitoring and nerve stimulation tumor was identified as having the spinal accessory root as its origins. Carefully intraneural dissection was then performed with complete lesion removal, histopatological examination confirmed the hypothesis of schwannoma. The patient was free from pain and improved her neurological status with no accessory nerve palsy. Complete surgical resection is indicated for such lesions and can be achieved with good outcome.

O schwannoma do ramo espinhal do nervo acessório em sua porção cisternal, quando não associado à neurofibromatose, é uma condição rara, com apenas 32 relatos de caso na literatura. O diagnóstico diferencial da lesão deve ser atentado, principalmente no que diz respeito à preservação da função motora do nervo acessório. Este é um relato de caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino de 36 anos com queixa de cervicalgia associada à mielopatia cervical compressiva secundária à lesão expansiva intradural, extramedular, estendendo-se do forame magno até a porção superior da lâmina de C2. A paciente foi submetida a uma craniectomia de fossa posterior e ressecção do arco posterior de C1. Durante exploração cirúrgica, auxiliada por monitoração eletrofisiológica e estimulação neural, foi identificado que a lesão tinha origem no ramo espinhal do nervo acessório direito. Foi então ressecada de forma completa com preservação dos fascículos íntegros do nervo de origem. O exame anatomopatológico confirmou a hipótese de schwannoma. A paciente evoluiu sem dor e com melhora do quadro neurológico, sendo preservada a função do nervo acessório. O schwannoma do ramo espinhal do nervo acessório é uma condição rara. A ressecção cirúrgica total é o tratamento de escolha para esses pacientes e pode ser alcançada sem lesões neurológicas significativas secundárias ao ato cirúrgico.

Remote spinal cord injury in mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA after cervical decompression.

Morquio A syndrome (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #253000) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase encoded by the GALNS gene. Key clinical features are skeletal dysplasia and short stature.

Ectopic cutaneous schistosomiasis - Case report / Esquistossomose cutanea ectopica - Relato de caso

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a systemic disease caused by a helminth of the schistosoma genus. The disease is generally asymptomatic or gastrointestinal symptoms may predominate. Skin lesions related to the disease are rarely diagnosed, even in endemic areas. The authors report the case of a young girl diagnosed with cutaneous schistosomiasis with involvement of the abdomen, back and scapular region. Schistosoma eggs were found in the lesions by histopathologic exam. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. Schistosomiasis must be included in the list of differential diagnosis of skin damage, especially in endemic areas, due to the potential consequences, in case of late diagnosis and treatment.

A esquistossomose mansônica é uma doença sistêmica causada por um helminto do gênero Schistosoma, geralmente assintomática ou com predomínio de manifestações gastrointestinais. Lesões cutâneas relacionadas à doença são raramente diagnosticadas, mesmo em áreas endêmicas. Relata-se um caso de uma jovem com história de lesões papulosas no abdome, no dorso e na região escapular direita, de distribuição zosteriforme. O exame histopatológico demonstrou a presença de ovos de Schistosoma nessas lesões. Não havia evidências de esquistossomose visceral ativa. Reforça-se a necessidade de que essa doença seja incluída no rol de diagnósticos diferenciais de lesões cutâneas, principalmente em áreas endêmicas, em razão das possíveis consequências em caso de diagnóstico e tratamento tardios.

Estimating the potential water reuse based on fuzzy reasoning.

Studies worldwide suggest that the risk of water shortage in regions affected by climate change is growing. Decision support tools can help governments to identify future water supply problems in order to plan mitigation measures. Treated wastewater is considered a suitable alternative water resource and it is used for non-potable applications in many dry regions around the world. This work describes a decision support system (DSS) that was developed to identify current water reuse potential and the variables that determine the reclamation level. The DSS uses fuzzy inference system (FIS) as a tool and multi-criteria decision making is the conceptual approach behind the DSS. It was observed that water reuse level seems to be related to environmental factors such as drought, water exploitation index, water use, population density and the wastewater treatment rate, among others. A dataset was built to analyze these features through water reuse potential with a FIS that considered 155 regions and 183 cities. Despite some inexact fit between the classification and simulation data for agricultural and urban water reuse potential it was found that the FIS was suitable to identify the water reuse trend. Information on the water reuse potential is important because it issues a warning about future water supply needs based on climate change scenarios, which helps to support decision making with a view to tackling water shortage.

Ectopic cutaneous schistosomiasis--case report.

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a systemic disease caused by a helminth of the schistosoma genus. The disease is generally asymptomatic or gastrointestinal symptoms may predominate. Skin lesions related to the disease are rarely diagnosed, even in endemic areas. The authors report the case of a young girl diagnosed with cutaneous schistosomiasis with involvement of the abdomen, back and scapular region. Schistosoma eggs were found in the lesions by histopathologic exam. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. Schistosomiasis must be included in the list of differential diagnosis of skin damage, especially in endemic areas, due to the potential consequences, in case of late diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopic-assisted lateral transatlantal approach to craniovertebral junction.

BACKGROUND: The lateral approach to the craniocervical junction is directed along the atlantal and occipital condyles to the dens. The advantages of the lateral approach compared with the anterior transoral and transnasal approaches are that it provides a sterile field, and anterior decompression and postdecompression fixation can be performed in one procedure. OBJECTIVE: To examine the usefulness of endoscopy as an auxiliary tool during lateral transatlantal odontoidectomy. METHODS: Six cadaver heads, in which the vessels were injected with colored silicone, were dissected using a surgical microscope and 0- and 30-degree endoscopes. A flap incision was chosen to accomplish exposure of the area of the decompression, the occipital squama and adjacent laminae for fixation, and the vertebral artery from C2 to its dural entrance for its stabilization. RESULTS: Study findings revealed that endoscopy adds several advantages to microscopy in the lateral transatlantal approach to the craniovertebral junction in cases of craniovertebral malformation by providing magnification and illumination not limited by corners, thus helping to avert substandard decompression and complications such as dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leaks; flexibility in surgical positioning of patients; and improved ergonomics that enable the surgeon to complete the procedure in a more efficient, comfortable, and safe manner. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy is a useful adjunct to microscopy in completing lateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction.

Caso para diagnóstico / Case for diagnosis

Relata-se caso de erythema gyratum repens em paciente do sexo masculino, de 40 anos, com eritema disseminado, pruriginoso, bizarro, figurado, com fina descamação nas bordas. Na primeira consulta, os exames laboratoriais e a radiografia do tórax foram normais. Durante acompanhamento clínico foi diagnosticado câncer de pulmão por tomografia computadorizada de tórax, tendo a imuno-histoquímica da biópsia da linfonodomegalia inguinal confirmado o pulmão como sítio primário.

A case of erythema gyratum repens is described in a 40-year-old man with a generalized, bizarre, figurated and pruritic erythema with fine scaling borders. Laboratorial exams and radiography of the thorax were normal in the first visit. A tomographic study of the thorax showed a lobulated pulmonary nodule and the immunohistochemistry on the biopsy of an inguinal lymph node confirmed the lung cancer as the primary site of the neoplasia.