Development of an Immunocapture-Based Polymeric Optical Fiber Sensor for Bacterial Detection in Water.

Conventional methods for pathogen detection in water rely on time-consuming enrichment steps followed by biochemical identification strategies, which require assay times ranging from 24 hours to a week. However, in recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop biosensing technologies enabling rapid and close-to-real-time detection of waterborne pathogens. In previous studies, we developed a plastic optical fiber (POF) immunosensor using an optoelectronic configuration consisting of a U-Shape probe connected to an LED and a photodetector. Bacterial detection was evaluated with the immunosensor immersed in a bacterial suspension in water with a known concentration. Here, we report on the sensitivity of a new optoelectronic configuration consisting of two POF U-shaped probes, one as the reference and the other as the immunosensor, for the detection of Escherichia coli. In addition, another methos of detection was tested where the sensors were calibrated in the air, before being immersed in a bacterial suspension and then read in the air. This modification improved sensor sensitivity and resulted in a faster detection time. After the immunocapture, the sensors were DAPI-stained and submitted to confocal microscopy. The histograms obtained confirmed that the responses of the immunosensors were due to the bacteria. This new sensor detected the presence of E. coli at 104 CFU/mL in less than 20 min. Currently, sub-20 min is faster than previous studies using fiber-optic based biosensors. We report on an inexpensive and faster detection technology when compared with conventional methods.

Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Associated with Sarcoidosis in a 75-year-old with Heart Failure: The Challenges of Diagnosis and Management.

Introduction: Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare abnormality of pulmonary vasculature. It can be idiopathic or secondary to various pathologies, frequently with multiple factors leading to its formation. We report the case of a man with concomitant sarcoidosis and PAA. Case description: A 75-year-old male with a diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis was referred to the Cardiology department due to heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The transthoracic echocardiogram revealed mildly reduced LVEF, aortic root and pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation, and no signs of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, revealing mild left ventricular dilation, LVEF of 40%, main PA dilation (43 mm) and a pattern of late gadolinium enhancement suggestive of cardiac sarcoidosis. At follow-up, a thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiography scan revealed ascending aorta ectasia and giant main PA aneurysm (60 mm). A right heart catheterisation was performed, and a mean PA pressure of 34 mmHg was obtained. Given the clinical context, the patient was considered to have PH due to lung disease and left heart disease, and PAA was possible due to vascular granulomatous involvement by sarcoidosis. Conclusion: PAA is a rare finding and mostly occurs in the setting of PH. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that mostly affects the lungs, but the sarcoid involvement of great vessels has been described. In this clinical case, the probable cause for the PA fragility leading to aneurysm formation remains sarcoid vascular infiltration, regarding the discrepancy between the PA dimensions and mildly elevated PA pressure. LEARNING POINTS: Pulmonary artery aneurysm is a rare abnormality of pulmonary vasculature that can be idiopathic or a consequence of pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, infection, vasculitis or collagenopathies.Due to the low incidence of this disease, there are no guidelines for its diagnosis, management or follow-up, and treatment is based on the underlying aetiology, aneurysm dimensions and occurrence of symptoms.Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by non-caseating granulomas that mostly involve the lungs, but can also affect skin, eyes, and lymph nodes. Sarcoid involvement of great vessels has been rarely described.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pericardial Effusion - A Unique Major Manifestation.

Introduction: Pericardial effusion is common in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, it is rarely its first manifestation. Case description: An 82-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Blood analysis revealed elevated systemic inflammatory markers, and an abdominal computed tomography scan revealed non-specific alveolar condensation of the right pulmonary base and pericardial effusion subsequently quantified as medium size by transthoracic echocardiography. A large aetiological panel was requested, with the autoimmunity study revealing high levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Since the patient did not present articular involvement, the initial hypothesis was pericardial effusion due to pneumonia and no specific treatment for RA was started. At follow-up, the pericardial effusion recurred and a pericardiocentesis was performed. The pericardial fluid analysis was sterile, and no malignant cells were identified. A new serological study confirmed high levels of RF and anti-CCP antibodies, and immunomodulatory treatment was initiated. After one year, the pericardial effusion recurred due to non-compliance with immunomodulatory therapy. A surgical pleuro-pericardial window was performed, and the cytological study of the pericardial patch revealed submesothelial thickening and foci of perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The patient remained asymptomatic. Discussion: After exclusion of a large spectrum of infectious and non-infectious causes and the relapse after suspension of immunomodulatory treatment, the most probable aetiology for the pericardial effusion remains RA. Conclusion: Pericardial syndromes can be the first manifestation of AR even in the absence of articular symptoms and this disease must be considered in the aetiological investigation. LEARNING POINTS: The occurrence of pericardial effusion in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a usual finding but this form of extra-articular manifestation is possibly the first and only presentation of the disease.In the case of recurrent pericardial effusion, the diagnosis of RA must be considered in the aetiological investigation even in the absence of more common manifestations of the disease.

COVID-19 Salivary Protein Profile: Unravelling Molecular Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

COVID-19 is the most impacting global pandemic of all time, with over 600 million infected and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, in addition to an unprecedented economic impact. Despite the many advances in scientific knowledge about the disease, much remains to be clarified about the molecular alterations induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this work, we present a hybrid proteomics and in silico interactomics strategy to establish a COVID-19 salivary protein profile. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD036571. The differential proteome was narrowed down by the Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis and enrichment analysis was performed with FunRich. In parallel, OralInt was used to determine interspecies Protein-Protein Interactions between humans and SARS-CoV-2. Five dysregulated biological processes were identified in the COVID-19 proteome profile: Apoptosis, Energy Pathways, Immune Response, Protein Metabolism and Transport. We identified 10 proteins (KLK 11, IMPA2, ANXA7, PLP2, IGLV2-11, IGHV3-43D, IGKV2-24, TMEM165, VSIG10 and PHB2) that had never been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, representing new evidence of the impact of COVID-19. Interactomics analysis showed viral influence on the host immune response, mainly through interaction with the degranulation of neutrophils. The virus alters the host's energy metabolism and interferes with apoptosis mechanisms.

Olive oil oleogels as strategy to confer nutritional advantages to burgers.

The effect of bovine back fat replacement by oleogels containing pork skin and olive oil on the oxidative stability, physicochemical, technological, nutritional, and sensory parameters of burgers was evaluated. Four different hamburger (H) were manufactured: with 90 % of lean beef and 10 % of bovine back fat (control, HC), or with 10 % of pork skin/water/virgin olive oil (HVOO), stripped olive oil added of an olive leaf extract (HESOO) or stripped olive oil (HSOO) oleogels, at 20:60:20 ratio. Physical-chemical stability was assessed after storage for 7 days at 4 °C and for 90 days at -20 °C, under non-vacuum and vacuum packaging. A reduction in the fat content by 80 % and in the energy content by 35 %, an increase in the protein content by 15 % and a better fatty acid profile were achieved in the oleogel containing burgers. After processing at 180 °C (grill), hardness, chewiness, sensory parameters and overall acceptability were high and comparable to control. All burgers were oxidative stable during 7 days at 4 °C. After storage for 90 days at -20 °C, only HSOO samples stored under non-vacuum packaging were oxidized. The antioxidant content in samples HVOO and HESOO efficiently prevented the oxidation of these samples.

Caffeic acid phenolipids in the protection of cell membranes from oxidative injuries. Interaction with the membrane phospholipid bilayer.

Caffeic acid (CA) has demonstrated a strong intracellular antioxidant ability by scavenging ROS, contributing to the maintenance of cell membrane structural integrity and to reduce oxidative injuries in other cell components. Nevertheless, caffeic acid has limited usage, due to its hydrophilic character. In this work, the introduction of alkyl chains in the caffeic acid molecule by esterification (methyl - C1, ethyl - C2, butyl - C4, hexyl - C6, octyl - C8 and hexadecyl - C16), significantly increased its lipophilicity. All caffeates tested showed a much higher protective activity than caffeic acid against red blood cells (RBCs) AAPH-induced oxidative stress; this protection was heavily dependent on the length of the alkyl chain of the esters, and on their concentration. At 2.5 and 5 µM, the more lipophilic compounds (C8 and C16) showed a remarkable antioxidant activity, inhibiting hemolysis; probably, their better location within the membrane leads to a better antioxidative protection; however, at 50 µM, the more hydrophilic compounds (C1-C4) showed a better activity against hemolysis than the more lipophilic ones (C8-C16). At this higher concentration, the better interaction of the more lipophilic compounds with the membrane seems to cause changes in RBC membrane fluidity, disturbing membrane integrity. Our data show that the antioxidant activity of these compounds could play an important role for the protection of different tissues and organs, by protecting cell membranes from oxidative injuries.

Remobilization of leaf Na+ content and use of nonstructural carbohydrates vary depending on the time when salt stress begins in woody species.

Basic mechanisms are known to promote salt tolerance in plants: a delay in Na+ uptake or rapid Na+ remobilization from leaf tissue. We measured dynamics of the Na+/K+ ratio and components of carbon metabolism during the first 72 h after saline stress (200 mM NaCl) began in Cenostigma pyramidale, a woody species, under controlled conditions. Saline stress at two times: one plant group at the beginning of the morning and the other in the evening. Stressed plants had three times more Na+ in leaves than did control plants in the first 24 h. However, in the next few hours, despite new applications of saline solution, the Na+/K+ ratio continued to decline. Several samples, including night treatments, provided evidence that this species uses Na+ recirculation mechanisms to endure salt stress. Effects of salt on the traits evaluated differed depending on the time when stress began. Between the two saline treatments, in the first 24 h after saline stress, gas exchange decreased more strongly in morning-stressed plants, when large amounts of Na+ reached the leaf and K+ left this organ. Nevertheless, when stress was applied in the evening, leaf Na+ remobilization was faster, and the soluble sugar/starch ratio remained greater than did the control. Our data suggested that time of the beginning of salt stress could change the level of damage. Morning-stressed plants synthesized greater amounts of proline, H2O2, and malondialdehyde than did night-stressed plants. We recommend that details regarding the time of stress be taken into consideration in physiological studies.

A new family of hydroxytyrosol phenolipids for the antioxidant protection of liposomal systems.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a well-known olive oil polyphenol for its high antioxidant capacity and important cardio and neuroprotective effects. However, its use in lipidic systems is limited, due to its hydrophilic character. In this study, we approach the particular structure of xanthophylls and synthetize HT esters specially designed for the protection of liposomal systems. These HT esters contain two polyphenolic moieties separated by a lipophilic alkyl spacer of different length (12, 16 or 22 carbons). To evaluate the antioxidant activity of these compounds against the 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride induced oxidation, soybean phospholipid liposomes were used. Fluorescence quenching studies were used to assess the insertion of the compounds in the liposomes. The synthetized HT derivatives were able to protect liposomes from induced oxidation when added to the suspensions. The rank of activity was severely influenced by the alkyl chain length of the spacer molecule, being the C12 derivative the most active antioxidant, with an increase in the oxidative stability of liposomes of 2.2 times when compared with the control. The incorporation of compounds during liposome preparation improved the antioxidant capacity of all HT derivatives by about 2.8 times, when compared to the control. This is probably due to a similar transmembrane position with both polyphenolic rings located at the phospholipid polar heads. The synthesis of bis-ester derivatives seems to be a promising strategy to fine-tune antioxidant molecules at biomembranes, thus increasing the oxidative stability of liposomal systems by improving the antioxidant activity of hydrophilic phenolic compounds with high free radical scavenging activity.

Casos de ceratose actínica em um hospital do interior de São Paulo / Cases of actinic keratosis in a hospital in the interior of São Paulo / Casos de queratosis actínica en um hospital del interior de São Paulo

Introdução: Problema de saúde pública, ceratose actínica é definida como uma neoplasia intraepitelial benigna, formada por proliferação atípica de queratinócitos com potencial de malignização. Dermatose pré-cancerosa frequente, evolui para câncer em percentual variável de 20 a 25%. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento de dados estatísticos sobre os casos de ceratose actínica atendidos no ambulatório de dermatologia de um hospital-escola do interior paulista, no período de 2012 a 2016, e apresentar o perfil epidemiológico dessa afecção epitelial pré-maligna na região. Material e Método: Estudo transversal descritivo, retrospectivo, desenvolvido por meio de análise dos prontuários de pacientes atendidos. Resultados: Dos 596 pacientes registrados no período, 106 tinham ceratose actínica, 77 laudos eram de pessoas do sexo feminino e 29 do sexo masculino. A incidência de queratose solar foi de 17,78% e a idade de diagnóstico variou de 35 a 97 anos com média de 65,27 anos. A área mais comumente afetada foi a dos membros superiores (48), tanto para as mulheres (35) quanto para os homens (13), seguida pela área da face (45), sendo que 35 eram mulheres e 10 homens, e tórax (10), dentre os quais 9 mulheres e 1 homem. Conclusão: Houve predomínio da doença em pessoas do sexo feminino, caucasianos, com lesões prevalentes em áreas comumente expostas ao sol. Assim, campanhas de rastreio com foco no perfil epidemiológico e proteção contra o excesso de exposição solar são fundamentais para evitar o aparecimento dessa morbidade, como para o diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. (AU)

Introduction: Public health problem, actinic keratosis is defined as a benign intraepithelial neoplasm, formed by atypical proliferation of keratinocytes with malignancy potential. Frequent precancerous dermatosis evolves to cancer in a variable percentage of 20 to 25%. Objective: To carry out a survey of statistical data on the cases of actinic keratosis attended in the dermatology outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in the interior of São Paulo, in the period from 2012 to 2016, and to present the epidemiological profile of this pre-existing epithelial conditionmalignant in the region. Material and Method: Descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study, developed through the analysis of the medical records of patients attended. Results: Of the 596 patients registered in the period, 106 had actinic keratosis, 77 reports were of the female sex and 29 of the male sex. The incidence of solar keratosis was 17.78% and the age of diagnosis ranged from 35 to 97 years with an average of 65.27 years. The area most commonly affected was the upper limbs (48), both for women (35) and men (13), followed by the face area (45), 35 were women and 10 men, and chest (10), among which 9 women and 1 man. Conclusion: There was a predominance of the disease in females, Caucasians, with lesions prevalent in areas commonly exposed to the sun. Thus, screening campaigns focusing on the epidemiological profile and protection against excess sun exposure are essential to prevent the onset of this morbidity, as for early diagnosis and treatment.(AU)

Introducción: Problema de salud pública, la queratosis actínica se define como una neoplasia intraepitelial benigna, formada por la proliferación atípica de queratinocitos con potencial maligno. Dermatosis precancerosa frecuente, progresa a cáncer en un porcentaje variable del 20 al 25%. Objetivo: Realizar una encuesta de datos estadísticos sobre los casos de queratosis actínica atendidos en la consulta de dermatología de un hospital universitario del interior de São Paulo, de 2012 a 2016 y presentar el perfil epidemiológico de esta condición epitelial premaligna en la región. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, desarrollado mediante el análisis de las historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos. Resultados: De los 596 pacientes registrados en el período, 106 tenían queratosis actínica, 77 reportes eran mujeres y 29 hombres. La incidencia de queratosis solar fue del 17,78% y la edad al diagnóstico osciló entre 35 y 97 años con una media de 65,27 años. La zona más afectada fue la de miembros superiores (48), tanto en mujeres (35) como en hombres (13), seguida de la zona de la cara (45), donde 35 eran mujeres y 10 hombres, y el pecho (10), entre los cuales (9) eran mujeres, (1) hombre. Conclusión: Hubo un predominio de la enfermedad en mujeres caucásicas, con lesiones prevalentes en áreas comúnmente expuestas al sol. Así, las campañas de cribado centradas en el perfil epidemiológico y la protección frente a la exposición excesiva al sol son fundamentales para prevenir la aparición de esta morbilidad, así como para el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces.(AU)

Hypertension and proteinuria as clinical biomarkers of response to bevacizumab in glioblastoma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension and proteinuria are common side effects of antiangiogenic treatment and might represent a biomarker of response in patients with glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of these side effects in predicting therapeutic response to second line chemotherapy with bevacizumab. METHODS: We evaluated clinical and survival data of glioblastoma patients who underwent treatment with bevacizumab after progression under temozolomide, at CHUSJ between 2010 and 2017. We analysed treatment-related arterial hypertension, proteinuria grade, thrombotic and haemorrhagic events during treatment. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) under bevacizumab were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards method. RESULTS: We evaluated 140 patients. Arterial hypertension and proteinuria occurred in 23 (16.3%) and 17 (12.1%) patients, respectively. PFS during treatment with bevacizumab was 12 months (95% CI 7.9-16.1) in the hypertensive group and 4 months (95% CI 3.2-4.8) in the normotensive group (p = 0.005). Patients with proteinuria had a PFS of 10 months (95% CI 4.9-15.0) versus 4 months (95% CI 3.4-4.8) in patients without proteinuria (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension and proteinuria as independent prognostic factors of PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that hypertension and proteinuria can be effective predictors of response to antiangiogenic therapy in recurrent glioblastoma and are associated with longer disease control.

Análise de casos de câncer de pele em um hospital do interior paulista / Analysis of cases of skin cancer in a hospital of interior paulista / Análisis de casos de cáncer de piel en un hospital del interior paulista

Introdução: Câncer de pele configura-se como problema de saúde pública, sendo frequente em todas as populações e se apresenta basicamente sob duas formas: o melanoma e o não melanoma (carcinoma basocelular e carcinoma espinocelular). O principal fator de risco associado a essa neoplasia é a exposição excessiva aos raios solares (raios ultravioletas). Identificar os estágios iniciais da doença de pele pode reduzir taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo: Levantar dados estatísticos quanto aos casos novos de câncer de pele atendidos no ambulatório de dermatologia do Hospital-Escola Emilio Carlos na cidade de Catanduva-SP, no período entre 2012 e 2016. A partir disso, avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dessa neoplasia na Cidade de Catanduva e região. Material e Método: Estudo observacional transversal do tipo descritivo, retrospectivo e quanti-qualitativo, realizado por meio da análise dos prontuários de pacientes atendidos no ambulatório de dermatologia. As variáveis estudadas foram: sexo, idade, raça, tipo de câncer de pele e localização. Resultados: A incidência de câncer de pele durante os últimos cinco anos no ambulatório de dermatologia foi de 25,37%. Os pacientes eram, em sua maioria, do sexo masculino, entre a faixa etária de 71 a 80 anos e brancos...(AU)

Does ear endoscopy provide advantages in the outpatient management of open mastoidectomy cavities?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ear endoscopy in the postoperative management of open mastoidectomy cavities, and to test whether ear endoscopy improves inspection and cleaning compared with ear microscopy. METHODS: Prospective study. Thirty-two ears were divided into two groups: group 1, examination and cleaning of mastoid cavities under endoscopic visualization after microscopic standard ear cleaning; group 2, examination and cleaning of mastoid cavities under microscopic visualization after endoscope-assisted ear cleaning. We assessed the ability of each method to provide exposure and facilitate cleaning, comparing the benefits of microscopy and endoscopy when used sequentially and vice-versa. RESULTS: Endoscopy provided additional benefits for exposure in 61.1% of cases and cleaning in 66.7%. Microscopy provided no additional benefits in terms of exposure in any case, and provided added benefit for cleaning in only 21.4% of cases. DISCUSSION: For outpatient postoperative care of open mastoidectomy cavities, ear endoscopy provides greater benefit over ear microscopy than vice-versa. In over half of all cases, endoscopy was able to expose areas not visualized under the microscope. Furthermore, in two-thirds of cases, endoscopy enabled removal of material that could not be cleared under microscopy. Ear endoscopy was superior to microscopy in terms of enabling exposure and cleaning of hard-to-reach sites, due to its wider field of vision. CONCLUSION: Ear endoscopy is a feasible technique for the postoperative management of open mastoidectomy cavities. Ear endoscopy provided superior advantages in terms of exposure and aural cleaning compared with microscopy.

Sensitivity Analysis of Different Shapes of a Plastic Optical Fiber-Based Immunosensor for Escherichia coli: Simulation and Experimental Results.

Conventional pathogen detection methods require trained personnel, specialized laboratories and can take days to provide a result. Thus, portable biosensors with rapid detection response are vital for the current needs for in-loco quality assays. In this work the authors analyze the characteristics of an immunosensor based on the evanescent field in plastic optical fibers with macro curvature by comparing experimental with simulated results. The work studies different shapes of evanescent-wave based fiber optic sensors, adopting a computational modeling to evaluate the probes with the best sensitivity. The simulation showed that for a U-Shaped sensor, the best results can be achieved with a sensor of 980 µm diameter by 5.0 mm in curvature for refractive index sensing, whereas the meander-shaped sensor with 250 µm in diameter with radius of curvature of 1.5 mm, showed better sensitivity for either bacteria and refractive index (RI) sensing. Then, an immunosensor was developed, firstly to measure refractive index and after that, functionalized to detect Escherichia coli. Based on the results with the simulation, we conducted studies with a real sensor for RI measurements and for Escherichia coli detection aiming to establish the best diameter and curvature radius in order to obtain an optimized sensor. On comparing the experimental results with predictions made from the modelling, good agreements were obtained. The simulations performed allowed the evaluation of new geometric configurations of biosensors that can be easily constructed and that promise improved sensitivity.

Dados epidemiológicos da hanseníase no município de Catanduva, 2001-2016 / Hanseniasis epidemiological data in the municipality of Catanduva, 2001-2016

Introdução: A Hanseníase, doença causada por Mycobacterium leprae, é um desafi ante problema de saúde pública, por conta desua condição infectocontagiosa, impacto socioeconômico e repercussão psicológica, advinda das deformidades e incapacidades físicasfrequentes no processo do adoecimento. Objetivo: Devido à importância que os indicadores epidemiológicos possuem para contribuircom a avaliação dos programas de controle da Hanseníase em determinado local, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as tendênciasdos indicadores e dados epidemiológicos da Hanseníase nos indivíduos residentes no município de Catanduva-SP entre os anos 2001-2016, atendidos no Hospital-Escola Emilio Carlos. Método: Estudo observacional transversal do tipo descritivo. Resultados: No períodoe local selecionado foram detectados 217 novos casos de Hanseníase, dentre esses, 106 casos foram multibacilares (48,84%) e 111paucibacilares (51,15%), com prevalência do sexo masculino (n= 118; 54,37%) em comparação ao sexo feminino (n=99; 45,62%). Aforma clínica mais prevalente foi tuberculoide com 85 casos dentre os casos novos, chegando ao percentual de 39,17%, enquanto que aforma virchowiana...

Introduction: Leprosy, a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a challenging public health problem, due to its contagious condition,socioeconomic impact and psychological repercussion due to deformities and frequent physical inabilities in the illness process. Objective:Due to the importance of epidemiological indicators to contribute to the evaluation of leprosy control programs in a specifi c location, thisstudy aimed to analyze the trends of leprosy indicators and epidemiological data in individuals living in the municipality of Catanduva-SPbetween the years from 2001 through 2016, attended at the Emilio Carlos School Hospital. Method: It is a cross-sectional observationalstudy of the descriptive type. Results: A total of 217 new leprosy cases were detected in the selected period and site, 106 of which weremultibacillary (48.84%) and 111 paucibacillary (51.15%), with a prevalence of males (n = 118; 54, 37%) compared to females (n = 99;45.62%). The most prevalent clinical form was the...

Introducción: La lepra es un desafío problema de salud pública, debido a su condición infecciosa, el impacto socioeconómico y larepercusión psicológica, derivada de las deformidades e incapacidades físicas frecuentes en el proceso de la enfermedad. Objetivo:Debido a la importancia que los indicadores epidemiológicos poseen para contribuir con la evaluación de los programas de control de laHanseniasis en determinado local, este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las tendencias de los indicadores y datos epidemiológicosde la Hanseniasis en los individuos residentes en el municipio de Catanduva-SP entre los años 2001-2016, atendidos en el HospitalEscuelaEmilio Carlos. Método: Estudio observacional transversal del tipo descriptivo. Resultados: En el período y lugar seleccionado sedetectaron 217 nuevos casos de Hanseniasis, entre los cuales 106 casos fuero...

Hearing preservation in cochlear implant surgery.

In the past, it was thought that hearing loss patients with residual low-frequency hearing would not be good candidates for cochlear implantation since insertion was expected to induce inner ear trauma. Recent advances in electrode design and surgical techniques have made the preservation of residual low-frequency hearing achievable and desirable. The importance of preserving residual low-frequency hearing cannot be underestimated in light of the added benefit of hearing in noisy atmospheres and in music quality. The concept of electrical and acoustic stimulation involves electrically stimulating the nonfunctional, high-frequency region of the cochlea with a cochlear implant and applying a hearing aid in the low-frequency range. The principle of preserving low-frequency hearing by a "soft surgery" cochlear implantation could also be useful to the population of children who might profit from regenerative hair cell therapy in the future. Main aspects of low-frequency hearing preservation surgery are discussed in this review: its brief history, electrode design, principles and advantages of electric-acoustic stimulation, surgical technique, and further implications of this new treatment possibility for hearing impaired patients.

Sarcoma sinovial cervical / Neck Synovial Sarcoma

Introdução: O sarcoma sinovial (SS) é uma neoplasia rara e agressiva, sendo a região da cabeça e pescoço envolvida em 5% a 10% dos casos. A apresentação clínica é uma massa indolor de crescimento progressivo. As metástases ocorrem em 10% a 15% dos casos, principalmente por via hematogênica, para pulmões, linfonodos e medula óssea. O tratamento inclui exérese cirúrgica ampla e radioterapia. Ainda não existem dados que comprovem a eficácia da quimioterapia neste tipo de tumor; seu principal benefício consistiria na prevenção de metástases à distancia. A sobrevida em 5 anos varia de 40% a 50%. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de sarcoma sinovial cervical em mulher de 21 anos. Resultados: Paciente com história de tumor cervical de crescimento rápido há 05 meses, inicialmente indolor. Ao exame a lesão apresentava consistência fibroelástica, superfície lisa, aderida a planos profundos, comprometendo os níveis II, III, IV e V à direita e dor à palpação. Tomografia Computadorizada evidenciando grande tumor homogêneo com efeito de massa nos níveis II a V à direita e ocupando espaço parafaríngeo. Punção aspirativa (PAAF) sugestivo de sarcoma. Foi submetida à ressecção do tumor cervical e quimioterapia adjuvante. O anatomopatológico da lesão, com estudo imunohistoquímico, foi compatível com sarcoma sinovial cervical. Está no o 3º ano de seguimento pós-operatório e encontra-se sem sinais de lesão residual ou recidiva. Conclusão: o sarcoma sinovial cervical é uma neoplasia rara e agressiva que demanda ressecção cirúrgica ampla.

Introduction: The synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, with the head and neck involved in 5% to 10% of cases. The clinical presentation is a painless mass with progressive growth. Metastases occur in 10% to 15% of cases, mainly hematogenic to lungs, lymph nodes and bone marrow. Treatment includes wide surgical excision and radiotherapy. There are no data to prove the effectiveness of chemotherapy in this tumor type, but its main benefit would be the prevention of distant metastases. The 5-year survival ranges from 40% to 50%. Objective: To report a case of synovial sarcoma of the neck in a 21 years old female. Results: female with history of cervical tumor of rapid growth for 05 months, initially painless. On examination the lesion presented fibroelastic consistency, smooth surface, adhered to deep planes, compromising levels II, III, IV and V to the right. Computed tomography revealed a large homogenous tumor with mass effect on levels II to V and occupying the right parapharyngeal space. Needle aspiration were suggestive of sarcoma. Underwent resection of the cervical tumor and adjuvant chemotherapy. Histopathological examination of the lesion with immunohistochemical study was consistent with cervical synovial sarcoma. She is in the 3rd year of postoperative follow-up and found no signs of residual lesion or recurrence. Conclusion: synovial sarcoma of the neck is a rare and aggressive neoplasm that requires wide surgical resection.

Efeitos da ultracavitação no tecido adiposo de coelhos / Ultra-cavitation effect in adipose tissue of rabbits

A ultracavitação (UC) é um recurso que utiliza os efeitos doultrassom de alta potência nas células adiposas. O objetivo desteestudo foi investigar os efeitos da UC no tecido adiposo de coelhos.Trata-se de um estudo experimental, randomizado e controlado, comamostra de 12 coelhos albinos, pesos de ± 3 kg divididos em 3 gruposde 4 animais, os quais foram submetidos a uma dieta de cafeteriapara aumentar o tecido adiposo dos animais e, posteriormente,receberam uma aplicação de UC na região ventral. Os animais dogrupo 1 (G1) não receberam aplicação da UC, do grupo 2(G2)receberam 3 minutos, 30 W, modo contínuo a 100% cada 2 ERAS= 441,02 J/cm2, o grupo 3 (G3) 7 minutos, 30 W, modo contínuoa 100% cada 2 ERAS = 1029 J/cm2. Após 24 horas foi realizadaa biópsia. Em seguida, foram confeccionadas lâminas histológicase efetuada a contagem de adipócitos por campos em cada lamina.Foram aplicados os testes de ANOVA com post de Bonferroni. Aanálise qualitativa das lâminas histológicas resultou na diminuiçãodo número de adipócitos, da espessura da derme, ocorrendo destruiçãodas células adiposas ao mesmo tempo em que foi percebida amanutenção da integridade de estruturas circunvizinhas. Na análisequantitativa, os resultados estatísticos não apresentaram reduçãosignificativa provavelmente pelo número pequeno da amostra.

The ultra-cavitation (UC) is a feature that uses the effects ofhigh power ultrasound in adipocyte cell. The aim of this study wasto investigate the effects of UC in the adipose tissue of rabbits.It was an experimental, randomized controlled trial. The samplewas composed of 12 albino rabbits, weight 3 kg roughly, dividedinto 3 groups of 4 animals, which received UC application in theventral region, based on the following parameters: The animals ingroup 1 did not received application of UC, the animals in group2 received an application of 3 minutes, with power of 30 W, continuousmode, at 100% every 2 = 441.02 ERAS J/cm2. The animalsin group 3 received an application for 7 minutes, with power of 30W, continuous mode at 100% every 2 ERAS = 1029 J/cm2. Thenhistological slides were made and the adipocytes counted per fieldsin each slide. ANOVA tests were applied with Bonferroni post.The qualitative analysis of histological slides showed decrease ofthe number of adipocytes, decrease of the thickness of the dermis,occurring fat cell destruction at the same time that was perceivedthe integrity of the surrounding structures. In quantitative analysis,statistical results did not show significant reduction, probably bysmall number of the sample.

Análise da capacidade funcional de indivíduos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico após fratura do planalto tibial / Assessment of the functional capacity of individuals submitted to surgical treatment after tibial plateau fracture

As fraturas articulares são consideradas graves e ocasionam incapacidade, principalmente quando atingem uma articulação de carga, como o joelho. É necessário tratamento imediato a fim de obter estabilização dos fragmentos, evitando complicações secundárias. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a capacidade funcional, durante as atividades de vida diária, de indivíduos que sofreram fraturas do planalto tibial e foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico entre os anos de 2002 a 2005. Foram analisados 20 pacientes com a aplicação do questionário ADLS (Activities of Daily Living Scale). Concluímos que 85 por cento dos indivíduos apresentaram capacidade funcional próximo ao normal, de acordo com a pontuação estabelecida pela escala utilizada.

Joint fractures are regarded as serious, causing disability, especially when involving a load joint, as the knee. Early treatment is required in order to get stabilization of fragments, preventing the occurrence of secondary complications. The present study was aimed at assessing functional capacity during daily life activities, on individuals who experienced tibial plateau fractures and submitted to surgical treatment between the years 2002 to 2005. Twenty patients were assessed by using the ADLS questionnaire (Activities of Daily Living Scale). We concluded that 85 percent of the individuals presented close-to-normal functional capacity, according to the scale's scoring system.