Transtentorial spread of glioblastoma multiforme to cerebellopontine angle - A rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common central nervous system malignant tumor in adults with 48.3% of cases. Despite it, the presence of transtentorial spread is uncommon, with few patients reported in the literature. In this study, the authors report a case of GBM transtentorial spread to cerebellopontine angle after resection and adjuvant treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 55-year-old male patient with GBM, previously submitted to surgical resection and adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy and quemotherapy. Fourteen months after the first surgery, he developed headaches associated with dysphagia and dysphonia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a recurrence of the left parietal lesion and a new mass in the right cerebellopontine angle. The patient underwent successful surgical resection of both lesions. Chemotherapy was maintained after the surgery. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, there are few cases of GBM metastasis to the cerebellopontine angle reported in the literature. Surgical management should be considered in cases of intracranial hypertension and patients with good performance status.

Avaliação Clínico-epidemiológica de Pacientes com Carcinoma de Células Escamosas Oral / Epidemiological and Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma / Evaluación Epidemiológica y Clínica de Pacientes con Carcinoma Oral de Células Escamosas

Introdução: O câncer bucal corresponde a cerca de 30% de todos os tumores de cabeça e pescoço. Aproximadamente 90% dessas neoplasias malignas são carcinomas espinocelulares (CEC) e cerca de 15 mil casos novos são estimados a cada ano no Brasil. Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de pacientes com CEC oral. Método: Estudo observacional, com delineamento transversal, quantitativo e retrospectivo, a partir da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de CEC bucal atendidos em um centro de referência em Oncologia da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas foram coletadas e analisadas. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o teste de qui-quadrado (p≤0,05). Resultados: Entre os 298 prontuários avaliados, predominaram pacientes do sexo masculino (75,2%), com idade média de 60,4 anos, tabagistas e etilistas (62,0%). A queixa mais frequente foi a presença de ferida ou lesão na boca (61,1%), e o local mais comum foi a língua (62,1%). As variáveis clínicas revelaram estadiamento clínico avançado (III ou IV) em 76,4% dos pacientes. Entre os pacientes com idade até 50 anos, houve maior concentração de homens (p=0,015) e maior consumo de álcool do que entre os pacientes acima dos 50 anos (p=0,010). As demais variáveis não exibiram diferença estatística significante entre os grupos. Conclusão: As características clínico-epidemiológicas relacionadas ao CEC bucal devem ser consideradas para o planejamento de políticas públicas, a fim de prevenir novos casos e permitir a realização de diagnóstico precoce

Introduction: Oral cancer corresponds to about 30% of all head and neck tumors. Approximately 90% of these malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and about 15 thousand new cases are estimated each year in Brazil. Objective: Evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with oral SCC. Method: Observational cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective design study, based on the analysis of medical records of patients with histopathological diagnosis of oral SCC treated at a reference center in oncology in Brazil's Northeast. Clinical and epidemiological variables were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test (p≤0.05). Results: Among the 298 medical records evaluated, male patients predominated (75.2%), with an average age of 60.4 years, smokers and alcoholics (62.0%). The most reported complaint was the presence of a wound or injury in the mouth (61.1%) and the most common location was the tongue (62.1%). Clinical variables revealed advanced clinical staging (III or IV) in 76.4% of patients. Among patients aged up to 50 years, there was high concentration of men (p=0.015) and greater use of alcohol than among patients over 50 years (p=0.010). The other variables did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to oral SCC should be considered when planning public policies, in order to prevent new cases as well as to allow for early diagnosis

Introducción: El cáncer oral corresponde a aproximadamente 30% de todos los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Aproximadamente 90% de estos tumores malignos son carcinomas de células escamosas (CCE) y se estiman alrededor de 15 mil casos nuevos cada año en Brasil. Objetivo: Evaluar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes con CCE oral. Método: Estudio observacional, con diseño transversal, cuantitativo y retrospectivo, basado en el análisis de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de CCE oral tratados en un centro de referencia en Oncología del Noreste de Brasil. Se recogieron y analizaron variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado (p≤0,05). Resultados: Entre las 298 historias clínicas evaluadas, predominaron los pacientes del sexo masculino (75,2%), con una edad promedio de 60,4 años, fumadores y alcohólicos (62,0%). La queja más frecuente fue la presencia de herida o lesión en la boca (61,1%) y la ubicación más común fue la lengua (62,1%). Las variables clínicas revelaron estadificación clínica avanzada (III o IV) en 76,4% de los pacientes. Entre los pacientes de hasta 50 años, hubo una mayor concentración de hombres (p=0,015) y un mayor consumo de alcohol que entre los pacientes mayores de 50 años (p=0,010). Las otras variables no mostraron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos. Conclusión: Las características clínicas y epidemiológicas relacionadas con el CCE oral deben considerarse al planificar las políticas públicas, a fin de prevenir nuevos casos y permitir un diagnóstico precoz

Prognostic factors and long-term survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a cross-sectional study / Fatores prognósticos e sobrevida a longo prazo em carcinoma espinocelular bucal: um estudo transversal

Objective: this study aimed to evaluate long-term survival and prognostic factors in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in an economically poor region of Brazil. Methods: the data were obtained from analysis of medical and mortality records of 210 patients with OSCC treated at an oncology hospital providing services to the Brazilian Unified National Health System in a State of northeastern Brazil between January 2006 and December 2008. Sociodemographic and clinical information, treatment performed, recurrence and evolution were collected. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank and Cox regression tests were used to compare the curves. Results: the median survival in the study period was 47.4 months (95% CI = 38.2 - 56.7). The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 29% and 19.8%, respectivelly. Individuals over 60 years of age (HR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.06 - 2.73), presence of regional metastasis (HR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.55 - 4.08), presence of recurrence (HR = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.88 - 5.39) and no surgical treatment (HR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.31 - 3.35) had a worse prognosis. Conclusions: advanced age, presence of regional metastasis, tumor recurrence and non-surgical treatment predict poorer survival in patients diagnosed with OSCC.

Objetivo: este estudo objetivou avaliar a sobrevida a longo prazo e fatores prognósticos de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular bucal em uma região pouco desenvolvida economicamente do Brasil. Métodos: os dados foram obtidos a partir da análise de registros médicos de 210 pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular bucal tratados em um hospital especializado em oncologia que presta serviços ao Sistema Único de Saúde em um estado do Nordeste brasileiro entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2008. Informações clínicas, sociodemográficas e referentes aos tratamentos realizados, recidivas e evoluções foram coletadas. As curvas de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier, sendo utilizado o teste de Log-rank para comparar as curvas. Resultados: a sobrevida média no estudo foi de 47.4 meses (95% IC = 38.2 - 56.7). As taxas de sobrevida global em 5 e 10 anos foram de 29% e 19.8%, respectivamente. Indivíduos com idade superior a 60 anos (RR = 1.70; 95% IC = 1.06 - 2.73), que apresentaram metástases regionais (RR = 2.51; 95% IC = 1.55 - 4.08), recidivas tumorais (RR = 3.18; 95% IC = 1.88 - 5.39) e que foram tratados apenas não cirurgicamente (RR = 2.10; 95% IC = 1.31 - 3.35) tiveram pior prognóstico. Conclusões: idade avançada, presença de metástases regionais, recidivas tumorais e tratamento apenas não cirúrgico foram preditores de pior sobrevida em pacientes diagnosticados com carcinoma espinocelular bucal.

Anatomy of Trigeminal Neuromodulation Targets: From Periphery to the Brain.

The trigeminal nerve complex is a very important and somewhat unique component of the nervous system. It is responsible for the sensory signals that arise from the most part of the face, mouth, nose, meninges, and facial muscles, and also for the motor commands carried to the masticatory muscles. These signals travel through a very complex set of structures: dermal receptors, trigeminal branches, Gasserian ganglion, central nuclei, and thalamus, finally reaching the cerebral cortex. Other neural structures participate, directly or indirectly, in the transmission and modulation of the signals, especially the nociceptive ones; these include vagus nerve, sphenopalatine ganglion, occipital nerves, cervical spinal cord, periaqueductal gray matter, hypothalamus, and motor cortex. But not all stimuli transmitted through the trigeminal system are perceivable. There is a constant selection and modulation of the signals, with either suppression or potentiation of the impulses. As a result, either normal sensory perceptions are elicited or erratic painful sensations are created. Electrical neuromodulation refers to adjustable manipulation of the central or peripheral pain pathways using electrical current for the purpose of reversible modification of the function of the nociceptive system through the use of implantable devices. Here, we discuss not only the distal components, the nerve itself, but also the sensory receptors and the main central connections of the brain, paying attention to the possible neuromodulation targets.

Brain Metastasis of Wilms Tumor in Adult.

BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor is a rare renal tumor in adults. To the best of our knowledge, only a small number of cases of brain metastasis have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 29-year-old female with headache and dizziness, with a parietal mass and pathologic diagnosis of Wilms tumor metastasis. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was admitted with a 3-month history of lumbar pain and 2 months of progressive headache associated with dizziness. Abdomen magnetic resonance imaging showed a renal mass. Post nephrectomy, the neurologic signs worsened and a head magnetic resonance imaging presented in the right parietal lobe, convexity, heterogeneous lesion with little perilesional edema. The patient underwent a complete surgical resection with success. The adjuvant treatment was chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Few cases of brain metastasis of Wilms tumor exist in the literature. Surgical management is considered in cases with intracranial hypertension or focal signs. The adjuvant treatment options are immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Brain metastasis of Merkel cell carcinoma - A rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin tumor. In our knowledge, only 30 cases of brain metastasis were reported in literature. The authors report a case of 57-year-old male with elevated intracranial pressure signs, which a frontal mass with pathological diagnosis of MCC. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old male was admitted with a 3-month history of progressive headache, associated with nausea and dizziness. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a left frontal lobe, parasagittal, and nodular lesion with perilesional edema. The patient underwent complete surgical resection with success. The adjuvant treatment was radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: In our knowledge, there is a little number of cases of MCC reported in literature. Surgical management is considered in cases with intracranial hypertension or focal signs. The adjuvant treatment options are immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

Orbital Schwannoma: Case Report and Review

Orbital schwannomas are rare, presenting a rate of incidence between 1 and 5% of all orbital lesions. Their most common clinical symptoms are promoted by mass effect, such as orbital pain and proptosis. The best complementary exam is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows low signal in T1, high signal in T2, and heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The treatment of choice is surgical, with adjuvant radiotherapy if complete resection is not possible. We report the case of a 24-year-old male patient with orbital pain and proptosis, without previous history of disease. The MRI showed a superior orbital lesion compatible with schwannoma, which was confirmed by biopsy after complete resection using a fronto-orbital approach.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: Surgical Series

Introduction Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors represent an important cause of persistent and refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). It is believed that between 1 and 9.9% of the cases of patients presenting with TN painful manifestation are caused by space-occupying lesions. Objective The objective of the present study is to describe the clinical and surgical experience of the operative management of patients presenting with secondary type TN associated with CPA tumors. Method An observational investigation was conducted with data collection from patients with secondary type TN associated with CPA tumors who were treated with surgical resection of the space-occupying lesion and decompression of the trigeminal nerve from January 2013 to November 2016 in 2 different centers in the western region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Results We operated on 11 consecutive cases in which TN was associated with CPA during the period of analysis. Seven (63.6%) patients were female, and 4 (36.4%) were male. Seven (63.6%) patients presented with right-side symptoms, and 4 (36.4%) presented with left-side symptoms. After 2 years of follow-up, we observed that 8 (72.7%) patients showed a complete improvement of the symptoms, with an excellent outcome, and that 3 (27.3%) patients showed an incomplete improvement, with a good outcome. No patient reported partial improvement or poor outcome after the follow-up. There was no operative mortality. Conclusion Cerebellopontine angle tumors represent an important cause of TNandmust be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with refractory and persistent symptoms. Surgical treatment with total resection of the expansive lesion and effective decompression of the trigeminal nerve are essential steps to control the symptoms.

Microsurgical Resection of Craniocervical Dermoid Cyst by Far Lateral Approach: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction Intracranial dermoid tumors represent a rare clinical entity that accounts for 0.04 to 0.6% of all intracranial tumors. Their location in the posterior fossa is uncommon. Objectives To report the case of a young woman with a posterior fossa dermoid cyst treated by right far lateral approach. Case Report A 17-year-old woman presenting with swallowing difficulties for 6 weeks was referred for a neurological investigation. Amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a hyperintense T1-weighted large expansive lesion occupying the posterior fossa and compressing the anterior face of the brain stem and cerebellum. The patient underwent surgical treatment by right far lateral approach with decompression of vascular and neural structures. The patient presented an uneventful recovery, and was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. The anatomopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Conclusion The far lateral approach is a safe and feasible route to appropriately treat large posterior fossa dermoid cysts. Decompression of vascular and neural structures is essential to achieve good symptom control.

Technological development and production of health supplies: challenges for the Unified Health System (SUS) / Desenvolvimento tecnológico e produção de insumos para saúde: desafios para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)

This study discusses the Brazilian model of incentives for the domestic development and production of supplies for public health, considering initiatives implemented from 2003 to 2016. This paper was prepared based on a qualitative bibliographic study, considering authors in the fields of health sciences, public health and public policy, reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and official documents available from the Brazilian Federal Government. The paper focuses on the social dimension of health, considering a specific time period in the literature, from 2003 to 2016 and, finally, the new Regulatory Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation approved in 2016. Various government initiatives were identified in the field of technological development and production to meet the objectives of the SUS according to the literature analysis. Brazil has been substantially increasing investment in Research and Development (R&D) during the last decade, though it lags European and OECD counterparts. Brazilian investment in R&D increased from 1.01% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000 to 1.23% in 2012. Despite being the top performer in Latin America (representing 60% of total R&D investment in the region), investment in R&D in Brazil is approximately half the level of European and OECD countries, which invest on average approximately 2% and 2.5% of GDP.

Este artigo pretende discutir o modelo brasileiro de incentivos para o desenvolvimento interno e produção de insumos para saúde pública, considerando ações governamentais implementadas no período de 2003 a 2016. O artigo foi elaborado com base em estudo bibliográfico qualitativo, considerando autores nas áreas de economia da saúde, saúde pública e políticas públicas, relatórios da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE), Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento (IDB) e Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC), bem como documentos oficiais disponíveis do Governo Federal Brasileiro. O estudo aborda a dimensão social da saúde, considerando um período de tempo específico na literatura, de 2003 a 2016 e, finalmente, o novo Marco Legal da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação aprovado em 2016. Diversas iniciativas governamentais para atingir os objetivos do SUS foram identificadas, de acordo com a análise da literatura. O Brasil tem aumentado substancialmente o investimento em Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (P & D) durante a última década, embora fique atrás de países europeus e da OCDE. O investimento brasileiro em P & D aumentou de 1,01% do produto interno bruto (PIB) em 2000 para 1,23% em 2012. Apesar de ter o melhor desempenho na América Latina (representando 60% do investimento total em P & D na região), o investimento em P & D no Brasil é aproximadamente metade do nível dos países europeus e da OCDE, que investem em média aproximadamente 2% e 2,5% do PIB.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Viral Encephalitis: Two Case Reports

A decompressive craniectomy is a therapeuticmodality not commonly used in cases of refractory intracranial hypertension due to viral encephalitis. In this article the authors present two cases of patients with viral encephalitis that have undergone decompressive craniectomy to control intracranial pressure. Both evolved with Glasgow outcome score of 4. The main clinical data for the surgical decision are Glasgow coma scale and the pupils of the patient associated with the imaging tests showing a large necrotic area and perilesional edema. The evolution of the patients undergoing decompression was satisfactory in 92.3% of cases.

A new asterocherid genus (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) associated with Callyspongia Duchassaing & Michelotti and reassessment of six species of Asterocheres Boeck.

The family Asterocheridae Giesbrecht has several genera associated with sponges including Asterocheres Boeck, 1859. The type genus is commonly found in sponges but it is also recorded in echinoderms, bryozoans, and corals. A revision of the diagnosis of Asterocheres conducted in 2010 was the beginning of a reorganization process, culminating in the present status of 63 valid species. This study describes a new species and genus of the Asterocheridae. Neoasterocheres gen. nov. shares many characteristics with Asterocheres sensu stricto, except for the antennule segmentation which shows ancestral segments IX-XII fused to segment XIII. The new species of Neoasterocheres gen. nov. was found in association with the sponge Callyspongia sp. sampled at the Yatch Club Bay, located in Todos-os-Santos Bay, Salvador city, Bahia State, Brazil. A revision of the Asterocheres sensu stricto indicates that A. enewetakensis Humes, 1997, A. dysideae Humes, 1996b, A. humesi Varela, 2012, A. rotundus Malt, 1991, A. scutatus Stock, 1966, and A. serrulatus (Humes, 1996a) share this fusion and therefore should be transferred to the new genus. A redescription of Neoasterocheres serrulatus n. comb. is also provided, based on the examination of type specimens.

Pendelluft diagnosed from ventilator weaning indexes obtained through bioelectrical impedance tomography: a case report / Pendelluft diagnosticado através de índices de desmame ventilatório obtidos pela tomografia de bioimpedância elétrica: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Today, through major technological advances in diagnostic resources within medicine, evaluation and monitoring of clinical parameters at the patient's bedside in intensive care units (ICUs) has become possible. CASE REPORT: This case report presents results and interpretations from predictive mechanical ventilation weaning indexes obtained through monitoring using chest electrical bioimpedance tomography. These indexes included maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, shallow breathing index and spontaneous breathing test. These were correlated with variations in tidal volume variables, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation. Regarding the air distribution behavior in the pulmonary parenchyma, the patient showed the pendelluft phenomenon. Pendelluft occurs due to the time constant (product of the airways resistance and compliance) asymmetry between adjacent lung. CONCLUSION: Bioelectrical impedance tomography can help in weaning from mechanical ventilation, as in the case presented here. Pendelluft was defined as a limitation during the weaning tests.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Atualmente, com o grande avanço tecnológico em recursos para diagnósticos em medicina, a avaliação e a monitorização de parâmetros clínicos à beira leito de paciente em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) se tornou possível. RELATO DE CASO: Neste relato de caso, apresentam-se os resultados e a interpretação de índices preditivos de desmame da ventilação mecânica obtidos pela tomografia de bioimpedância elétrica torácica. Esses índices incluíram a pressão inspiratória máxima, pressão expiratória máxima, índice de respiração superficial e teste de respiração espontânea. Estes estavam correlacionados com as variações de volume corrente, frequência respiratória, pressão arterial média e saturação periférica de oxigênio. Quanto ao comportamento da distribuição de ar no parênquima pulmonar, o paciente apresentou o fenômeno pendelluft. O pendelluft ocorre dado pela constante de tempo (produto da resistência e complacência das vias aéreas) de forma assimétrica entre as unidades pulmonares adjacentes. CONCLUSÃO: A tomografia de bioimpedância pode auxiliar no desmame da ventilação mecânica, como no caso apresentado. Pendelluft foi definido como limitação durante a execução dos testes para desmame.

Pendelluft diagnosed from ventilator weaning indexes obtained through bioelectrical impedance tomography: a case report.

CONTEXT:: Today, through major technological advances in diagnostic resources within medicine, evaluation and monitoring of clinical parameters at the patient's bedside in intensive care units (ICUs) has become possible. CASE REPORT:: This case report presents results and interpretations from predictive mechanical ventilation weaning indexes obtained through monitoring using chest electrical bioimpedance tomography. These indexes included maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, shallow breathing index and spontaneous breathing test. These were correlated with variations in tidal volume variables, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation. Regarding the air distribution behavior in the pulmonary parenchyma, the patient showed the pendelluft phenomenon. Pendelluft occurs due to the time constant (product of the airways resistance and compliance) asymmetry between adjacent lung. CONCLUSION:: Bioelectrical impedance tomography can help in weaning from mechanical ventilation, as in the case presented here. Pendelluft was defined as a limitation during the weaning tests.

Effectiveness of an interdisciplinary program in patients with failed back surgery syndrome / Eficácia de um programa interdisciplinar em pacientes com síndrome pós-laminectomia / Eficacia de un programa interdisciplinario en pacientes con síndrome postlaminectomía

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the results of an interdisciplinary program administered to patients with failed back surgery syndrome, aiming at functional improvement, modulation of pain, reduction of anxiety symptoms and depression, and improvement of quality of life. Method: This is a non-randomized prospective study with a sample of patients with failed back surgery pain syndrome diagnosed with persistent or recurrent pain after surgery to the lumbar spine (laminectomy and arthrodesis) referred to liaison in the Pain Clinic (n= 26). The instruments used were Brief Pain Inventory, Roland-Morris Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. The generic WHOQOL-bref13 questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life and the fear of moving was assessed by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Results: There was a predominance of females, the mean age was 42.3 ± 5.8 years, 43% were married and average schooling was 7 ± 4.5 years. The mean time of pain reported was 8 ± 6.8 months in addition to high levels of anxiety, depression and kinesiophobia. After the intervention, there was a significant improvement in the perception of quality of life and of all parameters evaluated (p<0.05), with functional gains as well as decreased pain threshold. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary intervention in patients with failed back surgery syndrome provides better functional performance, decreases the intensity of pain, anxiety and depression symptoms, and improves quality of life. The inclusion of this intervention associated with drug therapy may the patient develop an active and independent lifestyle.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados de um programa interdisciplinar aplicado a pacientes com síndrome pós-laminectomia, visando melhora funcional, modulação da dor, redução de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e aumento da qualidade de vida. Método: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo não randomizado, com amostra constituída por um grupo de pacientes com síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia diagnosticados com dor persistente ou recorrente após cirurgias da coluna lombar (laminectomia e artrodese) encaminhados para interconsultas na Clínica da Dor (n= 26). Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário Breve de Dor, Questionário Roland-Morris e Inventários Beck de ansiedade e depressão. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, foi utilizado Questionário Genérico Whoqol-bref13 e o medo de se movimentar foi avaliado pela Escala Tampa para Cinesiofobia. Resultados: Houve predomínio de mulheres, a média de idade foi 42,3 ± 5,8 anos, 43% eram casados e a média de escolaridade foi de 7 ± 4,5 anos. O tempo médio de dor relatado foi de 8 ± 6,8 meses, além de níveis altos de ansiedade, depressão e cinesiofobia. Após a intervenção houve melhora significativa na percepção da qualidade de vida e de todos os parâmetros avaliados (p < 0,05) observando-se ganhos funcionais, assim como a diminuição do limiar de dor. Conclusão: A intervenção interdisciplinar nos pacientes com síndrome pós-laminectomia proporciona melhor desempenho funcional, diminui a intensidade da dor, os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, melhorando a qualidade de vida. A inclusão desta intervenção associada ao tratamento farmacológico pode desenvolver um estilo de vida ativo e independente.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de un programa interdisciplinario subministrado a pacientes con síndrome postlaminectomía que busca la mejora funcional, la modulación del dolor, la reducción de los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión y calidad de vida. Método: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo no aleatorio de una muestra compuesta por un grupo de pacientes con síndrome doloroso postlaminectomía diagnosticados con dolor persistente o recurrente después de la cirugía de la columna lumbar (laminectomía y fusión) referidos a interconsultas en la Clínica del Dolor (n= 26). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: Cuestionario breve del dolor, Cuestionario Roland-Morris e inventarios de ansiedad y depresión de Beck. Para evaluar la calidad de vida se utilizó el cuestionario genérico WHOQOL-BREF13 y el miedo de moverse fue evaluado por la Escala de Tampa de Kinesiofobia. Resultados: Hubo un predominio de mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 42,3 ± 5,8 años, 43% eran casados y la educación promedio fue de 7 ± 4,5 años. Se reportó una duración promedio del dolor de 8 ± 6,8 meses, además de altos niveles de ansiedad, depresión y kinesiofobia. Después de la intervención se observó una mejoría significativa en la percepción de la calidad de vida y de todos los parámetros (p < 0,05), siguiendo las ganancias funcionales, así como la disminución del umbral del dolor. Conclusión: La intervención interdisciplinaria en pacientes con síndrome postlaminectomía mejora la funcionalidad, disminuye la intensidad del dolor, los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión y mejora la calidad de vida. La inclusión de esta intervención asociada con el tratamiento farmacológico puede proporcionar una vida activa e independiente.

Range extension of Boeckella bergi Richard, 1897 (Crustacea: Copepoda: Centropagidae), with comments on the taxonomy of the species / Extensão da faixa de ocorrência de Boeckella bergi Richard, 1897 (Crustacea: Copepoda: Centropagidae), com comentários sobre a taxonomia da espécie

We present new records of Boeckella bergi at several water bodies in Argentina and Brazil. Within these records the northernmost and southernmost limits of occurrence of B. bergi in South America are included. The ample range of distribution is consistent with former studies, but it is more extensive than previously known. Observations on habitat preferences are also made. This species is tolerant to temperate climate conditions in this region of South America, with wide amplitude of temperature between summer and winter seasons, and irregular patterns of precipitation.

No presente artigo são apresentados novos registros de Boeckella bergi em vários corpos de água na Argentina e no Brasil. Dentro desses registros estão incluídos os limites setentrionais e meridionais de ocorrência de B. bergi na América do Sul. A ampla gama de distribuição é consistente com estudos anteriores, mas se mostra muito mais extensa do que conhecida anteriormente. Observações sobre a taxonomia e os habitats também são feitas. Esta espécie é tolerante a condições de clima temperado na região da América do Sul, com uma grande amplitude de temperatura entre o verão e inverno, e padrões irregulares de precipitação.

Identification guide to some Diaptomid species (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) of "de la Plata" River Basin (South America).

An identification guide is presented for species of calanoid copepod family Diaptomidae from "de la Plata" River Basin (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay). It was based on material collected during the summer and winter of 2010 from 43 sites across the eastern part and the lower stretches of this basin, the second largest in South America and the fourth in the world. The guide contains identification keys and species diagnoses for males and females, richly supported by scanning electronic micrographs and/or line drawings of 19 species. It also includes some general remarks on the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of these species. The key was adjusted to be useful for these species only, with separate keys for each sex, and is the first for females of South America. One species classified herein as incertae sedis was not included in the analysis. At least ten other species have previously been recorded in the basin but were not present in our samples. This is the first attempt to compile comprehensive taxonomic information on this group of copepods in this region, and it is expected to become a useful tool for biologists and young taxonomists interested in the crustacean biota of the Neotropical region.