Acute Pyelonephritis and an Incidental Diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arise from the gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) occur in the omentum, mesentery, et cetera. They are mostly asymptomatic or have unspecific symptoms. Risk stratification classification systems are based on tumor size, mitotic rate, location, and perforation. The gold standard for diagnosis is a computed tomography (CT) scan. Ultrasound/CT-guided percutaneous biopsy allows histopathology and immunochemistry results (most stain positive for CD117 (c-KIT), CD34, and/or DOG1). Mutational analysis (most are in proto-oncogene c-KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA)) determines appropriate therapy. Surgical resection is the gold standard of treatment, with adjuvant and neoadjuvant molecular-targeted therapies depending on recurrence risk and mutations. This report describes a rare case of GIST (omentum EGIST) with a rare presentation (acute pyelonephritis) in a 67-year-old woman. Abdominal examination showed tenderness and a positive Murphy sign on the left side. Blood analysis presented microcytic hypochromic anemia, aggravated renal function, leukocytosis, and increased C-reactive protein. Abdominal CT revealed a heterogeneous abdominal mass, and a CT-guided biopsy showed epithelioid cells positive for CD117 and DOG1, which is compatible with a GIST. The patient underwent surgery that determined the GIST's origin from the greater omentum. Histology revealed an epithelioid GIST with large dimensions and a high histologic grade. Genetic testing detected a variant in the PDGFRA gene. With a high risk of progression, the patient received a three-year course of imatinib.

Coronary Artery Fistula as Another Cause of Acute Heart Failure.

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare defects in the coronary circulation system that are usually diagnosed incidentally with cardiac imaging. Although the prognosis of coronary artery fistulas is highly variable, the complications to which they predispose patients are ultimately the determining factor. The authors describe a case of a 56-year-old male, a smoker, hospitalised for worsening dyspnoea on progressively smaller efforts, in the context of acute heart failure. During hospitalisation and imaging exams, a coronary-bronchial fistula was identified. LEARNING POINTS: CAFs are rare and may present with different anatomical configurations and clinical syndromes.Only 17% of CAFs reported draining into the pulmonary circulation.The optimal timing and role of CAFs intervention are not clearly defined.

Occupational Well-Being of Multidisciplinary PHC Teams: Barriers/Facilitators and Negotiations to Improve Working Conditions.

Well-being at work is one of the factors determining healthy work conditions and is perceived by workers as a positive psychological state. In this study, the concept of well-being at work was used together with occupational functionality (i.e., current health state, current work environment, and barriers/facilitators to implementing well-being at work), occupational risk perception, and proactivity/negotiations held by workers to improve working conditions. In this context, the objectives were to identify the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics independently associated with levels of well-being at work of the multidisciplinary PHC health team; detect barriers or facilitators resulting from the attitudes of colleagues, community members, and managers that influence the well-being at work of the multidisciplinary health team; and identify with whom and what reasons led health workers to become proactive and negotiate improved working conditions. This cross-sectional study addressed 338 health workers from the multidisciplinary teams of PHC outpatient services in the extreme south of Brazil. Multivariate linear regression models were adopted to analyze data. The results show various independent associations with levels of well-being at work. Nursing workers (technicians and nurses) more frequently expressed job commitment and job satisfaction. Difficulties in solving problems and performing work routines, and co-workers' attitudes directly influence the well-being of the PHC team members. Risk perception (physical and chemical) also influences well-being. Negotiations in which PHC managers engaged to improve working conditions appeared as a significant predictor of job commitment, job satisfaction, and job involvement. The results reveal that well-being at work is an important indicator of the potential of workers' proactivity in negotiating improved working conditions.

A Pilot Study on the Metabolic Impact of Mediterranean Diet in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Gut Microbiota the Key?

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been recommended for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. The impact of diet in shaping the gut microbiota is well known, particularly for MD. However, the link between MD and diabetes outcome improvement is not completely clear. This study aims to evaluate the role of microbiota modulation by a nonpharmacological intervention in patients with T2D. In this 12-week single-arm pilot study, nine participants received individual nutritional counseling sessions promoting MD. Gut microbiota, biochemical parameters, body composition, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Adherence to MD [assessed by Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score] increased after the intervention. Bacterial richness increased after 4 weeks of intervention and was negatively correlated with fasting glucose levels and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Prevotella to Bacteroides ratio also increased after 4 weeks. In contrast, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and HOMA-IR were only decreased at the end of study. Alkaline phosphatase activity was assessed in fecal samples and was negatively correlated with HbA1c and positively correlated with bacterial diversity. The results of this study reinforce that MD adherence results in a better glycemic control in subjects with T2D. Changes in gut bacterial richness caused by MD adherence may be relevant in mediating the metabolic impact of this dietary intervention.

POEMS Syndrome: an Atypical Presentation with Chronic Diarrhoea and Asthenia.

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic condition associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, monoclonal gammopathy, endocrine and skin changes. We report a case of a man with Castleman disease and monoclonal gammopathy, with a history of chronic diarrhoea and asthenia. Gastrointestinal involvement in POEMS syndrome is not frequently referred to in the literature and its physiopathology is not fully understood. Diagnostic criteria were met during hospitalization but considering the patient's overall health condition, therapeutic options were limited. Current treatment for POEMS syndrome depends on the management of the underlying plasma cell disorder. This report outlines the importance of a thorough review of systems and a physical examination to allow an attempted diagnosis and appropriate treatment. LEARNING POINTS: POEMS syndrome should be suspected in the presence of peripheral polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy; diagnostic workup is challenging and delay in treatment is very common.Gastrointestinal involvement is not frequent and initial presentation with chronic diarrhoea is unusual and rarely mentioned in the literature.There is no consensus on the therapeutic approach, which can include autologous transplantation and chemotherapy. Frequently, these patients present fatigue, weight loss and sarcopenia with reduction of performance status, limiting subsequent therapeutic options.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Dorsalgia and Associated Factors among Casual Dockworkers.

This study's aim was to analyse the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders (low back pain and dorsalgia) and sociodemographic characteristics, workload and occupational hazards among casual dockworkers. This cross-sectional study addressed casual dockworkers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The convenience sample was composed of 232 casual dockworkers. Data were collected using a structured interview and observation. Poisson regression analysis was used. Association between low back pain and physiological occupational risk (p = 0.006), total exertion levels (p = 0.014) and frustration (p = 0.020) remained statistically significant, while the use of illicit drugs (p = 0.023), being a quayside worker (p = 0.021) and physiological occupational risk (p = 0.040) remained associated with dorsalgia. Decreasing these variables in the workplace may also reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain and dorsalgia.

Percepção de risco de aprendizes de solda: avaliação antes e depois de intervenção de enfermagem / Risk perception of apprentice welders: an assessment before and after a nursing intervention / Percepción del riesgo en aprendices de soldadura: evaluación antes y después de intervención de enfermería

Objetivo: avaliar a percepção de aprendizes de solda sobre os riscos físicos, químicos e fisiológicos, antes e depois de intervenção de enfermagem. Método: estudo quantitativo, do tipo antes e depois, realizado com 86 aprendizes de solda. A coleta de dados ocorreu antes e depois de intervenção de enfermagem. Realizou-se análise descritiva e inferencial. O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, Protocolo nº 40/2010. Resultados: houve aumento, na comparação antes e depois, das médias da intervenção de enfermagem para todos os riscos, o que indica aumento da percepção dos aprendizes após o conteúdo comunicado. Os riscos fisiológicos foram diferentes estaticamente (p = 0,026). Conclusão: a comunicação de risco desenvolvida por meio da intervenção de enfermagem pode modificar a percepção do risco, o que contribuirá para que, de forma consciente, os aprendizes de solda possam evitar danos a sua saúde.(AU)

Objective: to assess the perception of apprentice welders regarding physical, chemical and physiological risks before and after a nursing intervention. Method: this was a quantitative study with a before and after design, conducted with 86 apprentice welders. Data were collected before and after a nursing intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. The study was approved by the institution's research ethics committee, as per protocol no. 40/2010. Results: the mean value for all risks was higher after the intervention than before, which indicates an increase in the perception of the apprentices once the content was shared. Physiological risks presented a statistical difference (p=0.026). Conclusion: risk communication developed through the nursing intervention can change risk perception, which can help apprentice welders be more aware of and avoid damages to health.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar la percepción de aprendices de soldadura sobre los riesgos físicos, químicos y fisiológicos antes y después de intervención de enfermería. Método: estudio cuantitativo del tipo antes y después de intervención de enfermería, con 86 aprendices de soldadura. Se realizó análisis descriptivo e inferencial. El Proyecto de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación, Protocolo nº 40/2010. Resultados: Existió aumento en la comparación antes y después de la intervención de enfermería en los promedios para todos los riesgos, lo cual indica mayor percepción del riesgo por parte de los aprendices luego de habérseles impartido los conocimientos. Los riesgos fisiológicos fueron diferentes estadísticamente (p=0,026). Conclusión: la comunicación de riesgo desarrollada mediante la intervención de enfermería puede modificar la percepción del riesgo, lo que contribuirá a que, de forma consciente, los aprendices de soldadura puedan evitar daños a su salud.(AU)

Confocal Raman spectrocopy for the analysis of nail polish evidence.

Nail polishes are cosmetic paints that may be susceptible of forensic analysis offering useful information to assist in a crime reconstruction. Although the nail polish appearance could allow a quick visual identification of the sample, this analysis is subjected to the perception and subjective interpretation of the forensic examiner. The chemical analysis of the nail polishes offers great deal of information not subjected to analyst interpretation. Confocal Raman spectroscopy is a well-suited technique for the analysis of paints due to its non-invasive and non-destructive nature and its ability to supply information about the organic and inorganic components of the sample. In this work, 77 regular and gel nail polishes were analyzed with confocal Raman spectroscopy using two laser wavelengths (532 and 780 nm). The sample behavior under the two laser wavelengths and the differences in the spectra taken at different points of the sample were studied for each nail polish. Additionally, the spectra obtained for all the nail polishes were visually compared. The results concluded that the longer laser wavelength prevents sample burning and fluorescence effects; the similarity among the spectra collected within the sample is not directly related with the presence of glitter particles; and 64% of the samples analyzed showed a characteristic spectrum. Additionally, the use of confocal Raman spectroscopy for the forensic analysis of nail polishes evidence in the form of flakes or smudges on different surfaces were studied. The results showed that both types of evidence can be analyzed by the technique. Also, two non-invasive sampling methods for the collection of the evidence from the nails of the suspect or the victim were proposed: (i) to use acetone-soaked cotton swabs to remove the nail varnishes and (ii) to scrape the nail polish from the nail with a blade. Both approaches, each exhibiting advantages and drawbacks in terms of transport and handling were appropriate for a further chemical analysis of the samples.

Risk communication concerning welding fumes for the primary preventive care of welding apprentices in southern Brazil.

This study's aim was to assess the perceptions of welding apprentices concerning welding fumes being associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and assess the implementation of risk communication as a primary prevention tool in the welding training process. This quasi-experimental, non-randomized study with before-and-after design was conducted with 84 welding apprentices in Southern Brazil. Poisson Regression analysis was used. Relative Risk was the measure used with a 95% confidence interval and 5% (p ≤ 0.05) significance level. Significant association was found between perceptions of worsened symptoms of respiratory disorders caused by welding fumes and educational level (p = 0.049), the use of goggles to protect against ultraviolet rays (p = 0.023), and access to services in private health facilities without insurance coverage (p = 0.001). Apprentices younger than 25 years old were 4.9 times more likely to perceive worsened cardiovascular symptoms caused by welding fumes after risk communication (RR = 4.91; CI 95%: 1.09 to 22.2). The conclusion is that risk communication as a primary preventive measure in continuing education processes implemented among apprentices, who are future welders, was efficacious. Thus, this study confirms that risk communication can be implemented as a primary prevention tool in welding apprenticeships.

Risk perception and risk communication for training women apprentice welders: a challenge for public health nursing.

This research has aimed to identify the perceptions of women apprentice welders about physical, chemical, biological, and physiological risk factors to which they are exposed and evaluate the identification of health disorders self-reported for women apprentice welders before and after implementation of a nursing socioenvironmental intervention. A quantitative study was performed with 27 women apprentice welders (first phase) and before and after an intervention with 18 women (second phase) in Southern Brazil in 2011. The data were analysed using SPSS 19.0. The participants identified the following risk types: physical (96.2%), chemical (96.2%), physiological (88.8%), and biological (62.9%). The results show a significant difference of the pre- and posttest averages for the musculoskeletal system and a posttest average increase for the integumentary, respiratory, and auditory system. A correlation of the women apprentices' ages and the identification of health disorders were made. It was understood that the perception of women apprentices regarding a particular set of occupational risks is essential for public health nursing to develop an effective risk communication as a positive tool for teaching and learning.

Risk perception and occupational accidents: a study of gas station workers in southern Brazil.

The present study aimed to identify the perceptions of gas station workers about physical, chemical, biological and physiological risk factors to which they are exposed in their work environment; identify types of occupational accidents involving gas station workers and; report the development of a socioenvironmental intervention as a tool for risk communication to gas station workers. A quantitative study was performed with 221 gas station workers in southern Brazil between October and December 2010. Data collection was performed between October to December 2010 via structured interviews. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. The participants identified the following risk types: chemical (93.7%), physical (88.2%), physiological (64.3%) and biological (62.4%). In this sample, 94.1% of gas station workers reported occupational accidents, and 74.2% reported fuel contact with the eyes (p < 0.05). It is concluded that workers perceive risks, and that they tend to relate risks with the occurrence of occupational accidents as an indicator of the dangerous nature of their work environment.

Risk communication as a tool for training apprentice welders: a study about risk perception and occupational accidents.

The present study has aimed to identify the perceptions of apprentice welders about physical, chemical, biological, and physiological risk factors to which they are exposed; identify types of occupational accidents involving apprentice welders; and report the development of a socioenvironmental education intervention as a tool for risk communication for apprentice welders. A quantitative study was performed with 161 apprentice welders in Southern Brazil in 2011. Data collection was performed via structured interviews with the apprentice welders about risk perception, occupational accidents, and time experienced in welding. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. The participants identified the following risk types: physical (96.9%), chemical (95%), physiological (86.3%), and biological (51.5%). In this sample, 39.7% of apprentice welders reported occupational accidents and 27.3% reported burning. The inferential analysis showed that the frequency of risk perception factors increases with the length of experience, and apprentice welders who have experienced accidents during welding activity perceive a higher amount of risk factors than those who have never experienced them. It is concluded that apprentice welders perceive risks and that they tend to relate risks with the occurrence of occupational accidents as an indicator of the dangerous nature of their activity.

Virulence factors in enterococci from partridges (Alectoris rufa) representing a food safety problem.

Forty-three Enterococcus isolates recovered from fecal samples of partridges, during the partridge hunting season, were studied for gelatinase and ß-hemolysis activities. The presence of fsr-gelE genes and the cyl operon was studied by polymerase chain reaction and correlated with gelatinase and ß-hemolysis production, respectively. In addition, genes encoding additional virulence factors (cpd, hyl, agg, esp, and ace) was also analyzed in all enterococci. Most of our Enterococcus faecalis isolates showed gelatinase activity (10 of 15 isolates), and this activity was not present in the other enterococcal species. All enterococci that showed gelatinase activity harbored the gelE and fsr genes. A large proportion of our isolates harbored genes of the cyl operon (19 of 43 isolates), although only 1 isolate contained the five cyl tested genes (E. faecalis), being the only one that expressed ß-hemolysis. From the additional virulence factors (cpd, hyl, agg, esp, and ace), at least one virulence gene was detected in 13 of the 15 E. faecalis isolates, with cpd being the most frequently detected gene (9 isolates), followed by agg (5 isolates) and ace (4 isolates) genes. These virulence genes were not detected in the other enterococcal species with the exception of one E. faecium and E. casseliflavus isolate that harbored the hyl and cpd genes, respectively. Moreover, the esp gene was not detected in any of our isolates. In conclusion, this study showed the presence of virulence factors in enterococci of partridges and the possible transmission to humans through the food chain.