Predictive value for fetal outcome of Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus between the 11th and the 14th gestation week

PURPOSE: to study the value of Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus, between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, associated to the nuchal translucency thickness measurement, in the detection of adverse fetal outcome. METHODS: a transversal and prospective study in which a total of 1,268 fetuses were studied consecutively. In 56 cases, a cytogenetic study was performed on material obtained from a biopsy of the chorionic villus and, in 1,181 cases, the postnatal phenotype was used as a basis for the result. In addition to the routine ultrasonographic examination, all the fetuses were submitted to measurement of the nuchal translucency thickness and to Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus. Aiming at prevalence and accuracy indices, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, probability of false-positive, probability of false-negative, reason of positive probability and reason of negative probability were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: from the total of 1,268 fetuses, 1,183 cases were selected for analysis. From this number, 1,170 fetuses were normal (98.9%) and 13 fetuses presented adverse outcome at birth (1.1%), including fetal death (trisomy 21 and 22) in two cases; genetic syndrome (Nooman) in one case; two cases of polymalformed fetuses; cardiopathy in three cases; and other structural defects in five cases. The prevalence of the modified ductus venosus (wave A zero/reverse) in the studied population was of 14 cases (1.2%), with a false-positive rate of 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: there is a significant correlation between the alteration of the ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry and the thickness of the nuchal translucency as an ultrasonographic marker for the first trimester of gestation, in the detection of adverse fetal outcome, especially serious malformations. The ductus venosus was able to diminish the false-positive result in comparison to the isolated use of the nuchal translucency thickness, improving considerably the positive predictive value of the test.OBJETIVO: estudar o valor da dopplervelocimetria do ducto venoso (DV) entre a 11º e a 14º semanas de gestação, associado à medida da translucência nucal (TN), na detecção de resultado fetal adverso. MÉTODOS: foram estudados 1.268 fetos consecutivamente. Em 56 casos, realizou-se estudo citogenético no material obtido, por meio de biópsia de vilosidade coriônica e, em 1.181 casos, o resultado teve como base o fenótipo do recém-nascido. Todos os fetos foram submetidos, além da ultra-sonografia de rotina, à medida da TN e à dopplervelocimetria do DV. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e prospectivo. Foram calculados e analisados, para fins de prevalência e índices de acurácia: sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP), valor preditivo negativo (VPN), probabilidade de falso-positivo (PFP), probabilidade de falso-negativo (PFN), razão de probabilidade positiva e razão de probabilidade negativa. RESULTADOS: do total de 1.268 fetos, foram selecionados para análise 1.183 casos. Deste total, 1.170 fetos eram normais (98,9%) e 13 fetos tiveram resultado fetal adverso ao nascimento (1,1%) - incluindo morte fetal (trissomia 21 e 22) em dois casos, síndrome genética (Nooman) em um caso, fetos polimalformados em dois casos, cardiopatia em três casos e outros defeitos estruturais em cinco casos. A prevalência do DV alterado (onda A zero/reversa) na população estudada foi de 14 casos (1,2%), com taxa de falso-positivo de 0,7%. CONCLUSÕES: há correlação significativa entre alteração da dopplervelocimetria do DV e a medida da TN, como marcadores ultra-sonográficos de primeiro trimestre, na detecção de resultado fetal adverso, especialmente para malformações graves. O Doppler do DV foi capaz de diminuir o resultado falso-positivo, comparativamente ao uso isolado da TN, melhorando consideravelmente o VPP do teste.Universidade Federal do Espírito SantoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Interfacing the operational storm surge model to a new mesoscale atmospheric mode

Chagas disease (Cd) is the third most common parasitic disease that causes damage to human health. Even a century after its description by Carlos Chagas and advances in its control, it remains a neglected disease. To eradicate the parasite or reduce the parasitic load, specific treatment for Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) is advisable; benznidazole (BNZ) is the drug that is currently prescribed. The purpose of this study is to report the adverse events (AE) due to the use of BNZ as a specific treatment for Cd, with a particular focus on hepatic changes. This was an observational, cross-sectional cohort study that included patients who were treated with BNZ. The medical records of patients who joined the Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [Chagas Disease Study Group]/UNICAMP/Brazil and were treated with BNZ were reviewed for epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and AE parameters for the drug. The 204 patients who were assessed had an average age of 40.6 years ± 13.5 years, and 104 of them were women (50.98%). Fourteen (6.86%) individuals were in the acute phase of Cd, and 190 (93.13%) were in its chronic phase. AEs occurred in 85 patients (41.66%), 35 (41.17%) of whom had AEs related to the liver, characterized by an elevation of AST liver enzymes, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (γGT). Other AEs that were observed included the following: 48 cases of cutaneous changes (56.47%), 8 cases of epigastric pain (9.41%), 7 cases of blood alteration (8.23%), and 3 cases of peripheral neuropathy (3.52%). Treatment was interrupted in 32 patients (37.64%) due to AD. Adverse events related to the liver secondary to the use of BNZ for Cd-specific treatment were frequent in this study and were characterized by an elevation of liver enzymes. Therefore, it is suggested that these enzymes be monitored during treatment with benznidazole

DIMELIA ANTERIOR ESQUERDA INCOMPLETA EM CÃES: RELATO DE CASO.

It is reported a case of incomplete anterior left dimelia in a dog. The clinical appearance and radiographic studies confirmed the diagnosisDescreve-se um caso de dimelia anterior esquerda incompleta em canino. A apresentação clínica e estudos radiológicos confirmaram o diagnóstico

LESÕES SERRILHADAS SUPERFICIAIS NAS FASES INICIAIS SÃO HIPERPLÁSICAS OU LESÕES SÉSSEIS SERRILHADAS?

BACKGROUND: At least 20% of colorectal adenocarcinomas arise through serrated lesions and studying them in early stages is important in prevention. AIM: To analyze and compare the endoscopic and histopathological characteristics of superficial serrated lesions in early stages, greater than 5 mm in length, completely resected during colonoscopies, and classified. METHOD: Retrospective and observational study evaluating 12,653 colonoscopy exams where 217 cases were selected that underwent endoscopic resections of superficial serrated lesions measuring more than 5 mm in diameter, addressed in terms of anatomical location, endoscopic findings, the average size of the lesions, average age, gender, and anatomopathological result. RESULTS: There were 2 groups G1 and G2. G1 had 126 hyperplastic lesions (HL) and G2 had 91 sessile serrated lesions. The anatomical location was 57.9% proximal and 42.1% distal in G1 and 94.5% and 5.5% respectively in G2. In G1, type 0-IIa was found in 26.2% and lateral spreading in 73.8%; in G2, 15.4% and 84.6%, respectively. The average size of the lesions in G1 was 15.4 mm and in G2, 16.7 mm. The average age G1 was 62.6 and G2, 63.5. Women were predominant in the total number of patients. No invasive adenocarcinomas were observed in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Superficially elevated serrated lesions, measuring more than 5 mm and resected by colonoscopies, were hyperplastic (58%). HL was observed throughout the colon and rectum and SSL was predominantly in the proximal colon. HL did not present dysplasia and SSL did. No invasive adenocarcinomas were observed in the submucosa.RACIONAL: Pelo menos 20% dos adenocarcinomas colorretais surgem através de lesões serrilhadas e estudá-los em estágios iniciais é importante na prevenção. OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar as características endoscópicas e histopatológicas de lesões superficiais serrilhadas em estágios iniciais, maiores que 5 mm de comprimento, completamente ressecadas durante colonoscopias e classificadas. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo e observacional avaliando 12.653 exames de colonoscopia, onde foram selecionados 217 casos submetidos às ressecções endoscópicas de lesões superficiais serrilhadas medindo mais de 5 mm de diâmetro, abordados quanto à localização anatômica, achados endoscópicos, tamanho médio das lesões, idade média, sexo e resultado anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: Houve 2 grupos, G1 e G2. O G1 apresentou 126 lesões hiperplásicas (HL) e o G2 91 lesões serrilhadas sésseis. A localização anatômica foi 57,9% proximal e 42,1% distal no G1 e 94,5% e 5,5% respectivamente no G2. No G1, o tipo 0-IIa foi encontrado em 26,2% e o espalhamento lateral em 73,8%; no G2, 15,4% e 84,6%, respectivamente. O tamanho médio das lesões G1 foi de 15,4 mm e G2 de 16,7 mm. A média de idade do G1 foi de 62,6 anos e do G2, 63,5 anos. As mulheres predominaram no total de pacientes. Não foram observados adenocarcinomas invasivos nos 2 grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Lesões serrilhadas superficialmente elevadas, medindo mais de 5 mm e ressecadas por colonoscopia, eram hiperplásicas (58%). O HL foi observado em todo o cólon e reto e o SSL foi predominantemente no cólon proximal. HL não apresentou displasia e SSL sim. Não foram observados adenocarcinomas invasivos na submucosa

Infliximabe reduz débito cardíaco em pacientes com artrite reumatoide sem insuficiência cardíaca

OBJECTIVE: Human anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody (infliximab) is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the risk of worsening heart failure has been described in patients under chronic treatment, the acute cardiovascular effects of this drug are unknown in RA patients without heart failure. METHODS: 14 RA patients with normal echocardiography and no history of heart failure were evaluated during the 2-hour infliximab (3-5 mg/kg) infusion period, using a noninvasive hemodynamic beat-to-beat system (Portapres). Stroke volume (SV); systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures (SBP, DBP and MBP, respectively); cardiac output (CO); heart rate (HR); and total peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) were recorded. All patients also received saline infusion instead of infliximab as a control. Significant differences in hemodynamic parameters were determined using Tuckey's test. All values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Fourteen RA patients (6M/8F) with mean age of 47.2 ± 8.8 years were evaluated. A significant decrease was found in cardiac output and stroke volume (7.04 ± 2.3 to 6.12 ± 2.1 l/min and 91 ± 29.0 to 83 ± 28.8 mL/beat, respectively) after infliximab infusion. Although not statistically significant, a progressive increase was detected in SBP, DBP and total PVR during infusion. Saline infusion did not cause significant hemodynamic changes in the same group of RA patients. No adverse effects were observed during the infusion period. CONCLUSION: Acute infliximab administration decreased cardiac output due to low stroke volume in RA patients without heart disease. The results also demonstrated that, in spite of its negative inotropic effect, infliximab enhanced BP, probably by increasing PVR.OBJETIVO: O inibidor de fator de necrose tumoral (TNF-α) infliximabe é usado no tratamento de doenças autoimunes como a artrite reumatoide (AR). Embora o risco de piora de insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes submetidos a tratamento crônico tenha sido descrito, os efeitos cardiovasculares agudos da infusão desta droga em pacientes com AR sem insuficiência cardíaca são desconhecidos. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com AR e ecocardiogramas normais e sem antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca foram avaliados durante o período de infusão de infliximabe (3-5mg/kg), de 2 horas, utilizando um sistema de monitoramento hemodinâmico não invasivo batimento-a-batimento (Portapres). As variáveis avaliadas foram: volume sistólico (VS), pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica e média (PAS, PAD e PAM, respectivamente), débito cardíaco (DC), frequência cardíaca (FC) e resistência vascular periférica total (RVPT). Todos os voluntários também receberam infusão de soro fisiológico (SF) como estudo controle. Estatísticas foram avaliadas usando o teste de Tuckey. Os valores estão expressos em média ± desvio-padrão. RESULTADOS: Catorze pacientes (6M/8F), com idade média de 47,2 ± 8,8 anos, foram avaliados. Reduções significativas no débito cardíaco e volume sistólico foram encontradas após a infusão do infliximabe (7,04 ± 2,3 a 6,12 ± 2,1 L/min e 91 ± 29,0 a 83 ± 28,8 mL/batimento, respectivamente). Embora não estatisticamente significante, detectaram-se aumentos progressivos na PAS, PAD e RVPT durante a infusão. A infusão controle de SF não causou mudanças hemodinâmicas significativas nos pacientes estudados. Não foram observados efeitos adversos no período de infusão. CONCLUSÃO: A administração de infliximabe reduz agudamente o débito cardíaco devido a redução no volume sistólico em pacientes com AR sem insuficiência cardíaca. Nossos resultados mostram que, apesar do efeito inotrópico negativo, o infliximabe elevou a pressão arterial, provavelmente devido ao aumento na RVPT.698702Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Quality of life and alcohol consumption in male patients with liver diseases

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional use of alcohol is a problem with broad consequences. Moreover, there exists little evidence about the impact of dysfunctional use on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with liver diseases and to verify its possible associations with alcohol consumption and sociodemographic variables. METHOD: Transverse study with masculine patients between 20 and 59 years of age and with at least 5 years of primary school completed, assessed between April and December 2009 in a hepatology service. Instruments: CAGE, AUDIT, WHOQOL-Bref and sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: CAGE positive patients had a lower average in the physical domain of WHOQOL (p = 0.027). Those who never used alcohol had higher scores in the social domain compared to patients with medium and high risk consumption or probable dependence in the past year (p = 0.023 and p = 0.036 respectively). Abstainers and low-risk users recorded the highest average in the social domain compared to medium risk users in the past year (p = 0.031). DISCUSSION: The lowest levels of quality of life in the physical (CAGE) and social (AUDIT) domains reported by patients with alcohol consumption of high risk or probable dependence are consistent with findings in the literature.CONTEXTO: O uso disfuncional de álcool é um problema com amplas consequências. Além disso, os efeitos do seu uso sobre a qualidade de vida não foram ainda muito estudados. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de hepatopatas e verificar suas possíveis associações com o consumo de alcoólicos e variáveis sociodemográficas. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com pacientes atendidos em ambulatório de hepatologia, entre abril e dezembro de 2009, avaliando homens entre 20 e 59 anos e escolaridade superior à 5ª série do ensino fundamental. Instrumentos: CAGE, AUDIT, WHOQOL-Bref e questionário sociodemográfico. RESULTADOS: Pacientes CAGE positivos tiveram médias mais baixas no domínio físico do WHOQOL (p = 0,027). Aqueles que nunca usaram alcoólicos tiveram médias mais altas no domínio social comparados aos consumidores de médio e alto risco ou provável dependência no ano (p-valores, respectivamente, 0,023 e 0,036). Abstêmios e usuários de baixo risco registraram médias mais elevadas no domínio social comparados aos usuários de médio risco no último ano (p = 0,031). CONCLUSÃO: Os mais baixos níveis de qualidade de vida nos domínios físico (CAGE) e social (AUDIT) registrados pelos pacientes que informaram consumo de alcoólicos de alto risco ou provável dependência são consistentes com achados da literatura

Coping religioso-espiritual e consumo de alcoólicos em hepatopatas do sexo masculino

Estudo transversal realizado com o objetivo de avaliar uso do Coping Religioso-Espiritual (CRE) e verificar suas possíveis modulações com o padrão de consumo de alcoólicos em pacientes atendidos em ambulatório de hepatologia entre abril e dezembro de 2009, utilizando o CAGE, o AUDIT e a escala CRE. Foram encontradas associações entre coping religioso-espiritual negativo (CREN) e consumo de alcoólicos na vida no último ano e com a combinação resultante. Sujeitos identificados como CAGE negativos com uso de baixo risco no último ano tiveram frequência acima da esperada na categoria abaixo da mediana. Os identificados como CAGE positivo com uso de médio risco foram relativamente mais frequentes na categoria acima da mediana (p=0,017). Resultados reforçam a relevância do CREN na avaliação de eventos relacionados com a saúde.Estudio transversal realizado con el objetivo de evaluar el uso del Coping Religioso Espiritual (CRE) y verificar sus posibles modulaciones con el estándar de consumo de alcohol en pacientes atendidos en ambulatorio de hepatología entre abril y diciembre de 2009, utilizando el CAGE, el AUDIT y la escala CRE. Se encontraron asociaciones entre coping religioso espiritual negativo (CREN) y consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en la vida, en el último año y con la combinación resultante. Sujetos identificados como CAGE negativos con abuso de bajo riesgo en el último año tuvieron frecuencia por sobre la esperada en la categoría por debajo de la mediana. Los identificados como CAGE positivo con abuso de mediano riesgo fueron relativamente más frecuentes en la categoría por encima de la mediana (p=0,017). Los resultados refuerzan la importancia del CREN en la evaluación de eventos relacionados a la salud.This cross-sectional study was performed with the objective to evaluate the use of Religious Spiritual Coping (RSC) and verify its relationship with the pattern of alcoholic beverage consumption in patients attending a liver disease outpatient clinic between April and December of 2009, using the CAGE, AUDIT and RSC Scale. Associations were observed between negative religious-spiritual coping (NRSC) and the consumption of alcoholic beverages over the last year and with the resulting combination. Subjects identified as negative CAGE with low-risk consumption over the last year had a frequency above the expected in the category below the median. Those identified as positive CAGE with moderate-risk consumption were relatively more frequent in the category above the median (p=0.017). Results reinforce the relevance of the NRSC in the evaluation of health-related events

Impact of Cytomegalovirus and Grafts versus Host Disease on the Dynamics of CD57+CD28−CD8+ T Cells After Bone Marrow Transplant

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of CD28 and CD57 expression in CD8+ T lymphocytes during cytomegalovirus viremia in bone marrow transplant recipients. METHODS: In a prospective study, blood samples were obtained once weekly once from 33 healthy volunteers and weekly from 33 patients. To evaluate the expression of CD57 and CD28 on CD8+ T lymphocytes, flow cytometry analysis was performed on blood samples for four months after bone marrow transplant, together with cytomegalovirus antigenemia assays. RESULTS: Compared to cytomegalovirus-seronegative healthy subjects, seropositive healthy subjects demonstrated a higher percentage of CD57+ and a lower percentage of CD28+ cells (p<0.05). A linear regression model demonstrated a continuous decrease in CD28+ expression and a continuous increase in CD57+ expression after bone marrow transplant. The occurrence of cytomegalovirus antigenemia was associated with a steep drop in the percentage of CD28+ cells (5.94%, p<0.01) and an increase in CD57+ lymphocytes (5.60%, p<0.01). This cytomegalovirus-dependent effect was for the most part concentrated in the allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients. The development of acute graft versus host disease, which occurred at an earlier time than antigenemia (day 26 vs. day 56 post- bone marrow transplant), also had an impact on the CD57+ subset, triggering an increase of 4.9% in CD57+ lymphocytes (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We found continuous relative changes in the CD28+ and CD57+ subsets during the first 120 days post- bone marrow transplant, as part of immune system reconstitution and maturation. A clear correlation was observed between the expansion of the CD57+CD28-CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulation and the occurrence of graft versus host disease and cytomegalovirus viremia

A study on dynamic state information (DSI) around users for safe urban life

To select each node by devices and by contexts in urban computing, users have to put their plan information and their requests into a computing environment (ex. PDA, Smart Devices, Laptops, etc.) in advance and they will try to keep the optimized states between users and the computing environment. However, because of bad contexts, users may get the wrong decision, so, one of the users’ demands may be requesting the good server which has higher security. To take this issue, we define the structure of Dynamic State Information (DSI) which takes a process about security including the relevant factors in sending/receiving contexts, which select the best during user movement with server quality and security states from DSI. Finally, whenever some information changes, users and devices get the notices including security factors, then an automatic reaction can be possible; therefore all users can safely use all devices in urban computing