Abstract Background Atherosclerosis risk factors can have different impacts on cardiovascular diseases and on the anatomical distribution of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Objectives To study the influence of atherosclerosis risk factors on the anatomical distribution of PAD in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods We performed an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study that included 476 hospitalized patients with CLTI due to PAD. We compared the presence of atherosclerosis risk factors (age, gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension) in patients with PAD involving three different anatomic areas (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, and infrapopliteal). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify associations between atherosclerosis risk factors and PAD distribution. Results The mean age of the 476 patients was 69 years, 249 (52%) were men, and 273 (57%) had diabetes. Seventy-four percent (353) had minor tissue loss. Multivariate analysis identified three risk factors associated with PAD anatomical distribution (gender, smoking, and DM). Women had a 2.7 (CI: 1.75-4.26) times greater chance of having femoropopliteal disease. Smokers had a 3.6-fold (CI: 1.54-8.30) greater risk of aortoiliac disease. Diabetic patients were 1.8 (CI: 1.04-3.19) times more likely to have isolated infrapopliteal occlusive disease. Conclusions The study showed that gender, DM, and smoking impact on the anatomical distribution of PAD in patients with CLTI. Diabetic patients were more likely to have only infrapopliteal disease, women had a greater risk of femoropopliteal PAD, and smokers had a greater risk of aortoiliac occlusive disease.

Resumo Contexto Os fatores de risco para aterosclerose podem ter influência distinta nas doenças cardiovasculares, impactando também no território da doença arterial periférica (DAP). Objetivos Estudar a influência dos diferentes fatores de risco para a aterosclerose na distribuição anatômica da DAP em pacientes com isquemia crítica crônica de membros (ICCM). Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, incluindo 476 doentes internados devido à ICCM por DAP. Foram estudados, comparativamente, os pacientes com DAP dos três distintos territórios anatômicos (aortoilíaco, femoropoplíteo e infragenicular) em relação à presença dos fatores de risco para a aterosclerose (idade, gênero, diabetes mellitus, tabagismo e hipertensão arterial). A análise multivariada foi realizada para testar a associação entre os fatores de risco e a distribuição anatômica da DAP. Resultados A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 69 anos, 249 (52%) eram homens, e 273 (57%), diabéticos. Predominaram os pacientes na Categoria 5 da Classificação de Rutherford (353/74%). Na análise multivariada, as mulheres tiveram chance 2,7 (IC: 1,75-4,26) vezes maior de doença do território femoropoplíteo. Os doentes tabagistas tiveram 3,6 (IC: 1,54-8,30) vezes maior risco de doença do território aortoilíaco. Diabéticos apresentaram 1,8 (IC: 1,04-3,19) vezes maior chance de obstrução apenas do território infragenicular. Conclusões O estudo mostrou que gênero, diabetes mellitus e tabagismo influenciam no padrão de distribuição da DAP em pacientes com ICCM. Os doentes diabéticos apresentaram maior chance de doença isolada do território infragenicular, as mulheres tiveram maior risco de DAP do território femoropoplíteo e os tabagistas possuem maior chance comprometimento aortoilíaco.

Abstract Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one of the several important techniques currently available for companies in search of performance improvement. The step forward in RPA is its association with Artificial Intelligence for more skilled robots. This scenario is not different in Power Distribution Utilities, in which a multitude of complex processes must be executed over different data sources. Making such situation even more complex, these processes are frequently regulated and subject to audit by external bodies. However, an old question remains: what should be robotized and what should be done by humans? This paper aims at partially answering the question in the context of data analysis tasks used for making decisions in complex processes. The research development is conducted based on an Artificial Intelligence methodology incorporated into one software robot (RPA) which acquires data automatically, treats and analyzes these data, helping the human professional take decisions in the process. It is applied to a real case process that is important for validating the research. Four approaches are tested in the data analysis, but only two are really used. The robot analyzes a series of information from an energy consumption meter. The detection of possible behavior deviations in the meter data is made by comparison with its data series. The robot is capable of prioritizing the detected occurrences in the energy consumption data, indicating to the human operator the most critical situations that require attention. The association of Artificial Intelligence and RPA is viable and can really apport important benefits to the company and teams, valuing human work and bringing more efficiency to the processes.

Resumo Contexto As infecções profundas de extremidades representam um desafio para o salvamento de membro dos pacientes. Objetivos Investigar se existe concordância entre as culturas de osso e tecido profundo em pacientes com lesões tróficas de extremidades. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo incluindo 54 pacientes com lesões tróficas profundas de extremidades internados, no Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Salvador (BA), Brasil. Foram incluídos todos os pacientes que realizaram culturas de lesões tróficas profundas, com duas modalidades de coleta de exame: osso e fragmentos de tendão profundo. Analisaram-se a concordância, o número total de microrganismos e o número de microrganismos de acordo com a coloração de Gram em ambas as amostras. Resultados Entre os 54 doentes incluídos na amostra, a média de idade foi de 63,6 anos, 80% apresentavam DAOP, 70% eram diabéticos, e 72% hipertensos. Estudando as culturas dos 54 pacientes, 28 amostras (52%) foram completamente concordantes, sendo cultivados os mesmos microrganismos nos fragmentos de tendão profundo e de osso. Houve discordância parcial em 13 amostras (24%), e discordância total em 13 (24%). Observou-se que cresceu em média 1,62 microrganismo nos fragmentos de tendão profundo, e 1,72 nas amostras de osso. Analisando separadamente os microrganismos gram-positivos, a média de espécies cultivadas foi de 0,48 em tendão e de 0,44 em tecido ósseo. Por outro lado, para os microrganismos gram-negativos, a média de microrganismos cultivados foi de 1,14 e 1,27 nas amostras de tendão e de osso, respectivamente. Conclusões Cerca de metade dos pacientes portadores de lesões tróficas profundas de extremidades apresentaram concordância total entre as culturas de osso e de tendão.

Abstract Background Deep infections of the extremities are a challenge that threaten limb salvage. Objectives To investigate whether the results of bone and deep tissue cultures from patients with trophic limb ulcers coincide. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with data from 54 patients with deep trophic limb ulcers admitted to the Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Salvador (BA), Brazil. The study analyzed all patients for whom cultures of material from foot wounds in patients with tissue loss had been performed using two specimen types: bone and fragments of deep tendon. The study analyzed concordance between the two sample types and total number of microorganisms and numbers of microorganisms by Gram staining in both samples. Results The mean age of the 54 patients in the sample was 63.6 years, 80% had PAOD, 70% were diabetic, and 72% were hypertensive. Analysis of the cultures showed that 28 (52%) pairs of samples from the 54 patients exhibited complete concordance, with the same microorganisms grown from fragments of deep tendon and bone. There was partial disagreement in 13 samples (24%) and total disagreement in 13 (24%). On average, 1.62 microorganisms were isolated from deep tendon fragments and 1.72 were isolated from bone samples. Analyzing Gram-positive microorganisms separately, the mean number of species grown was 0.48 for tendon cultures and 0.44 for bone cultures. In contrast, the mean number of Gram-negative microorganisms isolated was 1.14 for tendon samples and 1.27 for bone samples. Conclusions Around half of the patients with foot tissue loss had bone and tendon cultures that coincided exactly.

Resumo A doença aterosclerótica das carótidas extracranianas pode resultar em complicações com alta morbidade e mortalidade. A avaliação pré-operatória com exames contrastados de imagem é associada a complicações como a parotidite, além das já bem conhecidas reações alérgicas e da disfunção renal. A bifurcação carotídea alta e a doença aterosclerótica de extensão cranial costumam ser fatores limitantes para o tratamento cirúrgico convencional. Entretanto, quando há contraindicação ao uso de contraste iodado ou impossibilidade do tratamento endovascular, há a necessidade do conhecimento de técnicas cirúrgicas que permitam a realização da endarterectomia com segurança. A subluxação da mandíbula se mostrou uma técnica adjuvante segura e efetiva, de fácil execução e reprodutibilidade, possibilitando o acesso a bifurcações carotídeas altas com boa exposição do campo cirúrgico e permitindo a realização da endarterectomia conforme a técnica padrão. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com bifurcação carotídea alta e com limitações para uso do contraste iodado que foi submetida a endarterectomia carotídea após subluxação de mandíbula.

Abstract Atherosclerotic disease of the extracranial carotid arteries can cause complications with high morbidity and mortality rates. The contrast imaging examinations used in preoperative evaluation are associated with complications such as parotitis, in addition to well-known allergic reactions and renal dysfunction. A high carotid bifurcation or atherosclerotic disease that extends distally are often limiting factors for conventional surgical treatment. However, when iodinated contrast is contraindicated or endovascular treatment is not feasible, knowledge of surgical techniques that allow safe endarterectomy is required. Subluxation of the mandible has proven to be a safe and effective adjuvant technique that is easy to perform and reproducible, providing access to high carotid bifurcations with good exposure of the surgical field and allowing endarterectomy to be performed with a standard technique. We present the case of a patient with a high carotid bifurcation and limitations for use of iodinated contrast who underwent carotid endarterectomy after subluxation of the mandible.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe our early experience in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms with bifurcated endografts. We report on our initial twelve-month experience using this approach.METHODS:Clinical data on patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms treated at a single tertiary center in Brazil were prospectively recorded. The eligibility for endovascular treatment was evaluated by computed tomography scanning and anatomical features were determined based on the method of treatment.RESULTS:From February 2012 to January 2013 (12 months), 28 consecutive patients (mean age 67.2 years, range 45-85 years) underwent treatment for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms at our hospital. Eighteen patients (64.3%) were suitable for and underwent endovascular treatment with bifurcated endografts (16 patients) or aortouniiliac endografts (two patients). Ten patients who were considered unsuitable for endograft repair underwent open repair. Seven patients were classified as hemodynamically unstable (Endovascular, 5; Open, 2), and 21 were classified as stable (Endovascular, 13; Open, 8). The overall 30-day mortality rate associated with endovascular treatment was 27.8% (stable, 18.7%; unstable, 40%) and the rate associated with open repair was 50% (stable, 37.5%; unstable, 100%).CONCLUSIONS:In this study, the suitability of patients for endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms was high and the overall results of endovascular treatment remain encouraging. Indeed, bifurcated endografts are a feasible option for treating anatomically eligible ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar in-vivo a profundidade e a porcentagem de testosterona na pele humana. MÉTODO: Dois jovens voluntários brasileiros saudáveis foram avaliadas através de uma sonda confocal de Espectroscopia Raman na face volar do antebraço direito. A espectroscopia de testosterona foi realizada no estrato córneo, na epiderme viável e na derme; a concentração percentual de testosterona foi comparada entre a linha de base e uma hora após a aplicação transdérmica de uma formulação de testosterona nanoestruturada (5%). RESULTADOS: Tanto quanto sabemos, esta é a primeira vez que a profundidade e a porcentagem de testosterona foi avaliada de forma não invasiva in-vivo. Nenhum evento adverso foi associado a esse protocolo. O método é eficaz na medição diferencial da testosterona nas camadas da pele. CONCLUSÃO: Este protocolo pode servir como uma boa alternativa para a rápida quantificação hormonal com finalidade forense ou médica.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to measure in-vivo the depth and the percentage of testosterone in human skin. METHOD: Two healthy young Brazilian volunteers were evaluated through a Confocal Raman Spectroscopy probe on the right volar forearm. Testosterone spectroscopy of was performed on the Stratum Corneum, Viable Epidermis and Dermis; the percentage concentration of testosterone was compared between the baseline and one hour after local application of a transdermal nanostructured testosterone (5%) formulation. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the depth and percentage of testosterone has been evaluated non-invasively in-vivo. No adverse events were attributed to this protocol. The method is effective in differentially measuring testosterone in the skin layers. CONCLUSION: This protocol may serve as a good choice for rapid hormone quantification for forensic or medical purposes.