ABSTRACT Background: Approximately 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. A significant number of these individuals will develop liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Beyond the liver, there is a sizeable body of scientific evidence linking cardiovascular disease and chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, the biological mechanisms behind the concurrence of these conditions have not been completely clarified yet. Objective: To evaluate associations between hepatic histology, clinical comorbidities and lipid profile in patients with CHC. To investigate associations between liver histology and demographic, nutritional, biochemical and virological parameters. Methods: Eight-five patients with CHC prospectively underwent hepatic biopsy. Liver fragments were obtained from each patient by percutaneous route using a Menghini needle. Fibrosis was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, as follows: F0, no fibrosis; F1, fibrous portal expansion; F2, fibrous portal widening with few septa; F3, bridging fibrosis with architectural distortion; and F4, liver cirrhosis. The activity was classified based on the degree of lymphocyte infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis, from A0 to A3. The diagnosis of liver disease was based on clinical, biochemical, histological, and radiological methods. The data were analyzed by logistic regression models. Results: This cross-sectional study included 85 outpatients followed at the tertiary care ambulatory centre with a mean age of 57.2±10.7 years and 45 (52.9%) were females. There were 10 patients with cirrhosis. Patients with a METAVIR F3-F4 were significantly older (P=0.02) and had higher levels of ALT (P=0.0006), AST (P<0.0001), γ-GT (P=0.03) and bilirubin (P=0.001) and higher prothrombin time than patients with F0-F2 score. Albumin levels (P=0.01) were significantly lower in METAVIR F3-F4. Age (OR=1.09; 95%CI=1.02-1.16; P=0.02), steatosis (OR=4.03; 95%CI=1.05-15.45; P=0.04) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <60 mg/dL (OR=7.67; 95%CI=1.71-34.49; P=0.008) were independently associated with fibrosis. Hypertension (OR=6.36; 95%CI=1.31-30.85; P=0.02) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=9.85; 95%CI=2.35-41.39; P=0.002) were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity. Hypertension (OR=6.94; 95%CI=1.92-25.05; P=0.003) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=3.94; 95%CI=1.27-12.3; P=0.02) were associated with interface inflammatory activity. Triglycerides (TG ≥150 mg/dL) remained associated with lobular inflammatory activity. Conclusion: cholesterol levels <60 mg/dL were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis C. Patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of developing necroinflammatory activity.

RESUMO Contexto: Aproximadamente 71 milhões de pessoas estão infectadas pelo vírus da hepatite C em todo o mundo. Um número significativo desses indivíduos desenvolverá cirrose hepática e/ou carcinoma hepatocelular. Além do fígado, há evidências científicas que associam doenças cardiovasculares e hepatite C crônica; no entanto, os mecanismos biológicos implicados na ocorrência dessas condições ainda não foram completamente esclarecidos. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre histologia hepática, comorbidades clínicas e perfil lipídico em pacientes com hepatite C crônica. Investigar associações entre histologia hepática e parâmetros demográficos, nutricionais, bioquímicos e virológicos. Métodos: Oitenta e cinco pacientes com hepatite C crônica foram prospectivamente submetidos à biópsia hepática. Biópsias hepáticas foram obtidas de cada paciente por via percutânea com agulha de Menghini. A fibrose foi avaliada de acordo com o sistema de pontuação METAVIR, como segue: F0, sem fibrose; F1, expansão portal fibrosa; F2, alargamento portal fibroso com poucos septos; F3, fibrose em ponte com distorção arquitetônica; e F4, cirrose hepática. A atividade foi classificada com base no grau de infiltração de linfócitos e necrose de hepatócitos, de A0 a A3. O diagnóstico da doença hepática foi baseado em métodos clínicos, bioquímicos, histológicos e radiológicos. Os dados foram analisados por modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: Neste estudo transversal, realizado em um ambulatório do hospital universitário, foram incluídos 85 pacientes que tinham média de idade de 57,2±10,7 anos, sendo 45 (52,9%) do sexo feminino. Havia 10 pacientes com cirrose. Os pacientes com METAVIR F3-F4 eram significativamente mais velhos (P=0,02) e tinham níveis mais elevados de ALT (P=0,0006), AST (P<0,0001), γ-GT (P=0,03) e bilirrubina (P=0,001) e, maior tempo de protrombina do que pacientes com escore F0-F2. Os níveis de albumina (P=0,01) foram significativamente mais baixos naqueles classificados como METAVIR F3-F4. Idade (OR=1,09; IC95%=1,02-1,16; P=0,02), esteatose (OR=4,03; IC95%=1,05-15,45; P=0,04) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=7,67; 95%IC=1,71-34,49; P=0,008) foram independentemente associados à fibrose. Hipertensão (OR=6,36; IC95%=1,31-30,85; P=0,02) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=9,85; IC95%=2,35-41,39; P=0,002) foram independentemente associados à atividade necroinflamatória. Hipertensão (OR=6,94; IC 95%=1,92-25,05; P=0,003) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=3,94; IC95%=1,27-12,3; P=0,02) foram associados à atividade inflamatória de interface. Os triglicerídeos (TG >150 mg/dL) permaneceram associados à atividade inflamatória lobular. Conclusão: Níveis de coleterol HDL <60 mg/dL foram independentemente associados à atividade necroinflamatória na hepatite C crônica. Pacientes com hipertensão têm risco aumentado de desenvolver atividade necroinflamatória.

ABSTRACT Objective A comparative analysis of the association between sedentary behavior versus physical activity levels and tumor staging in women with breast cancer. Methods The present research adopted a cross-sectional study design to recruit a total of 55 adult and elderly women newly diagnosed with breast cancer for data collection and analysis. Inclusion criteria involved patients in procession of a formal approval for participation in the study by the treating physician and those not hitherto subjected to the first cycle of chemotherapy. Results Physical activity levels did not influence the pathological stage of breast cancer (p=0.26) or histological tumor grade (p=0.07) in the analyzed subjects. However, there was a significant association between physical activity levels and responsiveness to hormones (epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), p<0.05) in the analyzed subjects. Significant difference was detected in the histological tumor grade in relation to the mean time spent sitting during the weekend (p<0.05). However, sedentary behavior had no influence on the tumor stage (p>0.05). Conclusion Physical activity levels did not influence the tumor stage and histological tumor grade. Sedentary behavior had a significant influence on the histological tumor grade.

RESUMO Introdução: A doença por coronavírus (COVID-19) está relacionada a vários distúrbios extrapulmonares; entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre as características e prevalência das doenças cutâneas. Objetivo: Resumir e avaliar as características e prevalência das doenças cutâneas relatadas na literatura em doentes com COVID-19. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca no PubMed, SciELO e ScienceDirect entre 01/01/2020 a 28/09/2020. A população-alvo inclui pacientes com doenças de pele e diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19. Todos os estudos observacionais, cartas de pesquisa, relatos de casos/séries foram selecionados. Avaliamos estudos observacionais usando modelos de efeitos aleatórios para calcular a prevalência média ponderada e intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Avaliamos os estudos de caso usando o teste do qui-quadrado para variáveis dicotômicas e o teste de Mann-Whitney para variáveis contínuas. Resultados: Oitenta e sete pacientes de relatos de casos e seis estudos observacionais com 363 pacientes foram selecionados. São descritos onze tipos de doenças de pele em pacientes confirmados por COVID-19. A prevalência média ponderada de distúrbios cutâneos foi de 9,9% (IC 95%: 3,7-24,1). O exantema maculopapular foi o distúrbio mais prevalente (37,5%; IC 95%: 21-57%). A latência foi significativamente menor em pacientes com mais de 60 anos (p=0,041). Conclusão: Cada manifestação cutânea tem suas particularidades e pode ou não acompanhar outros sinais e sintomas. É possível que os idosos tenham doença cutânea relacionada ao COVID-19 precocemente.

ABSTRACT Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is related to several extrapulmonary disorders; however, little is known about the skin disorders characteristics and prevalence. Objetive: Summarize and evaluate the skin disorders’ characteristics and prevalence reported in the literature. Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, SciELO and ScienceDirect between 01/01/2020 to 09/28/2020. The target population was patients with skin disorder and a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. All observational studies, research letters, case series and case reports were selected. We evaluated observational studies using Random-effects models to calculate the weighted mean prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). We evaluated the case studies using the chi-square test for dichotomous variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Results: Eighty-seven patients from case reports and six observational studies with 363 patients were selected. Eleven types of skin disorders in COVID-19 confirmed patients are described. Skin disorder weighted mean prevalence was 9.9% (95% CI: 3.7-24.1). Maculopapular rash was the most prevalent disorder (37.5%; 95% CI: 21-57%). Latency was significantly lower in patients over 60 years old (p=0.041). Conclusion: Each cutaneous manifestation has its particularities and may or may not accompany other signs and symptoms. It is possible for the elderly to have COVID-19- related skin disorders early.

RESUMO As opções terapêuticas para esclerose múltipla (EM) modificaram-se ao longo dos últimos anos, trazendo uma nova categoria de drogas com melhor perfil de eficácia. No entanto, estas drogas vieram com um novo perfil de potenciais eventos adversos que exigem que o neurologista os reconheça bem e rapidamente. Uma das complicações mais temidas destes tratamentos para a EM é a leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressiva (LEMP), causada pela reativação do vírus John Cunningham (JCV). Objetivo: Identificar o perfil sorológico de JCV em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Dados sorológicos de JCV foram obtidos através do ensaio por enzimas imuno-adsorvidas (ELISA) fornecido pelo programa STRATIFY-JCV. Resultados: Um total de 1.501 testes sanguíneos foram obtidos de 1.102 pacientes com EM. O grupo teve 633 pacientes (57,1%) soropositivos para anticorpos anti-JCV e 469 pacientes negativos (42,9%). Vinte e três pacientes se tornaram posivitos após resultados iniciais negativos para anticorpos anti-JCV. A taxa de soroconversão foi 18,5% em 22 meses. Conclusão: O perfil sorológico do JCV e a soroconversão nos pacientes brasileiros foi semelhante àquela descrita em outros países.

ABSTRACT Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have changed over the last few years, bringing about a new category of drugs with more efficient profiles. However, these drugs have come with a whole new profile of potential adverse events that neurologists have to learn well and quickly. One of the most feared complications of these MS treatments is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). Objective: To identify the serologic profile of JCV in patients with MS. Methods: Data on serum antibodies for JCV were obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provided by the STRATIFY-JCV program. Results: A total of 1,501 blood tests were obtained from 1,102 patients with MS. There were 633 patients (57.1%) who were positive for antibodies for JCV and 469 patients who were negative (42.9%). Twenty-three patients became positive after initially having negative JCV antibody status. The rate of seroconversion was 18.5% over 22 months. Conclusion: The JCV serologic profile and seroconversion in Brazilian patients were similar to those described in other countries.

RESUMO Objetivos Descrever a influência do Programa de Valorização do Profissional da atenção básica (Provab)na aprovação no processo seletivo da residência médica da Secretaria de Saúde de Pernambuco 2014. Métodos Estudo transversal com 67 médicos que realizaram o Provab e foram aprovados na residência médica. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado, com questões sociodemográficas e sobreatividades do programa. Resultados O principal motivo alegado para participação no Provab foi o bônus para aprovação na residência (70,14%), enquanto o interesse em participar na Estratégia de Saúde da Família foi apontado como sem nenhuma importância por 35 dos residentes (52,23%). Quanto à participação e frequência da supervisão, 34,32% afirmaram que teve muita importância e a sua frequência foi adequada. As condições físicas da Unidade Básica de saúde foram consideradas insatisfatórias ou muito insatisfatórias por 56,7% dos residentes. Dos candidatos que utilizaram o adicional na nota da prova de residência, 30 (44,77%) dependeram desse bônus para sua aprovação. Conclusões A principal motivação dos residentes para a realização do Provab foi a bonificação para o processo seletivo da residência médica. São necessárias melhorias nas questões relativas a supervisão e infraestrutura para que seu êxito seja duradouro.

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the influence of the Provab programin the approval of candidates to have participated in the selection process for residency at the Health Department of Pernambuco in 2014. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 physicians to have participated in the Provab program and been acceptedon a residency program. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied in February 2014, inquiring into socio-demographic issuesand the program activities. Results The main reason given for participation in the program was the bonus for approval in residency programs selection tests (70.14%), while an interest in participatingin family health strategy was considered as unimportant by 35 physicians (52.23%). In terms of participation and frequency of supervision, 34.32% affirmed these to be highly important, with thefrequency adequate. The physical conditions of the basic health units were considered unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory by 56.7% of physicians. Of the candidates who used the bonus on the residency test, 30 (44.77%) depended on it for their approval. Conclusions The main motivation for joining the Provab program was the bonus in the selection process used in public service residency programs. The program still needs improvements on issues concerning supervision and infrastructure,in order to demonstrate its success and remain successful in the long term.

The hypothesis that Helicobactermight be a risk factor for human liver diseases has arisen after the detection of Helicobacter DNA in hepatic tissue of patients with hepatobiliary diseases. Nevertheless, no explanation that justifies the presence of the bacterium in the human liver has been proposed. We evaluated the presence of Helicobacterin the liver of patients with hepatic diseases of different aetiologies. We prospectively evaluated 147 patients (106 with primary hepatic diseases and 41 with hepatic metastatic tumours) and 20 liver donors as controls. Helicobacter species were investigated in the liver by culture and specific 16S rDNA nested-polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing. Serum and hepatic levels of representative cytokines of T regulatory cell, T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cell lineages were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The data were evaluated using logistic models. Detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in the liver was independently associated with hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus, pancreatic carcinoma and a cytokine pattern characterised by high interleukin (IL)-10, low/absent interferon-γ and decreased IL-17A concentrations (p < 10-3). The bacterial DNA was never detected in the liver of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis that are associated with Th1/Th17 polarisation. H. pylori may be observed in the liver of patients with certain hepatic and pancreatic diseases, but this might depend on the patient cytokine profile.

The present study compared two heating methods currently used for antigen retrieval (AR) immunostaining: the microwave oven and the steam cooker. Myosin-V, a molecular motor involved in vesicle transport, was used as a neuronal marker in honeybee Apis mellifera brains fixed in formalin. Overall, the steam cooker showed the most satisfactory AR results. At 100 ºC, tissue morphology was maintained and revealed epitope recovery, while evaporation of the AR solution was markedly reduced; this is important for stabilizing the sodium citrate molarity of the AR buffer and reducing background effects. Standardization of heat-mediated AR of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections results in more reliable immunostaining of the honeybee brain.

O atendimento a pacientes terminais pelas equipes de saúde, comprovadamente apontado por evidências na literatura, mostra a grande dificuldade que esses profissionais têm em lidar com o tema "morte". O presente estudo objetivou compreender como as equipes de saúde definem e vivenciam o paciente terminal. Para tanto, utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa que empregou a pesquisa etnográfica através de observação não-participativa, além de entrevistas semi-estruturadas nas unidades de hemato-oncologia e de infectologia de um hospital público. Os resultados certificaram as dificuldades por parte da equipe em lidar com pacientes terminais, bem como em defini-los como tais e comunicar aos mesmos a sua condição. Dessa forma, percebeu-se a intensa necessidade da realização de um trabalho direto com as equipes de saúde com o intuito de lhes proporcionar um espaço de reflexão e de entendimento, propiciando a continência das emoções suscitadas na equipe de saúde perante a situação da morte.

The care given to terminally ill patients by health staff, properly indicated in evidences of literature, shows the great difficulties that those professionals have in dealing with the death. This study intends to show how those professionals define and experience terminally ill patients. Thus, a qualitative approach was applied to ethnographic research through observations and semi-structured interviews were used in the hematology-oncology and infectology departments of a public hospital. Results attest to the difficulties on the part of health staffs in handling and defining terminally ill patients, as well as the difficult task of rendering those patiens aware of their terminal condition. That said, one realizes the need for a direct-contact approach with such health staffs intending to provide them time for reflection and understanding which favor some restraint in their emotions brought on in face of death situations.

A sedação constitui-se em opção no controle do medo e da ansiedade relacionados à visita ao dentista. Propôs-se captar a percepção de 20 cirurgiões-dentistas, 20 acadêmicos de odontologia e 20 leigos sobre a utilização de recursos sedativos em ambiente odontológico, através da aplicação de formulários. As respostas foram avaliadas através de método quantitativo-interpretativo. Cirurgiões-dentistas: 75% tinham conhecimento do uso de sedativos em consultório odontológico, sendo que sua prática efetiva foi mencionada por apenas três. Quanto ao uso de sedativos por dentistas, um considerou "arriscado" e 19 manifestaram-se favoráveis. Dois afirmaram que a sedação não oferece riscos. Dezoito disseram saber reagir frente a emergência médica. Acadêmicos de odontologia: 60% admitiam conhecer o tema, em teoria. Dezenove expressaram interesse no assunto. Quinze afirmaram haver riscos associados à técnica. Doze (60%) tinham o conhecimento teórico para conduta frente a uma emergência médica no consultório. Público leigo: Sete (35%) responderam que sentiam algum desconforto no tratamento odontológico, representado pelo medo (n=6) e o ruído dos equipamentos (n=2). Cinco disseram que iriam mais freqüentemente ao consultório odontológico se houvesse algum meio para reduzir o desconforto. Metade dos entrevistados relatou saber o que é sedação. Dezesseis foram favoráveis à sua realização para tratamento odontológico. Sete julgaram que não há riscos quando se faz sedação. Concluiu-se que poucos participantes, dentro das três categorias, estiveram seguros com relação ao assunto, embora tenham demonstrado interesse. A população em geral sentiu-se otimista, enquanto que CDs e acadêmicos queixaram-se da pouca vivência do tema nas faculdades.

Sedation is an option for controlling fear and anxiety related to a visit to the dentist. The goal of this study was to capture, by means of a questionnaire, the perceptions of twenty dentists, twenty dental students and twenty lay people concerning the use of sedatives in a dental environment. The responses were evaluated using the quantitative-interpretative method. Dentists: 75% had knowledge of sedatives in a dental setting, but their actual use was mentioned by only three. As far as the use of sedatives by dentists is concerned, one considered it "risky" and 19 were favorable. Two affirmed that sedation does not present risks. Eighteen said they would be able to react to a medical emergency. Dental students: 60% said they were aware of the topic, in theory. Nineteen expressed interest in the topic. Fifteen claimed there were risks associated with the technique. Twelve (60%) have the theoretical knowledge to deal with a medical emergency in the dental office. Lay public: Seven (35%) responded that they felt some discomfort during dental treatment, because of fear (n=6) and equipment noise (n=2). Five said they would go to the dentist more often if there was a way to reduce the discomfort. Half of those interviewed indicated that they knew what sedation was. Sixteen favored using it for dental treatment. Seven thought that there were no risks when sedation is carried out. It was concluded that few participants in any of the three categories felt confident about the topic, though they demonstrated interest. The population in general felt optimistic, while practicing dentists and dental students complained of a lack of exposure to the subject at dental school.