ABSTRACT Objective: Cytological analysis and Bethesda classification of thyroid nodules is the standard method of diagnosing differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). However, even for nodules with a non-malignant cytological diagnosis, there is a not insignificant risk of cancer. There are doubts whether this lack of certainty would influence patient prognosis. Our aim was to compare patients with DTC, classified according to the preoperative cytological diagnosis, regarding their evolution. Subjects and methods: A retrospective study was carried out with 108 DTC patients submitted to total thyroidectomy (TT) between 2009 and 2015, divided into three groups according to preoperative cytological diagnosis (Bethesda classification): classes I/II, III/IV, and V/VI. Groups were compared for evolution considering response to treatment at last evaluation as well as time disease free. Statistical analysis used ANOVA, chi squared, and Kaplan-Meier curves with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Groups differed for time between nodule puncture and TT [in months; V/VI (2.35 ± 2.48) < III/IV (7.32 ± 6.34) < I/II (13.36 ± 8.9); p < 0.0001]. There was no significant difference between groups for evolution at final evaluation (disease free status; classes I/II: 71.4%; classes III/IV: 60%; classes V/VI: 66.6%; p = 0.7433), as well as time disease free (in months; classes I/II: 34.57 ± 25.82; classes III/IV: 38.04 ± 26.66; classes V/VI: 30.84 ± 26.34; p = 0.3841). Conclusions: DTC patients classified according to preoperative cytological diagnosis did not differ for evolution. Although patients with non-malignant cytological diagnoses were submitted to TT later, this did not affect the evolution of the cases.

Abstract Introduction: patients with COVID-19 undergo changes in leukocyte count, respiratory disorders, and an increase in inflammatory substances. To improve the inflammatory condition, some nutrients can be used, including arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides. This study aims to evaluate how oral immunonutrient supplements affects serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and lymphocyte count in patients with COVID-19. Methods: in this double-blind clinical trial, we randomized 43 adult patients with COVID-19 to receive a standard high-protein normocaloric supplement (control) or an immunonutrient-enriched supplement (experiment) for 7 days. The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in total lymphocyte count and serum level of CRP. The assessment of risk and nutritional status of these patients was also performed. Results: forty-three patients with mean age of 41.5 (± 1.8) years were followed up, 39.5 % of them women. The mean body mass index was 27.6 (± 0.8) kg/m² and 58.1 % had low nutritional risk. In the experiment group, there was a CRP reduction of 23.6 (± 7.5) mg/L, while in the control branch the decrease was 14.8 (± 12.1) mg/L (p = 0.002). There was an increase in lymphocytes in the experiment group (+367.5 ± 401.8 cells/mm³) and a reduction in the control group (-282.8 ± 327.8 cells/mm³), although there was no statistical significance (p = 0.369). Relative risk (RR) of treatment in reducing CRP by 30 % or more was 4.45 (p < 0.001; 95 % CI, 1.79-11.07). RR in increasing lymphocyte count by 30 % or more was 1.28 (p = 0.327; 95 % CI, 0.67-2.45). Conclusion: we conclude that immunonutrient supplements seem to reduce CRP levels more than standard high-protein normocaloric supplements.

Resumen Introducción: los pacientes con COVID-19 sufren cambios en el recuento de leucocitos, trastornos respiratorios y aumento de sustancias inflamatorias. Para mejorar la condición inflamatoria se pueden usar algunos nutrientes, como la arginina, los ácidos grasos omega-3 y los nucleótidos. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar cómo los suplementos de inmunonutrientes orales afectan a los niveles séricos de proteína C-reactiva (PCR) y al recuento de linfocitos en pacientes con COVID-19. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico doble ciego, aleatorizamos a 43 pacientes adultos con COVID-19 para recibir un suplemento normocalórico estándar alto en proteínas (control) o un suplemento enriquecido con inmunonutrientes (experimento) durante 7 días. El resultado primario fue evaluar los cambios en el recuento total de linfocitos y el nivel sérico de PCR. También se realizó la evaluación del riesgo y el estado nutricional de estos pacientes. Resultados: cuarenta y tres pacientes con edad media de 41,5 (± 1,8) años fueron seguidos, el 39,5 % de ellos mujeres. El índice de masa corporal medio fue de 27,6 (± 0,8) kg/m² y el 58,1 % tenían bajo riesgo nutricional. En el grupo experimental hubo una reducción de la PCR de 23,6 (± 7,5) mg/L, mientras que en la rama de control la disminución fue de 14,8 (± 12,1) mg/L (p = 0,002). Hubo un aumento de linfocitos en el grupo experimental (+367,5 ± 401,8 células/mm³) y una reducción en el grupo de control (-282,8 ± 327,8 células/mm³), aunque no hubo significación estadística (p = 0,369). El riesgo relativo (RR) del tratamiento para reducir la PCR en un 30 % o más fue de 4,45 (p < 0,001; IC 95 %: 1,79-11,07). El RR en el aumento del recuento de linfocitos en un 30 % o más fue de 1,28 (p = 0,327; IC 95 %: 0,67-2,45). Conclusión: se concluye que los suplementos de inmunonutrientes parecen reducir los niveles de PCR más que los suplementos normocalóricos estándar altos en proteína.

Abstract The number of electronic books that enter libraries in PDF format is greater every day. Complicating and making it almost unfeasible for some processes, traditionally carried out manually by librarians such as the assignment of subjects, to be done. In this context, it is necessary to design and develop applications that assist librarians. Taking this into consideration, we present in this work the evaluation of tools for extracting information from books in PDF format that could be used later as raw material for an automatic indexing system. To do this, we carried out a first evaluation of five software (PDFMiner.six, PDFAct, PDF-extract, PDFExtract, and Grobib), later, as PDFAct achieved the best performance, we did a second evaluation to find out their ability to identify and extract information from the books such as titles, indexes, sections, titles of tables and graphs and bibliographic reference which are relevant information for any indexing system. It is concluded that none of the evaluated tools adequately extracts the different parts of PDF books, although PDFAct has achieved a better performance than the rest.

Resumen El número de libros electrónicos que ingresan en las bibliotecas en formato PDF cada día es mayor, complicando y haciendo casi inviables algunos procesos realizados tradicionalmente de forma manual por los bibliotecarios, como es la asignación de materias. En este contexto, se hace necesario el diseño y desarrollo de aplicaciones que asistan a los bibliotecarios. Teniendo esto en consideración, presentamos en este trabajo la evaluación de herramientas de extracción de información de libros en PDF que podrían usarse posteriormente como materia prima para un sistema de indización automática. Para ello, realizamos una primera evaluación de cinco softwares (PDFMiner.six, PDFAct, PDF-extract, PDFExtract y Grobib) y, posteriormente, como PDFAct consiguió el mejor rendimiento, hicimos una segunda evaluación para averiguar su capacidad para identificar y extraer informaciones de los libros, tales como títulos, índices, secciones, títulos de tablas y gráficos y referencias bibliográficas, informaciones relevantes para cualquier sistema de indización. Se concluye que ninguna de las herramientas evaluadas extrae adecuadamente las diferentes partes de libros en PDF, si bien, PDFAct ha logrado un rendimiento superior al del resto.

ABSTRACT Background: Dengue is a public health problem in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze factors associated with deaths from dengue in residents of the municipality of Contagem, Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the 2016 epidemic. Methods: To determine the factors associated with deaths due to dengue, we used a logistic regression model (univariate and multivariable) in which the response variable (outcome) was death due to dengue. Independent variables analyzed included demographic variables and those related to symptoms, treatment, hospitalization, testing, comorbidities, and case history. Results: The factors associated with dengue deaths in the final multivariable model [p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI)] were age (OR = 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.11) and presence of bleeding (OR = 8.55; 95%CI 1.21-59.92). Conclusions: The results showed that age and the presence of bleeding factors increased the risk of dengue death. These findings indicate that warning signs of dengue should be routinely monitored, and patients should be instructed to seek medical attention when they occur. It is also emphasized that the parameters and epidemiological conditions of dengue patients need to be continuously investigated to avoid a fatal outcome.

Abstract Mantle cell lymphoma is an aggressive B-cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with lymph node or extranodal origin, and a mean survival of three to five years. Skin involvement is rare, secondary and indicates neoplasia dissemination. The authors report a case of a female patient, 69 years old, diagnosed previously, after lymph node and bone marrow biopsy. She was undergoing the second chemotherapy regimen when she showed infiltrated plaque-like lesions, nodules and tumors on the trunk and thigh root. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated cutaneous infiltration of the blastoid lymphoma.

Abstract Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the helminth Gnathostoma spp., acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated aquatic animals.The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Central America. Two male patients, both middle-aged, presented with single itchy erythemato-edematous plaques on the anterior thorax and left flank. Both had consumed raw fish in the Amazon region. The clinical and epidemiological examinations suggested gnathostomiasis, and treatment with albendazole caused total regression of the lesions. Health teams should be familiar with the disease to provide correct diagnosis. The control strategy should be based on health education for the population.

A ampliação da variedade de diretrizes clínicas em oncologia é perceptível em todo o mundo, o que salienta a necessidade de garantir a qualidade destes documentos. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de diretrizes nacionais de tratamentos dos cânceres de mama, próstata e de cólon e reto. Foram selecionadas 12 diretrizes brasileiras publicadas por quatro grupos elaboradores distintos (Ministério da Saúde, sistema suplementar de saúde e de sociedades e associações médicas), e aplicado o instrumento AGREE II. Em todas as diretrizes avaliadas foram identificadas fragilidades importantes em mais de um Domínio, com destaque para os baixos valores para “aplicabilidade” e “independência editorial”. Os padrões observados por Domínios apresentam-se mais relacionados com o grupo elaborador do que com as condições clínicas tratadas. Menores escores no “rigor do desenvolvimento” e “independência editorial” foram obtidos por grupos elaboradores não governamentais, inclusive com ausência ou falta de transparência nas informações. Mesmo que a “clareza da apresentação” das diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde tenha sido relativamente inferior, na “aplicabilidade” todas apresentaram limitações expressivas. Consequentemente, na avaliação global nenhuma das diretrizes foi recomendada sem modificações, sendo quatro delas não recomendadas. Por fim, é necessário qualificar as recomendações no que tange as evidências que as fundamentam (“rigor metodológico”), assim como dispor de forma compreensível e exequível as condutas a serem adotadas (“aplicabilidade”) e mitigar interesses conflitantes, para que seja ofertado o melhor cuidado aos pacientes oncológicos no país.

The expansion in the variety of clinical guidelines in oncology is perceptible worldwide, highlighting the need to guarantee the quality of these documents. The study thus aimed to assess the quality of Brazilian national guidelines for treatments of breast, prostate, and colon and rectal cancers. We selected 12 Brazilian guidelines published by four different drafting groups (Ministry of Health, Supplementary Health System, and medical societies and associations), and the AGREE II instrument was applied. In all these guidelines, we identified important weaknesses in more than one Domain, especially low values for “applicability” and “editorial independence”. The patterns observed per Domains are more related to the drafting group than the respective clinical conditions. Lower scores in “drafting rigor” and “editorial independence” were obtained by nongovernmental drafting groups, including absence of information or lack of its transparency. Although the “clarity of presentation” in the Ministry of Health guidelines was relatively lower, all the guidelines presented major limitations in “applicability”. Consequently, in the overall assessment, none of the guidelines was recommended without modifications, and four were not recommended at all. Finally, it is necessary to upgrade the guidelines according to the underlying evidence (“methodological rigor”) and to present the recommended practices in a comprehensible and applicable way (“applicability”), and to mitigate conflicting interests in order to offer cancer patients the best available care in Brazil.

La ampliación de la variedad de directrices clínicas en oncología es perceptible en todo el mundo, lo que resalta la necesidad de garantizar la calidad de estos documentos. Por este motivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de directrices nacionales de tratamientos de los cánceres de mama, próstata, así como de colon y recto. Se seleccionaron doce directrices brasileñas, publicadas por cuatro grupos elaboradores distintos (Ministerio de Salud, sistema suplementario de salud, así como sociedades y asociaciones médicas), y se aplicó el instrumento AGREE II. En todas las directrices evaluadas se identificaron debilidades importantes en más de un Dominio, destacando los bajos valores para la “aplicabilidad” e “independencia editorial”. Los patrones observados por Dominios se presentan más relacionados con el grupo elaborador, que con las condiciones clínicas tratadas. Menores puntuaciones en el “rigor del desarrollo” e “independencia editorial” se obtuvieron por parte de grupos elaboradores no gubernamentales, inclusive con ausencia o falta de transparencia en la información. A pesar de que la “claridad de la presentación” de las directrices del Ministerio de la Salud haya sido relativamente inferior en la “aplicabilidad”, todas presentaron limitaciones expresivas. Consecuentemente, en la evaluación global, ninguna de las directrices fue recomendada sin modificaciones, siendo cuatro de ellas no recomendadas. Por fin, se hace necesario cualificar las recomendaciones, en lo que se refiere a las evidencias que las fundamentan (“rigor metodológico”), así como disponer de forma comprensible y factible las conductas que deben ser adoptadas (“aplicabilidad”), al igual que mitigar intereses conflictivos, para que sea ofertado el mejor cuidado a los pacientes oncológicos en el país.

A ampliação da variedade de diretrizes clínicas em oncologia é perceptível em todo o mundo, o que salienta a necessidade de garantir a qualidade destes documentos. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de diretrizes nacionais de tratamentos dos cânceres de mama, próstata e de cólon e reto. Foram selecionadas 12 diretrizes brasileiras publicadas por quatro grupos elaboradores distintos (Ministério da Saúde, sistema suplementar de saúde e de sociedades e associações médicas), e aplicado o instrumento AGREE II. Em todas as diretrizes avaliadas foram identificadas fragilidades importantes em mais de um Domínio, com destaque para os baixos valores para “aplicabilidade” e “independência editorial”. Os padrões observados por Domínios apresentam-se mais relacionados com o grupo elaborador do que com as condições clínicas tratadas. Menores escores no “rigor do desenvolvimento” e “independência editorial” foram obtidos por grupos elaboradores não governamentais, inclusive com ausência ou falta de transparência nas informações. Mesmo que a “clareza da apresentação” das diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde tenha sido relativamente inferior, na “aplicabilidade” todas apresentaram limitações expressivas. Consequentemente, na avaliação global nenhuma das diretrizes foi recomendada sem modificações, sendo quatro delas não recomendadas. Por fim, é necessário qualificar as recomendações no que tange as evidências que as fundamentam (“rigor metodológico”), assim como dispor de forma compreensível e exequível as condutas a serem adotadas (“aplicabilidade”) e mitigar interesses conflitantes, para que seja ofertado o melhor cuidado aos pacientes oncológicos no país.

The expansion in the variety of clinical guidelines in oncology is perceptible worldwide, highlighting the need to guarantee the quality of these documents. The study thus aimed to assess the quality of Brazilian national guidelines for treatments of breast, prostate, and colon and rectal cancers. We selected 12 Brazilian guidelines published by four different drafting groups (Ministry of Health, Supplementary Health System, and medical societies and associations), and the AGREE II instrument was applied. In all these guidelines, we identified important weaknesses in more than one Domain, especially low values for “applicability” and “editorial independence”. The patterns observed per Domains are more related to the drafting group than the respective clinical conditions. Lower scores in “drafting rigor” and “editorial independence” were obtained by nongovernmental drafting groups, including absence of information or lack of its transparency. Although the “clarity of presentation” in the Ministry of Health guidelines was relatively lower, all the guidelines presented major limitations in “applicability”. Consequently, in the overall assessment, none of the guidelines was recommended without modifications, and four were not recommended at all. Finally, it is necessary to upgrade the guidelines according to the underlying evidence (“methodological rigor”) and to present the recommended practices in a comprehensible and applicable way (“applicability”), and to mitigate conflicting interests in order to offer cancer patients the best available care in Brazil.

La ampliación de la variedad de directrices clínicas en oncología es perceptible en todo el mundo, lo que resalta la necesidad de garantizar la calidad de estos documentos. Por este motivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de directrices nacionales de tratamientos de los cánceres de mama, próstata, así como de colon y recto. Se seleccionaron doce directrices brasileñas, publicadas por cuatro grupos elaboradores distintos (Ministerio de Salud, sistema suplementario de salud, así como sociedades y asociaciones médicas), y se aplicó el instrumento AGREE II. En todas las directrices evaluadas se identificaron debilidades importantes en más de un Dominio, destacando los bajos valores para la “aplicabilidad” e “independencia editorial”. Los patrones observados por Dominios se presentan más relacionados con el grupo elaborador, que con las condiciones clínicas tratadas. Menores puntuaciones en el “rigor del desarrollo” e “independencia editorial” se obtuvieron por parte de grupos elaboradores no gubernamentales, inclusive con ausencia o falta de transparencia en la información. A pesar de que la “claridad de la presentación” de las directrices del Ministerio de la Salud haya sido relativamente inferior en la “aplicabilidad”, todas presentaron limitaciones expresivas. Consecuentemente, en la evaluación global, ninguna de las directrices fue recomendada sin modificaciones, siendo cuatro de ellas no recomendadas. Por fin, se hace necesario cualificar las recomendaciones, en lo que se refiere a las evidencias que las fundamentan (“rigor metodológico”), así como disponer de forma comprensible y factible las conductas que deben ser adoptadas (“aplicabilidad”), al igual que mitigar intereses conflictivos, para que sea ofertado el mejor cuidado a los pacientes oncológicos en el país.

ABSTRACT Objective: Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding the role of ovarian hormones in infections caused by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in the immune response induced by S. aureus. Methods: Female mice BALB/c were ovariectomized (OVX) to significantly reduce the level of ovarian hormones. We also used sham-operated animals. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte count and bacterial quantification. The uterus and spleen were removed and weighed to calculate the uterine and splenic indexes. Lungs were removed and fractionated for immunohistochemical analysis for macrophage detection (anti-CD68) and relative gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR. Results: Ovariectomy enlarged spleen size and generally increased circulating lymphocytes. OVX females experienced a continuation of the initial reduction of lymphocytes and a monocyte and neutrophil late response compared to shams (p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, OVX females showed neutropenia after 168 h of infection (p ≥ 0.05). Macrophage response in the lungs were less pronounced in OVX females in the initial hours of infection (p ≥ 0.01). OVX females showed a higher relative gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung at the beginning of the infection compared to sham females (p ≥ 0.01). Among the uninfected females, the OVX control females showed a higher expression of IL-6 in the lung compared to the sham control females (p ≥ 0.05). In this model, the lack of ovarian hormones caused a minor increase in circulating leukocytes during the initial stage of infection by S. aureus and increased pulmonary gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Ovariectomy alone enlarged the spleen and increased circulating lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones acted as immunoprotectors against S. aureus infection.

Abstract Paracoccidoiomycosis is a systemic mycosis with a higher incidence in males with history of exposure to the rural environment; its classic clinical manifestation is an oro-pulmonary lesion. The authors report a case of a female, urban, 76-year-old patient with atypical clinical-dermatological presentation and diagnostic conclusion after histopathological examination. The clinical response was quick and complete after treatment with itraconazole 400 mg/day in the first month, decreased to 200 mg/day until the sixth month of treatment.

ABSTRACT Objective: Follicular lesions of the thyroid with papillary carcinoma nuclear characteristics are classified as infiltrative follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma-FVPTC (IFVPTC), encapsulated/well demarcated FVPTC with tumour capsular invasion (IEFVPTC), and the newly described category “non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features” (NIFTP) formerly known as non-invasive encapsulated FVPTC. This study evaluated whether computerized image analysis can detect nuclear differences between these three tumour subtypes. Materials and methods: Slides with histological material from 15 cases of NIFTP and 33 cases of FVPTC subtypes (22 IEFVPTC, and 11 IFVPTC) were analyzed using the Image J image processing program. Tumour cells were compared for both nuclear morphometry and chromatin textural characteristics. Results: Nuclei from NIFTP and IFVPTC tumours differed in terms of chromatin textural features (grey intensity): mean (92.37 ± 21.01 vs 72.99 ± 14.73, p = 0.02), median (84.93 ± 21.17 vs 65.18 ± 17.08, p = 0.02), standard deviation (47.77 ± 9.55 vs 39.39 ± 7.18; p = 0.02), and coefficient of variation of standard deviation (19.96 ± 4.01 vs 24.75 ± 3.31; p = 0.003). No differences were found in relation to IEFVPTC. Conclusion: Computerized image analysis revealed differences in nuclear texture between NIFTP and IFVPTC, but not for IEFVPTC.

Abstract A 28-year-old white female patient presented with multiple erythematous-to-violaceous, painful, suppurative nodules on the buttocks and thighs that appeared after two weeks of mesotherapy with deoxycholate, caffeine, sunflower liposomes, and sinetrol for localized fat. She was treated for atypical mycobacteriosis, but with no satisfactory response after antibiotic therapy. Bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal culture were all negative. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy showed noninfectious suppurative panniculitis. It resolved after treatment with methotrexate, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine. This report highlights the rarity of this complication, the importance of its early recognition, and differentiation with atypical fast growing mycobacterioses.