ABSTRACT Objective The incidence of thrombotic events and acute kidney injury is high in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate and compare the coagulation profiles of patients with COVID-19 developing acute kidney injury versus those who did not, during their intensive care unit stay. Methods Conventional coagulation and platelet function tests, fibrinolysis, endogenous inhibitors of coagulation tests, and rotational thromboelastometry were conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 following intensive care unit admission. Results Out of 30 patients included, 13 (43.4%) met the criteria for acute kidney injury. Comparing both groups, patients with acute kidney injury were older: 73 (60-84) versus 54 (47-64) years, p=0.027, and had a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate: 70 (51-81) versus 93 (83-106) mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.004. On day 1, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were elevated but similar between groups: 1780 (1319-5517) versus 1794 (726-2324) ng/mL, p=0.145 and 608 (550-700) versus 642 (469-722) g/dL, p=0.95, respectively. Rotational thromboelastometry data were also similar between groups. However, antithrombin activity and protein C levels were lower in patients who developed acute kidney injury: 82 (75-92) versus 98 (90-116), p=0.028 and 70 (52-82) versus 88 (78-101) µ/mL, p=0.038, respectively. Mean protein C levels were lower in the group with acute kidney injury across multiple time points during their stay in the intensive care unit. Conclusion Critically ill patients experiencing acute kidney injury exhibited lower endogenous anticoagulant levels. Further studies are needed to understand the role of natural anticoagulants in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury within this population.

Abstract Magnetic nanopowders were developed by functionalization of bimagnetic core@shell nanoparticles with cysteine (CoFe2O4@ɣ-Fe2O3@Cys), which present a core with high saturation magnetization (CoFe2O4) combined with a shell with high long-term chemical stability (ɣ-Fe2O3) and a sorptive L-cysteine layer. Samples of two different mean sizes were elaborated and characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, SER, zetametry and SQUID magnetometry. The adsorption of Pb(II) by the magnetic nanopowders was investigated as a function of pH, time, and pollutant concentration. The Langmuir model fitted well the adsorption data indicating monolayer adsorption, and a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.2 mg/g was found for pH 5. The kinetic data were well correlated to the pseudo-second-order model and the best equilibrium time was 120 min. The adsorption mechanism mainly involves electrostatic interactions in pH 5-7 and hard–soft-acid–base interactions in low pH. Moreover, the nanoparticles were recovered and reused in readsorption experiments keeping a good removal efficiency.

RESUMO Racional: O adenocarcinoma gástrico e da junção esofagogástrica é responsável por aproximadamente 13,5% das mortes relacionadas ao câncer. Dado que esses tumores não são normalmente detectados até que já estejam em estágios avançados, a neoadjuvância desempenha um papel fundamental na melhoria da sobrevida em longo prazo. A identificação daqueles com resposta patológica completa (pCR) após a quimioterapia neoadjuvante (NAC) é um grande desafio, com efeitos na preservação do órgão, extensão da ressecção e cirurgia adicional. Há pouca ou nenhuma informação na literatura sobre quais sinais endoscópicos devem ser avaliados após a NAC, ou mesmo quando essa reavaliação deve ocorrer. Objetivo: Descrever os aspectos endoscópicos de pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico e da junção esofagogástrica que foram submetidos à quimioterapia neoadjuvante e alcançaram pCR, e determinar a acurácia da esofagogastroduodenoscopia (EGD) em predizer a pCR. Métodos: Foram revisados os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à gastrectomia subtotal e total após NAC, com resultado anatomopatológico de pCR. Resultados: Vinte e nove pacientes que alcançaram pCR após NAC foram identificados no período estudado. As respostas endoscópicas foram usadas para classificar os pacientes em dois grupos: G1- achados endoscópicos consistentes com pCR, G2 - achados endoscópicos não consistentes com pCR. A avaliação endoscópica no G1 esteve presente em igual percentual (47,4%; p=0,28) na classificação de Borrmann II e III. Nesse grupo, a predominância foi no corpo gástrico (57,9%; p=0,14), subtipo intestinal com 42,1% (p=0,75), grau indiferenciado, 62,5% (p=0,78), Herb+ em 73,3% (p=0,68). O achado mais significativo, no entanto, foi que o intervalo de tempo entre NAC e EGD foi maior para G1 do que G2 (24,4 vs. 10,2 dias, p=0,008). Conclusão: A EGD após NAC, nessa pesquisa, sugeriu ser método útil para prever pCR, mediante uma classificação de resposta confiável. Além disso, o intervalo de tempo entre NAC e EGD parece influenciar significativamente a sua capacidade preditiva de diagnosticar a pCR.

ABSTRACT Background: Gastric and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma are responsible for approximately 13.5% of cancer-related deaths. Given the fact that these tumors are not typically detected until they are already in the advanced stages, neoadjuvancy plays a fundamental role in improving long-term survival. Identification of those with complete pathological response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a major challenge, with effects on organ preservation, extent of resection, and additional surgery. There is little or no information in the literature about which endoscopic signs should be evaluated after NAC, or even when such re-evaluation should occur. Aim: To describe the endoscopic aspects of patients with gastric and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas who underwent NAC and achieved pCR, and to determine the accuracy of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in predicting the pCR. Methods: A survey was conducted of the medical records of patients with these tumors who were submitted to gastrectomy after NAC, with anatomopathological result of pCR. Results: Twenty-nine patients were identified who achieved pCR after NAC within the study period. Endoscopic responses were used to classify patients into two groups: G1-endoscopic findings consistent with pCR and G2-endoscopic findings not consistent with pCR. Endoscopic evaluation in G1 was present in an equal percentage (47.4%; p=0.28) in Borrmann classification II and III. In this group, the predominance was in the gastric body (57.9%; p=0.14), intestinal subtype with 42.1% (p=0.75), undifferentiated degree, 62.5% (p=0.78), Herb+ in 73.3% (p=0.68). The most significant finding, however, was that the time interval between NAC and EGD was longer for G1 than G2 (24.4 vs. 10.2 days, p=0.008). Conclusion: EGD after NAC seems to be a useful tool for predicting pCR, and it may be possible to use it to create a reliable response classification. In addition, the time interval between NAC and EGD appears to significantly influence the predictive power of endoscopy for pCR.

Abstract We present postmortem evidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in a patient with severe COVID-19. Autopsies of COVID-19 confirmed cases were performed. The patient died despite antimicrobials, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support. Histopathology and peripheral blood galactomannan antigen testing confirmed IPA. Aspergillus penicillioides infection was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing and BLAST analysis. Further reports are needed to assess the occurrence and frequency of IPA in SARS-CoV-2 infections, and how they interact clinically.

RESUMO Racional: A neoplasia intraductal mucinosa papilífera (NIMP) está sendo diagnosticada com maior frequência. O método mais utilizado para diagnóstico é a tomografia computadorizada. No entretanto, a colangiopancreatoressonância (CPRM) proporciona melhor caracterização tipo e extensão. A ecoendoscopia com punção por agulha fina (EPAAF), por sua vez, permite o diagnóstico histológico. Objetivo: Comparar resultados da CPRM e EPAAF com os achados cirúrgicos e patológicos para o diagnóstico e classificação da NIMP. Método: Foram estudados trinta e seis pacientes submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica por suspeita de NIMP que foram submetidos à CPRM e EPAAF pré-operatórias. Imagens obtidas por ambos os métodos foram analisadas utilizando-se padronização contendo o tipo e a classificação da lesão e os achados foram comparados, tendo como referência a análise patológica do espécime cirúrgico para definir-se qual o melhor método na caracterização do NIMP. Resultados: Vinte e nove revelaram neoplasia não-invasiva e quatro invasiva. A CPRM e a EPAAF fizeram o diagnóstico e classificaram corretamente (tipo de NIMP) em 62,5% e 83,3% (p=0,811), a localização do segmento pancreático acometido em 69% e 92% (p=0,638) e a identificação da presença de nódulos e/ou vegetações em 45% e 90 % (p=0,5). Quanto ao diagnóstico histológico pela EPAAF a sensibilidade foi 83,3%; especificidade 100%; VPP 100%; VPN 33,3%; e acurácia 91,7%. Conclusões: Os métodos diagnósticos não apresentaram diferença estatística. No entanto, a EPAAF mostrou resultados absolutos melhores do que a CPRM na identificação de nódulo e/ou vegetação intracístico.

ABSTRACT Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMN) are being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Computerized tomography scanning is commonly used as the primary imaging modality before surgery nonetheless magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provides better characterization. Endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has emerged as a way to reach pathological diagnose. Aim: To compare results of both methods with surgical pathology findings for classification of IPMN. Methods: Thirty-six patients submitted to surgical resection with preoperative suspect of IPMN were submitted preoperatively to MRCP and EUS-FNA. Images obtained were analyzed according to a classification determined for each method. ROC curve was used for statistical analysis, that compared the images tests with the purpose of finding the best method for diagnosis and classification of IPMN. Results: Sixteen patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, 16 to subtotal pancreatectomy and only four laparotomy. Pathological diagnosis was IPMN (n=33) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia type 2 (n=3). Twenty-nine revealed non-invasive neoplasia and invasive form in four patients. MRCP and EUS-FNA have correctly diagnosed and classified (type of IPMN), in 62.5% and 83.3% (p=0.811), the affected segment location in 69% and 92% (p=0.638) and identification of nodules and/or vegetation presence in 45% and 90% (p=0.5). Regarding to histopathological diagnosis by EUS-FNA the sensitivity was 83.3%; specificity was 100%; positive predictive value was 100%; negative predictive value was 33.3% and accuracy was 91.7%. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the diagnosis of IPMN. However, EUS-FNA showed better absolute results than MRCP to identify nodule and/or vegetation.

Introduction Chagas disease is considered as emerging in the Brazilian Amazon, usually occurring in acute outbreaks. Methods We describe 17 cases of acute Chagas disease in Rio Negro, Amazonas. Results There were 15 males (average age, 31.3 years), all positive for Trypanosoma cruzi in fresh blood smear examination, and 14 positive by xenodiagnosis and PCR. The top clinical manifestations were fever, asthenia, abdominal pain, and palpitations. Electrocardiograms featured low-voltage QRS, anterosuperior divisional block, and right bundle branch block associated with anterosuperior divisional block. Conclusions All patients had consumed açaí products from Monte Alegre in the rural area around Santa Izabel do Rio Negro, Brazil.

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OBJECTIF: Évaluer la fréquence du déclenchement du travail sans indication médicale et ses déterminants dans une sélection de pays d'Amérique latine, quantifier la réussite d'un accouchement par voie vaginale et comparer les taux de césariennes et d'issues périnatales et maternelles négatives après le déclenchement du travail sans indication médicale par rapport au travail spontané, dans des grossesses à faible risque. MÉTHODES: Sur 37 444 accouchements de femmes présentant des grossesses à faible risque, 1 847 (4,9%) ont été déclenchés sans indication médicale. On a comparé les facteurs associés aux issues périnatales et maternelles négatives dans des cas de début de travail spontané et déclenché. On a calculé les rapports des cotes des facteurs potentiellement associés aux issues négatives, ainsi que les risques relatifs d'issue périnatale ou maternelle négative (tous deux avec un intervalle de confiance de 95%). Suite à ces analyses, un ajustement a été effectué à l'aide de plusieurs modèles de régression logistique. RÉSULTATS: Sur 11 077 cas de travail déclenché, 1 847 (16,7%) l'ont été sans indication médicale. Un déclenchement du travail sans indication médicale a été effectué chez 4,9% des femmes présentant des grossesses à faible risque (37 444). L'ocytocine était la méthode la plus communément utilisée (83% des cas), soit administrée seule, soit combinée avec une autre méthode. Pour les accouchements sans indication médicale, 88,2% ont eu lieu par voie vaginale. Les événements maternels négatifs les plus communs étaient: (i) un besoin supérieur de médicaments utérotoniques postpartum, (ii) un risque presque multiplié par 3 d'admission en unité de soins intensifs; (iii) un risque multiplié par 5 d'hystérectomie postpartum et (iv) une augmentation du besoin d'anesthésie/analgésie. Les issues périnatales étaient satisfaisantes, à l'exception d'une augmentation de 22% du risque d'allaitement retardé (c'est-à-dire une initiation entre 1 heure et 7 jours après l'accouchement). CONCLUSION: Il est indispensable de faire preuve de prudence lors de la préconisation d'un accouchement sans indication médicale, car l'augmentation du risque d'issues périnatales et maternelles négatives n'est pas compensée par des avantages clairs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of elective induction of labour and its determinants in selected Latin America countries; quantify success in attaining vaginal delivery, and compare rates of caesarean and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes after elective induction versus spontaneous labour in low-risk pregnancies. METHODS: Of 37 444 deliveries in women with low-risk pregnancies, 1847 (4.9%) were electively induced. The factors associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among cases of spontaneous and induced onset of labour were compared. Odds ratios for factors potentially associated with adverse outcomes were calculated, as were the relative risks of having an adverse maternal or perinatal outcome (both with their 95% confidence intervals). Adjustment using multiple logistic regression models followed these analyses. FINDINGS: Of 11 077 cases of induced labour, 1847 (16.7%) were elective. Elective inductions occurred in 4.9% of women with low-risk pregnancies (37 444). Oxytocin was the most common method used (83% of cases), either alone or combined with another. Of induced deliveries, 88.2% were vaginal.The most common maternal adverse events were: (i) a higher postpartum need for uterotonic drugs, (ii) a nearly threefold risk of admission to the intensive care unit; (iii) a fivefold risk of postpartum hysterectomy, and (iv) an increased need for anaesthesia/analgesia. Perinatal outcomes were satisfactory except for a 22% higher risk of delayed breastfeeding (i.e. initiation between 1 hour and 7 days postpartum). CONCLUSION: Caution is mandatory when indicating elective labour induction because the increased risk of maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes is not outweighed by clear benefits.

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OBJETIVO: Evaluar la frecuencia de los partos inducidos electivos y sus factores determinantes en determinados países de Latinoamérica; cuantificar el éxito en la consecución de partos vaginales y comparar los porcentajes de cesáreas y de resultados maternos y perinatales adversos tras un parto inducido electivo con respecto a un parto espontáneo en embarazos de bajo riesgo. MÉTODOS: De 37 444 partos de mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo, 1847 (4,9%) fueron partos inducidos electivos. Se compararon los factores asociados a resultados maternos y perinatales adversos en los casos de inicio del parto espontáneo e inducido. Se calcularon los cocientes de posibilidades para los factores posiblemente asociados a resultados adversos, así como los riesgos relacionados con un resultado materno o perinatal adverso (ambos con un intervalo de confianza del 95%). Después de llevar a cabo estos análisis, se realizó un ajuste empleando modelos de regresión logística múltiple. RESULTADOS: De los 11 077 casos de parto inducido, 1847 (16,7%) fueron electivos. Las inducciones electivas se produjeron en un 4,9% de mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo (37 444). El método más utilizado fue la oxitocina (83% de los casos), como fármaco único o en combinación con otros medicamentos. Un 88,2% de los partos inducidos fueron vaginales. Los acontecimientos maternos adversos más comunes fueron: (i) una mayor necesidad de medicamentos uterotónicos tras el parto, (ii) un riesgo casi tres veces mayor de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos; (iii) un riesgo cinco veces mayor de histerectomía posparto y (iv) una mayor necesidad de anestésicos/analgésicos. Los resultados perinatales fueron satisfactorios excepto por un riesgo un 22% mayor de lactancia materna retardada (es decir, el inicio de la misma entre 1 hora y 7 días después del parto). CONCLUSIÓN: La precaución es obligatoria a la hora de recomendar una inducción electiva del parto, ya que el aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos maternos y perinatales no se ve compensado por unos beneficios claros.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a evapotranspiração real (ETc), os coeficientes de cultivo (kc) e a eficiência do uso da água (EUA) da cultura do pimentão cultivado em plantio direto (PD) e plantio convencional (PC), na condição da baixada fluminense, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O manejo da irrigação e a quantificação da demanda evapotranspirométrica foram realizados mediante o cálculo diário do balanço de água no solo, utilizando-se a técnica da TDR e dados coletados em estação meteorológica automática. Verificou-se que a ETc acumulada aos 181 dias após transplantio (DAT) foi de 363 e de 335 mm, para PC e PD, respectivamente. Os kc's encontrados foram de 0,32; 1,18 e 0,77 e de 0,34; 1,05 e 0,86, para os sistemas PC e PD, nas fases de crescimento inicial (0-40 DAT), média (81-120 DAT) e final (181 DAT), respectivamente. Os valores encontrados de kc para a cultura do pimentão para o sistema PC foram semelhantes aos valores preconizados pela FAO, sendo, no entanto, não-recomendados para PD. Considerando-se a lâmina total aplicada (chuva e irrigação), os valores médios de EUA foram de 3,9 e 4,5 kg m-3 para PC e PD, respectivamente.

The objective of this study was to determine the crop evapotranspiration (ETc), crop coefficients (kc) and water-use efficiency (EUA) of the bell pepper crop in the no till system (PD) and conventional tillage system (PC), in the Fluminense Valley, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The irrigation was managed and the evapotranspiration demand quantified by calculating the daily soil water balance using the TDR technique and data collected in an automatic meteorological station. It was verified that the accumulated ETc at 181 days after planting (DAT) was 363 and 335 mm for PD and PC, respectively. The kcs obtained were 0.32, 1.18 and 0.77 and 0.34, 1.05 and 0.86, for the PD and PC systems, respectively, in the initial (0-40 DAP), middle (81-120 DAP) and final (181 DAP) growth phases, respectively. The kc values for the bell pepper crop presented by FAO were similar to the values found for the PC, but are not recommended for PD. Considering the total depth applied (rain and irrigation), the average values of water use efficiency were 3.9 and 4.5 kg m-3 for PD and PC, respectively.