ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis in biopsies of people with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery and examine the possible association of different variables with a diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH. Materials and methods: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data from 574 individuals with obesity of both genders seen by the same physician between 2003 and 2009 who had a liver biopsy during bariatric surgery were examined. Results: Of the 437 patients included, 39.8% had some degree of liver fibrosis, 95% had a histologic diagnosis of NAFLD, and the risk factors were age ≥ 28 years and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) ≥ 2.5 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the NAFLD group, NASH was present in 26% of patients and the associated factors were aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase index (AST/ALT) > 1, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) < 40 mg/dL, total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 200 mg/dL, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) > 38 U/L and triglycerides (TG) levels > 150 mg/dL. The independent risk factors were low HDL-c, elevated AST/ALT and high TG. Conclusion: The variables associated with a diagnosis of NAFLD were HOMA ≥ 2.5 and age ≥ 28 years. NASH was associated with low HDL-c, high TG and AST/ALT ≤ 1.

Resumen: El trabajo evaluó el rendimiento frente al comportamiento del agua de los morteros de revestimiento con la incorporación de caucho de neumáticos. Se utilizaron granulometrías de #0.60 mm y #1.19 mm, con niveles de incorporación de 10% y 20% (en volumen), reemplazando el agregado fino. La metodología consistió en pruebas de capilaridad; secado; procedimientos de humidificación y secado con control de masa, termografía infrarroja y medición de humedad. Los resultados indicaron que en capilaridad y secado, la dosificación A20F (granulometría #0.60 mm y 20% de incorporación) mostró una tasa de absorción reducida contribuyendo a la eliminación de agua. En el proceso de humidificación y secado, tanto activo como pasivo, posiblemente el caucho bloqueó los poros de la masa, ya que las dosificaciones con granulometría #0.60 mm (A10F y principalmente A20F) demostraron perder agua, lo que indica que la mayor parte del agua absorbida se concentraría en la superficie del compuesto.

Abstract: This paper evaluated the behavioural performance to coating mortar water with rubberized tyres. #0.60 mm and #1.19 mm grain sizes have been used with the incorporation of 10 and 20% (in volume), replacing the small units. The methodology has elapsed with capillary and drying tests; humidification and drying procedures with mass control, infrared thermography and measurement of humidity. The results indicated that in capillarity and drying the trace A20F (#0.60 mm particle size and incorporation of 20%) had have a low absorption rate and helped in the process of water disposal. In the humidification and drying process, both active as well as passive, the rubber possibly blocks the pores of mass, for the grain traits size #0.60 mm (A10F and primarily A20F) have proven easy to lose water, suggesting that the majority of water absorbed would be concentrated on the surface part of the composite.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire (QoDD) may prove to be an important evaluation tool in the Brazilian context, and, therefore, can contribute to a more precise evaluation of the dying and death process, improving and guiding the end-of-life patient care. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the QoDD into Brazilian Portuguese and measure its validity (convergent and known-groups) and internal consistency DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional, methodological study was conducted at the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos, Brazil METHODS: A total of 78 family caregivers participated in this study. Semantic, cultural, and conceptual equivalences were evaluated using the content validity index. The construct validity was assessed through convergent validation and known groups analysis [presence of family members at the place of death; feel at peace with dying; and place of death (hospital versus home; hospital versus Palliative Care)]. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and presented evidence of a clear understanding of its content. Cronbach's alpha values were ≥ 0.70, except for the domains of treatment preference (α = 0.686) and general concerns (α = 0.599). The convergent validity confirmed a part of the previously hypothesized correlations between the Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Brazil (POS-Br) total scores and the QoDD domain scores. The QoDD-Br domains could distinguish the patients who died in palliative care and general wards. CONCLUSION: The QoDD-Br is a culturally adapted valid instrument, and may be used to assess the quality of death of cancer patients.

ABSTRACT From 2015 to 2021 the prevalence of parasites was evaluated in fecal samples of dogs from the municipality of Niterói, RJ. The samples were examined at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Support in Parasitic Diseases (LADDP) of the Veterinary School at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), using centrifugal flotation, sedimentation and mini-FLOTAC techniques. Of the 1,037 samples examined, 30.6% (318/1,037) showed positive results for some parasitic infections, of which 80.5% (256/318) were positive for only one species of parasite and 19.5% (62/318) for multiple infections. Parasitism by Ancylostoma caninum was the most prevalent, with 39% (124/318), followed by Giardia sp., 16% (51/318); Toxocara canis, 14.5% (46/318); Trichuris vulpis, 8.5% (27/318); Cystoisospora canis, 8.5% (27/318); Dipylidium caninum, 7.9% (25/318); and Cryptosporidium sp., 5.6% (18/318). The parasitological diagnosis of dogs in urban areas is the best choice to evaluate the efficacy of control measures adopted for parasitic infections, including those with zoonotic importance.

RESUMO Durante o período de 2015 a 2021, foi avaliada a prevalência de endoparasitos em amostras fecais de cães provenientes do município de Niterói, RJ. As amostras foram analisadas no Laboratório de Apoio Diagnóstico em Doenças Parasitárias (LADDP) da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), sendo usadas as técnicas de centrifugo-flutuação, sedimentação simples e mini-FLOTAC. Das 1.037 amostras analisadas, 30,6% (318/1.037) apresentaram resultados positivos para alguma infecção parasitária, sendo dessas 80,5% (256/318) positivas para apenas uma espécie de parasito e 19,5% (62/318) para infecções múltiplas. O parasitismo por Ancylostoma caninum foi o mais prevalente, com 39% (124/318), seguido por Giardia sp., 16% (51/318), Toxocara canis, 14,5% (46/318), Trichuris vulpis, 8,5% (27/318), Cystoisospora canis, 8,5% (27/318), Dipylidium caninum, 7,9% (25/318) e Cryptosporidium sp., 5,6% (18/318). O diagnóstico parasitológico de cães em áreas urbanas é a melhor alternativa para a avaliação da eficácia dos programas de controle de infecções parasitárias, incluindo aquelas com importância zoonótica.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: People living with life-limiting illnesses and their family caregivers consistently emphasize the importance of preparing for imminent death, with planned funerals being a common aspect of this preparation. Few studies have described the funeral rituals or post-mortem preferences of patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the percentage of patients with cancer who wish to be cremated and to identify the factors associated with this preference. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at Barretos Cancer Hospital. METHODS: A total of 220 patients with cancer completed a Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the Duke University Religiosity Index, and burial or cremation preferences. Binary Logistic Regression was performed to identify independent variables associated with cremation. RESULTS: Of the 220 patients, 25.0% preferred cremation and 71.4% preferred burial. Talks about death with family or close friends in their daily life (odds ratio, OR = 2.89; P = 0.021), patients that answered “other” (unsure, tends not be true and not true) for religious beliefs are what really lie behind my whole approach to life (OR = 20.34; P = 0.005), and education 9 to 11 years (OR = 3.15; P = 0.019) or ≥ 12 years (OR = 3.18; P = 0.024) were associated with cremation preference. CONCLUSION: Most patients with Cancer in Brazil prefer burial after death. Discussions about death, religious beliefs and involvement, and educational level seem to influence the preference for cremation. A deeper understanding of ritual funeral preferences and their associated factors may guide policies, services, and health teams in promoting the quality of dying and death.

Abstract Objective To map perioperative nurses’ main activities in the Brazilian scenario, explained in the current literature. Methods This is a scoping review prepared in accordance with current JBI guidelines, using the checklist for conducting and reporting the study. The search was carried out by two independent researchers, between August and December 2021, in six databases in the health area, using the descriptors nurses, nurse role, intraoperative period, perioperative nursing, surgical centers. Articles published between January 2011 and October 2022, in English, Portuguese or Spanish, were part of the sample. The information was extracted, classified, synthesized and presented descriptively. Results Eighteen were included in the research synthesis. The analysis of results made it possible to highlight the implementation of surgical safety measures as prevalent activities in care (50%); in management, material, input and equipment (72%) and room preparation (39%) management; in teaching, permanent nursing education (50%). No studies related to researcher activity were identified. Conclusion In the Brazilian scenario, perioperative nurses’ activities range from management to assistance with a smaller proportion in teaching, highlighting their strategic position in mobilizing actions that promote safety and quality in perioperative processes. Protocol registration on the Open Science Framework platform: https://osf.io/8jmq6/

Resumen Objetivo Mapear las principales actividades de los enfermeros de quirófano en el escenario brasileño mencionadas en la literatura vigente. Métodos Se trata de una scoping review elaborada de acuerdo con las directrices vigentes del Joanna Briggs Institute, utilizando la lista de chequeo para la conducción e informe del estudio. La búsqueda fue realizada por dos investigadoras independientes, entre agosto y diciembre de 2021, en seis bases de datos del área de la salud, utilizando los descriptores: nurses, nurse role, intraoperative period, perioperative nursing, surgical centers . Artículos publicados entre enero de 2011 y octubre de 2022, en inglés, portugués y español formaron parte de la muestra. La información se extrajo, se clasificó, se sintetizó y se presentó descriptivamente. Resultados Se incluyeron 18 artículos en la síntesis del estudio. El análisis de los resultados permitió evidenciar las siguientes actividades predominantes: en la atención, la implementación de medidas de seguridad quirúrgica (50 %); en la gestión, la administración de material, insumos y equipos (72 %) y la preparación de las salas (39 %); en la enseñanza, la educación permanente de la enfermería (50 %). No se identificaron estudios relacionados con la actividad del investigador. Conclusión En el escenario brasileño, las actividades de los enfermeros de quirófano giran en torno de la gestión, la atención con menor proporción la enseñanza, y se destaca su posición estratégica en la movilización de las acciones que promueven seguridad y calidad en los procesos perioperatorios. Registro do protocolo na plataforma Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/8jmq6/

Resumo Objetivo Mapear as principais atividades do enfermeiro de Centro Cirúrgico no cenário brasileiro, explicitadas na literatura vigente. Métodos Trata-se de uma scoping review elaborada de acordo com as diretrizes vigentes do Joanna Briggs Institute, utilizando o checklist para condução e relatório do estudo. A busca foi realizada por duas pesquisadoras independentes, no período entre agosto e dezembro de 2021, em seis bases de dados da área da saúde, utilizando os descritores: nurses, nurse role, intraoperative period, perioperative nursing, surgical centers . Fizeram parte da amostra artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2011 e outubro de 2022, nos idiomas inglês, português ou espanhol. As informações foram extraídas, classificadas, sintetizadas e apresentadas descritivamente. Resultados Foram incluídos 18 na síntese da pesquisa. A análise dos resultados possibilitou evidenciar como as atividades prevalentes na assistência a implementação de medidas de segurança cirúrgica (50%); na gestão, o gerenciamento de materiais, insumos e equipamentos (72%) e preparo das salas (39%); no ensino, educação permanente da enfermagem (50%). Não foram identificados estudos relacionados à atividade de pesquisador. Conclusão No cenário brasileiro, as atividades do enfermeiro de Centro Cirúrgico circundam-se entre gerenciais, assistenciais com menor proporção no ensino, destacando-se sua posição estratégica na mobilização das ações que promovem segurança e qualidade nos processos perioperatórios.

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study analyzed the biomechanical behavior of the generated stress on the external surface of the rehabilitation elements (implants, components and infrastructures) according to different occlusion patterns on a fixed partial denture on osseointegrated implants. Method: The experimental groups varied according to the location of the occlusal load applied to the Fixed partial denture, with a total occlusal load of 750N in all groups, opting for greater loads on the occlusal table of the molar in relation to the premolar. This evaluation was performed by the finite element method with simulations by the AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software program. Results: The results analyzed for implants and their components showed that the more posterior the occlusal loading, the greater the stress developed (group 4), always in the connection area between the prosthetic component and the implant, as this location can induce greater screw loosening. The results analyzed for the infrastructures showed that the most distributed occlusal loading possible (group 1) is the best situation for generating less stress. However, even in group 3 which obtained the highest stresses in the critical area of the prosthetic connection, the zirconia flexural strength values generated were not worrisome. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the occlusal adjustment of Fixed partial dentures are preponderant and decisive factors for correct biomechanics and preservation of the system in the long term in order to avoid possible damage and/or failures, and exert significant and notorious differences in the behavior of all structures studied herein.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo analisou o comportamento biomecânico do estresse gerado na superfície externa dos elementos reabilitadores (implantes, componentes e infraestruturas) de acordo com diferentes padrões de oclusão em uma prótese parcial fixa sobre implantes osseointegrados. Métodos: Os grupos experimentais variaram de acordo com a localização da carga oclusal aplicada na Prótese Parcial Fixa, com carga oclusal total de 750N em todos os grupos, optando por cargas maiores na mesa oclusal do molar em relação ao pré-molar. Esta avaliação foi realizada pelo método dos elementos finitos com simulações pelo programa AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software. Resultados: Os resultados analisados para os implantes e seus componentes mostraram que quanto mais posterior a carga oclusal, maior a tensão desenvolvida (grupo 4), sempre na área de conexão entre o componente protético e o implante, pois este local pode induzir maior soltura do parafuso. Os resultados analisados para as infraestruturas mostraram que a carga oclusal mais distribuída possível (grupo 1) é a melhor situação para gerar menos estresse. No entanto, mesmo no grupo 3 que obteve as maiores tensões na área crítica da conexão protética, os valores de resistência à flexão da zircônia gerados não foram preocupantes. Conclusões: Pode-se concluir que o ajuste oclusal das Próteses Parciais Fixas são fatores preponderantes e decisivos para correta biomecânica e preservação do sistema a longo prazo a fim de evitar possíveis danos e/ou falhas, e exercem diferenças significativas e notórias no comportamento de todas as estruturas aqui estudadas.

Resumo As características meteorológicas de uma determinada região são de grande importância na manutenção das atividades humanas, uma vez que afetam a sociedade tanto de maneira positiva quanto negativa. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar as principais características dos Sistemas Convectivos de Mesoescala (SCMs) no Nordeste do Brasil (NEB). Utilizando o ForTraCC, um algoritmo para rastreamento de aglomerados convectivos, as seguintes características foram analisadas: ciclo de vida, distribuição espacial, período de maior frequência e o tamanho. Os resultados mostram que anualmente ocorrem, em média, 321 (±137) SCMs no NEB. O mês de março é o que apresenta a maior frequência na ocorrência de SCMs, enquanto agosto a menor. O quadrimestre fevereiro-março-abril-maio (FMAM) é o período com maior ocorrência de SCMs. No NEB, os SCMs se formam com uma frequência maior durante o dia, além de possuir um tempo médio de duração de 7 h (±5 h) e atingirem o estágio de maduro após 3 ou 4 h de sua gênese. Na fase de maturação, o tamanho médio é de 50.020 km2 (±86.453 km2). A densidade de gênese dos SCMs no NEB é maior sobre o continente do que sobre o oceano Atlântico Tropical e ocorre de forma desigual no território.

Abstract The meteorological characteristics of a given region are of great importance in the maintenance of human activities, as they affect society both positively and negatively. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze the main characteristics of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) in Northeast Brazil (NEB). Using the ForTraCC, an algorithm for tracking convective clusters, the following characteristics were analyzed: life cycle, spatial distribution, period of highest frequency and size. The results show that an average of 321 (±137) MCSs occur annually in the NEB. The month of march is the one with the highest frequency in the occurrence of MCSs, while august is the lowest. The four-month period February, March, April and May (FMAM) is the period when more MCSs occur. In the NEB, MCSs form with a higher frequency during the day, having an average duration time of 7 h (±5 h) and reaching the stage of maturity after 3 or 4 hours of their genesis. At the maturity stage, the average size is 50.020 km2 (±86.453 km2). The density of genesis of MCSs in the NEB is greater over the continent than over the Tropical Atlantic Ocean and occurs unevenly in the territory.

ABSTRACT Despite advances in understanding of carcinogenesis and of treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, this neoplasm still has a lethality of at least 30%. The search for biomarkers that can predict the response to treatment in the early stages of the disease is still necessary. In recent years, a new form of cellular communication between tumor and non-neoplastic cells has been discovered: the exchange of information through extracellular vesicles. These are small vesicles released by membrane-coated cells that carry proteins, lipids, messenger RNAs, microRNA and DNA, which can be internalized and promote biological changes in target cells. Exosomes are qualified as a type of extracellular vesicle and, in tumors, carry immunoinhibitory signals that promote the escape of immune control. Recent studies have showed their involvement in communication with the cells of the tumor microenvironment and with chemoresistance in several tumors. To date, there is no information about immunoregulatory microRNAs transported by exosomes and their correlation with clinical evolution during chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Knowledge about immunomodulatory microRNAs obtained by leukemic cells and transported by exosomes can direct us towards the design of new diagnostic and treatment tools in this type of leukemia.

Resumo Objetivo Mapear as medidas de segurança ocupacional recomendadas aos profissionais envolvidos no atendimento transoperatório de pacientes submetidos à Quimioterapia Intraperitoneal Hipertérmica. Métodos Estudo qualitativo com ênfase em scoping review, fundamentado no Instituto Joanna Briggs. Realizou-se buscas nas bases de dados Pubmed, BVS, ScIELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, The Chocrane Library e literatura cinzenta. Pergunta de pesquisa utilizou o acrônimo PCC: quais medidas de segurança ocupacional são necessárias no Centro Cirúrgico para profissionais que atuam, direta ou indiretamente, no transoperatório da HIPEC? A Busca de artigos ocorreu entre 2015 a 2019. Resultados Evidenciou-se escassa literatura sobre a temática. Selecionados dez artigos: uma revisão sistemática; dois casos-controle; dois estudos descritivos; quatro estudos de revisão bibliográfica; um relato de experiência. Análise dos artigos evidenciou as medidas de segurança recomendadas para profissionais que atuam direta ou indiretamente nesse procedimento cirúrgico, a saber: educação e capacitação da equipe envolvida; utilização de equipamentos de proteção individual e coletiva; oferecer infraestrutura e orientações gerais. Conclusão Medidas de segurança recomendadas para os profissionais envolvidos no atendimento transoperatório do paciente submetido à Quimioterapia Intraperitoneal Hipertérmica são: capacitação da equipe; utilização de equipamentos específicos de proteção individual e coletiva; infraestrutura necessária como ajuste do ar condicionado com pressão maior dentro da sala cirúrgica; e orientações gerais em relação à organização da sala cirúrgica, descarte dos resíduos, limpeza da sala/materiais utilizados e acompanhamento da saúde ocupacional da equipe envolvida em procedimento cirúrgico.

Abstract Objective To map the occupational safety measures recommended to professionals involved in the intraoperative care of patients undergoing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Methods Qualitative scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were performed in Pubmed, VHL, ScIELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, The Chocrane Library databases and gray literature. The PCC acronym was used in the research question: what occupational safety measures are necessary in the operating room for professionals working directly or indirectly in the intraoperative period of HIPEC? A search for articles published between 2015 and 2019 was performed. Results Literature on the subject was scarce. Ten articles were selected: a systematic review; two control cases; two descriptive studies; four literature review studies; an experience report. In the analysis of articles, the recommended safety measures for professionals who work directly or indirectly in this surgical procedure was evidenced, namely: education and training of the staff involved; use of individual and collective protective equipment; provision of infrastructure and general guidelines. Conclusion Recommended safety measures for professionals involved in the intraoperative care of patients undergoing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy are: team training; use of specific individual and collective protection equipment; necessary infrastructure, such as adjusting the air conditioning to higher pressure inside the operating room; and general guidelines regarding the organization of the operating room, waste disposal, cleaning of the room/materials used, and monitoring of the occupational health of the team involved in the surgical procedure.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear las medidas de seguridad ocupacional recomendadas a los profesionales involucrados en la atención transoperatoria de pacientes sometidos a Quimioterapia Intraperitoneal Hipertérmica. Métodos Estudio cualitativo con énfasis en el scoping review, fundamentado en el Instituto Joanna Briggs. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos Pubmed, BVS, ScIELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, The Chocrane Library y literatura gris. Pregunta de encuesta utilizó el acrónimo PCC: ¿qué medidas de seguridad ocupacional se hacen necesarias en el Quirófano para profesionales que actúan, directa o indirectamente, en el transoperatorio de la HIPEC? La búsqueda de los artículos ocurrió entre el 2015 y el 2019. Resultados Se puso en evidencia una escasa literatura sobre la temática. Seleccionados diez artículos: una revisión sistemática; dos casos-control; dos estudios descriptivos; cuatro estudios de revisión bibliográfica; un relato de experiencia. Análisis de los artículos evidenció las medidas de seguridad recomendadas para profesionales que actúan directa o indirectamente en ese procedimiento quirúrgico, a saber: educación y capacitación del equipo involucrado; utilización de equipos de protección individual y colectiva; brindar infraestructura y orientaciones generales. Conclusión Representan medidas de seguridad recomendadas para los profesionales involucrados en la atención transoperatoria del paciente sometido a Quimioterapia Intraperitoneal Hipertérmica: capacitación del equipo; utilización de equipos específicos de protección individual y colectiva; infraestructura necesaria como ajuste del aire acondicionado con una presión más alta dentro del quirófano; y orientaciones generales con relación a la organización del quirófano, descarte de los deshechos, limpieza de la sala/materiales utilizados y acompañamiento de la salud ocupacional por el equipo involucrado en el procedimiento quirúrgico.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: Mesmo no câncer gástrico (CG) em estágio clínico IV (ECIV), procedimentos cirúrgicos podem ser necessários para aliviar sintomas ou na tentativa de melhorar a sobrevida. No entanto, a sobrevida limitada desses pacientes levanta dúvidas sobre quem realmente se beneficiaria. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados cirúrgicos do CG ECIV tratado com procedimentos cirúrgicos sem intenção curativa. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes com CG ECIV submetido a procedimentos cirúrgicos, incluindo: ressecção tumoral, bypass, jejunostomia e laparoscopia diagnóstica. Pacientes submetidos à gastrectomia curativa serviram como grupo de comparação. RESULTADOS: Os procedimentos cirúrgicos em ECIV foram realizados em 363 pacientes. Comparado à cirurgia curativa (680 pacientes), os pacientes em ECIV apresentaram maior taxa de comorbidades e classificação ASA III/IV. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados foram: 107 (29,4%) bypass (partição/anastomose gastrojejunal), 85 (23,4%) jejunostomias, 76 (20,9%) ressecções e 76 (20,9%) laparoscopias diagnósticas. Em relação às características dos pacientes, os ressecados apresentaram predomínio de metástases distantes (p=0,011); os de bypass associaram-se a doença em mais de um sítio (p<0,001); e os laparoscópicos, metástases peritoneais (p<0,001). A sobrevida global mediana de acordo com o tipo de cirurgia foi: ressecção (13,6 meses), bypass (7,8 meses), jejunostomia (2,7 meses) e diagnóstica (7,8 meses) (p<0,001). Na análise multivariada, níveis baixos de albumina, mais de um sítio de doença, jejunostomia e laparoscopia associaram-se a pior sobrevida. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes em ECIV ressecados apresentam melhor sobrevida, enquanto aqueles submetidos à jejunostomia e laparoscopia diagnóstica tiveram piores resultados. A identificação adequada dos pacientes que se beneficiariam com a ressecção cirúrgica pode melhorar a sobrevida e evitar procedimentos pouco eficazes.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Even in clinical stage IV gastric cancer (GC), surgical procedures may be required to palliate symptoms or in an attempt to improve survival. However, the limited survival of these patients raises doubts about who really had benefits from it. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes in stage IV GC treated with surgical procedures without curative intent. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of patients with stage IV GC submitted to surgical procedures including tumor resection, bypass, jejunostomy, and diagnostic laparoscopy were performed. Patients with GC undergoing curative gastrectomy served as the comparison group. RESULTS: Surgical procedures in clinical stage IV were performed in 363 patients. Compared to curative surgery (680 patients), stage IV patients had a higher rate of comorbidities and ASA III/IV classification. The surgical procedures that were performed included 107 (29.4%) bypass procedures (partitioning/gastrojejunal anastomosis), 85 (23.4%) jejunostomies, 76 (20.9%) resections, and 76 (20.9%) diagnostic laparoscopies. Regarding patients’ characteristics, resected patients had more distant metastasis (p=0.011), bypass patients were associated with disease in more than one site (p<0.001), and laparoscopy patients had more peritoneal metastasis (p<0.001). According to the type of surgery, the median overall survival was as follows: resection (13.6 months), bypass (7.8 months), jejunostomy (2.7 months), and diagnostic (7.8 months, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, low albumin levels, in case of more than one site of disease, jejunostomy, and laparoscopy, were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Stage IV resected cases have better survival, while patients submitted to jejunostomy and diagnostic laparoscopy had the worst results. The proper identification of patients who would benefit from surgical resection may improve survival and avoid futile procedures.

Abstract Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius, 1805) is a Neotropical blowfly species of forensic importance, with necrophagous and asynanthropic habits. In this study, the antennal ultrastructure of H. segmentaria was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The three antennal segments are covered by microtrichia. Sensilla chaetica were detected only on the scape and pedicel. Setiferous plaques and a pedicellar button were observed on the pedicel. Four types of sensilla were found on the postpedicel, including s. trichoidea, s. basiconica (subtype I, II and III), s. coeloconica subtype I, and sensory pits with s. coeloconica subtype II. This is the first time that the fine structure of the antennae of H. segmentaria was studied. Our results constitute a solid base for research on comparative and functional morphology in H. segmentaria and other blowflies.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire (QoDD) may prove to be an important evaluation tool in the Brazilian context, and, therefore, can contribute to a more precise evaluation of the dying and death process, improving and guiding the end-of-life patient care. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the QoDD into Brazilian Portuguese and measure its validity (convergent and known-groups) and internal consistency DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional, methodological study was conducted at the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos, Brazil METHODS: A total of 78 family caregivers participated in this study. Semantic, cultural, and conceptual equivalences were evaluated using the content validity index. The construct validity was assessed through convergent validation and known groups analysis [presence of family members at the place of death; feel at peace with dying; and place of death (hospital versus home; hospital versus Palliative Care)]. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and presented evidence of a clear understanding of its content. Cronbach's alpha values were ≥ 0.70, except for the domains of treatment preference (α = 0.686) and general concerns (α = 0.599). The convergent validity confirmed a part of the previously hypothesized correlations between the Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Brazil (POS-Br) total scores and the QoDD domain scores. The QoDD-Br domains could distinguish the patients who died in palliative care and general wards. CONCLUSION: The QoDD-Br is a culturally adapted valid instrument, and may be used to assess the quality of death of cancer patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection is the main determining factor in the survival of advanced gastric cancer patients, but is not indicated in metastatic disease. The peritoneum is a common site of metastasis and preoperative imaging techniques still fail to detect it. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of staging laparoscopy in the staging of advanced gastric cancer patients in a Western tertiary cancer center. METHODS: A total of 130 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent staging laparoscopy from 2009 to 2020 were evaluated from a prospective database. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to identify factors associated with the presence of peritoneal metastasis and were also evaluated the accuracy and strength of agreement between computed tomography and staging laparoscopy in detecting peritoneal metastasis and the change in treatment strategy after the procedure. RESULTS: The peritoneal metastasis was identified in 66 (50.76%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of computed tomography in detecting peritoneal metastasis were 51.5, 87.5, and 69.2%, respectively. According to the Kappa coefficient, the concordance between staging laparoscopy and computed tomography was 38.8%. In multivariate analysis, ascites (p=0.001) and suspected peritoneal metastasis on computed tomography (p=0.007) were statistically correlated with peritoneal metastasis. In 40 (30.8%) patients, staging and treatment plans changed after staging laparoscopy (32 patients avoided unnecessary laparotomy, and 8 patients, who were previously considered stage IVb by computed tomography, were referred to surgical treatment). CONCLUSION: The staging laparoscopy demonstrated an important role in the diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis, even with current advances in imaging techniques.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A ressecção cirúrgica é o principal fator determinante na sobrevida de pacientes com câncer gástrico, mas não é indicada na presença de doença metastática. O peritônio é local comum de metástase, porém os métodos de imagem ainda falham na sua detecção. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da Laparoscopia Diagnóstica no estadiamento de pacientes com câncer gástrico avançado em um centro oncológico ocidental terciário. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 130 pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico submetidos a Laparoscopia Diagnóstica de 2009 a 2020, a partir de um banco de dados prospectivo. As características clínico-patológicas foram analisadas para identificar fatores associados à presença de metástase peritoneal. Foram também avaliadas a acurácia e concordância entre a tomografia computadorizada e a Laparoscopia Diagnóstica na detecção de metástase peritoneal e na mudança de conduta após a Laparoscopia Diagnóstica. RESULTADOS: As metástases peritoneais foram identificadas em 66 pacientes (50,76%). A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da tomografia computadorizada na sua detecção foram de 51,5%, 87,5% e 69,2%, respectivamente. De acordo com o coeficiente Kappa, a concordância entre a Laparoscopia Diagnóstica e a tomografia computadorizada foi de 38,8%. Na análise multivariada, ascite (p=0,001) e suspeita de metástase peritoneal na tomografia computadorizada (p=0,007) foram estatisticamente correlacionadas com metástase peritoneal. Em 40 pacientes (30,8%), o estadiamento e as estratégias de tratamento mudaram após a Laparoscopia Diagóstica (32 pacientes evitaram laparotomia e 8 pacientes, anteriormente considerados estágio IVb, foram tratados cirurgicamente). CONCLUSÕES: A Laparoscopia Diagnóstica demonstrou um papel importante no diagnóstico de metástases peritoneais, mesmo com métodos de imagem avançados.