Original articles Infiltration of micro-fragmented adipose tissue under local anesthesia for knee osteoarthritis treatment is a safe procedure: A case series Varone, Bruno Butturi Leal, Daniel Peixoto Perini, Daniel Duarte Pagotto, Vitor Penteado Figueiredo Gobbi, Riccardo Gomes Demange, Marco Kawwamura Abstract in English: Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that has been increasing in prevalence, especially due to the aging population and rising incidence of obesity. Biological therapies (orthobiologics) have emerged, demonstrating efficacy in improving functional scores, including the injection of microfragmented Adipose Tissue (mFAT). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of adipose tissue harvesting and mFAT injection under local anesthesia. Materials/methods: A case series involving 34 patients who underwent adipose tissue collection from the abdomen under local anesthesia, without sedation, in a sterile environment, and who received the infiltration of microfragmented adipose tissue after single-time preparation, using a fat washing and microfragmentation kit. Results: Evaluation was performed at the time of the procedure and after 7 days of follow-up. Only ecchymosis (76.5 %) and mild discomfort at the harvested site (70.6 %), as well as mild discomfort at the infiltrated knee (61.8 %), were identified. No major adverse events were identified. Conclusion: The harvesting and injection of mFAT under local anesthesia is safe, with no major adverse events identified during this procedure. |
Original articles The impact of photodynamic therapy on cellular immune function in patients with cervical HPV infection Ju, Yan Zhou, Qunyan Abstract in English: Abstract Introduction: Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common sexually transmitted infection, can lead to cervical cancer. This study investigates the impact of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients. Methods: From October 2022 to February 2023, 60 patients with cervical HPV infection were randomly assigned to a control group (conventional treatment) or a PDT group (PDT treatment), each with 30 patients. Peripheral blood samples and cervical tissue were collected before treatment, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-treatment. Flow cytometry assessed T-cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD3+), and ELISA measured cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the PDT and control groups. The PDT group showed significantly higher HPV clearance rates at 3-months (70.00 %) and 6 months (100.00 %) compared to the control group 43.33 % and 80.00 %, respectively (p < 0.05). PDT significantly increased CD3+ and CD4+ cell levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment compared to controls (p < 0.05). CD8+ levels and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio also significantly increased in the PDT group at 6 months. Additionally, PDT significantly reduced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PDT enhances cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients by increasing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight the potential of PDT in modulating immune responses and improving therapeutic strategies for cervical HPV infection. |
Original articles The role of hormone dosages in the assessment of cervical lesions by FNA: A descriptive analysis of 762 cases Cunha-Volpato, Arthur Henrique Sartorão Neto, Carlos Izaias Silva, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Carneiro, Paulo Campos Abstract in English: Abstract Introduction: The use of Hormone Dosage (HD) in Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) needle washout fluid, introduced in the 1990s, initially aimed at measuring Thyroglobulin (TG). Elevated TG concentration in an extrathyroidal cervical lesion suggests metastases of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas (WDTC). Over the years, HD has evolved to incorporate Calcitonin (CT) and Parathormone (PTH), improving sensitivity and specificity in diverse clinical scenarios. Despite varying cutoffs in the literature, existing data underscore significant advancements in diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This paper presents a case series of 762 cervical lesions with FNA cytology and HD in different cervical regions. Results: It was possible to establish the histogenesis of the lesion based on a combination of the FNA cytology and PTH HD findings, so PTH was useful to determine parathyroid origin in all regions, Thyroglobulin (TG) and PTH together provide insights on cell origin in difficult cases. Thyroglobulin (TG) dosage enhances the accuracy of detecting well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. In post-thyroidectomy by bed lesions, dosages help to determine non-thyroid/parathyroid lesions. Discussion: The case series and review underscore the valuable contribution of HD in fine-needle aspiration for the evaluation of cervical lesions. By integrating HD with cytological, ultrasound, and clinical data, clinicians can enhance the accuracy and specificity of FNA in diagnosing various cervical lesions, ultimately improving patient care and management. |
Original articles Correlation between liver volume drainage and clinical success after endoscopic biliary drainage of hilar malignant obstruction Ruas, Jennifer Nakamura Mendonça, Ernesto Quaresma Lenz, Luciano Paulo, Gustavo Andrade de Sato, Ricardo Uemura Jukemura, José Ribeiro Junior, Ulysses Maluf-Filho, Fauze Martins, Bruno Costa Abstract in English: Abstract Background and aim: Malignant hilar obstruction usually presents in advanced-stage disease with a poor prognosis. Effective biliary drainage is essential for the beginning of palliative chemotherapy. There is a debate on the amount of liver parenchyma that should be drained to achieve clinical success. This study aimed to correlate the volume of liver drained with clinical success rate. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective study including patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction who underwent retrograde endoscopic cholangiography for biliary drainage from January 2014 to December 2018. The main outcome was a correlation of clinical success rate with hepatic volume drained. Secondary outcomes were correlation of clinical success rate with the quantity of liver sectors drained and unilateral versus bilateral drainage. Results: 82 patients met inclusion criteria (58.5 % female), with a mean age of 60±13 years. The main cause of hilar obstruction was cholangiocarcinoma (32.9 %) followed by lymph node metastasis (23.2 %). Technical success was achieved in 75 patients (91.5 %), and clinical success in 45 patients (60 %). The authors found a significant correlation between clinical success rate when at least 50 % of viable parenchyma was drained (p = 0.016; OR = 4.15, 95 % CI 1.4–12.5). Considering liver sectors, higher clinical success rates were found when at least 2 sectors were drained (p < 0.001; OR = 8.50, 95 % CI 2.7–26.7). The correlation between unilateral versus bilateral drainage and clinical success was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Drainage of at least 50 % of volume hepatic parenchyma was associated with better outcomes as well as drainage of at least 2 hepatic sectors, regardless of if unilateral or bilateral. |
Original articles Lactylated histone H3K18 as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prediction of the severity of pancreatic cancer Hou, Jinping Guo, Mingsong Li, Yongqiong Liao, Yijin Abstract in English: Abstract Background: Lactylation plays an essential role in pancreatic cancer, but the precise role of lactylated histone in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains to be further clarified. Methods: Twenty-one patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this study, and the clinico-pathologic characteristics were collected. Lactylation levels of total proteins and histone H3 Lysine-18 (H3K18) of tissues were determined by western blotting and laboratory indicators including serum levels of lactate, Cancer Antigen 19–9 (CA19–9), and Carcinoembryogenic Antigen (CEA) were obtained. Results: Total protein lactylation was found in both pancreatic cancer tissues and para-carcinoma normal tissues, and was more potent in tumor tissues. H3K18la was also highly expressed tumor tissues. Furthermore, H3K18la protein expression correlated positively with serum lactate (r = 0.774, p < 0.001), CA19–9 (r = 0.744, p < 0.001), and CEA (r = 0.589, p < 0.01). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of H3K18la for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was 0.848 in serum (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present findings suggested that H3K18 may be used as a novel potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. |
Original articles Descriptive study of claims in primary care during the year 2022 in a health area of Spain Velázquez-López, María F. García-Pérez, María Souto-Pereira, Montserrat Vazquez-Lago, Juan M. Abstract in English: Abstract Background: Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a pivotal role in the healthcare system as the initial point of contact for users and patients. In the healthcare area, claims are presented and managed through a web app. It also enables systematic analysis of emerging information to drive continuous improvement. The present objective was to describe the complaints filed at PHC in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, examining complaints filed by patients in 2022. For inclusion of the complaints, it was established that it had to do with the treatment received by healthcare personnel and that was presented through the web app. Complaint texts signaling dissatisfaction with the information received were subjected to qualitative coding. Results: The study involved 326 users who submitted a total of 358 complaints specifically related to treatment and information. The average age of the participants was 33.5 ± 16.2 years, and the majority were women (72.4 %, n = 236). In 2022, the Cumulative Incidence (CCI) was 55.2 complaints per 100,000 healthcare act and the Complaint Incidence Rate (CIR), defined as the number of complaints/1000 users/year, was 6.5. The prevalence of complaints related to information was 12.4 %. The main reasons for complaints about information were issues related to communication with the patient (79 %), followed by the patient’s disagreement with the techniques applied by healthcare staff (17 %). Conclusions: Results show us the fundamental characteristics of complaints in primary care with respect to the information received by health professionals, not allowing us to know where the authors can influence through interventions or training actions to try to improve. |
Original articles Anatomical variations of the marginal mandibular nerve Gatti, Arthur Paredes Ribeiro, Matheus Trovão Hojaij, Flávio Abstract in English: Abstract Introduction: The Marginal Mandibular Nerve (MMN), despite being didactically described as being a unique branch of the other branches of the Facial Nerve, has in practice an abundant anatomical variation. Both in relation to its ramifications and the positioning of these in relation to the lower edge of the mandible, as well as its anastomoses along its path, play a fundamental role in the surgical strategy during the approach of this cervicofacial site, and can generate, as underestimated its characteristics, inadvertent injuries and motor consequences to the patient. Objective: To analyze the types of anatomical variations of the MMN in relation to its position, ramification, and distance from reference points, as well as its incidence that could imply technical difficulties in surgery. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the literature in search of anatomical studies, in vivo or in cadavers, between 1981 and 2024, which described the quantification of the MMN branches, their positioning and peculiarities in relation to anastomoses with other peripheral nerves. Results: 511 hemifaces were studied, with the identification of 290 cases of single nerve, 160 cases of double branch, 54 cases of triple branch, and 7 cases of quadruple branch. Of the 456 nerves that were possible to study, the average distance when superior to the lower limit of the mandible was 1.61 cm, while its lower analysis was 2.53 cm. The branches presented different proportions of presentation in relation to this reference point depending on how many branches it had, being more common to remain below it. Anastomoses were identified between the MMN and the buccal and cervical branch of the Facial Nerve, as well as with the Trigeminal Nerve. Conclusion: The varied presentations of the MMN, both in its anatomical positioning and in the number of branches leads us to question whether the surgical thinking when performing an exploration in this site may not be the reason whythe authors verify several motor complaints superior to described injuries. |
Original articles CircRBM33 competitively binds miR-15a-5p to mediate EZH1 expression to ameliorate sepsis-induced acute lung injury Lin, Jinquan Wei, Qiongying Fang, Zhipeng Abstract in English: Abstract Background: The study was to investigate circRBM33 in septic acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Treatment of Murine Lung Epithelial-12 cells (MLE-12) cells was performed using 10 ng/mL Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). circRBM33, miR-15a-5p, and Enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1) were ascertained through RT-qPCR or Western blot analysis. The viability of MLE-12 cells was measured using the MTT assay, and their rate of apoptosis was ascertained through flow cytometry. B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) were determined using Western blot analysis. Oxidative stress levels were assessed with ELISA kits, and levels of malondialdehyde(MDA) content, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) were detected. Dual luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays verified the targeting link between miR-15a-5p and circRBM33 or EZH1. The role of circRBM33 in ALI in vivo was determined by performing cecum ligationperforation (CLP) surgery. HE staining, W/D pulmonary edema, and histological damage scores were taken to assess the extent of lung tissue damage. ELISA was performed to determine proinflammatory factors in lung tissue and cells. Results: CircRBM33 downregulation ameliorated ALI-induced edema, apoptotic, and inflammatory reactions in mouse lung tissues. In addition, apoptosis and inflammation mediated by LPS in MLE-12 cells were ameliorated by circRBM33 downregulation, whereas miR-15a-5p knockdown or EZH1 elevation eliminated the action of silencing circRBM33. circRBM33 mediated EZH1 expression by competitive adsorption of miR-15a-5p. Conclusion: CircRBM33 improves ALI in septic mice by targeting the miR-15a-5p/EZH1 axis. |
Original articles Clinical study of the effect of mometasone furoate nasal spray treatment on hearing and in secretory otitis media in children Yu, Xiaoyan Xu, Lang Xie, Youqi Huang, Mengjie Abstract in English: Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of Mometasone furoate (Elocon Cream) Nasal Spray (MFNS) treatment on hearing secretory Otitis Media (SOM) in younger children. Methods: Seventy-six children with SOM (ages 5 to 10 years-old) were selected as study subjects and divided into two groups of 38 cases each using a randomized numerical table. The control group was given conventional treatment, and the observation group was treated with MFNS based on the control group. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The improvements in clinical symptoms and hearing were compared between the two groups at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. Results: The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. The middle ear resonance frequency of the children in the observation group was higher than that of the control group at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, and the air-conduction hearing threshold was lower than that of the control group. The total effective rate of the observation group after 12-weeks of treatment was 92.11 %, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (73.68 %). In addition, the T-ETDQ score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after treatment. Conclusion: MFNS has clinical efficacy in the treatment of SOM in young children, which can improve clinical symptoms, promote the recovery of hearing and eustachian tube function, reduce the local inflammatory response, and improve immune function. |
Original articles Clinical and swallowing characteristics of tracheostomized patients with post-intubation acquired tracheal or laryngotracheal stenosis Escudero, Carina Sassi, Fernanda Chiarion Ritto, Ana Paula Cardoso, Paulo Francisco Guerreiro Andrade, Claudia Regina Furquim de Abstract in English: Abstract Objective: To investigate the clinical and swallowing profiles of patients with post-intubation tracheal or laryngotracheal stenosis requiring tracheostomy prior to surgical or corrective airway interventions. Methods: A retrospective cohort clinical study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent a swallowing evaluation, as well as imaging studies of the neck and chest. At 6 and 12-months after the initial assessment, all patients participated in follow-up speech pathology consultations to evaluate the current state of swallowing and the progress of airway stenosis treatment. Results: Twenty-five patients with a median tracheostomy duration of 30.52 months were assessed. The study found a female predominance (68%) and a high prevalence of subglottic stenosis (44%). Most patients required intubation due to severe acute respiratory failure and airway protection due to a decreased level of consciousness. Imaging revealed additional airway abnormalities, including laryngotracheobronchitis and laryngeal edema. Swallowing assessments showed that 20% had significant dysphagia. After one year, only two patients were successfully decannulated, while others remained tracheostomy dependent. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for personalized, multidisciplinary care for these patients. It finds that while treatments like reconstructive surgeries and the Montgomery T-tube can be effective, complications such as clinical instability and dysphagia can worsen outcomes and extend the need for tracheostomy. |
Review articles Towards optimal management of lower eyelid malpositions: A systematic review of treatment effectiveness and safety Sbitan, Lana Tanous, Haneen Jardak, Mira Nawfal Camargo, Cristina Pires Abstract in English: Abstract Lower eyelid malposition, a commonly encountered eyelid disorder, is often linked to discomfort, visual disturbances, and cosmetic concerns. Various treatment modalities have been employed to address these conditions, but their effectiveness and safety remain subjects of debate. This systematic review, aiming to compare and evaluate these treatments, produced a comprehensive analysis of diverse approaches to managing lower eyelid malposition. The search encompassed electronic databases, clinical trial registries, and relevant journals from inception to September 2023. Fifteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria, involving 709 patients (855 eyelids), were reviewed, comprising 12 randomized controlled trials and 3 ongoing trials. We assessed the quality of each included study using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB v2). We analyzed success rates, recurrence rates, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Results revealed that modifications to the conventional Lateral Tarsal Strip exhibited high success rates and low recurrence rates. Other treatments, including Everting Sutures, Retraction Pelication, and Orbicularis Muscle Shortening, showed promise in specific cases. Complications, generally mild and manageable, were reported across all modalities, with patients expressing overall satisfaction. The systematic review highlights the effectiveness and safety of various surgical interventions for lower eyelid malposition, offering durable outcomes and minimal recurrence. Tailoring treatments based on patient characteristics and anatomical variations is crucial. Further research is warranted to refine indications for each treatment option in this evolving field. |
Review articles Personalized nutrition and precision medicine in perimenopausal women: A minireview of genetic polymorphisms COMT, FUT2, and MTHFR Andrade, Pedro Santamarina, Aline Boveto Freitas, Jéssica Alves de Marum, Annete Bressan Rente Ferreira Pessoa, Ana Flávia Marçal Abstract in English: Abstract This mini-review explores the potential of precision medicine and personalized nutrition in addressing health challenges faced by perimenopausal women, focusing on the role of genetic polymorphisms in key metabolic pathways. Specifically focus on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COMT, FUT2, and MTHFR genes, which influence neurotransmitter metabolism, gut microbiota composition, and folate homeostasis, respectively. These polymorphisms are critical in modulating hormonal fluctuations, metabolic imbalances, and nutrient absorption during perimenopause. The review highlights the impact of COMT rs4680 on stress response and mood disorders, FUT2 rs602662 and rs601338 on vitamin B12 absorption and cortisol metabolism, and MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131 on homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning in precision medicine is discussed, offering insights into how genetic data can optimize personalized interventions. This approach enables targeted nutritional and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the metabolic and psychological effects of perimenopause. Overall, this review underscores the importance of incorporating genetic testing into preventive care for perimenopausal women to enhance quality of life and promote healthy aging. |
Comments Updated report of Blastocystis spp. in a teaching hospital of Brazil: A 6-year retrospective experience Melo, Gessica Baptista de Ferreira, Marcelo Alves Castilho, Vera Lúcia Pagliusi Gonçalves, Elenice Messias do Nascimento Gryschek, Ronaldo Cesar Borges Paula, Fabiana Martins de |
Correspondence New, late-onset relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a woman in her 60s after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination Scorza, Carla Alexandra Scorza, Fulvio Alexandre Finsterer, Josef |
Correspondence Role of tomography in the screening at the emergency room during pandemics Albuquerque, Marcel Lima Vieira, Ricardo D’Oliveira Ritt, Luiz Eduardo Fonteles |