Enzymatic vitreolysis for the treatment of tractional diabetic macular edema.

Background: A new approach to address focal vitreomacular adhesion in patients with diabetic macular edema may control and stabilize diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that diabetic macular edema can be improved by inducing the release of a vitreomacular adhesion, with less than 2500 μm, with enzymatic vitreolysis.

Methods: From a retrospective analysis of clinical records from patients with diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetic macular edema and vitreomacular adhesion <2500 μm were selected for a single-arm prospective study.

Potential effect of Zika virus infection on human male fertility?

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission and prolonged viral shedding in semen have been previously reported, suggesting a strong viral affinity for genital tissues. A transient impact of ZIKV on male fertility was shown in animal and human studies.

Methods: Adult male patients with confirmed ZIKV infection diagnosed in the city of Araraquara, Brazil during the epidemic season of 2016 were invited one year after the acute infection to respond to a questionnaire of genital symptoms and to provide a semen sample for molecular ZIKV testing and spermogram analysis, as well as a serum sample for hormonal testing.

Blood in a Haab Stria.

We describe a case of an asymptomatic and spontaneous intracorneal hemorrhage in an adult with congenital glaucoma and blood collected in a Haab stria.

Exhaled carbon monoxide as a marker for evaluating smoking abstinence in a Brazilian population sample.

Background: Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO(Exh)) measurement is used to confirm smoking status in smoking cessation programs, but the cut-off level is still a matter for discussion. The objective of this study was to compare CO(Exh) levels in smokers and non-smokers to validate the method in a Brazilian population and to estimate the probability of the patient still smoking according to different cut-off points.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study we studied non-atopic Caucasian volunteers with no respiratory infection or steroid therapy in the preceding four weeks.

Is there a gender difference in non-small cell lung cancer survival?

Background: A possible association had previously been noted between gender and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a better survival rate for women.

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to further clarify the role of gender as a possible prognostic factor in NSCLC.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the survival of NSCLC patients who underwent surgical curative treatment at the Hospital Sao Lucas da PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil, between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2000.