Biomakers in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy.

The primary objective was to observe the relationship between serum levels of BNP, Ca-125, C-reactive protein and uric acid as prognostic and functional markers in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). Circulating levels of cytokines: IL-1β, TNFα, IL-10, IL6, IL-8 and IL-12 were determined and investigated regarding their association with hemodynamic parameters, clinical signs of heart failure and outcome. Chagas is still a neglected disease that affects numerous individuals, many of them in their most productive years.

Predictors of Hospital Mortality Based on Primary Angioplasty Treatment: A Multicenter Case-Control Study.

Background: Identification of high-risk patients undergoing primary angioplasty (PCI) is essential.

Objective: Identify factors related to the causes of death in PCI patients.

Methods: This work consisted of a multicenter case-control study using a Brazilian registry of cardiovascular interventions as the data source.

Interplay Between Immune and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: A Path to Target Metalloproteinases in Penile Cancer.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammation have been reported in penile carcinomas (PeCa). However, the cell types and cellular crosstalk involved in PeCa are unexplored. We aimed to characterize the complexity of cells and pathways involved in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in PeCa and propose target molecules associated with the TME.

Critical Analysis and Limitations of the Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF).

With the increase in the population's life expectancy and the higher frequency of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, an increase in the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is expected. However, to date, the diagnosis and treatment of patients with HFpEF remain challenging. The syndromic diagnosis of HFpEF includes several etiologies and diseases with specific treatments but has points in common regarding the clinical presentation, laboratory evaluation related to biomarkers, such as BNP and NT-ProBNP, and echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac remodeling and left ventricular diastolic filling pressures.

The Mycophenolate-based Immunosuppressive Regimen Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Kidney Transplant Patients With COVID-19.

Background: The chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs is a key risk factor of death because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), although no evident association between the class of immunosuppressive and outcomes has been observed. Thus, we aimed to compare COVID-19-associated outcomes among KTRs receiving 3 different immunosuppressive maintenance regimes.

Methods: This study included data from 1833 KTRs with COVID-19 diagnosed between March 20 and April 21 extracted from the national registry before immunization.

Thromboprophylaxis in lower limb varicose vein surgery in Brazil.

Background: Despite all the investment in primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for surgical patients in recent years, there are still no specific guidelines for those who undergo procedures to treat lower limb varicose veins.

Objectives: To evaluate the profile of VTE prophylaxis practices among Brazilian vascular surgeons conducting lower limb varicose vein procedures.

Methods: Survey design, sending an electronic questionnaire to Brazilian vascular surgeons.

What Do We Need to Know About Musculoskeletal Manifestations of COVID-19?: A Systematic Review.

»: COVID-19 is a disease that is challenging science, health-care systems, and humanity. An astonishingly wide spectrum of manifestations of multi-organ damage, including musculoskeletal, can be associated with SARS-CoV-2.

»: In the acute phase of COVID-19, fatigue, myalgia, and arthralgia are the most common musculoskeletal symptoms.

Infinity Ankle Arthroplasty Early Latin-America Experience and Patient Outcomes.

Introduction: The promising data from Ankle Arthroplasty are consequence of the evolution of instruments and implants. Recent studies have shown good results in the short and intermediate follow-up, in addition to high patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to present the results obtained with 49 cases treated with the Infinity total ankle prosthesis in 2 South America countries.

Frontofacial Monobloc Advancement With Internal Distraction: Surgical Technique and Osteotomy Guide.

Background: Craniosynostosis are cranial deformities resulting from the early closure of 1 or more sutures. Concomitant facial changes are complex and usually result from the involvement of multiple sutures, which may lead to restriction of cranial growth and brain expansion, ocular compression, and breathing difficulties. Surgical techniques to correct syndromic craniosynostosis have improved over time, considerably reducing the rate of complications of this procedure.

Effect of Nebulization on Laryngeal Parameters: Analysis Using High-Speed Digital Videolaryngoscopy.

Introduction: Superficial laryngeal hydration, obtained through nebulization, is related to the moisture level on the epithelial surfaces of the vocal folds, modifying their biomechanical and aerodynamic properties. Through high-speed videolaryngoscopy it is possible to obtain objective data for laryngeal analysis after nebulization and a better understanding of this phenomenon OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of nebulization with saline solution on laryngeal parameters of digital videokymography obtained by high-speed videolaryngoscopy examination in women and men with and without laryngeal alterations METHOD: This is a clinical, comparative intra-subject study. Fifty-nine adults were selected, with and without laryngeal alterations, 30 females and 29 males.

Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin: Locking The Metatarsal-Cuneiform Joint.

Introduction: Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin (MICA) can be used to treat hallux valgus (HV) associated with a hypermobility of the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint (1MTCJ). The aim of this study was to perform a radiographic analysis of the MICA, focused on evaluating the 1MTCJ.

Methods: Forty patients (50 feet) with moderate to severe HV underwent a MICA procedure.

Schwannoma: A rare cause of false-positive 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT uptake in the evaluation of metastatic prostate cancer.

PSMA expression occurs in epithelial cells in both normal and hyperplastic prostates. In adenocarcinoma, it is present in greater intensity, especially in the more aggressive ones. This made it possible to develop diagnostic tools with greater specificity for detecting prostate cancer metastases like the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT.

Relationship of the Pelvic-Trochanteric Index with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Objectives: This study aimed to correlate a higher Pelvic-Trochanteric Index (PTI) with an increased varus of the femoral neck with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). The secondary objective was to check whether the pelvic width changes with age.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted to compare female patients diagnosed with GTPS (case group) with asymptomatic female participants (control group) from March 2011 to June 2017.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer From the Brazilian Public System Perspective.

Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer, presenting better results than radiotherapy especially for high-risk patients. Although it has clinical and technical benefits compared with open and laparoscopic techniques, the robotic-assisted RP is not publicly funded in Brazil. The objective of this study was to calculate the cost-effectiveness of the robotic-assisted RP from the Brazilian public system perspective.

A demographic and clinical panorama of a sixteen-year cohort of soft tissue sarcoma patients in Brazil.

Little is known about soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in Brazil, once the federal statistics regarding estimates on incidence and mortality of the most common cancers that affect the Brazilian population currently do not include STS. This study aims to perform a broad evaluation and description of the epidemiological profile, access to treatment and main clinical outcomes of the Brazilian STS patient. A population-based cohort study of 66,825 patients who underwent procedures related to STS treatment registered in the Brazilian public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) databases.

Protocol of BRICS: Brazilian multicentric pragmatic randomised trial of surgical interventions for displaced diaphyseal clavicle fracture study: MIPO versus ORIF for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

Introduction: Fractures of the diaphysis of the clavicle are common; however, treatment guidelines for this condition are lacking. Surgery is associated with a lower risk of non-union and better functional outcomes but a higher risk of complications. Open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws are the most commonly performed techniques, but they are associated with paraesthesia in the areas of incisions, extensive surgical exposure and high rates of implant removal.

Treatment of a Diaphyseal Tibial Malunion with Use of the Clamshell Osteotomy.

Unlabelled: Malunion, nonunion, congenital abnormalities, and osteometabolic diseases are the main causes of long bone deformities. Although the exact incidence is unclear, it is estimated that about 10% of all fractures have some complication in terms of fracture-healing. In addition to the aesthetic impact, malunions generally substantially impair function and quality of life.

Pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is associated with arterial stiffness.

The association between obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) and arterial stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes, is not well established in children. This study compared cardiovascular parameters between healthy and oSDB children and aimed to identify predictors of arterial stiffness indices in children with oSDB. Cross-sectional study realized in a tertiary hospital from June 2018 to January 2020.

Corin ankle arthroplasty: Case-series.

Background: Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) is complex and can bring a wide variety of complications. Implant revision rates can vary from 4% to 8% in 5 years. Recent publications have shown good results in the short and intermediate follow-up and high patient satisfaction.

Rotator Cuff Healing.

The present article broadly addresses the aspects that interfere with the healing process of the rotator cuff. Life habits, such as smoking and alcoholism, are considered, systemic factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, as well as local factors, among which are those related to the pre, peri, and postoperative periods. From an extensive literature review, with the citation of 60 scientific articles from both Western and Eastern literature, the authors intend to deepen the theme by bringing to medical practice conducts based on new established concepts.

Genetic association of the PERIOD3 (PER3) Clock gene with extreme obesity.

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, affecting life quality and span. Susceptibility to obesity is partly mediated by genetic differences. Indeed, several genes from the clock gene family have already been shown to be intimately associated with obesity in diverse ethnic groups.