Carcinosarcoma of the bladder: case report and review of the literature

Primary osteosarcomas of the bladder account for about 0.04% of bladder neoplasms. Most of the patients in the literature expired within 6 months and, in almost all of the cases in the literature, radical cystectomy with postoperative chemotherapy was the treatment choice. A 79-year-old gentleman presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy demonstrated a 2- to 3-cm tumour along the lateral wall of the bladder. The tumour was resected incompletely via initial transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), and a second TURBT was subsequently performed to fully resect the residual mass. Surgical pathology from these 2 resections revealed osteosarcoma with invasion into the muscularis propria. A cystoprostatectomy was performed and final pathologic specimen revealed high-grade CIS without evidence of residual osteosarcoma. Postoperatively, the patient did not receive chemotherapy or radiation and currently remains disease-free 2 years post-radical cystectomy. Only 33 well-documented cases of primary osteosarcoma of the bladder have been reported to date. However, there are only 3 cases in which TURBT resulted in complete resection.     

Auditory processing in children with normal and disordered speech

Phonological speech disorders are characterized by abnormal development towards the adult target pattern; its etiology is unknown. It is thought the this condition results from auditory processing disorders involving the abilities required for human beings to understand what is heard.AimTo investigate the relationship between auditory processing and the acquisition of disordered or normal speech, drawing comparisons between these profiles.Material and MethodA prospective, contemporary, cross-sectional study comprising a sample of 44 subjects aged 5 to 7 years; two groups were formed: a study group (SG) comprising children with disordered speech acquisition, and a control group (CG) consisting of children with normal speech acquisition. A simplified evaluation of auditory processing was undertaken: the PSI test in Portuguese; the speech-in-noise test; the binaural fusion test; the dichotic digit test; and the staggered spondaic word test (SSW).ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the two groups; the SG scored worse than the CG in all the tests. The PSI test only - with a 100% success rate - scored equally in both groups.ConclusionAuditory processing may affect speech development.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-intensity laser on the healing of third-degree burn wounds in rats

Third-degree burn wounds are considered severe injuries because they destroy all the skin layers and may affect subcutaneous tissues, fasciae, muscles, and bones. To favor the healing process of the injured tissues, it is very useful to diminish the occurrence of the inflammatory process. The present study was aimed at comparing the effect of different energetic densities of AlGaInP laser on the inflammatory process and in the healing of third-degree burn wounds in Wistar rats. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee, in which 36 adult male rats were selected and suffered the induction of third-degree burn injury. These rats were divided as follows: group 1—control (treated with silver sulfadiazine), group 2—received energy density of 3 J/cm², and group 3—received energy density of 6 J/cm². All animals daily received an occlusive bandage with silver sulfadiazine and 8 % papain. The laser therapy was performed alternatively three times a week. The animals were evaluated on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the initial lesion and euthanized for the macroscopic, histologic, and morphometric analysis. A higher production of collagen was observed at 7 days and a greater re-epithelialization at 21 days in group 3 (6 J/cm²). Furthermore, the latter when compared to the other groups presented macroscopically a better aspect of the scar at 21 days with more granulation tissue and fibrosis. We conclude that the AlGaInP laser used in dosages of 3 and 6 J/cm² favors the healing of third-degree burn wounds induced in rats.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Species From a Brazilian Hotspot for Conservation Priority

Serra do Cipó is part of a Brazilian bioma recently qualified as a “hotspot for conservation priority,” an area featuring exceptional concentrations of endemic species and experiencing exceptional loss of habitat. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of 20 plant species occurring in this habitat was evaluated against 4 bacteria and 2 fungal strains. About 75% of the species were active against at least one microorganism. None of the species inhibited the growing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisae. The activities of Lavoisiera cordata and Xyris pilosa extracts against Staphylococcus aureus were comparable to that of the pure antibiotic used as a positive control. The preliminary toxicity of the active extracts was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality test and only three plants showed LD 50 values greater than 1000µg/ml, suggesting that they are relatively non-toxic. Some of the assayed plants are endangered species, presenting different degrees of extinction risk. According to our data, the plant activity against more than one microorganism seems to be advantageous to the evaluated species in protecting them against extinction.     

Analysis of theoretical knowledge and the practice of science among brazilian otorhinolaryngologists

Physicians from all medical specialties are required to understand the principles of science and to interpret medical literature. Yet, the levels of theoretical and practical knowledge held by Brazilian otorhinolaryngologists has not been evaluated to date.ObjectiveTo assess the background and level of scientific knowledge of Brazilian otorhinolaryngologists.MethodParticipants of two national ENT meetings were invited to answer a questionnaire to assess scientific practice and knowledge.Results and ConclusionThis study included 73 medical doctors (52% otorhinolaryngologists and 38% residents) aged between 18 and 65 years. About two-thirds have been involved in some form of scientific activity during undergraduate education and/or reported to have written at least one scientific paper. Physicians who took part in research projects felt better prepared to interpret scientific papers and carry out research projects (p = 0.0103 and p = 0.0240, respectively). Respondents who claimed to have participated in research or to have written papers had higher scores on theoretical scientific concepts (p = 0.0101 and p = 0.0103, respectively). However, the overall rate of right answers on questions regarding scientific knowledge was 46.1%. Therefore, a deficiency was observed in the scientific education of Brazilian otorhinolaryngologists. Such deficiency may be mitigated through participation in research.