Recurrent meningeal malignant tumor: Assessment of differences in the solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma spectrum through a case report

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are neoplasms that grow from mesenchymal fusiform cells. In the central nervous system, meninges are the common origin of these neoplasms. Although literature reports mostly SFT as benign neoplasm, malignancy data have been described in recurrences or metastatic lesions. Definitive diagnosis includes immunohistochemical profiles assessing cellular positivity for CD34, vimentin, CD99 and Bcl-2. Recent studies have demonstrated NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion as a distinct molecular feature of SFT with overexpression of the fusion protein NAB2-STAT6 in nuclei of these cells. Since several years, pathologists have grouped SFT and hemangiopericytomas (HPC) as different phenotypes of the same entity although both neoplasms do not share numerous features. This article, based on a case of a recurrent malignant SFT, aims to emphasize differences in the SFT/HPC spectrum due to the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications.     

Viability and characterization trial of a novel method as an alternative to formaldehyde and Walter-Thiel cadaveric preservation for medical education and surgical simulation

IntroductionDespite its toxic and carcinogenic nature, formaldehyde is a widely used reactant for specimen preservation. With the need of specimens for both anatomical and surgical training, alternative preservation solutions (PS) have been proposed, however, their use is limited due to high costs and complexity. Hence, a new formaldehyde-free solution (FFS) is evaluated as a potential alternative for anatomical and surgical training.MethodsQualitative and Quantitative data were acquired. Specimens preserved using three different methods were selected. Flexibility was measured by joints goniometry and pneumoperitoneum pressures were evaluated followed by an exploratory laparoscopy. Undergraduate student's perceptions on cadavers preserved with different PS were obtained using surveys and focus groups.ResultsThe main reason why cadaveric specimens were considered as useful tools was the perceived interaction with real tissues and the ‘practical’ concept of getting in touch with what students would be facing in the future as physicians, what we call “hands on” activities. FFS treated specimens showed better joint-movement ranges in comparison to other methods and pneumoperitoneum was acquired after 5 mmHg CO₂ pressure. Students appreciated working with corpses regardless the technique used, however FFS specimens were defined as less uncomfortable, while presenting no sensory discomfort.ConclusionsEven though alternative PS are effective, high costs and complexity restrict their usage. Cadavers preserved with FFS had similar range of movements compared with Thiel. Students preferred to work with FFS rather than FF due to flexibility, color, and no sensorial hassles. Thus, we propose FFS as viable alternative to traditional PS.     

The efficacy and safety of ciclesonide for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionAllergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects 1 out of 6 individuals. Perennial allergic rhinitis accounts for 40% of AR cases. Ciclesonide is one of the relatively new intranasal steroid for allergic rhinitis.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.MethodsWe searched Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase, Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find out the randomized controlled Trial comparing ciclesonide with placebo for PAR.ResultsEight studies were included. In comparison with placebo groups, ciclesonide groups significantly decreased Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = ?0.56; 95% CI ?0.72 to 0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.19, I² = 24%), Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = ?0.57; 95% CI ?0.75 to ?0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.34, I² = 11%). A significant effect for Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (MD = ?0.15; 95% CI ?0.18 to ?0.13, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.12, I² = 24%) was also demonstrated. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score (RQLQs) (MD = ?0.27; 95% CI ?0.39 to ?0.15, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.58, I² = 0%) in the treatment of ciclesonide was also significantly reduced. In addition, the difference in Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events between the two groups was not significant.ConclusionCiclesonide can improve perennial allergic rhinitis without increasing adverse events. Ciclesonide may be another valuable choice for perennial allergic rhinitis in the future.     

Sleep disorders in children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis is associated with several complications, including sleep disorders. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire has been recently translated and validated in Portuguese for the evaluation of sleep disorders in children.

Dermatitis alérgica de contacto a parafenilendiamina por tatuajes con henna en población pediátrica

Introduction

Henna tattoos are a very common practice in the adolescent population. Henna is very often admixed with para-phenylenediamine (PPDA) to improve the appearance of the tattoo. PPDA is a potent allergen, and is a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Epidemiology of ocular allergy and co-morbidities in adolescents

ObjectiveThe prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) has not been established. Estimates suggest that ocular allergies affect 15% to 20% of the worldwide population, yet most epidemiological studies encompass nasal and ocular allergy symptoms and have not been specific to AC. The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of ocular allergy symptoms, co-morbidities, and their impact on adolescents.MethodsAdolescents were selected from a sample of schools, and completed in classrooms a previously validated questionnaire on symptoms of AC. AC diagnosis was considered when more than three episodes of ocular itching were reported in the past 12 months. Related symptoms such as tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation, impact on daily activities, and diagnosis of AC were analyzed.ResultsQuestionnaires were obtained from 3,120 adolescents (mean age 13.3 ± 1.1 years). Ocular itching in the past 12 months occurred in 1,592 (51%). The most frequently associated symptom was tearing (74%), followed by photophobia (50.1%) and foreign body sensation (37.1%). The prevalence of AC was 20.7%, affecting more females than males (56.1% versus 45.9%; p = 0.01). The risks of an adolescent with ocular allergy to present asthma, rhinitis, and atopic eczema were (OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 4.5 to 7.1), (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 3.0 to 4.3), and (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.0 to 3.5), respectively. Severe interference in daily activities was reported by 30.5%.ConclusionsSymptoms of ocular allergy are common, frequently associated to other allergic diseases, and impact the daily activities of adolescents.     

Clinical efficacy of sildenafil in patients with pulmonary hypertension in functional class II or III

Objective

To assess the efficacy of treatment with sildenafil monotherapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Patients and methods

An observational study was undertaken in 11 patients with pulmonary hypertension in functional class II or III who received treatment with sildenafil (150 mg/day). Seven of the patients had inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and 4 had pulmonary arterial hypertension. To assess treatment response, the following parameters were assessed during follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months: exercise tolerance in the 6-minute walk test, change in functional class, and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure measured by echocardiography.

Results

We observed a significant improvement in exercise tolerance, as shown by increased 6-minute walk distance after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (increases of 20, 67, and 95 m, respectively). All patients showed an improvement in functional class. The results of echocardiography did not reveal statistically significant differences in systolic pulmonary arterial pressure between baseline and 6 or 12 months of treatment. No significant adverse effects were observed, although sildenafil treatment was suspended in 1 patient due to persistent headache.

Conclusions

the results of this study confirm that sildenafil is an effective drug for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension and inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension both in the short term and medium to long term, and that the drug is well tolerated and shows few side effects.     

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad crónica por estorninos. Exposición antigénica no masiva pero persistente

A 51-year old woman developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) after inhaling the excrement of starlings that populated a park adjacent to her home.     

Infección de la localización quirúrgica. Profilaxis antimicrobiana en cirugía

Surgical site infections (SSI) are very common, and represent more than 20% of all hospital-acquired infections. SSIs are associated with a higher mortality, as well as to an extended hospital stay and costs, depending on the surgical procedure and type of SSI. Advances in control practices for these infections include improvement in operating room ventilation, sterilization methods, barriers, and surgical techniques, as well as in surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. For the latter, the antimicrobial agent should: be active against the most common pathogens, be administered in an appropriate dosage and in a time frame to ensure serum and tissue concentrations over the period of potential contamination, be safe, and be administered over the shortest effective time period to minimize adverse events, development of resistances, and cost.