ABSTRACT Background: The spread of carbapenemase- and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacilli (GNB) represent a global public health threat that limits therapeutic options for hospitalized patients. This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro susceptibility of β-lactam-resistant GNB to ceftazidime-avibactam (C/A) and ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T), and investigate the molecular determinants of resistance. Methods: Overall, 101 clinical isolates of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from a general hospital in Brazil were analyzed. Susceptibility to the antimicrobial agents was evaluated using an automated method, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50/90) of C/A and C/T were determined using Etest®. The β-lactamase-encoding genes were investigated using polymerase chain reaction. Results: High susceptibility to C/A and C/T was observed among ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (100% and 97.3% for CLSI and 83.8% for BRCAST, respectively) and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (92.3% and 87.2%, respectively). Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited high resistance to C/T (80%- CLSI or 100%- BRCAST) but high susceptibility to C/A (93.4%). All carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to C/A, whereas only one isolate was susceptible to C/T. Both antimicrobials were inactive against metallo-β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. Resistance genes were concomitantly identified in 44 (44.9%) isolates, with bla CTX-M and bla SHV being the most common. Conclusions: C/A and C/T were active against microorganisms with β-lactam-resistant phenotypes, except when resistance was mediated by metallo-β-lactamases. Most C/A- and C/T-resistant isolates concomitantly carried two or more β-lactamase-encoding genes (62.5% and 77.4%, respectively).

Abstract Introduction: Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (US-PD) has been proposed as a safe modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with an indication for emergency dialysis initiation. We aimed to compare the characteristics, 30-day complications, and clinical outcomes of US-PD and planned peritoneal dialysis (Plan-PD) patients over the first year of therapy. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study that included incident adult patients followed for up to one year. US-PD was considered when incident patients started therapy within 7 days after Tenckhoff catheter implantation. Plan-PD group consisted of patients who started therapy after the breaking period (15 days). Mechanical and infectious complications were compared 30 days from PD initiation. Hospitalization and technique failure during the first 12 months on PD were assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and the determinants were calculated by Cox regression models. Results: All patients starting PD between October/2016 and November/2019 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analyzed. We evaluated 137 patients (70 in the US-PD x 67 Plan-PD). The main complications in the first 30 days were catheter tip migration (7.5% Plan-PD x 4.3% US-PD - p= 0.49) and leakage (4.5% Plan-PD x 5.7% US-PD - p=0.74). Most catheters were placed using the Seldinger technique. The main cause of dropout was death in US-PD patients (15.7%) and transfer to HD in Plan-PD patients (13.4%). The occurrence of complications in the first 30 days was the only risk factor for dropout (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.5, p = 0.03). Hospitalization rates and technique survival were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The lack of significant differences in patients’ outcomes between groups reinforces that PD is a safe and applicable dialysis method in patients who need immediate dialysis.

Resumo Introdução: A diálise peritoneal de início urgente (US-PD) foi proposta como modalidade segura de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) para pacientes com doença renal em estágio 5 (DRC-5) com indicação de início de diálise de emergência. Buscamos comparar características, complicações em 30 dias e desfechos clínicos de pacientes em US-PD e diálise peritoneal planejada (DP-plan) no primeiro ano de terapia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de centro único, que incluiu pacientes adultos incidentes em DP acompanhados por até um ano. Considerou-se US-PD quando os pacientes iniciaram terapia até 7 dias após implante do cateter Tenckhoff. O grupo DP-plan consistiu de pacientes iniciando terapia após período break-in (15 dias). Compararam-se complicações mecânicas e infecciosas 30 dias após o início da DP. Hospitalização e falha da técnica durante os primeiros 12 meses em terapia foram avaliados por curvas Kaplan-Meier e os seus determinantes foram analisados por modelos de regressão de Cox. Resultados: Analisaram-se todos os pacientes iniciando DP entre Outubro/2016-Novembro/2019 que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Avaliamos 137 pacientes (70 US-PD x 67 DP-plan). As principais complicações nos primeiros 30 dias foram migração da ponta do cateter (7,5% DP-plan x 4,3% US-PD - p= 0,49) e extravasamento (4,5% DP-plan x 5,7% US-PD - p=0,74). A maioria dos cateteres foi implantada pela técnica de Seldinger. A principal causa de saída da terapia foi óbito em pacientes em US-PD (15,7%) e transferência para HD em pacientes em DP-plan (13,4%). A ocorrência de complicações nos primeiros 30 dias foi o único fator de risco para saída da terapia (OR = 2,9; IC 95% 1,1-7,5, p = 0,03). Taxas de hospitalização e sobrevida da técnica foram similares em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: A ausência de diferenças significativas nos desfechos dos pacientes entre os grupos reforça que DP é um método de diálise seguro e aplicável em pacientes que necessitam diálise imediata.

RESUMO Antecedentes: O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) é uma doença multifatorial que apresenta altas taxas de morbimortalidade no Brasil. Vários estudos provaram que existe uma ligação entre o sistema ABO de grupos sanguíneos e a ocorrência de eventos trombóticos. No entanto, sua associação com AVCI não está bem estabelecida. Objetivo: Por essa razão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a relação entre os grupos sanguíneos ABO e a ocorrência de AVCI em uma coorte brasileira de doenças cerebrovasculares. Métodos: Ao longo de 12 meses foram incluídos 529 indivíduos, dos quais 275 apresentaram um episódio de AVCI e 254 compuseram o grupo controle. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para sorotipagem direta e reversa. Os grupos controle e AVCI foram comparados em relação aos fatores de risco tradicionais e à distribuição dos grupos sanguíneos ABO. Resultados: O grupo AVCI apresentou maior prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), diabetes mellitus, tabagismo, história familiar, cardiopatia e estilo de vida sedentário em comparação ao grupo controle. O tipo sanguíneo AB prevaleceu entre os pacientes (5,1 vs. 1,6%; p<0,05) e apresentou mais casos de HAS em comparação ao tipo O (92,9 vs. 67,3%; p<0,05). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a ocorrência de AVCI é mais frequente entre os pacientes do tipo sanguíneo AB.

ABSTRACT Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a multifactorial disease that presents high rates of morbimortality in Brazil. Several studies proved that there is a link between the ABO blood group system and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Nonetheless, its association with IS is not well established. Objective: For that reason, the purpose hereof was to investigate the relation between the ABO blood groups and the occurrence of IS in a Brazilian cohort of cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Five hundred and twenty-nine subjects were included over 12 months, from which 275 presented an IS episode and 254 composed the control group. Blood samples were drawn for direct and reverse serotyping. The control and IS groups were compared regarding the traditional risk factors and the distribution of the ABO blood groups. Results: The IS group presented a higher prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus, smoking habits, family history, cardiopathy, and sedentary lifestyle in comparison with the control group. The AB blood type prevailed among the patients (5.1 vs. 1.6%; p<0.05) and this group had more SAH cases in comparison with the O type group (92.9 vs. 67.3%; p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the occurrence of IS is more frequent among patients of the AB blood type.

RESUMO: A resistência à polimixina mediada por plasmídeo teve sua primeira descrição em 2015, na China, em Escherichia coli portadora do gene mcr-1 (Mobile Colistin Resistance-1) e a partir de então tornou-se um grande desafio para a saúde pública em todo o mundo, constituindo uma grande ameaça à saúde humana e animal. Além disso, ainda existem poucos relatos sobre a prevalência de mcr-1 em Enterobacteriaceae isoladas de humanos, animais e alimentos. Sendo assim, o objetivo do estudo foi investigar a ocorrência do gene mcr-1 em isolados bacterianos com resistência fenotípica à polimixina B, oriundos de materiais clínicos de animais de companhia. A resistência fenotípica à polimixina B foi determinada por microdiluição em caldo e o perfil de sensibilidade aos demais antimicrobianos (amicacina, amoxicilina/clavulanato, ampicilina, ampicilina/sulbactam, aztreonam, cefazolina, cefepime, cefotaxima, cefoxitina, ceftazidima, ceftriaxona, cloranfenicol, ciprofloxacina, doxiciclina, ertapenem, gentamicina, imipinem, marbofloxacino, meropenem, fosfomicina, piperacilina/tazobactam, tetraciclina, ticarcilina/clavulanato, tobramicina sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim) foram determinados pelo método disco difusão. A extração do DNA bacteriano foi realizada via choque térmico, seguido de avaliação espectrofotométrica. Para a verificação da presença do mcr-1 foi utilizada a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase com emprego de iniciadores específicos, seguida de eletroforese em gel de agarose. Os isolados positivos tiveram os correspondentes amplicons sequenciados. Nesse estudo foram identificados os primeiros isolados de Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. e Enterobacter spp. portadores do gene mcr-1 derivados de espécimes de animais de companhia no Brasil. Este estudo sugere a disseminação da resistência às polimixinas na comunidade e no meio ambiente, destacando a necessidade de vigilância e diretrizes otimizadas de tratamento.

ABSTRACT: Plasmid-mediated polymyxin resistance was first described in 2015, in China, in Escherichia coli carrying the mcr-1 (Mobile Colistin Resistance-1) gene. Since then, it has become a major public health challenge worldwide, representing a major threat to human and animal health. In addition, there are still few reports on the prevalence of mcr-1 in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from humans, animals and food. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of the mcr-1 gene in bacterial isolates with phenotypic resistance to polymyxin B obtained from clinical specimens of companion animals. Phenotypic resistance to polymyxin B were determined by broth microdilution and the susceptibility profile to other antimicrobials (amikacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, cefazolin, cefepime, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, ertapenem, gentamicin, imipenem, marbofloxacin, meropenem, phosphomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam, tetracycline, ticarcillin/clavulanate, tobramycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) by disc-diffusion agar method. The extraction of bacterial DNA was performed via heat shock followed by spectrophotometric evaluation. To verify the presence of mcr-1, the Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed using specific primers, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The positive isolates had the corresponding amplicons sequenced. In this study, there were identified the first isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. carrying the mcr-1 gene derived from specimens of companion animals in Brazil. Our results suggest the dissemination of resistance to polymyxins in the community and the environment, highlighting the need for surveillance and optimized treatment guidelines.

RESUMO Introdução: O exame colpocitológico e a investigação do ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA)-papilomavírus humano (HPV) de alto risco são ferramentas bem conhecidas para o rastreamento das lesões cervicais, pois permitem o diagnóstico precoce do câncer e suas lesões precursoras. Objetivo: Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade da detecção do DNA-HPV de alto risco pela captura híbrida em predizer lesões intraepiteliais e câncer em pacientes com diagnóstico colpocitológico inicial de atipia de células escamosas (ASC). Método: Análise retrospectiva de resultados histológicos e colpocitológicos após um ano de seguimento a partir da captura híbrida para pesquisa de DNA-HPV de alto risco em pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de ASC. Sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo e negativo da captura híbrida foram calculados em relação à identificação de lesões intraepiteliais escamosas. Resultados: Entre as 163 pacientes com diagnóstico de ASC prévio e ausência do DNA-HPV de alto risco, nove (5,5%) apresentaram lesões intraepiteliais escamosas de baixo grau (LIEBG) ou alto grau (LIEAG) durante o acompanhamento. Por outro lado, das 110 pacientes com ASC e positividade para o DNA-HPV de alto risco, 43 (39%) apresentaram lesões cervicais em até um ano. Os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade e os valores preditivos positivo e negativo aplicados à captura híbrida para a identificação de lesões intraepiteliais escamosas foram 82,3%, 69,3%, 38,1% e 94,4%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Nossos resultados mostraram alto valor preditivo negativo da captura híbrida para detecção de lesões cervicais em pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de ASC, quando a pesquisa do DNA-HPV de alto risco foi negativa.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The cervical cytological examination and the investigation of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are well-known valuable tools for screening of cervical lesions, since they allow the early diagnosis of cancer and its precursor lesions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of high-risk HPV DNA detection by hybrid capture to predict intraepithelial lesions and cancer in patients with initial cervical cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells (ASC). Method: Retrospective analysis of histological or cervical cytological results after one-year follow-up from hybrid capture for high-risk HPV DNA research in patients with previous ASC diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of hybrid capture were calculated in relation to the identification of squamous intraepithelial lesions. Results: Among the 163 patients previously diagnosed with ASC and absence of high-risk HPV DNA, nine (5.5%) showed low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) during the follow-up. On the other hand, among the 110 patients presenting ASC and high-risk HPV DNA positivity, 43 (39%) showed cervical lesions within one year. Sensitivity and specificity values and positive and negative predictive values applied to hybrid capture for the identification of squamous intraepithelial lesions were 82.3%, 69.3%, 38.1%, and 94.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Our results showed a high negative predictive value of hybrid capture for cervical lesions detection, in patients with previous diagnosis of ASC, when the high-risk HPV DNA research was negative.

RESUMEN Introducción: La colpocitología y la investigación del ácido desoxirribonucleico (ADN) del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) de alto riesgo son herramientas bien conocidas para la detección de lesiones cervicales, puesto que permiten el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer y sus lesiones precursoras. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la capacidad de detección del ADN-VPH de alto riesgo por captura híbrida en predecir lesiones intraepiteliales y cáncer en pacientes con diagnóstico colpocitológico inicial de atipia de células escamosas (ASC). Método: Análisis retrospectivo de resultados histológicos y citológicos después de un año de seguimiento desde la captura híbrida para investigación de ADN-VPH de alto riesgo en pacientes con diagnóstico previo de ASC. Se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos positivo y negativo en relación con la identificación de lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas. Resultados: Entre las 163 pacientes con diagnóstico de ASC previo y ausencia de ADN-VPH de alto riesgo, nueve (5,5%) presentaron lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de bajo grado (LEIBG) o alto grado (LEIAG) durante el seguimiento. Por otra parte, entre las 110 pacientes con ASC y positividad para ADN-VPH de alto riesgo, 43 (39%) presentaron lesiones cervicales en un plazo de un año. Los valores de sensibilidad y especificidad y los valores predictivos positivo y negativo empleados en la captura híbrida para identificar lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales fueron 82,3%, 69,3%, 38,1% y 94,4%, respectivamente. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados demostraron alto valor predictivo negativo de la captura híbrida para detectar lesiones cervicales en pacientes con diagnóstico previo de ASC, cuando la investigación de ADN-VPH de alto riesgo ha sido negativa.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os pacientes com doença crítica crônica e identificar os preditores relacionados à evolução para doença crítica crônica. Métodos: Coleta prospectiva de dados por 1 ano realizada na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital geral localizado na Região Sul do país. Construíram-se três modelos de regressão logística para identificar os fatores associados com doença crítica crônica. Resultados: Dentre os 574 pacientes admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva durante o período do estudo, 200 foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica. Destes, 85 (43,5%) pacientes desenvolveram doença crítica crônica, totalizando 14,8% de todos os pacientes admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva. O modelo de regressão que avaliou os fatores prévios à admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva associados com doença crítica crônica identificou insuficiência renal crônica submetida à diálise (OR 3,57; p = 0,04) e diagnóstico neurológico quando da admissão ao hospital (OR 2,25; p = 0,008) como fatores independentes. No modelo que avaliou a associação de doença crítica crônica com situações ocorridas durante a permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva, destacaram-se fraqueza muscular (OR 2,86; p = 0,01) e úlceras por pressão (OR 9,54; p < 0,001). Na análise multivariada global (fatores prévios e situações ocorridas durante a permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva), destacaram-se admissão ao hospital por doenças neurológicas (OR 2,61; p = 0,03) e desenvolvimento de úlceras por pressão (OR 9,08; p < 0,001). Conclusão: A incidência de doença crítica crônica foi similar à observada em outros estudos e teve associação mais forte com o diagnóstico de doenças neurológicas quando da admissão ao hospital e insuficiência renal crônica submetida à hemodiálise, assim como com complicações desenvolvidas durante a hospitalização, como úlceras por pressão e fraqueza muscular.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize patients with chronic critical illness and identify predictors of development of chronic critical illness. Methods: Prospective data was collected for 1 year in the intensive care unit of a general hospital in Southern Brazil. Three logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with chronic critical illness. Results: Among the 574 subjects admitted to the intensive care unit, 200 were submitted to mechanical ventilation. Of these patients, 85 (43.5%) developed chronic critical illness, composing 14.8% of all the patients admitted to the intensive care unit. The regression model that evaluated the association of chronic critical illness with conditions present prior to intensive care unit admission identified chronic renal failure in patients undergoing hemodialysis (OR 3.57; p = 0.04) and a neurological diagnosis at hospital admission (OR 2.25; p = 0.008) as independent factors. In the model that evaluated the association of chronic critical illness with situations that occurred during intensive care unit stay, muscle weakness (OR 2.86; p = 0.01) and pressure ulcers (OR 9.54; p < 0.001) had the strongest associations. In the global multivariate analysis (that assessed previous factors and situations that occurred in the intensive care unit), hospital admission due to neurological diseases (OR 2.61; p = 0.03) and the development of pressure ulcers (OR 9.08; p < 0.001) had the strongest associations. Conclusion: The incidence of chronic critical illness in this study was similar to that observed in other studies and had a strong association with the diagnosis of neurological diseases at hospital admission and chronic renal failure in patients undergoing hemodialysis, as well as complications developed during hospitalization, such as pressure ulcers and muscle weakness.

Resumo Objetivo O momento da admissão para o parto pode ser considerado inapropriado para oferecer o dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) para mulheres sem aconselhamento contraceptivo pré-natal. Entretanto, em países com elevadas taxas de cesáreas e aconselhamento contraceptivo deficiente, essa estratégia pode reduzir o risco de gestações não programadas e cesáreas repetidas. Métodos Estudo de coorte envolvendo 100 mulheres sem aconselhamento contraceptivo pré-natal. A inserção de DIU pós-dequitação foi oferecida após a admissão para o parto e indicação de cesárea. As taxas de continuidade com o DIU, perfuração uterina e endometrite foram avaliadas após 6 semanas e 6 meses, e a proporção de mulheres que continuaram com o DIU após 6 meses foi analisada em relação ao número de cesáreas prévias. Resultados Noventa e sete mulheres completaram o seguimento. A taxa de permanência do DIU foi de 91% em 6 semanas e 83,5% em 6 meses. A taxa de expulsão/ remoção nas primeiras 6 semanas foi não foi diferente daquela observada entre 6 emanas e 6 meses (9 vs 9,1%, respectivamente). Houve dois casos de endometrite (2,1%), e nenhum caso de perfuração uterina. Entre as 81mulheres que permaneceram como DIU após 6 meses, 31% haviam sido submetidas a apenas uma cesárea, em que o DIU foi inserido, 44% a 2, e 25% a 3 ou mais cesáreas. Conclusão Dois terços das mulheres que continuaram com o DIU após 6 meses haviam sido submetidas a 2 ou mais cesáreas. Considerando que oferecer a tentativa de parto vaginal após duas oumais cesáreas prévias é incomum, é possível que a oferta do DIU na admissão para o parto possa reduzir o risco de cesáreas repetidas e de seus riscos associados.

Abstract Objective Themoment of admission for deliverymay be inappropriate for offering an intrauterine device (IUD) to women without prenatal contraception counseling. However, in countries with high cesarean rates and deficient prenatal contraception counseling, this strategy may reduce unexpected pregnancies and repeated cesarean sections. Methods This was a prospective cohort study involving 100 women without prenatal contraception counseling. Postplacental IUD was offered after admission for delivery and placed during cesarean. The rates of IUD continuation, uterine perforation, and endometritis were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months, and the proportion of women continuing with IUD at 6 months was assessed with respect to the number of previous cesareans. Results Ninety-seven women completed the follow-up. The rate of IUD continuation was 91% at 6 weeks and 83.5% at 6 months. The expulsion/removal rate in the first 6 weeks was not different from that between 6 weeks and 6 months (9 vs 9.1%, respectively). There were 2 cases of endometritis (2.1%), and no case of uterine perforation. Among 81 women continuing with intrauterine device after 6-months, 31% had undergone only the cesarean section in which the IUD was inserted, 44% had undergone 2 and 25% had undergone 3 or more cesarean sections. Conclusion Two thirds of the women who continued with IUD at 6 months had undergone 2 ormore cesarean sections. Since offering trial of labor is unusual after 2 or more previous cesareans, we believe that offering IUD after admission for delivery may reduce the risk of repeated cesarean sections and its inherent risks.

Abstract We report the occurrence in Brazil of the bla NDM-1 gene in Acinetobacter pittii, prior to the previously described first reports regarding the species Providencia rettgeri and Enterobacter hormaechei. Clinical isolates were investigated by polymerase chain reaction followed by bidirectional sequencing, and species was confirmed by 16S rDNA sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight spectrometry. A. pittii carrying bla NDM-1 was confirmed in a patient with no national or international travel history, or transfer from another hospital. The findings warn of the possibility of silent spread of bla NDM-1 to the community.

RESUMO Introdução: A classificação citopatológica tireoidiana com base no Sistema de Bethesda para Relatos de Citopatologia da Tireoide (SBRCT) padronizou os resultados provenientes de punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF). Seu uso tem facilitado a comunicação entre clínicos, parece reduzir o número de tireoidectomias não necessárias e também melhora a qualidade na detecção de malignidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre amostras citopatológicas classificadas de acordo com o SBRCT e seu achado histológico após análise da amostra pós procedimentos cirúrgico. Métodos: Amostras citopatológicas classificadas de acordo com Sistema de Bethesda foram correlacionadas com o achado anatomopatológico respectivo após tireoidectomia. Foram incluídos todos os casos de tireoidectomia com PAAF anterior, na mesma lateralidade do órgão, ocorridos no período de dois anos. Resultados: Os 200 casos de PAAF de tireoide analisados foram distribuídos em 25 casos não diagnósticos ou insatisfatórios (I; 12,5%), 45 casos benignos (II; 22,5%), 48 atipias ou lesões foliculares de significado indeterminado [(AUS/FLUS), III, 24%], 23 casos suspeitos para neoplasia folicular ou neoplasias foliculares [(SFN/FN), IV; 11,5%), 40 casos suspeitos para malignidade (V; 20%) e 19 casos malignos (VI; 9,5%). As taxas de malignidade observadas para as categorias I a VI foram 12%, 13,3%, 29,2%, 43,5%, 85% e 100%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A prevalência da categoria II de Bethesda foi menor do que a recomendada pelo SBRCT (60%-70%), bem como a categoria III, a qual foi maior do que a recomendada (7%), porém os índices correspondentes de malignidade encontraram-se dentro das variações esperadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The thyroid cytopathologic classification based on The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) standardized results derived from fine-needle aspiration (FNA). It has facilitated communication among clinicians, seems to reduce the number of unnecessary thyroidectomies and also improves the quality of malignancy detection. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between cytopathological samples classified according to TBSRTC and their histological finding after specimen examination following surgical procedure. Methods: Cytopathological samples classified according to TBSRTC were correlated with the respective anatomopathological finding after thyroidectomy. There were retrospectively included all cases of thyroidectomy with previous FNA in the same lateral position of the organ that occurred within two years. Results: The 200 cases of thyroid FNA analyzed were distributed in 25 nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory cases (I; 12.5%), 45 benign cases (II; 22.5%), 48 atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance [(AUS/FLUS), III; 24%], 23 suspected cases for follicular neoplasia or follicular neoplasias [(SFN/FN), IV; 11.5%], 40 cases suspected for malignancy (V; 20%), and 19 malignant cases (VI; 9.5%). The malignancy rates observed for categories I to VI were 12%, 13.3%, 29.2%, 43.5%, 85%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Bethesda II category was lower than predicted by TBSRTC (60%-70%), as well as Bethesda III was higher than recommended (7%). Nevertheless, the corresponding malignancy rates were within the expected ranges.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de contribuir para estudos que utilizam informações clínicas e genômicas de biobancos, apresentamos os resultados iniciais do primeiro Biobanco Latinoamericano em Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de pacientes recrutados pelo Registro de AVC de Joinville e posteriormente de quatro cidades brasileiras. Foram registrados dados socioeconômicos demográficos, fatores de risco cardiovasculares, Causative Classification System (CCS), Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, National Institutes of Health, estado funcional (Rankin modificado) e imagens cerebrais. Adicionalmente, foram recrutados controles das regiões geográficas correspondentes. Obteve-se DNA genômico de todos participantes. Resultados: Foram incluídos 2688 pacientes e 3282 controles. Entre os pacientes, 76% tiveram AVC isquêmico, 12% ataques isquêmicos transitórios, 9% AVC hemorrágico e 3% hemorragia subaracnóidea. Os casos indeterminados foram os mais frequentes e classificados de acordo com TOAST (40%) e CCS (47%). Um quarto dos pacientes tinham menos de 55 anos no primeiro evento. Conclusões: Estabelecemos o Joinville Stroke Biobank, e discutimos aqui seu potencial na compreensão dos fatores de risco do AVC.

ABSTRACT Aiming to contribute to studies that use detailed clinical and genomic information of biobanks, we present the initial results of the first Latin American Stroke Biobank. Methods: Blood samples were collected from patients included in the Joinville Stroke Registry and four Brazilian cities. Demographic socio-economic data, cardiovascular risk factors, Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke, Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment and National Institutes of Health scores, functional stroke status (modified Rankin) and brain images were recorded. Additionally, controls from both geographic regions were recruited. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was obtained from all participants. Results: A total of 2,688 patients and 3,282 controls were included. Among the patients, 76% had ischemic stroke, 12% transient ischemic attacks, 9% hemorrhagic stroke and 3% subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients with undetermined ischemic stroke were most common according the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (40%) and Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke (47%) criteria. A quarter of the patients were under 55 years of age at the first-ever episode. Conclusions: We established the Joinville Stroke Biobank and discuss its potential for contributing to the understanding of the risk factors leading to stroke.

ABSTRACT The BK virus (BKV) produces a subclinical kidney infection in immunocompetent individuals. However, viremia may occur in kidney transplant patients with ongoing immunosuppression. BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN) has no specific treatment and is a leading cause of organ transplant loss. In this study, we evaluated the predisposition and the clinical impact of BKV replication in kidney transplant patients during post-transplant monitoring in a reference institution in Brazil. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data generated during routine outpatient follow-up were retrospectively collected. BK viremia was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of the 553 participants, 7.4% (n = 41) presented BKV replication. Of these, 16 (39%) lost their kidney graft and interstitial nephritis was identified on kidney biopsy in 50% of the cases. Among the evaluated variables, only the use of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate sodium was identified as a risk factor for viremia (OR 7.96; 95% CI 2.35 to 26.98). The graft survival estimate in BKV-positive patients was significantly reduced (24.8% vs. 85.6%) after 10 years of transplantation. We concluded that defining predisposing factors remains an important challenge for the prevention and control of BKV activity following kidney transplantation, especially considering the development of BKVN and its strong effect on graft maintenance.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Members of the Acinetobacter genus are key pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections, and they tend to spread and develop new antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Oxacillinases are primarily responsible for resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. Higher rates of carbapenem hydrolysis might be ascribed to insertion sequences, such as the ISAba1 sequence, near bla OXA genes. The present study examined the occurrence of the genetic elements bla OXA and ISAba1 and their relationship with susceptibility to carbapenems in clinical isolates of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex. METHODS: Isolates identified over 6 consecutive years in a general hospital in Joinville, Southern Brazil, were evaluated. The investigation of 5 families of genes encoding oxacillinases and the ISAba1 sequence location relative to bla OXA genes was conducted using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All isolates presented the bla OXA-51-like gene (n = 78), and 91% tested positive for the bla OXA-23-like gene (n = 71). The presence of ISAba1 was exclusively detected in isolates carrying the bla OXA-23-like gene. All isolates in which ISAba1 was found upstream of the bla OXA-23-like gene (n = 69) showed resistance to carbapenems, whereas the only isolate in which ISAba1 was not located near the bla OXA-23-like gene was susceptible to carbapenems. The ISAba1 sequence position of another bla OXA-23-like-positive isolate was inconclusive. The isolates exclusively carrying the bla OXA-51-like gene (n = 7) showed susceptibility to carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the ISAba1 sequence upstream of the bla OXA-23-like gene was strongly associated with carbapenem resistance in isolates of the A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex in the hospital center studied.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Carbapenems are the therapy of choice for treating severe infections caused by the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex. We aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of producers of distinct oxacillinases among nosocomial isolates of the A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex in a 249-bed general hospital located in Joinville, Southern Brazil. METHODS: Of the 139 A. baumannii clinical isolates with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems between 2010 and 2013, 118 isolates from varying anatomical sites and hospital sectors were selected for genotypic analysis. Five families of genes encoding oxacillinases, namely blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-51-like, blaOXA-58-like, and blaOXA-143-like, wereinvestigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Most (87.3%) isolates simultaneously carried the blaOXA-23-likeand blaOXA-51-likegenes, whereas three (2.5%) isolates harbored only blaOXA-51-likeones. The circulation of carbapenem-resistant isolates increased during the study period: from none in 2010, to 22 in 2011, 64 in 2012, and 53 in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Isolates carrying the blaOXA-23-likeand blaOXA-51-likegenes were widely distributed in the hospital investigated. Because of the worsening scenario, the implementation of preventive measures and effective barriers is needed.

Resumo O uso de placebo em pesquisa clínica tem sido motivo de debate nos últimos anos, sobretudo após a Associação Médica Mundial publicar, em 2002, nota de esclarecimento do parágrafo 29 da Declaração de Helsinki. O Brasil tem se destacado por sua posição firme e contrária ao uso flexível de placebo. Tanto o Conselho Federal de Medicina quanto o Conselho Nacional de Saúde editaram resoluções que normatizam seu uso no Brasil, de forma a não admiti-lo em caso da existência de um método terapêutico melhor. O presente artigo reforça essa posição e tem por objetivo descrever as diversas aplicações de placebo em pesquisa clínica, bem como trazer à luz a complexa decisão sobre a eticidade de seu uso. Além disso, os autores propõem uma reflexão acerca da utilização de placebo no âmbito da pesquisa, por meio de algoritmos decisórios baseados nas normativas éticas brasileiras.

Abstract The use of placebos in clinical research has been a matter of considerable debate in recent years, notably when the World Medical Association published, in 2002, a note of clarification for paragraph 29 of the Helsinki Declaration. Brazil is known for its strong opposition to the flexible use of placebos. Both the Federal Council of Medicine and the National Health Council have published resolutions regulating the use of placebos in Brazil, preventing their use if there is a more effective therapeutic method already in place. The present study reinforces that position and aims to describe the various uses of placebos in clinical research, as well as examining the complex decisions relating to the ethics of their use. Additionally, the authors propose a reflection on the use of placebos through decision-making algorithms based on Brazilian ethical standards.

Resumen El uso del placebo en la investigación clínica ha sido un tema de debate en los últimos años, sobre todo después de que la Asociación Médica Mundial publicara, en 2002, una nota aclaratoria del párrafo 29 de la Declaración de Helsinki. Brasil se ha destacado por su firme posición en contra de la utilización flexible del placebo. Tanto el Consejo Federal de Medicina como el Consejo Nacional de Salud editaron resoluciones que regulan el uso del placebo en Brasil, no admitiéndose su uso cuando existe un mejor método terapéutico. El presente artículo refuerza esa posición y tiene como objetivo describir diferentes usos del placebo en la investigación clínica, así como contribuir en la discusión sobre la ética de su uso. Además, los autores proponen una reflexión sobre el uso del placebo en la investigación a través de algoritmos para la toma de decisiones, los cuales se basan en las normativas éticas de Brasil.