ABSTRACT Objective: The risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules (TN) with diameters ≥ 3-4 cm remains controversial. However, some groups have indicated surgical treatment in these patients regardless of the FNAB results. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the FNAB in systematically resected ≥4 cm TN and if the risk of malignancy is higher in these patients. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients (142 nodules) with TN with diameters ≥4 cm who underwent thyroidectomy. Results: The FNAB results were nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory (ND/UNS) in 2.1% of the cases and benign in 51.4%. They indicated atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in 23.9% of cases, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) in 9.2%, suspicion of malignancy (SUS) in 8.5%, and malignant in 4.9%. The histopathological analysis after thyroidectomy revealed a thyroid cancer rate of 100% in the FNABs classified as malignant, 33.3% in SUS cases, 7.7% in FN/SFN, 17.6% in AUS/FLUS, and 4.1% in benign FNABs. None of the ND/UNS FNABs were malignant. The global malignancy diagnosis was 14.8% (n = 21). However, the rate of false negatives for FNAB was low (4.1%). Conclusion: We showed that the risk of malignancy in nodules with diameters ≥4 cm was higher compared to the risk of thyroid cancer in TN in general. However, we found a low rate of false-negative cytological results; therefore, our data do not justify the orientation of routine resection for these larger nodules.

RESUMO A recente pandemia global trouxe mudanças, adaptações, desdobramentos de estratégias, novos conflitos e revisões do "que existe" para a sociedade argentina como um todo. Porém, é possível notar que, dependendo do setor social, atividades econômicas, tipo de rabalho, áreas do país, etc. grandes diferenças podem ser detectadas em termos dos problemas gerados e das ações consequentes que foram tomadas a este respeito. O artigo centra-se no campo específico da Economia Social e Solidária. Em particular, apresenta -com base nos resultados obtidos num inquérito efectuado entre os meses de Maio e Agosto aosseus representantes e membros de entidades- a situação que o sector vivia antes da chegada da pandemia, os problemas que surgiram como resultado das medidas impostas pelo Isolamento Social Preventivo Obrigatório (sigla em español:ASPO) de acordó com os diferentes áreas do setor, os reajustes e estratégias implantadas, suas visões e propostas futuras relacionadas ao papel do Estado. A pesquisa realizada, assim como este artigo, visa abordar as percepções e ações realizadas pelo setor em um contexto atravessado por grandes incertezas, com altas demandas econômicas e sociais e com múltiplas complexidades.

ABSTRACT The recent global pandemic brought changes, adaptations, deployment of strategies, new conflicts, and revisions of "what is in existence" for Argentine society. However, it is possible to notice that, depending on the social sector, economic activities, type of work, areas of the country, etc. wide differences can be detected in terms of the problems generated and the consequent actions that were taken in this regard. The article focuses on the field of Social and Solidarity-based Economy. The article -based on the results obtained in a survey carried out between the months of May and August to the members of the social economy entities and its representatives- focuses on the situation that this sector was going through prior to the arrival of the pandemic, the problems brought by the measures imposed by Mandatory Preventive Social Isolation (Spanish acronym: ASPO) in different areas of the sector, the strategies deployed, their future views and proposals related to the role of the State. This survey, as well as this article, aims to get a sense of the perceptions and actions the perceptions and actions carried out by the sector in a context affected by great uncertainties, high economic and social demands, and multiple complexities.

RESUMEN La reciente pandemia mundial trajo aparejada cambios, adaptaciones, despliegue de estrategias, nuevas conflictividades y revisiones de “lo existente” para la sociedad argentina en su conjunto. Sin embargo, es posible advertir que, dependiendo del sector social, las actividades económicas, el tipo de trabajo, las zonas del país, etc. se pueden detectar amplias diferencias en cuanto a las problemáticas generadas y las consecuentes acciones que se tomaron al respecto. El artículo centra la mirada en el campo específico de la Economía Social y Solidaria. Particularmente, presenta -a partir de los resultados obtenidos en un relevamiento realizado entre los meses de mayo y agosto a representantes y a miembros de entidades-la situación que atravesaba el sector previo a la llegada de la pandemia, las problemáticas surgidas a partir delas medidas impuestas por el ASPO según los diferentes rubros del sector, las readaptaciones y estrategias desplegadas, sus miradas a futuro y propuestas vinculadas al rol estatal. El relevamiento realizado, como también este artículo, pretende acercarse a las percepciones y acciones realizadas por el sector en un contexto atravesado por grandes incertidumbres, con altas demanda económicas y sociales y con múltiples complejidades.

Resumo Na América Latina, a pobreza energética é uma noção emergente para analisar um problema histórico, elaborado a partir de abordagens teóricas muito distantes das condições sociais, econômicas e culturais da região. Este artigo integra várias abordagens teórico-metodológicas para ajudar a explicar de forma abrangente e abrangente as causas e consequências deste fenômeno e definir seu alcance em diferentes cenários. O artigo revisa as abordagens conceituais da pobreza energética desenvolvidas na Europa e na América Latina e suas principais dimensões de análise. Estes permitem avaliar a qualidade da informação disponível na Argentina para estimar a extensão da pobreza energética e definir suas causas. Para completar este estudo, entretanto, é necessário integrar métodos de pesquisa que investiguem não apenas os níveis, formas e meios de consumo doméstico de energia, mas também as estratégias que eles desenvolvem para aliviar a pobreza energética.

Abstract In Latin America countries, energy poverty is an emerging notion to analyze a historical problem, elaborated on theoretical approaches far removed from the social, economic and cultural conditions of the region. This article proposes integrating theoretical-methodological approaches to achieve a more comprehensive and integral understanding of the causes and consequences of this phenomenon and to define its scope in different settings. The article reviews the conceptual approaches to energy poverty developed in Europe and Latin America and their main dimensions of analysis. These allow evaluating the quality of the information available in Argentina to estimate the extent of energy poverty and define its causes. To complete this study, however, it is necessary to integrate research methods that investigate not only the levels, forms and means of household energy consumption, but also the strategies they develop to alleviate energy poverty.

Resumen En América Latina la pobreza energética es una noción emergente para analizar un problema histórico, elaborada sobre enfoques teóricos alejados de las condiciones sociales, económicas y culturales de la región. Este artículo integra diversos enfoques teóricos-metodológicos para contribuir a explicar de manera integral y amplia las causas y consecuencias de este fenómeno y delimitar su alcance en distintos entornos. El artículo revisa los enfoques conceptuales en torno a la pobreza energética desarrollados en Europa y en América Latina y sus principales dimensiones de análisis. Estas permiten evaluar la calidad de la información disponible en Argentina para estimar el alcance de la pobreza energética y definir sus causas. Para completar este estudio, sin embargo, es necesario integrar métodos de investigación que indaguen no solo en los niveles, formas y medios de consumo de energía de los hogares, sino también en las estrategias que desarrollan para paliar la pobreza energética.

ABSTRACT In recent years the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D, a steroid hormone, have been extensively studied. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the question arose as to 25(OH)D status would be related to susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, since several studies pointed out a higher prevalence and severity of the disease in populations with low levels of 25(OH)D. Thus, we investigated the 25(OH)D levels in adults “Detected” positive for SARS CoV-2 by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) test, and in negative controls, “not Detected”, using the Fleury Group's examination database, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Of a total of 14.692 people with recent assessments of 25(OH)D and RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, 2.345 were positive and 11.585 were negative for the infection. The groups did not differ in the percentage of men and women, or in the age distribution. There were no differences in the distribution of 25(OH)D between the two groups (p = 0.08); mean 25(OH)D of 28.8 ± 21.4 ng/mL and 29.6 ± 18.1 ng/mL, respectively. In the specific population studied, clinical, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors should have greater relevance than 25(OH)D in determining the susceptibility to COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objective: Choosing Wisely (CW) is an initiative that aims to advance the dialogue between physicians and patients about low-value health interventions. Given that thyroid conditions are frequent in clinical practice, we aimed to develop an evidence-based list of thyroid CW recommendations. Materials and methods: The Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) named a Task Force to conduct the initiative. The Task Force work was based on an electronic Delphi approach. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted for voting by all SBEM associates. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by SBEM associates are presented herein. Results: The Task Force was composed of 14 thyroidologists from 10 tertiary-care, teaching-based Brazilian institutions. The brainstorming/ideation phase resulted in 69 recommendations. After the removal of duplicates and recommendations that did not adhere to the initiative's scope, 35 remained. Then the Task Force voted to attribute a grade (0 [lowest agreement] to 10 [highest agreement]) for each recommendation. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted to all SBEM associates. A total of 683 associates voted electronically, attributing a grade (0 to 10) for each recommendation. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by the SBEM associates compose our final list. Conclusion: A set of recommendations to avoid unnecessary medical tests, treatments, or procedures for thyroid conditions are offered with a transparent methodology. This initiative aims to foster productive interactions between physicians and patients, stimulating shared decision-making.

Abstract This article contributes to the understanding of the Composite Cognitive Maps (MCC, in Spanish) as a criminometric tool comparing the data available of administrative complaints and police testimonies in Ecuador. The CCMs were applied in the police sub-circuit of Playa el Murciélago of the Manta canton as an example of a small conflict territory within Ecuador according to the data by prosecutorial reports and police reports of the DAID (Department of Crime Analysis and Information, attached to the National Police of Ecuador). We showed the CCM is a convenient tool for measuring crime. We discussed the benefits it brings to the local police and society in general. We could also recognize hidden crimes to police, some black figures and, in general, spatial dynamics of crime in a more detailed and comprehensive manner. The instrument had a clear positive impact on the reduction and perception of crime, measurable by administrative reports and police reports, before and after the implementation of the policies associated with it.

Resumen Se pondera el uso de Mapas Cognitivos Compuestos (MCC) como herramienta criminométrica en comparación con lasdenuncias administrativas y reportes policiale. Se aplicaron los MCC en el sub-circuito policial de la Playa el Murciélago del cantón Manta como ejemplo de un pequeño territorio según los datos por denuncias y reportes policiales del DAID (Departamento de Análisis e Información del Delito, adscrita a la Policía Nacional del Ecuador). Se demostró la pertinencia del instrumento como herramienta de medición del delito, y se discuten los beneficios que aporta a la policía de proximidad y a la sociedad en general. Se encontró que, a través de esta herramienta, se reconocen tipos de delitos ocultos a la estadística policial y prosecutorial, dinámicas espaciales del delito, como, problemas de defensibilidad así como coincidencias en la detección de situaciones y oportunidades delictivas que confirman, mejoran y sobre todo, trascienden el relato policial. Las políticas aplicadas desde el instrumento tuvieron un claro impacto positivo en la reducción y/o percepción del delito para el territorio, medible por denuncias administrativas y reportes policiales antes y después de la implementación de las políticas asociables al instrumento.

Resumen En este artículo se propone caracterizar a un subgrupo de los habitantes de la calle que vive en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). Hacemos referencia a una población inscripta en un circuito habitacional que articula la residencia en una habitación de alquiler en un hotel-pensión con el habitar en el espacio público. Este grupo posee ciertas particularidades frente al "tradicional" habitante de la calle, que es quien desarrolla su vida cotidiana principalmente en el ámbito de la calle, situación también existente de manera habitual y creciente. Interesa detenerse en la experiencia del habitar la calle, desde una mirada amplia que contemple a quienes de manera "discontinua" también habitan en ella. Esta población, denominada habitantes de la calle intermitentes, se produce y reproduce a partir de la forma que asume la política pública dirigida a estos sectores. Hacemos referencia a un programa que se basa en la entrega de "subsidios habitaciona-les" para alquilar una habitación en un hotel-pensión. Este programa resulta ser una de las principales políticas que posee la ciudad para mitigar la problemática habitacional. Desde la política se concibe que el acceder a este subsidio resulta una respuesta o "solución" a la emergencia que suscita encontrarse habitando en la calle. Sin embargo, como se intentará plasmar en este trabajo, este tipo de intervenciones no solo no llevan a una solución definitiva, sino que, por el contrario, colaboran en la reproducción de la problemática social y habitacional en la cual los/as beneficiarios/as del programa se encuentran. Los resultados presentes en este artículo están fundamentados en los hallazgos, basados en fuentes primarias, de las tesis doctorales de las autoras. Una de ellas, analizó la experiencia de vida de los habitantes de la calle y la otra trabajó la problemática de los habitantes de los hoteles-pensión. A partir de la búsqueda de puntos de contacto y de diferenciación entre ambas investigaciones se originó el presente artículo. Descriptores: Argentina, necesidad de vivienda, persona sin hogar, pobreza, persona sin hogar, sociología urbana.

Abstract This article aims to characterize a sub-group of street inhabitants living in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA). We refer to a population that is part of a housing "circuit" that articulates residence in a rented room in a hotel-pension with living in public space. This group presents particularities towards the "traditional" street inhabitant who mainly develops his daily life in the streets, a situation also existing in a habitual and increasing way. It is interesting to analyze the experience of living in the street, from a wide perspective that contemplates those who live in a "discontinuous" way. This population called intermittent street inhabitants, is produced and reproduced from the way that the public policies aimed at these sectors. We refer to a program based on the delivery of "housing subsidies" to rent a room in a hotel-pension. This program turns out to be one of the main policies that the city has to mitigate the housing problem. From the policy, it is conceived that the access to this aid is an answer or "solution" to the emergency that causes to be living in the street. However, as we will try to show in this work, this type of intervention not only does not lead to a definitive solution but also deepens the reproduction of the social and housing problems that involve the beneficiaries of the program. The results presented in this article based on the results, on primary sources from the authors' doctoral Thesis. One of them analyzed the life experience of street inhabitants and the other worked on the problematic of the inhabitants of hotel-pension. The present article based on the search for points of contact and differentiation between both investigations. Descriptors: Argentina, homeless, housing needs, poverty, social programmes, urban sociology.

Resumo Neste artigo pretende-se caracterizar um subgrupo de moradores de rua que vivem na Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). Referimo-nos a uma população registrada em um circuito habitacional que articula a residência em um quarto alugado em um hotel--pensão com a moradia em espaço público. Esse grupo tem certas particularidades em relação ao habitante "tradicional" da rua, que é quem desenvolve sua vida cotidiana principalmente no âmbito da rua, situação que também existe de forma habitual e crescente. E interessante analisar a experiência de habitar a rua, a partir de uma perspectiva ampla que contempla quem de uma forma "descontínua" também a habita. Essa população denominada como moradores de rua intermitentes, é produzida e reproduzida a partir da forma que assume a política pública direcionada para esses setores. Referencia-se a um programa que tem como base a entrega de "subsídios habitacionais" para alugar um quarto em um hotel-pensão. Esse programa acaba sendo uma das principais políticas que a cidade tem para mitigar o problema habitacional. A partir da política é concebido que o acesso a este subsídio é uma resposta ou "solução" para a emergência causada pelo fato de morar na rua. Entretanto, como tentaremos mostrar neste trabalho, esse tipo de intervenção não leva a uma solução definitiva, pelo contrário, colabora na reprodução dos problemas sociais e habitacionais em que se encontram os beneficiários do programa. Os resultados apresentados neste artigo são fundamentados nos achados, com base em fontes primárias das teses de doutorado das autoras. Um deles analisou a experiência de vida dos moradores de rua e o outro trabalhou sobre os problemas dos moradores de hotel-pensão. O presente artigo é elaborado a partir da busca por pontos de contato e diferenciação entre ambas as investigações. Descritores: Argentina, necessidade de moradia, pessoa sem abrigo, programas sociais, sociologia urbana.

Resumen La hidrólisis del bagazo de naranja fue realizada por medio de un proceso enzimático con celulasas y un processo químico con ácido diluido. Las cantidades de humedad, cenizas, lignina, celulosa y hemicelulosa fueron cuantificadas. La actividad de las enzimas fue determinada a temperatura y pH optimo. La biomasa fue pretratada con hidróxido de cálcio. Los experimentos de hidrólisis fueron realizados utilizando un diseño fatorial 2³ del tipo compuesto central. La actividad de la celulasa fue de 28,05∙10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, con un pH optimo de 4,8 y una temperatura de 60°C. Asimismo los resultados para la actividad de xilanasas obtenidos fueron de 199,58∙10-3 U/ Kg, a pH 5,2, y temperatura 50°C. Los valores de azúcares reductores totales ART de la hidrólisis ácida variaron de (9,328 ± 0,68)*103 Kg ART /Kg de biomasa a (30,15±0,31)∙10-3 Kg ART/ Kg de biomasa, presentando como factor mas significativo la temperatura y como menos significativo, el tiempo. Para el caso de la hidrólisis enzimática los valores de ART variaron de (77,33±3,82)∙10-3 Kg ART/ Kg de biomasa a (99,66±0,62)∙10-3 kg ART / Kg de biomasa, siendo el fator más significativo la concentración de celulasa y el menos significativo la concentración de xilanasa.

Abstract Enzymatic and dilute acid processes were applied to study the orange bagasse hydrolysis. The moisture, ashes, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, of the orange peels, were quantified. The xylanase and cellulase enzymes activities were quantified, as well as their optimum pH and temperatures. The pre dried orange peel biomass was pre-treated with calcium hydroxide, at preestablished conditions. The hydrolysis followed a central composite factorial 2³ design. The cellulase activity was 28.05x10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, the optimum pH was 4.8 and the temperature was 60°C. The results for xylanase were an activity of 199.58x10-3 U/Kg, pH 5.2, and temperature 50°C. The acid hydrolysis TRS (total reducing sugars) values varied from (9.328±0.68 mg)*10-3 TRS per Kg of biomass to (30.15±0.31)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the temperature and the least the time. The enzymatic hydrolysis TRS values varied from (77.33±3.82)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass to (99.66±0.62)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the concentration of cellulase and the least the xylanase concentration.

Resumo A hidrólise do bagaço de laranja foi estudada por processos enzimáticos e ácido diluído. Os teores de umidade, cinzas, lignina, celulose e hemicelulose foram quantificados. A atividade das enzimas foi quantificada, bem como a temperatura e o pH ótimos. A biomassa foi pré-tratada com hidróxido de cálcio. As hidrólises seguiram um planejamento fatorial 2³ do tipo composto central. A atividade da celulase foi 28,05∙10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, o pH ótimo foi 4,8 e a temperatura foi 60°C. Os resultados da xilanase foram atividade de 199,58∙10-3 U/Kg, pH 5,2, e temperatura 50°C. Os valores de açucares redutores totais (ART) da hidrólise ácida variaram de (9,328 ± 0,68)∙10-3 Kg ART por Kg de biomassa a (30,15±0,31)∙10-3 Kg ART por Kg biomassa, o fator mais significativo foi a temperatura e o menos significativo, o tempo. Os valores de ART da hidrólise enzimática variaram de (77,33±3,82)∙10-3 Kg ART por Kg biomassa a (99,66±0,62)∙10-3 kg ART por Kg biomassa, o fator mais significativo foi a concentração de celulase e o menos significativo a concentração de xilanase.

RESUMEN Este artículo pretende adentrarse en algunas de las posibles consecuencias que trae aparejada la implementación de políticas de tipo neoliberal en el espacio público, específicamente, en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. El artículo se centra en la caracterización de la noción de 'ciudad neoliberal', para posteriormente adentrarse en las formas que asume la espacialidad neoliberal en dicha ciudad desde el caso de los habitantes de la calle, es decir, personas y familias que residen cotidianamente en el espacio público. Para desarrollar lo pretendido, el artículo versará en las formas por las cuales esta población se ve expulsada del espacio público por acciones indirectas y directas por parte de la administración de la ciudad. Asimismo, pretende dar a conocer una tendencia novedosa, en esta misma dirección, pero llevada a cabo por otro actor. Se hace referencia a la modalidad por la cual una parte de la ciudadanía asume, por sus propios medios, el reordenamiento del espacio urbano por medio de la instalación de barreras físicas para evitar u obstaculizar la presencia de esta población en los alrededores de sus propiedades. Este accionar permitiría observar la situación que atraviesan ciertos grupos sociales en una ciudad cada vez excluyente.

ABSTRACT This article intends to delve into some of the possible consequences that the implementation of neoliberal policies entails in the public space, specifically, in the City of Buenos Aires. The article focuses on the characterization of the notion of neoliberal city, to later enter into the forms that neoliberal spatiality assumes in that city through the case of the street dwellers, that is, people and families that reside daily in the public space. To develop what is intended, the article will deal with the ways in which this population is expelled from the public space by indirect actions as directed by the city administration. Likewise, it intends to announce a new trend in this same direction but carried out by another actor. Reference is made to the modality by which a part of the citizenry assumes, by its own means, the rearrangement of the urban space through the installation of physical barriers to avoid or impede the presence of this population in the surroundings of their properties. This action would allow observing the situation that certain social groups go through in an increasingly exclusive city.

RESUMO Este artigo pretende adentrar-se em algumas das possíveis consequências que traz aparelhada a implementação de políticas de tipo neoliberal no espaço público, especificamente na cidade de Buenos Aires. O artigo centra-se na caracterização da noção de cidade neoliberal, para posteriormente aprofundar nas formas que assume a espacialidade neoliberal em dita cidade através do caso dos moradores de rua, é dizer, pessoas e famílias que habitam cotidianamente no espaço público. Para desenvolver o pretendido, o artigo versará nas formas plas quais esta população vê-se expulsada do espaço público tanto por ações indiretas quanto diretas por parte da administração da cidade. Igualmente, pretende dar a conhecer uma tendência nova, nesta mesma direção, mas levada a cabo por outro ator. Se faz referência à modalidade pela qual uma parte da cidadania, assume, por seus próprios meios, o reordenamento do espaço urbano através da instalação de barreiras físicas para evitar ou obstaculizar a presença desta população nos redores de suas propriedades. Este acionar permitia observar a situação que atravessam alguns grupos sociais em uma cidade cada vez mais excludente.

ABSTRACT Objective: Recent data indicates an increasing incidence of thyroid cancer not accompanied by a proportional increase in mortality, suggesting overdiagnosis, which may represent a big public health problem, particularly where resources are scarce. This article aims to describe and evaluate the procedures related to investigation of thyroid nodules and treatment and follow-up of thyroid cancer and the costs for the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2015. Materials and methods: Data on procedures related to investigation of thyroid nodules and treatment/follow-up of thyroid cancer between 2008 and 2015 in Brazil were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Datasus) website. Results: A statistically significant increase in the use of procedures related to thyroid nodules investigation and thyroid cancer treatment and follow-up was observed in Brazil, though a reduction was noted for procedures related to the treatment of more aggressive thyroid cancer, such as total thyroidectomy with neck dissection and higher radioiodine activities such as 200 and 250 milicuries (mCi). The procedures related to thyroid nodules investigation costs increased by 91% for thyroid ultrasound (p = 0.0003) and 128% in thyroid nodule biopsy (p < 0.001). Costs related to treatment and follow-up related-procedures increased by 120%. Conclusion: The increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in Brazil is directly associated with an increased use of diagnostic tools for thyroid nodules, which leads to an upsurge in thyroid cancer treatment and followup-related procedures. These data suggest that substantial resources are being used for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a potentially indolent condition.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with high-risk DTC. Subjects and methods Single-center retrospective study with 74 patients with high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), classified in 4 groups. Group 1: patients with positive sTg or TgAb, subdivided in Group 1A: negative RxWBS and no foci of metastases identified at conventional image (n = 9); Group 1B: RxWBS not compatible with suspicious foci at conventional image or not proportional to sTg level (n = 13); Group 2: patients with histological findings of aggressive DTC variants (n = 21) and Group 3: patients with positive RxWBS (n = 31). Results 18F-FDG PET/CT identified undifferentiated lesions and helped restage the disease in groups 1B and 2. The scan helped guide clinical judgment in 9/13 (69%) patients of group 1B, 10/21 (48%) patients of group 2 and 2/31 (6%) patients of group 3. There was no clinical benefit associated with group 1A. 18F-FDG PET/CT was associated with progressive disease. Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT is a useful tool in the follow-up of patients with high-risk DTC, mainly in the group of RxWBS not compatible with suspicious foci at conventional image or not proportional to sTg level and in those with aggressive DTC variants. Additionally, this study showed that 18F-FDG PET/CT was associated with progression and helped display undifferentiated lesions guiding clinical assessments regarding surgeries or expectant treatments.

ABSTRACT Objectives The presence of thyroglobulin (Tg) in needle washouts of fine needle aspiration biopsy (Tg-FNAB) in neck lymph nodes (LNs) suspected of metastasis has become a cornerstone in the follow-up of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there are limited data regarding the measurement of anti-Tg antibodies in these washouts (TgAb-FNAB), and it is not clear whether these antibodies interfere with the assessment of Tg-FNAB or whether there are other factors that would more consistently justify the finding of low Tg-FNAB in metastatic LNs. Materials and methods We investigated 232 FNAB samples obtained from suspicious neck LNs of 144 PTC patients. These samples were divided according to the patient’s serum TgAb status: sTgAb- (n = 203 samples) and sTgAb+ (n = 29). The TgAb-FNAB levels were measured using two different assays. Tg-FNAB was also measured using two assays when low levels (< 10 ng/mL) were identified in the first assay of the metastatic LNs from the sTgAb+ samples. Results The TgAb-FNAB results were negative in both assays in all samples. Low levels of Tg-FNAB were identified in 11/16 of the metastatic LNs of the sTgAb+ patients and 16/63 of the sTgAb- patients (p < 0.05) using assay 1. The measurement of the Tg-FNAB levels using assay 2 indicated additional metastases in 5 LNs of the sTgAb+ patients. Conclusions Factors other than the presence of TgAb-FNAB may contribute to the higher number of metastatic LNs with undetectable Tg-FNAB in the sTgAb+ group. In addition, the measurement of Tg-FNAB using different assays was useful to enhance the diagnosis of metastatic LNs, particularly when cytological and Tg-FNAB results are discordant.

RESUMO O monitoramento da qualidade do ar interior (QAI) vem ganhando cada vez mais atenção nas pesquisas atuais, no entanto existem poucos trabalhos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de técnicas para minimizar os efeitos da poluição do ar interior. O objetivo deste estudo foi modificar os tecidos de malha poliéster e viscose (PV) com nanopartículas de prata, a fim de usá-los em aparelhos de ar-condicionado. Para alcançar esse objetivo, tecidos foram modificados por imersão dos filtros nas suspensões de nanopartículas. Depois da secagem do filtro, a coleta de material particulado foi feita em um banheiro de uma instituição de ensino superior. Os resultados mostraram que os filtros impregnados com nanopartículas de prata foram capazes de reduzir significativamente a atividade de microrganismos presentes no material particulado no ar, encontrando valores entre 22 e 83%.

ABSTRACT The monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) is gaining increasing attention on current research. However, there has been less work concerning the development of techniques to mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution. The aim of this study was to modify polyester-viscose (PV) mesh fabrics with silver nanoparticles, in order to use them in air conditioners. To reach this objective, common fabrics purchased from commercial sources were modified by immersion of the chosen filters in nanoparticle suspensions. After drying the filter, collection of particulate matter was made in a higher education institution. The results showed that the filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles were able to significantly reduce the activity of microorganisms present in the airborne particulate matter, by between 22 and 83%.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o equilíbrio de pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) na posição de tandem com os olhos abertos (OA), olhos fechados (OF) e em condição de dupla tarefa (DT). Trata-se de um estudo transversal composto por 19 indivíduos com DP nos estágios leve a moderado. Os pacientes foram avaliados em uma plataforma de força Biomec400. Os parâmetros analisados foram a área do centro de pressão dos pés (COP) e a amplitude e velocidade do COP nas direções anteroposterior (AP) e mediolateral (ML). Foram encontrados resultados estatisticamente significantes para amplitude AP e ML do COP e da área do COP, com valores maiores para as posições em tandem de OF e tandem com DT, quando comparados com a posição em tandem de OA. Os valores de velocidade média AP e ML foram maiores na posição em tandem de OF em comparação ao tandem de OA (p=0,009 e p=0), respectivamente. Concluiu-se que indivíduos com DP, quando submetidos a desafios cognitivos, comportam-se de forma semelhante à retirada do recurso visual no que diz respeito às alterações de equilíbrio. Isso reforça a necessidade de introduzir no plano terapêutico desses indivíduos atividades que requeiram o treino dessas habilidades.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the balance of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in Tandem stance with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and in dual task condition (DT). This is a cross-sectional study, composed of 19 individuals with mild to moderate PD. Patients were evaluated in a BIOMEC400 force platform. The parameters analyzed were: area of the foot center of pressure (COP), COP amplitude and speed, in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. We found statistically significant results for AP and ML amplitude of the COP and COP area, with higher values for the stances EC Tandem and DT Tandem, when compared with EO Tandem. The values of AP and ML average speed were higher in EC Tandem when compared with EO Tandem (P=0.009 and P=0.000), respectively. We concluded that, when individuals with PD undergo cognitive challenges, they behave as if they were with eyes closed regarding balance changes. This reinforces the need to introduce, in the therapeutic plan of these individuals, activities that require the practice of these skills.

RESUMEN El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el equilibrio de pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (DP) en la posición tándem con los ojos abiertos (OA), ojos cerrados (OC) y en condición de doble tarea (DT). Se trata de un estudio transversal, del cual participaron 19 personas con DP en etapas leve a moderada. Se evaluaron a los pacientes en una plataforma de fuerza Biomec400. Los parámetros evaluados fueron el área del centro de presión de los pies (COP) y la amplitud y velocidad del COP en las direcciones anteroposterior (AP) y mediolateral (ML). Se encontraron resultados estadísticamente significativos para la amplitud AP y ML del COP y del área del COP, con mayores valores para las posiciones tándem con OC y tándem en DT, en comparación a la posición tándem con OA. Los valores de la velocidad media AP y ML fueron mayores en la posición tándem de OC comparados a la tándem de OA (p=0,009 y p=0, respectivamente). Se concluye que los sujetos con DP, en el momento que se les sometieron a los desafíos cognitivos, se portaron de manera semejante cuando se les taparon los ojos en lo que se refiere a las alteraciones de equilibrio. Este resultado señala la necesidad de introducir en la fisioterapia de los pacientes con DP actividades que les exigen el entrenamiento de estas habilidades.

Background: During pregnancy, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare entity; the diffuse large cell lymphoma is still less common, and it has a high rate of tumor progression with a little clinical expression. Diagnosis and treatment is a huge challenge due to the low incidence of the condition and to the possible fetal effects because of the treatment. Clinical case: A 31-year-old woman -in her second delivery- was admitted with abdominal pain and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. During pregnancy, she was required several admissions reporting repeated acute pancreatitis and intrahepatic cholestasis. After delivery, it evolves into facial and upper extremity oedema, diagnosed with a large chest mass, resulting in the diagnosis of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma through the biopsy. The disease goes into remission completely after two cycles of chemotherapy treatments are given. Labor is induced with intravaginal prostaglandins, with a newborn of 3350 g and Apgar 8/10. After a year, the patient remains in complete remission.

Antecedentes: El linfoma no Hodgkin durante el embarazo es una entidad rara, el tipo difuso de células grandes es aún menos frecuente y se caracteriza por una alta tasa de progresión tumoral con poca expresión clínica. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento representan un reto clínico debido a la baja incidencia de la enfermedad y a las posibles repercusiones fetales a causa del tratamiento. Caso clínico: Gestante secundípara de 31 años que ingresa por cuadro de dolor abdominal y cifras elevadas de lactato deshidrogenasa. Durante la gestación precisa varios ingresos por pancreatitis aguda de repetición y cuadro de colestasis intrahepática. Tras el parto evoluciona tórpidamente con aparición de edema en esclavina en cuello y miembros superiores, siendo diagnosticada de gran masa torácica cuya biopsia es informada como Linfoma No Hodgkin tipo B difuso de células grandes primario mediastinal. Se administran dos ciclos de tratamiento quimioterápico tras lo cual remite completamente la enfermedad. Se induce el parto con prostaglandinas intravaginal, con recién nacido de 3350 gramos y APGAR 8/10. Tras un año la paciente permanece en remisión completa.