Abstract Law nº 13.769/2018, upon altering the Code of Criminal Procedure, regulates house arrest for pregnant women or for mothers responsible for children or the disabled. This research was dedicated to observing the construction of juridical meaning in the context of a very exceptional situation by way of Habeas Corpus (HC) in the appeal for house arrest in cases of pregnancy and imprisoned mothers with children less than 12 years of age. This demarcation has led us to a set of 122 decisions by the Supreme Justice Tribunal (STJ) and 3 by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), all sentencing having occurred between December 20, 2018 and December 19, 2019, representing the first year of validity for Law nº 13.769/2018. The decisions were collected from the electronic sites of the STJ and STF, using the following entries for searching: “13.769”, “situation” and “very exceptional”, “remand” and “house arrest”. The data was distributed onto an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed under the theoretical-methodological perspective of communicativation. The analysis treated methodological elements applied in empirical research on sentencing and the construction of juridical meaning and authorship, where rapporteur, vote and unanimity were not taken as transmitters of information and decisions, but as pertaining to wordings. The study made viable reflections that indicate the necessity for distancing from causal logic, at the same time promoting the application of reflexive circular logic, as proposed by the communicativationist perspective. What one stresses here is the impossibility of empirical research on juridical decision without transdisciplinary reflection. As for juridical meaning, we observe that it is not suited to a fixed meaning, but rather a constant process of construction, reconstruction and deconstruction of meaning. Observation reveals that three deliberations (drug trafficking at the residence, noncompliance with previous house arrest and participation in organized crime), having induced the construction of meaning in the direction of a very exceptional situation, are not contained in the legal text, nor in any judicial precedent, independent of their first-time application, non-application or reapplication. Finally, as a result of observing that within the same proceedings the same minister, whilst rapporteur votes for house arrest and whilst not rapporteur votes against it, we consider that it is not fitting to maintain authorship as though it would be responsible for the establishment of meaning. Preceding this, the juridical meaning of something is made and unmade due to juridical communication itself, not due to the author. The study, with these contributions, reveals how important and necessary it is to develop methodological and epistemological reflections about studies on juridical decision.

Resumo A Lei nº 13.769/2018, que altera o Código de Processo Penal, regula a prisão domiciliar da mulher gestante ou que for mãe ou responsável por crianças ou pessoas com deficiência. Esta pesquisa foi dedicada a observar a construção do sentido jurídico de situação excepcionalíssima por meio de Habeas Corpus (HC) que requereram a prisão domiciliar de gestantes e mães presas com filhos menores de 12 anos. Essa delimitação levou a termos por corpora 122 decisões do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) e 3 do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), todas prolatadas entre 20 de dezembro de 2018 a 19 de dezembro de 2019, primeiro ano de vigência da Lei nº 13.769/2018. As decisões foram coletadas dos sítios eletrônicos do STJ e do STF, usando por verbetes de busca: “13.769”, “situação e excepcionalíssima”, “preventiva pela domiciliar” e “prisão domiciliar”. Os dados foram lançados em planilha de Excel e analisados sob a perspectiva teórico-metodológica da comunicativação. A análise tratou dos elementos metodológicos aplicados em pesquisa empírica com decisão jurídica, da construção de sentido jurídico e da autoria, quando o relator, o voto, a unanimidade foram tomados, não como transmissores de informações e decisões, mas como referentes de enunciados. A pesquisa viabilizou reflexões que indicam a necessidade de se promover um afastamento da lógica causal e a aplicação da lógica circular reflexiva, como propõe a perspectiva comunicativacionista, além da impossibilidade de pesquisa empírica com decisão jurídica se não transdisciplinar. Quanto ao sentido jurídico, observamos que não cabe falar em sentido fixado, mas sim em processo constante de construção, reconstrução, desconstrução de sentido, é o que observamos ao constatar que os três argumentos (tráfico de drogas exercido na residência, descumprimento de prisão domiciliar anterior e participação em organização criminosa) que impulsionam a construção de sentido de situação excepcionalíssima não estão contidos no texto legal, nem em qualquer precedente judicial, bem como que eles foram aplicados, não aplicados e reaplicados. Por fim, ao observar que um mesmo ministro, numa mesma sessão, quando é relator vota pela concessão da prisão domiciliar e quanto não é relator vota contrário a ela, consideramos que não cabe manter a autoria como se responsabilidade por estabelecer sentido, antes, o sentido jurídico de algo se faz e se desfaz devido à comunicação jurídica mesma, não devido ao/à autor/a. A pesquisa, com essas contribuições, revela quão importante e necessário se faz desenvolver reflexões metodológicas e epistemológicas sobre pesquisa com decisão jurídica.

Abstract: Image analysis techniques are expanding in agriculture and, for being fast, simple, and not destroying samples, they are interesting alternatives in the detection of immature rice seeds. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of rice seeds using X-ray, multispectral and chlorophyll fluorescence image analysis techniques. Initially, with the seeds identified and numbered, radiographic images were obtained to determine the free space (area between the endosperm + embryo and the glumes). Subsequently, with the same seeds used in the X-ray, multispectral and chlorophyll fluorescence images were acquired, and then the computerized seedling analysis was performed with the SVIS® software. It was concluded that rice seeds that do not germinate or originate abnormal seedlings have free space equal to or greater than 18.68%, higher reflectance in the spectral bands with wavelength from 590 nm to 780 nm (41.46% to 64.21%, respectively) and in the band of 970 nm (75.65%), in addition to having chlorophyll fluorescence values equal to or greater than 40.58 and 112.92 at excitation/emission energies of 630/700 nm and 645/700 nm, respectively.

Resumo: As técnicas de análise de imagens apresentam-se em expansão na agricultura e por consistirem em avaliações rápidas, simples e não destrutivas, são alternativas interessantes para a detecção de sementes de arroz imaturas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de sementes de arroz utilizando as técnicas de análise de imagens de raios X, multiespectrais e de fluorescência de clorofila. Inicialmente, com as sementes identificadas e enumeradas, foram obtidas imagens radiográficas para a obtenção do espaço vazio (área entre o endosperma + embrião e as glumelas). Posteriormente, com as mesmas sementes utilizadas na análise de raios X, procedeu-se a aquisição das imagens multiespectrais e de fluorescência de clorofila. Na sequência, realizou-se a análise computadorizada de plântulas com o software SVIS ®. Concluiu-se que as sementes de arroz que não germinam ou originam plântulas anormais apresentam espaço vazio interno igual ou superior a 18,68%, maior reflectância nas bandas espectrais de comprimento de onda de 590 nm a 780 nm (41,46% a 64,21%, respectivamente) e na banda de 970 nm (75,65%), além de apresentarem valores de fluorescência de clorofila iguais ou superiores a 40,58 e a 112,92, respectivamente nas energias de excitação/emissão de 630/700 nm e de 645/700 nm.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the association between hearing loss and health vulnerability in children aged 25 to 36 months. Methods Analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted through child hearing screening in nine day-care centers. The screening consisted of anamnesis, otoscopy, tympanometry, transient otoacoustic emissions, and pure tone audiometry. For each exam performed, the 'pass' and 'fail' criteria were established. The children's residential addresses were georeferenced and a choropleth map of the spatial distribution was built, considering the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI). The analysis of the association between the HVI and the variables sex, auditory assessment, and region area of the household was performed using Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. Results Ninety-five children of both sexes were evaluated, of which 44.7% presented alterations in at least one of the exams performed, being referred for otorhinolaryngological evaluation and subsequent auditory assessment. Of the observed changes, 36.9% occurred in the tympanometry and 7.8% in the transient otoacoustic emissions. Among children referred for reassessment, 9.7% were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, 13.6% results within normal limits and 21.4% did not attend for assessment. Of the children who presented the final diagnosis of conductive hearing loss (9.7%), 1.9% were classified as low-risk HVI and 6.8% as medium-risk HVI. There was statistical significance between HVI and the child's place of residence. Conclusion The association between hearing loss and HIV was not statistically significant; however, it was possible to observe that 77.7% of the children with hearing loss resided in sectors with medium- risk HIV

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a associação entre perda auditiva e a vulnerabilidade à saúde em crianças na faixa etária de 25 a 36 meses. Método Estudo observacional analítico do tipo transversal realizado por meio da triagem auditiva infantil em nove creches. A triagem constou de anamnese, meatoscopia, timpanometria, emissões otoacústicas transientes e audiometria tonal limiar. Para cada exame realizado foi estabelecido o critério de “passa” e “falha”. Os endereços residenciais das crianças foram georreferenciados e foi construído mapa coroplético da distribuição espacial, considerando o Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde (IVS). Foi realizada análise de associação entre o IVS com as variáveis sexo, exames audiológicos e regional de domicílio por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson, e Exato de Fisher. Resultados Foram avaliadas 95 crianças de ambos os sexos, destas, 44,7% apresentaram alteração em pelo menos um dos exames realizados, sendo encaminhadas para avaliação otorrinolaringológica e auditiva. Das alterações observadas 36,9% ocorreram na timpanometria e 7,8% nas emissões otoacústicas transientes. Dentre crianças encaminhadas para avaliação, 9,7% apresentaram diagnóstico de perda auditiva do tipo condutiva, 13,6% resultados dentro da normalidade e 21,4% não compareceram para reavaliação. Das crianças que apresentaram o diagnóstico final de perda auditiva do tipo condutiva (9,7%), 1,9% foi classificado como IVS de risco baixo e 6,8% como IVS de risco médio. Houve significância estatística entre IVS e o local de residência da criança. Conclusão Não houve associação com significância estatística entre alteração auditiva e IVS, entretanto foi possível observar que 77,7% das crianças com diagnóstico de perda auditiva residiam em setores censitários de risco médio do IVS.

Abstract Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides expressed by bacteria through ribosomal activity. In this study, we analyzed the diversity of bacteriocin-like genes in the Tucuruí-HPP using a whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing approach. Three layers of the water column were analyzed (photic, aphotic and sediment). Detection of bacteriocin-like genes was performed with blastx using the BAGEL4 database as subject sequences. In order to calculate the abundance of bacteriocin-like genes we also determined the number of 16S rRNA genes using blastn. Taxonomic analysis was performed using RAST server and the metagenome was assembled using IDBA-UD in order to recover the full sequence of a zoocin which had its three-dimensional structure determined. The photic zone presented the highest number of reads affiliated to bacteriocins. The most abundant bacteriocins were sonorensin, Klebicin D , pyocin and colicin. The zoocin model was composed of eight anti-parallel β-sheets and two α-helices with a Zn2+ ion in the active site. This model was considerably stable during 10 ns of molecular dynamics simulation. We observed a high diversity of bacteriocins in the Tucuruí-HPP, demonstrating that the environment is an inexhaustible source for prospecting these molecules. Finally, the zoocin model can be used for further studies of substrate binding and molecular mechanisms involving peptidoglycan degradation.

Abstract Introduction The literature converges regarding the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) tests between postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 of elective procedures. In this period, they have great sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for severe and anastomotic complications about two days before the first clinical sign. The few studies on colorectal urgency suggest that, despite the different initial values according to the surgical indication, following POD 3, the level of CRP is similar to that of elective procedures. However, given the heterogeneity of the studies, there is no consensus on the cutoff values for this use. Objective To validate the use and propose a PO CRP cut-off value in urgent colorectal procedures as an exclusion criterion for complications of anastomosis or the abdominal cavity. Method Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 308 patients who underwent urgent colorectal surgical procedures between January 2017 andDecember 2019. The following data were considered: age, gender, surgical indication, type of procedure performed, complications, CRP levels preoperatively and from POD 1 to 4, and the severity of the complications. We compared the CRP levels and the percentage variations between the preoperative period and PODs 1 to 4 as markers of severe complications using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The levels of CRP on POD4, and their percentage drops between PODs 2 to 4 and PODs 3 to 4, were better to predict severe complications. A cutoff of 7.45mg/dL on POD 4 had 91.7% of sensitivity and NPV. A 50% drop between PODs 3 and 4 had 100% of sensitivity and NPV. Conclusion Determining the level of CRP is useful to exclude severe complications, and it could be a criterion for hospital discharge in POD 4 of emergency colorectal surgery.

Abstract: FITOPROT, which contains curcuminoids and Bidens pilosa L. extract, is an innovative mucoadhesive formulation indicated for the topical treatment of chemoradiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) in patients with advanced and visible oral squamous cell carcinoma. The formulation is used as a mouthwash directly on tumor tissue of patients with advanced neoplasms, without triggering cancer cell proliferation or tumor invasiveness. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of FITOPROT on an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4). The viability of SCC-4 cells was assessed after exposure to FITOPROT using MTT reduction assay. The effects of the mucoadhesive formulation on cell cycle progression and cell death parameters were evaluated using flow cytometry. In addition, the inflammatory profile of the tumor cells was evaluated using the cytometric bead array (CBA) assay. FITOPROT promoted a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential was also altered after exposure to the formulation (p < 0.05), in parallel with a reduction in VEGF and IL-8 production (p = 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). In summary, the results indicate that FITOPROT reduces SCC-4 cell viability, promotes cell cycle arrest, modulates mitochondrial membrane potential, and exhibits antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus indicating its potential for topical use in patients with OM and visible tumors in the mouth.

Resumo A hipercalemia é um dos distúrbios eletrolíticos mais comuns, responsável por um grande número de desfechos adversos, incluindo arritmias potencialmente fatais. Quelantes de potássio são amplamente prescritos para o tratamento da hipercalemia, mas infelizmente são muitos os eventos adversos associados ao seu uso, em particular os gastrointestinais. A identificação de pacientes com risco mais elevado para complicações graves associadas aos quelantes de potássio atualmente em uso, como necrose e perfuração do cólon, pode evitar desfechos fatais. O presente artigo descreve o caso de um homem de 56 anos com diabetes secundário e doença renal crônica em tratamento por hipercalemia com poliestirenossulfonato de cálcio (PSC). Posteriormente o paciente apresentou abdômen agudo devido a perfuração do ceco e foi submetido a uma ressecção ileocecal, mas acabou indo a óbito por choque séptico uma semana mais tarde. Durante a cirurgia, uma massa branca sólida foi isolada no lúmen do cólon. A massa foi identificada como um bezoar de PSC, uma massa de fármaco de rara ocorrência formada no trato gastrointestinal que contribuiu para a perfuração. História pregressa de gastrectomia parcial e vagotomia foi identificada como provável fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do bezoar de PSC. Espera-se que os dois novos quelantes de potássio - patiromer e ciclossilicato de zircônio sódico - ajudem a tratar pacientes de alto risco em um futuro próximo.

Abstract Hyperkalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders, responsible for a high number of adverse outcomes, including life-threatening arrhythmias. Potassium binders are largely prescribed drugs used for hyperkalemia treatment but unfortunately, there are many adverse events associated with its use, mostly gastrointestinal. Identification of patients at highest risk for the serious complications associated with the current potassium binders, such as colon necrosis and perforation, could prevent fatal outcomes. The authors present a case of a 56-year-old man with secondary diabetes and chronic renal disease that was treated for hyperkalemia with Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate (CPS). He later presented with acute abdomen due to cecum perforation and underwent ileocecal resection but ultimately died from septic shock a week later. During surgery, a solid white mass was isolated in the lumen of the colon. The mass was identified as a CPS bezoar, a rare drug-mass formed in the gastrointestinal tract that contributed to the perforation. A previous history of partial gastrectomy and vagothomy was identified as a probable risk factor for the CPS bezoar development. Hopefully, the two new potassium binders patiromer and (ZS-9) Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate will help treat such high-risk patients, in the near future.

O linfoma primário da supra-renal é uma entidade extremamente rara que constitui menos de 1% dos linfomas extra-nodais. A maioria dos casos apresenta-se com massas bilaterais na supra-renal, com ou sem envolvimento extra-nodal. Uma das manifestações mais graves é a insuficiência supra-renal. O mecanismo etiológico não está completamente esclarecido, mas acredita-se que a auto-imunidade tenha um papel importante. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 44 anos, internado no Departamento de Medicina Interna por dor torácica, sintomas constitucionais e febre. Uma tomografia computorizada abdominal mostrou massas supra-renais bilaterais. Efectuou-se uma adrenalectomia esquerda e o exame histológico revelou tratar-se de um linfoma não- -Hodgkin de células-T. Da revisão da literatura, foram descritos apenas 5 casos de linfoma T primário da supra-renal. Este caso clínico enfatiza a complexidade do diagnóstico diferencial perante massas bilaterais da supra-renal, alertando para a possibilidade de linfoma cuja precocidade diagnóstica tem impacto prognóstico. Uma revisão da literatura sobre esta entidade pouco frequente foi realizada.

Primary adrenal lymphoma is an extremely rare entity which constitutes less than 1% of all extranodal lymphomas. Most cases are presented with bilateral adrenal masses with or without extra-adrenal involvement. Presentation may be with adrenal insufficiency which can be a life-threatening situation. The etiological mechanism is not completely understood but autoimmunity seems to have an important role. We report a case of a 44-year old man admitted to the Internal Medicine Department due to thoracic pain, constitutional symptoms and fever. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed bilateral adrenal masses. A left surgical adrenalectomy was performed, and histological examination diagnosed a non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma. Only 5 cases of T-cell type PAL have been reported in literature. This case report emphasizes the complexity of differential diagnosis in the presence of bilateral adrenal masses, the possibility of lymphoma and the importance of early diagnosis in order to improve the clinical outcomes. A review of the literature of this unusual entity was carried out.

Abstract In Vitro Embryo Production (IVP) is widely used to improve the reproductive efficiency of livestock animals, however increasing the embryo development rates and pregnancy outcomes is still a challenge for some species. Thus, the lack of biological knowledge hinders developing specie-specific IVP protocols. Therefore, the contributions of RNA-seq to generate relevant biological knowledge and improve the efficiency of IVP in livestock animals are reviewed herein.

A previous study by our group reported the isolation and characterisation of Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum strain 4E. This strain is of particular interest because it is highly virulent in the hamster model. In this study, we performed whole-genome shotgun genome sequencing of the strain using the SOLiD sequencing platform. By assembling and analysing the new genome, we were able to identify novel features that have been previously overlooked in genome annotations of other strains belonging to the same species.

Abstract The biodiversity and evolution of the microbial community in açai fruits (AF) between three geographical origins and two spontaneous decay conditions were examined by applying culture-independent methods. Culture-independent methods based on 16S rRNA from fifteen samples revealed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria were the most abundant phyla. At the genus level, Massilia (taxon with more than 50% of the sequences remaining constant during the 30 h of decay), Pantoea, Naxibacter, Enterobacter, Raoultella and Klebsiella were identified, forming the carposphere bacterial microbiota of AF. AF is fibre-rich and Massilia bacteria could find a large quantity of substrate for its growth through cellulase production. Beta diversity showed that the quality parameters of AF (pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity and lipids) and elemental analysis (C, N, H and C/N ratio) were unable to drive microbial patterns in AF. This research offers new insight into the indigenous bacterial community composition on AF as a function of spontaneous postharvest decay.

RESUMO O artigo propõe três tipos de relações entre instituições processuais baseadas em direitos fundamentais e redes informais na América Latina: uma relação de integração que inicialmente dá suporte a objetivos institucionais, embora os enfraqueça no longo prazo; uma relação de sobreposição que intervém e utiliza de modo parasitário as instituições processuais; e uma relação de dissociação que supõe um deslocamento de instituições processuais dos espaços sociais controlados por redes informais. Metodologicamente, ilustramos este argumento com casos extraídos da literatura e reinterpretados à luz das propostas conceituais presentes no artigo. A conclusão central é que as redes informais geram uma forte propensão à ação contrária ao tipo de ordem social que promovem os direitos fundamentais.

ABSTRACT This article proposes three types of relationship between procedural institutions based on fundamental rights and informal networks in Latin America: a relationship of integration that initially supports institutional objectives before debilitating them in the long run; a relationship of overlap that intervenes and parasitically feeds off procedural institutions; and a relationship of decoupling that involves procedural institutions’ displacement from the social spaces controlled by informal networks. Methodologically, we illustrate this argument with cases extracted from literature and reinterpreted in light of the conceptual proposals present in the article. The central conclusion is that informal networks generate a strong impetus towards action that contrasts with the type of the social order promoted by fundamental rights.

RESUMEN El artículo propone tres tipos de relación entre instituciones procedimentales basadas en derechos fundamentales y redes informales en América Latina: una relación de integración que inicialmente apoya los objetivos institucionales pero que los debilita en el largo plazo; una relación de superposición que interviene y utiliza parasitariamente las instituciones procedimentales; y una relación de desacoplamiento que supone un desplazamiento de instituciones procedimentales de los espacios sociales controlados por redes informales. Metodológicamente, ilustramos este argumento con casos extraídos de la literatura y reinterpretados a la luz de las propuestas conceptuales presentes en el artículo. La conclusión central es que las redes informales generan una fuerte motivación para la acción contraria al tipo de orden social que promueven los derechos fundamentales.

RÉSUMÉ Cet article propose trois types de relations entre institutions procédurales basées sur les droits fondamentaux et les réseaux informels en Amérique latine: une relation d’intégration qui s’appuie initialement sur les objectifs institutionnels, mais qui, à long terme, finit par les affaiblir; une relation de superposition qui intervient en faisant un usage parasitaire des institutions procédurales ; et une relation de désaccouplement qui suppose une sortie des institutions procédurales des espaces sociaux contrôlés par des réseaux informels. Méthodologiquement, nous avons illustré cet argument avec des cas extraits de la littérature du domaine et réinterprétés à la lumière des propositions conceptuelles présentes dans l’article. La principale conclusion en est que les réseaux informels génèrent une forte motivation à mener des actions contraires au type d’ordre social promu par les droits fondamentaux.

Abstract Gastric cancer is considered to be the fifth highest incident tumor worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Developing regions report a higher number of sporadic cases, but there are only a few local studies related to hereditary cases of gastric cancer in Brazil to confirm this fact. CDH1 germline mutations have been described both in familial and sporadic cases, but there is only one recent molecular description of individuals from Brazil. In this study we performed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to assess CDH1 germline mutations in individuals who match the clinical criteria for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC), or who exhibit very early diagnosis of gastric cancer. Among five probands we detected CDH1 germline mutations in two cases (40%). The mutation c.1023T > G was found in a HDGC family and the mutation c.1849G > A, which is nearly exclusive to African populations, was found in an early-onset case of gastric adenocarcinoma. The mutations described highlight the existence of gastric cancer cases caused by CDH1 germline mutations in northern Brazil, although such information is frequently ignored due to the existence of a large number of environmental factors locally. Our report represent the first CDH1 mutations in HDGC described from Brazil by an NGS platform.

A diarreia crónica é um problema clínico comum na prática de gastroenterologia e, muitas vezes, o diagnóstico da causa é difícil. A atrofia das vilosidades intestinais não é específica e a rara possibilidade de enterite induzida por fármacos deve ser considerada. O olmesartan foi recentemente descrito como uma causa de enteropatia induzida por fármacos caracterizada por diarreia crónica e graus variáveis de atrofia da mucosa duodenal semelhante á doença celíaca. Os autores descrevem dois casos de enteropatia tipo celíaca em doentes com história de hipertensão arterial medicada com olmesartan vários anos antes do início dos sintomas. Ambos os doentes apresentaram diarreia grave, perda ponderal significativa e evidência histológica de atrofia vilositária. Os sinais clínicos resolveram completamente após a interrupção do fármaco. A enteropatia induzida por olmesartan constitui uma nova entidade clínica que deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de atrofia vilositária seronegativa. As alterações clínicas e histológicas resolvem rápida e completamente após a suspensão do fármaco restaurando a qualidade de vida aos doentes e evitando, muitas vezes, investigações invasivas desnecessárias.

Chronic diarrhoea is a common clinical problem in gastroenterology practice and often it is difficult to diagnose the cause. Villous atrophy is not specific and the rarer possibility of drug-induced enteritis should always be considered. Olmesartan has recently been described as a cause of drug-induced enteropathy characterized by chronic diarrhoea and varying degrees of duodenal mucosa atrophy resembling celiac disease. We describe two cases of sprue-like enteropathy in patients treated with olmesartan for arterial hypertension several years before the onset of symptoms. Patients presented severe diarrhoea and significant weight loss, and both had histological evidence of intestinal villous atrophy. The clinical signs completely resolved after drug withdrawal. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy is a new clinical entity that must be included in the differential diagnosis of villous atrophy with negative celiac serology. The clinical and histological alterations easily and completely resolve after drug discontinuation, restoring quality of life to patients and avoiding unnecessary investigation.

Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field.