ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Although bariatric surgery is highly effective for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities, preoperative weight loss has an impact on its results. AIMS: The aim of this study was to correlate preoperative weight loss with the outcome of bariatric surgery using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System scores. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational study with 43 patients undergoing bariatric surgery that compared a group of 25 patients with a percentage of preoperative excess weight loss ³8% with a group of 18 patients with a percentage of preoperative excess weight loss <8% or with weight gain. The research took place at the bariatric surgery outpatient clinic of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital with patients 1 year after the surgery. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 40.8 years (42.7 percentage of preoperative excess weight loss ≥8% vs. 38.2 percentage of preoperative excess weight loss <8%, p=0.095). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding preoperative comorbidities and body mass index at entry into the program. Higher preoperative body mass index (48.69 vs. 44.0; p=0.029) was observed in the group with percentage of preoperative excess weight loss <8%. No significant difference was found regarding the percentage of excess weight loss (71.4±15.4%; percentage of preoperative excess weight loss ≥8% vs. 69.47%±14.5 percentage of preoperative excess weight loss <8%; p=0.671), the result of the surgery according to the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System scores protocol, the resolution of comorbidities, the quality of life, and the surgical complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, it is reasonable that bariatric surgery should not be denied to people who have not achieved pre-established weight loss before surgery.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Apesar da cirurgia bariátrica ser altamente eficaz para o tratamento da obesidade e suas comorbidades, ainda não está bem estabelecido o impacto da perda de peso pré-operatória em seus resultados. OBJETIVOS: Correlacionar a perda de peso pré-operatória com o resultado da cirurgia bariátrica pelos escores do método Bariatric Analysis and Reportig Outcome System. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal com 43 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica que comparou um grupo de 25 pacientes com percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória igual ou maior a 8% com um grupo de 18 pacientes com percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória menor a 8% ou com ganho de peso. A pesquisa ocorreu no ambulatório de Cirurgia Bariátrica do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz com pacientes após um ano da cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham uma média de idade de 40,8 anos (42,7 percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória ≥8% vs 38,2 percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória <8%, p=0.095). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos em relação às comorbidades pré-operatórias e o IMC na entrada do programa. Foi observado maior IMC pré-operatório (48,69 vs 44,0; p=0,029) no grupo com percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória <8%. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em relação ao percentual de perda do excesso de peso (71,4±15,4%; percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória ≥8% vs 69,47±14,5% percentual de perda do excesso de peso pré-operatória <8%, p=0,671), ao resultado da cirurgia pelo protocolo Bariatric Analysis and Reportig Outcome System, a resolução das comorbidades, a qualidade de vida e as complicações cirúrgicas entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nos dados disponíveis é condizente que a cirurgia bariátrica não seja negada a pessoas que não atingiram uma perda de peso pré-estabelecida antes da cirurgia.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Chagas disease is a major public health problem that is endemic in Brazil and Latin America. This study aimed to determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 171 patients (mean age, 45 years; female, 65%) with Chagas disease at Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. METHODS We implemented this cross-sectional study using a clinical epidemiological questionnaire, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and quantitative detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in blood using qRT-PCR. RESULTS Among the patients, 26.3% had a full elementary education, and 13.2% were illiterate. Most (63.6%) were economically classified as class C, and 51.5% were born in Bahia state. A total of 62.0% participants reported previous contact with the triatomine bug. The clinical forms of the disease were indeterminate (69.51%), cardiac (15.24%), digestive (10.37%), and mixed (4.88%). The most common electrocardiographic abnormality was complete right bundle branch block in association with a divisional anterosuperior block. Only 14.6% of the patients complied with benznidazole medication for at least 60 days, and 164 of them were assessed by echocardiography. The parasite load was positive in 56% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Chagas disease affected mostly women, with the indeterminate chronic form of the disease.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We investigated the occurrence of coronary sinus abnormalities in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (CD). METHODS: Differences between the maximum and minimum diameters of the coronary sinus (∆%) on echocardiography were evaluated in individuals with the indeterminate form of CD (n=14) and those without (n=16) CD. The association of the difference with abnormalities detected by echocardiography and myocardial scintigraphy was assessed. RESULTS: The mean Δ% values did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no correlation of the measurements with echocardiographic and myocardial scintigraphy findings. CONCLUSIONS: The coronary sinus evaluation revealed no differences between the groups.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a proposta do Movimento Por uma Economia Pós-Autista (MPEPA), a partir da situação atual na evolução do pensamento econômico e do debate que tem surgido sobre pluralismo como princípio desejável para a ciência econômica, especialmente no seu ensino. O trabalho discute o caráter científico da economia a partir de questionamentos levantados pelo MPEPA, bem como situa a história do movimento e seus recentes desenvolvimentos, no contexto das diversas críticas enfrentadas pela ciência econômica no período posterior à crise financeira iniciada em 2008. Avaliam-se os possíveis impactos de movimentos como o MPEPA para o ensino de economia, num ambiente que demanda maior pluralismo e liberdade metodológica nas abordagens dessa ciência.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze the proposal of the Post-Autistic Economics Movement (PAE), since its origins until our days, in the context of the current debate about the need of pluralism as a desirable standard for the evolution of economics, especially for the teaching of the discipline. The paper discusses the scientific character of economics, taking into account PAE’s criticism, looking at this movement’s history and recent developments, in the light of the criticism on economic thought raised after the effects of 2008 Financial Crisis. In particular, the paper focuses on the possible impacts of movements like this in the teaching of economics on this post-crisis environment, which demands greater pluralism and methodological freedom in economic thought and methodology.

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to verify the presence of endothelial dysfunction and initial structural atherosclerotic changes in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Subjects and methods The study population comprised 31 diabetic children aged 6 to 12 years, divided into two subgroups according to the duration of the T1DM diagnosis: subgroup 1, with less than 5 years elapsed since diagnosis, and subgroup 2, with more than 5 years elapsed since diagnosis. The control group comprised 58 age-matched healthy children. Ultrasonographic techniques were used to measure the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries. Results Children with T1DM with longer disease duration showed significantly decreased mean values of FMD compared with those in the control group. No significant differences between the groups were found in relation to IMT. The FMD percentage presented a moderate negative correlation with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels. Conclusion Our findings suggest that endothelial dysfunction may be already present in children with 5 years or more elapsed since diagnosis, even in the absence of atherosclerotic structural changes. The decreased vasodilation response correlated with hyperglycemia.

This paper objective is to assess, in light of the main works of Minsky, his view and analysis of what he called the "Big Government" as that huge institution which, in parallels with the "Big Bank" was capable of ensuring stability in the capitalist system and regulate its inherently unstable financial system in mid-20th century. In this work, we analyze how Minsky proposes an active role for the government in a complex economic system flawed by financial instability.

Fundamento: Em pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica, a microalbuminúria é um marcador de lesão endotelial e está associada a um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os fatores que influenciam a ocorrência de microalbumiúria em pacientes hipertensos com creatinina sérica menor que 1,5 mg/dL. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 133 pacientes brasileiros atendidos em um ambulatório multidisciplinar para hipertensos. Pacientes com creatinina sérica maior do que 1,5 mg/dL e aqueles com diabete mellitus foram excluídos do estudo. A pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica foi aferida. O índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a taxa de filtração glomerular estimada pela fórmula CKD-EPI foram calculados. Em um estudo transversal, creatinina, cistatina C, colesterol total, HDL colesterol, LDL colesterol, triglicerídeos, proteína C-reativa (PCR) e glicose foram mensurados em amostra de sangue. A microalbuminúria foi determinada na urina colhida em 24 horas. Os hipertensos foram classificados pela presença de um ou mais critérios para síndrome metabólica. Resultados: Em análise de regressão múltipla, os níveis séricos de cistatina C, PCR, o índice aterogênico log TG/HDLc e a presença de três ou mais critérios para síndrome metabólica foram positivamente correlacionados com a microalbuminuria (r2: 0,277; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Cistatina C, PCR, log TG/HDLc e presença de três ou mais critérios para síndrome metabólica, independentemente da creatinina sérica, foram associados com a microalbuminúria, um marcador precoce de lesão renal e de risco cardiovascular em pacientes com hipertensão arterial essencial.

Background: In patients with systemic hypertension, microalbuminuria is a marker of endothelial damage and is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To determine the factors that may lead to the occurrence of microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with serum creatinine lower than 1.5 mg/dL. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 133 Brazilians with essential hypertension followed up at a hypertension outpatient clinic. Those with serum creatinine higher than 1.5 mg/dL, as well as those with diabetes mellitus, were excluded. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and GFR estimated by using the CKD-EPI formula were calculated. The serum levels of the following were assessed: CysC, creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fasting glucose. Microalbuminuria was determined in 24-hour urine. Hypertensive patients were classified according to the presence of one or more criteria for metabolic syndrome. Results: In a multiple regression analysis, the serum levels of CysC and CRP, the atherogenic index log TG/HDLc and the presence of three or more criteria for metabolic syndrome were positively correlated with microalbuminuria (r2: 0.277, p < 0.05). Conclusion: CysC, CRP, log TG/HDLc, and the presence of three or more criteria for metabolic syndrome, regardless of serum creatinine, were associated with microalbuminuria, an early marker of kidney damage and cardiovascular risk in patients with essential hypertension.

As tecnologias da informação e da comunicação (TICs) têm sido amplamente utilizadas no ensino da saúde. As plataformas usadas para o desenvolvimento do ambiente virtual de ensino (AVE) geralmente apresentam uma linguagem de informática complexa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um AVE em Histologia voltado para estudantes da área da saúde, disponibilizado na internet com o uso de uma plataforma de uso gratuito e livre. O material elaborado utilizou diferentes TICs, como: animações, vídeos, atlas virtual, aulas virtuais, simulados online e chat. Foi desenvolvido um AVE com uso da plataforma online wordpress.org, que apresentou as seguintes vantagens: fácil manipulação, gerenciamento e atualização do site; interface simples; ampla quantidade de plugins disponíveis, que supriram as necessidades primárias do AVE; e utilização gratuita e livre. Embora esse recurso possa facilitar o aprendizado em Histologia, é preciso avaliar sua efetividade.

The information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely used in health education. The platforms used in the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) usually exhibits a complex computer language. The objective of this study was to develop a VLE in histology aimed towards health care students, available on the Internet using a platform of free use and unpaid. Although VLE might facilitate learning in histology, it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.

FUNDAMENTO: A associação das funções autonômica cardíaca e ventricular sisto-diastólica variavelmente alteradas ainda é controversa e pouco explorada na cardiopatia chagásica crônica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar em que extensão as funções autonômica cardíaca e mecânica ventricular estão alteradas e se ambas estão relacionadas na cardiopatia chagásica assintomática. MÉTODOS: EM 13 cardiopatas chagásicos assintomáticos e 15 indivíduos normais (grupo controle), foram avaliadas e correlacionadas a modulação autonômica da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca durante cinco minutos, nos domínios temporal e espectral, nas posições supina e ortostática, e a função ventricular com base em variáveis morfofuncionais Doppler ecocardiográficas. A análise estatística empregou o teste de Mann-Whitney e a correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Em ambas as posições, os índices temporais (p = 0,0004-0,01) e as áreas espectrais total (p = 0,0007-0,005) e absoluta, de baixa e alta frequências (p = 0,0001-0,002), mostraram-se menores no grupo chagásico. O balanço vagossimpático mostrou-se semelhante em ambas as posturas (p = 0,43-0,89). As variáveis ecocardiográficas não diferiram entre os grupos (p = 0,13-0,82), exceto o diâmetro sistólico final do ventrículo esquerdo que se mostrou maior (p = 0,04), correlacionando-se diretamente com os reduzidos índices da modulação autonômica global (p = 0,01-0,04) e parassimpática (p = 0,002-0,01), nos pacientes chagásicos, em posição ortostática. CONCLUSÃO: AS DEpressões simpática e parassimpática com balanço preservado associaram-se apenas a um indicador de disfunção ventricular. Isso sugere que a disfunção autonômica cardíaca pode preceder e ser independentemente mais severa que a disfunção ventricular, não havendo associação causal entre ambos os distúrbios na cardiopatia chagásica crônica.

BACKGROUND: The association of variably altered cardiac autonomic and ventricular systolic and diastolic functions is still controversial and little explored in chronic Chagas' disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the extent to which cardiac autonomic and mechanical ventricular functions are altered and whether they are associated in asymptomatic chagasic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: A total of 13 patients with asymptomatic chagasic cardiomyopathy and 15 normal subjects (control group) were evaluated and the autonomic modulation of heart rate variability for five minutes, in the temporal and spectral domains, in the supine and orthostatic positions, as well as ventricular function based on morphological-functional variables obtained by Doppler echocardiography were correlated. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: In both positions, the temporal index (p = 0.0004 to 0.01) and total (p = 0.0007-0.005) and absolute spectral areas, of low and high frequencies (p = 0.0001 to 0.002), were lower in the chagasic group. The vagal-sympathetic balance was similar in both positions (p = 0.43 to 0.89). The echocardiographic variables did not differ between groups (p = 0.13 to 0.82), except the left ventricular end-systolic diameter, which was larger (p = 0.04) and correlated directly with reduced rates of global (p = 0.01 to 0.04) and parasympathetic (p = 0.002 to 0.01) autonomic modulation in patients with Chagas disease in the orthostatic position. CONCLUSION: The sympathetic and parasympathetic depressions with preserved balance were associated with only one ventricular dysfunction indicator. This suggests that cardiac autonomic dysfunction may precede and be independently more severe than ventricular dysfunction, with no causal association between both disorders in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.