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Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women. Despite advancements in early diagnosis, neoadjuvant therapy, and various treatment modalities, mastectomy remains a common procedure for many women. Although some women opt for reconstructive surgery (BR), many do not have the indication, desire, or opportunity to undergo this procedure. Methods: An easily manufactured, washable, lightweight, and inexpensive external breast prosthesis (EBP) model was developed specifically for the study. Participants were presented with five EBP models-one commercially available, three manufactured options, and one created for the study-and were asked to choose a prosthesis. We also evaluated the factors associated with non-adherence to EBP among women who had undergone mastectomy without BR. The chi-square test was used to assess adherence or non-adherence to EBP, while logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence. Results: We introduced a low-cost, lightweight, washable EBP model. When participants were asked to choose between two prostheses, the silicone prosthesis was the first choice for 33.9% of the participants, while the prosthesis created for the study emerged as the second choice for 70.5%. Out of the 72 women assessed, 45.8% (33) opted not to use any of the EBP models. Our analysis revealed that age and BMI were significantly associated with non-use of EBP. Conclusion: Multiple barriers contribute to non-adherence to EBP, underscoring the need for interventions aimed at improving patient knowledge and adherence. This study introduces a lightweight, easily reproducible, and low-cost EBP model.

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PURPOSE: Limited high-quality studies have compared robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) vs open retropubic radical prostatectomy. We sought to compare their postoperative outcomes in a randomized setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single center, 354 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were assessed for eligibility; 342 were randomized (1:1). The primary outcome was 90-day complication rates. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed over 18 months, and oncological outcomes, biochemical recurrence-free survival, and additional treatment over 36 months. RESULTS: From 2014 to 18, 327 patients underwent surgery (retropubic radical prostatectomy = 156, RALP = 171). Complications occurred in 27 (17.3%) vs 19 (11.1%; P = .107). Patients undergoing RALP experienced lower median bleeding (250.0 vs 719.5 mL; P < .001) and shorter hospitalization time. Urinary EPIC (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) median scores were better for RALP over 18 months, with higher continence rate at 3 months (80.5% vs 64.7%; P = .002), 6 months (90.1% vs 81.6%; P = .036) and 18 months (95.4% vs 78.8%; P < .001). Sexual EPIC and Sexual Health Inventory for Men median scores were higher with RALP up to 12 months, while the potency rate was superior at 3 months (23.9% vs 5.3%; P = .001) and 6 months (30.6% vs 6.9%; P < .001). Quality of life over the 18 months and oncological outcomes over 36 months were not significantly different between arms. CONCLUSIONS: Complications at 90 days were similar. RALP showed superior sexual outcomes at 1 year, improved urinary outcomes at 18 months, and comparable oncological outcomes at 36 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospective Analysis of Robot-Assisted Surgery; NCT02292914. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02292914?cond=NCT02292914&draw=2&rank=1.

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Objective: In Brazil, the characteristics of breast cancer patients who arrive at cancer treatment services are influenced by conditions related to the tumor, to the diagnostic system and navigation in the phase prior to care, with regional differences being little known as well as their seasonal variation. Methods: This is a retrospective study of epidemiological data of patients with breast cancer treated at the Hospital do Câncer de Muriaé (HCM), an exclusively oncology hospital (CACON II), with primarily public care, a reference for cancer treatment in the east of Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais. Clinical and care-related characteristics were evaluated from 2010 to 2021. Results: During this period, 4,573 new patients were treated. The care was primarily public (80.5%) and most patients were undiagnosed (45.7%) or untreated (71.8%) at the first visit. The patients were between 40 and 69 years old (70.2%) and a significant portion were between 70 and 74 years old (7.4%). The rate of early stage (clinical stage ­ CS 0 + I) represented only 33.9 and 25.8% of all patients and those treated exclusively in the hospital, respectively. There was no change in clinical stage and age group over the years. Conclusion: When evaluating epidemiological data, the characteristics of the service and the pre-institutional diagnostic care network should be analyzed, facts that influence the results. Throughout the period, there was no great variation in relation to age group and staging. In this region, the early stage of breast cancer has unsatisfactory rates, and the 70 to 74 age group should be considered in mammographic screening. Epidemiological studies are essential to improve health strategies. (AU)

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Resumo Objetivo Descrever o processo de construção e avaliação de um protótipo de aplicativo de telefonia móvel que promova acessibilidade em chamada de socorro pré-hospitalar por pessoas com necessidades comunicativas especiais. Métodos Estudo metodológico, realizado em três etapas: definição de requisitos funcionais da população alvo; construção e disponibilização do protótipo de aplicativo para celulares touchscreen para solicitação de atendimento pré-hospitalar; avaliação das heurísticas de usabilidade por peritos, por meio de checklist, e pela população-alvo, pessoas com necessidades comunicativas especiais, utilizando a System Usability Scale. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e calculadas as pontuações e escores de avaliação do aplicativo. Resultados O aplicativo apresentou alta usabilidade (média de 58,75 pontos) e 21 sujeitos da população-alvo indicaram um excelente índice de satisfação do usuário (média de 89,5 pontos), oportunizando o registro e patente do protótipo. Conclusão O protótipo construído, demonstrou capacidade para promover acessibilidade comunicativa de convocação de socorro pré-hospitalar para pessoas com necessidades comunicativas especiais.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el proceso de elaboración y evaluación de un modelo de aplicación de telefonía móvil que promueva la accesibilidad en llamadas de asistencia prehospitalaria para personas con necesidades comunicativas especiales. Métodos Estudio metodológico realizado en tres etapas: definir los requisitos funcionales del público destinatario; elaborar y poner a disposición el modelo de la aplicación para celulares touchscreen para la solicitación de asistencia prehospitalaria, y evaluar las heurísticas de usabilidad por peritos, mediante checklist, y por el público destinatario, personas con necesidades comunicativas especiales, utilizando la System Usability Scale. Se realizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo y se calcularon los puntajes de evaluación de la aplicación. Resultados La aplicación presentó una alta usabilidad (promedio de 58,75 puntos) y 21 personas del público destinatario indicaron un excelente índice de satisfacción del usuario (promedio de 89,5 puntos), lo que permite el registro y patente del modelo. Conclusión El modelo elaborado demostró tener capacidad para promover la accesibilidad comunicativa de pedido de asistencia prehospitalaria para personas con necesidades comunicativas especiales.

Abstract Objective To describe the process of developing and evaluating a mobile application prototype to enable people with complex communication needs to call pre-hospital emergency services. Methods This methodological study was conducted in three stages: determining the target population's functional requirements; developing and making available a prototype application for touchscreen mobile phones to request pre-hospital services; experts assessed the usability heuristics using a checklist, while the target population (people with complex communication needs) used the System Usability Scale. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the scores assigned to the application were analyzed. Results The application obtained high usability scores (mean=58.75) and 21 individuals from the target population reported an excellent user satisfaction index (mean=89.5), which allowed registering and applying for the prototype's patent. Conclusion The prototype showed the ability to enable individuals with complex communication needs to access and request pre-hospital emergency services.

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PURPOSE: Chronic alcoholism is a well-known risk factor for strongyloidiasis, in these patients the disease is potentially more severe, probably due to the breakdown of local protective barriers and immunosuppression caused by alcohol, which can lead to autoinfection and dissemination. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiple stool sampling and a specific parasitological assay agar plate culture (APC) for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis in alcoholics. METHODS: APC was compared to sedimentation technique (HPJ; Hoffman, Pons and Janer), as parasitological methods to detect S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic individuals. Three stool samples from 60 alcoholic and 60 non-alcoholic individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: S. stercoralis larvae were observed in 11 (18.3%) alcoholic individuals and 1 (1.7%) nonalcoholic individual (P = 0.0042). In view of the combined results, sensitivity for the APC method was 63.6% (CI 31.6-87.6%) with the first sample reaching 100% (CI 67.8-100%) after analyzing three fecal samples. The HPJ sensitivity was 36.4% (CI 12.4-68.4) in the first sample, reaching 72.7% (CI 39.3-92.7) after three samples analyzed. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that in alcoholic patients, it is important to repeat stool sampling with specific techniques, especially using the APC method, to avoid misdiagnosis in cases that could evolve to disseminated strongyloidiasis.

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Lymph node microcalcifications are rare events, and when they are accompanied by neoplasia, they usually seem to be associated with a metastatic condition. We present a case of a patient with breast cancer and lymph node microcalcifications undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). A change in the calcification pattern towards becoming coarse was observed. Calcification represented a marker of axillary disease, and it was resected after NCT. This is the first report of a patient with lymph node microcalcification undergoing NCT. We observed a change in the calcification format, which facilitated lymph node sentinel identification. Pathological evaluation indicated metastatic disease.

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OBJECTIVES: The development of new bleaching agents with minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (HP), without adverse effects, and with bleaching effectiveness, has great clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleaching efficacy and cytotoxicity of a new niobium-based bleaching gel, compared to already available HP-based gels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the bleaching efficacy analysis, 40 bovine incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the established bleaching protocol: control, untreated; 35HP, 35% HP bleaching gel; 6HP, 6% HP bleaching gel; NbHP, niobium gel associated with 3% HP gel. The color variation was measured in a spectrophotometer and the values of ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE obtained. For the cell viability assay by MTT, MC3T3 cells were exposed to bleaching gel extracts (1:500, 1:250, 1:125 dilutions; immediately and 24 h). Statistical tests were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The color alteration for all bleaching gels was significant compared to control (P < 0.05), but the NbHP gel showed a significant ΔE than other gels, with expressive color alteration at 14 days (P < 0.05). The 35HP showed high cytotoxicity regarding control and the most groups in all periods and extracts analyzed (P < 0.05), while the NbHP showed greater cell viability than control in the immediate period, dilution of the 1:500 and superior to 6HP in the most extracts at 24 h. CONCLUSION: The new experimental niobium-based gel has bleaching efficacy similar to that of gels with a high concentration of HP, and it has high cytocompatibility. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of this new generation of niobium-based whitening gel associated with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide represents the possibility of a tooth whitening with lower dentin sensitivity.

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Breast cancer treatment is associated with functional sequelae that limit patients in their daily activities or work, impacting their quality of life. This fact becomes more noticeable in the Public System, the tumors are more advanced, leading to more aggressive treatments. Women with low education generally perform menial activities, playing an important role in family income. After cancer treatment, many are unable to carry out their usual activities, having difficulties with their work activities, requiring rehabilitation. These dysfunctions make it difficult or unfeasible to return to work, limiting family income. Knowledge of the Laws, the main sequelae and evaluation methodologies facilitates a more accurate diagnosis of functional conditions, determining the need for rehabilitation. Social Security provides economic support, but to have access to the benefit, a good report is necessary. This, well directed, helps the social security expert and the patients, who are generally so fragile by the disease and the treatment. In this article we discuss the main functional sequelae, how to evaluate them, and how to make a good report to be sent to an expert (AU)

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Glioblastoma remains the most lethal form of brain cancer, where hybrid nanomaterials biofunctionalized with polysaccharide peptides offer disruptive strategies relying on passive/active targeting and multimodal therapy for killing cancer cells. Thus, in this research, we report for the first time the rational design and synthesis of novel hybrid colloidal nanostructures composed of gold nanoparticles stabilized by trisodium citrate (AuNP@TSC) as the oxidase-like nanozyme, coupled with cobalt-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized by carboxymethylcellulose ligands (Co-MION@CMC) as the peroxidase-like nanozyme. They formed inorganic-inorganic dual-nanozyme systems functionalized by a carboxymethylcellulose biopolymer organic shell, which can trigger a biocatalytic cascade reaction in the cancer tumor microenvironment for the combination of magnetothermal-chemodynamic therapy. These nanoassemblies were produced through a green aqueous process under mild conditions and chemically biofunctionalized with integrin-targeting peptide (iRDG), creating bioengineered nanocarriers. The results demonstrated that the oxidase-like nanozyme (AuNP) was produced with a crystalline face-centered cubic nanostructure, spherical morphology (diameter = 16 ± 3 nm), zeta potential (ZP) of -50 ± 5 mV, and hydrodynamic diameter (DH) of 15 ± 1 nm. The peroxide-like nanostructure (POD, Co-MION@CMC) contained an inorganic crystalline core of magnetite and had a uniform spherical shape (2R = 7 ± 1 nm) which, summed to the contribution of the CMC shell, rendered a hydrodynamic diameter of 45 ± 4 nm and a negative surface charge (ZP = -41 ± 5 mV). Upon coupling both nanozymes, water-dispersible colloidal supramolecular vesicle-like organic-inorganic nanostructures were produced (AuNP//Co-MION@CMC, ZP = -45 ± 4 mV and DH = 28 ± 3 nm). They confirmed dual-nanozyme cascade biocatalytic activity targeted by polymer-peptide conjugates (AuNP//Co-MION@CMC_iRGD, ZP = -29 ± 3 mV and DH = 60 ± 4 nm) to kill brain cancer cells (i.e., bioenergy "starvation" by glucose deprivation and oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species generation), which was boosted by the magneto-hyperthermotherapy effect when submitted to the alternating magnetic field (i.e., induced local thermal stress by "nanoheaters"). This groundwork offers a wide avenue of opportunities to develop innovative theranostic nanoplatforms with multiple integrated functionalities for fighting cancer and reducing the harsh side effects of conventional chemotherapy.

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Mesoporous carbon (MC) derived from cassava starch was used to remove Acid Blue 113 azo dye from aqueous solutions. The influence of temperature, pH, ionic strength, and the adsorbent dose was investigated in a set of batch experiments. Experimental data showed that Acid Blue 113 adsorption was higher in the acid pH range than in the alkaline one, that dye adsorption increases when the ionic strength and temperature increase, and that adsorption results presented a good correlation with the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of MC was 295 mg g-1, at pH = 7.0 and 298 K, respectively. Zeta potential (ζ) showed the compression of the diffuse double layer of adsorbent with an increase in temperature and ionic strength, promoting the decrease of electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged surface of the carbon particles and the anionic dye. Thermodynamic results demonstrate that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, for the first time, this work has demonstrated that the pH, temperature, and ionic strength of the aqueous medium are also able to change the surface charge of carbon-based adsorbents and surely influence the adsorption capacity. Finally, the regeneration of the adsorbent by the photo-Fenton reaction regenerated the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent without generating secondary pollution to the environment.

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Locally advanced ulcerated breast neoplasm is a condition that frequently occurs in developing countries. Generally, it is centrally localized and submitted to neoadjuvant therapy; thereafter, upon disappearance of the ulceration, it is submitted to radical mastectomy. Presence of axillary infiltration and ulceration with incomplete response makes it necessary for the use of surgical flaps for skin closure. We report a case in which primary reconstructive surgical procedure and skin closure was necessary, where we used double myocutaneous flaps-the latissimus dorsi and VRAM (vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap. We discussed treatment of the ulcerated lesions, possible surgical solutions, and the conditions associated with the use of double flaps. For primary closure of extensive areas, double myocutaneous flaps can be used as a solution in cases where skin grafts or surgical microsurgical flaps are not able to serve as a surgical solution. Myocutaneous flaps are associated with lower rates of complication, allowing for rapid recovery without increasing the time necessary before the next adjuvant therapy.

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In the presence of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy associated with a breast radiological finding, breast cancer should constitute the main differential diagnosis. This fact is intensified when there is associated lymphedema. We present a case of a patient in these conditions, for whom breast cancer was not confirmed, and a subsequent evaluation showed that it was cat-scratch disease. This report constitutes the second case of association between lymphedema and bartollenosis.

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If not properly treated, water contaminated with chromium (Cr(VI)) and lead (Pb(II)) can cause severe damage to health due to the accumulation of those toxic metals in the human body. Therefore, in this work, three iron oxides, i.e., δ-FeOOH, cystine-functionalized δ-FeOOH (Cys-δ-FeOOH), and Fe3O4, were synthesized and used as adsorbents for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) in water. The results indicated that the Cr(VI) is best adsorbed on cys-δ-FeOOH followed by δ-FeOOH and Fe3O4. It was because of the enhanced interaction between Cr(VI) and the cysteine functional groups on the δ-FeOOH surface. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of cys-δ-FeOOH, δ-FeOOH, and Fe3O4 was 217, 14, and 8 mg g-1, respectively. On the other hand, Pb(II) was preferentially adsorbed directly on δ-FeOOH achieving a maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 174 mg g-1. The Pb(II) adsorption capacity of cys-δ-FeOOH and Fe3O4 was 97 and 74 mg g-1, respectively. The Cr(VI) adsorption on cys-δ-FeOOH was best described by the Langmuir-Freundlich model, whereas Pb(II) adsorption on δ-FeOOH followed the Langmuir model. Both Cr(VI) and Pb(II) adsorption on the adsorbents was well-fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Cr(VI) was more quickly adsorbed by cys-δ-FeOOH (h0 = 0.10 mg g-1 min-1) while the initial adsorption rate of Pb(II) onto δ-FeOOH was significantly faster (h0 = 16.34 mg g-1 min-1). Finally, the synthesized adsorbents were efficient to remove Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from water samples of the Doce river after the environmental disaster of Mariana city, Brazil, thus showing its applicability to remediate real water samples.

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Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ and then modified with Au to produce an effective adsorbent (Fe3O4/Au) for aqueous Hg(II) in contaminated water. Rietveld refinement on the XRD pattern confirmed that the Fe3O4/Au was synthesised. Mössbauer spectra exhibited broad and asymmetric resonance lines with two sextets which can be assigned to tetrahedral Fe3+; and octahedral Fe3+/Fe2+. The quantitative analysis of magnetite confirms that the sample shows around 3 wt.% Au and 97 wt.% partially oxidised Fe3O4. High surface area: 121 m2 g-1, average pore sizes: 6.3 nm and pore volume: 1.64 cm3 g-1. The kinetics data were better fitted with a pseudo-second-order and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm suggests the Hg(II) adsorption onto Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles was mainly by chemical adsorption forming complex with the Au metal immobilised on Fe3O4 surfaces. Adsorption capacity of 79.59 mg g-1. Ionic strength and co-existing ions had a slight influence on the adsorption capacity.

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O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura realizada com o objetivo de sintetizar o conhecimento acerca dos requisitos que têm sido utilizados para o desenvolvimento de aplicações móveis e/ou aplicações para dispositivos móveis na saúde para pessoas cegas, surdas e idosas. A busca dos estudos primários foi realizada no mês de setembro de 2019, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Pubmed, CINHAL, Web of Science e LILACS. A amostra foi constituída por 9 estudos, publicados no período de 2015 a 2019. Os dados foram extraídos com o auxílio de um instrumento validado, e posteriormente agrupados para discussão em duas categorias de acordo com os requisitos levantados e a população de interesse: Requisitos para deficientes visuais e Requisitos para pessoas idosas. Não foram localizados estudos que levantaram requisitos para pessoas com deficiência auditiva e surdos. Os estudos incluídos que levantaram requisitos para o desenvolvimento de aplicações na saúde para deficientes visuais abordaram a necessidade de recursos de leitura de tela (objetos e textos) com saída de voz ou feedback por voz, navegação por Global Positioning System (GPS) e ferramentas de auxílio em situações de emergência. Os requisitos levantados para pessoas idosas foram divididos em subcategorias: Linguagem e vocabulário compreensível; Treinamento para o uso de tecnologia e oferta de ajuda; Interface amigável e menos complexa; Configurações de texto (tamanho, fonte e estilos especiais); Cor e contraste (Textos, imagens e planos entre telas); Tamanho de botões e ícones; Interação por voz e áudio; Interações motoras, cognitivas e uso da memória do idoso; Segurança (situações de emergência e segurança de dados) e; Preferencia no desenvolvimento de aplicações em saúde e uso de smartphones. As evidências do estudo permitiram identificar requisitos para que profissionais da saúde, desenvolvedores de softwares, designers e outros profissionais interessados, possam desenvolver aplicações para diferentes dispositivos móveis na saúde atendendo as necessidades de pessoas com deficiência visual e idosos e dessa forma melhorar, problemas de uso, de interação e aceitabilidade.

This study is an integrative literature review carried out with the aim of synthesizing knowledge about the requirements that have been used for the development of mobile applications and / or applications for mobile devices in health for blind, deaf and elderly people. The search for primary studies was carried out in September 2019, in the electronic databases Pubmed, CINHAL, Web of Science and LILACS. The sample consisted of 9 studies, published in the period from 2015 to 2019. The data were extracted with the aid of a validated instrument, and later grouped for discussion in two categories according to the requirements raised and the population of interest: Requirements for visually impaired and Requirements for the elderly. No studies were found that raised requirements for hearing impaired and deaf people. The included studies that raised requirements for the development of health applications for the visually impaired addressed the need for screen reading resources (objects and texts) with voice output or voice feedback, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and assistance in emergency situations. The requirements raised for elderly people were divided into subcategories: Understandable language and vocabulary; Training in the use of technology and offering help; Friendly and less complex interface; Text settings (size, font and special styles); Color and contrast (Texts, images and plans between screens); Size of buttons and icons; Voice and audio interaction; Motor, cognitive interactions and memory use of the elderly; Security (emergency situations and data security) and; Preference in the development of health applications and use of smartphones. The evidence from the study allowed to identify requirements so that health professionals, software developers, designers and other interested professionals, can develop applications for different mobile devices in health, meeting the needs of people with visual impairments and the elderly and thus improving usage problems, interaction and acceptability.

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Composite materials from PET and red mud (RM) wastes were used as catalysts for environmental application such as the wastewater treatment. The PET-RM catalysts were obtained by a mechanical mixture of the residues followed by thermal treatment under an N2 atmosphere (300°C/1 h). An additional activation of the composites with CO2 was investigated (at 800-900°C) to reduce the red mud basicity. The CO2 activation affected the composites surface area and reduced their carbon content. XRD revealed that the haematite (α-Fe2O3) and maghemite/magnetite are the main iron oxides present in the composites. Mössbauer characterization indicated the formation of reduced iron species (Fe2+), highly reactive, after the composites heat treatment. The materials were very active catalysts for methylene blue (MB) and paracetamol (PRC) removal from aqueous solution. The catalytic activity revealed to be dependent on the surface area and mainly of the presence of reduced iron species in the catalysts. The MB removal reached 97% for both PET-RM 800/2 h and PET-RM 800/5 h, after 1 h of reaction. In the case of PRC, the highest removal was also obtained for PET-RM 800/2 h and PET-RM 800/5 h, of ≈25% and 40%, respectively. The contaminants removal mechanism likely occurred through combined adsorption and Fenton-like oxidation processes.

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Strongyloidiasis is a human parasitosis that is considered a public health problem. Early diagnosis of this infection is extremely important in immunocompromised patients (i.e. subjects with alcoholism). This study aimed to evaluate anti-Strongyloides immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA), assess levels of circulating immune complexes (IC) and determine IgG avidity in serum samples from alcoholic and nonalcoholic individuals. A total of 140 blood samples were collected from male individuals (70 alcoholic and 70 nonalcoholic subjects). Serum was obtained and analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgG, IgA, IC detection and avidity determination. Anti-Strongyloides IgG was detected in 55.7% of alcoholic subjects and 32.8% nonalcoholics, while IC levels showed frequencies of 38.6% and 17.1% in these groups, respectively. Anti-Strongyloides IgA was lower among alcoholics (4.3%) than nonalcoholics (34.3%). Spearman's correlation coefficient reported a positive correlation between IgG, IC and IgA in alcoholic individuals and no correlation in nonalcoholics. The median avidity index was higher in alcoholics (83.8%) than nonalcoholic subjects (73.2%). In conclusion, this study shows that alcoholic subjects produced specific antibodies against S. stercoralis regardless of the possible immunosuppression caused by chronic alcoholism. Considering that alcoholics are more susceptible to the severe forms of strongyloidiasis, the implementation of immunological methods as a complementary approach to parasitological diagnostics (i.e. detection of IgG, IC and antibody avidity) appears to be an alternative method for early diagnosis in these individuals.

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The present study aimed to evaluate the alcohol consumption profile and behaviors and consequences associated with this consumption among university students. This cross-sectional, observational, and predictive correlational study was conducted with students from a public university in Southeastern Brazil in different course periods (first-year, middle-year and last-year students). Socio-demographic data; prevalence of use of alcohol and other drugs in the previous 12 months and in the previous 30 days; information about academic behavior; information about the negative consequences resulting from alcohol use; risk behaviors; depressive symptoms; and symptoms of psychological distress were collected. The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was also used. Of all 1139 students, 91% used alcohol in their lifetime. Last-year students consumed alcohol more often than first-year students in their lifetime (93% vs 88%), in the previous 12 months (86% vs 78%) and in the previous 30 days (75% vs 66%). The prevalence of alcohol use with risk of dependence was similar among firs-year (31%), middle-year (25%) and last-year (25%) students; 84% of them did not consider this consumption to be harmful to health. The use of other drugs; the use of tobacco, marijuana or cocaine with risk of dependence; depression; psychological distress; risk behavior; and low interest in academic activities were more prevalent among students who consumed alcohol with risk of dependence, compared to those who consumed it without such risk. In conclusion, it was observed alarming frequencies and patterns of alcohol use among university students as well as negative consequences and risk behaviors associated with this consumption. Policies on alcohol use prevention should include students as soon as they enter university.

O presente estudo teve por objetivos avaliar os perfis do consumo alcoólico e os comportamentos e consequências associados a esse consumo entre universitários. Este estudo transversal, observacional e preditivo correlacional foi realizado com estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira, de diferentes períodos da graduação. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, a prevalência do uso de álcool e de outras drogas nos prévios 12 meses e nos prévios 30 dias, informações sobre o comportamento acadêmico, informações sobre consequências negativas resultantes do uso do álcool, comportamentos de risco, sintomas de depressão e de sofrimento psicológico. Também foi utilizado o Teste para Triagem do Uso de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Substâncias (ASSIST). Entre os 1139 universitários avaliados, 91% fizeram uso de álcool na vida. Alunos concluintes mais frequentemente do que os iniciantes, respectivamente, fizeram uso de álcool na vida (93% vs. 88%), nos últimos 12 meses (86% vs. 78%) e nos últimos 30 dias (75% vs. 66%). A prevalência de consumo com risco para dependência de álcool foi semelhante entre alunos iniciantes (31%), intermediários (25%) e concluintes (25%), e 84% deles não consideravam esse consumo prejudicial à saúde. Consumo de outras drogas; consumo com risco para dependência de tabaco, de maconha e de cocaína; depressão; sofrimento psicológico; comportamentos de risco, e menores interesses pelas atividades acadêmicas foram mais prevalentes entre os que faziam consumo com risco para dependência de álcool do que entre aqueles que faziam consumo sem risco. Em conclusão, foram observadas preocupantes frequências e padrões de consumos de álcool entre os universitários avaliados, bem como de consequências negativas e de comportamentos de risco associados a esse consumo. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que políticas de prevenção ao uso de álcool devem incluir os estudantes assim que ingressam na universidade.

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BACKGROUND:: Recent studies have questioned the recommendation of abstinence from alcohol for at least 6 months for alcoholic patients to be treated for hepatitis C. OBJECTIVE:: The present study aimed to assess the impact of alcohol consumption among patients undergoing hepatitis C treatment. METHODS:: In this cross-sectional study, 121 patients [78 (64.5%) men; 28-70 years] were evaluated. They were divided as follows: patients who consumed <12 g of ethanol/day throughout life (Group 1), 12-59 g/day (Group 2) and ≥60 g/day (Group 3). Patients were treated with pegyla-ted-interferon plus ribavirin. RESULTS:: These three groups could not be distinguished in terms of the severity of liver fibrosis and frequency of HCV genotype-1 infection. In Group 3, treatment discontinuation (32.4%) was higher than in the Group 1 (9.4%) or Group 2 (0%), it was higher among patients who drank during treatment (66.7% vs 21.4%) and among those who had not been abstinent for at least 6 months (72.7% vs 15.4%). Moderate alcohol drinkers showed good adherence and did not discontinue the treatment. The frequencies of sustained viral response among patients in Group 3 (44.4%) were similar to those in Group 1 (61%) and Group 2 (68.4%). CONCLUSION:: Heavy drinkers more often discontinued treatment for hepatitis C, but those that received this treatment had acceptable sustained viral response rates. These results suggest that heavy drinkers should not be systematically excluded from the treatment, but they should be monitored to avoid drinking and abandoning treatment, mainly those who have not been abstinent for at least 6 months.

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