Palynological counts (dinoflagellate cysts) and foraminiferal geochemistry (d18O, d18C, Mg/Ca) of the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition in the North Atlantic

The position of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) during the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation (iNHG) has been evaluated using dinoflagellate cyst assemblages and foraminiferal geochemistry from a ~260 kyr interval straddling the base of the Quaternary System from two sites: eastern North Atlantic Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 610 in the path of the present NAC and central North Atlantic Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1313 in the subtropical gyre. Stable isotope and foraminiferal Mg/Ca analyses confirm cooling near the marine isotope stage (MIS) G7-G6 transition (2.74 Ma). However, a continued dominance of the dinoflagellate cyst Operculodinium centrocarpum sensu Wall and Dale (1966) indicates an active NAC in the eastern North Atlantic for a further 140 kyr. At MIS 104 (~2.60 Ma), a profound dinoflagellate cyst assemblage turnover indicates NAC shutdown in the eastern North Atlantic, implying elevated atmospheric pressure over the Arctic and a resulting shift in the westerlies that would have driven the NAC. These findings challenge recent suggestions that there was no significant southward shift of the NAC or the Arctic Front during iNHG, and reveal a fundamental climatic reorganization near the base of the Quaternary.

Dinoflagellate cycst in Neogene sediments of ODP Leg 178 holes

Protoperidiniacean dinoflagellate cysts were identified in 19 of 28 samples from two sites on the Antarctic Peninsula continental rise. Cysts are most common in the lower Pliocene and upper Miocene and include species of Brigantedinium, Lejeunecysta, and Selenopemphix. Autotrophic gonyaulacacean dinoflagellate cysts are very rare in the samples. The dominance of taxa derived from assumed heterotrophic dinoflagellate motile forms may indicate high nutrient content in the surface waters, which sustained a considerable diatom population.

Serous cystadenofibroma of the Fallopian tube. Case report and literature review

Introduction. Cystadenofibromas of the Fallopian tube are very rare benign tumors of the female genital tract. These tumours are usually asymptomatic and are found incidentally. Case report. We describe a Fallopian serous cystadenofibroma in a 50 year-old woman operated for uterine leiomyoma. The histopathologic finding revealed a cystic lesion connected to the salpinx. The cyst was composed of connective stroma lined by epithelial cuboidal cells, without pleomorfism or detectable mitoses. Pseudopapillary structures were observed in the lumen of the cyst. The patient is well on follow-up. Conclusion. The origin of serous cystadenofibroma of the Fallopian tube is not clear. The tumor is considered an embryologic remnant rather than a proliferating neoplastic process. These tumours seem to have a benign course and a malignant potential has not been described.

Bilateral lung and liver hydatid cysts. Case report

Introduction. Synchronous occurrence of pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease that is observed in less than 10% of cases. We report a rare case of bilateral lung (with bronchial fistula) and liver cyst, surgically treated after medical therapy. Case report. A 44-year-old housewife reporting fever, anorexia and fatigue that had been present for the previous 20 days received diagnosis of bilateral lung and liver hydatid cyst. Because of the dimensions of right lung cyst and the successive bronchial fistolization, we proceeded to three-stage operation of two thoracotomies and a laparotomy to control the risk of further rupture. After surgery, all post-operatives were uneventful. Complete resolution of the therapy with no evidence of recurrence at 2 years follow-up. Conclusion. We emphasize the need to search for additional hydatids in patients who present with either pulmonary or liver hydatids. The simultaneous treatment of liver and lung should be reserved to patients in good conditions; in all other cases, especially when one cyst is more symptomatic than the others or has more risk of rupture, we prefer to treat single cyst.

Is there a role of percutaneous drainage in non-parasitic splenic cysts? Case report

Pathogenesis, classification and treatment of non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs) are controversial. The utility of percutaneous aspiration of the cyst is not well understood. We report a case of a 32 year-old woman with a symptomatic giant epidermoid cyst of the spleen treated with laparoscopic splenectomy. A percutaneous transcatheter drainage was performed under ultrasound guidance before surgical procedure in order to classify the type of cyst and to choose the best treatment.

Uma abordagem sobre infecções endodônticas

As infeções endodônticas envolvem a invasão e multiplicação de microrganismos na polpa dentária e tecidos periapicais sendo responsáveis por dois tipos de patologias: as patologias pulpares e as patologias periapicais. Relativamente às patologias pulpares destacam-se a pulpite reversível, a pulpite irreversível e a necrose pulpar. Quanto às patologias periapicais, destacam-se o abcesso apical agudo, o abcesso apical crónico, a periodontite apical aguda, a periodontite apical crónica, o granuloma perirradicular e o quisto perirradicular. As doenças pulpares e periapicais apresentam manifestações clínicas diferentes que, em conjunto com os sinais e sintomas manifestados pelo paciente permitem diagnosticar o tipo de infeção endodôntica. As infeções endodônticas estão associadas a uma elevada diversidade de bactérias, sendo frequentemente intituladas de infeções endodônticas polimicrobianas. Sabe-se que os microrganismos são a causa principal das doenças pulpares e periapicais e, por esse motivo, o objetivo principal do Tratamento Endodôntico consiste na eliminação dos microrganismos e prevenção da re-infeção. O tratamento das infeções endodônticas baseia-se na preparação químico-mecânica do sistema de canais radiculares – instrumentação e irrigação – seguida da obturação e culminando com a restauração definitiva ou tratamento reabilitador. Este trabalho tem como objetivos adquirir um conhecimento mais amplo relativamente aos tipos de infeções endodônticas, à realização dos diversos diagnósticos e, principalmente, às várias opções de tratamento, disponíveis na área da Endodontia. Para tal foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica baseada em artigos científicos, publicados nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Science Direct bem como em alguns livros relacionados com o tema.

Desvios de erupção dos caninos superiores permanentes

Os caninos superiores permanentes possuem um longo e difícil trajeto de erupção, desde a sua formação até à sua posição final de erupção. Deste modo, estão susceptíveis a desvios de erupção por fatores etiológicos genéticos, ambientais ou locais. Quando se fala em desvios de erupção, a literatura remete-nos para casos de inclusão do canino permanente. Estes problemas clínicos são muito frequentes, sendo que o diagnóstico e tratamento desses problemas necessitam de uma abordagem multidisciplinar. Sendo de enorme importância o conhecimento dos padrões de normalidade que se estabelecem nos diferentes estágios de crescimento e desenvolvimento da dentição decídua, mista e permanente para um diagnóstico adequado e, posteriormente, para o sucesso do tratamento clínico. Quando não diagnosticado ou tratado inadequadamente, podem resultar no desenvolvimento de problemas, como: más oclusões, reabsorções dos dentes adjacentes, formação cística, infecções e problemas estéticos.

Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath: study of 64 cases and review of literature

The giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is the most common benign neoplasm in the hand after the ganglion cyst. Several hypotheses were formulated about the etiological factors of these tumors, but still there is not a common opinion on etiology, prognostic factors and recurrence rate. This article presents a review of literature of the last 15 years about GCTTS to assess the demographic, clinical and histological profile. We compared the information obtained from literature with our experience of 64 cases between 2000 and 2012. Our study showed similar results to those reported in literature, except for the recurrence rate: only 3 cases (4.7%) of 64 patients reported recurrence (versus about 15% on average in literature). Among the various possible factors that predispose to recurrence, it is necessary that the surgeon ensures complete excision of the tumor and removal of any residual satellite nodules. Although the marginal excision is the treatment of choice, it is often difficult to perform due to for the location and the strict adherence of the tumor to the tendon or neurovascular bundles. We used in all cases a magnifying loupe to help a careful research of satellite lesions and to respect surrounding structures.

Estimating glomerular filtration rate in acute coronary syndromes: Different equations, different mortality risk prediction

AIMS: Renal dysfunction is a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome. Three new glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating equations recently emerged, based on serum creatinine (CKD-EPIcreat), serum cystatin C (CKD-EPIcyst) or a combination of both (CKD-EPIcreat/cyst), and they are currently recommended to confirm the presence of renal dysfunction. Our aim was to analyse the predictive value of these new estimated GFR (eGFR) equations regarding mid-term mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome, and compare them with the traditional Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD-4) formula. METHODS AND RESULTS: 801 patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome (age 67.3±13.3 years, 68.5% male) and followed for 23.6±9.8 months were included. For each equation, patient risk stratification was performed based on eGFR values: high-risk group (eGFR<60ml/min per 1.73m2) and low-risk group (eGFR⩾60ml/min per 1.73m2). The predictive performances of these equations were compared using area under each receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Overall risk stratification improvement was assessed by the net reclassification improvement index. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 18.1%. The CKD-EPIcyst equation had the highest overall discriminate performance regarding mid-term mortality (AUC 0.782±0.20) and outperformed all other equations (ρ<0.001 in all comparisons). When compared with the MDRD-4 formula, the CKD-EPIcyst equation accurately reclassified a significant percentage of patients into more appropriate risk categories (net reclassification improvement index of 11.9% (p=0.003)). The CKD-EPIcyst equation added prognostic power to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score in the prediction of mid-term mortality. CONCLUSION: The CKD-EPIcyst equation provides a novel and improved method for assessing the mid-term mortality risk in patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome, outperforming the most widely used formula (MDRD-4), and improving the predictive value of the GRACE score. These results reinforce the added value of cystatin C as a risk marker in these patients.

Cystic echinococcosis therapy: Albendazole-loaded lipid nanocapsules enhance the oral bioavailability and efficacy in experimentally infected mice

International audience

Dor abdominal em adolescente

Doente do sexo feminino de 16 anos de idade, recorreu ao serviço de urgência por dor abdominal com duas semanas de evolução localizada à fossa ilíaca esquerda (FIE) associada a obstipação. Negava atividade sexual, referindo último cataménio três semanas antes. Apresentava palpação abdominal dolo- rosa na FIE, sem defesa ou sinais de irritação peritoneal. Estudo analítico inicial e exame sumário de urina normais. Ecografia abdomino-pélvica revelou quisto complexo na região anexial esquerda e ascite de médio volume. Foi doseada a hormona gonadotrofina coriónica sérica que foi positiva (2608 mUI/mL). A ecografia transvaginal revelou quisto simples com área adjacente de aspeto reticular, não evidenciando qualquer imagem de saco gestacional intrauterino. Foi submetida a laparotomia exploradora, constatando-se hemoperitoneu e gravidez ectópica tubar esquerda e efetuada salpingectomia esquerda. Os autores pretendem alertar para uma causa rara de dor abdominal na adolescência, que deverá ser considerada de for- ma a evitar um desfecho potencialmente fatal.

É simples o que faço com os quistos simples do ovário

É cada vez mais frequente o diagnóstico de quisto do ovário pelo uso crescente de exames radiológicos. É essencial a distinção entre quisto simples e quisto complexo, pois a sua abordagem é diferente, sendo o algoritmo de abordagem adaptado à mulher pré- ou pós-menopáusica [1]. A recomendação inicial a seguir varia em função do tamanho da lesão e do valor do CA 125.

Algoritmo de abordagem das lesões anexiais indeterminadas na ecografia

O esclarecimento do órgão de origem, ou principalmente da natureza benigna ou maligna de um tumor anexial ecograficamente indeterminado surge com frequência na prática clínica e obriga a uma investigação complementar da sua natureza de modo a evitar cirurgias inúteis, sem deixar de diagnosticar precocemente a patologia maligna. Neste trabalho apresentamos um algoritmo de diagnóstico por Ressonância Magnética (RM), que recentemente foi proposto pela European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), o qual permite um diagnóstico preciso dos casos indeterminados à ecografia e uma intervenção responsável na abordagem clínica destas doentes.