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Background Routine preoperative screening of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may reduce in-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Methods This was a prospective, observational, cohort study. The endpoints were the incidence of asymptomatic patients with positive preoperative RT-PCR results and the incidence and factors associated with postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cancer referred for elective surgery. Patients with elective surgery between May and October 2020 were included. RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swabs was performed preoperatively for all patients. Postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was assessed within 30 postoperative days. Results A total of 1636 preoperative screening RT-PCR tests were performed. Of these, 102 (6.2%) cases were positive, and 1,298 surgical procedures were analyzed. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was 0.9%. The length of stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.11; p < 0.001), surgical time (OR 1.004; 95% CI 1.001–1.008; p = 0.023), intensive care unit admission (OR 7.7; 95% CI 2.03–29.28; p = 0.003), and hospital readmissions (OR 9.56; 95% CI 2.50–36.56; p = 0.001) were associated with postoperative coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, length of stay (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.11; p < 0.001), and readmission (OR 9.02; 95% CI 2.30–35.48; p = 0.002) were independent factors of postoperative COVID-19. Conclusions Screening patients preoperatively may reduce in-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Length of stay and readmission were independently correlated with postoperative COVID-19.

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Considering the high incidence of scorpionism in some areas, pregnant women and nursing mothers may be possible victims. Scorpion stings alter the release of neurotransmitters and some cytokines. These mediators act as organizers and programmers in the adequate formation of the nerves, and non-physiological concentrations of them during the brain organization originate disorders and diseases that can appear later in the life of the individual. Despite the importance of this subject, there are only a few studies showing the effects of scorpion venom on maternal reproductive development, in the morphology and physical and behavioral development of offspring. The present review article summarizes the major findings on this issue. Biochemical changes in the blood – such as hyperglycemia, increase on the level of sodium and on the creatinine concentration – are observed after scorpion sting in humans and experimental animals. Some studies in the literature demonstrate that the scorpion venom affects the maternal reproductive development in humans and in experimental animals, increasing the frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction and the number of resorptions. The venom can also lead to some alterations in the embryonic or fetal development increasing the total weight of fetuses and of some organs. Moreover, it affects the general activity and locomotion during childhood and adulthood, and the anxiety level in adult females and males. It also alters the number of hippocampal neurons and interferes in the level of some cytokines. Altogether, it is evident that the venom, when administered during the pregnancy or lactation, affects the development of the offspring. Studies are being conducted to determine the actual participation of the venom in the development of the offspring, and to what extent they are detrimental to animal development.

In-hospital transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be reduced by routine preoperative screening with a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (

e24057 Background: The number of breast cancer survivors has grown worldwide in recent years due to advances in treatments, however, increased survival lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms after the end of treatment that affect the quality of life of these patients in the long term. Methods: Women aged 20-60 years with a diagnosis of breast cancer and primary treatment for at least 1 year were selected. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire was used and sociodemographic data, life habits and clinical conditions of the participants were collected. The primary end point was to identify the main repercussions of breast cancer and its treatments. Results: A total of 87 women were enrolled for this study. The mean age was 48.5 years. The main symptoms identified were pain (15.48%), nausea (13.10%), fatigue (11.90%), hot flashes (9.52%) and insomnia (5.95%). The total FACT-B+4 score was 110.75 (SD 20.02). No statistically significant variables were identified as predictors of worsening quality of life. Conclusions: The main residual problems in breast cancer survivors 1 year after curative treatment at Hospital São Camilo Oncologia were identified, however, it was not possible to establish significant predictors of worsening quality of life. We will conduct a new interview in 1 year using others quality of life assessment instruments.