In the October 2004 Issue of Clínicas

With this October issue, CLÍNICAS begins to introduce a new style. At this point we have started to reorganize our Editorial Board to cover a worldwide spectrum of expertise. Next, will be internet online submission and handling of manuscripts which we hope to have operational by early 2005. We are looking forward to receiving your original paper, or your case report. In this issue we are publishing eleven original research papers, two case reports and two reviews: GUIDO MC et al. point out that left ventricular hypertrophy following volume overload is regarded as an example of cardiac remodeling without increased fibrosis accumulation. Infarction is associated with increased fibrosis within the noninfarcted, hypertrophied myocardium, particularly in the subendocardial regions. They suggest that, as also occurs postinfarction, low coronary driving pressure may also interfere with accumulation of myocardial fibrosis following aortocaval fistula. The purpose of the investigation was to study the role of acute hemodynamic changes in subsequent deposition of cardiac fibrosis in response to aortocaval fistula. Authors conclude that the coronary driving pressure falls and ventricular pressures increase early after aortocaval fistula and that these effects are associated with subsequent myocardial fibrosis deposition. BRICKS LF et al. note that Haemophilus influenzae is one of the most important bacterial agents of otitis and sinusitis, and that H. influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the main causes of meningitis, pneumonia, and septicemia in non-vaccinated children under 6 years of age. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of H. influenzae and Hib oropharyngeal colonization prior to the onset of the Hib vaccination program in Brazil in previously healthy children and to assess the susceptibility profile of this microorganism to a selected group of antimicrobials that are used to treat acute respiratory infections. Authors show a low prevalence of colonization by penicillin-resistant strains which indicates that it is not necessary to substitute ampicilin or amoxicilin to effectively treat otitis and sinusitis caused by H. influenzae in the area where the study was conducted. DARCIE S et al. have evaluated the evolution of glycemic levels in newborns of hypertensive mothers according to maternal treatment (isradipine, atenolol, or low sodium diet). Their results suggest a similar effect of the 3 types of treatment upon newborn glycemia. Correlation analysis suggests that isradipine could have effects upon newborn glycemia only after birth, whereas atenolol could act earlier. The results also point to the need for glycemic control from the first hour postpartum of newborns of hypertensive mothers whether they have, or have not, undergone treatment with antihypertensive drugs. AOKI V et al. take up the theme of pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem), an autoimmune intraepidermal blistering disease in which immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies are directed against desmosomal glycoproteins. The aim of the study was to determine the IgG subclass profiles of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem) and pemphigus vulgaris utilizing indirect immunofluorescence. The conclusion is that subclass characterization of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies is a useful tool for pemphigus follow-up, since immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) is the subclass related to recognition of pathogenic epitopes, consequently with disease activity. Careful monitoring should be performed for fogo selvagem in clinical remission with a homogeneous IgG4 response, since this may indicate frequent relapses. BARROS ACSD et al. have tested an experimental model of chemical mammary carcinogenesis induction in rats. By administering 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) intragastrically they show that the experimenEDITORIAL