The Brazilian army and the low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in women of the military garrison of Campinas between 2017 to 2020: a prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Given the characteristics of military missions, intense interpersonal contact, and wide variation in casual relationships, the military has long been recognized as a high-risk population for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of STIs and socioepidemiological profile of women in the military garrison of Campinas. DESIGN AND SETTING: This prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study, assisted by the Health Fund in the military garrison of Campinas, assessed the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and gonococcus in military women or companions of soldiers with active or previously active sexual life. METHODS: This study included 647 women based on the non-inclusion criteria. They underwent clinical and laboratory tests for diagnosis of STIs. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of STIs and into age groups. RESULTS: Most women were military dependents, and the majority were asymptomatic. The prevalence of STIs, in ascending order, was 0.3% for hepatitis B and C, 0.62% for syphilis, 0.62% for gonorrhea, 1.08% for chlamydia, and 2.63% for HPV. There were no cases of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Army has the most women-like dependents in the military, belonging to the hierarchical circle of the squares. Early onset of sexual activity favored STIs approximately twice, and younger women had approximately seven times more chlamydia infections. In the general population studied, the prevalence of STIs was lower than expected than in the armed forces of other nations.

Combined clinical and radiological remission of rectovaginal fistulas using fractional CO2 vaginal laser: a case series and medium-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in surgical and clinical approaches, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment from rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Faced with a challenging scenario in the approach of RVF, the fractional CO2 laser receives attention as a possible form of treatment. OBJECTIVES: A single-center, prospective, open-label study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy for RVF treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The total of 15 patients was recruited at the Juiz de Fora University Hospital between August 2018 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria were presence of clinically suspects RVF of any etiology confirmed by pelvic magnetic resonance image (MRI) and gynecological examination. Five fractional CO2 laser sessions with monthly interval followed by complete evaluation through clinical examination and pelvic MRI were performed for all patients after the completion of treatment. Analysis of sexual function before and after the treatment was performed using Female Sexual Quotient (FSQ). RESULTS: The evaluation through physical examination showed no persistent inflammatory signs in the vagina for all patients. Additionally, 10 of out 15 (67.7%) patients achieved clinical remission of RVF symptoms, while 33.3% patients reported significant improvement. Of note, five patients who did not have previous sexual activity returned to regular sexual activity while seven patients who have baseline sexual activity had improvement in their sexual function as assessed by the FSQ. Three out of four ostomized patients had their ostomy reversed and remained without complains. All six patients with RVF secondary to Crohn's disease reported a marked improvement in symptoms and sexual function. In seven (47%) patients radiological remission was confirmed by pelvic MRI. CONCLUSION: CO2 fractional laser can be considered a promising and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of RVF.

The Brazilian army and the low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in women of the military garrison of Campinas between 2017 to 2020: a prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Given the characteristics of military missions, intense interpersonal contact, and wide variation in casual relationships, the military has long been recognized as a high-risk population for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of STIs and socioepidemiological profile of women in the military garrison of Campinas. DESIGN AND SETTING: This prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study, assisted by the Health Fund in the military garrison of Campinas, assessed the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and gonococcus in military women or companions of soldiers with active or previously active sexual life. METHODS: This study included 647 women based on the non-inclusion criteria. They underwent clinical and laboratory tests for diagnosis of STIs. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of STIs and into age groups. RESULTS: Most women were military dependents, and the majority were asymptomatic. The prevalence of STIs, in ascending order, was 0.3% for hepatitis B and C, 0.62% for syphilis, 0.62% for gonorrhea, 1.08% for chlamydia, and 2.63% for HPV. There were no cases of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Army has the most women-like dependents in the military, belonging to the hierarchical circle of the squares. Early onset of sexual activity favored STIs approximately twice, and younger women had approximately seven times more chlamydia infections. In the general population studied, the prevalence of STIs was lower than expected than in the armed forces of other nations.

Case Report: Treatment for Rectovaginal Fistula in Crohn's Disease Using Fractionate CO2 Vaginal Laser with Anti-TNF Therapy.

Background: Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are defined as any connection between the anorectum and the vagina. They can have several causes, being Crohn's disease, the second leading cause of RVFs, responsible for ∼10% of the RVFs. Despite the advances in surgical and clinical treatment, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment. Objective: To report another therapeutic option, we describe the case of a patient with Crohn's disease and RVF refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, submitted to intravaginal CO2 fractional laser treatment. Materials and methods: Three laser sessions with monthly interval and analysis by clinical examination, sexual evaluation questionnaire, and magnetic resonance of the pelvis were performed. Results: We obtained an important improvement of the symptoms and of the dimension of the fistulous path. Conclusions: We believe this method to be a complementary, promising, and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of vaginal fistula. Future studies using this therapeutic strategy are needed to confirm the efficacy of this method in this clinical setting.

Therapeutic Assessment of Vulvar Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions with CO2 Laser Vaporization in Immunosuppressed Patients.

OBJECTIVE: A vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesion is deemed to be a preceding lesion to vulvar cancer, especially in women aged under 40 years, holders of an acquired or idiopathic immunosuppression. Several treatments have been used to treat these lesions. One of the aesthetically acceptable therapeutic methods is the CO2 laser vaporization. METHODS: In a transversal study, 46 records of immunosuppressed women bearing a vulvar low grade and/or high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were selected out of the retrospective analysis, computing age, date of record, date of vulvar lesion treatment with CO2 laser, the time elapsed between the first and the last visit (in months), the number of visits, the presence or absence of condylomatous lesions in other female lower genital tract sites and whether or not recurrences and persistence of intraepithelial lesions have been noticed during the follow-up. RESULTS: Patients bearing vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and immunosuppressed (serum positive for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] or with solid organs transplantation) have shown a higher level of persistence of lesions and a higher chance of having other areas of the female lower genital tract involved. CONCLUSION: While the CO2 laser vaporization is the most conservative method for the treatment of vulvar high-grade intraepithelial lesions, it is far from being the ideal method, due to the intrinsic infection features considered. The possibility of persistence, recurrences and spontaneous limited regression indicates that a closer surveillance in the long-term treated cases should be considered, in special for immunosuppressed patients.

OBJETIVO: A lesão intraepitelial escamosa da vulva é considerada uma lesão precursora do câncer vulvar, em especial em mulheres com idade inferior a 40 anos, portadoras de imunossupressão adquirida ou idiopática. Vários tratamentos têm sido utilizados para tratar esse tipo de lesão. Um dos métodos terapêuticos esteticamente aceitáveis é a vaporização a laser CO2. MéTODOS: Em um estudo transversal, foram selecionados da análise retrospectiva de prontuários arquivados no setor de patologia do trato genital inferior 46 prontuários de mulheres com imunossupressão e portadoras de lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau e/ou alto grau computando-se: idade, data de registro, data do tratamento da lesão vulvar com laser CO2, tempo entre a primeira e a última consulta (em meses), número de consultas, presença ou ausência de lesões condilomatosas em outros locais do aparelho reprodutor feminino e a ocorrência ou não de recidivas e persistência de lesões intraepiteliais durante o período de acompanhamento. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com lesão intraepitelial de alto grau vulvar e imunocomprometidas (soropositivas para HIV ou com transplante de órgãos sólidos) mostraram maior índice de persistência das lesões e maior chance de ter outras áreas do órgão genital feminino comprometidas. CONCLUSãO: Embora a vaporização a laser CO2 seja o método mais conservador para o tratamento das lesões intraepiteliais vulvares de alto grau, está longe de ser o método ideal pelas características intrínsecas da afecção em foco. A possibilidade de persistência, recidivas e regressão espontânea limitada recomenda maior vigilância para os casos tratados a longo prazo, em especial para as pacientes com imunossupressão.

Abordagens terapêuticas do Condiloma Acuminado em crianças e adolescentes / Therapeutic approaches to Condyloma Acuminatum in children and adolescents

Objetivos: A infecção pelo papiloma vírus humano dos tipos 6 e 11 pode evoluir para Condiloma Acuminado. Sua transmissão é principalmente via sexual, de forma que a presença dessas verrugas em crianças deve ser consi-derada sinal de alarme para investigação de abuso. Eventualmente, contudo, ocorre por autoinoculação ou fômites. O tratamento é desafiador, dado que apesar do extenso arsenal, a recorrência se faz comum. A presente revisão siste-mática advém a comparar taxas de sucesso das estratégias terapêuticas, objetivando fornecer substrato para escolhaacertada no tratamento da doença em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Foi realizada Revisão Sistemática baseada no GuidelinePreferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), registrada na Plataforma PROSPERO sob identificação CRD42021262090. Resultados: 211 estudos foram encontrados nasdatabases con-sultadas, de forma que 30 atenderam as propostas de critérios estabelecidos na pesquisa sistematizada. Esses pas-saram extração de dados para síntese qualitativa, demonstrando eficácia de métodos não-invasivos a invasivos.Conclusões: Mediante bons resultados em resolução da doença e reduzidos efeitos adversos, a terapia mais popular entre os autores foi o Imiquimode. A pesquisa chamou atenção à necessidade de estudos mais robustos e metodo-logias mais complexas acerca das abordagens terapêuticas do Condiloma Acuminado em crianças e adolescentes. (AU)

Objectives: Infection with human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 can progress to Condyloma acuminata. Its transmission is mainly sexual, so these warts in children should be considered an alarm signal for abuse investigation. Eventually, however, it occurs by autoinoculation or fomites. Treatment is challenging, given that despite the extensive arsenal, recurrence is common. The present systematic review compares the success rates of therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide a substrate for the right choice in the treatment of the disease in children and adolescents. Methods: Asystematic review was performed based on the guideline for Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), registered on the PROSPERO Platform under identification CRD42021262090. Results: 211 studies were found in thedatabasesconsulted, and 30 met the proposed criteria established in the systematic research. These passed data extraction for qualitative synthesis, demonstrating the effectiveness of non-invasive to invasive methods. Conclusions: Due to good results in disease resolution and reduced adverse effects, the most popular therapy among the authors was Imiquimod. The research called attention to the need for more robust studies and more complex methodologies about the therapeutic approaches of Condyloma Acuminatum in children and adolescents. (AU)

Association between the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 and human papillomavirus E6/E7 mRNA expression.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between p53 polymorphisms and human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA expression. METHODS: We analyzed 175 cervical samples from women aged 16-69 years old who were tested for HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (NucliSENS® EasyQ® HPV). The samples were divided into three groups: positive (n=75) those with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive high-risk HPV Hybrid Capture (HR-HC) test; negative (n=52) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive HR-HC; and control (n=48) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and negative HR-HC. The p53 polymorphisms at codons 11, 72, and 248 were evaluated through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequency of the arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly higher in the positive (49.3%) than in the negative (32.7%) and control groups (20.8%, p=0.002*). The frequency of the arginine allele was also significantly higher in the positive (67.3%) than in the negative (53.8%) and control groups (38.5%, p<0.001*). The arginine/arginine homozygous genotype was significantly associated with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (positive group) compared with negative and control groups (odds ratio: 2.633; 95% CI, 1.399-4.954, p=0.003). The frequency of arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 remained significantly more frequent in the positive group of women aged ≥30 years than in the other two groups. CONCLUSION: The presence of the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly associated with the positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression.

Treatment of Bartholin gland cyst with CO2laser.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of treatment with CO2 laser for Bartholin gland cysts. METHODS: Thirty-one women with Bartholin gland cysts were treated with CO2laser at an outpatient´s setting. Skin incision was performed with focused laser beam, the capsule was opened to drain mucoid content, followed by internal vaporization of impaired capsule. RESULTS: There were no complications. Five patients had recurrence of the cyst and were submitted to a second and successful session. CONCLUSION: CO2 laser surgery was effective to treat Bartholin gland cysts with minimal or no complications, and can be performed at an outpatient´s setting.

Cervical cancer screening in young and elderly women of the Xingu Indigenous Park: evaluation of the recommended screening age group in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the occurrence of atypia in the cytology/histology examinations of young women under the age of 25 years and of elderly women aged over 64 years, in the Xingu Indigenous Park and to evaluate, in a subjective manner, if the age range for screening established by the Ministry of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Câncer is appropriate for this population. METHODS: The Xingu/UNIFESP Project, in partnership with the Center for Gynecological Disease Prevention, develops programs to prevent cervical cancer. The exploratory, retrospective and descriptive study of cytological and histopathological examinations of young (12-24 years) and elderly (aged 64 and over) women of the Xingu Indigenous Park, between 2005 and 2011. RESULTS: There was low occurrence of cytological atypia in the elderly female population, but there were occasional high-grade lesions in the indigenous youth. CONCLUSION: Interrupting screening at the limit age of 64 years, as established by the Ministry of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Câncer is justified. However, screening of young women should begin at an earlier age.

[Prevalence of cytological atypia and high-risk human papillomavirus infection in Panará indigenous women in Central Brazil]. / Prevalência de atipias citológicas e infecção pelo papilomavírus humano de alto risco em mulheres indígenas Panará, povo indígena do Brasil Central.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of cytological atypia and human papillomavirus infection in Panará indigenous women in 2006-2007. This was a cross-sectional observational study with data obtained from vaginal cervical samples for Pap smear and hybrid capture, colposcopy, and biopsy. The study included 86 females 12 years or older with a history of sexual activity. 10.7% of the women were diagnosed with cytological atypia and 28.6% were infected with high-risk HPV genotypes, which were more common among young women (mean = 25.6 years). Of these, 41.7% were positive for high-risk HPV genotypes 16 and/or 18 and/or 45, and the majority (58.3%) for other high-risk HPV genotypes. The study concludes that this group of indigenous women constitutes a special population, susceptible to develop precursor lesions for cervical cancer and vulnerable to STDs. Preventive measures are required, such as systematic cervical cancer screening and HPV immunization.

Therapeutic assessment of vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions with CO2 laser vaporization in immunosuppressed patients / Avaliação terapêutica das lesões intraepiteliais escamosas da vulva com vaporização a laser CO2 em pacientes com imunossupressão

Abstract Objective A vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesion is deemed to be a preceding lesion to vulvar cancer, especially in women aged under 40 years, holders of an acquired or idiopathic immunosuppression. Several treatments have been used to treat these lesions. One of the aesthetically acceptable therapeutic methods is the CO2 laser vaporization. Methods In a transversal study, 46 records of immunosuppressed women bearing a vulvar low grade and/or high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were selected out of the retrospective analysis, computing age, date of record, date of vulvar lesion treatment with CO2 laser, the time elapsed between the first and the last visit (in months), the number of visits, the presence or absence of condylomatous lesions in other female lower genital tract sites and whether or not recurrences and persistence of intraepithelial lesions have been noticed during the follow-up. Results Patients bearing vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and immunosuppressed (serumpositive forhumanimmunodeficiency virus [HIV] or with solid organs transplantation) have shown a higher level of persistence of lesions and a higher chance of having other areas of the female lower genital tract involved. Conclusion While the CO2 laser vaporization is the most conservative method for the treatment of vulvar high-grade intraepithelial lesions, it is far frombeing the ideal method, dueto the intrinsic infection features considered. The possibility of persistence, recurrences and spontaneous limited regression indicates that a closer surveillance in the long-term treated cases should be considered, in special for immunosuppressed patients.

Resumo Objetivo A lesão intraepitelial escamosa da vulva é considerada uma lesão precursora do câncer vulvar, emespecial emmulheres com idade inferior a 40 anos, portadoras de imunossupressão adquirida ou idiopática. Vários tratamentos têm sido utilizados para tratar esse tipo de lesão. Um dos métodos terapêuticos esteticamente aceitáveis é a vaporização a laser CO2. Métodos Em um estudo transversal, foram selecionados da análise retrospectiva de prontuários arquivados no setor de patologia do trato genital inferior 46 prontuários de mulheres comimunossupressão e portadoras de lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau e/ou alto grau computando-se: idade, data de registro, data do tratamento da lesão vulvar com laser CO2, tempo entre a primeira e a última consulta (em meses), número de consultas, presença ou ausência de lesões condilomatosas em outros locais do aparelho reprodutor feminino e a ocorrência ou não de recidivas e persistência de lesões intraepiteliais durante o período de acompanhamento. Resultados Pacientes com lesão intraepitelial de alto grau vulvar e imunocomprometidas (soropositivas para HIV ou com transplante de órgãos sólidos) mostraram maior índice de persistência das lesões e maior chance de ter outras áreas do órgão genital feminino comprometidas. Conclusão Embora a vaporização a laser CO2 seja o método mais conservador para o tratamento das lesões intraepiteliais vulvares de alto grau, está longe de ser o método ideal pelas características intrínsecas da afecção em foco. A possibilidade de persistência, recidivas e regressão espontânea limitada recomenda maior vigilância para os casos tratados a longo prazo, em especial para as pacientes com imunossupressão.

Association between the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 and human papillomavirus E6/E7 mRNA expression

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between p53 polymorphisms and human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA expression. Methods: We analyzed 175 cervical samples from women aged 16-69 years old who were tested for HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (NucliSENS® EasyQ® HPV). The samples were divided into three groups: positive (n = 75) those with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive high-risk HPV Hybrid Capture (HR-HC) test; negative (n = 52) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and positive HR-HC; and control (n = 48) those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression and negative HR-HC. The p53 polymorphisms at codons 11, 72, and 248 were evaluated through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly higher in the positive (49.3%) than in the negative (32.7%) and control groups (20.8%, p = 0.002*). The frequency of the arginine allele was also significantly higher in the positive (67.3%) than in the negative (53.8%) and control groups (38.5%, p < 0.001*). The arginine/arginine homozygous genotype was significantly associated with positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (positive group) compared with negative and control groups (odds ratio: 2.633; 95% CI, 1.399-4.954, p = 0.003). The frequency of arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 remained significantly more frequent in the positive group of women aged ≥30 years than in the other two groups. Conclusion: The presence of the p53 arginine/arginine homozygous genotype at codon 72 was significantly associated with the positive HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression.

Treatment of Bartholin gland cyst with CO2laser / Tratamento do cisto da glândula de Bartholin comlaser de CO2

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the results of treatment with CO2 laser for Bartholin gland cysts. Methods Thirty-one women with Bartholin gland cysts were treated with CO2laser at an outpatient´s setting. Skin incision was performed with focused laser beam, the capsule was opened to drain mucoid content, followed by internal vaporization of impaired capsule. Results There were no complications. Five patients had recurrence of the cyst and were submitted to a second and successful session. Conclusion CO2 laser surgery was effective to treat Bartholin gland cysts with minimal or no complications, and can be performed at an outpatient´s setting.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os resultados do tratamento com laser de CO2 para o cisto da glândula de Bartholin. Métodos Foram tratadas 31 mulheres com cisto da glândula de Bartholin em regime ambulatorial com o laser de CO2. Foram realizados: incisão da pele com feixe de laser focalizado, abertura da cápsula com drenagem do conteúdo mucoide e vaporização interna da cápsula doente. Resultados Não ocorreram complicações. Cinco pacientes apresentaram recidiva do cisto, sendo submetidas à segunda sessão, com sucesso em todas. Conclusão A cirurgia com laser de CO2 foi efetiva para o tratamento do cisto da glândula de Bartholin, com mínima ou nenhuma complicação, podendo ser realizada em ambiente ambulatorial.

Cervical cancer screening in young and elderly women of the Xingu Indigenous Park: evaluation of the recommended screening age group in Brazil / Rastreamento do câncer de colo uterino em jovens e idosas do Parque Indígena do Xingu: avaliação quanto à faixa etária preconizada no Brasil

Objective To analyze the occurrence of atypia in the cytology/histology examinations of young women under the age of 25 years and of elderly women aged over 64 years, in the Xingu Indigenous Park and to evaluate, in a subjective manner, if the age range for screening established by the Ministry of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Câncer is appropriate for this population. Methods The Xingu/UNIFESP Project, in partnership with the Center for Gynecological Disease Prevention, develops programs to prevent cervical cancer. The exploratory, retrospective and descriptive study of cytological and histopathological examinations of young (12-24 years) and elderly (aged 64 and over) women of the Xingu Indigenous Park, between 2005 and 2011. Results There was low occurrence of cytological atypia in the elderly female population, but there were occasional high-grade lesions in the indigenous youth. Conclusion Interrupting screening at the limit age of 64 years, as established by the Ministry of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Câncer is justified. However, screening of young women should begin at an earlier age. .

Objetivo Analisar a ocorrência de atipias nos exames citológicos e histológicos de jovens e idosas indígenas, e também avaliar se a faixa etária preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde e pelo Instituto Nacional de Câncer em rastreamento do câncer de colo uterino é adequada para essa população. Métodos O Projeto Xingu/UNIFESP, em parceria com o Núcleo de Prevenção de Doenças Ginecológicas, desenvolve programas de prevenção do câncer do colo de útero. Foi realizado estudo exploratório, retrospectivo e descritivo de exames cito/histopatológicos em jovens do Parque Indígena do Xingu de 12 a 24 anos e em idosas a partir dos 64 anos, no período de 2005 a 2011. Resultados Em idosas, houve baixa ocorrência de atipias citológicas, mas nas jovens indígenas, ocorreram casos eventuais de lesão de alto grau. Conclusão Justifica respeitar o limite de 64 anos para a interrupção do rastreamento, como o estabelecido pelo Ministério da Saúde/Instituto Nacional de Câncer, mas, nas jovens, seria importante iniciar o rastreamento mais precocemente. .