Synthesis and anxiolytic effect of europium metallic complex containing lapachol [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] in adult zebrafish through serotonergic neurotransmission: in vivo and in silico approach.

Anxiety-related mental health problems are estimated at 3.6% globally, benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the class of drugs indicated for the treatment of anxiety, including lorazepam and diazepam. However, concerns have been raised about the short- and long-term risks associated with BZDs. Therefore, despite anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, there is a need to develop more effective pharmacotherapies with fewer side effects than existing drugs. The present work reported the synthesis, anxiolytic activity, mechanism of action in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in silico study of a europium metallic complex with Lapachol, [Eu(DBM)3. LAP]. Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 µL) with the synthesized complex (4, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 µL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1, 5-HTR2A/2C and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The complex was characterized using spectrometric techniques, and the anxiolytic effect of complex may be involved the neuromodulation of receptors 5-HT3A/3B, since the pre-treatment with pizotifen and cyproheptadine did not block the anxiolytic effect of [Eu(DBM)3. LAP], unlike fluoxetine had its anxiolytic effect reversed. In addition, molecular docking showed interaction between the [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] and 5HT3A receptor with binding energy -7.8 kcal/mol and the ADMET study showed that complex has low toxic risk. It is expected that the beginning of this study will allow the application of the new anxiolytic drugs, given the pharmacological potential of the lapachol complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Fact-based nutrition for infants and lactating mothers-The NUTRISHIELD study.

Background: Human milk (HM) is the ideal source of nutrients for infants. Its composition is highly variable according to the infant's needs. When not enough own mother's milk (OMM) is available, the administration of pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is considered a suitable alternative for preterm infants. This study protocol describes the NUTRISHIELD clinical study. The main objective of this study is to compare the % weight gain/month in preterm and term infants exclusively receiving either OMM or DHM. Other secondary aims comprise the evaluation of the influence of diet, lifestyle habits, psychological stress, and pasteurization on the milk composition, and how it modulates infant's growth, health, and development. Methods and design: NUTRISHIELD is a prospective mother-infant birth cohort in the Spanish-Mediterranean area including three groups: preterm infants <32 weeks of gestation (i) exclusively receiving (i.e., >80% of total intake) OMM, and (ii) exclusively receiving DHM, and (iii) term infants exclusively receiving OMM, as well as their mothers. Biological samples and nutritional, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics are collected at six time points covering the period from birth and until six months of infant's age. The genotype, metabolome, and microbiota as well as the HM composition are characterized. Portable sensor prototypes for the analysis of HM and urine are benchmarked. Additionally, maternal psychosocial status is measured at the beginning of the study and at month six. Mother-infant postpartum bonding and parental stress are also examined. At six months, infant neurodevelopment scales are applied. Mother's concerns and attitudes to breastfeeding are registered through a specific questionnaire. Discussion: NUTRISHIELD provides an in-depth longitudinal study of the mother-infant-microbiota triad combining multiple biological matrices, newly developed analytical methods, and ad-hoc designed sensor prototypes with a wide range of clinical outcome measures. Data obtained from this study will be used to train a machine-learning algorithm for providing dietary advice to lactating mothers and will be implemented in a user-friendly platform based on a combination of user-provided information and biomarker analysis. A better understanding of the factors affecting milk's composition, together with the health implications for infants plays an important role in developing improved strategies of nutraceutical management in infant care. Clinical trial registration: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05646940.

Comparison of acquired cholesteatoma between pediatric and adult patients.

The quantification of angiogenesis and metalloproteinases may be useful in cholesteatoma behavior assessment as markers of its aggressiveness. The objective of this study is to compare markers CD31, MMP2 and MMP9 in pediatric and adult patients. This study is based on cross-sectional studies of pediatric (or=19 years old). Samples of 120 cholesteatomas were fixed in 10% formol, prepared on five slides of each sample through habitual histological techniques, and number of blood vessels (CD31), marking with MMP2 and MMP9, number of matrix cells and thickness at perimatrix cell were observed. Data were analyzed through SPSS using Spearman and Mann-Whitney coefficients. Cholesteatomas were equally distributed: 60 in pediatric patients (11.77 +/- 3.57 years); 60 in adult patients (38.29 +/- 14.51 years). When correlating the number of blood vessels and metalloproteinases with perimatrix thickness, we obtained the following values: pediatric CD31, 7 (4-11); adult CD31, 4 (0-10) (P = 0.044); pediatric cytoplasmatic MMP2, 1 (0-3); adult cytoplasmatic MMP2, 0 (0-1) (P = 0.006); pediatric nuclear MMP2, 0 (0-1); adult nuclear MMP2, 0 (0-1) (P = 0.056); pediatric MMP9, 2 (0-4); adult MMP9, 0 (0-4) (P = 0.049). In conclusion, pediatric cholesteatomas present a more exacerbated inflammatory degree, produce more metalloproteinases, factors that, when combined, could characterize pediatric cholesteatomas as more aggressive than adult cholesteatomas.

Measurement of post-stroke spasticity based on tonic stretch reflex threshold: implications of stretch velocity for clinical practice.

PURPOSE: The most commonly used method for the clinical evaluation of spasticity is the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), which is subjective. In this regard, the spasticity assessment through the tonic stretch reflex threshold, which is an objective method, has emerged as an alternative. It is based on the value of the dynamic stretch reflex threshold, which is measured at different stretch velocities. However, by this definition, it is not possible to define the speed at which passive stretches should be performed during evaluation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the speed-variation sequence used to acquire the dynamic stretch reflex threshold influences the tonic stretch reflex threshold (TSRT) and, consequently, the estimation of spasticity by this method. METHODS: Three forms of stretching-variation speed were adopted, i.e., increasing, decreasing, and randomised. The study was performed using 10 post-stroke patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the stretch protocols were not all the same and that the method of increasing was most suitable for performing manual passive stretches to evaluate TSRT in these patients. Another analysis was the correlation between MAS and tonic stretch reflex threshold; a weak correlation was observed between the increasing and decreasing methods, and moderate correlation was observed between the random methods. Implications for Rehabilitation We demonstrated that the protocol of execution of passive stretches influences in the measurement of the tonic stretch reflex threshold (TSRT). We recommend the method of increasing velocity for performing manual passive stretches. We also build software with a reliable biological data acquisition system, which makes acquisition and processing of data in real time. In this way, the TSRT is a promising quantitative measure to assess post-stroke spasticity, calculated automatically. We also we provided the use of portable instruments to facilitate the assessment of spasticity in clinical practice.

Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on cell phones of hospital and university-based populations in Curitiba, southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university's referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS: We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population's sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.

Texture Discrimination using a Soft Biomimetic Finger for Prosthetic Applications.

Soft robotic fingers have shown great potential for use in prostheses due to their inherent compliant, light, and dexterous nature. Recent advancements in sensor technology for soft robotic systems showcase their ability to perceive and respond to static cues. However, most of the soft fingers for use in prosthetic applications are not equipped with sensors which have the ability to perceive texture like humans can. In this work, we present a dexterous, soft, biomimetic solution which is capable of discrimination of textures. We fabricated a soft finger with two individually controllable degrees of freedom with a tactile sensor embedded at the fingertip. The output of the tac- tile sensor, as texture plates were palpated, was converted into spikes, mimicking the behavior of a biological mechanoreceptor. We explored the spatial properties of the textures captured in the form of spiking patterns by generating spatial event plots and analyzing the similarity between spike trains generated for each texture. Unique features representative of the different textures were then extracted from the spikes and input to a classifier. The textures were successfully classified with an accuracy of 94% when palpating at a rate of 42 mm/s. This work demonstrates the potential of providing amputees with a soft finger with sensing capabilities, which could potentially help discriminate between different objects and surfaces during activities of daily living (ADL) through palpation.

An improved approach for measuring the tonic stretch reflex response of spastic muscles.

We propose a new method for detecting the onset of the stretch reflex response for assessment of spasticity based on the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT). Our strategy relies on a three-stage approach to detect the onset of the reflex EMG activity: (i) Reduction of baseline activity by means of Empirical Mode Decomposition; (ii) Extraction of the complex envelope of the EMG signal by means of Hilbert Transform (HT) and; iii) A double threshold decision rule. Simulated and real EMG data were used to evaluate and compare our method (TSRT-EHD) against three other popular methods described in the literature to assess TSRT ('Kim', 'Ferreira' and 'Blanchette'). Four different groups of signals containing simulated evoked stretch reflex EMG activities were generated: groups A and B without spontaneous EMG activity at rest and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 10dB and 20dB respectively; groups C and D with spontaneous EMG activity at rest, as observed frequently in spastic muscles, and SNR of 10dB and 20dB respectively. The results with simulated data showed a significantly higher accuracy of TSRT-EHD for detecting the onset of the reflex EMG activity in groups C and D when compared to the other methods. Analyses using real data from five post stroke spastic subjects demonstrated that the TSRTs generated by each method were dramatically different from one another. Nevertheless, only TSRT-EHD provided valid measures across all subjects.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Conditioned Medium Attenuate Fibrosis in an Irreversible Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction.

The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their conditioned medium (MSC-CM) has been extensively studied. MSCs can repair tissue, reduce local inflammation, and modulate the immune response. Persistent renal tubular interstitial inflammation results in fibrosis and leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a very well-accepted renal fibrosis model. In this study, we evaluated factors influenced by the administration of MSCs or MSC-CM in the UUO model. MSCs extracted from rat bone marrow were cultivated in vitro and characterized by flow cytometry and cellular differentiation. Eight groups of female rats were used in experiments (n = 7, each), including Sham, UUO, UUO + MSC (obstruction + MSC), and UUO + CM (obstruction + MSC-CM) for 7 days of obstruction and Sham, UUO, UUO + MSC, and UUO + CM for 14 days of obstruction. The MSCs or MSC-CM was administered via the abdominal vena cava after total ligation of the left ureter. After 7 or 14 days, rats were euthanized, and serum and obstructed kidney samples were collected. MSCs or MSC-CM decreased the expression of molecules, such as Col1a1, α-SMA, and TNF-α. We also observed reductions in the levels of caspase 3, α-SMA, and PCNA in treated animals by immunohistochemistry. Our results suggest that the intravenous administration of MSCs or MSC-CM improves fibrosis progression and factors involved in apoptosis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in Wistar rats subjected to UUO, indicating a potential tool for preventing CKD.

Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on cell phones of hospital and university-based populations in Curitiba, southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university's referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS: We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population's sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.

Analysis of co-contraction of the trunk muscles in the side bridge stabilization exercise w ith different unstable surfaces / Análise da cocontração dos músculos do tronco no exercício de estabilização prancha lateral com diferentes superfícies instáveis

The muscle co-contraction is a phenomenon characterized by the simultaneous contraction of two or more muscles around a joint. The objective of this study was to compare the antagonist co-contraction of the local and global trunk muscles during side bridge exercise, in four situations: (a) stable; (b) instability in the upper limbs with bosu; (c) instability in the upper limbs with disc and (d) double instability. The sample consisted of 20 male volunteers and data collection was performed with simple differential surface electrodes. The electromyographic activity was collected from the Rectus Abdominis (RA), Internal Oblique Abdominis (IO), Multifidus (MF) and Erector Spinae (ES). Were utilized specific routines developed in the Matlab program (Mathworks Natick, USA) to calculate the percentage of antagonist co-contraction between local (IO/MF) and global muscles (RA/ES). The collected data were submitted to parametric statistical analysis (repeated measures ANOVA) or non-parametric (Friedman). The results demonstrated that no significant differences were observed in the pattern of global and local co-contraction in the different side bridge exercises with and without unstable surface. It is concluded that the use of unstable surface in the side bridge stabilization exercise does not increase the level of co-contraction of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles compared to normal stability. However, future studies should use a longer time ofisometric contraction in trunk stabilization exercises to optimize the understanding of the effects of different unstable equipment on global and local levels of co-contraction of the trunk muscles

A cocontração muscular é um fenômeno caracterizado pela contração simultânea de dois ou mais músculos em torno de uma articulação. Objetivou-se comparar a cocontração antagonista da musculatura local e global do tronco durante o exercício prancha lateral, em quatro situações: (a) estável; (b) instabilidade no membro superior com bosu; (c) instabilidade no membro superior com disco e (d) instabilidade dupla. A amostra foi composta por 20 voluntários do gênero masculino e a coleta de dados foi realizada com eletrodos de superfície diferenciais simples. A atividade eletromiográfica foi coletada dos músculos Reto do Abdome (RA), Oblíquo Interno do Abdome (OI), Multifido (MU) e Eretor da Espinha (EE). Foram utilizadasrotinas específicas desenvolvidas no programa Matlab (Mathworks Natick, EUA) para calcular a porcentagem de cocontração antagonista entre os músculos locais (OI / MU) e globais (RA / ES). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística paramétrica (ANOVA medidas repetidas) ou não paramétrica (Friedman). Os resultados demonstraram que não foram observadas diferenças significativas no padrão de cocontração global e local nos distintos exercícios de prancha lateral com e sem superfície instável. Conclui-se que a utilização de superfície instável no exercício de estabilização de prancha lateral não aumenta o nível de cocontração dos músculos flexores e extensores do tronco em comparação a estabilidade normal. Todavia, futuros estudosdevem utilizar um tempo maior de contração isométrica nos exercícios de estabilização do tronco para otimizar a compreensão dos efeitos dos diferentes equipamentos instáveis sobre os níveis de cocontração global e local dos músculos do tronco.

Neuro-behavioral pattern of sleep bruxism in wakefulness

AbstractIntroduction: Sleep Bruxism (SB) is a non-functional rhythmic movement of the mandible with multifactorial aetiology and complex diagnose. It has been the subject of various studies over the past decades and it is considered a result of actions of the Central Nervous System modulated by Autonomous Nervous System. In this work, we test the hypothesis that SB subjects present a typical and defined neurobehavioral pattern that can be distinct from that of non-bruxers subjects and can be measured during wakefulness. Methods Fifteen sleep bruxers (experimental-group EG) and fifteen non-bruxers (control-group CG) took part in the experiments. To verify the presence and severity of SB, clinical examinations, anamneses and questionnaires, including Visual Analogic Scale - faces (VAS-f) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied. To legitimate the diagnoses of SB, a disposable instrument (Bitestrip®) to assess the masseter activity during sleep was employed. All subjects were submitted to a set of experiments for measuring various visual evoked responses during the presentation of visual stimuli (pleasant, unpleasant and neutral images). Events in Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) were used to compare the neural responses of both CG and EG. Results VAS-f showed EG with higher perception of stress than CG (trait: p=0.05), and lower quality of life for (state: p=0.007). STAI I and II showed significant differences of anxiety between CG and EG (p=0.013 and p=0.004, respectively), being EG the highest. The EG Bitestrip scores confirmed that 100% of subjects were sleep bruxers. Significant differences were found between EG and CG for events associated with emotional (pleasant and unpleasant) images in the first 250 ms after stimulation. In general, EG subjects showed higher amplitude and shorter latency of VEP events. Conclusion It is possible to distinguish between SB and non-bruxers subjects during wakefulness, based on differences in amplitude and latency of cortical event related potentials elicited by visual stimulation. SB subjects show greater amplitudes in specific events in frontal areas when non-pleasant images are shown. Latencies tend to be anticipated in SB compared to CG subjects.

Apoptosis induced by Oropouche virus infection in HeLa cells is dependent on virus protein expression.

Oropouche (OROV) is a single-stranded RNA arbovirus of the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus, which has caused over half a million cases of febrile illness in Brazil in the past 30 years. OROV fever has been registered almost exclusively in the Amazon region, but global warming, deforestation and redistribution of vectors and animal reservoirs increases the risk of Oropouche virus emergence in other areas. OROV causes a cytolytical infection in cultured cells with characteristic cytopathic effect 48h post-infection. We have studied the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by OROV in HeLa cells and found that OROV causes DNA fragmentation detectable by gel electrophoresis and by flow cytometric analysis of the Sub-G1 population at 36h post-infection. Mitochondrial release of cytochrome C and activation of caspases 9 and 3 were also detected by western blot analysis. Lack of apoptosis induced by UV-inactivated OROV reveals that virus-receptor binding is not sufficient to induce cell death. Results obtained in cells treated with chloroquine and cycloheximide indicated that viral uncoating and replication are required for apoptosis induction by OROV. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with pan-caspase inhibitor prevented OROV-induced apoptosis without affecting virus progeny production. The results show that OROV infection in vitro causes apoptosis by an intracellular pathway involving mitochondria, and activated by a mechanism dependent on viral replication and protein synthesis.

Characteristics of patients with lung cancer in the city of Manaus, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of patients receiving a histopathological diagnosis of lung cancer between 1995 and 2002 in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Data were collected from the medical archives of three hospitals. Statistical analyses were carried out, and survival curves were generated by means of an actuarial estimator. RESULTS: Of the 352 patients selected, 262 (74.4%) were male and 90 (25.6%) were female. The mean age was 62 years. The following histological types were identified: squamous cell carcinoma, 62.8%; adenocarcinoma, 24.7%; small cell carcinoma, 9.1%; and large cell carcinoma, 3.4%. The most common stages were stages IIIB and IV, in 45% and 21.5%, respectively. Of the total sample, 73.4% were submitted to treatment. Of these, 51.4% underwent radiotherapy; 16.6%, surgery; 15.8%, chemotherapy; and 16.2%, radiotherapy in association with chemotherapy. Cumulative survival rates were low: three-year survival was 6.5%, and five-year survival was 3.5%. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with lung cancer, survival rates were considerably lower than those reported in the literature. This might be attributable to the limited access to the specialized health care system and the advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.

Conhecimentos e práticas sobre prevenção do câncer de próstata: uma contribuição para a enfermagem / Knowledge and practices on prevention of prostate cancer: a contribution to nursing / Conocimientos y prácticas sobre la prevención del cáncer de próstata: una contribución para la enfermería

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar o conhecimento dos clientes em relação às estratégias para a prevenção do câncer de próstata, expressas pela Política Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Homem; e verificar, junto a eles, a realização dos exames preventivos. Trata-se de estudo exploratório, descritivo realizado com 61 pacientes no pós-atendimento multiprofissional, de unidade de saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados, através de formulários, após as consultas, entre março a maio de 2013. A tabulação e organização dos dados foram definidas com o suporte do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Os resultados demonstraram que há um número significativo (8/13,1%) de entrevistados que não tem conhecimento dos métodos preventivos preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde e se priva da realização de exames específicos (22/36%) para o diagnóstico do câncer de próstata. Conclui-se que os homens necessitam de maiores esclarecimentos relacionados às práticas preventivas dessa doença.

This study aimed at [1] identifying customers’ awareness of prevention strategies against prostate cancer, provided for in the National Policy for Full Attention to Men’s Health; and [2] assessing customers’ performance of preventive screenings. This is an exploratory, descriptive study conducted with 61 patients at multi wrap- health facility in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Data were collected through forms after visits, from March to May 2013. Tables and data organization were defined on the basis of the 2010 version of Microsoft Office Excel program. Results showed a significant number of respondents (8/13, 1 %) were not aware of prevention methods recommended by the Ministry of Health and refrains from performing specific diagnosis tests (22/ 36%) for prostate cancer. Conclusions show men need additional clarification on preventive practices against prostate cancer.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el conocimiento de los clientes en relación a las estrategias para la prevención del cáncer de próstata, expresadas por la Política Nacional de Atención Integral a la Salud de los Hombres, y comprobar, con ellos, la realización de exámenes preventivos. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio , descriptivo realizado con 61 pacientes después de atendidos en unidad de salud de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro-Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos a través deformularios, después de consultas, entre 3 de marzo hasta mayo de 2013. La tabulación y organización de los datos se definieron con el apoyo del programa de Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Los resultados mostraron que un número significativo (8 /13, 1 % ) de los encuestados que no tienen conocimiento de los métodos de prevención recomendados por el Ministerio de Salud y se abstiene de realizar pruebas específicas (22/ 36%) para el diagnóstico de cáncer próstata. Se concluye que los hombres necesitan de una mayor aclaración relacionada con las prácticas preventivas de esa enfermedad.

Características de pacientes com câncer de pulmão na cidade de Manaus / Characteristics of patients with lung cancer in the city of Manaus, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar as características de pacientes com câncer de pulmão. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo dos pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de câncer de pulmão entre 1995 e 2002 em Manaus (AM). Os dados dos pacientes foram coletados nos arquivos médicos de três hospitais. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas, e as curvas de sobrevida geradas a partir do estimador atuarial. RESULTADOS: Dos 352 pacientes selecionados, 262 (74,4 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e 90 (25,6 por cento) do feminino. A média de idade foi de 62 anos. Os seguintes tipos histológicos foram encontrados: carcinoma de células escamosas, 62,8 por cento; adenocarcinoma, 24,7 por cento; carcinoma de pequenas células, 9,1 por cento; e carcinoma de grandes células, 3,4 por cento. Os estádios IIIB e IV foram os mais comuns, com uma frequência de 45 por cento e 21,5 por cento, respectivamente. Da amostra total, 73,4 por cento foram submetidos a tratamento. Desses, 51,4 por cento foram submetidos à radioterapia; 16,6 por cento, à cirurgia; 15,8 por cento, à quimioterapia; e 16,2 por cento, à radioterapia associada à quimioterapia. Os níveis de sobrevida acumulada foram baixos: a sobrevida em três anos foi de 6,5 por cento e a sobrevida em cinco anos foi de 3,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Este grupo de pacientes com câncer de pulmão apresentou uma sobrevida muito pequena, divergindo dos resultados encontrados na literatura. Isto é provavelmente decorrente da dificuldade de acesso ao sistema de saúde especializado e do estágio avançado do diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of patients receiving a histopathological diagnosis of lung cancer between 1995 and 2002 in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Data were collected from the medical archives of three hospitals. Statistical analyses were carried out, and survival curves were generated by means of an actuarial estimator. RESULTS: Of the 352 patients selected, 262 (74.4 percent) were male and 90 (25.6 percent) were female. The mean age was 62 years. The following histological types were identified: squamous cell carcinoma, 62.8 percent; adenocarcinoma, 24.7 percent; small cell carcinoma, 9.1 percent; and large cell carcinoma, 3.4 percent. The most common stages were stages IIIB and IV, in 45 percent and 21.5 percent, respectively. Of the total sample, 73.4 percent were submitted to treatment. Of these, 51.4 percent underwent radiotherapy; 16.6 percent, surgery; 15.8 percent, chemotherapy; and 16.2 percent, radiotherapy in association with chemotherapy. Cumulative survival rates were low: three-year survival was 6.5 percent, and five-year survival was 3.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with lung cancer, survival rates were considerably lower than those reported in the literature. This might be attributable to the limited access to the specialized health care system and the advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.