Metabolic profile of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and association with tumor grade.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other metabolic indicators in patients with endometrial cancer and its association with tumor grade. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of patients with endometrial cancer referred to the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. We collected data on sociodemographic variables, smoking, co-morbidities, physical activity level, menopausal status, and tumor characteristics (histological subtype, stage, and tumor grade). In addition, weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Laboratory evaluation included lipid profile, fasting blood glucose and insulin, and C-reactive protein. Insulin resistance was estimated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Characterization of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk profile was performed. Binary logistic regression models were used to test the association between metabolic syndrome and its metabolic parameters, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein with tumor grade. RESULTS: We included a total of 313 patients, 245 (78.3%) aged <65 years, 262 (83.7%) with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 193 (61.7%) early stage, and 201 (64.2%) with lower tumor grade (G1 and G2). Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and low levels of leisure-time physical activity were highly prevalent (90.7%). In binary logistic regression models, an association was observed between HOMA-IR and lower tumor grade (p<0.05), while high-grade tumors were associated with the highest C-reactive protein values (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was the association between insulin resistance and low-grade tumors, and the association between high C-reactive protein levels and high-grade tumors.

Pulsed light for the inactivation of fungal biofilms of clinically important pathogenic Candida species.

Microorganisms are naturally found as biofilm communities more than planktonic free-floating cells; however, planktonic culture remains the current model for microbiological studies, such as disinfection techniques. The presence of fungal biofilms in the clinical setting has a negative impact on patient mortality, as Candida biofilms have proved to be resistant to biocides in numerous in vitro studies; however, there is limited information on the effect of pulsed light on sessile communities. Here we report on the use of pulsed UV light for the effective inactivation of clinically relevant Candida species. Fungal biofilms were grown by use of a CDC reactor on clinically relevant surfaces. Following a maximal 72 h formation period, the densely populated biofilms were exposed to pulsed light at varying fluences to determine biofilm sensitivity to pulsed-light inactivation. The results were then compared to planktonic cell inactivation. High levels of inactivation of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms were achieved with pulsed light for both 48 and 72 h biofilm structures. The findings suggest that pulsed light has the potential to provide a means of surface decontamination, subsequently reducing the risk of infection to patients. The research described herein deals with an important aspect of disease prevention and public health.