Oropharynx HPV status and its relation to HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: The number of oropharyngeal lesions caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus) has been increasing worldwide in the past years. In spite of the clinical relevance of HPV infection in the anogenital tract of HIV-positive patients, the relevance of oropharynx HPV infection in these patients is not clear. The aim of the present study was to detect HPV infection, and clinical and cytological changes in the oropharynx of HIV-positive patients. METHODS: Samples collected from the oropharynx of 100 HIV-positive patients were subjected to hybrid capture (HC), conventional and liquid-based cytology. Clinical data were also collected to investigate the relation with HPV status. RESULTS: High and low-risk types of HPV were present in 8% and 16.7% of the total sample. The mean ± sd (maximum-minimum) of the relative ratio light unit (RLU)/cutoff (CO) was 2.94 ± 2.58 (1.09-7.87) and 1.61 ± 0.65 (1.07-2.8) for high- and low-risk-HPV, respectively. By cytology, dysplasia was not detected, but atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were diagnosed in two samples. No clinical change, suggestive of dysplasia/cancer, was detected. CONCLUSION: Our study was able to detect and characterize HPV infection by hybrid capture, which may represent a good tool for screening and follow-up of HPV in the studied population. The frequency and viral load of HPV were low. Neither clinical nor cytological changes suggestive of dysplasia/neoplasia were observed in oropharynx of HIV-positive patients.

Oral or topical administration of L-arginine changes the expression of TGF and iNOS and results in early wounds healing

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of L-arginine oral or topical rout of administration in the surgical wound healing process. METHODS: L-arginine was orally or topically administrated to mice after a laparotomy model procedure. The wounds were analyzed to evaluate the granulation tissue by HE analysis, collagen deposition, iNOS and cytokines production by immunochemisyry on wound progress. Mice used in this model were healthy, immunosupressed or diabetic and all of them were treated with different concentration of L-arginine and rout of administration. RESULTS: Suggested that groups treated with L-arginine orally or topically improved wound repair when compared with non-treatad mice. L- arginine treatment stimulated TGF-β and restricted NO production leading to a mild Th1 response and collagen deposition in injured area, when it was orally administrated. Topical administration decreased IL-8 and CCR1 expression by wound cells but did not interfere with TNF-α and IL-10 production, ratifying the decrease of inflammatory response, the oral administration however, presented a higher iNOS and TGF-β expression then. L-arginine treatment also improved the improved the wound healing in immunosupressed or diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: L-arginine administrated orally or topically can be considered an important factor in the recuperation of tissues.

IL-18 triggered by the Nlrp3 inflammasome induces host innate resistance in a pulmonary model of fungal infection.

Pathogens are sensed by innate immune receptors that initiate an efficient adaptive immune response upon activation. The elements of the innate immune recognition process for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis include TLR-2, TLR-4, and dectin-1. However, there are additional receptors necessary for the host immune responses to P. brasiliensis. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLRs), which activate inflammasomes, are candidate receptors that deserve renewed investigation. After pathogen infection, the NLRs form large signaling platforms called inflammasomes, which lead to caspase-1 activation and maturation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1ß). In this study, we showed that NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (Nlrp3) is required to induce caspase-1 activation and further secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18 by P. brasiliensis-infected macrophages. Additionally, potassium efflux and lysosomal acidification induced by the fungus were important steps in the caspase-1 activation mechanism. Notably, Nlrp3 and caspase-1 knockout mice were more susceptible to infection than were the wild-type animals, suggesting that the Nlrp3-dependent inflammasomes contribute to host protection against P. brasiliensis. This protective effect occurred owing to the inflammatory response mediated by IL-18, as shown by an augmented fungus burden in IL-18 knockout mice. Taken together, our results show that the Nlrp3 inflammasome is essential for resistance against P. brasiliensis because it orchestrates robust caspase-1 activation and triggers an IL-18-dependent proinflammatory response.

The effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on the healing colonic anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis healing. METHODS: Colonic anastomosis was performed in 120 rats divided into four groups: Group I - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy, Group II - pneumoperitoneum after laparorrhaphy, Group III - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy and after laparorrhaphy, Group IV - no pneumoperitoneum (control group). Pneumoperitoneum pressure was 5 mmHg. Animals were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative day. Histopathological features, anastomosis breaking strength, collagen histomorphometry and hydroxyproline concentration were assessed. RESULTS: Breaking strength between groups: (day 3, p=0.165; day 7, p=0.219; day 14, p=0.539). Histopathology revealed that group II had, on day 7, less infiltration of mononuclear cells (p=0.006), greater infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (p=0.001) and greater necrosis (p=0.001); and on day 14, less fibrosis. Histomorphometry revealed a decrease in collagen in groups I and III (p<0.001) on day 7 and an increase in groups I and II on day 14 (p<0.001). Hydroxyproline concentration was similar for groups on days 3 (p=0.152), 7 (p=0.913) or 14 (p=0.981). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide does not impair the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

The effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on the healing colonic anastomosis in rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis healing. METHODS: Colonic anastomosis was performed in 120 rats divided into four groups: Group I - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy, Group II - pneumoperitoneum after laparorrhaphy, Group III - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy and after laparorrhaphy, Group IV - no pneumoperitoneum (control group). Pneumoperitoneum pressure was 5 mmHg. Animals were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative day. Hhistopathological features, anastomosis breaking strength, collagen histomorphometry and hydroxyproline concentration were assessed. RESULTS: Breaking strength between groups: (day 3, p=0.165; day 7, p=0.219; day 14, p=0.539). Histopathology revealed that group II had, on day 7, less infiltration of mononuclear cells (p=0.006), greater infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (p=0.001) and greater necrosis (p=0.001); and on day 14, less fibrosis. Histomorphometry revealed a decrease in collagen in groups I and III (p<0.001) on day 7 and an increase in groups I and II on day 14 (p<0.001). Hydroxyproline concentration was similar for groups on days 3 (p=0.152), 7 (p=0.913) or 14 (p=0.981). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide does not impair the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

Correlation of spirometry with the six-minute walk test in eutrophic and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the distance covered by both eutrophic individuals and individuals with different grades of obesity and correlate the data obtained with spirometric values. This study is justified by the existing difficulty in assessing the functional capacity in obese individuals, and by the low cost and good specificity of six-minute walk test (6MWT) in predicting reduced capacity for activities of daily living for any individual. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four individuals of both genders were assessed after being divided into two groups: G1, obese individuals (n = 93, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and G2, eutrophic individuals (n = 61, BMI 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m²). The 6MWT was performed using the methodology described by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-2002). Spirometry was performed both before and after the application of a bronchodilator agent (BDA) in accordance with the Guidelines for Pulmonary Function Tests by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Phthisiology (SBPT-2002). The statistical analysis, consisting of mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, Student's t test and Spearman's correlation, considered p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 6MWT analysis with spirometry for G1 was positively correlated only with pre- and post-BDA peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). CONCLUSION: The present study showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-BDA PEFR and the distance covered in the 6MWT in obese subjects, that is, the higher the PEFR, the higher the physico-functional capacity of the individual, and consequently, the greater the distance covered.

Correlação da espirometria com o teste de caminhada de seis minutos em eutróficos e obesos / Correlation of spirometry with the six-minute walk test in eutrophic and obese individuals

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a distância percorrida por indivíduos eutróficos e com diferentes graus de obesidade e correlacionar com parâmetros espirométricos. A justificativa para o estudo se faz pela dificuldade de avaliar a capacidade funcional de obesos, e devido ao baixo custo do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6') e sua boa especificidade em predizer reduzida capacidade de atividades de vida diária para todo e qualquer indivíduo. MÉTODOS: Avaliados 154 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: G1 obesos (n = 93, IMC ≥ 30 kg/m²) e G2 eutróficos (n = 61, IMC de 18,5 a 24,99 kg/m²). O TC6' foi realizado com metodologia descrita pela ATS (2002). A espirometria foi realizada antes e após a aplicação do broncodilatador (BD) conforme as Diretrizes para Testes de Função Pulmonar da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia: SBPT-2002. Análise estatística composta por média, desvio-padrão, correlação de Pearson, Teste t de Student e de Spearman, considerando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A análise do TC6' com a espirometria para o G1 apresentou correlação positiva apenas para o pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) pré- e pós-BD. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo apresentou correlação positiva entre o PFE pré- e pós-BD e a distância percorrida no TC6' em obesos, ou seja, quanto maior o PFE, maior a capacidade físico-funcional do indivíduo e consequentemente maior a distância percorrida.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the distance covered by both eutrophic individuals and individuals with different grades of obesity and correlate the data obtained with spirometric values. This study is justified by the existing difficulty in assessing the functional capacity in obese individuals, and by the low cost and good specificity of six-minute walk test (6MWT) in predicting reduced capacity for activities of daily living for any individual. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four individuals of both genders were assessed after being divided into two groups: G1, obese individuals (n = 93, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and G2, eutrophic individuals (n = 61, BMI 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m²). The 6MWT was performed using the methodology described by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-2002). Spirometry was performed both before and after the application of a bronchodilator agent (BDA) in accordance with the Guidelines for Pulmonary Function Tests by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Phthisiology (SBPT-2002). The statistical analysis, consisting of mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, Student's t test and Spearman's correlation, considered p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 6MWT analysis with spirometry for G1 was positively correlated only with pre- and post-BDA peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). CONCLUSION: The present study showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-BDA PEFR and the distance covered in the 6MWT in obese subjects, that is, the higher the PEFR, the higher the physico-functional capacity of the individual, and consequently, the greater the distance covered.

Correlation of respiratory muscle strength with anthropometric variables of normal-weight and obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anthropometric data and respiratory muscle strength (RMS) of normal-weight and obese women. METHODS: The sample consisted of 103 sedentary women, divided into two groups: 57 obese and 46 normal-weight women. Waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured to calculate the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and maximal respiratory pressures (Pmax) were determined using an analog vacuum manometer to ± 300 cm H2O. Body composition was measured using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis, in addition to the Student t test for independent samples, Pearson correlation, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis showed significant differences in Pmax of normal-weight women (PImax = -73.04±16.55 cm H2O and PEmax = 79.67±18.89 cm H2O) and obese women (PImax = -85.00±21.69 cm H2O and PEmax = 103.86±20.35 cm H2O). Anthropometric and manometric variables showed no significant correlation in both groups. When analyzing the influence of bioelectrical impedance on RMS, a positive correlation was observed between lean body mass and PImax. CONCLUSION: Bioelectrical impedance and obesity showed a direct correlation with RMS. WC and WHR had no influence on RMS of obese women; however, a relevance to risk factors for associated diseases was observed. We believe that these results are due to an adjustment to excess body weight over the years.

Correlação da força muscular respiratória com variáveis antropométricas de mulheres eutróficas e obesas / Correlation of respiratory muscle strength with anthropometric variables of eutrophic and obese women

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar dados antropométricos e de FMR de mulheres eutróficas e obesas. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi formada por 103 mulheres sedentárias, dividas em dois grupos: 57 obesas e 46 eutróficas. Foram realizadas medidas da circunferência da cintura (CC) e do quadril (CQ) para cálculo da relação cintura/quadril (RC/Q) e coletados as Pressões Respiratórias Máximas (PRM) pela manovacuometria com aparelho analógico de ± 300cmH2O. Para a mensuração da composição corporal, utilizou-se a Bioimpedância Tetrapolar, análise descritiva com o teste T de Student para amostras independentes, correlação de Pearson e regressão linear múltipla com método stepwise. O nível de significância adotado foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A análise demonstrou diferença significativa nas PRM de eutróficas (Pimáx = -73,04±16,55 cm H2O e Pemáx = 79,67±18,89 cm H2O) e de obesas (Pimáx = -85,00±21,69 cm H2O e Pemáx=103,86±20,35 cm H2O). As variáveis da antropometria e da manovacuometria não apresentaram correlação significante nos grupos. Ao analisar a influência da bioimpedância sobre a FMR, observou-se uma correlação positiva da quantidade de massa magra com a Pimáx. CONCLUSÃO: As variavéis da bioimpedância e a obesidade apresentaram uma relação direta com a FMR. As variáveis CC e RC/Q não influenciaram na FMR nas obesas, porém há uma relevância com os fatores de risco para doenças associadas. Acreditamos que esses resultados se devam a uma adaptação ao excesso de peso ao longo dos anos.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anthropometrical data and RMS of eutrophic and obese women. METHODS: The study group comprised 103 sedentary women, divided into two groups: 57 obese and 46 eutrophic. For measurement of body composition, the Tetrapolar Bioimpedance was used. Measurements of waist and hip circumference were performed to calculate the waist/hip (W/H) ratio, and maximum respiratory pressures (MRP) were collected by analog manovacumeter with ± 300cm H2O. For data evaluation descriptive analysis and the Student's t Test for independent samples were used, as well as the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with stepwise method. The level of significance used was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Analysis showed a significant difference in MRPs of eutrophic (MIP = -73.04 ± 16.55cmH2O and MEP = 79.67 ± 18.89cmH2O) and obese (MIP = -85.00 ± 21.69cmH2O and MEP = 103.86 ± 20.35cmH2O). The anthropometry and manovacumetry variables showed no significant correlation in the groups. A positive correlation of the lean mass with the MIP was noted, when analising the bioimpedance influence on the RMS. CONCLUSION: The bioimpedance variables and obesity showed a direct relation with the RMS. The W/H ratio and WC variables had no influence on the obese RMS, however a relevance to the risk factors for associated diseases was found. We believe that these results are due to an adjustment to the excess weight over the years.