Incidence of rare cancers in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION:: Rare cancers are a challenge for clinical practice as well as for epidemiology and public health. Studies on this subject are few and limited to the study of cases with scarce epidemiologic information. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of rare cancers and to compare the demographic, anatomic, and histologic characteristics of rare and nonrare (common) cancers. METHODS:: Incidence data were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of São Paulo, Brazil. Rare neoplasms were those defined in the RARECARE list, which takes into account an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year. RESULTS:: In São Paulo, 20.4% of tumors had an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year from 1997 to 2012, being therefore considered as rare tumors. We identified 11 entities with an incidence greater than 6/100,000/year (common neoplasms) and 186 entities with an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year (rare neoplasms). The mean annual incidence of all cancers was 365 per 100,000 in São Paulo between 1997 and 2012, and the incidence of all rare tumors was 74.5 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS:: This study presents the burden of rare cancers in Brazil. It is expected to be an incentive for further studies of these entities in order to know the epidemiologic profile of rare tumors in Brazil and to provide a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Incidence and mortality risk for respiratory tract cancer in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: Bayesian analysis of the association with traffic density.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is related to the incidence of and mortality associated with lung cancer. The aim of this study was to perform a spatial analysis, with a Bayesian approach, to test the hypothesis that high traffic density is associated with increased respiratory tract cancer incidence and mortality risk among individuals over 20 years of age residing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We employed data from two different databases: the São Paulo Municipal Population-Based Cancer Registry (2002-2011 cancer incidence data); and the Mortality Database of the São Paulo Municipal Health Department (2002-2013 cancer mortality data). The relationships between the number of cases of respiratory tract cancer in each area analyzed and the standardized covariates-traffic density and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI)-were evaluated with a Besag-York-Mollié ecological model with relative risks (RRs) estimates. RESULTS: Per 1-unit standard-deviation increase in traffic density and in the MHDI, the RR for respiratory tract cancer incidence was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.18-1.32), respectively, whereas the RR for mortality was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.99-1.09) and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16-1.30), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the hypothesis that residing in areas with high traffic density is associated with increased respiratory tract cancer incidence and mortality risk in the city of São Paulo.

Factors associated with parental underestimation of child's weight status / Fatores associados à subestimação do status do peso da criança pelos pais

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of parental misperception of child weight status, and identify socioeconomic, anthropometric, behavioral and dietary factors associated with underestimation. Method Cross-sectional study. Data was collected in 14 Brazilian private schools. Parents of children aged 2-8 years (n = 976) completed a self-reported questionnaire assessing their perception of their child's weight status, and sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral and dietary information. To measure the agreement between parental perception about child weight status and actual child weight status, the Kappa coefficient was estimated, and to investigate associations between parental underestimation and independent variables, chi-squared tests were performed, followed by multiple logistic regression, considering p ≤ 0.05 for statistical significance. Results Overall, 48.05% of the parents incorrectly classified their child's weight. Specifically, 45.08% underestimated their child's weight status, with just 3% of parents overestimating. Children with higher body mass index (OR = 2.03; p < 0.001) and boys (OR = 1.70; p < 0.001) were more likely to have their weight status underestimated by parents. Conclusion Since awareness of weight problems is essential for prevention and treatment, clinical practitioners should help parents at high risk of misperception to correctly evaluate their child's weight status.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a prevalência de percepção errônea dos pais sobre o status do peso infantil e identificar fatores socioeconômicos, antropométricos, comportamentais e dietéticos associados à subestimação. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Os dados foram coletados em 14 escolas particulares brasileiras. Pais de crianças de dois a oito anos de idade (n = 976) preencheram um questionário autoaplicável sobre sua percepção do estado nutricional do seu filho e informações sociodemográficas, antropométricas, comportamentais e dietéticas. Para medir o grau de concordância entre a percepção dos pais do peso do filho e o peso real do filho, estimamos o coeficiente Kappa e investigamos as associações entre subestimação do pai e variáveis independentes, calculamos o qui-quadrado seguido do modelo de regressão logística múltipla considerando p≤0,05 para significância estatística. Resultados Em geral, 48,05% dos pais classificaram incorretamente o peso de seus filhos; particularmente, 45,08% subestimaram o peso do seu filho e apenas 3% subestimaram o peso infantil. A regressão logística demonstrou que as crianças com maior índice de massa corporal (OR = 2,03; p < 0,001) e os meninos (OR = 1,70; p < 0,001) tinham maior probabilidade de ter seu peso subestimado pelos pais. Conclusão Médicos clínicos devem concentrar suas intervenções nessas crianças para ajudar os pais a avaliar corretamente o seu peso. A consciência dos pais sobre um problema de peso em crianças é essencial para a prevenção e tratamento da obesidade infantil e estilos de vida saudáveis.

Factors associated with parental underestimation of child's weight status.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of parental misperception of child weight status, and identify socioeconomic, anthropometric, behavioral and dietary factors associated with underestimation. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. Data was collected in 14 Brazilian private schools. Parents of children aged 2-8 years (n=976) completed a self-reported questionnaire assessing their perception of their child's weight status, and sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral and dietary information. To measure the agreement between parental perception about child weight status and actual child weight status, the Kappa coefficient was estimated, and to investigate associations between parental underestimation and independent variables, chi-squared tests were performed, followed by multiple logistic regression, considering p≤0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Overall, 48.05% of the parents incorrectly classified their child's weight. Specifically, 45.08% underestimated their child's weight status, with just 3% of parents overestimating. Children with higher body mass index (OR=2.03; p<0.001) and boys (OR=1.70; p<0.001) were more likely to have their weight status underestimated by parents. CONCLUSION: Since awareness of weight problems is essential for prevention and treatment, clinical practitioners should help parents at high risk of misperception to correctly evaluate their child's weight status.

Cancer survival in people with AIDS: A population-based study from São Paulo, Brazil.

Cancer survival among people with AIDS (PWA) has been described in developed countries, but there is lack of data from developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival after cancer diagnosis in PWA and compare it with people without AIDS (non-PWA) in São Paulo, Brazil. A probabilistic record linkage was carried out between the databases of the Population-based Cancer Registry of São Paulo (PBCR-SP) and the AIDS registry of SP (SINAN) to identify PWA who developed cancer. For comparison, non-PWA were frequency matched from the PBCR-SP by cancer site/type, sex, age, and period. Hazard ratio (HR) stratified by matching variables was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 1,294 PWA (20 patients with two primary site tumors) were included in the site/type-specific analyses. AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) comprised 51.9% of cases assessed. The all-cancer 5-year overall survival in PWA was 49.4% versus 72.7% in non-PWA (HR = 2.64; 95%CI = 2.39-2.91). Survival was impaired in PWA for both ADC (HR = 2.93; 95%CI = 2.49-3.45) and non-ADC (HR = 2.51; 95%CI = 2.21-2.84), including bladder (HR = 8.11; 95% CI = 2.09-31.52), lung (HR = 2.93; 95%CI = 1.97-4.36) and anal cancer (HR = 2.53; 95%CI = 1.63-3.94). These disparities were seen mainly in the first year after cancer diagnosis. The overall survival was significantly lower in PWA in comparison with non-PWA in São Paulo, as seen in high-income countries. Efforts to enhance early diagnosis and ensure proper cancer treatment in PWA should be emphasized.

The role of the local retail food environment in fruit, vegetable and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the local retail food environment and consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in São Paulo, Brazil, as well as the moderation effects of income in the studied relationships. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design that drew upon neighbourhood- and individual-level data. For each participant, community (density and proximity) and community food environment (availability, variety, quality and price) measures of FV and SSB were assessed in retail food stores and specialized fresh produce markets within 1·6 km of their homes. Poisson generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to model the associations of food consumption with food environment measures, adjusted by individual-level characteristics. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Adults (n 1842) residing in the same census tracts (n 52) in São Paulo, Brazil as those where the neighbourhood-level measures were taken. RESULTS: FV availability in neighbourhoods was associated with regular FV consumption (≥5 times/week; prevalence ratio=1·41; 95 % CI 1·19, 1·67). Regular FV consumption prevalence was significantly lower among lower-income individuals living in neighbourhoods with fewer supermarkets and fresh produce markets (P-interaction <0·05). A greater variety of SSB was associated with a 15 % increase in regular SSB consumption (≥5 times/week) prevalence, after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the local retail food environment is associated with FV and SSB consumption in a Brazilian urban sample.

Evaluating the use of in-store measures in retail food stores and restaurants in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of retail food store, open-air food market, and restaurant observation tools adapted to the Brazilian urban context. METHODS: This study is part of a cross-sectional observation survey conducted in 13 districts across the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2010-2011. Food store and restaurant observational tools were developed based on previously available tools, and then tested it. They included measures on the availability, variety, quality, pricing, and promotion of fruits and vegetables and ultra-processed foods. We used Kappa statistics and intra-class correlation coefficients to assess inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities in samples of 142 restaurants, 97 retail food stores (including open-air food markets), and of 62 restaurants and 45 retail food stores (including open-air food markets), respectively. Construct validity as the tool's abilities to discriminate based on store types and different income contexts were assessed in the entire sample: 305 retail food stores, 8 fruits and vegetable markets, and 472 restaurants. RESULTS: Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were generally high, with most Kappa values greater than 0.70 (range 0.49-1.00). Both tools discriminated between store types and neighborhoods with different median income. Fruits and vegetables were more likely to be found in middle to higher-income neighborhoods, while soda, fruit-flavored drink mixes, cookies, and chips were cheaper and more likely to be found in lower-income neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: The measures were reliable and able to reveal significant differences across store types and different contexts. Although some items may require revision, results suggest that the tools may be used to reliably measure the food stores and restaurant food environment in urban settings of middle-income countries. Such studies can help .inform health promotion interventions and policies in these contexts.

Evaluating the use of in-store measures in retail food stores and restaurants in Brazil / Validade e confiabilidade de instrumentos de avaliação do microambiente alimentar no Brasil

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To assess inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of retail food store, open-air food market, and restaurant observation tools adapted to the Brazilian urban context.METHODS This study is part of a cross-sectional observation survey conducted in 13 districts across the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2010-2011. Food store and restaurant observational tools were developed based on previously available tools, and then tested it. They included measures on the availability, variety, quality, pricing, and promotion of fruits and vegetables and ultra-processed foods. We used Kappa statistics and intra-class correlation coefficients to assess inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities in samples of 142 restaurants, 97 retail food stores (including open-air food markets), and of 62 restaurants and 45 retail food stores (including open-air food markets), respectively. Construct validity as the tool's abilities to discriminate based on store types and different income contexts were assessed in the entire sample: 305 retail food stores, 8 fruits and vegetable markets, and 472 restaurants.RESULTS Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were generally high, with most Kappa values greater than 0.70 (range 0.49-1.00). Both tools discriminated between store types and neighborhoods with different median income. Fruits and vegetables were more likely to be found in middle to higher-income neighborhoods, while soda, fruit-flavored drink mixes, cookies, and chips were cheaper and more likely to be found in lower-income neighborhoods.CONCLUSIONS The measures were reliable and able to reveal significant differences across store types and different contexts. Although some items may require revision, results suggest that the tools may be used to reliably measure the food stores and restaurant food environment in urban settings of middle-income countries. Such studies can help .inform health promotion interventions and policies in these contexts.

RESUMOOBJETIVO Avaliar a confiabilidade intra- e inter-indivíduo e validade de construto de instrumentos de avaliação do microambiente alimentar em mercados, supermercados, feiras-livres e restaurantes adaptados ao contexto urbano brasileiro.MÉTODOS Estudo transversal conduzido em 2010-2011 em 13 distritos do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Instrumentos de avaliação do microambiente alimentar, utilizados em outros países, foram adaptados e testados para o contexto brasileiro. Foram coletadas medidas de disponibilidade, variedade, qualidade, preço e promoção de frutas, hortaliças e alimentos ultraprocessados. Estatísticas Kappa e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse foram utilizados para avaliar as confiabilidades inter- e intra-avaliador em amostra de 142 restaurantes e 97 mercados, supermercados e feiras livres e em 62 restaurantes e 97 mercados, supermercados e feiras livres, respectivamente. A validade de construto, definida como a capacidade dos instrumentos em discriminar diferentes contextos, foi avaliada na totalidade da amostra: 305 mercados e supermercados, oito feiras livres e 472 restaurantes.RESULTADOS Os instrumentos foram considerados confiáveis, com coeficientes Kappa para as medidas inter- e intra-avaliadores, variando de 0,49 a 1,00. Eles também foram capazes de discriminar diferentes tipos de estabelecimentos e diferentes contextos socioeconômicos. Frutas e hortaliças foram mais encontradas em bairros de médio e alto nível socioeconômico, enquanto refrigerantes, refrescos em pó, biscoitos e salgadinhos foram mais encontrados em áreas de menor nível socioeconômico e apresentaram menores preços.CONCLUSÕES As medidas são confiáveis e capazes de discriminar diferentes estabelecimentos e contextos. Embora alguns itens ainda requeiram revisão, os resultados sugerem que os instrumentos podem ser utilizados para avaliar o ambiente alimentar em áreas urbanas de países de renda média. Tais estudos podem informar políticas e intervenções para promoção da saúde nesses contextos.

Neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and differences in the availability of healthy food stores and restaurants in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Differential access to healthy foods has been hypothesized to contribute to health disparities, but evidence from low and middle-income countries is still scarce. This study examines whether the access of healthy foods varies across store types and neighborhoods of different socioeconomic statuses (SES) in a large Brazilian city. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010-2011 across 52 census tracts. Healthy food access was measured by a comprehensive in-store data collection, summarized into two indexes developed for retail food stores (HFSI) and restaurants (HMRI). Descriptive analyses and multilevel models were used to examine associations of store type and neighborhood SES with healthy food access. Fast food restaurants were more likely to be located in low SES neighborhoods whereas supermarkets and full service restaurants were more likely to be found in higher SES neighborhoods. Multilevel analyses showed that both store type and neighborhood SES were independently associated with in-store food measures. We found differences in the availability of healthy food stores and restaurants in Sao Paulo city favoring middle and high SES neighborhoods.

Comparison of application times for ice packs used to relieve perineal pain after normal birth: a randomised clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of an ice pack applied for 10, 15 and 20 minutes to relieve perineal pain after birth. BACKGROUND: Perineal pain after vaginal birth, with or without vaginal trauma, is one of the most common morbidities reported for postnatal women. Cryotherapy has been used in postpartum period to relieve perineal pain and investigated in several studies. However, cryotherapy treatment protocols in perineal care vary widely regarding temperature, frequency and duration of the application. DESIGN: A controlled trial, randomised for two groups and with a third group as a historical control. METHOD: The intervention was carried out in a maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study population consisted of three groups of 38 women who used an ice pack on the perineum, in a single application: group A-10 minutes; group B-15 minutes; group C-20 minutes (historical control from another clinical trial). Participants' perineal pain magnitude was evaluated through a numerical scale (0-10), at four different points: before the cryotherapy; immediately after and at 20 and 40 minutes after cryotherapy. RESULTS: After application of the ice pack, there was no statistical difference when comparing the perineal pain among groups in the second, third and fourth evaluations. Most of the postnatal women reported pain relief, with 72.8% reporting a decrease in pain >50%; 21.9% reported a decrease between 30-50%. All postnatal women subjected to cryotherapy were favourable to the procedure. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in pain scores following ice pack application in three different times (10, 15 and 20 minutes) in women who report moderate or intense perineal pain after normal delivery. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Ice treatment is safe, and application times of 10 or 15 minutes are as beneficial as an application time of 20 minutes to relieve perineal pain.

Prevalência de excesso de peso e seus fatores associados em adolescentes da rede de ensino público de Piracicaba, São Paulo / Prevalence of overweight and associated factors in adolescents from public schools of Piracicaba city, São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalencia de exceso de peso y sus factores asociados en adolescentes de la red de enseñanza pública de Piracicaba, São Paulo (Brasil)

Estimar a prevalência de excesso de peso e os fatores associados à sua ocorrência em adolescentes da rede de ensino público da cidade de Piracicaba, São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 269 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre dez a 14 anos. Foram aplicados questionários para obtenção do consumo alimentar, maturação sexual, nível de atividade física e características demográficas. Para a análise estatística utilizou-se a regressão logística univariada e múltipla. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 35,7 por cento entre os meninos e 26,2 por cento, entre as meninas. Os fatores associados foram observados somente entre as meninas, mostrando-se protetor ao excesso de peso o 2º tercil de consumo de carboidrato (OR ajustada 0,28) e a fase de aceleração/pico do crescimento (OR ajustada 0,37). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de excesso de peso nos adolescentes é preocupante. A fase de aceleração/pico do crescimento e o alto consumo de carboidrato foram relacionados como fatores protetores para o excesso de peso entre as meninas. Sugere-se ainda que este último fator seja analisado com cautela, dado que tal associação não foi observada em outros estudos.

To estimate the prevalence of excess weight and the factors associated with its occurrence in adolescents enrolled at public schools in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 269 adolescents of both sexes aged 10 to 14 years. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on dietary intake, sexual maturity, physical activity level and demographic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight was 35.7 percent for the boys and 26.2 percent for the girls. Factors significantly associated with excess weight were only identified for the girls, among whom it was found that being in the 2nd tertile for carbohydrate intake (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.28) and the accelerating/peak growth phase (adjusted OR: 0.37) were protective factors against excess weight . CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal a worrying prevalence of excess weight among the adolescents studied. The accelerating/peak growth phase and high carbohydrate intake were identified as protective factors against excess weight for the girls. It is, however, suggested that the second of these be treated with caution since this link has not been detected in other studies.

Estimar la prevalencia de exceso de peso y los factores asociados a su ocurrencia en adolescentes de la red de enseñanza pública de la ciudad de Piracicaba, São Paulo (Brasil). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de 269 adolescentes de ambos sexos, con edades entre 10 y 14 años. Se aplicaron cuestionarios para obtención del consumo alimentar, maturación sexual, nivel de actividad física y características demográficas. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó la regresión logística univariada y múltiple. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue de 35,7 por ciento entre los muchachos y de 26,2 por ciento entre las muchachas. Los factores asociados fueron observados solamente entre las muchachas, mostrándose protector al exceso de peso el 2º tercil de consumo de carbohidrato (OR ajustada 0,28) y la etapa de aceleración/ápice del crecimiento (OR ajustada 0,37) CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos del presente estudio evidencian que la prevalencia de exceso de peso en los adolescentes es preocupante. La etapa de aceleración/ápice del crecimiento y el alto consumo de carbohidrato fueron relacionados como factores protectores al exceso de peso entre las muchachas. Se sugiere además que este último factor sea analizado con cautela, una vez que tal asociación no fue observada en otros estudios.

Validation, reliability and comprehension of the IBCSG quality of life questionnaire specific to breast cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate overall survival in incident cases of oral cancer notified by the Goiânia population-based cancer registry between 1988 and 2002.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 313 incident cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were identified. The variables studied were: age, gender and clinical staging. Data regarding vital status were obtained from the medical charts of the hospital and clinics and from the Goiânia Mortality Data System. RESULTS: Of the 313 incident cases of oral cancer notified between 1988 and 2002 that were identified in this study, 245 (72.7%) occurred in males and 92 (27.3%) in females. The five year overall survival rate for oral cancer in Goiânia was 35.3% with a mean survival time of 30 months (95%CI, 27-32). There was no statistically significant difference in survival time between males and females (35.8% versus 33.9%; p = 0.750). In patients with tumors < 4 cm, survival rate was 77%, whereas in patients with tumors > 4 cm, survival rate was 39% (µ = 35 months, 95%CI, 31-38, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: In patients with oral cancer, survival is associated with gender, age at diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. The low survival rates found indicate that the majority of tumors were at an advanced stage. Training healthcare professionals to clinically examine the oral cavity, to identify abnormalities in oral mucosa and to duly refer patients to a specialized service for early diagnosis would lead to an improvement in survival

Simplified flow cytometric assay to detect minimal residual disease in childhood with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / Detecção de doença residual mínima em crianças com leucemia linfoblástica aguda por citometria de fluxo

The detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) is an important prognostic factor in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) providing crucial information on the response to treatment and risk of relapse. However, the high cost of these techniques restricts their use in countries with limited resources. Thus, we prospectively studied the use of flow cytometry (FC) with a simplified 3-color assay and a limited antibody panel to detect MRD in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) of children with ALL. BM and PB samples from 40 children with ALL were analyzed on days (d) 14 and 28 during induction and in weeks 24-30 of maintenance therapy. Detectable MRD was defined as > 0.01 percent cells expressing the aberrant immunophenotype as characterized at diagnosis among total events in the sample. A total of 87 percent of the patients had an aberrant immunophenotype at diagnosis. On d14, 56 percent of the BM and 43 percent of the PB samples had detectable MRD. On d28, this decreased to 45 percent and 31 percent, respectively. The percentage of cells with the aberrant phenotype was similar in both BM and PB in T-ALL but about 10 times higher in the BM of patients with B-cell-precursor ALL. Moreover, MRD was detected in the BM of patients in complete morphological remission (44 percent on d14 and 39 percent on d28). MRD was not significantly associated to gender, age, initial white blood cell count or cell lineage. This FC assay is feasible, affordable and readily applicable to detect MRD in centers with limited resources.

A detecção de doença residual mínima (DRM) é um importante fator prognóstico na leucemia linfóide aguda (LLA) infantil e fornece informações sobre a resposta ao tratamento e o risco de recaída. Entretanto, os altos custos das técnicas utilizadas limitam seu uso nos países em desenvolvimento. Desta forma, realizamos um estudo prospectivo para avaliar a citometria de fluxo (CF), utilizando três fluorescências e um painel limitado de anticorpos monoclonais, como método de detecção de DRM em medula óssea (MO) e sangue periférico (SP) de crianças com LLA. Amostras de MO e SP de 40 crianças portadoras de LLA foram analisadas nos dias (d)14 e d28 da indução e nas semanas 24-30 da terapia de manutenção. Foram consideradas como DRM+ as amostras que apresentaram > 0,01 por cento das células com o fenótipo aberrante (FA). Oitenta e sete por cento dos pacientes apresentaram FA ao diagnóstico. No d14, 56 por cento das amostras de MO e 43 por cento do SP apresentaram DRM. No d28, foi detectada DRM em 45 por cento e 31 por cento das amostras de MO e SP, respectivamente. A porcentagem de DRM na MO foi similar à do SP nos casos de LLA-T, mas aproximadamente dez vezes maior na LLA de precursor-B. Foi detectada DRM na MO de 44 por cento e 39 por cento dos pacientes que estavam remissão morfológica nos d14 e d28, respectivamente. Não foi demonstrada associação significante entre a presença de DRM e sexo, idade, leucometria inicial e linhagem celular. Esta técnica de detecção de DRM por CF é relativamente barata e pode ser aplicada em centros com recursos limitados.

Validade de um questionário quantitativo de freqüência alimentar desenvolvido para população feminina no nordeste do Brasil / Validity of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire developed for women in the Northeast of Brazil

OBJETIVO: Verificar a validade relativa de um questionário quantitativo de freqüência alimentar (QQFA) para ser utilizado em estudo caso-controle sobre fatores dietéticos e câncer de mama no Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: A validade relativa do QQFA, com 68 itens alimentares, foi investigada em uma população de 38 mulheres, entre 25 e 80 anos, potenciais controles para o estudo principal. As participantes responderam a quatro recordatórios de 24horas (R24h), administrados por entrevistador, por telefone, em um período de um ano, e um QQFA ao final do estudo. Os valores médios de energia e nutrientes do QQFA foram comparados com a média dos quatro R24h através do teste-t emparelhado. Os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson entre a média dos nutrientes antes e após o ajuste por energia nos dois métodos foram calculados e sua correção foi realizada pela variabilidade intrapessoal (coeficiente de correlação deatenuado). RESULTADOS: A validade relativa foi verificada para energia, carboidratos, lipídios, proteínas, vitamina A e Vitamina C. Analisando os coeficientes de correlação bruta, observaram-se valores adequados de energia (r=0,53) e lipídios (r=0,40) e baixo para vitamina C (r=0,08). Quando os coeficientes foram corrigidos pela variabilidade intraindividual, todos os nutrientes tiveram seus coeficientes consideravelmente aumentados (r= 0,36 0,67). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que o QQFA apresentou uma validade satisfatória para ser utilizado em estudos de dieta e câncer em mulheres na Paraíba. Contudo, para seu uso em áreas geográficas ou populações distintas, procedimentos de calibração do questionário devem ser realizados anteriormente.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative validity of a Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) for a case-control study on dietary factors and breast cancer in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: The validity of a 68-item QFFQ was investigated in 38 women, ranging from 25 to 80 years old, potential controls for a case-control study. Four 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDR) were administered by an interviewer, by telephone, during the 1-year period, and a QFFQ was applied at the end of the period to compare mean nutrient intakes. Paired t-tests were applied to verify differences in the mean of nutrients in both methods. Pearson correlation coefficients on nutrient data before and after energy adjustment in both methods were calculated and within-person variability was corrected for (de-attenuated correlation coefficient). RESULTS: Relative validity was verified for energy, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Satisfactory values for energy (r=0.53) and lipids (r=0.40) were encountered for Pearson crude correlation coefficients, but remarkably lower for Vitamin C (r=0.08). When coefficients were corrected for within-person variability, all nutrients presented considerably higher values (r= 0.36 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that QFFQ presents a reasonably valid measure of intake for most nutrients and can be used for diet and cancer studies in women in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Nevertheless, calibration procedures will be required for utilization in different geographical areas of Brazil .

Classical osteoblastoma, atypical osteoblastoma, and osteosarcoma: a comparative study based on clinical, histological, and biological parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological behavior of classical and atypical osteoblastomas in comparison to osteosarcomas. METHODS: Based on histological parameters, 30 osteoblastomas were subclassified as classical osteoblastomas (23/30) or atypical osteoblastoma (high cellularity, prominent blue osteoid, and epithelioid osteoblasts--7/30). Comparative immunohistochemical and clinical analysis was performed in 17 cases of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue was immunostained for p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen. Tumors with positive p53 stain underwent molecular analyses for fragments of exon 10. RESULTS: The mean proliferating cell nuclear antigen indexes for classical osteoblastoma, atypical osteoblastoma, and osteosarcoma were 33%, 61%, and 79%, respectively. The atypical subgroup showed similar results to those of the osteosarcoma group (P < 0.001). p53 protein was detected in 4 (13%) osteoblastomas (3 of these were atypical osteoblastoma), and 4 osteosarcomas (23%) also showed p53 positivity. DNA mutation performed in p53-positive cases was confirmed in exon 10 in 2 atypical osteoblastomas (2/3), 1 classical osteoblastoma (1/1), and 1 osteosarcoma (1/4). Disease recurrence was correlated with p53 expression (P = 0.009), atypical subtype (P = 0.031), spiculated blue bone on histology (P = 0.018), and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen labeling index > or =40 (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: These results validate atypical osteoblastoma as an entity, with p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen immuno-expression closer to that of osteosarcoma than of classical osteoblastoma. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and p53 may be useful predictors of recurrence.

Co-infecção Tuberculose HIV/AIDS. Análise de Sobrevida na era pré-HAART / Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS co-infection. Survival analysis on pre HAART era

A AIDS é uma sindrome que compromete a imunidade celular do hospedeiro, propiciando o surgimento da tuberculose(TB). A co-infecção TB/AIDS mostrou alta taxa de mortalidade na era pré-HAART. Este trabalho se propôs a avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida e fatores preditivos relacionados ao óbito no indivíduo com essa co-infecção no período de dezembro de 1995 a maio de 1996 no Centro de Referência e Treinamento - DST/AIDS (CRT-DST/AIDS) na cidade de São Paulo. Foram incluidos pacientes com idade superior a 18 anos com infecção pelo HIV e/ou com AIDS manifesta notificados por qualquer forma clinica de TB pelo Serviço de Vigilância Epidemiológica do CRT-DST/Aids e que estavam iniciando tratamento especifico para TB naquele período e com radiografia de torax realizada no momento do diagnostico. De um total de 150 pacientes, 121 eram homens e 29 mulheres, a idade variou de 20-62 anos. Para definição dos casos de AIDS foram utilizados Critérios Rio de janeiro/Caracas e CDC modificado, resultando em 141 casos da co-infecção TB/AIDS e 9 casos de TB em individuos infectados pelo HIV. Na analise de sobrevida foram considerados 129 pacientes que apos um ano de seguimento tiveram seu status conhecido; 58 pacientes evoluiram para obito, 71 sobreviveram. A propabilidade de sobrevida acumulada em 365 dias foi de 55 porcento. Dentre os fatores preditivos relacionados ao óbito, encontramos associação com o diagnostico inicial de AIDS(p=0,0150) e contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ menor que 200 celulas (p=0,0007).

Classical osteoblastoma, atypical osteoblastoma, and osteosarcoma: a comparative study based on clinical, histological, and biological parameters

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological behavior of classical and atypical osteoblastomas in comparison to osteosarcomas. METHODS: Based on histological parameters, 30 osteoblastomas were subclassified as classical osteoblastomas (23/30) or atypical osteoblastoma (high cellularity, prominent blue osteoid, and epithelioid osteoblasts-7/30). Comparative immunohistochemical and clinical analysis was performed in 17 cases of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue was immunostained for p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen. Tumors with positive p53 stain underwent molecular analyses for fragments of exon 10. RESULTS: The mean proliferating cell nuclear antigen indexes for classical osteoblastoma, atypical osteoblastoma, and osteosarcoma were 33 percent, 61 percent, and 79 percent, respectively. The atypical subgroup showed similar results to those of the osteosarcoma group (P < 0.001). p53 protein was detected in 4 (13 percent) osteoblastomas (3 of these were atypical osteoblastoma), and 4 osteosarcomas (23 percent) also showed p53 positivity. DNA mutation performed in p53-positive cases was confirmed in exon 10 in 2 atypical osteoblastomas (2/3), 1 classical osteoblastoma (1/1), and 1 osteosarcoma (1/4). Disease recurrence was correlated with p53 expression (P = 0.009), atypical subtype (P = 0.031), spiculated blue bone on histology (P = 0.018), and proliferatingcell nuclear antigen labeling index > 40 (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: These results validate atypical osteoblastoma as an entity, with p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunoexpression closer to that of osteosarcoma than of classical osteoblastoma. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and p53 may be useful predictors of recurrence.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar o comportamento biológico de osteoblastomas clássicos e atípicos comparados com osteossarcomas. MÉTODOS: Com base em parâmetros histológicos classificamos um grupo de 30 osteoblastomas nos subgrupos de osteoblastomas clássicos (23/30) e de osteoblastomas atípicos (que apresentam como característica grande celularidade, osteóide azul proeminente e osteoblastos epitelióide-7/30). Como efeito de comparação dos resultados imunohistoquímicos e análise clínica, avaliamos 17 pacientes com osteosarcoma de grau avançado. Os cortes histológicos com bloco de parafina fixado em formalina foram imunocorados para p53 e antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação. Tumores com coloração positiva para p53 tiveram análise molecular para fragmentos do exon 10. RESULTADOS: O índice médio de antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação para osteoblastoma clássico, osteoblastoma atípico e osteosarcoma foram de 33 por cento, 61 por cento e 79 por cento, respectivamente. O subgrupo atípico demonstrou resultados similares aos dos osteosarcomas (p<0,001). Foram detectadas proteína p53 em 4 (13 por cento) osteoblastomas; 3 desses foram osteoblastomas atípicos, sendo que 4 osteosarcomas (23 por cento) também demonstraram p53 positivo. A mutação do DNA nos casos positivos de p53 foi confirmada no exon 10 em dois osteoblastomas atípicos (2/3), um osteoblastoma clássico (1/1) e um osteosarcoma (1/4). A recorrência da doença foi correlacionada com a expressão do p53 (p=0,009), subtipo atípico (p=0,031), osso azul espiculado no resultado da histologia (p=0,018), e índice de marcação pelo antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação > 40 (p=0,015). CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados validam os osteoblastomas atípicos como entidade real, com imunoexpressão das proteínas p53 e antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação mais perto do osteosarcoma do que do osteoblastoma clássico. O índice de marcação pelo antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação e o p53 podem...

Lower heart rate variability is associated with higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration in healthy individuals aged 46 years or more.

BACKGROUND: To test the hypothesis of an association between cardiac autonomic activity evaluated by heart rate variability and systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, we studied the correlation of the indices of heart rate variability relative to serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a healthy Brazilian population. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-one healthy individuals aged 15-82 years (mean 40.4 years), 184 men (43.7%) and 237 women (56.3%) were enrolled between July 1998 and July 2001. The relationship between the log-transformed indices of the heart rate variability and the serum concentration of hs-CRP were analyzed stratified by age tertile using the Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The log standard deviation of all normal sinus RR intervals over 24 h (SDNN) (r = -0.801; p = 0.024) was independently correlated with log hs-CRP in the individuals with age in the oldest tertile (> or = 46 years). In addition, the body mass index (BMI) was independently correlated with hs-CRP in all of the age groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the healthy subjects aged 46 years or more the lower heart rate variability correlated with higher concentration of hs-CRP.

Co-infecção tuberculose HIV/AIDS. Analise do momento do diagnostico e prognostico na era pre-HAART / Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS co-infection. Time of Diagnosis analysis on pre HAART era

o A AIDS e uma sindrome que promove comprometimcento da imunidade celular do hospedeiro, podendo propiciar o surgimento da tuberculose (TB). No entanto, a co-infeccao TB/AIDS, tem apresentacao clinica, radiologica e laboratorial muito diferente daquelas encontradas nos individuos nao infectados pelo HIV. Este trabalho se propos a avaliar o momento do diagnostico no individuo com essa co-infeccao no periodo de dezembro de 1995 a maio de 1996 no Centro de Referencia e Treinamento-DST/AIDS (CRT-DST/AIDS) na cidade de Sao Paulo. As radiografias de torax foram analisadas por dois radiologistas foi chamado para opinar. Foram descritos dados epidemiologicos, radiologicos e laboratoriais de 150 pacientes com diagnostico de tuberculose endotoracica (TB-E) e infectados pelo HIV ou com AIDS. Destes pacientes, 121 (80,7 porcento) eram homens e 29 (19,3 porcento) mulheres. Para definicao de caso de AIDS foram utilizados Criterios Rio de janeiro/Caracas e CDC modificado, resultando em 141 (94 porcento) casos da co-infeccao TB/AIDS e 9(6 porcento) casos de TB em individuos infectados pelo HIV. Quanto a distribuicao da TB-E, 116 (77,3 porcento) dos pacientes apresentaram a forma pulmonar isolada, 11 (7,3 porcento) forma pulmonar e pleural, 10(6,7 porcento) forma pulmonar e ganglionar e 13 (8,7 porcento) apresentaram formas disseminadas. A idade variou de 20-62 anos. Foi possivel obter contagem de linfocitos CD4+ (CCd4) em 115 pacientes, e realizacao de teste tuberculinico (TT) em 91. Em 82 pacientes (71,3 porcento) a CCD4 estava abaixo de 50 cels/mm3. Cinquenta e sete pacientes (60,7 porcento) apresentaram TT nao reator (0,0 mm de enduracao). A analise radiologica mostrou 87 (58 porcento) laudos discordantes. Surpreendentemente, a radiografia de torax (RX-T) foi normal em 56 pacientes (37,3 porcento). O infiltrado reticular foi a das RX-T e adenomegalia hilar em 17 (11,3 porcento)

Co-infeccao Tuberculose HIV/AIDS. Analise do momento do diagnostico e prognostico na era pr‚-HAART

A AIDS e uma sindrome que promove comprometimento da imunidade celular do hospedeiro, podendo propiciar o surgimento da tuberculose(TB). No entanto, a co-infeccao TB/AIDS, tem apresentacao clinica, radiologica e laboratorial muito diferente daquelas encontradas nos individuos nao infectados pelo HIV. Este trabalho se propos a avaliar o momento do diagnostico no individuo com essa co-infeccao no periodo de dezembro de 1995 a maio de 1996 no Centro de Referencia e Treinamento-DST/AIDS (CRT-DST/AIDS) na cidade de Sao Paulo. As radiografias de torax foram analisadas por dois radiologistas diferentes sem que houvesse comunicacao entre eles; quando ocorreram laudos discordantes um terceiro radiologista foi chamado para opinar