Exploring cervical cancer mortality in Brazil: an ecological study on socioeconomic and healthcare factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between socioeconomic and healthcare factors and cervical cancer mortality rates, as well as the accessibility to prevention and treatment across Brazilian states and macroregions. The aim is to highlight the multifaceted challenge of addressing cervical cancer mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed public data from the Brazilian National Institute of Cancer (INCA), the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Data were collected on indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI), physician density, average household income, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage, Pap smear screening rates, radiotherapy machine density, and non-White population rates by state and macroregion across Brazil. Spearman's rank correlation test and simple linear regression analysis were employed. RESULTS: Cervical cancer mortality rates are statistically lower in women with health insurance, positive self-perception of health, located in states with a higher HDI, per capita household income, density of physicians, and radiotherapy machines per 1000 inhabitants. In contrast, mortality rates proportionally increase according to poverty levels, as expected, and rates of non-White population. Considering public health, HDI scores significantly affected Pap smear test coverage, the number of radiotherapy machines, and HPV vaccine uptake. The North and the Southeast regions have, respectively, the lowest and the highest socioeconomic indicators, proportional to their mortality rates. No significant correlation was found between mortality rates and HPV vaccine or Pap smear coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer mortality in Brazil is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and healthcare disparities. This study provides a data-driven basis for public health strategies that address both medical and social determinants of health.

First birth after uterine transposition in low-volume lymph node metastasis of cervical cancer: A long journey for success.

Locally advanced cervical cancer poses a significant challenge to fertility-sparing treatments. Pelvic radiotherapy impairs reproductive potential owing to ovarian, uterine, and endometrial side effects. This study presents a literature review of the main fertility-sparing therapeutic alternatives for locally advanced cervical cancer and a case report of the first childbirth following uterine transposition for gynecological malignancies.

Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology for anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular testing in female tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Precision medicine has revolutionized oncology, providing more personalized diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for patients with cancer. In the context of female-specific tumors, such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, proper tissue collection and handling are essential for obtaining tissue, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular data to guide therapeutic decisions. OBJECTIVES: To establish guidelines for the collection and handling of tumor tissue, to enhance the quality of samples for histopathological, IHC, genomic, and molecular analyses. These guidelines are fundamental in informing therapeutic decisions in cancer treatment. METHOD: The guidelines were developed by a multidisciplinary panel of renowned specialists between June 12, 2013 and February 12, 2024. Initially, the panel deliberated on critical and controversial topics related to conducting precision medicine studies focusing on female tumors. Subsequently, 22 pivotal topics were identified within the framework and assigned to groups. These groups reviewed relevant literature and drafted preliminary recommendations. Following this, the recommendations were reviewed by the coordinators and received unanimous approval. Finally, the groups made the final adjustments, classified the level of evidence, and ranked the recommendations. CONCLUSION: The collection of surgical samples requires minimum quality standards to enable histopathological, IHC, genomic, and molecular analyses. These analyses provide crucial data for informing therapeutic decisions, significantly impacting potential survival gains for patients with female tumors.

Developing a Nomogram for Prioritizing Hysteroscopy in Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis: A Case-Control Study.

(1) Background: The pandemic led to significant healthcare disruptions, resulting in postponed surgeries and extended waiting times for non-urgent treatments, including hysteroscopies essential for diagnosing endometrial cancer. This study aims to formulate a risk stratification model to enhance the prioritization of hysteroscopy procedures in Brazil; (2) Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Vila Santa Catarina Hospital in São Paulo, analyzing the medical records of 2103 women who underwent hysteroscopy between March 2019 and March 2022. We used bivariate analysis and multivariate linear regression to identify risk factors associated with endometrial cancer and formulate a nomogram; (3) Results: The findings revealed a 5.5% incidence of pre-invasive and invasive endometrial disease in the study population, with an average waiting time of 120 days for hysteroscopy procedures. The main risk factors identified were hypertension, diabetes, postmenopausal bleeding, and obesity; (4) Conclusions: This research highlights the urgent need for efficient prioritization of hysteroscopy procedures in the wake of the pandemic. The developed nomogram is an innovative tool for identifying patients at higher risk of endometrial cancer, thus facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment and improving overall patient outcomes in a strained healthcare system.

Vaginal hysterectomy for the treatment of low-risk endometrial cancer: Surgical technique, costs, and perioperative and oncologic results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe an operative technique for vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and assess the costs, perioperative, and oncological outcomes for this procedure when used in the treatment of patients with low-risk endometrial cancer (LREC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted on patients who underwent VH to treat precursor and invasive endometrial lesions between April 2019 and November 2021 at a single center in São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 61.9 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 34. Obese patients (BMI ≥ 30) accounted for 77% of the sample. Preoperative functional capacity measures were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-1 and ECOG-2 for 91% and 9% of the patients, respectively. The mean operative time and length of hospital stay were 109 min and 1.2 days, respectively. Four patients had a conversion of the surgical route to laparotomy. No major intraoperative complications were observed. Patients who underwent surgical conversion had a greater uterine volume (227 versus 107 mL, p = 0.006) and longer operative time (177 versus 96 min, p = 0.001). The total cost associated with VH was, on average, US$ 2058.77 (R$ 10,925.91), representing 47% of the cost associated with non-vaginal routes. Twenty-eight patients received a definitive diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma; of these, three received adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean follow-up period was 34.6 months for the patients diagnosed with cancer. One case of disease recurrence occurred 16.6 months after surgery, with one death at 28.6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that VH could be a feasible and cost-effective alternative for selected patients with LREC in low-resource settings.

Uterine transposition for fertility and ovarian function preservation after radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of uterine transposition as a method of preserving fertility and ovarian function after pelvic radiation. METHODS: This prospective multicenter observational study included patients with non-gynecologic pelvic cancers who underwent pelvic radiation as part of their cancer treatment between June 2017 and June 2019. For inclusion in the study, patients were required to have normal menstrual cycles and hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen) before treatment. Uterine transposition to the upper abdomen was performed prior to irradiation. Clinical examinations and Doppler ultrasonography were used to evaluate the gonadal vasculature post-surgery. The uterus was repositioned into the pelvis 2-4 weeks after radiation therapy or at the time of rectosigmoid resection in patients with rectal cancer who had undergone neoadjuvant treatment. Cancer treatment and follow-up were performed according to standard guidelines. RESULTS: Eight patients (seven with rectal cancer and one with pelvic liposarcoma) underwent uterine transposition at a median age of 30.5 years (range 19-37). The uterus was successfully preserved in six patients, accompanied by normal menses, hormonal levels, and vaginal intercourse after treatment. One patient with rectal cancer died of carcinomatosis 4 months after uterine transposition. One patient presented with uterine necrosis 4 days after uterine transposition, and the uterus was removed; however, one ovary was preserved. Cervical ischemia was the most common post-surgical complication in three (37.5%) patients. Three patients attempted to conceive, and two (66%) were spontaneously successful and delivered healthy babies at 36 and 38 weeks by cesarean section without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine transposition is a feasible procedure for preserving gonadal and uterine function in patients requiring pelvic radiotherapy for non-gynecological cancer, with the potential for achieving spontaneous pregnancy and successful delivery.

Does sentinel node mapping impact morbidity and quality of life in endometrial cancer?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of post-operative complications and quality of life (QoL) related to sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy vs systematic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. METHODS: A prospective cohort included women with early-stage endometrial carcinoma who underwent lymph node staging, grouped as follows: SLN group (sentinel lymph node only) and SLN+LND group (sentinel lymph node biopsy with addition of systematic lymphadenectomy). The patients had at least 12 months of follow-up, and QoL was assessed by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cervical Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and EORTC-QLQ-Cx24. Lymphedema was also assessed by clinical evaluation and perimetry. RESULTS: 152 patients were included: 113 (74.3%) in the SLN group and 39 (25.7%) in the SLN+LND group. Intra-operative surgical complications occurred in 2 (1.3%) cases, and all belonged to SLN+LND group. Patients undergoing SLN+LND had higher overall complication rates than those undergoing SLN alone (33.3% vs 14.2%; p=0.011), even after adjusting for confound factors (OR=3.45, 95% CI 1.40 to 8.47; p=0.007). The SLN+LND group had longer surgical time (p=0.001) and need for admission to the intensive care unit (p=0.001). Moreover, the incidence of lymphocele was found in eight cases in the SLN+LND group (0 vs 20.5%; p<0.001). There were no differences in lymphedema rate after clinical evaluation and perimetry. However, the lymphedema score was highest when lymphedema was reported by clinical examination at 6 months (30.1 vs 7.8; p<0.001) and at 12 months (36.3 vs 6.0; p<0.001). Regarding the overall assessment of QoL, there was no difference between groups at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher overall rate of complications for the group undergoing systematic lymphadenectomy, as well as higher rates of lymphocele and lymphedema according to the symptom score. No difference was found in overall QoL between SLN and SLN+LND groups.

Short-term outcomes after an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in abdominal hysterectomies for leiomyomas in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies for leiomyomas before and after the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in a teaching hospital. METHODS: This prospective cohort study compared a patient group from a historical series (pre-ERAS) with another group after ERAS implementation. Fasting time, length of hospital stay, complications, readmission rates, and procedure-related hospital costs were analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether, 187 patients were included in the analysis: 92 (49.2%) and 95 (50.8%) in the pre-ERAS and ERAS groups, respectively. Both groups had similar clinical characteristics. We observed reductions in surgical outcome findings: fasting time (13.9 to 6.7 h, P < 0.001), bladder catheter usage (21.1 to 10.9 h, P < 0.001), infection rates (20.7% to 5.3%, P = 0.002), length of stay (57.5 to 37.6 h), and 38.4% of the total estimated mean cost per procedure (USD $1570.8 to USD $967.2, P < 0.001) in the pre-ERAS and ERAS groups, respectively. Hospital readmission rates (P > 0.99) did not increase. CONCLUSION: ERAS protocol implementation for hysterectomies involving uterine leiomyomas reduced the length of hospital stay, surgical site infection rates, and hospital costs. A mean savings of USD $603.6 per procedure would allow 62.4% more hysterectomies to be performed.

A dupla carreira no futsal praticado por mulheres no Brasil: graus acadêmicos e origens familiares de atletas de elite e de categorias de base da Liga Paulista de Futsal / The dual career in Brazilian women futsal: academic degrees and family background of elite and youth athletes of Paulista Futsal League / La carrera dual en el futsal de mujeres em Brasil: grados académicos y orígenes familiares de deportistas de élite y juveniles de la Liga Paulista de Futsal

RESUMO A dupla carreira é o desenvolvimento simultâneo de duas carreiras em áreas distintas, por exemplo, a esportiva e a acadêmica. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o grau acadêmico de atletas mulheres de futsal do estado de São Paulo, tanto em nível de elite, quanto de categorias de base. Aplicamos questionários sobre as carreiras acadêmicas e esportivas a atletas adultas e das categorias sub-15 e sub-17 da Liga Paulista de Futsal entre os anos de 2019 e 2021, além de informações sobre os graus acadêmicos de seus pais e mães. A carreira no futsal não se mostrou uma barreira à trajetória escolar das atletas, considerando seus graus acadêmicos acima da média populacional e em convergência com suas idades, além da oferta de bolsas de estudos relacionadas ao desempenho esportivo.

ABSTRACT The dual career is the concomitant development of two careers in different areas, such as sport and academic. The aim of this study was to analyse the academic degree of women futsal athletes in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, both in the adult and junior ages. We applied questionnaires about academic and sport careers to adult, under-15 and under-17 athletes of Paulista Futsal League between the years 2019 and 2021, in addition to information about the academic degrees of their fathers and mothers. Futsal career played an important role in supporting the athletes' academic career, demonstrated by their academic degrees higher than the population average, either by not interfering with their studies in basic education, or by offering scholarships for higher education.

RESUMEN La carrera dual es el desarrollo concomitante de dos carreras en diferentes áreas, como el deporte y la academia. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el grado académico de atletas mujeres de futsal en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil, tanto en las categorías adulta como junior. Se aplicaron cuestionarios sobre trayectoria académica y deportiva a atletas adultas y de las categorías sub-15 y sub-17 de la Liga Paulista de Futsal entre los años 2019 y 2021, además de información sobre los grados académicos de sus padres y madres. La carrera en futsal tuve un papel importante en el apoyo a la carrera académica de las atletas, demostrado por sus grados académicos por encima de la población, ya sea al no interferir con sus estudios en la educación básica, o al ofrecer becas para la educación superior.

Motivos e consequências para a utilização do jogador de quadra adicional no handebol: perspectivas de treinadores brasileiros / Reasons and consequences for the use of the additional court player in handball: perspectives of Brazilian coaches / Motivos y consecuencias del uso del jugador de campo adicional en el balonmano: perspectivas de entrenadores brasileños

O uso do jogador de quadra adicional (JQA) no handebol sofreu implicações após mudanças regulamentares (2016). Os estudos envolvem a eficácia do JQA em competições, mas poucos esforços têm sido envidados para investigar motivos e expectativas dos treinadores para a sua utilização. Este estudo analisou as razões pelas quais os treinadores optam por utilizarem o JQA e as consequências em situações distintas do jogo. Sete treinadores de equipes adultas que qualificaram suas equipes entre as quatro melhores (Liga Nacional) foram entrevistados (entrevista semiestruturada). A análise temática reflexiva foi utilizada para a identificação dos temas e discussão. Os resultados revelaram dois subtemas: a utilização do JQA para produzir superioridade numérica ofensiva e as características e riscos do JQA para mitigar a inferioridade numérica. Comportamentos pertinentes ao jogo sem goleiro em superioridade numérica ou para aproximar a relação numérica foram percebidos e permitem refletir sobre avaliação e adaptação de modelos de jogo.

The use of the additional court player (ACP) in handball underwent implications after regulatory changes in 2016. Studies have examined the effectiveness of ACP in competitions, but few efforts have been made to investigate coaches' reasons and expectations for its use. This study analyzed why coaches choose to use the ACP and the consequences in different game situations. Seven coaches of adult teams that qualified their teams among the top four (National League) were interviewed (semi-structured interview). Reflexive thematic analysis was used for theme identification and discussion. The results revealed two subthemes: the use of ACP to reach offensive numerical superiority and the characteristics and risks of ACP to mitigate numerical inferiority. Behaviors relevant to the game without a goalkeeper in numerical superiority or to close the numerical gap were perceived, allowing reflection on game model assessment and adaptation.

El uso del jugador de campo adicional (JCA) en el balonmano sufrió implicaciones después de cambios regulatorios (2016). Los estudios han examinado la eficacia del JCA en competiciones, pero pocos esfuerzos se han hecho para investigar las razones y expectativas de los entrenadores para su uso. Este estudio analizó por qué los entrenadores utilizan al JCA y las consecuencias en diferentes situaciones de juego. Se entrevistó (semiestructurada) a siete entrenadores de equipos adultos que clasificaron a sus equipos entre los cuatro mejores (Liga Nacional). Se utilizó el análisis temático reflexivo para la identificación y discusión de temas. Los resultados revelaron dos subtemas: el uso del JCA para crear superioridad numérica ofensiva y las características y riesgos del JCA para mitigar la inferioridad numérica. Se percibieron comportamientos relevantes para el JCA en superioridad numérica o para cerrar la asimetría numérica, lo que permite la reflexión sobre la evaluación y adaptación del modelo de juego.

Cervical Cancer-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Self-Screening Acceptance Among Patients, Employees, and Social Media Followers of Major Brazilian Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has a high burden of cervical cancer, even though it is preventable, traceable and treatable. Hence, this study evaluated levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to cervical cancer screening and diagnosis and acceptance of self-screening techniques among women aged 24 and greater. METHODS: A cross-sectional KAP survey was administered to n = 4206 women and spanned questions relating to cervical cancer, HPV, speculum, Pap test and colposcopy. Questionnaire was disseminated through a major hospital's social media platforms, intranet and gynecologic-oncology clinics. Logistic regressions evaluated associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and preventative behaviors against cervical cancer. Participants indicated willingness to try DNA-HPV self-sampling and cervix self-visualization (self-colposcopy). FINDINGS: Participants were mostly white individuals (70.5%) with higher education and from social classes A and B. They demonstrated superior levels of KAP than described in the literature, with over 57.8% having answered 80+% of questions correctly. KAP scores were predicted by social class, educational attainment, race, history of premalignant cervical lesions and geographic location. About 80% and 63% would be willing to try DNA-HPV self-sampling and cervix self-visualization, respectively. Interest in self-screening was associated with adequate attitude (OR = 1.85) and inadequate practice (OR = .83). INTERPRETATION: Adequate KAP are fundamental for the successful implementation of a self-screening program. Participants were interested in methods that provide them with greater autonomy, control and practicality. Self-screening could address barriers for under-screened women such as shame, discomfort, distance from clinics and competing commitments, enabling Brazil to reach the WHO's cervical cancer elimination goals. It could also decrease excess medical intervention in over-screened populations by promoting shared decision-making.

Surgeon experience, robotic perioperative outcomes, and complications in gynecology.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic surgery is currently on the rise and has been widely applied all over the world. Gynecology offers great opportunities for the development of innovative techniques due to the magnitude of surgical needs. The aim of this study was to correlate perioperative complications, surgical time, and length of hospital stay with surgical diagnosis, procedure performed, and surgeon experience in robot-assisted gynecological surgeries in a 10-year period. METHODS: This was a retrospective, transversal, cross-sectional study involving 632 patients who underwent robotic gynecological surgery from January 2008 to December 2017 in a community hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Medical records of robot-assisted gynecological operations were searched for perioperative complications, operative time, and length of hospital stay, correlating these outcomes with surgical diagnosis, procedure performed, and surgeon experience, considering those with 20 or less robotic procedures and surgeons with more than 20 cases in their career as in-training or qualified surgeons, respectively. RESULTS: Endometriosis (381 cases) was the most common surgical indication, followed by uterine myoma (171 patients). Qualified surgeons had 64% less complications than in-training surgeons (p=0.03) and achieved 20% lower surgical time and 15% shorter length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: In this study, qualified surgeons with more than 20 robotic procedures had better perioperative outcomes and less complications than in-training surgeons during their first 20 robotic surgeries.

Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology consensus on fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Several controversies remain on conservative management of cervical cancer. Our aim was to develop a consensus recommendation on important and novel topics of fertility-sparing treatment of cervical cancer. METHODS: The consensus was sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) from March 2020 to September 2020 and included a multidisciplinary team of 55 specialists. A total of 21 questions were addressed and they were assigned to specialists' groups that reviewed the literature and drafted preliminary recommendations. Further, the coordinators evaluated the recommendations that were classified by the level of evidence, and finally, they were voted by all participants. RESULTS: The questions included controversial topics on tumor assessment, surgical treatment, and surveillance in conservative management of cervical cancer. The two topics with lower agreement rates were the role of minimally invasive approach in radical trachelectomy and parametrial preservation. Additionally, only three recommendations had <90% of agreement (fertility preservation in Stage Ib2, anti-stenosis device, and uterine transposition). CONCLUSIONS: As very few clinical trials have been developed in surgery for cervical cancer, most recommendations were supported by low levels of evidence. We addressed important and novel topics in conservative management of cervical cancer and our study may contribute to literature.

Sentinel lymph node mapping versus sentinel lymph node mapping with systematic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomized trial (ALICE trial).

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggest that sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in endometrial cancer accurately detects lymph node metastasis. However, prospective randomized trials addressing the oncological outcomes of SLN biopsy in endometrial cancer without lymphadenectomy are lacking. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to confirm that SLN biopsy without systematic node dissection does not negatively impact oncological outcomes. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that there is no survival benefit in adding systematic lymphadenectomy to sentinel node mapping for endometrial cancer staging. Additionally, we aim to evaluate morbidity and impact in quality of life (QoL) after forgoing systematic lymphadenectomy. TRIAL DESIGN: This is a collaborative, multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized trial. After total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and SLN biopsy, patients will be randomized (1:1) into: (a) no further lymph node dissection or (b) systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. MAJOR INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria are patients with high-grade histologies (endometrioid G3, serous, clear cell, and carcinosarcoma), endometrioid G1 or G2 with imaging concerning for myometrial invasion of ≥50% or cervical invasion, clinically suitable to undergo systematic lymphadenectomy. PRIMARY ENDPOINTS: The primary objective is to compare 3-year disease-free survival and the secondary objectives are 5-year overall survival, morbidity, incidence of lower limb lymphedema, and QoL after SLN mapping ± systematic lymphadenectomy in high-intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer. SAMPLE SIZE: 178 participants will be randomized in this study with an estimated date for completing accrual of December 2024 and presenting results in 2027. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03366051.

What Will We Do? The Action Plan From a Brazilian Professional Football Club Youth Academy Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In 2020, the world was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains a major challenge for most countries today. In Brazil, football clubs' youth academies have faced a disruption of their regular activities. In order to study how the learning cultures of a Brazilian professional football club youth academy have been changed, and the alternatives created by the club's staff within this context, this perspective article aims to analyze how they have structured the Under-15 (U15) team learning culture during social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through document and thematic analysis on a Brazilian professional football club's youth academy program, we promoted a dialogue between the process of adaptation to remote theoretical-tactical teaching with the learning theory proposed by Hodkinson and collaborators. The main theme of analysis of this study was the remote structure of the theoretical-tactical learning and physical training. Challenged with the need to transpose face-to-face activities into a learning culture based on remote communication, the U15 team coaching staff created a process to prescribe physical training, and to teach and discuss football tactical issues with young players during the period of social isolation. This perspective article shows that it is possible for sports institutions to create programs for the development of young athletes within the social isolation/distancing context, considering both theoretical-tactical learning and physical training processes. The adaptation to remote environments as structures for the learning culture seems a challenge, but is also a good alternative for young players to develop their interpretation and perception of football theoretical-tactical issues.

The Program for Biodiversity Research in Brazil: The role of regional networks for biodiversity knowledge, dissemination, and conservation.

The Program for Biodiversity Research (PPBio) is an innovative program designed to integrate all biodiversity research stakeholders. Operating since 2004, it has installed long-term ecological research sites throughout Brazil and its logic has been applied in some other southern-hemisphere countries. The program supports all aspects of research necessary to understand biodiversity and the processes that affect it. There are presently 161 sampling sites (see some of them at Supplementary Appendix), most of which use a standardized methodology that allows comparisons across biomes and through time. To date, there are about 1200 publications associated with PPBio that cover topics ranging from natural history to genetics and species distributions. Most of the field data and metadata are available through PPBio web sites or DataONE. Metadata is available for researchers that intend to explore the different faces of Brazilian biodiversity spatio-temporal variation, as well as for managers intending to improve conservation strategies. The Program also fostered, directly and indirectly, local technical capacity building, and supported the training of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. The main challenge is maintaining the long-term funding necessary to understand biodiversity patterns and processes under pressure from global environmental changes.

Uterine transposition for gynecological cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine transposition has emerged as an alternative for fertility preservation in women with pelvic malignancies that require radiotherapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing uterine transposition after trachelectomy for cervical cancer or before chemoradiation for vaginal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with early stage cervical cancer after radical trachelectomy or with vaginal cancer with indication for pelvic radiation who had uterine transposition performed as fertility sparing strategy. RESULTS: Four patients with cervical cancer and one patient with vaginal cancer were included. Median age was 32 years (range 28-38). All patients had squamous cell carcinomas. All patients with cervical cancer had radical trachelectomies with sentinel lymph node dissection (SLN). Two of these patients also had pelvic lymphadenectomies. Indications for adjuvant radiotherapy was due to Sedlis criteria in two patients and to lymph node metastasis in the other two patients. The patient with stage IIB vaginal cancer was recommended primary chemoradiation. All patients underwent uterine transposition before radiotherapy. The median uterine transposition surgical time was 90 min (range 80-205) and no early complications (30 days) occurred. Average time from uterine transposition to start of radiotherapy was 16 days (10-28). After radiation, the uterus along with the ovaries and tubes were repositioned and the residual cervix sutured to the vagina. One patient declined uterine reimplantation after radiation and underwent a hysterectomy. After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-30), all patients were without evidence of disease. All patients with preserved uterus have normal menses after treatment. One patient has attempted to conceive with IVF techniques without success. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine transposition may be an option in selected patients with cervical and vaginal cancers who want to preserve fertility. However, further studies that address its oncological safety and obstetrical outcomes are encouraged.

Assessment of Preoperative Endometrial Histopathological Sampling as a Predictor of Final Surgical Pathology in Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between the histopathological diagnoses of preoperative endometrial samples and surgical specimens and correlate the agreement between the diagnoses with the impact on surgical management and the survival of patients with endometrial adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Sixty-two patients treated for endometrial cancer at a university hospital from 2002 to 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. The histopathological findings of preoperative endometrial samples and of surgical specimens were analyzed. The patients were subjected to hysterectomy as well as adjuvant treatment, if necessary, and clinical follow-up, according to the institutional protocol. Lesions were classified as endometrioid tumor (type 1) grades 1, 2, or 3 or non-endometrioid carcinoma (type 2). RESULTS: The agreement between the histopathological diagnoses based on preoperative endometrial samples and surgical specimens was fair (Kappa: 0.40; p < 0.001). However, the agreement was very significant for tumor type and grade, in which a higher concordance occurred at a higher grade. The percentage of patients with lymph nodes affected was 19.2%. Although most patients presenting with disease remission or cure were in the early stages (90.5%), there were no significant differences between those patients who had a misdiagnosis (11/16; 68.8%) and those who had a correct diagnosis (25/33; 75.8%) based on preoperative endometrial sampling (p = 0.605). CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate the literature and confirm the under staging of preoperative endometrial samples based on histopathological assessment, especially for lower grade endometrial tumors. We suggest that the preoperative diagnosis should be complemented with other methods to better plan the surgical management strategy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concordância entre os diagnósticos histopatológicos de amostras endometriais pré-operatórias e cirúrgicas de pacientes com adenocarcinomas endometriais e avaliar o impacto da concordância entre os diagnósticos no planejamento cirúrgico e sobrevida das pacientes. MéTODOS: Dados de 62 pacientes com câncer de endométrio operadas entre 2002 a 2011 em um hospital universitário foram avaliadas retrospectivamente. As pacientes foram submetidas à histerectomia e tratamento adjuvante, se necessário, e acompanhadas clinicamente de acordo com o protocolo institucional. Foram avaliados os resultados das análises histopatológicas das amostras endometriais pré-operatórias e cirúrgicas. As lesões foram classificadas como tumor endometrioide (tipo 1) graus 1, 2 ou 3 ou carcinoma não endometrioide (tipo 2). RESULTADOS: De modo geral, houve uma concordância baixa entre os diagnósticos histopatológicos das amostras endometriais pré-operatórias e cirúrgicas (Kappa: 0,40; p < 0,001). Entretanto, uma alta concordância entre os diagnósticos foi observada nos tumores de graus mais elevados. Comprometimento de linfonodos ocorreu em 19,2% das pacientes e a maioria das que apresentaram remissão ou cura foram diagnosticadas nos estágios iniciais da doença (90,5%). Não houve diferença significativa na taxa de remissão ou cura entre as pacientes que tiveram concordância (25/33; 75,8%) ou divergência (11/16; 68,8%) entre os resultados histopatológicos pré-operatórios e cirúrgicos (p = 0,605). CONCLUSãO: Nossos achados corroboram a literatura e confirmam o sub-estadiamento de amostras endometriais pré-operatórias com base na avaliação histopatológica, especialmente para tumores endometriais de baixo grau. Outros métodos complementares são necessários para um diagnóstico pré-operatório mais preciso a fim de melhorar o planejamento cirúrgico.