Evaluation of the efficiency of a Venturi scrubber in particulate matter collection smaller than 2.5 µm emitted by biomass burning.

Energy demand has increased worldwide, and biomass burning is one of the solutions most used by industries, especially in countries that have a great potential in agriculture, such as Brazil. However, these energy sources generate pollutants, consisting of particulate matter (PM) with a complex chemical composition, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB) burning. Controlling these emissions is necessary; therefore, the aim was to evaluate PM collection using a rectangular Venturi scrubber (RVS), and its effects on the composition of the PM emitted. Considering the appropriate use of biomass as an industrial fuel and the emerging need for a technique capable of efficiently removing pollutants from biomass burning, this study shows the control of emissions as an innovation in a situation such as the industrial one with the use of a Venturi scrubber in fine particle collection, in addition to using portable and representative isokinetic sampling equipment of these particles. The pilot-scale simulation of the biomass burning process, the representative sampling of fine particles and obtaining parameters to control pollutant emissions for a Venturi scrubber, meets the current situation of concern about air quality. The average collection efficiency values were 96.6% for PM> 2.5, 85.5% for PM1.0-2.5, and 66.9% for PM< 1.0. The ionic analysis for PM< 1.0 filters showed potassium, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite at concentrations ranging from 20.12 to 36.5 µg/m3. As the ethanol and sugar plants will continue to generate electricity with sugarcane bagasse burning, emission control technologies and cost-effective and efficient portable samplers are needed to monitor particulate materials and improve current gas cleaning equipment projects.

Immunoprophylaxis using polypeptide chimera vaccines plus adjuvant system promote Th1 response controlling the spleen parasitism in hamster model of visceral leishmaniasis.

In recent years, several advances have been observed in vaccinology especially for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). One of the tools employed is epitope prediction by immunoinformatic approaches that reduce the time and cost to develop a vaccine. In this scenario, immunoinformatics is being more often used to develop vaccines for NTDs, in particular visceral leishmaniasis (VL) which is proven not to have an effective vaccine yet. Based on that, in a previous study, two predicted T-cell multi-epitope chimera vaccines were experimentally validated in BALB/c mice to evaluate the immunogenicity, central and effector memory and protection against VL. Considering the results obtained in the mouse model, we assessed the immune response of these chimeras inMesocricetus auratushamster, which displays, experimentally, similar pathological status to human and dog VL disease. Our findings indicate that both chimeras lead to a dominant Th1 response profile, inducing a strong cellular response by increasing the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines associated with a decrease in IL-10. Also, the chimeras reduced the spleen parasite load and the weight a correlation between protector immunological mechanisms and consistent reduction of the parasitic load was observed. Our results demonstrate that both chimeras were immunogenic and corroborate with findings in the mouse model. Therefore, we reinforce the use of the hamster as a pre-clinical model in vaccination trials for canine and human VL and the importance of immunoinformatic to identify epitopes to design vaccines for this important neglected disease.

Immunochemotherapy for visceral leishmaniasis: combinatorial action of Miltefosine plus LBSapMPL vaccine improves adaptative Th1 immune response with control of splenic parasitism in experimental hamster model.

The control of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is hard since there are no vaccines available as well as the treatment is hampered by toxicity and resistant parasites. Furthermore, as human, and canine VL causes immunosuppression, the combination of drugs with immunostimulatory agents is interesting to upregulate the immunity, reducing side-effects, improving treatment approaches against disease. Herein, we assessed the immunochemotherapy using miltefosine along with a vaccine formulated by Leishmania braziliensis antigens + saponin + monophosphoryl lipid-A (LBSapMPL) in L. infantum-infected hamsters. Two months after infection, the animals received treatments, and after 15 days they were evaluated for the treatment effect. The potential anti-Leishmania effect of miltefosine + LBSapMPL-vaccine was revealed by a specific immune response activation reflecting in control of spleen parasitism using half the miltefosine treatment time. The treated animals also showed an increase of total and T-CD4 splenocytes producing IFN-γ and TNF-α and a decrease of interleukin-10 and anti-Leishmania circulating IgG. In addition, it was demonstrated that the control of spleen parasitism is related to the generation of a protective Th1 immune response. Hence, due to the combinatorial action of miltefosine with LBSapMPL-vaccine in immunostimulating and controlling parasitism, this immunochemotherapy protocol can be an important alternative option against canine and human VL.

IL-10 receptor blockade controls the in vitro infectivity of Leishmania infantum and promotes a Th1 activation in PBMC of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

An important strategy to reduce the risk of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in humans is to control the infection and disease progression in dogs, the domestic reservoir of Leishmania infantum parasites. Certain therapeutic strategies that modulate the host immune response show great potential for the treatment of experimental VL, restoring the impaired effector functions or decreasing host excessive responses. It is known that the overproduction of interleukin-10 (IL-10) promotes parasite replication and disease progression in human VL as well as in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Thus, in the present study we investigated the potential of the anti-canine IL-10 receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody (Bloq IL-10R) to control and reduce in vitro infectivity of L. infantum and improve the ability of PBMC isolated from VL dogs to alter the lymphoproliferative response and intracytoplasmic cytokines. Overall, GFP+Leishmania showed lower capacity of in vitro infectivity in the presence of Bloq IL-10R. Moreover, addition of Bloq IL-10R in cultured PBMC enhanced T-CD4 and CD8 proliferative response and altered the intracytoplasmic cytokine synthesis, reducing CD4+IL-4+ cells and increasing CD8+IFN-γ+ cells after specific antigen stimulation in PBMC of dogs. Furthermore, we observed an increase of TNF-α levels in supernatant of cultured PBMC under IL-10R neutralizing conditions. Together, our findings are encouraging and reaffirm an important factor that could influence the effectiveness of immune modulation in dogs with VL and suggest that blocking IL-10R activity has the potential to be a useful approach to CVL treatment.

Heterologous vaccine therapy associated with half course of Miltefosine promote activation of the proinflammatory response with control of splenic parasitism in a hamster model of visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious and neglected disease present worldwide. Chemotherapy using pentavalent antimony (SbV) is the most practical and inexpensive strategy available for the VL treatment today, however, it has high toxicity. Alternatively, other drugs are used as viable leishmanicidal therapeutic options. Miltefosine is the only anti-leishmanial agent administered orally, however, it has been reducing its effectiveness. In this sense, there is no ideal therapy for VL since the drugs currently used trigger severe side effects causing discontinuation of treatment, which carries an imminent risk for the emergence of parasite resistance. With that, other therapeutic strategies are gaining prominence. Among them, immunotherapy and/or immunochemotherapy, which the activation/modulation of the immune system can redirect the host's immune response to an effective therapeutic result. Therefore, this work was designed to assess an immunochemotherapy protocol composed of half course of Miltefosine associated with LBSap vaccine (Milt+LBSap) using the hamster Mesocricetus auratus as an experimental model for VL treatment. When evaluating the main hematobiochemical, immunological and therapeutic efficacy parameters, it was demonstrated that the treatment with Milt+LBSap showed restoration of hematobiochemical condition and reduced serum levels of IgG-anti-Leishmania compared to animals infected non treated (INT). Beyond that, an increase in the number of CD4+ lymphocytes producers of IFN-γ in relation to INT or to animals treated with miltefosine during 28 days, and TNF-α increased compared to INT were observed. Also, it was found a reduction of IL-10-production in relation to INT, or animals that received LBSap vaccine only, or miltefosine, following by a reduction in the splenic parasitic burden. These results demonstrate that the immunochemotherapy protocol used can stimulate the immune response, inducing an expressive cellular response sufficient to control spleen parasitism, standing out as a promising proposal for the VL treatment.

Afeto e comum: enfrentamento do racismo por crianças e jovens quilombolas no contexto escolar / Affection and common: coping with racism for children and young people quilombolas in the school context / Afecto y común: enfrentando el racismo de niños y jóvenes kilomboles en el contexto escolar / Affect et commun: faire face au racisme des enfants et des jeunes kilomboles dans le contexte scolaire

O presente artigo originou-se de uma pesquisa de doutoramento em curso, no Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia da PUC-MINAS e objetivou compreender as relações entre o afeto e o comum para a ampliação da potência política de crianças e jovens da comunidade quilombola. A psicologia socio-histórica foi o referencial teórico adotado, através das categorias afeto, comum e política, tendo Vigotski, Espinosa e Sawaia como autores principais. A metodologia foi a pesquisa-intervenção psicossocial na qual foram analisadas 65 rodas de conversa com crianças e jovens entre 07 e 18 anos. A escola mostrou-se como um espaço em que práticas racistas são vivenciadas pelas crianças e pelos jovens quilombolas quando saem da comunidade para estudar na zona urbana, causando sofrimento ético-político. Este contexto, além de representar um ambiente de reprodução do racismo, também se mostra como possibilidade de seu enfrentamento através da afetividade e da constituição do comum.

This article originated of doctoral research in progress in the postgraduate program in psychology at PUC-MINAS and aimed to understand the relationships between affection and the common for the expansion of the political power of children and young people in the quilombola community. Social-historical psychology was the theoretical referential adopted, through the categories of affection, common and political, with Vigotski, Espinosa and Sawaia as the main authors. The methodology was the psychosocial intervention research in which 65 conversation circles with children and young people between 7 and 18 years old were analysed. The school showed itself as a space in which racist practices are experienced by children and young quilombolas when they leave the community to study in the urban area, causing ethical-political suffering. This context, in addition to representing an environment of reproduction of social inequality, also shows itself as a possibility of coping through affectivity ande the constitution of the common.

El presente artículo se originó a partir de una investigación doctoral en curso, en el Programa de Postgrado en Psicología de PUC-MINAS y tenía como objetivo comprender las relaciones entre el afecto y lo común para la expansión del poder político de los niños y jóvenes en la comunidad quilombola. La psicología sociohistórica fue el marco teórico adoptado, a través de las categorías de afecto, común y político, con Vigotski, Espinosa e Sawaia como autores principales. La metodología fue la investigación-intervención psicosocial en la que se analizaron 65 círculos de conversación con niños y jóvenes de entre 7 y 18 años. La escuela demostró ser un espacio en el que niños y jóvenes experimentan prácticas racistas cuando abandonan la comunidad para estudiar en el área urbana, causando sufrimiento ético y político. Este contexto, además de representar un ambiente para la reproducción del racismo, también se muestra como una posibilidad de enfrentarlo a través del afecto y la constitución de lo común.

Le présent article est issu d'une recherche doctorale en cours, dans le programme de troisième cycle en psychologie de XXX et visait à comprendre les relations entre l'affection et le commun pour l'expansion du pouvoir politique des enfants et des jeunes dans la communauté quilombola. La psychologie socio-historique a été le cadre théorique adopté, à travers les catégories d'affection, commune et politique, avec Vigotski, Espinosa et Sawaia comme auteurs principaux. La méthodologie était la recherche-intervention psychosociale dans laquelle 65 cercles de conversation avec des enfants et des jeunes entre 7 et 18 ans ont été analysés. L'école s'est avérée être un espace dans lequel les enfants et les jeunes quilombolas vivent des pratiques racistes lorsqu'ils quittent la communauté pour étudier en zone urbaine, provoquant des souffrances éthiques et politiques. Ce contexte, en plus de représenter un environnement propice à la reproduction du racisme, se présente également comme une possibilité d'y faire face par l'affection et la constitution du commun

Liver infusion tryptose (LIT): the best choice for growth, viability, and infectivity of Leishmania infantum parasites.

Leishmania spp. parasites have a complex biological cycle presenting basically two different morphological stages, the amastigote and promastigote forms. In vitro cultivation allows a more complete study of the biological aspects of these parasites, indicating better conditions for infection, immunoassay tests, drug evaluations, and vaccines. Thus, we evaluated the three most used culture media for Leishmania spp., Grace's insect cell culture medium (Grace's), liver infusion tryptose (LIT), and Schneider's insect medium (Schneider's), without supplementation or supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS) and bovine serum albumin (Albumin) to evaluate the growth, viability, and infectivity of the L. infantum promastigotes. It was observed that promastigote forms have a better growth in LIT and Schneider's with or without FCS when compared to that in Grace's. The supplementation with albumin promoted greater viability of the parasites independent of the medium. For in vitro infection of J774.A1 macrophages using light microscopy and flow cytometry analyses, FCS-supplemented LIT and Grace's promoted higher percentage of infected macrophages and parasite load compared with Schneider's media. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the supplementation of LIT culture medium with FCS is the most suitable strategy to cultivate Leishmania infantum parasites enabling the maintenance of growth and infective parasites for research uses.

Functionally impactful TP53 mutations are associated with increased risk of extranodal extension in clinically advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a clinical challenge because it is unclear which therapeutic approaches are the best for this highly heterogeneous group of patients. Because TP53 mutations are the most common genetic event in these tumors, the authors investigated whether they could represent an ancillary biomarker in the management of advanced OSCC. METHODS: The TP53 gene was sequenced in 78 samples from patients with advanced OSCC who received treatment at 2 institutions located in the United States and Brazil. TP53 mutations were classified according to an in-silico impact score (the evolutionary action score of p53 [EAp53]), which identifies mutations that have greater alterations of p53 protein function (high-risk). Associations between TP53 mutation status/characteristics and clinicopathologic characteristics were investigated. The relevant findings were validated in silico by analyzing 197 samples from patients with advanced OSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas. RESULTS: No differences in clinical outcomes were detected between patients with TP53-mutant and wild-type TP53 disease. However, patients who had tumors carrying high-risk TP53 mutations had a significantly increased risk of developing extranodal extension (ENE) compared with those who had wild-type TP53-bearing tumors. The increased chances of detecting ENE among patients who had high-risk TP53 mutations was validated among patients with advanced OSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk TP53 mutations are associated with an increased chance of detecting ENE in patients with advanced OSCC. Because ENE is 1 of the major factors considered for OSCC patient management, TP53 mutation status may represent a potential ancillary biomarker for treatment decisions regarding postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Afetividade no território Quilombola: uma práxis possível da psicologia / Affects in Quilombola territory: a possible praxis for psychology / Afectividad en el territorio Quilombola: una posible praxis de la psicología

Resumo O presente artigo originou-se de uma pesquisa de doutoramento no Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC-Minas), na qual buscamos compreender de que maneira ampliar a potência de crianças e jovens enquanto sujeitos políticos em uma comunidade quilombola. A vertente teórica que guiou tal estudo foi a psicologia sócio-histórica. A metodologia foi a de pesquisa-intervenção psicossocial, realizada por meio de observações e rodas de conversa com 14 crianças e jovens entre 7 e 18 anos de idade, de Lagoa Trindade, localizada em Jequitibá, interior de Minas Gerais (Brasil). A comunidade quilombola pôde ser compreendida pela lógica dos afetos que circulam no território, levando-se em consideração a interlocução das relações raciais que permeiam os sujeitos políticos. Para além das limitações trazidas por uma desigualdade racial estrutural em nossa sociedade, que reproduz e sustenta lugares de privilégio e de exclusão, é necessário criarmos estratégias de fortalecimento da potência de vida que circula entre os povos negros, advinda de uma história de luta e de perseverança. Tal compreensão da potência política presente no território quilombola mostra-se um caminho privilegiado para atuação da psicologia.

Abstract This article originated from doctoral research in the graduate program in psychology at PUC Minas, in which we sought to understand how to broaden the power of children and young people as political subjects in a quilombola community. The theoretical framework that guided this study was socio-historical psychology. The methodology was the research-psychosocial intervention, conducted through observation and talking circles, with 14 children and young people between 7 and 18 years from Lagoa Trindade, Jequitibá, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Quilombola community could be understood by the logic of the affects circulating in the territory, taking into account the interlocution of the racial relations that affect the political subjects. In addition to the limitations caused by a structural racial inequality in our society, which reproduces and sustains places of privilege and exclusion, we need to create strategies to strengthen the power of life circulating among black peoples, coming from a story of struggle and perseverance. This understanding of political power present in the quilombola territory shows a privileged path for the performance of psychology.

Resumen Este artículo se originó de una investigación de doctorado en el Programa de Posgrado en Psicología de la Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC-Minas), en la cual buscamos comprender cómo aumentar el poder de los niños y jóvenes en una comunidad de quilombolas como sujetos políticos. El marco teórico empleado en el estudio fue la psicología sociohistórica. La metodología utilizada fue la investigación-intervención psicosocial, realizada por observaciones y ruedas de conversación con 14 niños y jóvenes de entre 7 y 18 años de edad, en Lagoa Trindade, ubicada en Jequitibá (Minas Gerais, Brasil). La comunidad quilombola podría entenderse por la lógica de los afectos presentes en el territorio, teniendo en cuenta la interlocución de las relaciones raciales que afectan a los sujetos políticos. Más allá de las limitaciones ocasionadas por una desigualdad racial estructural en nuestra sociedad que reproduce y mantiene lugares privilegiados y excluyentes, es necesario la creación de estrategias para fortalecer el poder de vida que circula entre la población negra y que proviene de la historia de lucha y perseverancia. Esa comprensión del potencial político presente en el territorio quilombola demuestra ser una forma privilegiada para la actuación de psicología.

Desigualdade social e subjetividade revolucionária: os desafios do trabalho da psicologia no CRAS / Social inequality and revolutionary subjectivity: the challenges of psychology work at the CRAS / Desigualdad social y subjetividad revolucionaria: los desafíos del trabajo de la psicología en el CRAS

Com a implantação do SUAS, a Assistência Social passou por importantes reformulações, as quais têm alterado não somente o padrão de funcionamento da política pública, mas também requerem novas formas de organização e trabalho, novos papéis e competências dos atores sociais nela envolvidos. Com isso, o profissional da Psicologia passa a ser requisitado para contribuir com seus conhecimentos e métodos de trabalho. Inserção que trouxe inquietações e desafios no exercício profissional para os psicólogos e psicólogas no campo da política de Assistência Social. Neste artigo, pretendemos refletir sobre a importância do trabalho da Psicologia no CRAS, tomando a subjetividade revolucionária como seu lócus específico de atuação no enfrentamento da desigualdade social. Para isso, buscamos os pressupostos teóricos da Psicologia sócio-histórica, por meio de conceitos como sofrimento éticopolítico e subjetividade revolucionária, elaborados por Bader Sawaia, que estuda o processo dialético exclusão-inclusão, inspirada nas teorias de Vigotski e Espinosa.

With the implementation of Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS - Portuguese acronym), the Social Assistance went through important reformulations, which have changed the operational standard of the public policy, and have been demanding new forms of organization and work, new roles and competence from participating social actors. On the top of that, Psychology workers have been required to contribute with their knowledge and working methods. An Insertion that brought concerns and challenges in the psychologists’ professional practice in the field of social assistance policy. In this article, we intend to bring into light the importance of the Psychology work at the SARC, taking the revolutionary subjectivity as its specific locus of action when coping with social inequality. With this in mind, we have turned to the theoretical assumptions of sociohistorical Psychology, through concepts such as ethical-political distress and revolutionary subjectivity, elaborated by Bader Sawaia who studies the dialectical exclusion-inclusion process, inspired by the theories from Vygotsky and Espinosa.

Con la implementación del SUAS, la Asistencia Social ha pasado por importantes reformulaciones que cambiaron no sólo la norma de funcionamiento de las políticas públicas, como también se requieren nuevas formas de organización y trabajo, nuevas funciones y competencias de actores sociales involucrados. Por lo tanto, se pide al profesional de la Psicología que contribuya con sus conocimientos y métodos de trabajo. Inserción que ha traído inquietudes y desafíos en la práctica profesional para el psicólogo en el campo de la política de Asistencia Social. En este artículo, tenemos la intención de reflexionar sobre la importancia del trabajo de la Psicología en el CRAS, tomando la subjetividad revolucionaria como su locus específico de acción para hacer frente a la desigualdad social. Así, buscamos los supuestos teóricos de la Psicología socio-histórica, a través de conceptos como el sufrimiento ético-político y la subjetividad revolucionaria, elaborados por Bader Sawaia, quien estudia el proceso dialéctico de exclusión e inclusión, inspirado en las teorías de Vygotsky y Espinosa.

Antifungal activity of fluconazole-loaded natural rubber latex against Candida albicans.

AIM: This work aimed to produce a membrane based on fluconazole-loaded natural rubber latex (NRL), and study their interaction, drug release and antifungal susceptibility against Candida albicans. MATERIALS & METHODS: Fluconazole-loaded NRL membrane was obtained by casting method. RESULTS: The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy showed no modifications either in NRL or fluconazole after the incorporation. Mechanical test presented low Young's modulus and high strain, indicating the membranes have sufficient elasticity for biomedical application. The bio-membrane was able to release the drug and inhibit the growth of C. albicans as demonstrated by disk diffusion and macrodilution assays. CONCLUSION: The biomembrane was able to release fluconazole and inhibit the growth of C. albicans, representing a promising biomaterial for skin application.

Evaluation of a subset of tumor suppressor gene for copy number and epigenitic changes in pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The progression of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) to carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) encompasses several genomic alterations involving complex pathways. Tumor suppressor genes seem to play important roles in the tumorigenesis of both tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate copy number and methylation of tumor suppressor genes' status in PA and CXPA samples. STUDY DESIGN: Eight cases of PA, 2 cases of residual PA in CXPA, and 5 cases of CXPA were studied; the latter were classified according to invasiveness and histopathological subtype. Changes in 41 tumor suppressor genes were evaluated by multiplex ligation-probe dependent amplification analysis. RESULTS: Copy number losses of CASP8, MLH1, and RARB genes were associated with PA and CXPA, while KLK3 and AI69125 copy number losses were exclusive to CXPA. The sarcomatoid carcinoma showed more copy number alterations compared with other subtypes. Hypermethylation of RASSF1 was found mainly in PA and less frequently in malignant tumors. CONCLUSIONS: CASP8, MLH1, and RARB tumor suppressor genes were altered by copy number losses during PA progression to CXPA. Lastly, RASSF1 inactivation by methylation was also detected in both tumors.

Cellular Proliferation Index between Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma and Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) has been considered an interesting model of carcinogenesis, presenting various histological subtypes and invasiveness phase. The objective was to determine the proliferative index of CXPA and comparing to pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Thirty six cases of CXPA (36 PA) and 22 areas of PA in CXPA (residual PA) were studied by Ki-67 expression. All CXPA cases were classified according to invasiveness phase (intracapsular, minimally and frankly invasive) and histopathological subtypes. Data was statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. CXPA included 5 intracapsular, 9 minimally invasive and 22 frankly invasive cases. Fifteen cases corresponded to salivary duct carcinoma, 7 to adenocarcinoma NOS, 7 myoepithelial, 5 epithelial-myoepithelial, one case of squamous cell and one case of sarcomatoid carcinoma. The Ki-67 index of PA and residual PA were significantly lower than CXPA. Intracapsular and minimally invasive showed smaller proliferative index than frankly invasive. Considering the subtypes of CXPA, there was not a statistic difference among them. Ki-67 is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of PA and CXPA, even when in the early invasive phase.

Cellular Proliferation Index between Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma and Pleomorphic Adenoma

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) has been considered an interesting model of carcinogenesis, presenting various histological subtypes and invasiveness phase. The objective was to determine the proliferative index of CXPA and comparing to pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Thirty six cases of CXPA (36 PA) and 22 areas of PA in CXPA (residual PA) were studied by Ki-67 expression. All CXPA cases were classified according to invasiveness phase (intracapsular, minimally and frankly invasive) and histopathological subtypes. Data was statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. CXPA included 5 intracapsular, 9 minimally invasive and 22 frankly invasive cases. Fifteen cases corresponded to salivary duct carcinoma, 7 to adenocarcinoma NOS, 7 myoepithelial, 5 epithelial-myoepithelial, one case of squamous cell and one case of sarcomatoid carcinoma. The Ki-67 index of PA and residual PA were significantly lower than CXPA. Intracapsular and minimally invasive showed smaller proliferative index than frankly invasive. Considering the subtypes of CXPA, there was not a statistic difference among them. Ki-67 is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of PA and CXPA, even when in the early invasive phase.

Carcinoma ex adenoma pleomorfo (CXAP) tem sido considerado um interessante modelo de carcinogênese, apresentando vários subtipos histológicos e fases de invasividade. Determinar o índice proliferativo de CXAP e compará-lo ao adenoma pleomorfo (AP). e seis casos de CXAP, 36 AP, e 22 áreas de AP em CXAP (AP residual) foram estudadas através da expressão de Ki-67. Todos os casos de CXAP foram classificados de acordo com a fase de invasividade (intracapsular, minimamente invasivo e francamente invasivo) e de acordo com os diversos subtipos histopatológicos. Os dados foram estatisticamente analisados através dos testes Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. O grupo de CXAP era formado por 5 intracapsulares, 9 minimamente invasivos e 22 francamente invasivos. Quinze casos corresponderam a carcinoma de ducto salivar, 7 a adenocarcinoma nos, 7 a carcinoma mioepitelial, 5 a carcinoma epitelial-mioepitelial, 1 a carcinoma epidermoide e 1 a carcinoma sarcomatóide. Os índices de Ki-67 de AP e AP residual foram significativamente menores que o encontrado em CXAP. Os casos intracapsulares e minimamente invasivos mostraram índices proliferativos menores que os francamente invasivos. Considerando os subtipos histológicos de CXAP, não houve diferença estatística entre eles. Ki-67 é um marcador útil no diagnóstico diferencial de AP e CXAP, mesmo quando o carcinoma está em fase precoce de invasividade.

Tratamento de tumores neuroendócrinos por medicina nuclear: revisão sistemática da eficácia e segurança do radiofármaco Dotatate-177Lu / Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors by nuclear medicine: a systematic review of efficacy and safety of the radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-Dotatate

O DOTATATE-177Lu é um análogo de somatostatina radiomarcado que guia a radioatividade para tumores neuroendócrinos (NETs) que superexpressam receptores de somatostatina (SSTRs), promovendo o seu tratamento por terapia radionuclídica receptor-específica (PRRT). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da PRRT dos NETs com o DOTATATE-177Lu, através de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. A PRRT com o DOTATATE-177Lu foi eficaz no tratamento de NETs metastáticos ou inoperáveis que expressam SSTR tipo 2. Observou-se estabilização ou até regressão da doença em 20 a 50 % dos casos. Já a prevalência de remissão total da doença, apesar de numericamente baixa, foi satisfatória, principalmente levando-se em conta o estágio avançado dos tumores. Os efeitos adversos mais comuns da PRRT foram toxicidade renal e hematológica. Apesar dos estudos evidenciarem a eficácia e a segurança da PRRT com o radiofármaco, essa terapia ainda é considerada em desenvolvimento.

The DOTATATE-177Lu is a radiolabeled somatostatin analogue that guides the radioactivity to neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that overexpress somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), allowing their treatment by receptor- specific radionuclide therapy (PRRT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRRT of NETs with DOTATATE-177Lu through a systematic literature review. PRRT with 177Lu - DOTATATE was effective in the treatment of inoperable or metastatic NETs that express SSTR type 2. Stabilization or regression of the disease was observed in 20 to 50% of the cases . The prevalence of total remission, although numerically low, was satisfactory, especially taking into account the advanced tumor stage. The most common adverse events in the PRRT were hematological toxicity and renal failure. Despite studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of PRRT with the radiotracer , this treatment modality is still considered under development.

Chemopreventive effects of the polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 on the carcinogenesis process of the upper aerodigestive tract induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in Swiss mice.

OBJECTIVE: To study the potential chemopreventive effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 in Swiss mice submitted to oral and oesophageal carcinogenesis induction by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). STUDY DESIGN: The animals underwent carcinogenesis induction with 50 µg/mL 4-NQO for eight weeks. The animals were divided into groups: Group I-4-NQO induction without chemoprevention, Group II-chemoprevention with the addition of 5% fish oil (FO) in their diet after 4-NQO carcinogenesis induction, and Group III-chemoprevention with 5% FO in their diet during and after 4-NQO carcinogenesis induction. RESULTS: THE INCIDENCE OF INVASIVE ORAL CARCINOMA WAS: Group I (72.9%), Group II (84.2%), and Group III (64.7%); p = 0.34. The difference in the incidence of invasive oesophageal carcinoma was statistically significant: Group I (37.8%), Group II (68.4%), and Group III (29.4%); p = 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: 4-NQO induction led to cancer in the majority of animals. Chemoprevention with FO brought no benefit in preventing the carcinogenesis process initiated by 4-NQO for oral cancer. The suggestive pro-tumour action of FO when given after tumour post-initiation seems to demonstrate that this fatty acid can potentialise the action of 4-NQO in the oesophagus carcinogenesis of the Swiss mice.

Tubular variant of basal cell adenoma shares immunophenotypical features with normal intercalated ducts and is closely related to intercalated duct lesions of salivary gland.

AIMS: The morphological criteria for identification of intercalated duct lesions (IDLs) of salivary glands have been defined recently. It has been hypothesised that IDL could be a precursor of basal cell adenoma (BCA). BCAs show a variety of histological patterns, and the tubular variant is the one that presents the strongest resemblance with IDLs. The aim of this study was to analyse the morphological and immunohistochemical profiles of IDLs and BCAs classified into tubular and non-tubular subtypes, to determine whether or not IDL and tubular BCA represent distinct entities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight IDLs, nine tubular BCAs and 19 non-tubular BCAs were studied. All tubular BCAs contained IDL-like areas, which represented 20-70% of the tumour. In non-tubular BCA, IDL-like areas were occasional and small (<5%). One patient presented IDLs, tubular BCAs and IDL/tubular BCA combined lesions. Luminal ductal cells of IDLs and tubular BCAs exhibited positivity for CK7, lysozyme, S100 and DOG1. In the non-tubular BCA group, few luminal cells exhibited such an immunoprofile; they were mainly CK14-positive. Basal/myoepithelial cells of IDLs, tubular BCAs and non-tubular BCAs were positive for CK14, calponin, α-SMA and p63; they were more numerous in BCA lesions. CONCLUSIONS: IDL, tubular BCA and non-tubular BCA form a continuum of lesions in which IDLs are related closely to tubular BCA. In both, the immunoprofile of luminal and myoepithelial cells recapitulates the normal intercalated duct. The difference between the adenoma-like subset of IDLs and tubular BCA rests mainly on the larger numbers of myoepithelial cells in the latter. Our findings indicate that at least some BCAs can arise via IDLs.

Signet-ring cell change in adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of four cases.

AIMS: Signet-ring cell (SRC) change has not been reported in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in four cases of ACC with SRCs (ACC-SRC), in which the relative proportion of the SRC component ranged from 25% to 50%. METHODS AND RESULTS: The median age was 58 years (range: 48-81 years), and all patients were women. The involved sites were sinonasal, lip, and submandibular. Two patients developed lung metastasis, and one died of disease 63 months after tumour resection. Neither mucinous nor lipid substances were detected in the SRCs. These showed positive staining for AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 14, and epithelial membrane antigen, which highlighted the intracytoplasmic vacuole borders. The SRC nests were surrounded by myoepithelial cells positive for α-smooth muscle actin and p63. The SRCs showed similar p53 positivity but lower Ki67 and mitotic indices than the conventional component. SRCs were c-Myb-negative. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the intracytoplasmic vacuoles were lumina lined by microvilli. CONCLUSIONS: ACC-SRC is a non-mucin-producing and non-lipid-producing phenomenon, possibly related to disturbed differentiation of ductal/luminal cells. This cellular modification in ACC apparently does not change the biological behaviour of the tumour, but it may cause significant diagnostic problems, particularly in incisional biopsies.