Photobiomodulation effects on synovial morphology, iNOS gene, and protein expression in a model of acute inflammation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphological aspects and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene and protein expression in a model of acute inflammation. METHODS: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were assigned into three groups: control (saline, n = 12), sham (arthritis, n = 12), and PBM (arthritis and photobiomodulation, n = 12). Arthritis induction was performed with 200 µg of intra-articular Zymosan in sham and PBM animals. PBM was performed 24 h after induction with a laser device (λ = 808 nm, 25 mW of nominal power, fluence of 20 J/cm2, beam area of 0.02 mm2, time of 33 s, total energy of 0.825 J) with punctual and single dose application. Morphological analysis of joint structure (HE) and immunohistochemistry (anti-iNOS antibody) were performed on knee samples, and synovial tissue was submitted to RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and gene expression analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses were performed with p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was observed an increase in the thickness of the synovial lining epithelium and inflammatory infiltrate in sham compared to PBM. Gene expression analysis showed higher iNOS expression in PBM, and iNOS protein expression decreased in PBM compared to sham. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation decreased inflammation in PBM animals, upregulated iNOS gene expression, however down egulated protein expression compared to sham.

Influence of the centralizing gastric cancer surgery on the health-related quality of life in Brazil.

Background: The assessment of health-related quality of life (QoL) has improved the treatment of gastric cancer. Aiming to compare the influence of skilled surgeons in general hospitals versus specialized hospitals in cancer in Brazil, this study evaluated the relationship between quality of life and types of hospitals (general or cancer) in treating patients with gastric adenocarcinoma operated by surgeons with specific training in Surgical Oncology. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 patients. Inferential analyses were used to compare two Brazilian general hospitals and a cancer center, evaluating scores of the SF-36 and FACT-Ga QoL questionnaires (Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test); gender, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori tests status (Pearson's Chi-Square test); ethnicity, alcoholism, location of the tumor in the stomach, Lauren's histological types, and type of surgery (Fisher's exact test), number of lymph nodes resected by Surgical Oncologists [Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a Fixed Factor], and comparative survival analysis (Log-Rank test). Results: Patients treated at a cancer hospital had higher scores of the FACT-Ga (FACT-G total score, P=0.023; physical well-being, PWB, P=0.006; and functional well-being, FWB, P=0.011). The mean scores of the SF-36 questionnaire showed similar behavior but without reaching a significant difference. Patients operated by Surgical Oncologists at the cancer hospital had better scores in emotional well-being FACT-Ga domain (EWB, P=0.034 and P=0.047) compared to those operated by Surgical Oncologists in general hospitals. There was no significant difference in survival among the three hospitals (P=0.214). Conclusions: In this study, it was possible to suggest the relationship between QoL assessment scores with the centralization of care at specialized cancer hospital in the treatment of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery with curative intent in Brazil.

Evaluation of psychological symptoms in patients before and after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a single-center cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) brings several benefits for insulin-dependent type-1 diabetic patients associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, data on psychological outcomes for the waiting list and the transplanted patients are still lacking. METHODS: Using the psychological Beck inventories of anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI), 39 patients on the waiting list were compared to 88 post-transplanted patients who had undergone SPKT. RESULTS: Significant differences were found regarding depression (p = 0.003) but not anxiety (p = 0.161), being the pretransplant patients more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Remarkable differences were observed relative to the feeling of punishment (p < 0.001) and suicidal thoughts (p = 0.008) between the groups. It was observed that patients who waited a longer period for the transplant showed more post-transplant anxiety symptoms due to the long treatment burden (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated the positive impact of SPKT on psychological aspects related to depression when comparing the groups. The high number of stressors in the pretransplant stage impacts more severely the psychosocial condition of the patient.

Brazilian-Portuguese Validation Assessment of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index for Patients After Laparoendoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background: Cholelithiasis is currently one of the most common diagnosis in Brazil. The aim of this study was to validate the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) as a quality-of-life (QoL) assessment among the Brazilian population with syntomatic gallstone. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted after the linguistic validation process determined by the international methodology. Sixty-three patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy responded to the GIQLI-Brazil and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) instruments. For the evaluation of reproducibility, 30 patients responded to GIQLI-Brazil two more times after 2 and 4 weeks. After the University of São Paulo Ethics Commitee Board approval (UNIFESP/CEP: 1270/2019), the study was carryed out between May 2019 and February 2020 at the Gastroenterology outpatient clinic of Hospital São Paulo-Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). Cronbach's alpha, the calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman's correlation were used to assess the validity and reproducibility of the instrument translated into Portuguese, and to measure correlation between the domains of the GIQLI-Brazil and SF-36 (P < .05). Results: Seven questions were modified during the process of translation and cultural adaptation. The Brazilian version of the instrument presented a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, and excellent reproducibility through the ICC, with the following variation between domains: meteorism (ICC = 0.918; P < .001) and gastrointestinal function (lower tract) (ICC = 0.956; P < .001). The dimensions of the GIQLI-Brazil and SF-36 demonstrated a significant correlation (P < .001), except between the domains: functional aspects of the SF-36 and gastrointestinal function (lower tract) of the GIQLI-Brazil (r = 0.211). Conclusion: The GIQLI was translated and validated for Portuguese-Brazil and can be used to assess the QoL of adult patients with gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders.

Evaluation of psychological symptoms in patients before and after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a single-center cross-sectional study

Purpose: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) brings several benefits for insulin-dependent type-1 diabetic patients associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, data on psychological outcomes for the waiting list and the transplanted patients are still lacking. Methods: Using the psychological Beck inventories of anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI), 39 patients on the waiting list were compared to 88 post-transplanted patients who had undergone SPKT. Results: Significant differences were found regarding depression (p = 0.003) but not anxiety (p = 0.161), being the pretransplant patients more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Remarkable differences were observed relative to the feeling of punishment (p < 0.001) and suicidal thoughts (p = 0.008) between the groups. It was observed that patients who waited a longer period for the transplant showed more post-transplant anxiety symptoms due to the long treatment burden (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These results demonstrated the positive impact of SPKT on psychological aspects related to depression when comparing the groups. The high number of stressors in the pretransplant stage impacts more severely the psychosocial condition of the patient.

One-Anastomosis and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Promote Similar Weight Loss, Patient Satisfaction, Quality of Life, Inflammation Grade, and Cellular Damage in the Esophagus and Gastric Pouch in a Short-term Follow-up.

Background: One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a simpler procedure than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB); however, biliary reflux can occur and impair outcomes. This study aimed to compare outcomes of OAGB and RYGB. Methods: Twenty patients with morbid obesity were randomized prospectively into two groups: OAGB (n=10) or RYGB (n=10). Quality of life (36-item short-form health survey [SF-36]), satisfaction (Visick scale), and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated before and 6 months after the operation. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with gastric and esophageal mucosal biopsies at 3 and 6 months after their operation. Results: The study found no significant difference in BMI before surgery (OAGB, 43.2 kg/m2; RYGB, 43.1 kg/m2; P=0.90) or at 6 months postoperative (OAGB, 32.1 kg/m2; RYGB, 31.8 kg/m2; P=0.91). There was no significant difference in improvement of quality of life (four SF-36 domains) or satisfaction (P=0.08) between groups at 6 months. There was no statistical difference between gastric (P=0.10) and esophageal (P=0.76) inflammation grade at three or 6 months between the two groups. Conclusion: OAGB and RYGB are equally effective in terms of weight loss, patient satisfaction, and quality of life improvement at 6 months after the procedures. Inflammation grade and cellular damage in the gastric pouch and in the esophagus were similar.

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

Health-related quality of life after gastric cancer treatment in Brazil: Narrative review and reflections.

In Brazil, gastric cancer is the third most common type of cancer among men and fifth among women, with an estimated 13360 new cases among men and 7870 among women each year during the 2020-2022 period. This study presents reflections and attempts to add knowledge to the theme of quality of life (QoL) in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and describes some of its characteristics in three regions of Brazil, with an evaluation of the disease's impacts in various dimensions of life, as reported by the patients themselves. We performed a narrative review of the literature and a data analysis of studies on QoL in Brazilian patients treated for gastric adenocarcinoma from three different cities in three geographic regions: Brasília (the midwest), Jaú (the southeast), and Macapá (the north).

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

Metalloproteinases and colorectal cancer. Correlation of gene expression and clinical-pathological parameters.

PURPOSE: To analyze gene and protein expression of metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 and their correlation with clinicopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective study of 114 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma treated surgically in the period 2006 to 2008 in Hospital de Câncer de Barretos - Fundação Pio XII. The evaluation of gene expression was performed by RT-PCR, and protein by immunohistochemistry. The analysis of gene expression was classified as overexpressed genes and poorly expressed (fold change of approximately 2, p<0.05). The positivity of the markers in the immunohistochemical study was performed by semi-quantitative analysis. The tissue of TMA (Tissue Microarray) was done by two independent pathologists. RESULTS: The gene expression validated by immuno - histochemical was MMP-1(p= 0.00 and 1.57 fold change) and MMP - 2 (p= 0.01 and - 1.84 to fold change) when correlated with the histological types mucinous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP9 (p=0.01 and fold change of 1.13) and MMP-16 (p=0.03 and 1.61 fold change) when compared with the histological types villous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP - 11 statistically significant in relation to male (p = 0.04 and 1.65 fold change). CONCLUSIONS: The MMPs 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 gene and protein expression with statistical significance in at least one of the clinicopathological variables studied. Thus, we conclude that these MMPs have potential as a prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

The quality of life in type I diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease before and after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a single-center prospective study.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) aimed at increasing the life expectancy for diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, the risks of surgery complications and immunosuppression therapy make it unclear if the SPKT positively impacts patient's quality of life (QoL). Using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short-Form Health Survey (KDQOL-SF36) and Problems Areas in Diabetes (PAID) measurement tools, we compared the QoL of 57 patients on the pretransplant waiting list with that of 103 patients who had undergone SPKT. Posttransplantation patients were assessed within different time intervals (<1, 1-3, and >3 years). Mean KDQOL-SF36 scores were better among posttransplantation patients in the SF36 and KDQOL domains. It was also observed patients' stress reduction in PAID mean score (P = 0.011) after SPKT. We concluded that patients receiving SPKT had a better perception of QoL than did patients on the waiting list, and this positive perception remained almost entirely comparable over the three different intervals of the posttransplantation time. These positive results showed better outcomes when excluding patients that lost pancreas graft function. Further research is needed to compare diabetic patients with kidney transplant alone using specific measurement tools to evaluate patient's QoL.

Metalloproteinases and colorectal cancer. Correlation of gene expression and clinical-pathological parameters

Abstract Purpose: To analyze gene and protein expression of metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 and their correlation with clinicopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective study of 114 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma treated surgically in the period 2006 to 2008 in Hospital de Câncer de Barretos - Fundação Pio XII. The evaluation of gene expression was performed by RT-PCR, and protein by immunohistochemistry. The analysis of gene expression was classified as overexpressed genes and poorly expressed (fold change of approximately 2, p<0.05). The positivity of the markers in the immunohistochemical study was performed by semi-quantitative analysis. The tissue of TMA (Tissue Microarray) was done by two independent pathologists. Results: The gene expression validated by immuno - histochemical was MMP-1(p= 0.00 and 1.57 fold change) and MMP - 2 (p= 0.01 and - 1.84 to fold change) when correlated with the histological types mucinous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP9 (p=0.01 and fold change of 1.13) and MMP-16 (p=0.03 and 1.61 fold change) when compared with the histological types villous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP - 11 statistically significant in relation to male (p = 0.04 and 1.65 fold change). Conclusions: The MMPs 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 gene and protein expression with statistical significance in at least one of the clinicopathological variables studied. Thus, we conclude that these MMPs have potential as a prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Quality of life as a fundamental outcome after curative intent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma: lessons learned from patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer has an important epidemiologic impact, and the main curative therapeutic modality for gastric cancer is surgical resection. However, even curative intent therapy can have negative effects on the quality of life (QoL) of these patients, which is undesirable; thus, it is difficult to balance the standardized treatment reported in the literature and treatment response to achieve full patient satisfaction. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the QoL and identify the association of scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric (FACT-Ga) and Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF36v2) questionnaires with sociodemographic, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of gastric adenocarcinoma patients undergoing curative surgery. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 patients from three regions of Brazil. Inferential analyses were used to compare (multiple regression and Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests) the relationships between these scores and variables (Spearman's coefficient). RESULTS: In the multiple regression analysis, we found correlations between Helicobacter pylori status and physical well-being (PWB) (P=0.026), between gender and emotional well-being (EWB) (P=0.008), between Lauren's histology and physical functioning (P=0.009), as well as the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) role-physical (P=0.027), between the tumor site and EWB (P=0.038), between the SF-36v2 mental health and N (the lower the staging, the better the score, P=0.006) and between the SF-36v2 mental health and lymph nodes removed (P=0.029). According to the Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test, women had worse FACT-Ga total (P=0.049), PWB (P=0.005), EWB (P=0.007), gastric cancer subscale (GaCS, P=0.011), trial outcome index (TOI, P=0.030) and mental health scores than men (P=0.011). Patients with distal tumors had better scores (FACT-Ga, P=0.018; GaCS, P=0.014; TOI, P=0.020) than patients with proximal tumors. Patients with tumors located in the cardia had better physical functioning than those with proximal tumors (P=0.042). Patients who underwent partial gastrectomy had better FACT-Ga total scores (P=0.011), PWB (P=0.033), GaCS scores (P=0.006) and TOI scores (P=0.008) than those who underwent total gastrectomy. Patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy had worse bodily pain as reported on the SF-36v2 than those who received therapy (P=0.048). According to Spearman's coefficient, a higher lymph node stage corresponded to worse FACT-Ga total (s=-0.200, P=0.034), GaCS (s=-0.206, P=0.037), TOI (s=-0.216; P=0.028) and vitality (s=-0.215, P=0.029) scores. A longer time after treatment corresponded to a better SF-36v2 role-physical domain score (s=0.223; P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The type of treatment instituted, postoperative time and sociodemographic and anatomopathological factors influence the QoL.

Effect of low power laser in biomodulation of cultured osteoblastic cells of Wistar rats1.

PURPOSE: To analyze aspects of the biomodulating effect of light in biological tissues, bone cells from surgical explants of the femur of rats were irradiated with low intensity laser. METHODS: Bone cells were cultured and irradiated with LASER light (GaAlAs). Growth, cell viability, mineralized matrix formation, total protein dosage, immunostimulatory properties, cytochemical analysis, gene expression of bone proteins were examined using live cell imaging and cell counting by colorimetric assay. The gene expression of: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen, osteocalcin and osteopontin through the real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: At 8 days, the viability of the irradiated culture was 82.3% and 72.4% in non-irradiated cells. At 18 days, the cellular viability (with laser) was 77.42% and 47.62% without laser. At 8 days, the total protein concentration was 21.622 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 16, 604 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group and at 18 days the concentration was 37.25 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 24, 95 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group. CONCLUSION: The laser interfered in the histochemical reaction, cell viability, matrix mineralization, and maintained the cellular expression of proteins.

Effect of low power laser in biomodulation of cultured osteoblastic cells of Wistar rats

Abstract Purpose: To analyze aspects of the biomodulating effect of light in biological tissues, bone cells from surgical explants of the femur of rats were irradiated with low intensity laser. Methods: Bone cells were cultured and irradiated with LASER light (GaAlAs). Growth, cell viability, mineralized matrix formation, total protein dosage, immunostimulatory properties, cytochemical analysis, gene expression of bone proteins were examined using live cell imaging and cell counting by colorimetric assay. The gene expression of: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen, osteocalcin and osteopontin through the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: At 8 days, the viability of the irradiated culture was 82.3% and 72.4% in non-irradiated cells. At 18 days, the cellular viability (with laser) was 77.42% and 47.62% without laser. At 8 days, the total protein concentration was 21.622 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 16, 604 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group and at 18 days the concentration was 37.25 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 24, 95 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group. Conclusion: The laser interfered in the histochemical reaction, cell viability, matrix mineralization, and maintained the cellular expression of proteins

Use of fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in pediatric split liver transplantation

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the use of this sponge in pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation. Methods: Retrospective study, including 35 pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation, divided into two groups according to the use of the sponge: 18 patients in Group A (no sponge) and 17 in Group B (with sponge). Results: The characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. We observed greater number of reoperation due to bleeding in the wound area in Group A (10 patients - 55.5%) than in Group B (3 patients - 17.6%); p = 0.035. The median volume of red blood cells transfused in Group A was significantly higher (73.4 ± 102.38 mL/kg) than that in Group B (35.1 ± 41.67 mL/kg); p = 0.048. Regarding bile leak there was no statistical difference. Conclusion: The use of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge, required lower volume of red blood cell transfusion and presented lower reoperation rates due to bleeding in the wound area.

Avaliação do tratamento dos nódulos do hepatocarcinoma nos pacientes em lista de espera para transplante hepático / Evaluation of the treatment of the hepatocarcinoma nodules in the patients in waiting list for liver transplant

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar o resultado do transplante de fígado por hepatocarcinoma em pacientes submetidos ou não ao tratamento loco-regional e downstaging, em relação à sobrevida e risco de recidiva na fila de transplante. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes portadores de hepatocarcinoma submetidos a transplante hepático na região metropolitana de São Paulo, entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011, a partir de doador falecido. A amostra foi constituída de 414 pacientes. Destes, 29 foram incluídos na lista por downstaging. Os demais 385 foram submetidos ou não ao tratamento loco-regional. Resultados: as análises dos 414 prontuários demonstraram um predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (79,5%) e com média de idade de 56 anos. O tratamento dos nódulos foi realizado em 56,4% dos pacientes em fila de espera para o transplante. O método mais utilizado foi a quimio-embolização (79%). Os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento loco-regional tiveram redução significativa no tamanho do maior nódulo (p<0,001). Não houve diferença estatística entre grupos com e sem tratamento loco-regional (p=0,744) e em relação à mortalidade entre pacientes incluídos no Critério de Milão ou ao downstaging (p=0,494). Conclusões: não houve diferença na sobrevida e ocorrência de recidiva associadas ao tratamento loco-regional. Os pacientes incluídos através do processo de downstaging apresentaram resultados de sobrevida comparáveis àqueles previamente classificados como Critério de Milão/Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the outcome of liver transplantation for hepatocarcinoma in submitted or not to locoregional treatment and downstaging regarding survival and risk of recurrence in transplant waiting list patients. Methods: retrospective study of patients with hepatocarcinoma undergoing liver transplantation in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, between January 2007 and December 2011, from a deceased donor. The sample consisted of 414 patients. Of these, 29 patients were included in the list by downstaging. The other 385 were submitted or not to locoregional treatment. Results: the analysis of 414 medical records showed a predominance of male patients (79.5%) with average age of 56 years. Treatment of the lesions was performed in 56.4% of patients on the waiting list for transplant. The most commonly used method was chemoembolization (79%). The locoregional patients undergoing treatment had a significant reduction in nodule size greater (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between groups with and without locoregional treatment (p=0.744) and on mortality among patients enrolled in the Milan criteria or downstaging (p=0.494). Conclusion: there was no difference in survival and recurrence rate associated with locoregional treatment. Patients included by downstaging process had comparable survival results to those previously classified as Milan/Brazil criteria.

Does mesenchymal stem cell improve the liver regeneration after the 70% hepatectomy?

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells on liver regeneration in rats following a 70% hepatectomy. Methods: Forty rats were subjected to 70% hepatectomy and then ~106 mesenchymal stem cells (test group), or saline solution (control group), were infused into their livers via the portal vein. Each treatment group was divided into early and late subgroups (euthanized 3 d and 5 d following the operation, respectively). Group comparisons of Albumin, aminotransaminases (AST, ALT), and Alcaline Phosphatase (AP) levels, proliferative index (ki-67+ straining), and mitotic cell counts were conducted. Results: No significant differences in liver regeneration rate, number of mitoses, proliferative index, or serum levels of albumin, AST, or AP were observed. ALT levels were higher in the test group than in the control group (p<.05). Conclusions: Mesenchymal stem-cell therapy did not improve liver regeneration rate 3 d or 5 d after 70% hepatectomy in rats. Likewise, the therapy appeared not to affect liver function, proliferative index, or number of mitoses significantly.

Argon plasma versus electrofulguration in the treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of anal and perianal condylomata treatment using argon plasma and electrofulguration. Methods: From January 2013 to April 2014, 37 patients with anal and perianal condylomata, who had been diagnosed through proctological examination, oncotic cytology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology, underwent treatment with argon plasma and electrofulguration. The perianal and anal regions were divided into two semicircles. Each semicircle was treated using one of the methods by means of simple randomization. Therapeutic sessions were repeated until all clinical signs of infection by HPV were eliminated. The patients were evaluated according to several variables like the genotype of HPV, HIV infection, oncological potential per genotype, oncotic cytology and histology. Results: Among all the variables studied, only immunosuppression due to HIV influenced the results, specifically when the fulguration method was used. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between argon and fulguration based on lesion relapse (p > 0.05). However, among HIV-positive patients, fulguration presented worse results, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata, comparison between applying fulguration and argon demonstrated that these methods were equivalent, but use of fulguration presented more relapses among HIV-positive patients.

Growth factors and cox2 in wound healing: an experimental study with ehrlich tumors / Avaliação dos fatores de crescimento e cox-2 na cicatrização de camundongos com neoplasia de ehrlich

ABSTRACT Background: Healing is an innate biological phenomenon, and carcinogenesis acquired, but with common humoral and cellular elements. Carcinogenesis interferes negatively in healing. Aim: To evaluate the histological changes in laparotomy scars of healthy Balb/c mice and with an Ehrlich tumor in its various forms of presentation. Methods: Fifty-four mice were divided into three groups of 18 animals. First group was the control; the second had Ehrlich tumor with ascites; and the third had the subcutaneous form of this tumor. Seven days after tumor inoculation, all 54 mice were submitted to laparotomy. All of the animals in the experiment were operated on again on 7th day after surgery, with resection of the scar and subsequent euthanasia of the animal. The scars were sent for histological assessment using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate Cox-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor). Semi-quantitatively analysis was done in the laparotomy scars and in the abdominal walls far away from the site of the operation. Results: Assessing the weight of the animals, the correct inoculation of the tumor and weight gain in the group with tumoral ascites was observed. The histological studies showed that groups with the tumor showed a statistically significant higher presence of Cox-2 compared to the control. In the Cox-2 analysis of the abdominal wall, the ascites group showed the most significant difference. VEGF did not present any significant differences between the three groups, regardless of the site. The FGF showed a significant increase in animals with the tumor. Conclusion: Histological findings in both laparotomy scar and the abdominal wall showed that with Ehrlich's neoplasia there was an exacerbated inflammatory response, translated by more intense expression of Cox-2 and greater fibroblast proliferation, translated by more intense expression of FGF, that is, it stimulated both the immediate inflammatory reactions, observed with Cox-2 reactions, and late scarring by fibroblasts and FGF.

RESUMO Racional: A cicatrização é fenômeno biológico inato, e a carcinogênese adquirido, mas com elementos humorais e celulares comuns. A carcinogênese interfere de forma negativa na cicatrização. Objetivo: Avaliar as modificações histológicas nas cicatrizes laparotômicas de camundongos Balb/c sadios como controles, e com a neoplasia de Ehrlich, em suas diferentes formas de apresentação. Métodos: Foram utilizados 54 camundongos, divididos em três grupos de 18 animais cada um. O primeiro era controle; o segundo com a neoplasia de Ehrlich em sua forma ascítica; e o terceiro na forma subcutânea. Sete dias após a inoculação do tumor, todos os 54 camundongos foram submetidos à laparotomia e reoperados no sétimo dia de pós-operatório, com ressecção da cicatriz e posterior eutanásia. As cicatrizes foram encaminhadas para estudo histológico com técnicas imunoistoquímicas para avaliar Cox-2 (ciclo-oxigenase 2), VEGF (fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular) e FGF (fator de crescimento dos fibroblastos) e analisadas de forma semiquantitativana tanto na cicatriz laparotômica como na parede abdominal mais distante do local operado. Resultados: Avaliando o peso, observou-se a correta inoculação do tumor e o aumento de peso no grupo com a neoplasia na modalidade ascítica. Os estudos histológicos mostraram que os grupos com a neoplasia apresentaram maior presença da Cox-2 em relação ao controle, estatisticamente significante. No estudo da Cox-2 da parede abdominal foi o local em que o grupo ascítico apresentou a diferença mais expressiva. O VEGF não apresentou diferenças significantes entre os três grupos, independentemente do local estudado. O FGF teve aumento significante nos animais com neoplasia. Conclusão: Os achados histológicos encontrados tanto na cicatriz das laparotomias quanto na parede abdominal mostraram que com a neoplasia de Ehrlich houve resposta inflamatória exacerbada, traduzida por expressão mais intensa da Cox-2 e maior proliferação fibroblástica, traduzida por expressão mais intensa do FGF, ou seja, estimulou tanto as reações inflamatórias imediatas, observadas nas reações da Cox-2, como nas cicatriciais tardias com os fibroblastos e o FGF.