STOP HPV study protocol: a nationwide case-control study of the association between oropharyngeal cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is associated with several types of cancer. The number of cases of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), especially oropharyngeal carcinomas, has increased significantly in recent years despite decreased tobacco smoking rates. Currently, no data concerning the risk factors and prevalence of HPV in HNSCC patients in all regions of Brazil are available, making it difficult to promote advances in this field of public health. Therefore, our goal is to determine the impact of infection by HPV, including HPVs with different genotypes, on head and neck cancer and the risk factors associated with the development of head and neck cancer in all regions of Brazil. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a case-control study that will include 622 patients and 622 controls from all regions of Brazil. A questionnaire will be applied to gather information on sociodemographic, behavioural and health factors. Oral, cervical or penile/scrotal, and anal specimens and serum samples will be collected from all participants. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from tumour biopsies will be analysed only in the case group. Molecular and serological analyses will be performed to evaluate the presence and role of HPV in the development of head and neck cancer. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project was approved by the research ethical committee of the proposing institution (Hospital Moinhos de Vento, number 2.852.060). Ethical approval from the collaborators is currently under evaluation and is not yet complete. The results of this study will be presented at meetings with the Brazilian Ministry of Health through technical reports and to the scientific community at national and international events, with subsequent publication of scientific articles.

Modificação na técnica de Webster para reconstrução total de lábio inferior, com uso da pele da região nasogeniana para aumentar o volume do vermelhão / Modification in Webster technique for lower lip reconstruction, using bilateral nasolabial flaps to improve reconstruction of vermilion

INTRODUÇÃO: A técnica de Bernard modificada por Webster é considerada por diversos autores a primeira escolha para reconstrução total de lábio inferior. Ela preserva as linhas e pontos de referência estética da face, e proporciona boa sensibilidade no lábio reconstruído, permitindo alcançar resultados estéticos e funcionais satisfatórios. Apesar de concordar com os princípios da técnica de Webster, uma modificação é proposta visando aperfeiçoar a reconstrução do vermelhão, usando retalhos nasogenianos bilaterais associados aos retalhos de avançamento originais. MÉTODOS: São apresentados cinco casos operados pelo autor no período de 2003 a 2008, e os resultados são discutidos. RESULTADOS: Demonstrou-se que a dissecção necessária para avançar os retalhos da bochecha na técnica de Bernard-Webster não inviabiliza os retalhos nasogenianos, e estes podem ser rotados adequadamente para acrescentar pele e volume ao vermelhão reconstruído. CONCLUSÃO: A modificação proposta não impõe risco aumentado ou prejuízo sobre a técnica original, e mantém ou aumenta a sua capacidade reconstrutiva.

INTRODUCTION: Many authors consider the Bernard technique modified by Webster the first choice for total lower lip reconstruction. This technique preserves skin folds and anatomical landmarks on the face, and interferes minimally with the tactile sensibility of the reconstructed lip, resulting in satisfying cosmetic and functional outcomes. Despite agreeing with the principles of the Webster technique, a modification is proposed to improve reconstruction of vermilion, by using bilateral nasolabial flaps associated with the original advancement flaps. METHODS: We report five surgical cases carried out between 2003 and 2008, and discussion of results. RESULTS: Dissection need to advance flaps in Bernard-Webster technique does not make nasolabial flaps unviable, and they can be rotated properly to add volume and skin to the reconstructed vermilion. CONCLUSION: Proposed modification of Bernard-Webster technique does not increase risk or damage compared with classic technique, and it maintains the same reconstructive capabilities or even enhances it.

Efeito da pilocarpina na regeneraçäo hepática pós hepatectomia parcial em ratos / Effect of pilocarpine in hepatic regeneration post partial hepatectomy in rats

Com o objetivo de verificar se o uso da policarpina produz diferença na velocidade da regeneraçao hepática empreendemos um estudo experimental. Sabe-se que em ratos salivectomizados a regeneraçao do fígado fica diminuída. Sabe-se também que a policarpina aumenta a salivaçao destes animais. Na primeira etapa determinamos a dose de pilocarpina a ser utilizada. Na segunda etapa do projeto foram realizadas as hepatectomias ressecando em média 52,8 por cento do fígado. Nossos resultados demonstraram que a pilocarpina diminui a perda de peso corporal total ao final de 48 horas pós hepatectomia parcial (p=0,55) e também diminui o edema hepático durante sua regeneraçao (p=0,11), mas observamos um peso maior do fígado em regeneraçao no grupo controle no primeiro dia (p=0,016).