Polymeric Reactor for the Synthesis of Superparamagnetic-Thermal Treatment of Breast Cancer.

Engineered superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been studied extensively for their localized homogeneous heat generation in breast cancer therapy. However, challenges such as aggregation and inability to produce sub-10 nm SPIONs limit their potential in magnetothermal ablation. We report a facile, efficient, and robust in situ method for the synthesis of SPIONs within a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) reactor adsorbed onto reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO) via the microwave hydrothermal route. This promising modality yields crystalline, stable, biocompatible, and superparamagnetic PEGylated SPION-rGO nanocomposites (NCs) with uniform dispersibility. Our findings show that rGO acts as a breeding ground for the spatially distributed nanosites around which the ferrihydrite seeds accumulate to ultimately transform into immobilized SPIONs. PEG, in parallel, acts as a critical confining agent physically trapping the accumulated seeds to prevent their aggregation and create multiple domains on rGO for the synthesis of quantum-sized SPIONs (9 ± 1 nm in diameter). This dual functionality (rGO and PEG) exhibits a pronounced effect on reducing both the aggregation and the sizes of fabricated SPIONs as confirmed by the scanning transmission electron microscopy images, dynamic light scattering analyses, and the specific absorption rates (SARs). Reduced aggregation lowered the toxicity of NCs, where PEGylated SPION-rGO NCs are more biocompatible than PEGylated SPIONs, showing no significant induction of cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane injury, or oxidative stress. Significantly less lactate dehydrogenase release and hence less necrosis are observed after 48 h exposure to high doses of PEGylated SPION-rGO NCs compared with PEGylated SPIONs. NCs induce local heat generation with a SAR value of 1760 ± 97 W/g, reaching up to 43 ± 0.3 °C and causing significant MCF-7 breast tumor cell ablation of about 78 ± 10% upon applying an external magnetic field. Collectively, rGO and PEG functionalities have a synergistic effect on improving the synthesis, stability, biocompatibility, and magnetothermal properties of SPIONs.

[Estimation of thyroid cancer incidence in Chile based on pathological reports]. / Epidemiología del cáncer de tiroides en Chile: Resultados del estudio INCATIR.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (TC) detection is increasing steadily. AIM: To determine the incidence of TC based on pathological reports of thyroidectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty pathology laboratories performing thyroid gland pathological studies were identified. Those that accepted to participate were required to send trimestral reports of all thyroid pathological studies, from March 2011 to February 2012. RESULTS: In the study period, 1309 case of TC were confirmed in 2614 thyroidectomy surgical samples. Considering the susceptible population according to 2012 census, the estimated incidence of TC during 2011 should be higher than 7.86 cases per 100,000 persons/year. Papillary cancer was the most common pathological type in 92% of samples (95% confidence intervals 90-93%). The proportion of microtumors was significantly higher in women than in men and among papillary than in follicular or medullary tumors. Only one fourth of tumors came from thyroidectomies performed in the Ministry of Health network. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and features of TC in Chile are similar to the figures reported abroad.

An Integrated and Modular Compartmentalized Microfluidic System with Tunable Electrospun Porous Membranes for Epithelialized Organs-on-a-Chip.

A modular and 3D compartmentalized microfluidic system with electrospun porous membranes (PMs) for epithelialized organ-on-a-chip systems is presented. Our novel approach involves direct deposition of polymer nanofibers onto a patterned poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate using electrospinning, resulting in an integrated PM within the microfluidic chip. The in situ deposition of the PM eliminates the need for additional assembly processes. To demonstrate the high throughput membrane integration capability of our approach, we successfully deposited nanofibers onto various chip designs with complex microfluidic planar structures and expanded dimensions. We characterized and tested the fully PMMA chip by growing an epithelial monolayer using the Caco-2 cell line to study drug permeability. A comprehensive analysis of the bulk and surface properties of the membrane's fibers made of PMMA and polystyrene (PS) was conducted to determine the polymer with the best performance for cell culture and drug transport applications. The PMMA-based membrane, with a PMMA/PVP ratio of 5:1, allowed for the fabrication of a uniform membrane structure along the aligned nanofibers. By modulating the fiber diameter and total thickness of the membrane, we could adjust the membrane's porosity for specific cell culture applications. The PMMA-PVP nanofibers exhibited a low polydispersity index value, indicating monodispersed nanofibers and a more homogeneous and uniform fiber network. Both types of membranes demonstrated excellent mechanical integrity under medium perfusion flow rates. However, the PMMA-PVP composition offered a tailored porous structure with modulable porosity based on the fiber diameter and thickness. Our developed platform enables dynamic in vitro modeling of the epithelial barrier and has applications in drug transport and in vitro microphysiological systems.

Hepatic spheroid-on-a-chip: Fabrication and characterization of a spheroid-based in vitro model of the human liver for drug screening applications.

The integration of microfabrication and microfluidics techniques into cell culture technology has significantly transformed cell culture conditions, scaffold architecture, and tissue biofabrication. These tools offer precise control over cell positioning and enable high-resolution analysis and testing. Culturing cells in 3D systems, such as spheroids and organoids, enables recapitulating the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby allowing the creation of human-based biomimetic tissue models that are well-suited for pre-clinical drug screening. Here, we demonstrate an innovative microfluidic device for the formation, culture, and testing of hepatocyte spheroids, which comprises a large array of patterned microwells for hosting hepatic spheroid culture in a reproducible and organized format in a dynamic fluidic environment. The device allows maintaining and characterizing different spheroid sizes as well as exposing to various drugs in parallel enabling high-throughput experimentation. These liver spheroids exhibit physiologically relevant hepatic functionality, as evidenced by their ability to produce albumin and urea at levels comparable to in vivo conditions and the capability to distinguish the toxic effects of selected drugs. This highlights the effectiveness of the microenvironment provided by the chip in maintaining the functionality of hepatocyte spheroids. These data support the notion that the liver-spheroid chip provides a favorable microenvironment for the maintenance of hepatocyte spheroid functionality.

Custom-made holey graphene via scanning probe block co-polymer lithography.

Oxidative chemical etching of metal nanoparticles (NPs) to produce holey graphene (hG) suffers from the presence of aggregated NPs on the graphene surface triggering heterogeneous etching rates and thereby producing irregular sized holes. To encounter such a challenge, we investigated the use of scanning probe block co-polymer lithography (SPBCL) to fabricate precisely positioned silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on graphene surfaces with exquisite control over the NP size to prevent their aggregation and consequently produce uniformly distributed holes after oxidative chemical etching. SPBCL experiments were carried out via printing an ink suspension consisting of poly(ethylene oxide-b-2-vinylpyridine) and silver nitrate on a graphene surface in a selected pattern under controlled environmental and instrumental parameters followed by thermal annealing in a gaseous environment to fabricate AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the uniform size distribution of AgNPs on the graphene surface with minimal to no aggregation. Four main sizes of AgNPs were obtained (37 ± 3, 45 ± 3, 54 ± 2, and 64 ± 3 nm) via controlling the printing force, z-piezo extension, and dwell time. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis validated the existence of elemental Ag on the graphene surface. Subsequent chemical etching of AgNPs using nitric acid (HNO3) with the aid of sonication and mechanical agitation produced holes of uniform size distribution generating hG. The obtained I D/I G ratios ≤ 0.96 measured by Raman spectroscopy were lower than those commonly reported for GO (I D/I G > 1), indicating the removal of more defective C atoms during the etching process to produce hG while preserving the remaining C atoms in ordered or crystalline structures. Indeed, SPBCL could be utilized to fabricate uniformly distributed AgNPs of controlled sizes on graphene surfaces to ultimately produce hG of uniform hole size distribution.

[Prevalence of the drug consumption among Chilean university students]. / Estudio cuantitativo del consumo de drogas y factores sociodemográficos asociados en estudiantes de una universidad tradicional chilena.

BACKGROUND: Drug abuse is one of the main public health problems and mostly involves young people. AIM: To determine the prevalence of drug consumption among university students and its associated social factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire exploring consumption of drugs and social-demographic, economic and religious variables, was applied to 1577 third year students aged 22 ± 2 years (54% females) of a public university. RESULTS: Sixty eight percent of the students were of middle socioeconomic class, 71 % belonged to some religion and 29% declared themselves as agnostic. Ninety six percent drank alcohol at least once and 29% never smoked. Among illicit drugs, marijuana was consumed by 22% followed by cocaine in 5.3%o, hallucinogenic drugs in 2.6 % >, inhalants in 2.3% > and cocaine free base in 1.4%). Six percent consumed stimulants and 13.8%>, sedatives. A higher economic income facilitated drug consumption and the adscription to a religion was protective against it. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol is the most commonly consumed drug, and is the substance that generates more problems to students.

[Prognostic value of extracapsular lymph node involvement among patients with gastric cancer]. / Compromiso ganglionar extracapsular en pacientes con cáncer gástrico: determinación del valor pronóstico.

BACKGROUND: Extracapsular lymph node involvement has a negative prognosis in malignant tumors. AIM: To assess the prognostic importance of extracapsular lymph node involvement in patients with gastric cancer with lymph node metastases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and morphological features and survival of patients with gastric cancer and lymph node involvement operated between 1986 and 2003, were analyzed. Patients with and without extracapsular involvement were compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 459 gastrectomies were performed, 312 patients (68%) had lymph node involvement and 144 (31%) had extracapsular involvement. Patients with and without extracapsular involvement were followed for a median of 10 (range 1 to 120) and 41 (range 1 to 193) months, respectively. Five years actuarial survival for patients with and without extracapsular involvement was 23 and 40% respectively. Extracapsular lymph node involvement and level of wall infiltration were identified as prognostic factors using a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Extracapsular lymph node involvement is an independent risk factor for mortality among patients with gastric cancer.

[Morphological findings in fatal cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. Report of 7 autopsies]. / Hallazgos morfológicos en casos fatales de síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavirus. Estudio de 7 autopsias.

INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is an acute infectious disease characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory failure and high mortality, caused by a RNA virus of the genus Hantavirus, family Bunyaviridae, 15% of Chilean cases have been detected in the Araucania Region. OBJECTIVE: To determine in fatal cases of HCPS, clinical and morphological characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive-retrospective analysis of seven fatal cases with postmortem study of HCPS, attended between 1997 and 2009 at the Hospital of Temuco, Chile. RESULTS: Cases were young patients from rural areas, and presented as an illness of progressive respiratory failure, with leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and bilateral interstitial pulmonary infiltrates. Main morphological findings were marked intersticial and intraalveolar pulmonary edema, with minimal epithelial injury and mononuclear cell intersticial infiltrate and mild edematous intersticial inflamatory process. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory background allow to suspect HCPS. In fatal cases, the autopsy makes possible to discard other similar pathologies and provide tissue for confirmation of the disease.

Quantitative analysis of bcl-2 expression in normal and leukemic human B-cell differentiation.

Lack of apoptosis has been linked to prolonged survival of malignant B cells expressing bcl-2. The aim of the present study was to analyze the amount of bcl-2 protein expressed along normal human B-cell maturation and to establish the frequency of aberrant bcl-2 expression in B-cell malignancies. In normal bone marrow (n=11), bcl-2 expression obtained by quantitative multiparametric flow cytometry was highly variable: very low in both CD34(+) and CD34(-) B-cell precursors, high in mature B-lymphocytes and very high in plasma cells. Bcl-2 expression of mature B-lymphocytes from peripheral blood (n=10), spleen (n=8) and lymph node (n=5) was significantly higher (P<0.02) in CD23(-) as compared to CD23(+) B cells, independent of the type of tissue analyzed. Upon comparison with normal human B-cell maturation, bcl-2 expression in neoplastic B cells from 144 patients was found to be aberrant in 66% of the cases, usually corresponding to bcl-2 overexpression (63%). Follicular lymphoma (FL) carrying t(14;18) and MALT lymphoma were the only diagnostic groups constantly showing overexpression of bcl-2. Bcl-2 overexpression was also frequently found in precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (84%), typical (77%) and atypical (75%) B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia (two of three cases), mantle cell lymphoma (55%), but not in t(14;18)(-) FL, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Pattern & presentation of colorectal cancer in central Sudan, a retrospective descriptive study, 2010-2012.

AIMS & OBJECTIVE: To determine the age and gender distribution and clinical presentation of patients together with histological types of colorectal cancer cases presented to Ibn Sina specialized hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in Ibn Sina Hospital (Sudan). Seventy three (73) patients of colorectal cancer who presented in the period from January 2010 to December 2012 were included. Data were collected from their hospital records and analyzed using SPSS computer program 17. RESULTS: More than 17 % of the study populations was below the age of 40 years, and 43.84% was below 50 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.02. Rectal bleeding is the commonest presenting symptom and well differentiated adenocarcinoma is the dominating tumor grade. 8.3 % of patients presented with liver metastasis. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer in this study was found more in young age groups with a peak frequency at the fifth and sixth decades.

Ventricular fibrillation secondary to ergotamine in a healthy young woman.

A 34-year-old woman collapsed secondary to ventricular fibrillation 3 hours following the ingestion of ergotamine tartrate for migraine. She underwent defibrillation and recovered rapidly without any subsequent consequences. The mechanism of action and the side effects of ergotamine and other antimigraine drugs are discussed. We hypothesize that a coronary spasm induced by ergotamine could be the aetiologic factor leading to ischaemic ventricular fibrillation.

[Analysis of the HFE gene in a large Spanish kindred with hereditary hemochromatosis]. / Estudio del gen HFE en una familia española con hemocromatosis hereditaria.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an inborn error of iron metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Recently, it has been shown that the HFE gene, located telomeric to HLA-A on chromosome 6 is mutated in most patients with HH. Moreover, the phenotypic expression of hereditary hemochromatosis is influenced by sex and environmental agents such as alcohol and dietary iron intake. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We have studied 40 subjects from a family some of which members have HH. DNA was obtained from nucleated peripheral blood cells, and exons 2 and 4 and intron 5 of the HFE gene were amplified by PCR and digested with specific restriction enzymes. RESULTS: Analysis of the HFE gene revealed that 29 members of the family carry some of the three HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C). Nevertheless, only those homozygous for the C282Y mutation develop HH. In this family, the allele 187G of exon 2 mutation is cosegregated with the allele IVS5-47 A in intron 5. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the HFE gene in the members of a large Spanish kindred, living in the same geographical area, shows that only those homozygous for the C282Y mutation develop hemochromatosis.

Evaluación rápida "in situ" de punción con aguja fina guiada por endosonografía mejora rendimiento diagnóstico de lesiones pancreáticas sólidas / Rapid on-site evaluation with endoscopic ultra sound-guided fine needle improves diagnostic yield of solid pancreatic masses

BACKGROUND: The use of endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has improved the characterization and staging of pancreatic solid masses. The primary strategy for improving the ability to diagnose malignant masses is the use of rapid on site evaluation (ROSE) by a cytopathologist. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA after the implementation of ROSE in an academic center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective enrollment and follow-up of EUS-FNA with ROSE during 2015 and 2016, was compared to EUS-FNA without ROSE in previous years (2011-2014) in Hospital Clínico UCChristus. Clinical and endosonographic features, cytopathological and histological diagnosis and number of passes per procedure were evaluated. All EUS-FNA included cytology and cellular block for definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: 59 pancreatic solid masses were included in the analysis. 44 EUS-FNA were performed with ROSE, compared with 15 EUS-FNA without ROSE. The mean age of patients included was 62.8 years, 54.2% male gender, and most masses studied were in the head of pancreas (77.6%). In EUS 86.5% were hypoechoic and 56.9% had poor defined margins. No differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups. EUS-FNA led to diagnosis in 86.2% of the overall sample. The diagnostic rate was superior in the group of EUS-FNA with ROSE, compared to EUS-FNA without ROSE (97.7% vs 50%, p < 0.0001). The mean number of passes was inferior in EUS-FNA ROSE (+) (2.71 vs 5.78, p < 0.0001). No differences in rate of complications were observed between groups. CONCLUSION: The use of ROSE associated to EUS-FNA improves the diagnostic yield in the evaluation of pancreatic solid masses. Our findings are consistent with those described in the literature, recommending the use of ROSE in EUS-FNA in centers where the diagnostic yield is less than 90% without the use of ROSE

INTRODUCCIÓN: La adquisición de tejido mediante el uso de endosonografía, con punción con aguja fina, (EUS-FNA) ha mejorado el diagnóstico de lesiones pancreáticas sólidas. La principal medida para aumentar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la EUS-FNA es la evaluación por citopatólogo próximo al lugar de punción (in situ) (técnica conocida en inglés como ROSE "rapid on-site evaluation"). OBJETIVO: Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de EUS-FNA en lesiones pancreáticas sólidas posterior a la implementación de ROSE en un centro universitario. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo de EUS-FNA realizadas con ROSE durante el período 2015-2016, comparado con EUS-FNA con evaluación histopatológica diferida realizada entre los años 2011-2014, en Hospital Clínico UC-Christus. Se evaluaron características clínicas, endosonográficas, diagnóstico histopatológico y número de pases por procedimiento. Todas las EUS-FNA incluyeron citología y block celular para diagnóstico definitivo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el análisis 59 lesiones pancreáticas sólidas evaluadas con EUS-FNA. Seguimiento prospectivo de 44 EUS-FNA con ROSE, que fueron comparadas con 15 EUS-FNA sin evaluación in situ (retrospectivo). La muestra total incluyó individuos con un promedio de 62,8 años de edad, 54,2% hombres, donde 77,6% de las lesiones se ubicaba en la cabeza pancreática. Endosonográficamente 86,5% de las lesiones eran hipoecoicas y 56,9% tenían márgenes poco definidos. La EUS-FNA fue diagnóstica en 86,2% del total de la muestra. Las EUS-FNA realizadas con ROSE presentaron un mayor rendimiento diagnóstico respecto a las efectuadas sin evaluación in situ (97,7% vs 50%, p < 0,0001). El número de pases por procedimiento fue menor (2,7% vs 5,8%, p < 0,0001) en el grupo con ROSE. No hubo diferencias en complicaciones en ambos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: La evaluación por citopatólogo in situ de la muestra obtenida por EUS-FNA mejora el rendimiento diagnóstico de las lesiones pancreáticas sólidas. Nuestros hallazgos apoyan el uso de ROSE asociado a EUS-FNA, siendo concordantes con las recomendaciones actuales de utilizar evaluación histopatológica in situ en EUS-FNA, especialmente en centros donde el rendimiento diagnóstico sin uso de ROSE es menor a 90%.

Aumento de detección de lesiones gástricas premalignas mediante protocolo Sydney en comparación con biopsias no protocolizadas / Increased detection of premalignant gastric lesions through Sydney protocol in comparison with non-protocolized gastric biopsies

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Chile. The development ofgastric adenocarcinoma its preceded by a histopathologic cascade composed of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia. Sydney protocol has been proposed as the standard method for diagnosingthese conditions. The aim of this research study was to establish whether Sydney protocol increase thedetection of premalignant gastric lesions, as gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, compared to non protocolizedendoscopies/biopsies. Methods: Upper gastroduodenal endoscopies (GDE) from Hospital Clí-nico Universidad Católica de Chile between April-May 2015 and April-May 2016 was analyzed. Patientswith histological study with 18 years-old or older were included. Patients with history of GC or malignantlesions at GDE where excluded. Detection of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and suggestive findingsof autoimmune gastritis where compared between Sydney protocol and non-protocolized endoscopies/biopsies...

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico (CG) es la principal causa de muertes por cáncer en Chile. El desarrollo del adenocarcinoma gástrico es precedido por una cascada histopatológica (gastritis; atrofia gástrica/AG; metaplasia intestinal/MI). Se ha propuesto la biopsia del cuerpo, ángulo y antro a través del protocolo de Sydney para la búsqueda de estas condiciones. Objetivo: Determinar la diferencia en la detección delesiones premalignas gástricas a través del protocolo de Sydney comparado con el estudio endoscópico habitual. Métodos: Se analizaron las endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) realizadas en el Centro de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica en los períodos entre abril y mayo del 2015 y 2016. Se incluyeron las EDA de pacientes mayores de 18 años con estudio histológico. Fueron excluidos los pacientes con antecedente personal de CG o lesiones de aspecto maligno macroscópicas. Se comparó la detección de AG, MI y gastritis autoinmune (GA) en el estudio histológico entre los pacientes con protocolo Sydney y el estudio endoscópico no protocolizado...

[Bone hydatidosis: report of five patients and review of the literature]. / Hidatidosis ósea: Reporte de 5 casos y revisión de la literatura.

Bone location of hydatid cysts occurs in 0.5 to 3% of all cases of hydatidosis. The most common bones involved are spine, long bones and pelvis. We report five patients with bone hydatidosis. A 24-year-old male consulting for paraparesis and numbness of lower limbs; CAT scan showed hydatid cysts located in D2, D3 and D4 vertebral bodies. A 47-year-old male consulting for a fracture of the femur; X rays disclosed multiple hydatid cysts in the femur. A 13-year-old female consulting for claudication of the right lower limb; X ray examination showed a hydatid cyst in the iliac bone. A 21-year-old women presenting with weakness of the lower limbs and voiding problems; CAT scan showed a vertebral hydatidosis and spinal cord compression. A 67-year-old female presenting with weakness of the lower limb and loss of sphincter control; CAT scan showed hydatid cysts in D4 vertebral body.

[Human papillomavirus genotyping of cervical uterine preneoplastic lesions in a high risk area]. / Detección y tipificación de virus papiloma humano en lesiones preneoplásicas de cuello uterino.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and uterine cervical cancer (UCC) is widely known and accepted. AIM: To determine the frequency of genotypes of HPV in cervical preneoplastic lesions in a high risk area of UCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a combination of PCR and Reverse Line Blot technique, 235 formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples, with diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) were genotyped. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 61.2% of LSIL and 78.1% of HSIL. The main genotypes found were HPV 16, 18, 31, 45, 56 y 58. HPV 16 was the most common in both LSIL (18.1%) and HSIL (36.9%). HPV 16 or 18 were present in 25.1% and 47.1% of the LSIL and HSIL respectively. In both LSIL and HSIL, the predominant viral genotypes were those types classified as with a high oncogenic risk. CONCLUSIONS: HPV genotypes 16, 18, 31, 45, 56 y 58 were the most common in our series. HPV 16 and 18, viral types with high oncogenic risk and included in commercial vaccines, were found in 25.1% and 47.1% of LSIL and HSIL, respectively.

Epidemiología del cáncer de tiroides en Chile: Resultados del estudio INCATIR / Estimation of thyroid cancer incidence in Chile based on pathological reports

Background: Thyroid cancer (TC) detection is increasing steadily. Aim: To determine the incidence of TC based on pathological reports of thyroidectomies. Material and Methods: Fifty pathology laboratories performing thyroid gland pathological studies were identified. Those that accepted to participate were required to send trimestral reports of all thyroid pathological studies, from March 2011 to February 2012. Results: In the study period, 1309 case of TC were confirmed in 2614 thyroidectomy surgical samples. Considering the susceptible population according to 2012 census, the estimated incidence of TC during 2011 should be higher than 7.86 cases per 100,000 persons/year. Papillary cancer was the most common pathological type in 92% of samples (95% confidence intervals 90-93%). The proportion of microtumors was significantly higher in women than in men and among papillary than in follicular or medullary tumors. Only one fourth of tumors came from thyroidectomies performed in the Ministry of Health network. Conclusions: The incidence and features of TC in Chile are similar to the figures reported abroad.

[Diagnostic value of frozen section biopsy during surgery for breast lesions or neoplasms]. / Validez diagnóstica de la biopsia intraoperatoria en cirugía de lesiones mamarias palpables.

BACKGROUND: During the surgical treatment of breast neoplasms (benign or malignant), frozen section biopsy is frequently requested to assess the kind of lesion and determine the surgical margins. AIM: To assess the diagnostic yield of frozen section breast biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: AH the pathological reports of frozen section biopsies and definitive biopsies of 337 women aged 26 to 88 years, operated for suspected breast neoplasms between 2002 and 2006, were reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of frozen section biopsy, were calculated using the definitive biopsy as the gold standard. RESULTS: The definitive biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer in 290 women (86%). There were two false negative (0.59%) and no false positive frozen section biopsies for cancer detection. The sensibility for cancer detection was 99.3% and the specificity 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value 96.1%. The diagnosis of phyllodes tumor was missed by frozen section biopsy in three cases. The margins were informed in the 258 frozen section biopsies (79%) and in 59 cases (18%), these were positive for cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen section biopsy is useful and reliable for cancer detection and margin status assessment in breast cancer surgery.

[Detection and genotyping of human papillomavirus in biopsies of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma]. / Detección y tipificación de virus papiloma humano en adenocarcinoma de cuello uterino mediante reverse line blot, Región de La Araucanía, Chile.

BACKGROUND: The genotyping of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) will improve knowledge about the local epidemiological association of this virus with adenocarcinoma. AIM: To determine the frequency of HPV genotypes in biopsies of women with uterine cervical adenocarcinoma in a geographic region of Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one cervical biopsies with a pathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, corresponding to all women diagnosed with this cancer between 2002 and 2004, were analyzed. Viral gene Ll was amplified by PCRfor viral detection. HPV genotyping was carried out by a Reverse Line Blot technique. RESULTS: Seventy one percent of biopsies were positive for HPV. The most common genotypes found were HPV 16 (61%), followed by HPV 18 (19.5%). Eighty seven percent of biopsies had a single HPV infection. Three patients had a multiple HPV infection. All of the latter were infected by HPV 16, associated with other three viral genotypes (45, 52 and 66). No low-risk HPV genotypes were found. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of biopsies, there was a high prevelence of HPV 16 and a low prevalence of HPV 18, which historically has been related to adenocarcinoma. The genotypes found correspond to those described in South America.