Cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of economic evaluation studies.

Economic assessments are relevant to support the decision to incorporate more cost-effective strategies to reduce Cervical Cancer (CC) mortality. This systematic review analyzes the economic evaluation studies of CC prevention strategies (HPV DNA-based tests and conventional cytology) in low- and middle-income countries. Medline, EMBASE, CRD, and LILACS were searched for economic evaluation studies that reported cost and effectiveness measures of HPV DNA-based tests for CC screening and conventional cytology in women, without age, language, or publication date restrictions. Selection and data extraction were carried out independently. For comparability of results, cost-effectiveness measures were converted to international dollars (2019). Report quality was assessed using the CHEERS checklist. The Dominance Matrix Ranking (DRM) was used to analyze and interpret the results. The review included 15 studies from 12 countries, with cost-effectiveness analyzes from the health system's perspective and a 3% discount rate. The strategies varied in age and frequency of screening. Most studies used the Markov analytical model, and the cost-benefit threshold was based on the per capita GDP of each country. The sensitivity analysis performed in most studies was deterministic. The completeness of the report was considered sufficient in most of the items evaluated by CHEERS. The Dominance Interpretation (DRM) varied; in 6 studies, the HPV test was dominant, 5 studies showed a weak dominance evaluating greater effectiveness of the HPV test at a higher cost, yet in 2 studies conventional cytology was dominant. Although the context-dependent nature of economic evaluations, this review points out the challenge of methodological standardization in the analytical models.

Chronic unilateral tearing as a sign of lacrimal sac squamous cell carcinoma.

Tearing is a very common symptom in ophthalmic practice; however, this issue is commonly overlooked. The authors describe the case of a patient with chronic unilateral epiphora that had been neglected for 8 y; lacrimal system workup was performed for this patient only because of dacryocystitis evolvement. Following the diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct blockage, dacryocystorhinostomy was indicated. Intraoperative abnormal mucosa was subjected to biopsy, and a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lacrimal sac was established. Extended tumor excision was performed for the patient and adjuvant radiotherapy was administered, without any recurrence till the 2-year follow-up. The present report highlights the relevance of a detailed evaluation for determining the underlying causes of tearing, especially in chronic unilateral presentation. The consideration of potential malignancy in such cases could prevent delayed diagnosis of uncommon but potentially life-threatening malignancies of the lacrimal drainage system.

Avaliação da relação entre a qualidade da anotação dos parâmetros fisiológicos, o Escore para Alerta Precoce e a adoção do Plano de Ação em enfermaria de um Hospital Universitário / Assessment of the relationship between the quality of the recording of physiological parameters, the Early Warning Score, and the adoption of the Action Plan in the ward of a University Hospital

Introdução: Em pacientes em enfermarias, eventos adversos evitáveis podem decorrer de deterioração clínica despercebida, frequentemente antecedida por alterações nos sinais vitais, fornecendo oportunidade para intervenção precoce. A adoção de Equipe de Resposta Rápida (ERR) pode melhorar esse desfecho, porém é altamente dependente do monitoramento dos parâmetros fisiológicos e da notificação da ERR. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade das informações em prontuários e da resposta assistencial a pacientes em enfermarias com agravamento do estado clínico, resultando em óbito ou transferência para UTI em um Hospital Universitário e fornecer dados para comparação de resultados após implantação da ERR. Material e Métodos: Estudo documental retrospectivo, entre junho de 2013 e julho de 2014, em 128 prontuários de pacientes com piora clínica que resultou em óbito ou admissão em UTI ("evento"). Foram coletados os parâmetros fisiológicos, a pontuação no Escore para Alerta Precoce e o Plano de Ação registrado em 11 momentos que antecederam o "evento", resultando em 11 escores. A relação entre a pontuação do Escore de Alerta Precoce e a execução do Plano de Ação foi classificada como "adequada", "inadequada" ou "ausente". Resultados: Quanto mais se afastava momento de ocorrência do "evento", maior foi o número de dados faltantes, ocasionando Escores de Alerta Precoce não calculáveis. O número de casos adequados foi menor quanto mais distante estava o "evento" do momento da aferição dos parâmetros fisiológicos. Conclusão: Os tempos de resposta foram inadequados ao Plano de Ação. A falha em socorrer pacientes em deterioração clínica é complexa e multifatorial, mas acredita-se que no presente relato isto se deveu, pelo menos em parte, à anotação inadequada dos parâmetros fisiológicos. Esforços devem ser envidados no sentido de reforçar a importância do registro dos parâmetros fisiológicos, de reconhecer, de intervir e de comunicar agravos, essenciais para o correto funcionamento das alças aferente e eferentes das ERR.

Introduction: Preventable adverse events may result from unnoticed clinical deterioration in inpatients, which are often preceded by changes in warning signs, providing an opportunity for early intervention. The adoption of the Rapid Response Team (ERR) can improve the outcome; however, it is highly dependent on monitoring of the physiological parameters and on notification of the ERR. Objective: To evaluate the quality of information in medical records and the care response to patients in wards with worsening of the clinical status, which resulting in death or transfer to the ICU in a University Hospital and provide data for future comparison of results after ERR deployment. Material and Methods: Documentary retrospective study, between June 2013 and July 2014, of 128 medical records of patients with clinical worsening who died in death or admission to the ICU ("event"). The physiological parameters, the score on the Early Warning Score and the Action Plan recorded in 11 moments that preceded the "event" were collected, resulting in 11 scores. The relationship between the Early Warning Score and Action Plan execution was classified as "adequate", "inadequate" or "absent". Results: The further away from the moment of occurrence of the "event", greater the number of missing data, causing non- calculable Early Warning Scores. The number of adequate cases was smaller the further away the "event" was from the moment of measurement of the physiological parameters. Conclusion: Response times were inadequate to the Action Plan. Failure to rescue patients in the clinic is a complex and multifactorial, but it is believed that in the present report this was due, at least in part, to inadequate recording of physiological parameters. Efforts should be made to reinforce the importance of recording physiological parameters, recognizing, intervening, and communicating injuries, which are essential for the correct functioning of the afferent and efferent loops of the ERR.

Cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of economic evaluation studies

Abstract Economic assessments are relevant to support the decision to incorporate more cost-effective strategies to reduce Cervical Cancer (CC) mortality. This systematic review analyzes the economic evaluation studies of CC prevention strategies (HPV DNA-based tests and conventional cytology) in low- and middle-income countries. Medline, EMBASE, CRD, and LILACS were searched for economic evaluation studies that reported cost and effectiveness measures of HPV DNA-based tests for CC screening and conventional cytology in women, without age, language, or publication date restrictions. Selection and data extraction were carried out independently. For comparability of results, cost-effectiveness measures were converted to international dollars (2019). Report quality was assessed using the CHEERS checklist. The Dominance Matrix Ranking (DRM) was used to analyze and interpret the results. The review included 15 studies from 12 countries, with cost-effectiveness analyzes from the health system's perspective and a 3% discount rate. The strategies varied in age and frequency of screening. Most studies used the Markov analytical model, and the cost-benefit threshold was based on the per capita GDP of each country. The sensitivity analysis performed in most studies was deterministic. The completeness of the report was considered sufficient in most of the items evaluated by CHEERS. The Dominance Interpretation (DRM) varied; in 6 studies, the HPV test was dominant, 5 studies showed a weak dominance evaluating greater effectiveness of the HPV test at a higher cost, yet in 2 studies conventional cytology was dominant. Although the context-dependent nature of economic evaluations, this review points out the challenge of methodological standardization in the analytical models.

Cervical cancer screening in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review of economic evaluation studies

Economic assessments are relevant to support the decision to incorporate more cost-effective strategies to reduce Cervical Cancer (CC) mortality. This systematic review analyzes the economic evaluation studies of CC prevention strategies (HPV DNA-based tests and conventional cytology) in low- and middle-income countries. Medline, EMBASE, CRD, and LILACS were searched for economic evaluation studies that reported cost and effectiveness measures of HPV DNA-based tests for CC screening and conventional cytology in women, without age, language, or publication date restrictions. Selection and data extraction were carried out independently. For comparability of results, cost-effectiveness measures were converted to international dollars (2019). Report quality was assessed using the CHEERS checklist. The Dominance Matrix Ranking (DRM) was used to analyze and interpret the results. The review included 15 studies from 12 countries, with cost-effectiveness analyzes from the health system's perspective and a 3% discount rate. The strategies varied in age and frequency of screening. Most studies used the Markov analytical model, and the cost-benefit threshold was based on the per capita GDP of each country. The sensitivity analysis performed in most studies was deterministic. The completeness of the report was considered sufficient in most of the items evaluated by CHEERS. The Dominance Interpretation (DRM) varied; in 6 studies, the HPV test was dominant, 5 studies showed a weak dominance evaluating greater effectiveness of the HPV test at a higher cost, yet in 2 studies conventional cytology was dominant. Although the context-dependent nature of economic evaluations, this review points out the challenge of methodological standardization in the analytical models.

Chronic unilateral tearing as a sign of lacrimal sac squamous cell carcinoma / Lacrimejamento unilateral crônico como sinal de Carcinoma espinocelular de saco lacrimal

ABSTRACT Tearing is a very common symptom in ophthalmic practice; however, this issue is commonly overlooked. The authors describe the case of a patient with chronic unilateral epiphora that had been neglected for 8 y; lacrimal system workup was performed for this patient only because of dacryocystitis evolvement. Following the diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct blockage, dacryocystorhinostomy was indicated. Intraoperative abnormal mucosa was subjected to biopsy, and a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lacrimal sac was established. Extended tumor excision was performed for the patient and adjuvant radiotherapy was administered, without any recurrence till the 2-year follow-up. The present report highlights the relevance of a detailed evaluation for determining the underlying causes of tearing, especially in chronic unilateral presentation. The consideration of potential malignancy in such cases could prevent delayed diagnosis of uncommon but potentially life-threatening malignancies of the lacrimal drainage system.

RESUMO O lacrimejamento é um sinal comum na prática oftalmológica, porém frequentemente negligenciado. Os autores descrevem um caso de um paciente com epífora unilateral direita com 8 anos de história que só após evoluir com dacriocistite foi submetido a semiologia de vias lacrimais. Após o diagnóstico de obstrução baixa da via lacrimal foi submetido a cirurgia de dacriocistorrinostomia, onde o saco lacrimal de aparência atípica foi biopsiado e identificado como carcinoma espinocelular. O paciente foi submetido a ressecção oncológica do tumor seguido de radioterapia adjuvante, permanecendo livre de recidiva por 2 anos. Este caso ressalta a importância de investigar causas da epífora, especialmente quando unilateral, dada sua maior associação com a obstrução de via lacrimal. Uma semiologia oportuna das vias lacrimais podem evitar atrasos no diagnóstico de obstrução secundárias a neoplasia, que apesar de incomuns, são potencialmente fatais.

[Hernial sac hystology of the inguinal hernias: identification of smooth muscle fibers and their relation with the blood vessel]. / Histologia dos sacos herniários nas hérnias inguinais em adultos e crianças: presença de fibras musculares lisas e sua relação com o vaso sanguíneo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the blood vessels and the smooth muscles in the hernial sac. METHODS: 250 surgeries were done to correct inguinal hernias, in children and adults from two months to 75 years old, from March 2002 and February 2003. A hundred ninety two hernial sacs were isolated in 184 surgeries and only eight patients were treated of bilateral inguinal hernia. They were excluded the patients with inguinal hernia which did not have hernial sac during the surgeries and the adult women cause there was no material. From these 184 cases, 90 patients were chosen aleatorialy to make this analysis. They were distributed as follows: 30 male children, 30 female children and 30 male adults. RESULTS: The vessels were present in all groups with a media of 11 vessels per field. The smooth muscle fibers were present in some cases and the horizontal distance was in media 0,1665micro and the vertical 0,1378micro in the adult group with a media of 4,5 isle of smooth muscle fibers, in the child male group the horizontal distance was 0,135micro, the vertical 0,190micro and the isle, 5,35. In the child female group, the horizontal distance was 0,052micro, the vertical 0,037micro and the median number of isles, 4,75. CONCLUSION: The majority of smooth muscles fibers would be proper of the hernial sac independent of the smooth muscles fibers of the blood vessels.

[Expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis biomarkers in skin spinocellular carcinoma and actinic keratosis]. / Expressão de marcadores de proliferação celular e apoptose no carcinoma espinocelular de pele e ceratose actínica.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most frequent type of human cancer and has shown an increase in its incidence. In many cases, before the onset of the carcinoma, there might be a precursor lesion--actinic keratosis, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have been carried out in order to determine the parameters that have prognostic significance in predicting those tumors which have more aggressive behavior. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of markers of cell proliferation (PCNA, Ki-67) and apoptosis (p53,Bcl-2) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. METHOD: We studied samples from 30 patients, ten patients of squamous cell carcinoma, ten with actinic keratosis and ten lesion-free samples from blepharoplasty. RESULTS: p53 protein was expressed in all cases with different quantitative patterns. Bcl-2 was expressed at low intensity in six cases of actinic keratosis in the skin from blepharoplasty and negative in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. PCNA showed intense expression in all samples. Ki-67 showed variable expression in cases of keratosis and carcinoma and negative in the skin from the eyelid. CONCLUSION: The high expression of Ki-67 associated with low expression of Bcl-2 indicates proliferation in the carcinoma group. Thus, expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in patients with actinic keratosis indicates cell immortalization.

[Markers expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis in basal cell carcinoma]. / Expressão de marcadores de proliferação celular e apoptose em carcinoma basocelular.

BACKGROUND: - Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of human cancer. Studies employing molecular and genetic biology techniques, associated with histomorphology, lead to the identification of risk factors in the development of more recurring and aggressive lesions. OBJECTIVE - To correlate markers expression of apoptosis (p53 and bcl-2) and cell proliferation (Ki-67 and PCNA) with histological indicators of tumor severity. METHODS - Five samples of the nodular, morpheaform and superficial types of carcinoma were studied, respectively.One control group with three lesion-free patients was also included in the study. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare these markers expression with the manifestation form of basal cell carcinoma. RESULTS - Bcl-2 expression was significant in basal cell carcinomas said to be aggressive (morpheaform and nodular types). Of the studied tumors, 66.7% (n =10) strongly expressed p53.Our results show a greater expression of Ki-67 in nodular and superficial basal cell carcinoma, with no expression in the controls. PCNA showed a strong expression in all types of tumors and in the controls. CONCLUSION - The findings allow us to conclude that Bcl-2 and p53 show a tendency to indicate the severity of basal cell carcinoma. In contrast, Ki-67, due to its variable behavior, cannot be considered a marker of severity. Also, PCNA was not a good marker of cell proliferation.

Avaliação de métodos diagnósticos, morfológicos e biomoleculares em mulheres encaminhadas com citologia alterada / The diagnostic efficacy of morphologic and molecular methods in women with abnormal citology

Introdução: o câncer do colo uterino é a neoplasia mais frequente em mulheres de países em desenvolvimento. Doença causada pela infecção persistente com diferentes tipos de papilomavírus humano (HPV) classificados em baixo e alto risco, de acordo com o potencial oncogênico. Objetivo: em mulheres com diagnóstico citopatológico anormal por ocasião de exame de rastreamento do câncer cervical, encaminhadas por diferentes postos de atendimento do Sistema Único de Saúde para serviço universitário de referência e com diagnóstico definitivo de lesão intraepitelial de alto grau ou câncer cervical, avaliara eficácia diagnóstica de métodos morfológicos e biomoleculares utilizados de maneira isolada ou em associação; e a prevalência, estratificada em duasfaixas etárias, abaixo de 30 e igual ou superior a 30 anos, do HPV tipos 16, 18 e 45. Métodos: estudaram-se 167 mulheres encaminhadas ao Ambulatório de Patologia Cervical e Colposcopia do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, no período de novembro de 2002 e dezembro de 2003,com colo uterino íntegro, não grávidas e sem história de câncer no trato genital inferior. Coletaram-se, de todas as mulheres, amostras para estudo citológico,convencional e em meio líquido, e para os testes de DNA-HPV. Considerou-se como diagnóstico histopatológico final a avaliação mais grave dentre ospossíveis espécimes, biópsia, conização ou peça cirúrgica, que a paciente pudesse ter. Resultados: não há qualquer diferença no tocante à sensibilidade,ao valor preditivo positivo e negativo e à acurácia dentre os métodos diagnósticos estudados, porém a associação da citologia com o teste DNA-HPV tem menor especificidade que o exame citológico isolado, quer convencional ou em meio líquido. A prevalência do HPV 16, 18 e 45 cai de 88,9% para 50,0%nas mulheres com 30 anos ou mais (p = 0,02). Conclusão: nas mulheres encaminhadas ao ambulatório de PTGIC do HU-UFJF com colpocitologia alteradanão se justifica a realização de qualquer exame confirmatório, devendo realizar-se imediatamente a colposcopia para se ter o desfecho diagnóstico.

Introduction: cervical cancer is the most frequent neoplasia among the women of countries in development. Great part of these cases is caused by persistent infection with different types of human papilomavirus (HPV) classified as low and high risk, according to the risk of cervical cancer development. Objectives:based on women with abnormal cytology when screening for cervical cancer who were led from different units of the Public Health System to the reference university service and with a definite diagnosis of high cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer, was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of morphologicand molecular methods used alone or together and the prevalence of HPV types 16, 18, 45, stratified into two age brackets. Methods: 167 women went to the Cervical Pathology and colposcopy clinic of the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, during the period from November 2002 to December 2003, with intact uterine cervix, not pregnant and without previous chemical and/or radiotherapy treatment for the inferior genital tract.Samples for cytology study were collected from all women, with conventional and liquid-based preparations, for CH2 for high risk virus, for DNA PAP andfor Probe Pack test. The worst histologic diagnosis among the possible histologic studies through biopsy, conization or cirurgic pieces was considered as "gold standard". Results: there is no difference regarding sensibility, positive predict value and negative predict value for all methods studied, However, the DNA PAP method has less specificities than the citology exam, either with conventional or based-liquid preparation. The prevalence of HPV 16, 18, 45 decreases from 88,9% to 50% in women of 30 years old or more, being this decrease statistically significant. Conclusion: in those women led to the PTGIC of the HUUFJF with abnormal cytology it is not necessary to repeat any tests, just colposcopy in order to reach the final diagnosis.

Doença de Hodgkin primária de parótida: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Primary Parotid Hodgkin's Lymphoma: case report and literature review

Os linfomas são neoplasias malignas com origem na expansão clonal de células linfoides cujos mecanismos de controle da proliferação celular foram comprometidos. A maior parte dos linfomas se desenvolve em sítioslinfonodais, sendo, portanto, a apresentação extralinfonodal incomum. O linfoma com acometimento da região parotídea, especialmente o Linfoma de Hodgkin, é uma entidade clínico-patológica extremamente rara. Por ser o envolvimento da glândula parótida pelo Linfoma de Hodgkin uma situação incomum, sua inclusão como diagnóstico diferencial das massas parotídeas não é habitual. É apresentado um raro caso de Doençade Hodgkin primária de parótida direita com disseminação ganglionar, sendo realizada revisão de literatura acerca do tema, em artigos publicados até o ano de 2009, nos bancos de dados LILACS e PubMed.

Lymphomas are malignancies originating from the clonal expansion of lymphoid cells, whose cellular proliferation control mechanisms have been impaired. Because most lymphomas develop in nodal sites, extra-nodal presentation is uncommon. Parotid-involving lymphomas, chiefly Hodgkin's lymphomas, are exceedingly rare. Because of the rarity of this presentation, its inclusion in the differential of parotid masses is not usual. We report a rare case of Hodgkin's disease with primary involvement of the right parotid, with further lymph-node spread. For the literature review, we searched the LILACS and PubMed databanks for articles on the topic, published until 2009.

Displasia fibrosa: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Fibrous dysplasia: story of case and revision of literature

A displasia fibrosa (DF) do osso é uma desordem congênita, não hereditária, do esqueleto e de caráter benigno, que cursa com amplo espectro de apresentação, variando do assintomático à dor óssea, fraturas de repetição, deformidades ósseas (fêmur em cajado de pastor e fácies leonina) e compressão de nervos cranianos. É comumente referida como uma doença óssea de alto turnover. Todos os casos contêm a mutação GNAS1. A DF apresenta duas formas: a monostótica, mais comum, e a poliostótica, mais rara, que quando acompanhada de manchas café-com-leite e puberdade precoce constitui a síndrome de McCune -Albright. O tratamento pode ser feito com medicamentos como bifosfonato ou de forma cirúrgica, objetivando-se a correção das lesões. Este trabalho relata o caso de um menino de cinco anos de idade cujos sinais e sintomas conduziam ao diagnóstico de DF. Além disso, faz revisão de literatura sobre uma doença pouco comum, com variada gama de diagnósticos diferenciais.

Background and Objectives: Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) of bone is a benign nothereditary congenital disorder of medullary bone maintenace in which bone undergoingphysiologic lysis is replaced by abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue,resulting in assymmetric distortion and expantion of bone. It may be confined toa single bone (monostotic) or involve several bones (polyostotic). Prompt recognitionof this disease is important once it takes part in a wide group of differentialdiagnosis. This review is intended to provide clinicians with an understanding ofthe pathophysiology that underlies FD and its presentation forms. Methods: Thisarticle reviews and analyzes literature relevant to the pathophysiology and managementof FD and presents a case-study of a five-year-old boy who came downwith it. Methods include search of MEDLINE, and bibliographic search of currenttextbooks and journal articles. Results and Conclusions: The patient who wasinvestigated had, at the beginning, bone pain and other symptoms leading toa possible diagnosis of FD, which was confirmed by bone biopsy. He remainsasymptomatic.

Neoplasias colorretais: aspectos epidemiológicos, endoscópicos e anatomopatológicos - estudo de série de casos / Colorectal neoplasms: epidemiology, endoscopy and histopathology aspects - a study of series of cases

O carcinoma colorretal (CCR), segunda neoplasia mais frequente na população mundial, apresenta alta incidência.Há diferença significativa nos resultados do tratamento precoce, justificando esforços para rastreamento,prevenção e detecção precoce. Em estudo descritivo de série de casos, no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembrode 2006, aspectos epidemiológicos, endoscópicos e anatomopatológicos das lesões polipóides e neoplasiascolorretais são descritos. O papel da colonoscopia na prevenção e detecção precoce do CCR é avaliado. Foram realizadas 1962 colonoscopias em 1491 indivíduos, dos quais 408 foram considerados para fins de análise,sendo 70% assintomáticos. A prevalência de neoplasias colorretais foi de 50% em homens e de 42,4% em mulheres e foi detectada em 48% dos indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais. Nas 408 pessoas foram realizadas 679colonoscopias; 959 lesões polipóides foram extirpadas, das quais 463 (48,3%) eram neoplásicas, incluindo 13 adenocarcinomas. Displasia foi detectada em 36% das lesões menores que 5 mm. No cólon proximal, 21% daslesões eram neoplásicas e 2% neoplasias avançadas, incluindo seis casos de adenocarcinoma sem evidência delesão em cólon distal. Dentre os 232 indivíduos que apresentavam lesões neoplásicas (benignas e/ou malignas avançadas), 130 (56%) eram apenas no cólon proximal. Em rastreamento apenas com a retossigmoidoscopia, aausência de diagnóstico de lesões neoplásicas benignas seria de 62,3% nas mulheres (76 casos) e de 48,3% nos homens (29 casos). Em relação ao adenocarcinoma, a falta de diagnóstico seria de 50% para ambos os sexos.Por possibilitar a identificação e a remoção das lesões neoplásicas, a colonoscopia configura-se como método que permite interferir diretamente na história natural desta forma de câncer.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC), the second most frequent malignancy worldwilde, , has high incidence andvariable response to treatment, which justifies efforts targeting prevention, screening, and early detection.This is a descriptive case series, from January 2002 to December 2006, in which the epidemiologic, endoscopicand histopathological features of colorectal polypoid and neoplastic lesions are described. The role ofcolonoscopy in the prevention and early detection of CRC is assessed. 1,962 colonoscopies were performed in1,491 individuals. In this analysis, 408 subjects (70% asymptomatic) were enrolled; 50% of the men, 42.4%of the women, and 48% of all those aged 50 years or above had colorectal neoplastic disorders. The 408individuals underwent 679 colonoscopies, and 959 polypoid lesions were removed. There were 463 (48.3%)neoplastic lesions, including 13 adenocarcinomas. Dysplasia was detected in 36% of lesions smaller than5 mm. In the proximal colon, 21% of the lesions were neoplastic, and 2% advanced neoplastic, includingsix cases of adenocarcinoma without evidence of involvement of the distal colon. Of the 232 individualswith neoplastic lesions (benign and/or advanced), 130 (56%) had lesions in the proximal colon only. On rectosigmodidoscopy screening, benign neoplastic lesions would be missed in 76(62.3%) women and 29(48.3%)men. As for adenocarcinoma, 50% of the lesions would be missed in both genders. Because of the possibility to identify and remove neoplastic lesions, colonoscopy is a method which should be employed in order directlyinterfere with the natural history of this cancer.

Histologia dos sacos herniários nas hérnias inguinais em adultos e crianças: presença de fibras musculares lisas e sua relação com o vaso sanguíneo / Hernial sac hystology of the inguinal hernias: identification of smooth muscle fibers and their relation with the blood vessel

OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação dos vasos sanguíneos e as fibras de músculo liso presentes no saco herniário. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 250 operações para correção de hérnia inguinal em crianças e adultos de dois meses a 75 anos, no período de julho de 2002 a fevereiro de 2003. Foram isolados 192 sacos herniários em 184 procedimentos e somente oito pacientes foram tratados com hérnia inguinal bilateral. Foram excluídos os pacientes que não apresentavam saco herniário durante as operações, e nas mulheres por não haver material. Destes 184 casos, foram escolhidos, aleatoriamente, 90 pacientes para realização desta análise distribuídos em três grupos: 30 adultos masculinos, 30 crianças do gênero feminino e 30 crianças do gênero masculino. RESULTADOS: Os vasos sanguíneos estavam presentes em todos os campos estudados com uma média de 11 vasos por campo. As fibras de músculo liso estavam presentes em alguns casos e tanto na distância horizontal quanto na vertical com a arteríola escolhida, não apresentavam nenhuma relação. CONCLUSÃO: As fibras de músculo liso são próprias do saco herniário e não relacionadas com as dos vasos sanguíneos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the blood vessels and the smooth muscles in the hernial sac. MEHTODS: 250 surgeries were done to correct inguinal hernias, in children and adults from two months to 75 years old, from March 2002 and February 2003. A hundred ninety two hernial sacs were isolated in 184 surgeries and only eight patients were treated of bilateral inguinal hernia. They were excluded the patients with inguinal hernia which did not have hernial sac during the surgeries and the adult women cause there was no material. From these 184 cases, 90 patients were chosen aleatorialy to make this analysis. They were distributed as follows: 30 male children, 30 female children and 30 male adults. RESULTS: The vessels were present in all groups with a media of 11 vessels per field. The smooth muscle fibers were present in some cases and the horizontal distance was in media 0,1665µ and the vertical 0,1378µ in the adult group with a media of 4,5 isle of smooth muscle fibers, in the child male group the horizontal distance was 0,135µ, the vertical 0,190µ and the isle, 5,35. In the child female group, the horizontal distance was 0,052µ, the vertical 0,037µ and the median number of isles, 4,75. CONLCUSION: The majority of smooth muscles fibers would be proper of the hernial sac independent of the smooth muscles fibers of the blood vessels.

Expressão de marcadores de proliferação celular e apoptose no carcinoma espinocelular de pele e ceratose actínica / Expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis biomarkers in skin spinocellular carcinoma and actinic keratose

FUNDAMENTOS: O câncer de pele é o mais frequente tipo de câncer humano e mostra aumento de sua incidência. Em muitos casos, antes do surgimento do carcinoma, instala-se uma lesão precursora, ceratose actínica, podendo evoluir para carcinoma espinocelular. Estudos buscam determinar os parâmetros com significado prognóstico na predição daqueles tumores que terão comportamento mais agressivo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão dos marcadores de proliferação celular (PCNA, Ki-67) e apoptose (p53, Bcl-2), em portadores de carcinoma espinocelular e ceratose actínica. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas amostras de 30 pacientes: sendo dez portadores do carcinoma espinocelular; dez de ceratose actínica e dez indivíduos livres de lesões submetidos à blefaroplastia. RESULTADOS: A proteína p53 foi expressa em todos os casos estudados, embora apresentassem padrões quantitativos diferentes. O Bcl-2 foi expresso em baixa intensidade. Em seis casos de ceratose actínica, nas peles de blefaroplastia, e negativo nos casos de carcinoma espinocelular. O PCNA exibiu expressão intensa, em todas as amostras. O Ki-67 apresentou expressão variável, nos casos de carcinoma e de ceratose, e negativo na pele de pálpebra. CONCLUSÃO: A expressão do Ki-67 e a não-expressão de Bcl-2, no grupo CEC, indica intensificação da atividade proliferativa. Ao passo que, a maior expressão de p53 e Bcl-2, no grupo CA, sugere imortalização celular.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most frequent type of human cancer and has shown an increase in its incidence. In many cases, before the onset of the carcinoma, there might be a precursor lesion - actinic keratosis, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have been carried out in order to etermine the parameters that have prognostic significance in predicting those tumors which have more aggressive behavior. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of markers of cell proliferation (PCNA, Ki-67) and apoptosis (p53,Bcl-2) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. METHOD: We studied samples from 30 patients, ten patients of squamous cell carcinoma, ten with actinic keratosis and ten lesion-free samples from blepharoplasty. RESULTS: p53 protein was expressed in all cases with different quantitative patterns. Bcl-2 was expressed at low intensity in six cases of actinic keratosis in the skin from blepharoplasty and negative in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. PCNA showed intense expression in all samples. Ki-67 showed variable expression in cases of keratosis and carcinoma and negative in the skin from the eyelid. CONCLUSION: The high expression of Ki-67 associated with low expression of Bcl-2 indicates proliferation in the carcinoma group. Thus, expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in patients with actinic keratosis indicates cell immortalization.

Expressão de marcadores de proliferação celular e apoptose em carcinoma basocelular / Markers expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis in basal cell carcinoma

Fundamentos: O carcinoma basocelular é o câncer mais comum em humanos. Estudos que utilizam recursos da biologia molecular e genética, associados à histomorfologia, permitem a identificação de fatores de risco no desenvolvimento de lesões mais recorrentes e agressivas. Objetivo: Correlacionar a expressão dos marcadores de apoptose (p53 e Bcl-2) e proliferação celular (Ki-67 e PCNA) com os indicadores histológicos de gravidade do tumor. Métodos: Estudaram-se cinco amostras das formas nodular, morfeiforme e superficial, respectivamente, e um grupo-controle com três pacientes livres de lesão. Empregou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney na comparação da expressão desses marcadores com a forma de apresentação do carcinoma basocelular. Resultados: Verificou-se que a marcação do Bcl-2 foi expressiva nos CBCs ditos agressivos (variantes morfeiforme e nodular). Dos tumores estudados, 66,7 por cento (n = 10) indicaram fortemente o p53. Nossos resultados mostram maior expressão do Ki-67 no carcinoma basocelular nodular e superficial, sem expressão nos controles. O PCNA mostrou forte marcação em todos os tipos de tumores e nos controles. Conclusão: Os achados nos permitem concluir que o Bcl-2 e o p53 apresentam tendência para diagnosticar gravidade do carcinoma basocelular e o Ki-67, por seu comportamento variável, não pode ser considerado como marcador de gravidade, assim como o PCNA, que não foi um bom marcador de proliferação celular.

Background: - Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of human cancer. Studies employing molecular and genetic biology techniques, associated with histomorphology, lead to the identification of risk factors in the development of more recurring and aggressive lesions. Objetive - To correlate markers expression of apoptosis (p53 and bcl-2) and cell proliferation (Ki-67 and PCNA) with histological indicators of tumor severity. Methods - Five samples of the nodular, morpheaform and superficial types of carcinoma were studied, espectively.One control group with three lesion-free patients was also included in the study. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare these markers expression with the manifestation form of basal cell carcinoma. Results - Bcl-2 expression was significant in basal cell carcinomas said to be aggressive (morpheaform and nodular types). Of the studied tumors, 66.7 percent (n =10) strongly expressed p53.Our results show a greater expression of Ki-67 in nodular and superficial basal cell carcinoma, with no expression in the controls. PCNA showed a strong expression in all types of tumors and in the controls. Conclusion - The findings allow us to conclude that Bcl-2 and p53 show a tendency to indicate the severity of basal cell carcinoma. In contrast, Ki-67, due to its variable behavior, cannot be considered a marker of severity. Also, PCNA was not a good marker of cell proliferation.

Câncer da próstata: uma análise interobservadores / Prostate cancer: an interobserver analysis

A graduação de Gleason é amplamente utilizada na avaliação histopatológica dos carcinomas prostáticos por ter boa reprodução intra e interobservadores. O grau de concordância interobservadores na utilização desta graduação entre uropatologistas, patologistas gerais e médicos residentes em patologia foi avaliado neste estudo em âmbito nacional. Foram selecionadas randomicamente lâminas de biópsia de próstata guiada por agulha de 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma confirmado por análise da peça cirúrgica e pesquisa imunoistoquímica de citoqueratina de alto peso molecular, no Cito Laboratório de Citopatologia Ltda, no período de junho de 1998 a julho de 1999. Cada lâmina foi fotografada em três aumentos: 40, 100 e 200x. As fotos dos 3 casos foram disponibilizadas na página do Departamento de Patologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (www.patologia.ufjf.br), junto de carta convite e questionário demográfico, endereçados aos patologistas que acessam o PATOCTO (patocito@yahoogroups.com.br), para graduação on-line das biópsias. Os resultados das graduações foram alocados em gráficos de acordo com a distribuição dos percentuais de acerto e cruzamento com os dados demográficos. Foi considerado "verdadeiro" diagnóstico aquele em que a graduação de Gleason obteve maior percentual de consenso. O grau de concordância média global de acerto entre os participantes foi de 65,20% e 79,68% o grau máximo de concordância no escore considerado verdadeiro diagnóstico. Este índice de reprodutibilidade com escore idêntico, tendo em vista a variação de + ou - 1 no escore considerado o "verdadeiro" diagnóstico, passou a 85%, o que vai ao encontro de trabalhos realizados pelo próprio Gleason, idealizador da graduação, e de outros citados na literatura. A presente experiência revela-se importante ferramenta instrucional on-line, podendo ser utilizada em programas de educação continuada.

Because it has good intra and interobserver reproducibility, Gleason`s score is widely used for the histopathological assessment of prostate carcinomas. This was a nationwide study assessing the interobserver agreement of uropathologists, general pathologists and pathology residents, concerning the use of Gleason's score. Slides from 30 patients, with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma confirmed by analysis of the prostatectomy specimen and immunohistochemical analysis of high-molecular weight cytokeratin, were randomly selected from the needle-guided prostate biopsy specimens of the Cito Laboratory of Cytopathology, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil, during the period June 1998 through July 1999. Each slide was photographed at three magnification powers: 40, 100 and 200x. The photos from the 30 cases were made available on-line, for grading of the biopsy materials, in the website of the Pathology Department of the School of Medicine of the Juiz de Fora Federal University (www.patologia.ufjf.br), along with an invitation letter and demographic questionnaire, addressed to pathologists accessing the PATOCITO website (patocito@yahoogroups.com.br). Grading results were graphically plotted according to the percentages of correct diagnoses and against the demographic data. "True" diagnosis was considered that for which Gleason's score reached higher consensus. Mean total agreement was 65.20%, with maximum agreement of 79.68% for the score considered to be the "true" diagnosis. This reproducibility index with identical score, with + or - 1 variation in the score considered to be the "true" diagnosis, reached 85%, consistent with data by Gleason himself and the literature. This experience presents an important on-line tool which may be used for continuing medical education.

Câncer Colorretal Rastreamento, prevenção e controle / Colorretal cancer-screening, prevention and control

O câncer colorretal (CCR) é a segunda neoplasia mais freqüente na população mundial. A alta incidência desse tipo de câncer e a diferença nos resultados do tratamento desta neoplasia, de acordo com o estádio da doença, justificam os esforços para o rastreamento, prevenção e detecção precoce. O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisão atualizada sobre a incidência de CCR e as estratégias de rastreamento de pólipos e CCR. Concluímos que no Brasil, apesar da importância da prevenção e do diagnóstico precoce do CCR, bem como da existência de estatísticas irrefutáveis do benefício dos exames de rastreamento, existem diversos determinantes nacionais que dificultam a realização de uma efetiva política preventiva em saúde pública para o CCR. Como conseqüência, no Brasil existe atraso do diagnóstico e do tratamento das lesões, que em geral são diagnosticadas em estádios avançados, complexos, demandando internações prolongadas e associados a altos índices de mortalidade.

Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in the world population. The high incidence of this type of cancer and the difference in the results of the treatment of cancer, according to the stage of disease justify the efforts for screening, prevention and early detection. The aim of this study was to conduct an updated review on the incidence of colorectal cancer and strategies of screening for polyps and colorectal cancer. We conclude that in Brazil, despite the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of the colorectal cancer, as well as the existence of irrefutable statistics of the benefit of screening examinations, there are several crucial national stumbling blocks as for an effective public health preventive policy for the colorectal cancer. As a result, in Brazil there is a delay of diagnosis and treatment lesions being generally diagnosed at advanced stages, with consequent longer hospital stay and higer mortality rates.

Investigação de efeitos lesivos de doses antiinflamatórias e imunossupressoras de dexametasona sobre a mucosa gástrica em camundongos / Investigation of damage effects by antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone on mice´s gastric mucosal

A dexametasona, potente glicocorticóide, pode causar inúmeras complicações, porém com incerto papel ulcerogênico no trato gastrintestinal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o papel da dexametasona nas doses antiinflamatórias e imunossupressoras na geração de lesão gástrica em camundongos Swiss Webster. Quarenta camundongos fêmeas foram divididos em três grupos. No Grupo I (n=16), os animais receberam 5 mg/kg/dia via intraperitoneal (IP) de dexametasona (dose imunossupressora); no Grupo II (n=16), 1,25 mg/kg/dia IP (dose antiinflamatória); e no Grupo III (n=8), solução fisiológica estéril IP (grupo controle). Os animais foram sacrificados em câmara de CO2 a cada três dias a partir do 3° ao 12° dia. Foram realizadas gastrectomia total, adrenectomia bilateral e esternectomia. A leucometria global e específica foi feita em cinco animais de cada grupo a cada três dias. Não foram encontradas alterações macroscópicas e histológicas no trato gastrintestinal nos diferentes grupos. Em dois camundongos do grupo I e em dois do grupo II, observamos degeneração balonizante das células da supra-renal. Esteatose hepática foi observada apenas em um animal do grupo I. Os animais imunossuprimidos apresentaram leucopenia com linfopenia, neutrofilia e monocitopenia e naqueles submetidos a doses antiinflamatórias notaram-se apenas leucopenia com linfopenia. O grupo controle manteve a contagem dentro da normalidade. Não foi observado dano à mucosa gástrica com o uso de doses antiinflamatórias e imunossupressoras, utilizando-se a via intraperitoneal. Estudos complementares comparando diferentes vias de administração, doses, animais de experimentação e preparações de glicocorticóides deverão ser conduzidos antes de afastar um papel ulcerogênico deste grupo de medicamentos.

Dexamethasone is a powerful glucocorticoid and it may result in some adverse effects, but it is uncertain whether it is ulcerogenic to the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive dose's effect of dexamethasone on the production of gastric mucosal damage in Swiss Webster mice. Forty female mice were separated in 3 groups. In Group I (n=16), the animals received 5 mg/kg/day (intraperitoneal route (IP) of dexamethasone (immunosuppressive dose); Group II (n=16): 1.25 mg/kg/day IP (antiinflammatory dose); and in Group III (n=8), saline solution IP (control group). The animals were sacrificed and necropsied at 3, 6, 9 and 12 days postinnoculation. Stomach, adrenal and sternal samples were collected and processed for microscopy studies. Global and specific counts of white blood cell were made in five animals in each group, each three days. Macroscopic and histological alterations on the gastrointestinal tract were not found in the different groups. In two mice of group I and in two of group II, balloon degeneration in adrenal cells was observed. In one animal of group I hepatic steatosis was found. The immunosuppressed animals presented leukopenia with lymphopenia, neutrofilia and monocytopenia and in those submitted to antiinflammatory doses it was noticed only leukopenia with lymphopenia. The control group kept the count within normality. Gastric mucosal damage with the use of antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive doses was not observed by using the intraperitoneal route. Complementary studies comparing different administration routes, doses, experimental animals and preparations of glucocorticoid must be undertaken before discarding a ulcerogenic role of this medicine group.