Translation and cultural adaptation of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Cervical Dysplasia (FACIT-CD) to evaluate quality of life in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia / Tradução e adaptação cultural do Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Cervical Dysplasia (FACIT-CD) para avaliar qualidade de vida em mulheres com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical

ABSTRACT Objective To translate and perform the cultural adaptation of the tool Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Cervical Dysplasia (FACIT-CD) to the Portuguese language. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study, with translation and cultural adaptation of the assessment tool performed according to international guidelines and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) protocol group. It involved eight experts, six from Brazil, one from Portugal and one from the United States. After translation and back-translation of the tool, the semantic analysis process was carried out. We randomly included 20 women aged between 18 and 70 years with altered cervical cytology exam, seen at the Department of Prevention and Gynecologic Oncology - Hospital de Câncer de Barretos. Results The sample consisted of women with low education level. In the first pre-test, ten women participated and half of them considered the questions CD1, CD2 and CD3 as difficult, because they did not understand the meaning of the term "pelvic area". The question CD5, "I worry about spreading the infection", was also considered difficult to understand by five women. After the reconsideration of the expert committee and FACIT group, the second pre-test was performed. At this stage, we concluded that the previously raised understanding problems had been solved. Conclusion The translated version of FACIT-CD in universal Portuguese language is equivalent to the original version in English and was easily understood by patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

RESUMO Objetivo Traduzir e adaptar o instrumento Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Cervical Dysplasia (FACIT-CD), para a língua portuguesa. Métodos Estudo descritivo, transversal, com metodologia de tradução e adaptação cultural de instrumento de avaliação, realizado por meio de diretrizes internacionais e seguindo o protocolo do grupo Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT). Envolveu oito especialistas, sendo seis nativos do Brasil, um de Portugal e um dos Estados Unidos. Ao término do processo de tradução e retrotradução, deu-se início ao processo de análise semântica. Foram incluídas aleatoriamente 20 mulheres entre 18 e 70 anos com exame de citologia cervical alterado, atendidas no Departamento de Prevenção e Ginecologia Oncológica do Hospital de Câncer de Barretos. Resultados A amostra foi composta por mulheres com baixa escolaridade. No primeiro pré-teste participaram dez mulheres, sendo que a metade considerou as questões CD1, CD2 e CD3 difíceis por não compreenderem o significado do termo "região pélvica". A questão CD5, "Estou preocupada em disseminar a infecção", também foi considerada de difícil entendimento por cinco mulheres. Após as reconsiderações do comitê de especialistas e do grupo FACIT, foi realizado o segundo pré-teste. Nesta fase, pode-se concluir que os problemas de entendimento anteriores foram resolvidos. Conclusão A versão traduzida do FACIT-CD é equivalente à versão original em inglês e em língua portuguesa universal, sendo facilmente compreendida pelas pacientes com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical.

Evaluation of inter-rater reliability of subjective and objective criteria for diagnosis of lymphedema in upper and lower limbs / Avaliação da confiabilidade entre os critérios subjetivos e objetivos utilizados para o diagnóstico de linfedema nos membros superiores e inferiores

The diagnosis of lymphedema can be obtained objectively by measurement methods, and also by subjective methods, based on the patient's complaint. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inter-rater reliability of objective and subjective criteria used for diagnosis of lymphedema and to propose a lymphedema cut-off for differences in volume between affected and control limbs. METHODS: We studied 84 patients who had undergone lymphadenectomy for treatment of cutaneous melanoma. Physical measures were obtained by manual perimetry (MP). The subjective criteria analyzed were clinical diagnosis of lymphedema in patients' medical records and self-report of feelings of heaviness and/or increase in volume in the affected limb. RESULTS: For upper limbs, the subjective criteria clinical observation (k 0.754, P<0.001) and heaviness and swelling (k 0.689, P<0.001) both exhibited strong agreement with MP results and there was moderate agreement between MP results and swelling (k 0.483 P<0.001), heaviness (k 0.576, P<0.001) and heaviness or swelling (k 0.412, P=0.001). For lower limbs there was moderate agreement between MP results and clinical observation (k 0.423, P=0.003) and regular agreement between MP and self-report of swelling (k 0.383, P=0.003). Cut-off values for diagnosing lymphedema were defined as a 9.7% difference between an affected upper limb and control upper limb and a 5.7% difference between lower limbs. CONCLUSION: Manual perimetry, medical criteria, and self-report of heaviness and/or swelling exhibited better agreement for upper limbs than for lower limbs for diagnosis of lymphedema...

O diagnóstico de linfedema pode ser obtido tanto de forma objetiva, por métodos de mensuração, quanto por métodos subjetivos, através da queixa do paciente. OBJETIVO: Examinar a confiabilidade entre critérios objetivos e subjetivos utilizados para o diagnóstico de linfedema e propor um ponto de corte para linfedema de membros superiores e inferiores. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 84 pacientes submetidos à linfonodectomias para o tratamento do melanoma cutâneo. As mensurações dos membros foram feitas utilizando a perimetria manual. Os critérios subjetivos foram obtidos através do diagnóstico de linfedema nos prontuários dos pacientes (observação clínica) e de auto-relato de sensação de peso e/ou aumento de volume no membro afetado. RESULTADOS: Nos membros superiores, houve uma forte correlação entre a perimetria manual e cada um dos critérios subjetivos: observação clínica (k 0,754, P<0,001) e sensação de peso eaumento de volume (k 0,689, P<0,001); concordância moderada no aumento de volume (k 0,483, P<0,001), peso (k 0,576, P<0,001) e sensação de peso ou aumento de volume (k 0,412, P=0,001). Nos membros inferiores, houve concordância moderada entre a perimetria e observação clínica (k 0,423, P=0,003) e regular no aumento de volume (k 0,383, P=0,003). O ponto de corte para definir linfedema foi uma diferença de 9,7% entre o membro afetado e o controle, e 5,7% de diferença para membros inferiores. CONCLUSÃO: Perimetria, observação clínica e auto-relato de sensação de peso e/ou aumento de volume, apresentaram melhor concordância para membros superiores que para inferiores no diagnóstico de linfedema...

Eticidade do uso de placebo em pesquisa clínica: proposta de algoritmos decisórios / Ethics of the use of placebos in clinical research: a proposal for decision-making algorithms

O uso de placebo em pesquisa clínica tem sido motivo de debate nos últimos anos, sobretudo após a Associação Médica Mundial publicar, em 2002, nota de esclarecimento do parágrafo 29 da Declaração de Helsinki. O Brasil tem se destacado por sua posição firme e contrária ao uso flexível de placebo. Tanto o Conselho Federal de Medicina quanto o Conselho Nacional de Saúde editaram resoluções que normatizam seu uso no Brasil, de forma a não admiti-lo em caso da existência de um método terapêutico melhor. O presente artigo reforça essa posição e tem por objetivo descrever as diversas aplicações de placebo em pesquisa clínica, bem como trazer à luz a complexa decisão sobre a eticidade de seu uso. Além disso, os autores propõem uma reflexão acerca da utilização de placebo no âmbito da pesquisa, por meio de algoritmos decisórios baseados nas normativas éticas brasileiras...

The use of placebos in clinical research has been a matter of considerable debate in recent years, notably when the World Medical Association published, in 2002, a note of clarification for paragraph 29 of the Helsinki Declaration. Brazil is known for its strong opposition to the flexible use of placebos. Both the Federal Council of Medicine and the National Health Council have published resolutions regulating the use of placebos in Brazil, preventing their use if there is a more effective therapeutic method already in place. The present study reinforces that position and aims to describe the various uses of placebos in clinical research, as well as examining the complex decisions relating to the ethics of their use. Additionally, the authors propose a reflection on the use of placebos through decision-making algorithms based on Brazilian ethical standards...

El uso del placebo en la investigación clínica ha sido un tema de debate en los últimos años, sobre todo después de que la Asociación Médica Mundial publicara, en 2002, una nota aclaratoria del párrafo 29 de la Declaración de Helsinki. Brasil se ha destacado por su firme posición en contra de la utilización flexible del placebo. Tanto el Consejo Federal de Medicina como el Consejo Nacional de Salud editaron resoluciones que regulan el uso del placebo en Brasil, no admitiéndose su uso cuando existe un mejor método terapéutico. El presente artículo refuerza esa posición y tiene como objetivo describir diferentes usos del placebo en la investigación clínica, así como contribuir en la discusión sobre la ética de su uso. Además, los autores proponen una reflexión sobre el uso del placebo en la investigación a través de algoritmos para la toma de decisiones, los cuales se basan en las normativas éticas de Brasil...

Avaliacao comparativa entre os metodos objetivo e subjetivo em laminas coradas pela imuno-histoquimica / Comparative assessment between objective and subjective methods in slides stained by immunohistochemistry

Métodos objetivos de avaliação são frequentemente cobrados em estudos científicos. Exames histológicos com coloração imuno-histoquímica podem ser avaliados por meio de fotometria. OBJETIVO: Comparar este método objetivo com a avaliação subjetiva realizada por três observadores independentes, utilizando lâminas de colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média. MÉTODO: Foram selecionadas um total de 54 imagens de colesteatomas imuno-histoquimicamente coradas pelos anticorpos anti-TNF-R2 (32 lâminas) e anti-TGF-α; (22 lâminas). O anticorpo secundário utilizado nos dois grupos foi o Max Polimer Detection System (Kit Novo Link, Novocastra®, UK). As amostras foram processadas por um scanner digital de lâminas (modelo ScanScope - Aperio). As áreas selecionadas foram submetidas à análise por fotometria. RESULTADOS: A avaliação objetiva por fotometria foi comparada com a avaliação subjetiva por três observadores e submetidas à análise estatística. A análise estatística revelou reprodutibilidade moderada (K valores entre 0,41 e 0,60) para os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou que as características irregulares das lâminas de colesteatoma da orelha média coradas pela imuno-histoquímica impossibilita a sua adequada avaliação objetiva, enquanto a avaliação subjetiva por observadores experientes se mostrou mais confiável. .

Objective methods of assessment are often required in scientific studies. Histological tests with immunohistochemical staining can be assessed by photometry. OBJECTIVE: To compare this objective method with the subjective evaluation performed by three independent examiners, using slides of acquired middle ear cholesteatomas. METHOD: We selected a total of 54 cholesteatoma images, immunohistochemically stained by anti-TNF-R2 (32 slides) and anti-TGF-α, (22 slides). The secondary antibody used in the two groups was the Max Polymer Detection System (Novo Link Kit, Novocastra®, UK). The samples were processed by a digital slide scanner (ScanScope - Aperio). The selected sites were analyzed by photometry. RESULTS: The objective assessment by photometry was compared with the subjective evaluation by three examiners and subjected to statistical analysis. The Statistical analysis revealed moderate reproducibility (K values between 0.41 and 0.60) for both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the irregular characteristics of middle ear cholesteatoma slides stained by immunohistochemistry prevents its proper objective evaluation, while the subjective assessment by experienced examiners was more reliable. .

Método prático de obtenção de amostras de meato acústico externo e membrana timpânica para estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico / Method for removal of samples of ear canal and tympanic membrane for histologic and immunhistochemical study

Ossos temporais humanos constituem valiosas fontes de estudo das doenças relacionadas à orelha. Apesar dos vários métodos existentes para obtenção de amostras de ossos temporais de cadáveres, geralmente estes métodos não são descritos em detalhes nos artigos envolvendo pesquisa. OBJETIVOS: Descrever um método prático e rápido para obtenção de amostras de meato acústico externo e membrana timpânica, e verificar sua viabilidade para estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Para este estudo experimental, foram obtidas 31 amostras de meato acústico externo e membrana timpânica de cadáveres com a utilização de furadeira convencional e broca do tipo serra copo. O material foi dissecado para obtenção de amostras em bloco contendo o meato acústico externo e a membrana timpânica. Estas amostras foram analisadas por histologia e imunohistoquímica. RESULTADOS: Foi possível a remoção de amostras de pequeno volume e de boa qualidade, o que facilitou a obtenção de amostras contendo todo o meato acústico externo e membrana timpânica. Em todas as amostras, foi possível realização de estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico. CONCLUSÃO: O método aqui descrito foi facilmente exequível, reprodutível e produziu amostras de boa qualidade, seja para treinamento ou pesquisa experimental. Todas as amostras foram viáveis para a realização de estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico.

Temporal bones are valuable resources to study ear diseases. Although there are several methods for removing temporal bones from cadavers, such methods are not usually described in enough details in experimental research papers. OBJECTIVES: To describe a simple and rapid method for ear canal and tympanic membrane removal, and to evaluate its viability for histologic and immunohistochemical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, we obtained 31 ear canal and tympanic membrane samples from cadavers, with a conventional power drill and plug cutter. The material was dissected and samples containing ear canals and tympanic membranes were obtained in blocks. The samples were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Removal of small and good quality samples containing entire ear canals and tympanic membranes. In all the samples, it was possible to perform both histological and immunohistochemical analyses. CONCLUSION: This method was easily achievable, reproducible and yielded good quality samples, both for training purposes and for experimental research. All the samples were viable for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Analysis of physical therapy in patients who had radical lymphadenectomy for cutaneous melanoma

OBJECTIVE: Analyze if patients who had radical lymphadenectomies as a treatment for cutaneous melanoma underwent physiotherapy, observing whether or not lymphedema developed, in addition to observing what techniques were used and whether orientation as to the prevention of lymphedema was received. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 84 patients submitted to axillary, inguinal and ilioinguinal lymphadenectomies as a treatment for cutaneous melanoma. The patients enrolled underwent an evaluation consisting of measurement of limb volume by manual perimetry and questions. RESULTS: The majority of patients with lymphedema (78.8 percent) underwent postoperative physical therapy. Somewhat troubling is the fact that only 12 individuals with lymphedema remain under treatment (36.4 percent), while the remaining 21 (63.6 percent) did not undergo physical therapy. The start of physical therapy after a 6-month postoperative period (p = 0.007) and after the onset of lymphedema (p = 0.005), performing manual lymph drainage (p = 0.008) and orientation on elastic sleeve or cuff (p < 0.001) showed statistically significant differences when compared to lymphedema and non-lymphedema patient groups. CONCLUSION: Most patients who had lymphedema underwent physiotherapy treatment. In place of a complete regimen of complex decongestive physical therapy, most patients inadequately substituted their physical therapy with isolated techniques. Most patients received orientation on how to prevent lymphedema.

Definition of gross tumor volume with FDG-18F PET-CT in patients with head and neck cancer: comparison of different delineation methods

Objective: Besides the high sensitivity and specificity of positron emission tomography (PET) for head and neck tumors, there is still a lack of consensus about how to use this method inradiotherapy planning. The aim of this study is to compare different gross tumor volume (GTV) obtained with PET images in comparison to the size of the target volume generated with CT scanalone, for treated and untreated head and neck lesions. Methods: Sixty lesions in fifty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. Delineation of the GTV was achieved using computed tomography (CT) images alone (GTV-CT) and PET-CT images with the visual assessment method (GTVPET-CT) and standard uptake value (SUV) thresholds of 40, 50, 60 and 75 percent (GTV40%, GTV50%, GTV60%, GTV75%, respectively). Correlations were measured by the Spearman test and the Friedman test was used to verify differences between GTVs. Results: For all lesions (treated and untreated), only the GTVPET-CT showed a strong correlation with GTV-CT. For only the untreated lesions, GTVPET-CT and GTV75% showed a strong correlation with GTV-CT. The GTV50%, GTV60% and GTV75% showed statistically significant difference in relation to GTV-CT, while GTVPET-CT and GTV40% were similar to GTV-CT. Conclusion: The use of PET-CT changes the volume of the final target in head and neck tumors,depending on the methodology used to calculate the GTV. The results presented here showed that the GTV40% and the GTVPET-CT are those who are closer to the target volumes delineated by conventional CT

Tratamento cirúrgico do adenocarcinoma de reto por laparoscopia e por acesso convencional: estudo comparativo de tempo cirúrgico, complicações pós-operatórias, radicalidade oncológica e sobrevida / Treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma by laparoscopy and conventional route: a brazilian comparative study on operative time, postoperative complications, oncological radicality and survival

OBJETIVO: Comparar duas vias cirúrgicas (laparoscópica e convencional) para o tratamento de câncer de reto no que se refere às complicações pós-operatórias, radicalidade oncológica e sobrevida. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo com 84 pacientes com câncer retal que foram admitidos no Hospital do Câncer de Barretos entre 2000 e 2003. Somente os indivíduos que se submeteram à operações eletivas (intenção curativa) foram incluídos. A via cirúrgica foi escolhida subjetivamente e não com base na localização do tumor. RESULTADOS: O acesso laparoscópico foi utilizado por 50 por cento dos pacientes. Não houve diferença (P> 0,05) entre os dois grupos em relação à: idade, sexo, topografia, estádio, tratamento neoadjuvante e adjuvante, número de linfonodos regionais dissecados, tamanho da peça cirúrgica, margens cirúrgicas, transfusões de sangue, taxas de complicações pós-operatórias, dias de hospitalização e a taxa de sobrevida global. O tempo cirúrgico foi maior no grupo laparoscópico (mediana: 210x127,5min, P<0,001). Houve diminuição do tempo cirúrgico com o aumento do número de laparoscopias realizadas pela equipe (rho: -0,387, P=0,020). CONCLUSÃO: As vias laparoscópica e convencional, para o tratamento de câncer de reto, foram equivalentes em relação às complicações pós-operatórias, radicalidade oncológica e sobrevida. Contudo, o tempo cirúrgico foi maior no grupo da laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two surgical routes (laparoscopic and conventional) for the treatment of rectal cancer with regard to postoperative complications, oncological radicality and survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 84 patients with rectal cancer who were admitted to the Barretos Cancer Hospital between 2000 and 2003. Only individuals who underwent elective operations with curative intent were included. The surgical approach was subjectively chosen rather than by location of the tumor. RESULTS: The laparoscopic access was used by 50 percent of patients. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between the two groups regarding age, sex, topography, staging, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, number of dissected lymph nodes, size of surgical specimen, surgical margins, blood transfusions, postoperative complication rates, hospital stay and overall survival. Surgical time was longer in the laparoscopic group (median: 210x127, 5 min, P <0.001). A reduction in surgical time was noted with the increasing number of laparoscopies performed by the team (rho: -0.387, P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic and conventional routes, for the treatment of rectal cancer, were equivalent with respect to postoperative complications, oncological radicality and survival. However, the operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group.

TNF-R2 expression in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma / Expressão do TNF-R2 no colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média

Acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is a disease which promotes bone erosion resulting in potentially serious complications. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is present in cholesteatoma and it is related to bone erosion, as shown by different authors. To understand the aggressiveness characteristics of cholesteatoma is necessary, however, to better address the presence and distribution of their receptors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of type 2 TNF-α receptor (TNF-R2) in fragments of cholesteatoma and correlate it to the degree of inflammation present. MATERIAL AND METHODS: observational cross-sectional study, which analyzed 33 fragments of cholesteatomas through histological analysis and immunohistochemistry (using as primary antibody to TNF-R2 LabVision® brand). The evaluation was performed by means of a qualitative and semi-quantitative agreement with the observed intensity. For statistical analysis we used the Fisher exact test and Spearman´s correlation coefficient (considered statistically significant when p < 0. 05). RESULTS: The expression of TNF-R2 was present in all fragments, however a statistical analysis showed no correlation or association between inflammation and the expression of TNF-R2. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-R2 is present in cholesteatoma of the middle ear, however, its expression is not directly related to the degree of inflammation observed in patients with this disease.

O colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média promove erosão óssea, ocasionando complicações potencialmente graves. O fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) está presente no colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média e relaciona-se com a erosão óssea, como demonstraram diferentes autores. Para que se compreenda as características de agressividade do colesteatoma, é necessário que se estude a presença e a distribuição seus receptores. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão do receptor tipo dois do TNF-α (TNF-R2) em fragmentos de colesteatoma e relacioná-lo com o grau de inflamação. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional do tipo transversal. Foram analisados 33 fragmentos de colesteatomas, submetidos à análise histológica e imunoistoquímica (utilizando o TNF-R2 da marca Labvision®). A avaliação foi realizada de forma qualitativa e semiquantitativa, de acordo com a intensidade observada. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste exato de Fischer e o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (estatisticamente significativo quando p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A expressão do TNF-R2 estava presente em todos os fragmentos, entretanto a estatística não evidenciou correlação, nem associação entre o processo inflamatório e a expressão do TNF-R2. CONCLUSÕES: O TNF-R2 está presente no colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média. Entretanto, a sua expressão não está relacionada ao grau de inflamação.

NDRG1 protein overexpression in malignant thyroid neoplasms

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 protein in benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid gland by immunohistochemistry. INTRODUCTION: N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 encodes a protein whose expression is induced by various stimuli, including cell differentiation, exposure to heavy metals, hypoxia, and DNA damage. Increased N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 expression has been detected in various types of tumors, but the role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 expression in thyroid lesions remains to be determined. METHODS: A tissue microarray paraffin block containing 265 tissue fragments corresponding to normal thyroid, nodular goiter, follicular adenoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma (classical pattern and follicular variant), follicular carcinoma, and metastases of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal anti- N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 antibody. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical expression of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 was higher in carcinomas compared to normal thyroid glands and nodular goiters, with higher expression in classical papillary thyroid carcinomas and metastases of thyroid carcinomas (P < 0.001). A combined analysis showed higher immunohistochemical expression of NDRG1 in malignant lesions (classical pattern and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas, follicular carcinomas, and metastases of thyroid carcinomas) compared to benign thyroid lesions (goiter and follicular adenomas) (P = 0.043). In thyroid carcinomas, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 expression was significantly correlated with a more advanced TNM stage (P = 0.007) and age, metastasis, tumor extent, and size (AMES) high-risk group (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid carcinomas showed increased immunohistochemical N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 expression compared to normal and benign thyroid lesions and is correlated with more advanced tumor stages.

Inmunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in normal inferior turbinate mucosa / Evaluación inmunohistoquímica de los receptores de estrógenos alfa y beta en la mucosa normal de concha nasal inferior

It has been postulated that the nasal mucosa, like other human tissues, is affected by a complex interactive network of neuropeptides, cytokines, allergic and inflammatory mediators and hormones such as estrogen, in which associations between symptoms (e.g. nasal stuffiness and coryza) and hormonal variations deriving from pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives and menstrual cycle phases are observed. The objective is evaluating the presence of specific estrogen receptors (types alpha and beta) in inferior turbinate mucosa in healthy subjects without nasal symptoms. Samples of nasal inferior turbinate were removed from patients undergoing aesthetic nasal surgery, and analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, followed by immunohistochemical preparations on paraffin-embedded sections from the material sample, to detect estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Positive immunohistochemical reactions for both beta and alpha receptors were found in various regions of the inferior nasal turbinate. In conclusion both alpha and beta receptors were found, though the expression of beta was greater and more intense in the anterior portion of the inferior turbinate. No difference was found between male and female patients regarding the intensity of expression of receptors in the inferior turbinate.

Se ha postulado que la mucosa nasal, al igual que otros tejidos humanos, se ve afectada por una compleja red interactiva de neuropéptidos, citoquinas, mediadores alérgicos e inflamatorios, y hormonas como el estrógeno, en el que las asociaciones entre los síntomas (por ejemplo, congestión nasal y catarro) y hormonales las variaciones derivadas del embarazo, se observó el uso de anticonceptivos hormonales y las fases del ciclo menstrual. El objetivo es evaluar la presencia de receptores de estrógenos específicos (tipos de alfa y beta) en la mucosa de la concha nasal inferior en sujetos sanos sin síntomas nasales. Las muestras de la concha nasal inferior fueron retirados de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía nasal estética y analizados mediante hematoxilina-eosina, seguidos de cortes de preparados de inmunohistoquímica incluídos en parafina de la muestra de material, para detectar los receptores de estrógenos alfa y beta. Las reacciones de inmunohistoquímica fueron positiva para ambos receptores alfa y beta, éstas se encuentran en diversas regiones del cornete nasal inferior. En conclusión, tanto los receptores alfa y beta se encuentran, aunque la expresión de la beta fue mayor y más intensa en la porción anterior de la concha nasal inferior. No se encontraron diferencias entre pacientes hombres y mujeres en relación con la intensidad de la expresión de los receptores en el concha nasal inferior.

Type I and type II endometrial adenocarcinomas: comparative study of ultrasonographic parameters

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare ultrasonographic aspects of type I and II endometrial adenocarcinomas, seeking to identify differences that could predict the likely histological pattern before curettage. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study with 117 women with type I endometrial adenocarcinomas and 17 women with type II, admitted to the Barretos Cancer Hospital,, Barretos, Brazil between February 2007 and December 2009. Patient medical records were reviewed according to standardized form, collecting clinical and histopathologic information in addition to information related to ultrasonographic aspects. Results: The most commonly described ultrasonographic aspect was homogenous myometrium (65.8%), heterogeneous endometrial aspect (66.6%), regular endometrial basal layer (66.6%) and the endometrial cavity not filled by material (51.1%). Myometrial echogenicity proved the only variable in that there was no statistically significant difference, with heterogeneous aspect more frequently found in type II carcinoma (80.0% vs. 27.8%; p=0.039). Conclusions: This study noted few differences between the two groups in reference to ultrasonographic aspects. The only variable that demonstrated statistical significance was myometrial echogenicity. Other studies are necessary for the validation of results presented here

Lymphatic drainage of the breast: from theory to surgical practice / Drenaje linfático de la mama: desde la teoría a la práctica quirúrgica

Until recently, complete removal of axillary lymph nodes was performed as part of the treatment of breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in selected cases has reduced the number of cases of wide axillary dissection and the related morbidity. Knowledge of breast lymphatic drainage is essential for understanding the principles behind SLNB and also for performing safe and correct axillary lymphonodectomy. This paper describes in detail the anatomical issues relating to breast lymphatic drainage and the correlated axillary and extra-axillary lymph nodes. In addition, it shows the application of this theoretical knowledge to surgical practice, especially with regard to SLNB and lymphonodectomy. The surgical nomenclature is compared with the current International Anatomical Terminology.

Hasta hace poco, la eliminación completa de los linfondos axilares se realizaba como parte del tratamiento del cáncer de mama. En casos seleccionados la biopsia del linfonofo centinela ha reducido el número de casos de disección axilar y la morbilidad. El conocimiento del drenaje linfático de la mama es esencial para comprender los principios detrás del SNLB y también para la realización segura y correcta de la linfonodectomía axilar. Este trabajo describe en detalles los aspectos anatómicos en relación a la lactancia y correlaciona el drenaje linfático axilar y linfonofos extra-axilares. Además, se muestra la aplicación de estos conocimientos teóricos en la práctica quirúrgica, sobre todo con respecto al linfonofo centinela y la linfonodectomía. La nomenclatura quirúrgica es comparada con la actual Terminología Anatómica Internacional.

Histological analysis of the distribution pattern of glandular tissue in normal inferior nasal turbinates / Análise histológica do padrão de distribuição glandular em conchas nasais inferiores normais

Nasal turbinates play an important role in nasal physiology. These functions include the important function of particle filtration by the mucocilliary system. Many nasal mucosal diseases, such as rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, are directly related with structural alterations of the mucosal lining of the turbinates. AIM: To study the distribution pattern of the glandular epithelium of the lamina propria in the normal lower nasal turbinate mucosa of the anterior, medium and posterior portions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study in which small linear fragment of the lower nasal turbinate was removed from ten patients undergoing aesthetic nose surgery. The slides were hematoxilin-eosin stained, examined histologically and photographed. Glandular epithelium was delimited individually, the total area of the lamina propria on the anterior, medium and posterior portions of nasal turbinates was calculated (µm2). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution pattern of the glandular epithelium of the lamina propria. CONCLUSION: This study showed no predominance of glandular epithelium distribution in anterior and posterior portions of lower nasal turbinates in normal subjects.

As conchas nasais inferiores desempenham um importante papel na fisiologia nasal. Dentre as diversas funções, destaca-se a filtração de partículas estranhas pelo sistema mucociliar. Muitas doenças relacionadas à mucosa nasal, como rinites e rinossinusites, têm relação direta com alterações estruturais na mucosa de revestimento das conchas nasais. OBJETIVO: Verificar o padrão de distribuição do epitélio glandular da lâmina própria na mucosa de conchas nasais inferiores normais, nas suas regiões da cabeça, corpo e cauda. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com dez pacientes submetidos a procedimento nasal estético, dos quais retirou-se pequeno fragmento linear de concha nasal inferior. Os cortes foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina e submetidos a exame histológico. Foram delimitadas individualmente as áreas de epitélio glandular e a área total de lâmina própria da mucosa da cabeça, do corpo e da cauda das conchas nasais, que foram medidas em µm2. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no padrão de distribuição do epitélio glandular da lâmina própria. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostra que não existe predomínio em uma região específica, na distribuição do epitélio glandular, nas diferentes áreas das conchas nasais inferiores no sentido ântero-posterior em pacientes normais.

Análise dos padrões histopatológicos do colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média / Analysis of histopathological aspects in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma

O colesteatoma da orelha média é caracterizado pela presença de epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado neste local, com alto poder invasivo, causando destruição óssea e podendo levar a complicações. OBJETIVO: Estudar os padrões histopatológicos no colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média. Correlacionar esses dados com a idade do paciente. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico e experimental do tipo transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram colhidas amostras de colesteatoma de 50 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia otológica, sendo 34 adultos e 16 crianças, no período de 2006 a 2007. Essas amostras foram submetidas à análise histológica. RESULTADOS: A presença de atrofia foi encontrada em 78 por cento dos casos, acantose em 88 por cento, hiperplasia da camada basal em 88 por cento e cones epiteliais em 62 por cento. As correlações entre acantose e hiperplasia da camada basal, acantose e formação de cones epiteliais, hiperplasia da camada basal foram positivas e significativas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação aos padrões histopatológicos entre os dois grupos etários (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O colesteatoma tem características hiperproliferativas, com acantose, hiperplasia da camada basal e presença de cones epiteliais na sua matriz.

Middle ear cholesteatomas are characterized by the presence of stratified squamous epithelium in this cavity with highly invasive properties causing bone destruction and it may lead to complications. AIM: To study the histopathological features in acquired cholesteatomas of the middle ear, correlating this data with patient age. Study design:clinical and experimental cross-sectional study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples were obtained from 50 patients submitted to otologic surgery for the removal of middle ear cholesteatomas from 2006 to 2007. Thirty four patients were adults and 16 were children. Samples were studied by histological analysis. RESULTS: we found the presence of epithelial atrophy (78 percent), epithelial acanthosis (88 percent), hyperplasia of the basal layer (88 percent) and formation of epithelial cones (62 percent). There was a positive and significant correlation between histopathological variables (such as epithelial acanthosis, hyperplasia of the basal layer and formation of epithelial cones). Histopathological variables presented no statistical significant difference in both age groups (p>0,05). CONCLUSION: Cholesteatomas have hyperproliferating characteristics with epithelial acanthosis, hyperplasia of the basal layer and the presence of epithelial cones in the matrix.

Absence of the musculocutaneous nerve: a rare anatomical variation with possible clinical-surgical implications / Ausência do nervo musculocutâneo: uma rara variação anatômica com possíveis implicações clínico-cirúrgicas

CONTEXT: The musculocutaneous nerve is one of the terminal branches of the lateral fasciculus of the brachial plexus, and is responsible for innervation of the flexor musculature of the elbow and for skin sensitivity on the lateral surface of the forearm. Its absence has been described previously, but its real prevalence is unknown. CASE REPORT: A case of absence of the musculocutaneous nerve that was observed during the dissection of the right arm of a male cadaver is described. The area of innervation was supplied by the median nerve. From this, three branches emerged: one to the coracobrachialis muscle, another to the biceps brachii muscle and the third to the brachialis muscle. This last branch continued as a lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This is an anatomical variation that has clinical-surgical implications, considering that injury to the median nerve in this case would have caused unexpected paralysis of the flexor musculature of the elbow and hypoesthesia of the lateral surface of the forearm.

CONTEXTO: O nervo musculocutâneo é um dos ramos terminais do fascículo lateral do plexo braquial, sendo responsável pela inervação da musculatura flexora do cotovelo e pela sensibilidade cutânea da face lateral do antebraço. Sua ausência já foi descrita previamente, mas a sua real prevalência é desconhecida. RELATO DE CASO: Este é um relato de caso da ausência do nervo musculocutâneo observada durante a dissecção do membro superior direito de um cadáver do sexo masculino, sendo o seu território de inervação suprido pelo nervo mediano. Deste emergiam três ramos, um para o músculo coracobraquial, outro para o músculo bíceps braquial e o terceiro para o músculo braquial. Este último ramo continuava-se como nervo cutâneo lateral do antebraço. Trata-se de variação anatômica que tem implicações clínico-cirúrgicas, já que a lesão do nervo mediano, neste caso, acarretaria inesperada paralisia da musculatura flexora do cotovelo e hipoestesia da face lateral do antebraço.

Benign Inclusions in Lymph Nodes / Inclusiones Benignas en Linfonodos

Benign inclusions are foci of non-neoplastic ectopic tissue in lymph nodes. They are classified into three types: epithelial, nevomelanocytic and decidual. It is important to identify them for the differential diagnosis with lymph node metastases, particularly among patients who present proliferative benign lesions. In general, epithelial inclusions are presented inside lymph nodes as epithelial cysts or as numerous structures resembling ducts. The cells of these structures may originate from the cells of paramesonephricus ducts, salivary glands, breast tissue, thyroid follicles, squamous epithelium or mesothelium. Paramesonephricus -type inclusions are almost exclusively found in pelvic lymph nodes and, in appearance, they resemble the epithelium of the uterine tube. Inclusions of breast tissue are composed predominantly of ectopic mammary glands and ducts that present diverse morphological characteristics that still have obscure etiology. Thyroid-type inclusions are frequently found in cervical and axillary lymph nodes, and it is believed that, embryologically, they arise from the mixing of tissues from which lymph nodes and the thyroid gland originate. Mesothelial inclusions occur preferentially in the mediastinal lymph nodes of patients who are affected by pleural or pericardial effusions. Aggregates of melanocytic cells are generally found in the lymph node capsule. The explanation for this occurrence is uncertain, but it is believed to be a consequence of incorrect migration of neural crest cells, or because of "benign metastases" of nevi present in the skin. Studies on benign inclusions in lymph nodes take on importance through assisting in correctly diagnosing the presence of metastases.

Las inclusiones benignas son focos de tejido ectópico no neoplásico en los linfonodos. Ellos son clasificados en tres grupos: epitelial, nevomelanocítico y decidual. Es importante identificarlos para el diagnóstico diferencial con metástasis de linfonodos, particularmente en aquellos pacientes que presentan lesiones proliferativas benignas. En general, las inclusiones epiteliales se presentan dentro de los linfonodos como quistes epiteliales o como numerosas estructuras que parecen conductos. Las células de estas estructuras se pueden originar a partir de las células del conducto paramesonéfrico, glándulas salivales, tejido mamario, folículos tiroideos, epitelio escamoso o mesotelio. Las inclusiones tipo paramesonéfrico son exclusivamente encontradas en los linfonodos pélvicos y su apariencia recuerda el epitelio de la tuba uterina. Las inclusiones del tejido mamario están compuestas predominantemente de tejido mamario glandular ectópico y los ductos presentan diversas características morfológicas las que no tienen una clara etiología. Las inclusiones del tipo tiroideas son frecuentemente encontradas en los linfonodos cervicales y axilares y se cree que embriológicamene, se originan de una mezcla de tejidos de que origina linfonodos y tejido glandular tiroideo. Las inclusiones mesoteliales ocurren preferentemente en los linfonodos mediastínicos de pacientes que son afectados por dilataciones pleurales y pericárdicas. Los agregados de células melanocíticas son generalmente encontrados en la cápsula de los linfonodos. La explicación para este hecho es incierta, pero se cree que es una consecuencia incorrecta de la migración de células de la cresta neural o por metástasis benignas de nevos presentes en la piel. Los estudios de las inclusiones benignas en linfonodos toma importancia ya que a través de ellos se puede ayudar a un correcto diagnóstico de la presencia de metástasis.