Impact of covid-19 on the sexual function and self-esteem of young brazilian undergraduate student / Impacto do covid-19 na função sexual e autoestima de jovens universitárias brasileiras

INTRODUCTION: Satisfactory sexual function contributes considerably to women's physical and mental health and is affected by several factors, including chronic stress. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, these stressors have been intensified by fear of contamination and morbidity and mortality, deaths, and long-term social isolation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual function and self-esteem of young women attending university in Brazil and also investigate the importance of social isolation in these conditions. METHODS: This longitudinal study included 90 students with active sexual life who answered questionnaires before (in person) and during (virtually) the pandemic. The instruments used were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. RESULTS: Only 67 women answered all questionnaires sent during the pandemic and had a mean age of 22.9 (±2.99) years; most of them were eutrophic, healthy students and, had a fixed partner. The total FSFI score allowed us to classify women without sexual dysfunction and was not modified during the pandemic. On the other hand, the self-esteem found was slightly lower than that considered healthy and did not change during the pandemic. Women who maintained social distancing showed a statistically significant reduction in sexual function when compared to those who did not (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic did not influence young women's sexual function or self-esteem attending university in Brazil. However, the behavior of social isolation during the pandemic impaired the sexual function of these women.

INTRODUÇÃO: A função sexual satisfatória contribui consideravelmente para a saúde física e mental da mulher e é afetada por diversos fatores, entre eles o estresse crônico. Desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19, esses estressores foram intensificados pelo medo de contaminação e morbimortalidade, mortes e isolamento social prolongado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da pandemia de COVID-19 na função sexual e autoestima de jovens universitárias no Brasil e também investigar a importância do isolamento social nessas condições. MÉTODOS: Este estudo longitudinal incluiu 90 estudantes com vida sexual ativa que responderam a questionários antes (presencialmente) e durante (virtualmente) a pandemia. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (FSFI) e a Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg. RESULTADOS: Apenas 67 mulheres responderam a todos os questionários enviados durante a pandemia e tinham idade média de 22,9 (±2,99) anos; a maioria era eutrófica, estudantes saudáveis ​​e com companheiro fixo. O escore total do FSFI permitiu classificar mulheres sem disfunção sexual e não foi modificado durante a pandemia. Por outro lado, a autoestima encontrada foi um pouco menor do que a considerada saudável e não se alterou durante a pandemia. As mulheres que mantiveram distanciamento social apresentaram redução estatisticamente significativa na função sexual quando comparadas àquelas que não o fizeram (p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A pandemia de COVID-19 não influenciou a função sexual ou a autoestima de jovens universitárias no Brasil. No entanto, o comportamento de isolamento social durante a pandemia prejudicou a função sexual dessas mulheres.

Fotobiomodulação na Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson no Câncer de Mama Metastático: Relato de Caso / Photobiomodulation in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a Metastatic Breast Cancer: Case Report / La Fotobiomodulación en el Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson en el Cáncer de Mama Metastásico: Informe de Caso

Introdução: A síndrome de Stevens-Johnson é uma condição rara e potencialmente fatal que requer diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado para garantir bom prognóstico. Em virtude da complexidade da síndrome e da falta de tratamento padrão para as feridas, o uso da fotobiomodulação tem sido discutido. Relato do caso: Mulher, 30 anos, com câncer de mama metastático, portadora das síndromes de Stevens-Johnson e de Li-Fraumeni Like, em uso da fotobiomodulação como estratégia adjuvante no tratamento da dor e das feridas na pele. As feridas cutâneas eritematosas envolveram quase toda a superfície corpórea, com lesões escamosas, crostosas e bolhosas, dolorosas, com pontos hemorrágicos em região posterior de ambos os lóbulos das orelhas e na região occipital, dificultando a acomodação da paciente em decúbito lateral e em posição semirreclinada. Foram realizadas duas aplicações da fotobiomodulação (vermelho, com comprimento de onda de 660 nm) nas regiões occipital e de orelhas, com dose de 2 Joules por ponto; e 4 Joules em região escapular para analgesia (infravermelho, com comprimento de onda de 808 nm). Ambas as aplicações foram seguidas de mobilização e liberação miofascial na região escapular. Em 48 horas, houve regressão das lesões cutâneas e melhora da dor, facilitando posicionamento adequado e indolor no leito. Após 15 sessões de fisioterapia, a paciente recebeu alta hospitalar. Conclusão: O uso da fotobiomodulação se mostrou eficaz para o tratamento complementar da fase aguda da síndrome de Stevens-Johnson no que diz respeito à regeneração tecidual e analgesia.

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition, which requires early diagnosis and treatment to ensure good prognosis. Due to the complexity of the syndrome and the lack of a standard wound care treatment, the use of photobiomodulation has been discussed. Case report: A 30-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer and Stevens-Johnson and Li-Fraumeni Like syndromes using photobiomodulation as an adjuvant strategy in the treatment of pain and skin wounds. The erythematous cutaneous lesions involved almost the entire body surface with painful, scaly, crusted and bullous lesions with bleeding spots in the posterior region of both ears lobes and in the occipital region which made it difficult to accommodate the patient in lateral decubitus and in semi-recumbent position. Two photobiomodulation applications (red, with a wavelength of 660 nm) were performed, where lesions in the occipital region and ears were treated with a dose of 2 Joules per point and 4 Joules in the scapular region for pain relief (infrared, with a wavelength of 808 nm), followed by mobilization and myofascial release in the scapular region. In 48 hours, the cutaneous lesions reduced, and the pain improved, which facilitated the adequate and painless positioning in bed. After 15 physiotherapy sessions, the patient was discharged. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation has been shown to be effective in the complementary treatment of the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome regarding tissue regeneration and analgesia.

Introducción: El síndrome de Stevens-Johnson es una condición rara y potencialmente fatal que requiere diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento adecuado para asegurar un buen pronóstico. Debido a la complejidad del síndrome y la falta de un tratamiento estándar de las heridas, se ha discutido el uso de fotobiomodulación. Informe del caso: Mujer, 30 años, con cáncer de mama metastásico, portadora de los síndromes de Stevens-Johnson y Li-Fraumeni Like en uso de la fotobiomodulación como estrategia adyuvante para el tratamiento del dolor y las heridas cutáneas. Las heridas cutáneas eritematosas comprometían casi toda la superficie corporal, con lesiones dolorosas, descamativas, costrosas y ampollosas, con puntos hemorrágicos en la región posterior de ambos lóbulos de las orejas y en la región occipital, que dificultaban la acomodación del paciente en decúbito lateral y en posición cómoda semirrecostada. Se realizaron dos aplicaciones de fotobiomodulación (rojo, con longitud de onda de 660 nm) en región occipital y auricular con dosis de 2 Joules por punto; y 4 Joules en la región escapular para analgesia (infrarrojo, con longitud de onda de 808 nm). Ambas aplicaciones fueron seguidas de movilización y liberación miofascial en la región escapular. En 48 horas hubo una regresión de las lesiones cutáneas y mejoría del dolor, lo que facilitó una adecuada e indolora posición en la cama. Después de 15 sesiones de fisioterapia, la paciente fue dada de alta del hospital. Conclusión: El uso de la fotobiomodulación demostró ser efectivo para el tratamiento complementario de la fase aguda del síndrome de Stevens-Johnson en lo que respecta a la regeneración tisular y la analgesia.

Recommendations for Physiotherapy in Breast and Gynecological Cancer during COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review / Recomendações para Fisioterapia em Oncologia Mamária e Ginecológica durante a Pandemia de COVID-19: Revisão da Literatura / Recomendaciones de Fisioterapia en Oncología Mamaria y Ginecológica durante la Pandemia Covid-19: Revisión de Literatura

Introduction: Considering COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapeutic care for breast and gynecological cancer has the challenge of continuing or beginning the treatment, preventing or treating complications. Objective: To offer guidance about physiotherapy for breast and gynecological cancer during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Descriptive study produced after a public consultation about the theme and based on literature review and opinions of a group of experts. To classify the strength of the recommendations of the outcomes included, the GRADE system was used. Results: 82 Brazilian physiotherapists responded the online survey. Most of the professionals (36.6%) reported they needed information about the use of personal protective equipment and its hygiene, 18.3%, control and prevention of lymphedema, bandaging and skin care and 17.1%, pelvic floor dysfunction. The analysis of the public consultation, literature review and expert's consensus resulted in recommendations related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the care to women undergoing breast or gynecological cancer treatment and on physiotherapy follow-up; on telephysiotherapy follow-up of the most prevalent complications; on women in palliative care and safety after resuming in-person consultation. Aspects of the decision making in relation to the format of the sessions were discussed and the criteria to return to in-person routine. Conclusion: This manuscript recommends the continuation of the physiotherapy services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the educative and self-applied components of the sessions, prioritizing a physical activity plan and specific exercises to contribute for better quality of life of the women.

Introdução: Considerando a pandemia de Covid-19 e a assistência fisioterapêutica nos cânceres de mama e ginecológico, o desafio tem sido continuar ou iniciar a fisioterapia para prevenir ou tratar complicações. Objetivo: Oferecer recomendações voltadas à fisioterapia para os cânceres de mama e ginecológico durante o período de Covid-19. Método: Estudo descritivo produzido após consulta pública sobre o tema, baseado na revisão da literatura e nas considerações de grupo de especialistas. Para graduar a força das recomendações para os desfechos incluídos, utilizou-se o sistema GRADE. Resultados: Oitenta e dois fisioterapeutas de diferentes regiões brasileiras responderam à pesquisa, remotamente. A maioria (36,6%) relatou necessidade de informação sobre equipamento de proteção individual e sua higiene; 18,3% sobre controle e prevenção de linfedema, enfaixamento compressivo e cuidados com a pele; e 17,1% sobre disfunção do assoalho pélvico. A análise da consulta pública, revisão da literatura e considerações dos especialistas resultaram nas recomendações sobre: impacto da pandemia de Covid-19 no acompanhamento fisioterapêutico das mulheres submetidas ao tratamento oncológico mamário ou ginecológico; acompanhamento das complicações mais prevalentes por meio da telefisioterapia; atenção às mulheres em cuidados paliativos; e segurança na assistência após retorno presencial. Aspectos da tomada de decisão em relação ao formato das sessões e critérios de retorno à rotina presencial foram discutidos. Conclusão: Este manuscrito recomenda a continuidade da fisioterapia durante e após a pandemia de Covid-19, destacando componentes educativos e de autoaplicação, priorizando um plano de atividade física e exercícios específicos para contribuir para melhor qualidade de vida das mulheres.

Introducción: Considerando la pandemia de Covid-19 y la asistencia de fisioterapia en cáncer de mama y ginecológico, el desafío ha sido continuar o iniciar la fisioterapia para prevenir o tratar complicaciones. Objetivo: Ofrecer recomendaciones de fisioterapia para el cáncer de mama y ginecológico durante la pandemia. Método: Estudio descriptivo elaborado tras una consulta pública sobre el tema, basado en una revisión de la literatura y consideraciones de expertos. Para calificar la fuerza de las recomendaciones se utilizó el sistema GRADE. Resultados: Ochenta y dos fisioterapeutas brasileños respondieron a la encuesta; 36,6% refirió la necesidad de información sobre equipos de protección personal e higiene; 18,3% en el control y prevención del linfedema, vendajes compresivos y cuidado de la piel; 17,1% en disfunción del suelo pélvico. El análisis de la consulta pública, la revisión de la literatura y las consideraciones de los expertos dieron como resultado las recomendaciones sobre: impacto de la pandemia Covid-19 en el seguimiento fisioterapéutico de mujeres sometidas a tratamiento por cáncer de mama y ginecológico; seguimiento de las complicaciones más prevalentes mediante teleterapia; atención a mujeres en cuidados paliativos; y seguridad en la asistencia después del regreso en persona. Se discutieron aspectos de la toma de decisión y sen relación al formato de las sesiones y criterios para volver a la rutina presencial. Conclusión: Este manuscrito presenta algunas recomendaciones para la continuidad de la fisioterapia durante la pandemia, destacando los componentes educativos y de autorrealización de las guías, y priorizando un plan de actividad física y ejercicios específicos para contribuir con mejor calidad de vida.

Impact of an exercise protocol on sexuality and quality of life of climacteric women / Impacto de um protocolo de exercícios na sexualidade e qualidade de vida de mulheres climatéricas

INTRODUCTION: Climacteric is a period of transition between the reproductive and nonreproductive phases of the woman, due to hypoestrogenism. Some symptoms such as vasomotor and urogenital disorders and sexual dysfunctions are characteristics of this period that can interfere negatively in women´s quality of life. However, specific exercises can positively influence the improvement of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: To verify the impact of a physiotherapist supervised exercise protocol on menopausal symptoms, sexuality and quality of life of climacteric women. METHODS: A descriptive study with physiotherapeutic intervention through a specific exercise protocol. Participated in the study 18 women attended to Instituto da Mulher e Gestante, in the city of Santos (SP). RESULTS: The women underwent initial physiotherapeutic evaluation, answered the Sexuality Questionnaire Female Sexual Function Index, Kupperman Menopausal Index and SF-36 quality of life. They were then submitted to health education about climacteric period and also to a physiotherapist supervised exercise group, once a week, lasting 50 minutes, for 12 weeks. The same questionnaires were reapplied at the end of this period. CONCLUSION: The protocol of specific group exercises supervised by physiotherapist did not influence sexual function, but it was effective for better quality of life and decreased significantly climacteric symptomatology.

INTRODUÇÃO: O climatério é um período de transição entre as fases reprodutiva e não reprodutiva da mulher consequente ao hipoestrogenismo. Sintomas vasomotores, alterações do trato urogenital e disfunções sexuais são algumas condições características deste período que podem interferir negativamente na qualidade de vida. Entretanto, exercícios específicos podem influenciar positivamente na melhora dessas condições. OBJETIVO: Verificar o impacto de um protocolo de exercícios supervisionado por fisioterapeuta nos sintomas menopausais, na sexualidade e na qualidade de vida de mulheres no climatério. MÉTODOS: Estudo quase-experimental com intervenção fisioterapêutica por meio de protocolo de exercícios específicos. Participaram do estudo 18 mulheres usuárias do Instituto da Mulher e da Gestante, do município de Santos (SP). RESULTADOS: As mulheres foram submetidas à avaliação fisioterapêutica inicial, responderam aos questionários de sexualidade Female Sexual Function Index, Índice Menopausal de Kupperman e de qualidade de vida SF-36. Foram então submetidas a grupo de exercício supervisionado por fisioterapeuta, uma vez por semana, com duração de 50 minutos, por 12 semanas. Os mesmos questionários foram reaplicados ao final deste período. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo de exercícios específicos em grupo e supervisionado por fisioterapeuta não influenciou a função sexual, mas foi eficaz para melhor qualidade de vida e enfrentamento da sintomatologia do climatério.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Active Exercise Effects on Lymphatic Function Do Not Translate Into Morbidities in Women Who Underwent Breast Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and active exercise effects on lymphatic alterations of the upper limb (UL), range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and scar complications after breast cancer surgery. DESIGN: Clinical trial. SETTING: Health care center. PARTICIPANTS: Women (N=105) undergoing radical breast cancer surgery who were matched for staging, age, and body mass index. INTERVENTIONS: Women (n=52) were submitted to MLD and 53 to active exercises for UL for 1 month and followed up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shoulder ROM, surgical wound inspection and palpation, UL circumference measurements, and lymphoscintigraphy were performed in preoperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups with regard to wound healing complications, ROM, and UL circumferences. After surgery, 25 (48.1%) of the MLD group and 19 (35.8%) of the active exercise group showed worsening in radiopharmaceutical uptake velocity, whereas 9 (17.3%) of the MLD group and 11 (20.8%) of the active exercise group showed improved velocity (P=.445). With regard to uptake intensity, 27 (51.9%) of the MLD group and 21 (39.6%) of the active exercise group showed worsening whereas 7 (13.5%) of the MLD group and 7 (13.2%) of the active exercise group showed some improvement (P=.391). The presence of collateral circulation was similar in both groups at both time points evaluated. The active exercise group had a significant increase in postoperative liver absorption (P=.005), and the MLD group had a significant increase in postoperative dermal backflow (P=.024). CONCLUSIONS: MLD and active exercise effects are equivalent with regard to morbidity. Minor changes in lymphatic function associated with either MLD or active exercises were not related to patients' symptoms or signs.

Cytogenetic Biomonitoring in Buccal Mucosa Cells from Women Submitted to Chemotherapy After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer.

In addition to surgery, one of the most widely applied treatments for breast cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is currently considered efficient in curing this disease; however, the therapy may induce damage to the patient's genetic material. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate putative cytotoxic and mutagenic effects induced by chemotherapy in women diagnosed with breast cancer. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 42 women, aged 18 to 70 years, allocated according to the diagnosis and stage of breast cancer treatment: control group (healthy) (n=15), chemotherapy group (n=11) and post-chemotherapy group (n=16). Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed by the micronucleus test in buccal mucosa cells. A higher frequency (p<0.05) of micronucleated cells was detected in the chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy groups when compared to the control. A higher frequency (p<0.05) of karyorrhexis and pyknosis in the chemotherapy group was also noted. Taken together, our results indicate that chemotherapy induces mutagenicity and cytotoxicity in buccal mucosa cells of women diagnosed with breast cancer, being persistent after finishing their treatment.

Influence of body mass index on the frequency of lymphedema and other complications after surgery for breast cancer / Influência da massa corporal na frequência de linfedema e outras complicações depois de cirurgia para câncer de mama / Influencia del índice de masa corporal en la frecuencia de linfedema y otras complicaciones después de la cirugía para el cáncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: this study assessed the influence of pre-operative body mass index (BMI) has upon lymphedema, scar tissue adhesion, pain, and heaviness in the upper limb at two years after surgery for breast cancer. Methods: retrospective analysis of 631 medical records of women who underwent surgery for breast cancer and were referred to the Physiotherapy Program at Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti Women's Hospital of the Center for Integral Women's Health Care, CAISM/UNICAMP between January 2006 and December 2007. Results: mean age of women was 56.5 years (±13.7 years) and the most part (55%) were overweight or obese, surgical stages II and III were present in 63% of women studied. Radical mastectomy was the most frequent surgery (54.4%), followed by quadrantectomy (32.1%). In the first year after surgery, there was no significant association between BMI categories and incidence of scar tissue adhesion, pain, heaviness and lymphedema. In the second year, overweight and obese women had higher rates of heaviness in the upper limb and lymphedema. For lymphedema, there was a significant difference among BMI categories (p=0.0268). Obese women are 3.6 times more likely to develop lymphedema in the second year after surgery (odds ratio 3.61 95% CI 1.36 to 9.41). Conclusion: BMI ≥25kg/m2 prior to treatment for breast cancer can be considered a risk factor for developing lymphedema in the two years after surgery. There was no association between BMI and the development of other complications.

RESUMO Avaliou-se a influência do índice de massa corporal (IMC) pré-operatória na ocorrência de linfedema, aderência cicatricial, dor e peso no membro superior nos primeiros dois anos após cirurgia para câncer de mama. O estudo é uma análise retrospectiva, secundária de 631 prontuários de mulheres submetidas à cirurgia para câncer de mama e encaminhadas ao Programa de Fisioterapia do Hospital Professor Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti do Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher, CAISM /UNICAMP, entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2007. Eram mulheres com idade média de 56,5 anos (±13,7 anos), a maioria (55%) com sobrepeso ou obesa. Os estádios clínicos II e III foram encontrados em 63% das mulheres. Mastectomia radical foi a cirurgia mais frequente (54,4%), seguida por quadrantectomia (32,1%). No primeiro ano após a cirurgia não houve associação significativa entre as categorias do índice de massa corporal e incidência de aderência cicatricial, dor, peso e linfedema. No segundo ano, mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade apresentaram maiores taxas de peso no membro superior e linfedema. Para linfedema houve diferença significativa entre as categorias de índice de massa corporal (p=0,0268). Mulheres obesas têm 3,6 vezes mais chance de desenvolver linfedema no segundo ano após a cirurgia (odds ratio 3,61 95% IC 1,36-9,41). Concluiu-se que IMC ≥25kg/m2 anterior ao tratamento para câncer de mama pode ser considerado fator de risco para desenvolvimento do linfedema dois anos após a cirurgia. Não houve associação entre IMC e outras complicações.

RESUMEN Evaluación la influencia del índice de masa corporal preoperatorio, la aparición de linfedema, la adhesión de tejido cicatrizal, dolor y pesadez en los dos primeros años después de la cirugía para el cáncer de mama. Método: análisis retrospectivo de 631 historias clínicas de mujeres sometidas a cirugía para el cáncer de mama y encaminadas al Programa de Fisioterapia do Centro de Atención Integral de la Salud de la Mujer - Professor Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti - CAISM /UNICAMP entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2007. Resultados: mujeres de mediana edad 56,5 años (±13,7 años), 55% tenían sobrepeso u obesidad. Etapas II y III del cáncer se encontraron en el 63% de las mujeres. Cirugía de mastectomía radical fue la más frecuente (54,4%), seguido de cuadrantectomía (32,1%). En el primer año después de la cirugía no hubo asociación significativa entre categorías de índice de masa corporal y incidencia de la adhesión del tejido de cicatriz, dolor, peso y linfedema. En el segundo año, sobrepeso y obesidad tenían mayores tasas de peso y linfedema. Para linfedema hubo diferencias significativas entre categorías de índice de masa corporal (p=0,0268). Las mujeres obesas tienen 3,6 veces más probabilidades de desarrollar linfedema en el segundo año después de la cirugía (odds ratio 3,61 IC del 95%: 1,36 a 9,41). La conclusión és índice de masa corporal ≥25kg/m2 antes del tratamiento para el cáncer de mama puede ser considerado un factor de riesgo para desarrollo de linfedema, dos años después de la cirugía. No hubo asociación entre el índice de masa corporal y otras complicaciones.

Manual lymphatic drainage and multilayer compression therapy for vulvar edema: a case series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vulvar edema is a condition rarely reported and without defined treatment that may result in functional limitation. The aim of the report is to describe a case series of patients with disabling vulvar edema of different etiologies that were treated with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and multilayer compression therapy (MCT). CASE SERIES: Four cases of vulvar edema are described: one in a woman with cervical cancer; one in a woman in the postoperative period of bilateral adrenalectomy for pheocromocytoma; and two in pregnant women with preeclampsia. All cases were treated with MLD and MCT during hospitalization. OUTCOMES: Total resolution of the edema occurred in 2 to 5 d of treatment. CONCLUSION: The present case series is the first to report the use of the MLD and MCT in the successful management of female genital edema. This report suggests that the vulvar edemas for these four patients treated with MLD and MCT seem to resolve faster than expected based on previously reported untreated edemas or edemas treated with different therapeutic approaches.

Lymphatic compensation during the postoperative period after breast cancer treatment with axillary dissection / Compensações linfáticas no pós-operatório de câncer de mama com dissecção axilar

Lymphedema secondary to breast cancer causes physical and psychological morbidity and compromises quality of life. The objective of this literature review was to study lymphatic compensation after surgery for breast cancer and the factors that influence this process, with a view to understanding the etiopathogenesis of lymphedema. Articles indexed on Pubmed published from 1985 to 2012 were reviewed. According to the literature, lymphangiogenesis reduces damage to lymph vessels; there is little evidence that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is elevated in women with lymphedema; lymphovenous communications can be observed 60 days after surgery; women without lymphedema have acquired alternative mechanisms for removal of proteins from the interstitial space; and active exercise stimulates lymphatic and venous pumping. Health professionals should teach these patients about the risk factors for lymphedema. The effects of lymphangiogenesis, proteolysis and lymphovenous communications on development of lymphedema should be studied, since these events are intimately related.

Linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama resulta em morbidade física e psicológica, e compromete a qualidade de vida. O objetivo desta revisão da literatura foi estudar as compensações linfáticas após cirurgia para câncer de mama e os fatores que interferem neste processo, visando a compreender a etiopatogenia do linfedema. Foram incluídos artigos publicados de 1985 a 2012, da base de dados Pubmed. Segundo a literatura, a linfangiogênese reduz danos nos vasos linfáticos; há pouca evidência de que o fator de crescimento vascular endotelial linfático é aumentado nas mulheres com linfedema; anastomoses linfovenosas são observadas 60 dias após a cirurgia; mulheres sem linfedema adquiriram mecanismos alternativos para remoção das proteínas do interstício, e exercício ativo estimula bombeamento linfático e venoso. Orientações dos fatores de risco para linfedema devem ser empregadas por profissionais da saúde. O efeito de linfangiogênese, proteólise e anastomoses linfovenosas sobre o desenvolvimento do linfedema deve ser estudado, pois são eventos intimamente relacionados.

Bioactivity of Fragaria vesca leaves through inflammation, proteasome and autophagy modulation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fragaria vesca leaves have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, namely gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and urinary disorders, which could be related with the potential anti-inflammatory properties of the extract. This work aims to disclose the bioactivity and the underlying action mechanism of an extract from Fragaria vesca leaves in order to support its traditional uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from Fragaria vesca leaves and its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through inhibition of nitric oxide production and expression of several pro-inflammatory proteins in lipopolysaccharide-triggered macrophages. Nitric oxide scavenger activity was also assessed using a standard nitric oxide donor. Since numerous inflammatory proteins are tightly regulated by ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, the putative effect of the extract on these cellular proteolytic pathways was also disclosed. The phytochemical characterization was performed by HPLC-PDA-ESI/MSn and compared with an infusion prepared according to the traditional method. RESULTS: For non-cytotoxic concentrations (80 and 160µg/mL) the extract inhibited nitrite production, probably due to a direct nitric oxide scavenging. Furthermore, inhibition of proteasome activity was verified, leading to accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. The extract also increased the conversion of the microtubule-associated protein light chain LC3-I to LC3-II, a marker of autophagy. Polyphenols, namely ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, and quercetin and kaempferol glucuronide derivatives were identified in Fragaria vesca leaves extract. Most of the identified phenolic compounds matched with those found in traditional preparation, the infusion. CONCLUSIONS: The extract has a direct nitric oxide scavenging activity giving support to the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, the extract affects the proteolytic systems but its role in cancer treatment requires further studies.

Manual lymphatic drainage versus exercise in the early postoperative period for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of active exercise and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on postoperative wound healing complications, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb (UL) perimetry in women undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: Controlled non-randomized clinical trial with 89 women undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: 906). Women were matched for staging, age and body mass index, with 46 women allocated to the exercise group and 43 in the MLD group, receiving 2 weekly sessions during one month. Assessments were performed in the preoperative and 60 d after surgery, including inspection, palpation, goniometry and perimetry. RESULTS: No significant difference existed between groups relative to individual and clinical surgical characteristics. The incidence of seroma, number of punctures performed, dehiscence and infection was similar in both groups. A comparison of shoulder ROM and UL perimetry between groups, obtained in the preoperative and postoperative period, did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: The performance of active exercise or MLD did not demonstrate difference in wound healing complications, shoulder ROM and UL perimetry at 60 d after surgery, suggesting that these techniques may be employed, according to the complaints or symptoms of each woman and physical therapist experience.

Complicações e condutas fisioterapêuticas após cirurgia por câncer de mama: estudo retrospectivo / Complications and physical therapeutic treatment after breast cancer surgery: a retrospective study

Após cirurgia por câncer de mama, as mulheres estão sujeitas a desenvolver algumas complicações físicas. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: investigar o desfecho dessas mulheres, que, durante o primeiro mês pós-operatório, foram submetidas a um programa de reabilitação e identificar ao longo de dois anos as complicações mais frequentes e as condutas fisioterapêuticas mais adotadas. Foi um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, com dados de 707 prontuários de mulheres operadas por câncer de mama no Hospital da Mulher Professor Doutor José Aristodemo Pinotti da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2007, atendidas pelo Setor de Fisioterapia. A análise foi feita por meio de médias, desvio padrão e frequências absolutas e relativas. Ao final do programa, 55% das mulheres receberam alta, 17% necessitaram de atendimento adicional e 26% não aderiram a ele. As complicações mais frequentes foram: aderência pericicatricial (26%), restrição da amplitude de movimento (24%) e deiscência cicatricial (17%). No primeiro ano após a cirurgia (n=460), foram relatados dor (28,5%), sensação de peso (21,5%) e restrição da amplitude de movimento do ombro (16,7%); já no segundo (n=168), houve dor (48,2%), sensação de peso (42,8%) e linfedema (23,2%). Concluiu-se que, ao final do programa, a maioria das mulheres recebeu alta. Ao longo dos anos, houve redução da frequência de restrição da amplitude de movimento do ombro com aumento de linfedema. Cuidados com o braço, exercícios domiciliares e autodrenagem foram as condutas mais adotadas.

After breast cancer surgery, women may develop some physical complications. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the outcome of these women, who participated in a rehabilitation program for one month, as well to identify along two years the most frequent complications and adopted physical therapy conducts. It was a descriptive and retrospective study with 707 medical records of women treated for breast cancer at the Women's Hospital Professor Doutor José Aristodemo Pinotti, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, between January 2006 and December 2007, admitted in the Division of Physical Therapy. Analysis was performed by means, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequencies. By the end of the program, 55% of women were discharged, 17% required additional treatment, and 26% did not join it. The most frequent complications were: pericicatricial adherence (26%), range of motion (ROM) restriction (24%), and scar dehiscence (17%). In the first year after surgery (n=460), the main complaints were: pain (28.5%), heaviness (21.5%), and restriction of shoulder range of motion (16.7%); in the second year (n=168), they were pain (48.2%), heaviness (42.8%), and lymphedema (23.2%). It was concluded that most women were discharged in the end of the program and, over the years, they presented reduction of shoulder range of motion frequency and lymphedema increase. Care of the arm, home exercises, and self-lymphatic drainage were the most adopted conducts.

Manual therapy associated with upper limb exercises vs. exercises alone for shoulder rehabilitation in postoperative breast cancer.

Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) associated with upper limb (UL) exercises in women with impaired shoulder range of motion (ROM) after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer. A randomized, prospective, blinded clinical trial with 131 women with a ROM <- 100° for shoulder flexion and/or abduction on the first day postoperatively were evaluated. Sixty-six women were allocated to group exercises and 65 underwent the exercises followed by MT. Shoulder ROM was measured by goniometry, and function was evaluated by the Modified-University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale--the UCLA Scale, in the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 18th month after surgery. The chi-square test was used for the relationship between clinical characteristics and oncological treatment between groups, and ANOVA for repeat measures was used. No difference in recovery of shoulder ROM as well as UL function was observed between groups. Improvement in ROM was gradual from the 1st to the 18th month, and the function achieving a good classification at 18th month. MT associated with exercises did not enhance the results obtained with exercises alone for shoulder ROM and ipsilateral UL function.

[Upper limbs exercises during radiotherapy for breast cancer and quality of life]. / Exercícios para membros superiores durante radioterapia para câncer de mama e qualidade de vida.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of physiotherapy performed during radiotherapy (RT) on the quality of life (QL) of women under treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 55 women under RT treatment, 28 of whom were assigned to a group submitted to physiotherapy (PG) and 27 to the control group receiving no PG (CG). The physiotherapy technique used for PG was kinesiotherapy for the upper limbs using 19 exercises actively performed, with a series of ten rhythmic repetitions or stretching movements involving flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external shoulder rotation, separate or combined. QL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), at the beginning and at the end of RT and six months after the end of RT. The physiotherapy sessions were started concomitantly with RT, 90 days after surgery, on average. RESULTS: There was no difference between subgroups regarding the following subscales: physical well-being (p=0.8), social/family well-being (p=0.3), functional well-being (p=0.2) and breast subscale (p=0.2) at the three time points assessed. A comparison of the emotional subscale applied at the three evaluations demonstrated a better behavior of PG as compared to CG (p=0.01), with both groups presenting improvement on the breast subscale between the beginning and the end of RT (PG p=0.0004 and CG p=0.003). There was improvement in FACT-B scores at the end of RT in both groups (PG p=0.0006 and CG p=0.003). However, at the sixth month after RT, this improvement was maintained only in PG (p=0,005). QL assessed along time by the FACT B (p=0.004) and the Trial Outcome Index (TOI) (sums of the physical and functional well-being subscales and of the breast subscale) was better for PG (p=0.006). There was no evidence of negative effects associated with the exercises. CONCLUSIONS: The execution of exercises for the upper limbs was beneficial for QL during and six months after RT.

Exercícios para membros superiores durante radioterapia para câncer de mama e qualidade de vida / Upper limbs exercises during radiotherapy for breast cancer and quality of life

Objetivo: avaliar a influência da fisioterapia realizada durante a radioterapia (RT) sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres em tratamento para câncer de mama. Métodos: ensaio clínico randomizado com 55 mulheres em tratamento radioterápico, sendo 28 alocadas no grupo submetido à fisioterapia (GF) e 27 no grupo controle sem fisioterapia (GC). A técnica fisioterápica utilizada para o GF foi a cinesioterapia para membros superiores, com emprego de 19 exercícios realizados ativamente, com uma série de dez repetições rítmicas ou alongamentos, englobando movimentos de flexão, extensão, abdução, adução, rotação interna e rotação externa dos ombros, isolados ou combinados. A QV foi avaliada por meio do Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) no início, no final da RT e seis meses após seu término. As sessões de fisioterapia começavam concomitantemente à RT, em média 90 dias após a cirurgia. Resultados: não houve diferença entre os grupos para as subescalas: bem-estar físico (p=0,8), bem-estar social/familiar (p=0,3), bem-estar funcional (p=0,2) e subescala de mama (p=0,2) nos três momentos avaliados. A comparação da subescala emocional obtida nas três avaliações demonstrou melhor comportamento do GF em relação ao GC (p=0,01). Ambos apresentaram melhora na subescala de mama entre o início e final da RT (GF p=0,0004 e GC p=0,003). Houve melhora dos escores do FACT-B ao final da RT em ambos os grupos (GF p=0,0006 e GC p=0,003). No entanto, seis meses após a RT, esta melhora manteve-se somente no GF (p=0,005). A qualidade de vida avaliada ao longo do tempo pelo FACT B (p=0,004) e Trial Outcome Index (TOI) (soma das subescalas bem-estar físico, funcional e subescala de mama) foi melhor no GF (p=0,006). Não houve evidência de efeitos negativos associados aos exercícios. Conclusões: a realização de exercícios para membros superiores beneficiou a qualidade de vida durante e seis meses após a RT.

Purpose: to assess the influence of physiotherapy performed during radiotherapy (RT) on the quality of life (QL) of women under treatment for breast cancer. Methods: this was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 55 women under RT treatment, 28 of whom were assigned to a group submitted to physiotherapy (PG) and 27 to the control group receiving no PG (CG). The physiotherapy technique used for PG was kinesiotherapy for the upper limbs using 19 exercises actively performed, with a series of ten rhythmic repetitions or stretching movements involving flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external shoulder rotation, separate or combined. QL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), at the beginning and at the end of RT and six months after the end of RT. The physiotherapy sessions were started concomitantly with RT, 90 days after surgery, on average. Results: there was no difference between subgroups regarding the following subscales: physical well-being (p=0.8), social/family well-being (p=0.3), functional well-being (p=0.2) and breast subscale (p=0.2) at the three time points assessed. A comparison of the emotional subscale applied at the three evaluations demonstrated a better behavior of PG as compared to CG (p=0.01), with both groups presenting improvement on the breast subscale between the beginning and the end of RT (PG p=0.0004 and CG p=0.003). There was improvement in FACT-B scores at the end of RT in both groups (PG p=0.0006 and CG p=0.003). However, at the sixth month after RT, this improvement was maintained only in PG (p=0,005). QL assessed along time by the FACT B (p=0.004) and the Trial Outcome Index (TOI) (sums of the physical and functional well-being subscales and of the breast subscale) was better for PG (p=0.006). There was no evidence of negative effects associated with the exercises. Conclusions: the execution of exercises for the upper limbs was beneficial for QL during...

[A new sense for living: a comprehensive study about the adaptation process following spinal cord injuries]. / Encontrar um novo sentido da vida: um estudo explicativo da adaptação após lesão medular.

The present study exploresanddescribesthe adaptation phenomena following spinal cord injury, focusing on the applied strategies of adaptation and identifying the necessary nursing care. The research used a qualitative approach, applying the Grounded Theory as a methodological reference. A group of nine individuals who had spinal cord injuries, and who presented a successful adaptation to a new way of life, was assessed by means of semi-directed interviews. Documentary analyses about life histories were performed and the Grounded Theory was used for data analyses. The study allowed for the explanation of the adaptation phenomena following the event of the spinal cord injury, which highlighted the influence of the acceptance of a new meaning of life and the maintenance of the will to manage new situations and challenges stemming from the injury. The central subject of this study is the spiritual dimension of the Individual. This anticipates a specific nursing intervention for people suffering from spinal cord injuries.

Encontrar um novo sentido da vida: um estudo explicativo da adaptação após lesão medular / Encontrar un nuevo sentido a la vida: un estudio explicativo de la adaptación después de una lesión medular / A new sense for living: a comprehensive study about the adaptation process following spinal cord injuries

Este estudo teve como finalidade explorar e descrever o fenómeno de adaptação após lesão medular, enfatizando a explicação das estratégias de adaptação adotadas, e procurando identificar as implicações que têm nos cuidados de enfermagem. A metodologia utilizada foi a Qualitativa, tendo como referência metodológica a Grounded Theory. Para tal, foi dada voz ativa a nove indivíduos que sofreram lesão medular, com um percurso de adaptação de sucesso à nova condição, utilizando a entrevista semidirigida. Foi efetuada também análise documental de alguns relatos de vida, partindo para a análise dos dados à luz da Grounded Theory. Foi possível explicar o fenómeno de adaptação após lesão medular, sendo evidenciada a influência do encontro com um novo sentido da vida, na manutenção da disposição para gerir as consequências que advêm do confronto com uma lesão medular. O tema central do estudo prende-se assim com a dimensão espiritual da pessoa, o que antevê uma intervenção de enfermagem específica nesta área, junto do indivíduo após lesão medular.

The present study explores and describes the adaptation phenomena following spinal cord injury, focusing on the applied strategies of adaptation and identifying the necessary nursing care. The research used a qualitative approach, applying the Grounded Theory as a methodological reference. A group of nine individuals who had spinal cord injuries, and who presented a successful adaptation to a new way of life, was assessed by means of semi-directed interviews. Documentary analyses about life histories were performed and the Grounded Theory was used for data analyses. The study allowed for the explanation of the adaptation phenomena following the event of the spinal cord injury, which highlighted the influence of the acceptance of a new meaning of life and the maintenance of the will to manage new situations and challenges stemming from the injury. The central subject of this study is the spiritual dimension of the Individual. This anticipates a specific nursing intervention for people suffering from spinal cord injuries.

Este estudio tuvo como finalidad explorar y describir el fenómeno de adaptación después de una lesión medular, enfatizando la explicación de las estrategias de adaptación utilizadas y buscando identificar las implicaciones que tienen en los cuidados de enfermería. La metodología utilizada fue la Cualitativa, teniendo como referencia metodológica la Grounded Theory. Para esto, fue dada voz activa a nueve individuos que sufrieron lesión medular, que atravesaron un período de adaptación con éxito en la nueva condición, utilizando la entrevista semiestructurada. Fue efectuado también un análisis documental de algunos relatos de vida, partiendo para el análisis de los datos a la luz de la Grounded Theory. Fue posible explicar el fenómeno de adaptación después de una lesión medular, colocando en evidenciada la influencia del encuentro con un nuevo sentido de la vida, en la manutención de la disposición para administrar las consecuencias que advienen del enfrentar una lesión medular. El tema central del estudio está relacionado con la dimensión espiritual de la Persona, lo que permite una intervención de enfermería específica en esta área, junto al individuo después de una lesión medular.

Implications of a postoperative rehabilitation program on quality of life in women with primary breast cancer treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy or complete axillary lymph node dissection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate quality of life (QoL) in early-stage breast cancer patients and to investigate the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitation program comparing women undergoing sentinel node biopsy (SNB) versus complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). QoL was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--General and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire. METHODS: Eighty-nine women with histologically confirmed primary breast cancer stages I-II were enrolled. Recruitment began on May 2006 and ended on December 2007. According to current standards of care, 58 women were found clinically fit to undergo SNB, and the other 31 were elected for ALND. Thirty women who underwent SNB were randomly allocated to participate in a comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation program, and the 28 remaining were dismissed and scheduled to return for clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Women undergoing ALND had a better QoL within 30 days of surgery on the FACT-B, FACT-G, Trial Outcome Index (TOI), emotional well-being (EWB), and breast concern subscale (BCS) (P < .005) and at 6 months after surgery on the EWB subscale only. Women undergoing SNB had a significant improvement in QoL only on the EWB subscale 6 months after surgery in the group with rehabilitation and 30 days after surgery in the group without rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Women undergoing ALND benefited from a rehabilitation program and had a better QoL. Women undergoing BLS, regardless of rehabilitation, showed improvement in QoL for the emotional well-being subscale only.

Polyphenolic profile characterization of Agrimonia eupatoria L. by HPLC with different detection devices.

Liquid chromatography coupled to diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection was used to establish the polyphenolic profile of an ethyl acetate fraction from Agrimonia eupatoria L. aqueous-alcoholic extract. Additionally, an HPLC technique with post-column derivatization by p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde was employed for the selective detection and quantification of flavan-3-ols. Important information was obtained by combining the data of these two HPLC techniques. Flavan-3-ols (catechin and procyanidins B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, C1, C2 and epicatechin-epicatechin-catechin), quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-(6''-O-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, apigenin 6-C-glucoside and various phenolic acids were identified. Antioxidant activity of the Agrimonia eupatoria L. fraction containing these compounds was assessed through the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances methods. Significant activity was observed for this fraction, where compounds with recognized antiinflammatory properties such as procyanidins, kaempferol 3-O-(6''-O-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside and quercetin glycosides were identified for the first time. These results are predictive of the beneficial effects of this fraction, or some of its compounds, in human health, as possible anti-inflammatory drug.

Characterisation of polyphenols by HPLC-PAD-ESI/MS and antioxidant activity in Equisetum telmateia.

The antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract (infusion) and respective ethyl acetate fraction of Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. (Equisetaceae), a plant used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, has been evaluated by DPPH, TEAC and TBARS assays. A high and significant antioxidant activity was detected in the ethyl acetate fraction. Analysis of the aqueous extract and the ethyl acetate fraction by HPLC-PAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification of the major phenolic compounds as flavan-3-ol, kaempferol and phenolic acid derivatives. Among the flavan-3-ols, A-type proanthocyanidins and afzelechin derivatives were detected as well as the more common B-type procyanidins, B2 and C1, whose identification was further confirmed by HPLC using detection involving chemical reaction with p-dimethylamino-cinnamaldehyde. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of E. telmateia could be due, at least in part, to the presence of compounds with antioxidant activity.