Three-dimensional organization of the pars fibroreticularis framework of the urethral wall in normal human prostates.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the prostatic portion of the urethra is essential to the comprehension of urinary continence phenomena. However, there are only a small number of studies that have addressed this relationship and analyzed the ultrastructure of the prostatic urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A three-dimensional analysis of the fibrous components and the extracellular matrix of the prostatic urethra in 10 normal humans was performed with a scanning electron microscope. The prostates were obtained from 10 men (18 to 30 years old) who had died from accidents. The specimens were fixated in a modified Karnovsky solution for 48 h at 4°C, washed in a sodium phosphate buffered solution (PBS) for 2 h at 4°C and then incubated in 40 ml of 2 M NaOH at room temperature for 8 days (cellular digestion). Afterwards, the three-dimensional organization of the prostatic urethra stroma was observed. RESULTS: It was observed that the prostates had a narrowed fibrous septa which condensed and formed a network in order to support the submucosa. Furthermore, it was also observed that they formed a homogeneous fibrous layer (pars fibroreticularis), which lined the urethral wall. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the urethra composition is essential to understand the physiopathological aspects of urinary incontinence. Moreover, our results showed a great amount of connective tissue underlying the prostatic urethra wall.

Phase angle measured by electrical bioimpedance and global cardiovascular risk in older adults.

AIM: Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon associated with physiological and metabolic changes that contribute to the increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The phase angle (PA) is a variable calculated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, interpreted as a direct measure of cell stability. The objective of the present study was to investigate the correlation of PA with the anthropometric measures, metabolic profile and the cardiovascular risk estimated by the Global Cardiovascular Risk Score in the elderly population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 402 patients aged >60 years (70.4 ± 6.9 years, 74% female) treated in primary care. Patients were evaluated by blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and body composition. The score of the risk and the stratification of the cardiovascular risk were calculated using the criteria from the Framingham Heart Study. RESULTS: Age, systolic blood pressure, neck circumference and fat-free mass correlated with PA in female patients. In men, age and systolic blood pressure were the variables that correlated with the PA in the bivariate analysis. In the multiple linear regression, for the female group the risk score presented an independent variation with PA (P = 0.051) and age (P < 0.0001). The same correlation was observed for the male group both for PA (P = 0.042) and age (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present data show an independent association of PA with overall cardiovascular risk in the elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 732-737.

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients using metformin: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência de deficiência de vitamina B12 em pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2 usando metformina: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency varies from 5.8% to 30% among patients undergoing long-term treatment with metformin. Because of the paucity of data on Brazilian patients, this study aimed to determine the frequency of B12 deficiency and related factors among Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using metformin. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at a public university hospital. METHODS: Patients with T2DM and a control group of non-diabetics were included. Serum B12 levels were measured and biochemical B12 deficiency was defined as serum levels < 180 pg/ml. Associations between B12 deficiency and age, duration of T2DM, duration of use and dosage of metformin, and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2 antagonists were determined. RESULTS: 231 T2DM patients using metformin (T2DM-met) and 231 controls were included. No difference in the frequency of PPI or H2-antagonist use was seen between the groups. B12 deficiency was more frequent in the T2DM-met group (22.5% versus 7.4%) and this difference persisted after excluding PPI/H2-antagonist users (17.9% versus 5.6%). The factors that interfered with serum B12 levels were PPI/H2-antagonist use and duration of metformin use ≥ 10 years. Use of PPI/H2-antagonists was associated with B12 deficiency, with an odds ratio of 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-5.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among T2DM patients, treatment with metformin and concomitant use of PPI/H2-antagonists are associated with a higher chance of developing B12 deficiency than among non-diabetics.

RESUMO: CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A prevalência de deficiência de vitamina B12 varia de 5,8% a 30% nos pacientes em tratamento a longo prazo com metformina. Devido à escassez de dados em pacientes brasileiros, este estudo determinou a frequência de deficiência de B12 e fatores relacionados em pacientes brasileiros com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) usando metformina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em hospital público universitário. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com DM2 e um grupo controle de não diabéticos foram incluídos. Os níveis séricos de vitamina B12 foram dosados e deficiência bioquímica de B12 foi definida como níveis séricos < 180 pg/ml. Foi investigada a associação entre deficiência de B12 e idade, duração do DM2, duração do uso e dose de metformina, uso de inibidores de bomba de prótons (IBP) ou antagonistas dos receptores histamínicos H2 (antagonistas-H2). RESULTADOS: 231 pacientes DM2 usando metformina (DM2-met) e 231 controles foram incluídos. Não houve diferença na frequência de uso de IBP/antagonistas-H2 entre os grupos. Deficiência de B12 foi mais frequente no grupo DM2-met (22,5% versus 7,4%) e essa diferença persistiu após exclusão dos usuários de IBP/antagonistas-H2 (17,9% versus 5,6%). Fatores que interferiram nos níveis séricos de B12 foram: uso de IBP/antagonistas-H2 e duração do uso de metformina ≥ 10 anos. O uso de IBP/antagonistas-H2 associou-se com deficiência de B12, com um risco relativo de 2,60 (95% intervalo de confiança, 1,34-5,04). CONCLUSÕES: Considerando pacientes com DM2, o tratamento com metformina e uso concomitante de IBP/antagonistas-H2 estão associados com maior chance de desenvolver deficiência de B12 quando comparado aos não diabéticos.

Analysis of effectiveness of a surgical treatment algorithm for basal cell carcinoma

Abstract BACKGROUND: Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for basal cell carcinoma and micrographic surgery considered the gold standard, however not yet used routinely worldwide available, as in Brazil. Considering this, a previously developed treatment guideline, which the majority of tumors were treated by conventional technique (not micrographic) was tested. OBJECTIVE: To establish the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinomas treated according to this guideline. METHOD: Between May 2001 and July 2012, 919 basal cell carcinoma lesions in 410 patients were treated according to the proposed guideline. Patients were followed-up and reviewed between September 2013 and February 2014 for clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathologic detection of possible recurrences. RESULTS: After application of exclusion criteria, 520 lesions were studied, with 88.3% primary and 11.7% recurrent tumors. Histological pattern was indolent in 85.5%, 48.6% were located in high risk areas and 70% small tumors. Only 7.3% were treated by Mohs micrographic surgery. The recurrence rate, in an average follow-up period of 4.37 years, was 1.3% for primary and 1.63% for recurrent tumors. Study limitations: unicenter study, with all patients operated on by the same surgeon. CONCLUSION: The treatment guideline utilized seems a helpful guide for surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma, especially if micrographic surgery is not available.

Maternal malnutrition diet during lactation period leads to incomplete catch-up growth in femur of the pups at adulthood / Restricción alimentaria materna durante la lactancia conduce a la recuperación del crecimiento incompleto en el fémur de las crías en la edad adulta

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal protein and energy restriction during lactation, analyzing on morphological dimensions whether there was catch-up growth through normative nutrition restored, as well as on mechanical axis of femur of the offspring at adulthood. At parturition, Wistar rat dams were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) control group (C) - free access to a standard laboratory diet containing 23 % protein, 2) protein-energy restricted group (PER) - free access to an isoenergetic, protein-restricted diet containing 8 % protein, and 3) energy-restricted group (ER) ­ fed with restricted amounts of a standard laboratory diet. At weaning, all pups were separated of dams and received free access to a standard laboratory diet containing 23 % protein until 180 days, when the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed. The dimensions of excised pup femur were measured directly using pre-established anatomical points. Morphometric analysis of the femur (macroscopic) showed that most of the measurements in the ER and PER groups were significantly lower than in the control group, with the greatest reductions occurring in the PER group and several structural abnormalities. Our results show that protein and energy restriction during lactation leads to an incomplete catch-up growth in adulthood. The femur showed significant reduction in most of the parameters in the two treated groups, particularly the PER group, when compared to the control group.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la restricción de la proteína materna y de energía durante la lactancia, y analizar las dimensiones morfológicas si hubo recuperación del crecimiento a través de la nutrición normativa restaurada, así como en el eje mecánico del fémur de la descendencia en la edad adulta. En el parto, las crías de ratas Wistar fueron agrupadas aleatoriamente en los siguientes grupos: 1) control (C) - con acceso libre a una dieta estándar del laboratorio, que contenía 23 % de proteínas; 2) con restricción de proteínas y energía (PER) - acceso libre a una dieta isoenergética, con restricción de proteínas, conteniendo un 8 % de éstas y 3) grupo con restricción de energía, alimentado con restricción en la cantidad de alimento de la dieta estándar del laboratorio (ER). Al destete, todas las crías fueron separadas y recibieron las dietas establecidas hasta los 180 días (d180), luego fueron anestesiadas y sacrificadas. Las mediciones de los fémures de las crías de rata fueron obtenidas por puntos anatómicos preestablecidos. El análisis morfométrico de fémur demostró que la mayoría de las mediciones en los grupos ER y PER eran significativamente menores que las del grupo control, con mayores reducciones en el grupo PER. Nuestros resultados muestran que las restricciones de energía y proteínas durante la lactancia conducen a una recuperación del crecimiento incompleto en la edad adulta. El fémur mostró una reducción significativa en la mayoría de los parámetros en los dos grupos tratados, en particular el grupo de PER, en comparación con el grupo control.

Analysis of effectiveness of a surgical treatment algorithm for basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND:: Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for basal cell carcinoma and micrographic surgery considered the gold standard, however not yet used routinely worldwide available, as in Brazil. Considering this, a previously developed treatment guideline, which the majority of tumors were treated by conventional technique (not micrographic) was tested. OBJECTIVE:: To establish the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinomas treated according to this guideline. METHOD:: Between May 2001 and July 2012, 919 basal cell carcinoma lesions in 410 patients were treated according to the proposed guideline. Patients were followed-up and reviewed between September 2013 and February 2014 for clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathologic detection of possible recurrences. RESULTS:: After application of exclusion criteria, 520 lesions were studied, with 88.3% primary and 11.7% recurrent tumors. Histological pattern was indolent in 85.5%, 48.6% were located in high risk areas and 70% small tumors. Only 7.3% were treated by Mohs micrographic surgery. The recurrence rate, in an average follow-up period of 4.37 years, was 1.3% for primary and 1.63% for recurrent tumors. Study limitations: unicenter study, with all patients operated on by the same surgeon. CONCLUSION:: The treatment guideline utilized seems a helpful guide for surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma, especially if micrographic surgery is not available.

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients using metformin: a cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency varies from 5.8% to 30% among patients undergoing long-term treatment with metformin. Because of the paucity of data on Brazilian patients, this study aimed to determine the frequency of B12 deficiency and related factors among Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using metformin. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross-sectional study at a public university hospital. METHODS:: Patients with T2DM and a control group of non-diabetics were included. Serum B12 levels were measured and biochemical B12 deficiency was defined as serum levels < 180 pg/ml. Associations between B12 deficiency and age, duration of T2DM, duration of use and dosage of metformin, and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2 antagonists were determined. RESULTS:: 231 T2DM patients using metformin (T2DM-met) and 231 controls were included. No difference in the frequency of PPI or H2-antagonist use was seen between the groups. B12 deficiency was more frequent in the T2DM-met group (22.5% versus 7.4%) and this difference persisted after excluding PPI/H2-antagonist users (17.9% versus 5.6%). The factors that interfered with serum B12 levels were PPI/H2-antagonist use and duration of metformin use ≥ 10 years. Use of PPI/H2-antagonists was associated with B12 deficiency, with an odds ratio of 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-5.04). CONCLUSIONS:: Among T2DM patients, treatment with metformin and concomitant use of PPI/H2-antagonists are associated with a higher chance of developing B12 deficiency than among non-diabetics.

Novo critério bioquímico para classificar transudatos e exsudatos pleurais com dosagens de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática somente no líquido pleural / New biochemical criteria for classify transudate and exsudate with dosage of total protein and lactate dehydrogenase only in pleural liquid

A correta classificação do líquido pleural em transudato ou exsudato é importante para início do diagnóstico da síndrome do derrame pleural. Um exame ou um conjunto deles precisa ter bom rendimento para cumprir este objetivo. Os autores neste trabalho propuseram novo critério de classificação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais com dosagens de proteínas totais (PtnT) e desidrogenase lática (DLH) exclusivamente no líquido pleural. Para as dosagens de PtnT-L, o novo ponto de corte determinado para diagnosticar exsudato pleural foi superior a 3,4g/dL e transudato menor ou igual a 3,4g/dL com uma AUC na curva ROC igual a 0,886 (p=0,0001). Em relação à DLH-L, o novo ponto de corte determinado para diagnosticar exsudato pleural foi superior a 328,0U/L e transudato menor ou igual a 328,0U/L com uma AUC igual a 0, 922 (p = 0,0001). O novo critério de classificação proposto obteve significância estatística e clínica para ser utilizado na prática diária considerando seu rendimento diagnóstico quando validado com o critério clássico de Light. AU

The correct classification of pleural fluid between transudate or exudate is important for early diagnosis of pleural effusion. An exam or a set of them need to have good income to meet this objective. The authors in this paper proposed new classification criteria between exudates and transudate pleural with total protein (Ptn-T) dosages and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) exclusively on pleural fluid. For PtnT-L, a cutoff point for pleural exudate was higher than 3.4 g/ dL and transudate less or equal to 3.4 g/dL with an AUC on ROC curve equal to 0.886 (p = 0.0001). Regarding to LDH-L, a cutoff point for pleural exudate was higher to 328.0 U/L and less than or equal to 328.0 U/L for pleural transudate with an AUC of 0. 922 (p = 0.0001). The proposed new classification criteria had statistical significance and clinical validation for use in daily practice considering its performance when validated with the classic criteria of Light. AU

Fatores prognósticos para a sobrevida dos pacientes com derrame pleural maligno / Prognostic factors for survival in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Introdução: O tratamento paliativo dos pacientes com Derrame Pleural Maligno (DPM) deve ser individualizado uma vez que esses pacientes têm sobrevida reduzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo capaz de identificar os fatores prognósticos relacionados à sobrevida dos pacientes com DPM. Métodos: É um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, observacional para identificar fatores prognósticos relacionados ao DPM em pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de câncer oriundos do banco de dados do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), vinculado ao Ministério da Saúde. A análise multivariada de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de regressão de Cox foram utilizadas para determinar os fatores com potencial prognóstico relacionados à sobrevida desses pacientes. A sobrevida foi definida como o tempo do diagnóstico anátomo patológico até o óbito. Resultados: Cento e sessenta e cinco pacientes foram incluídos no estudo; 77 homens (47%), e 88 mulheres (53%). A mediana da idade foi de 60 anos (1,0 ­ 95,0), e todos os pacientes tinham DPM confirmados por exames cito e/ou histopatológicos. O carcinoma de pulmão, do tipo não pequenas células (36%), a neoplasia de mama (26%) e os linfomas (13%) foram os tumores mais frequentemente diagnosticados. A mediana da sobrevida global dos pacientes a partir do diagnóstico foi de 5 meses (1,0-96,0). A análise univariada de Kaplan-Meier demonstrou que a sobrevida dos pacientes estava significativamente relacionada com os seguintes fatores prognósticos: a escala de capacidade funcional (PS) da Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (HR 10,0, IC 95%: 5,96 a 18,50, p < 0,0001), local do tumor primário (HR 1,99, IC 95%: 1,23 a 3,22, p < 0,01), citologia oncótica do líquido pleural positiva (HR 1,25, IC 95%: 0,88 a 1,78, p = 0,04), e exame histológico da pleura positivo (HR 1,33, IC 95%: 0,97 a 1,81, p = 0,04). Outros fatores prognósticos independentes avaliados não tiveram influência na sobrevida. A análise de regressão de Cox demonstrou que somente a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG estava altamente relacionada com a sobrevida dos pacientes (HR 73,58, IC 95%: 23,44 a 230,95, p < 0,0001). Conclusões: a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG foi um fator previsor independente de sobrevida para os pacientes com DPM no momento do diagnóstico inicial. Este fator prognóstico pode auxiliar os médicos na seleção dos pacientes para o tratamento paliativo apropriado da síndrome do DPM. AU

Background: The approach to palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) should be individualized because these patients generally have poor survival. This study aimed to develop a model to identify prognostic factors for survival time in patients with MPE. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, observational study to identify prognostic factors related to MPE in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant potential prognostic factors with respect to survival time. Survival time was defined as the time from pathological diagnosis to death. Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included; 77 were men (47%) and 88 were women (53%). The median age was 60 years (1.0 ­ 95.0), and all of the patients were pathologically proven to have MPE. Non-small-cell lung cancer (36.0%), breast carcinoma (26%), and lymphoma (13.0%) were the most frequently diagnosed tumors. The median overall survival of patients from the initial diagnosis was 5 months (range: 1.0­96.0 months). The Kaplan­Meier univariate analysis showed that survival was significantly related to the following prognostic factors: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group - Performance Status (ECOG - PS) (HR 10.0; 95% CI: 5.96 to 18.50, p < 0.0001); primary cancer site (HR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.22, p < 0.01); positive pleural cytology (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.78, p = 0.04); and positive histology (HR 1.33; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.81, p = 0.04). Other potential independent diagnostic factors that were examined did not affect survival. Cox regression analysis showed that only the ECOG PS was highly predictive of survival (HR 73.58; 95% CI: 23.44 to230.95, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ECOG PS is an independent predictor of survival in patients with MPE at initial diagnosis. This prognostic factor can help physicians select patients for appropriate palliative treatment of this syndrome. AU

Risk Factors of Pulmonary Hypertension in Brazilian Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia.

This study was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 125 patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) between the ages of 16 to 60 years. Enrolled patients were followed-up prospectively for 15 months. Demographic, clinical, hematological and routine biochemical data were obtained on all patients. Six-minute walk test and Doppler Echocardiography were performed on all patients. A tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV) < 2.5 m/sec was considered normal, 2.5 ≤ TRJV ≤ 3.0 was considered mild-moderate and > 3.0 m/sec, severe. Patients with abnormal TRJV were significantly older and more anemic, had significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, reticulocyte count and incidence of death. The logistic multimodal model implemented for the 125 patients indicated that age was the covariate that influenced the outcome of normal or abnormal TRJV with a cutoff age of thirty-two years. The survival rate for the group of patients with creatinine (Cr) > 1.0 mg/dL was lower than the group with Cr ≤ 1 and normal TRJV. A coefficient matrix showed that the LDH values were weakly correlated with the reticulocyte count but strongly correlated with hemoglobin suggesting that the TRJV values were not correlated with the hemolytic rate but with anemia. Ten patients died during the follow-up of whom 7 had TRJV > 2.5 m/sec. Acute chest syndrome was the most common cause of death followed by sepsis. In conclusion, this study shows that patients with SS older than thirty-two years with high LDH, elevated TRJV, severe anemia and Cr > 1 have poor prognosis and may be at risk of having pulmonary hypertension and should undergo RHC.

Combined evaluation of adenosine deaminase level and histopathological findings from pleural biopsy with Cope's needle for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

INTRODUCTION: Closed needle pleural biopsy (CNPB) has historically been the gold standard procedure for the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an efficient biomarker for tuberculosis that is measurable in pleural fluids. OBJECTIVE: We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the pleural ADA (P-ADA) level and histopathological findings of CNPB specimens in patients with pleural tuberculosis. METHODS: This prospective study consisted of two groups of examinations with a proven diagnosis of pleural effusion. The P-ADA level was measured in 218 patients with pleural effusion due to a number of causes, and 157 CNPB specimens underwent histopathological analysis. RESULTS: CNPBs were performed in patients with tuberculosis (n=122) and other diseases: adenocarcinoma (n=23), lymphoma (n=5), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=4), squamous cell carcinoma (n=2), and small cell lung cancer (n=1). According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off value of the P-ADA level (Giusti and Galanti colorimetric method) was equal to or greater than 40.0 U/L. The diagnostic accuracy of the P-ADA test was 83.0%, and that of histopathological examination of the CNPB tissue, was 78.8% (AUC=0.293, P=0.7695). The association between the P-ADA assay and pleural histopathology was 24.41 (P<0.0001). The tetrachoric correlation coefficient was 0.563 (high correlation). CONCLUSION: In Brazil and other countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis, P-ADA activity is an accurate test for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusions, and its use should be encouraged. The high diagnostic performance of the P-ADA test could to aid the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis and render CNPB unnecessary.

Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: an algorithm based on the literature.

Although basal cell carcinoma can be effectively managed through surgical excision, the most suitable surgical margins have not yet been fully determined. Furthermore, micrographic surgery is not readily available in many places around the world. A review of the literature regarding the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma was conducted in order to develop an algorithm for the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma that could help the choice of surgical technique and safety margins, considering the major factors that affect cure rates. Through this review, it was found that surgical margins of 4mm seem to be suitable for small, primary, well-defined basal cell carcinomas, although some good results can be achieved with smaller margins and the use of margin control surgical techniques. For treatment of high-risk and recurrent tumors, margins of 5-6 mm or margin control of the surgical excision is required. Previous treatment, histological subtype, site and size of the lesion should be considered in surgical planning because these factors have been proven to affect cure rates. Thus, considering these factors, the algorithm can be a useful tool, especially for places where micrographic surgery is not widely available.

Stereological evaluation of fibronectin in the periurethral region of the transitional zone from normal human prostates compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The aim of this study was to assess the volumetric density (Vv) of the fibronectin in the periurethral region of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compare with a control group. Prostatic periurethral tissue samples were obtained from ten patients (age range 65 to 79 years, mean 66) with clinical symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction who had undergone open prostatectomy. The control group samples (periurethral tissue samples from the transitional zone) were collected from prostates obtained during autopsy of accidental death adults of less than 25 years. The volumetric density (Vv) of the fibronectin was determined with stereological methods from 25 random fields per sample using the point-count method with an M-42 grid test system. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Vv in the control and BPH groups was 21.9% ± 1.5% and 29.1% ± 1.2% in the fibronectin, respectively. BPH tissues presented a significant increase of fibronectin in prostatic periurethral region in the transitional zone that may cause lengthening of the prostatic urethra.

Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: an algorithm based on the literature

Abstract Although basal cell carcinoma can be effectively managed through surgical excision, the most suitable surgical margins have not yet been fully determined. Furthermore, micrographic surgery is not readily available in many places around the world. A review of the literature regarding the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma was conducted in order to develop an algorithm for the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma that could help the choice of surgical technique and safety margins, considering the major factors that affect cure rates. Through this review, it was found that surgical margins of 4mm seem to be suitable for small, primary, well-defined basal cell carcinomas, although some good results can be achieved with smaller margins and the use of margin control surgical techniques. For treatment of high-risk and recurrent tumors, margins of 5-6 mm or margin control of the surgical excision is required. Previous treatment, histological subtype, site and size of the lesion should be considered in surgical planning because these factors have been proven to affect cure rates. Thus, considering these factors, the algorithm can be a useful tool, especially for places where micrographic surgery is not widely available.

Important prognostic factors for survival in patients with malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: The approach to palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) should be individualized because these patients generally have poor survival. Our study aimed to develop a model to identify prognostic factors or survival time in patients diagnosed with MPE. METHODS: This is a retrospective, descriptive, observational study to identify prognostic factors related to MPE in patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant potential prognostic factors with respect to survival time. Survival time was defined as the time from pathological diagnosis to death. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included; 77 were men (47%) and 88 were women (53%). The median age was 60 years, and all of the patients were pathologically proven to have MPE. Non-small-cell lung cancer (36.0%), breast carcinoma (26%), and lymphoma (13.0%) were the most frequently diagnosed tumors. The median overall survival of patients from the initial diagnosis was 5 months (range: 1.0-96.0 months). Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis showed that survival was significantly related to the following prognostic factors: ECOG PS (hazard ratio [HR] 10.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.96 to 18.50, p < 0.0001), primary cancer site (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.22, p < 0.01), positive pleural cytology (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.78, p = 0.04), and positive histology (HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.81, p = 0.04). Other potential independent diagnostic factors that were examined did not affect survival. Cox regression analysis showed that only the ECOG PS was highly predictive of survival (HR 73.58, 95% CI 23.44 to 230.95, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: ECOG PS is an independent predictor of survival in patients with MPE at initial diagnosis. This prognostic factor can help physicians select patients for appropriate palliative treatment of this syndrome.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in elderly and agreement among four diagnostic criteria.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an aggregation of risk factors that increase the incidence of cardiovascular events and diabetes mellitus (DM). Population aging is accompanied by higher prevalence of MS, which varies depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used. OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of MS in the elderly using four diagnostic criteria and agreement between them. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on 243 patients older than 60 years (180 women) in Niterói, RJ. They were evaluated by clinical examination, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile and anthropometric measurements - weight, height, waist circumference and waist/hip ratio. Prevalence of MS was estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) modified, National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. RESULTS: Prevalence was high with the four criteria WHO (51.9%), NCEP-ATPIII (45.2%), IDF (64.1%) and JIS (69.1%), and agreement between criteria by kappa was moderate in almost all comparisons WHO vs. IDF (k = 0.47;95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35 to 0.58); WHO vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.61); WHO vs. JIS (k = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.56); IDF vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.65) and NCEP-ATPIII vs. JIS (k = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.64), except between IDF vs. JIS (K = 0.89;95% CI, 0.83 to 0.95), which was considered good. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MS was high with the four diagnostic criteria, mainly by JIS. There was good agreement between JIS and IDF criteria and moderate among the others.

Prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica em Idosos e Concordância entre Quatro Critérios Diagnósticos / Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly and Agreement among Four Diagnostic Criteria

Fundamento: A Síndrome Metabólica (SM) é uma agregação de fatores de risco que aumenta a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares e Diabete Melito (DM). O envelhecimento da população vem acompanhado de maior prevalência de SM, que varia dependendo da população estudada e do critério diagnóstico utilizado. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de SM em idosos por quatro critérios diagnósticos e a concordância entre esses. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 243 indivíduos acima de 60 anos (180 mulheres) em Niterói (RJ). Foram avaliados através de exame clínico glicemia jejum, insulinemia jejum, perfil lipídico e medidas antropométricas - peso, estatura, circunferência abdominal e relação cintura/quadril. A prevalência de SM foi estimada utilizando critérios diagnósticos da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) modificado, National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) e Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Resultados: A prevalência foi elevada pelos quatro critérios, OMS (51,9%), NCEP-ATPIII (45,2%), IDF (64,1%) e JIS (69,1%), e a concordância entre os critérios diagnósticos pelo índice kappa foi moderada em quase todas as comparações OMS vs. IDF (k = 0,47; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%, 0,35 - 0,58); OMS vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0,51; IC 95%, 0,40 - 0,61); OMS vs. JIS (k = 0,45; IC 95%, 0,33 - 0,56); IDF vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0,55, IC 95%, 0,45 - 0,65) e NCEP-ATPIII vs. JIS (k = 0,53; IC 95%, 0,43 - 0,64), exceto entre IDF vs. JIS (K= 0,89; IC 95%, 0,83 - 0,95), considerada boa. Conclusão: A prevalência de SM foi elevada pelos quatro critérios diagnósticos, principalmente pelo JIS. Houve uma boa concordância entre os critérios ...

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an aggregation of risk factors that increase the incidence of cardiovascular events and diabetes mellitus (DM). Population aging is accompanied by higher prevalence of MS, which varies depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used. Objective: To determine prevalence of MS in the elderly using four diagnostic criteria and agreement between them. Methods: Cross-sectional study on 243 patients older than 60 years (180 women) in Niterói, RJ. They were evaluated by clinical examination, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile and anthropometric measurements - weight, height, waist circumference and waist/hip ratio. Prevalence of MS was estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) modified, National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. Results: Prevalence was high with the four criteria WHO (51.9%), NCEP-ATPIII (45.2%), IDF (64.1%) and JIS (69.1%), and agreement between criteria by kappa was moderate in almost all comparisons WHO vs. IDF (k = 0.47;95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35 to 0.58); WHO vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.61); WHO vs. JIS (k = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.56); IDF vs. NCEP-ATPIII (k = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.65) and NCEP-ATPIII vs. JIS (k = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.64), except between IDF vs. JIS (K = 0.89;95% CI, 0.83 to 0.95), which was considered good. Conclusion: Prevalence of MS was high with the four diagnostic criteria, mainly by JIS. There was good agreement between JIS and IDF criteria and moderate among the others. .

Treatment of the acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis in the Emergency Department: a Brazilian method of switching from intravenous to oral morphine.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the treatment of patients with vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in a Brazilian emergency department (ED) and the successful switch from intravenous to oral morphine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed records of 315 patients with sickle cell disease using two different protocols for pain: one in March 2010 prescribing intravenous morphine every 4 h throughout their stay, and another in March 2011 and 2012 prescribing one initial dose of intravenous morphine followed by equianalgesic doses of oral morphine every 4 h. Patients were triaged into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe VOC. The mild group was treated within 1 h after triage, the moderate within 30 min and the severe was treated immediately. Patients whose pain was not relieved within 6 h after the first dose of morphine were transferred into a different holding area of the ED where they continued to receive the same treatment for 48 h after which they were hospitalized if still in pain. RESULTS: The number of patients who stayed <24 h in the ED increased significantly from 63 in 2010 to 87 in 2012, and the number of admissions decreased from 26 in 2010 to 10 in 2012. The incidence of acute chest syndrome decreased from 8.5% in 2010 to 1.9% in 2012. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with oral morphine stayed a shorter time in the ED, had more pain relief, were admitted less frequently, and had less acute chest syndrome. These differences may be due to environmental, cultural, psychological, and pharmacogenetic factors.

Leg amputation for an extensive, severe and intractable sickle cell anemia ulcer in a Brazilian patient.

A 35-year-old African Brazilian patient had sickle cell anemia complicated with recurrent vasoocclusive (VOC) crises and refractory painful leg ulcers for 16 years. The ulcers started over both medial malleoli and expanded gradually. The ulcer on the left leg spread from the foot to the knee circumferentially and was refractory to all forms of therapy within the frame work of multi-disciplinary care. The patient agreed to a below the knee amputation of the left leg. He felt much better after the amputation but developed severe neuropathic phantom pain that was well controlled medically. He could differentiate the sickle cell anemia and ulcer pain from the neuropathic pain. About 6 months after the amputation he had dengue fever with fatal outcome. This is the first report of treatment of refractory sickle cell anemia leg ulcer with amputation and probably the first report of a Brazilian patient with sickle cell anemia and dengue fever.

Newborn screening program for hemoglobinopathies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening for hemoglobinopathy in Brazil has been decentralized until 2001 when the Health Ministry of Brazil established the National Newborn Hemoglobinopathy Screening Program. The State of Rio de Janeiro started a program in collaboration with the State Health Department and the Institute of Hematology in Rio (HEMORIO). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the first 10 years of the Newborn Hemoglobinopathy Screening Program in identifying and managing infants with Sickle cell disease (SCD) in the State of Rio de Janeiro. PROCEDURE: Blood samples from 1,217,833 neonates were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Infants with SCD were enrolled in comprehensive treatment programs. RESULTS: Data showed that 4.87% of the newborns were heterozygous for a hemoglobin variant, 0.08% were homozygous or doubly heterozygous for abnormal hemoglobins and 95.02% had normal hemoglobin. All the 912 newborns with SCD were referred for treatment at HEMORIO, 34 (3.7%) of these died due to acute chest syndrome, sepsis or splenic sequestration. Four more children died of unknown causes. The implementation of the Rio de Janeiro Newborn Screening Program gradually increased the area of the State covered by the program. CONCLUSION: Data collected during the 10 years of the program showed reduction in mortality of patients with SCD in comparison to available historical statistical data before the implementation of the national screening program. This 10-year study showed that early diagnosis and treatment of newborns was associated with improved survival and quality of life of Brazilian children with SCD.