DNA methylation-based depiction of the immune microenvironment and immune-associated long non-coding RNAs in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a complex and dynamic disease characterized by clinicopathological and molecular heterogeneity. Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of cell subpopulations has been associated with cancer progression and implicated in the prognosis and therapy response. Emerging evidence indicates that aberrant epigenetic profiles in OSCC may foster an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating the expression of immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). DNA methylation analysis was performed in 46 matched OSCC and normal adjacent tissue samples using a genome-wide platform (Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip). Reference-based computational deconvolution (MethylCIBERSORT) was applied to infer the immune cell composition of the bulk samples. The expression levels of genes encoding immune markers and differentially methylated lncRNAs were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. OSCC specimens presented distinct immune cell composition, including the enrichment of monocyte lineage cells, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, regulatory T-lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In contrast, B-lymphocytes, effector T-lymphocytes, and fibroblasts were diminished in tumor samples. The hypomethylation of three immune-associated lncRNAs (MEG3, MIR155HG, and WFDC21P) at individual CpG sites was confirmed by bisulfite-pyrosequencing. Also, the upregulation of a set of immune markers (FOXP3, GZMB, IL10, IL2RA, TGFB, IFNG, TDO2, IDO1, and HIF1A) was detected. The immune cell composition, immune markers alteration, and dysregulation of immune-associated lncRNAs reinforce the impact of the immune microenvironment in OSCC. These concurrent factors contribute to tumor heterogeneity, suggesting that epi-immunotherapy could be an efficient alternative to treat OSCC.

Characterization of BRAF mutation in patients older than 45 years with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma / Caracterização da mutação em BRAF em pacientes acima de 45 anos com carcinoma bem diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine neoplasia and its incidence has tripled over the past 35years. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma carries a good prognosis, 10%-30% of patients still develop recurrence and metastasis. Some clinical and genetic features are associated with worse prognosis. The most frequent mutation is the BRAF p.V600E, which has been associated with many clinical features of poor prognosis. However, many studies have produced controversial results without any association between BRAF mutation and clinicopathological features of poor prognosis. Objective: Since the prognostic value of BRAF mutations remains controversial, this study aims to investigate the importance of this mutation in therapeutic decisions for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Therefore, we evaluated whether the presence of BRAF mutation is associated with features of poor prognosis in 85 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma older than 45years treated at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, from 1980 to 2007. BRAF mutation was evaluated by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The mean age of patients was 54 years (range: 45 - 77 years), 73 were women (85.8%) and 12 were men (14.2%). Among them, 39 cases (45.9%) presented extrathyroidal extension and 11 cases had recurrent disease. BRAF mutation was detected in 57 (67%) patients. No significant association was observed between BRAF mutation and gender (p =0.743), age (p = 0.236), N-stage (p =0.423), vascular and perineural infiltration (p =0.085 or multifocality (p = 1.0). Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients with recurrent disease were BRAF positive (9 out of 11) (p =0.325). Patients affected by BRAF mutation are associated with tumors larger than 1 cm (p =0.034) and with extrathyroidal extension (p =0.033). Conclusion: Although BRAF testing is widely available, there are no consistent data to support improvement in outcomes from incorporating it into therapeutic decision for thyroid cancer.

Resumo Introdução: O carcinoma papilífero de tireoide é a neoplasia endócrina mais frequente e sua incidência triplicou nos últimos 35 anos. Embora o carcinoma papilífero de tireoide tenha um bom prognóstico, 1% a 30% dos pacientes desenvolvem recorrência e metástase. Algumas características clínicas e genéticas estão associadas a um pior prognóstico. A mutação mais frequente é a BRAF p.V600E, a qual tem sido associada a muitas características clínicas de pior prognóstico. No entanto, muitos estudos apresentam resultados controversos, sem qualquer associação entre a mutação em BRAF e características clinicopatológicas de pior prognóstico. Objetivo: Uma vez que o valor prognóstico das mutações em BRAF permanece controverso, investigar a importância dessa mutação em decisões terapêuticas para o carcinoma papilífero de tireoide. Método: Foi avaliada a associação da mutação em BRAF com características de pior prognóstico em 85 pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide acima de 45 anos tratados no A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, de 1980 a 2007. A mutação em BRAF foi avaliada por pirossequenciamento. A análise estatística foi feita com o software SPSS. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 54 anos (variação de 45 - 77), 73 eram mulheres (85,8%) e 12 eram homens (14,2%). Entre eles, 39 casos (45,9%) apresentaram extensão extratireoidiana e 11, doença recorrente. A mutação em BRAF foi detectada em 57 (67%) pacientes. Não foi observada associação significante entre mutação em BRAF e sexo (p = 0,743), idade (p = 0,236), estágio N (p = 0,423), infiltração vascular e perineural (p = 0,085) ou multi-focalidade (p = 1,0). Apesar de não apresentar associação estatística, a maioria dos pacientes com doença recorrente foi positiva para BRAF (9 em 11) (p = 0,325). Os pacientes afetados pela mutação em BRAF estão associados a tumores maiores do que 1 cm (p = 0,034) e com extensão extratireoidiana (p = 0,033). Conclusão: Embora a mutação em BRAF seja amplamente avaliada, não há dados consistentes que demonstrem uma melhor sobrevida ou benefício clínico ao incorporá-la à decisão terapêutica para o câncer de tireoide.

Decreased CD1a + and CD83 + cells in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma regardless of HPV status.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in the immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and represent a therapeutic target in cancer. OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify DCs in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) under the influence of HPV infection. METHODOLOGY: CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify immature dendritic cells and mature dendritic cells by immunohistochemistry in 33 primary TSCC and 10 normal tonsils (NTs), respectively. For the TSCC samples, the number of DCs per area was evaluated in the intra- and peritumoral compartments. For the NTs, the quantification of DCs was evaluated in the intra- and peritonsillar compartments. HPV detection methods were determined according to the ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines from the College of American Pathologists Guideline (2018). RESULTS: There were fewer intratumoral CD1a+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.05). In the peritumoral compartment, there were fewer CD83+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.001). The quantification of DCs subtypes showed no statistical differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups (p>0.137). Patients with HPV-positive TSCC had significantly better overall survival rate than those with HPV-negative TSCC (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Tumor activity contributes to DC depletion regardless of intralesional HPV positivity. An improved prognosis has been reported in patients with HPV-positive TSCC.

Characterization of BRAF mutation in patients older than 45 years with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine neoplasia and its incidence has tripled over the past 35 years. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma carries a good prognosis, 10%-30% of patients still develop recurrence and metastasis. Some clinical and genetic features are associated with worse prognosis. The most frequent mutation is the BRAF p.V600E, which has been associated with many clinical features of poor prognosis. However, many studies have produced controversial results without any association between BRAF mutation and clinicopathological features of poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: Since the prognostic value of BRAF mutations remains controversial, this study aims to investigate the importance of this mutation in therapeutic decisions for papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: Therefore, we evaluated whether the presence of BRAF mutation is associated with features of poor prognosis in 85 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma older than 45 years treated at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, from 1980 to 2007. BRAF mutation was evaluated by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 54 years (range: 45 - 77 years), 73 were women (85.8%) and 12 were men (14.2%). Among them, 39 cases (45.9%) presented extrathyroidal extension and 11 cases had recurrent disease. BRAF mutation was detected in 57 (67%) patients. No significant association was observed between BRAF mutation and gender (p  = 0.743), age (p  = 0.236), N-stage (p  = 0.423), vascular and perineural infiltration (p  = 0.085 or multifocality (p  = 1.0). Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients with recurrent disease were BRAF positive (9 out of 11) (p  = 0.325). Patients affected by BRAF mutation are associated with tumors larger than 1 cm (p  = 0.034) and with extrathyroidal extension (p  = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Although BRAF testing is widely available, there are no consistent data to support improvement in outcomes from incorporating it into therapeutic decision for thyroid cancer.

Decreased CD1a + and CD83 + cells in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma regardless of HPV status

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in the immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and represent a therapeutic target in cancer. Objective: To identify and quantify DCs in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) under the influence of HPV infection. Methodology: CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify immature dendritic cells and mature dendritic cells by immunohistochemistry in 33 primary TSCC and 10 normal tonsils (NTs), respectively. For the TSCC samples, the number of DCs per area was evaluated in the intra- and peritumoral compartments. For the NTs, the quantification of DCs was evaluated in the intra- and peritonsillar compartments. HPV detection methods were determined according to the ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines from the College of American Pathologists Guideline (2018). Results: There were fewer intratumoral CD1a+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.05). In the peritumoral compartment, there were fewer CD83+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.001). The quantification of DCs subtypes showed no statistical differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups (p>0.137). Patients with HPV-positive TSCC had significantly better overall survival rate than those with HPV-negative TSCC (p=0.004). Conclusion: Tumor activity contributes to DC depletion regardless of intralesional HPV positivity. An improved prognosis has been reported in patients with HPV-positive TSCC.

Impact of smoking on dendritic cells in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Smoking has been shown to alter innate and adaptive immune responses and is directly associated with the onset of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on dendritic cells (DCs) from OSCC patients. CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify immature and mature DCs, respectively, by immunohistochemistry in OSCC samples of 24 smokers and 24 non-smokers. Density of DCs was calculated in intra and peritumoral areas. Clinical and microscopic findings were reviewed and analyzed for all patients. Smokers with OSCC had a lower density of intra and peritumoral DCs when compared to non-smokers. Tumors classified as moderately/poorly differentiated had lower peritumoral CD1a+ DCs than well-differentiated tumors (p < 0.001). Smoking contributed to a depletion of immature and mature DCs in the OSCC.

Cartografia de uma escuta clínica do trabalho em uma instituição judiciária federal / Cartography of a clinical listening of work in a federal judicial institution / Cartografía de una escucha clínica del trabajo en una institución judicial federal

Este artigo trata de uma pesquisa-intervenção em clínica do trabalho realizada em uma instituição do Poder Judiciário Federal, com o objetivo de mapear as experiências no campo laboral, a partir do aporte teórico-metodológico da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho articulada com pressupostos da cartografia. O estudo contou com a participação de sete pessoas, todas servidoras do quadro efetivo da instituição, com as quais foram realizadas oito sessões coletivas e produzidos os registros dessas sessões, diários de campo e memoriais. Na análise clínica do trabalho (ACT), constatou-se que as expressões de sofrimento mais recorrentes estão relacionadas ao modelo de gestão, destacando-se como estratégias defensivas a resignação, o distanciamento e a servidão. A transformação do sofrimento torna-se prejudicada, pois, embora o coletivo de participantes obtenha reconhecimento de colegas e da gestão mais próxima, o prazer aparece bem subtraído em seu conjunto, em razão da falta de autonomia e de valorização institucional.

This paper is about a research intervention in the clinic of work held in a Federal Judicial establishment, which aim was to map the experiences in the labour field, with the theoretical and methodological support of psychodynamics of work articulated with cartography postulates. Seven people participated of the study, all of them employees of the institution, and eight collective sessions where held. Records of these sessions, field diaries and memorials were produced. The clinic of work analysis has revealed that the most recurring expressions of suffering are related to the management model, and common defensive strategies were resignation, alienation and servitude. Although the participants achieve recognition from colleagues and their closest supervisors, pleasure is trimmed down due to the lack of autonomy and of institutional appreciation. The transformation of suffering is, therefore, damaged.

Este artículo aborda una investigación-intervención en clínica laboral realizada en una institución del Poder Judicial Federal, con el objetivo de mapear las experiencias en el campo laboral a partir del marco teórico-metodológico de la psicodinámica del trabajo articulada con las premisas de la cartografía. El estudio contó con la participación de siete personas, todos funcionarios del cuadro de personal de la institución, con quienes se realizaron ocho sesiones colectivas. También fueron producidos registros de estas sesiones, diarios de campo y memoriales. En el análisis del trabajo clínico (ACT), se verificó que las expresiones más recurrentes de sufrimiento están relacionadas con el modelo de gestión, destacando como estrategias defensivas la resignación, el distanciamiento y la servidumbre. La transformación del sufrimiento se perjudica, pues, aunque el colectivo de participantes obtenga el reconocimiento de sus colegas y de la gestión más cercana, el placer parece sustraerse en su conjunto, debido a la falta de autonomía y de apreciación institucional.

Impact of smoking on dendritic cells in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Smoking has been shown to alter innate and adaptive immune responses and is directly associated with the onset of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on dendritic cells (DCs) from OSCC patients. CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify immature and mature DCs, respectively, by immunohistochemistry in OSCC samples of 24 smokers and 24 non-smokers. Density of DCs was calculated in intra and peritumoral areas. Clinical and microscopic findings were reviewed and analyzed for all patients. Smokers with OSCC had a lower density of intra and peritumoral DCs when compared to non-smokers. Tumors classified as moderately/poorly differentiated had lower peritumoral CD1a+ DCs than well-differentiated tumors (p < 0.001). Smoking contributed to a depletion of immature and mature DCs in the OSCC.

Clinicopathologic analysis of 14 cases of odontogenic myxoma and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic myxoma is a rare benign neoplasm that originates from odontogenic ectomesenchyme. There is no standard of care and recurrences are frequent after conservative surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at a single cancer center, with analysis of medical records of all patients diagnosed with odontogenic myxoma from 1980 to 2010, along with a literature review. RESULTS: There were 14 patients with diagnosis of odontogenic myxoma (OM). Most patients were female (78.6%) and Caucasian (100%), with ages ranging from 7 to 51 years (21.6 ± 11.6 years). The time period between the first symptom and first consultation ranged from 0 to 60 months (19.4 ± 19.97 months). The most frequent complaints were increased local volume or failure to tooth eruption. The most common tumor site was the mandible (11 cases, 78.5%). About radiological findings, most lesions were multilocular (9 cases, 64.3%) and with imprecise limits (12 cases, 85.7%). Surgery was performed in all cases and curettage was the most applied technique (10 cases, 71.4%). Three patients underwent mandibulectomy and complex reconstructions including iliac crest microvascular flap. Three patients had postoperative complications and 4 had local recurrences of the tumor. The follow up time ranged from 12 to 216 months (112 ± 70.8 months). All patients are without clinical and radiographic evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: OM is a locally aggressive and rare tumor. There is no gold standard surgical management and the therapeutic decision should be individualized taking into account the characteristics and extension of the tumor. Key words:Mandible, myxoma, odontogenic, odontogenic tumor.

Correlation between swallowing-related quality of life and videofluoroscopy after head and neck cancer treatment. / Associação entre os achados do questionário de disfagia M. D. Anderson e a videofluoroscopia da deglutição após tratamento do câncer de cabeça e pescoço.

INTRODUCTION: The use of symptom-specific questionnaires on head and neck cancer (HNC), together with objective swallowing measures, can be sensitive to changes in quality of life (QoL) resulting from dysphagia, but this tool is not broadly used as a complement to clinical evaluations. PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire and videofluoroscopy (VF) in patients treated for head and neck cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with review of clinical data, VF and MDADI results. The study sample was composed of adult patients (>18 y.o.) treated for tumors at the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx, regardless of treatment type. For the VF examination, swallowing of 5 and 20 ml of nectar-thick liquids were considered. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was applied to evaluate the correlations between the MDADI and VF. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients, mostly men (87.18%), with mean age of 61 years participated in the study. Most patients (16) presented oral cavity tumors (41.03%). Twenty-two patients were in advanced clinical stage (IV). Surgery was the most prevalent treatment (41.03%). Approximately half of the participants (20) received oral feeding. The total mean (TM) on the MDADI was 63.36. Comparison between VF and MDADI data showed significant correlation between TM, emotional domain (ED), and physical domain (PD) with penetration during the swallowing of 5 ml. Penetration and aspiration with 20 ml determined worse QoL on the global (p=0.018 and p=0.0053), emotional (p=0.0012 and p=0.027) and physical (p=0.0002 and p=0.0051) domains, and TM (p=0.0023 and p=0.0299), respectively. The presence of stasis did not determine worse QoL. CONCLUSION: Patients treated for HNC who presented penetration/aspiration showed worse QoL on the emotional and physical domains of the MDADI.

Associação entre os achados do questionário de disfagia M. D. Anderson e a videofluoroscopia da deglutição após tratamento do câncer de cabeça e pescoço / Correlation between swallowing-related quality of life and videofluoroscopy after head and neck cancer treatment

RESUMO Introdução A utilização de questionários sintoma-específicos no câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) em conjunto com avaliações objetivas da deglutição pode ser sensível às mudanças na qualidade de vida (QV) decorrentes da disfagia, porém é uma ferramenta pouco utilizada como complemento de avaliações clínicas. Objetivo analisar a associação entre o questionário de disfagia M. D. Anderson (MDADI) com a videofluoroscopia (VF) da deglutição em pacientes tratados do CCP. Método Estudo retrospectivo, com revisão de prontuários, dados da VF e do questionário de disfagia MDADI. Foram incluídos indivíduos maiores de 18 anos, tratados do câncer de cavidade oral, orofaringe, hipofaringe e laringe, independentemente do tratamento curativo. Para o exame de VF, foram consideradas as deglutições de 5 e 20 ml na consistência néctar. O teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para avaliar a associação entre o questionário MDADI e a VF. Resultados Casuística de 39 indivíduos, predomínio de homens, 34 (87,18%), e média de idade de 61 anos. Prevalência de câncer de cavidade oral, 16 (41,03%). Vinte e dois (56,4%) possuíam estádio clínico IV. Cirurgia isolada foi o tratamento mais prevalente, 16 (41,03%). Vinte indivíduos (51,28%) se alimentavam por via oral. A média total (MT) do MDADI foi de 63,36. Na correlação da VF com o MDADI, observou-se associação significante entre MT, domínio emocional (DE) e domínio físico (DFis) com penetração para 5 ml. Penetração e aspiração com 20 ml determinou prejuízo para questão global (p=0,018 e p=0,0053), DE (p=0,0012 e p=0,027), DFis (p=0,0002 e p=0,0051) e MT (p=0,0023 e p=0,0299), respectivamente. A presença de estase não determinou piora da QV. Conclusão Pacientes tratados do CCP que apresentam penetração/aspiração demonstram impacto na qualidade de vida nos DE e DFis.

ABSTRACT Introduction The use of symptom-specific questionnaires on head and neck cancer (HNC), together with objective swallowing measures, can be sensitive to changes in quality of life (QoL) resulting from dysphagia, but this tool is not broadly used as a complement to clinical evaluations. Purpose To analyze the correlation between the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire and videofluoroscopy (VF) in patients treated for head and neck cancer. Methods This is a retrospective study with review of clinical data, VF and MDADI results. The study sample was composed of adult patients (>18 y.o.) treated for tumors at the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx, regardless of treatment type. For the VF examination, swallowing of 5 and 20 ml of nectar-thick liquids were considered. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was applied to evaluate the correlations between the MDADI and VF. Results Thirty-nine patients, mostly men (87.18%), with mean age of 61 years participated in the study. Most patients (16) presented oral cavity tumors (41.03%). Twenty-two patients were in advanced clinical stage (IV). Surgery was the most prevalent treatment (41.03%). Approximately half of the participants (20) received oral feeding. The total mean (TM) on the MDADI was 63.36. Comparison between VF and MDADI data showed significant correlation between TM, emotional domain (ED), and physical domain (PD) with penetration during the swallowing of 5 ml. Penetration and aspiration with 20 ml determined worse QoL on the global (p=0.018 and p=0.0053), emotional (p=0.0012 and p=0.027) and physical (p=0.0002 and p=0.0051) domains, and TM (p=0.0023 and p=0.0299), respectively. The presence of stasis did not determine worse QoL. Conclusion Patients treated for HNC who presented penetration/aspiration showed worse QoL on the emotional and physical domains of the MDADI.

Reflexões sobre o trabalho de aconselhamento em HIV/AIDS / Reflections on HIV/AIDS counseling / Reflexiones acerca del trabajo de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA

O artigo analisa recomendações do Ministério da Saúde ao trabalho de profissionais de saúde-aconselha-dores em HIV/aids, no Brasil. Reconhece que o aconselhamento como estratégia no campo de ações de enfrentamento do HIV/aids, tem suas condições de emergência na recente história brasileira de defesa da saúde como direito do cidadão e dever do Estado, em especial, no movimento de reforma sanitária. Três Manuais do Ministério da Saúde para o trabalho de aconselhamento em HIV/aids foram objeto de análise, nos quais constata-se uma ênfase na atuação e formação dos profissionais de saúde. Os textos adotam uma perspectiva reducionista nas recomendações aos aconselhadores, com orientações técnicas marcadas pela diretividade. Identifica-se um distanciamento entre aspectos da história brasileira de defesa da saúde como direito e as recomendações dos Manuais. As análises sugerem valorização da racionalidade instrumental típica da lógica capitalista do trabalho, reduzindo o encontro aconselhador-usuário a atividades mecânicas. Argumenta-se a favor de abordagem alternativa à apresentada pelos Manuais no que se refere à formação de profissionais que, por conseguinte, contribuirá para que o aconselhamento seja vivenciado em sua complexidade e se fortaleça como prática no quadro de respostas à aids...

The article analyses the Health Department's recommendations to HIV/aids professional health counselors in Brazil. It recognizes that professional counseling as a strategy to combat HIV/aids recently came about in Brazil due to its population's demands for improvement in the public health sector, in that access to health is seen as a citizen's right and an obligation of the State to their citizens, such demands were especially noticed in the movement for sanitary reform. Three handbooks issued by the Health Ministry on HIV/aids counseling were analyzed with an emphasis on the performance and development of professional health counselors. The wording found in the handbooks adopt a reductionist perspective on its recommendations to health advisers with direct technical guidelines highly aimed at their objectives. The recommendations found in the handbooks are noticeable distant from historic aspects found in the popular defense of Brazilian healthcare as a constitutional right. The analysis suggests the valuation of rationality typically found in the instrumental logic of capitalism; it limits the meeting between counselor-user to mechanical activities. An alternative approach to the development of health professionals as presented in the handbooks is discussed. It suggests that all complexities involved in counseling should be explored, making it a stronger practice in the fight against aids...

El artículo analiza las recomendaciones del Ministerio de la Salud en lo que respecta al trabajo de los profesionales de la salud-consejeros en HIV/SIDA en Brasil. Asimismo, reconoce que el aconsejamiento como dispositivo estratégico en el campo de las acciones desarrolladas para combatir el HIV/SIDA, ha presentado situaciones de emergencia en la reciente historia brasileña de la defensa de la salud como derecho del ciudadano y deber del Estado, en especial, en el movimiento de la reforma sanitaria. Tres manuales del Ministerio de la Salud referentes al trabajo de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA han sido objeto de análisis; en ellos se constata el énfasis en la actuación y formación de los profesionales de la salud. Los textos adoptan una perspectiva reduccionista en las recomendaciones realizadas a los aconsejadores, con orientaciones técnicas marcadas por la directividad. Se observa un alejamiento entre los aspectos de la historia brasileña con relación a la defensa de la salud como derecho y las recomendaciones de los manuales. Los análisis sugieren una valoración de la racionalidad instrumental típica de la lógica capitalista del trabajo, transformando así el encuentro entre aconsejador-usuario en meras actividades mecánicas. En lo que respecta a la formación de profesionales, no se argumenta a favor del abordaje presentado en dichos manuales, sino a favor del abordaje alternativo, lo que, por consiguiente, contribuirá para que el aconsejamiento sea vivenciado en su complejidad y se fortalezca como práctica en el cuadro de respuestas al sida...

Reflexões sobre o trabalho de aconselhamento em HIV/AIDS / Reflections on HIV/AIDS counseling / Reflexiones acerca del trabajo de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA

O artigo analisa recomendações do Ministério da Saúde ao trabalho de profissionais de saúde-aconselha-dores em HIV/aids, no Brasil. Reconhece que o aconselhamento como estratégia no campo de ações de enfrentamento do HIV/aids, tem suas condições de emergência na recente história brasileira de defesa da saúde como direito do cidadão e dever do Estado, em especial, no movimento de reforma sanitária. Três Manuais do Ministério da Saúde para o trabalho de aconselhamento em HIV/aids foram objeto de análise, nos quais constata-se uma ênfase na atuação e formação dos profissionais de saúde. Os textos adotam uma perspectiva reducionista nas recomendações aos aconselhadores, com orientações técnicas marcadas pela diretividade. Identifica-se um distanciamento entre aspectos da história brasileira de defesa da saúde como direito e as recomendações dos Manuais. As análises sugerem valorização da racionalidade instrumental típica da lógica capitalista do trabalho, reduzindo o encontro aconselhador-usuário a atividades mecânicas. Argumenta-se a favor de abordagem alternativa à apresentada pelos Manuais no que se refere à formação de profissionais que, por conseguinte, contribuirá para que o aconselhamento seja vivenciado em sua complexidade e se fortaleça como prática no quadro de respostas à aids.(AU).

The article analyses the Health Department's recommendations to HIV/aids professional health counselors in Brazil. It recognizes that professional counseling as a strategy to combat HIV/aids recently came about in Brazil due to its population's demands for improvement in the public health sector, in that access to health is seen as a citizen's right and an obligation of the State to their citizens, such demands were especially noticed in the movement for sanitary reform. Three handbooks issued by the Health Ministry on HIV/aids counseling were analyzed with an emphasis on the performance and development of professional health counselors. The wording found in the handbooks adopt a reductionist perspective on its recommendations to health advisers with direct technical guidelines highly aimed at their objectives. The recommendations found in the handbooks are noticeable distant from historic aspects found in the popular defense of Brazilian healthcare as a constitutional right. The analysis suggests the valuation of rationality typically found in the instrumental logic of capitalism; it limits the meeting between counselor-user to mechanical activities. An alternative approach to the development of health professionals as presented in the handbooks is discussed. It suggests that all complexities involved in counseling should be explored, making it a stronger practice in the fight against aids.(AU).

El artículo analiza las recomendaciones del Ministerio de la Salud en lo que respecta al trabajo de los profesionales de la salud-consejeros en HIV/SIDA en Brasil. Asimismo, reconoce que el aconsejamiento como dispositivo estratégico en el campo de las acciones desarrolladas para combatir el HIV/SIDA, ha presentado situaciones de emergencia en la reciente historia brasileña de la defensa de la salud como derecho del ciudadano y deber del Estado, en especial, en el movimiento de la reforma sanitaria. Tres manuales del Ministerio de la Salud referentes al trabajo de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA han sido objeto de análisis; en ellos se constata el énfasis en la actuación y formación de los profesionales de la salud. Los textos adoptan una perspectiva reduccionista en las recomendaciones realizadas a los aconsejadores, con orientaciones técnicas marcadas por la directividad. Se observa un alejamiento entre los aspectos de la historia brasileña con relación a la defensa de la salud como derecho y las recomendaciones de los manuales. Los análisis sugieren una valoración de la racionalidad instrumental típica de la lógica capitalista del trabajo, transformando así el encuentro entre aconsejador-usuario en meras actividades mecánicas. En lo que respecta a la formación de profesionales, no se argumenta a favor del abordaje presentado en dichos manuales, sino a favor del abordaje alternativo, lo que, por consiguiente, contribuirá para que el aconsejamiento sea vivenciado en su complejidad y se fortalezca como práctica en el cuadro de respuestas al sida.(AU).

Alcohol and tobacco consumption affects bacterial richness in oral cavity mucosa biofilms.

BACKGROUND: Today there are more than 2 billion alcohol users and about 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. The chronic and heavy use of these two substances is at the heart of numerous diseases and may wreak havoc on the human oral microbiome. This study delves into the changes that alcohol and tobacco may cause on biofilms of the human oral microbiome. To do so, we used swabs to sample the oral biofilm of 22 subjects; including 9 control-individuals with no or very low consumption of alcohol and no consumption of tobacco, 7 who were chronic and heavy users of both substances and 6 active smokers that reported no significant alcohol consumption. DNA was extracted from swabs and the V1 region of the 16S rRNA gene was PCR amplified and sequenced using the Ion Torrent PGM platform, generating 3.7 million high quality reads. DNA sequences were clustered and OTUs were assigned using the ARB SILVA database and Qiime. RESULTS: We found no differences in species diversity and evenness among the groups. However, we found a significant decrease in species richness in only smokers and in smokers/drinkers when compared to controls. We found that Neisseria abundance was significantly decreased in both groups when compared to controls. Smokers had significant increases in Prevotella and Capnocytophaga and reductions in Granulicatella, Staphylococcus, Peptostreptococcus and Gemella when compared to the two other groups. Controls showed higher abundance of Aggregibacter, whilst smokers/drinkers had lower abundances of Fusobacteria. Samples from only smokers clustered closer together than to controls and smokers/drinkers, and also had a significant reduction in inter-group dissimilarity distances, indicating a more homogenous group than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the continued use of tobacco or alcohol plus tobacco significantly reduces bacterial richness, which apparently leads to a reduction in inter-group variability, turning the respective biofilms into a more homogenous microenvironment in terms of bacterial community composition, with possible consequences for human oral diseases.

Fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of potentially malignant disorders and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Oral cancer is a public health problem with relevant incidence in the world population. The affected patient usually presents advanced stage disease and the consequence of this delay is a reduction in survival rates. Given this, it is essential to detect oral cancer at early stages. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can improve cancer detection in real time. It is a fast and accurate technique, relatively simple, which evaluates the biochemical composition and structure using the tissue fluorescence spectrum as interrogation data. Several studies have positive data regarding the tools for differentiating between normal mucosa and cancer, but the difference between cancer and potentially malignant disorders is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluorescence spectroscopy in the discrimination of normal oral mucosa, oral cancer, and potentially malignant disorders. The fluorescence spectroscopy was evaluated in 115 individuals, of whom 55 patients presented oral squamous cell carcinoma, 30 volunteers showing normal oral mucosa, and 30 patients having potentially malignant disorders. The spectra were classified and compared to histopathology to evaluate the efficiency in diagnostic discrimination employing fluorescence. In order to classify the spectra, a decision tree algorithm (C4.5) was applied. Despite of the high variance observed in spectral data, the specificity and sensitivity obtained were 93.8% and 88.5%, respectively at 406 nm excitation. These results point to the potential use of fluorescence spectroscopy as an important tool for oral cancer diagnosis and potentially malignant disorders.

Analysis of surgical margins in oral cancer using in situ fluorescence spectroscopy.

UNLABELLED: Oral cancer is a public health problem with high prevalence in the population. Local tumor control is best achieved by complete surgical resection with adequate margins. A disease-free surgical margin correlates with a lower rate of local recurrence and a higher rate of disease-free survival. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can aid in real-time cancer detection. The technique, which evaluates the biochemical composition and structure of tissue fluorescence, is relatively simple, fast and, accurate. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions to surgical margins and the mucosa of healthy volunteers by fluorescence spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 56 individuals, 28 with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 28 healthy volunteers with normal oral mucosa. Thirty six cases (64.3%) were male and the mean age was 60.9 years old. The spectra were classified and compared to histopathology to determine fluorescence efficiency for diagnostic discrimination of tumors. RESULTS: In the analysis of the other cases we observed discrimination between normal mucosa, injury and margins. At two-year follow up, three individuals had local recurrence, and in two cases investigation fluorescence in the corresponding area showed qualitative differences in spectra between the recurrence area and the area without recurrence at the same anatomical site in the same patient. CONCLUSION: In situ analysis of oral mucosa showed the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool that can aid in discrimination of altered mucosa and normal mucosa.

A instrução e a relação como modos de aconselhamento em HIV/Aids / Instruction and relation as ways of counseling in HIV/Aids / La instrucción y la relación como modos de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA

O artigo objetiva problematizar a relação profissional de saúde-usuário no aconselhamento em HIV-Aids. Para tanto, apresenta resultados de pesquisa qualitativa, embasada em entrevistas com 12 aconselhadores/as atuando em Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento em DST/Aids (CTA) de Pernambuco, situados nas mesorregiões do Estado - metropolitana, mata, agreste, sertão. As entrevistas foram audiogravadas e transcritas. O tratamento e a análise do material foram feitos a partir de uma dupla hermenêutica. Identificamos, no material, dois modos de aconselhar: o aconselhamento-instrução e o aconselhamento-relação. No aconselhamento-instrução a ênfase é na transmissão de informações do profissional ao usuário, sendo este, considerado responsável por sua condição sorológica. No aconselhamento-relação, valoriza-se o contato do profissional com o usuário, oferecendo-lhe escuta e acolhida. Os resultados além de contribuírem com os debates sobre a abordagem e o manejo das noções de risco e sexualidade, no aconselhamento, podem auxiliar na formação de aconselhadores.

The paper purpose is problematize the professional relation of health-user in the counseling in HIV-Aids. For this purpose, present results from qualitative survey, based in interviews with 12 advisors acting in Centers of Tests and Counseling in DST/Aids (CTA) of Pernambuco, located in the mesoregions of the State-metropolitan areas, specific areas like: mata, agreste, sertão. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The treatment and analysis of the material were done from a hermeneutic pair. We identified two ways of counseling. In the counseling-education the emphasis is in the transmission of information from the professional to the user, being his/her, considered responsible for his serological condition. In the counseling-relation, the professional contact goes up in value with the user, offering listening and refuge. The results besides contributing with the discussions on the approach and the handling of the notions of risk and sexuality, in the counseling, can help in the advisors' formation.

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo problematizar la relación profesional de salud-usuario en el aconsejamiento en HIV-SIDA. Para esto, se presentan resultados de investigación cualitativa, basada en entrevistas hechas con 12 aconsejadores/as que actúan en Centros de Testeo y Aconsejamiento en los DST/SIDA (CTA) de Pernambuco, ubicados en las mesorregiones del Estado: la metropolitana, la zona de mata, el agreste y el sertón. Las entrevistas fueron audiograbadas y transcritas. El tratamiento y el análisis del material fueron realizados a partir de una doble hermenéutica. Identificamos dos modos de aconsejar: el aconsejamiento-instrucción y el aconsejamiento-relación. En el aconsejamiento-instrucción, el énfasis se hace en la transmisión de informaciones del profesional al usuario, siendo éste considerado como el responsable por su condición serológica. En el aconsejamiento-relación, se valoriza el contacto del profesional para con el usuario, así como la atención y acogida que le proporciona. Los resultados, además de contribuir con los debates sobre el abordaje y el manejo de las nociones de riesgo y sexualidad, en el aconsejamiento, pueden auxiliar en la formación de los aconsejadores.

A instrução e a relação como modos de aconselhamento em HIV/Aids / Instruction and relation as ways of counseling in HIV/Aids / La instrucción y la relación como modos de aconsejamiento en HIV/SIDA

O artigo objetiva problematizar a relação profissional de saúde-usuário no aconselhamento em HIV-Aids. Para tanto, apresenta resultados de pesquisa qualitativa, embasada em entrevistas com 12 aconselhadores/as atuando em Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento em DST/Aids (CTA) de Pernambuco, situados nas mesorregiões do Estado - metropolitana, mata, agreste, sertão. As entrevistas foram audiogravadas e transcritas. O tratamento e a análise do material foram feitos a partir de uma dupla hermenêutica. Identificamos, no material, dois modos de aconselhar: o aconselhamento-instrução e o aconselhamento-relação. No aconselhamento-instrução a ênfase é na transmissão de informações do profissional ao usuário, sendo este, considerado responsável por sua condição sorológica. No aconselhamento-relação, valoriza-se o contato do profissional com o usuário, oferecendo-lhe escuta e acolhida. Os resultados além de contribuírem com os debates sobre a abordagem e o manejo das noções de risco e sexualidade, no aconselhamento, podem auxiliar na formação de aconselhadores.(AU)

The paper purpose is problematize the professional relation of health-user in the counseling in HIV-Aids. For this purpose, present results from qualitative survey, based in interviews with 12 advisors acting in Centers of Tests and Counseling in DST/Aids (CTA) of Pernambuco, located in the mesoregions of the State-metropolitan areas, specific areas like: mata, agreste, sertão. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The treatment and analysis of the material were done from a hermeneutic pair. We identified two ways of counseling. In the counseling-education the emphasis is in the transmission of information from the professional to the user, being his/her, considered responsible for his serological condition. In the counseling-relation, the professional contact goes up in value with the user, offering listening and refuge. The results besides contributing with the discussions on the approach and the handling of the notions of risk and sexuality, in the counseling, can help in the advisors' formation.(AU)

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo problematizar la relación profesional de salud-usuario en el aconsejamiento en HIV-SIDA. Para esto, se presentan resultados de investigación cualitativa, basada en entrevistas hechas con 12 aconsejadores/as que actúan en Centros de Testeo y Aconsejamiento en los DST/SIDA (CTA) de Pernambuco, ubicados en las mesorregiones del Estado: la metropolitana, la zona de mata, el agreste y el sertón. Las entrevistas fueron audiograbadas y transcritas. El tratamiento y el análisis del material fueron realizados a partir de una doble hermenéutica. Identificamos dos modos de aconsejar: el aconsejamiento-instrucción y el aconsejamiento-relación. En el aconsejamiento-instrucción, el énfasis se hace en la transmisión de informaciones del profesional al usuario, siendo éste considerado como el responsable por su condición serológica. En el aconsejamiento-relación, se valoriza el contacto del profesional para con el usuario, así como la atención y acogida que le proporciona. Los resultados, además de contribuir con los debates sobre el abordaje y el manejo de las nociones de riesgo y sexualidad, en el aconsejamiento, pueden auxiliar en la formación de los aconsejadores.(AU)

Proposições para a formação de aconselhadores em HIV/Aids / Proposals for training counselors on HIV / AIDS

Problematiza-se a formação de aconselhadores em HIV/Aids, exigência do Ministério da Saúde, para que profissionais de saúde desenvolvam essa prática junto ao usuário que busca testagem anti-HIV. Abordar a formação é estratégico para qualificar sua prática na direção de construção de respostas mais eficazes e efetivas à Aids. Análises de manuais do ministério e de entrevistas com aconselhadores, realizadas em pesquisa de tese (em andamento), subsidiam a discussão. Destacam-se das análises dos manuais uma concepção de subjetividade-identidade, como uma marca inexorável definida pelas práticas sexuais do usuário, e tendência prescritiva e diretiva nas recomendações aos profissionais. Das análises de entrevistas, destacam-se os modos de aconselhar identificados - instrução e relação. Esses achados se somam às reflexões em torno do aconselhamento - tratado como dispositivo em saúde e como produção não material no contexto das reflexões sobre o mundo do trabalho nas sociedades capitalistas. Sugere-se que o aconselhamento tende a ser capturado por uma perspectiva mercadológica, pela íntima associação entre racionalidade científica e econômica, no campo da saúde. Esse arranjo é sustentado pela ainda hegemônica ideologia biomédica nas práticas em saúde. Para escapar dessa direção, sugere-se posicionamento crítico do aconselhador na execução de seu trabalho, evitando postura diretiva e protocolar. O aconselhamento-relação apresenta-se como modo de aconselhar alternativo, pelo uso de tecnologias leves, relações horizontalizadas, respeito às singularidades e o protagonismo do usuário nos cuidados de si. São apresentadas, finalmente, proposições (princípios e conteúdos) para a realização de processos formativos na direção do aconselhamento-relação.

This paper discusses the formation of counselors in HIV / AIDS, requirement of the Ministry of Health for health professionals to develop this practice among users seeking HIV testing. To addressing training is strategic to qualify their practice, building more efficient and effective responses to AIDS. Analyses of manuals of the ministry and interviews with advisors, conducted within a research thesis (in progress), subsidize the discussion. From the analyses of textbooks are highlighted the concept of subjectivity-identity, as a relentless brand defined by the user's sexual practices, and prescriptive and directive trend in recommendations for professionals. From the analysis of interviews, we highlight the identified advising ways - education and respect. These findings add to the reflections on the advice - treated as health device and non material production in the context of reflections on the world of labor in capitalist societies. It is suggested that counseling tends to be captured by the commodity perspective, the close association between scientific and economic rationality in the health field. This arrangement is supported by the still hegemonic ideology in biomedical health practices. To escape this direction, it is suggested critical positioning for counselors in conducting their work, avoiding directive and protocol posture. The counseling-relationship is presented as an alternative advisory way by using lightweight technologies, aligned relationships, respect for differences and the role of the user in his own care. Finally, propositions (principles and contents) are presented to conduct training processes towards relationship-advice.