Anti-Cancer Effects of Artesunate in Human 3D Tumor Models of Different Complexity.

The anti-malaria drug Artesunate (ART) shows strong anti-cancer effects in vitro; however, it shows only marginal treatment results in clinical cancer studies. In this study, ART was tested in preclinical 3D cancer models of increasing complexity using clinically relevant peak plasma concentrations to obtain further information for translation into clinical use. ART reduced cell viability in HCT-116 and HT-29 derived cancer spheroids (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids responded dose-dependently, while HT-29 spheroids were affected more strongly by ART than by cytostatics (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids were chemo-sensitized by ART (p < 0.001). In patient-derived cancer spheroids (PDCS), ART led to inhibition of cell viability in 84.62% of the 39 samples tested, with a mean inhibitory effect of 13.87%. Viability reduction of ART was 2-fold weaker than cytostatic monotherapies (p = 0.028). Meanwhile, tumor-stimulation of up to 16.30% was observed in six (15.38%) PDCS-models. In 15 PDCS samples, ART modulated chemotherapies in combined testing, eight of which showed chemo-stimulation (maximum of 36.90%) and seven chemo-inhibition (up to 16.95%). These results demonstrate that ART's anti-cancer efficacy depends on the complexity of the tumor model used. This emphasizes that cancer treatment with ART should be evaluated before treatment of the individual patient to ensure its benefits and prevent unwanted effects.

Combined Expression of HGFR with Her2/neu, EGFR, IGF1R, Mucin-1 and Integrin α2ß1 Is Associated with Aggressive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), also known as c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET), plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In contrast, the mechanisms contributing to aberrant expression of HGFR in EOC are not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of HGFR with its prognostic and predictive role was evaluated immunohistochemically in a cohort of 42 primary ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, we analyzed the dual expression of HGFR and other druggable biomarkers. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, high HGFR expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI95%) 1.01-8.91, p = 0.049) and overall survival (OS) (HR 5.77, CI95% 1.56-21.34, p = 0.009). In addition, the combined expression of HGFR, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/neu), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R), Mucin-1 and Integrin α2ß1 further significantly impaired PFS, platinum-free interval (PFI) and OS. Protein co-expression analyses were confirmed by transcriptomic data in a large, independent cohort of patients. In conclusion, new biomarker-directed treatment targets were identified to fight poor prognosis of primary EOC.

Interpatient Heterogeneity in Drug Response and Protein Biomarker Expression of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer.

Recurrent ovarian-cancer patients face low 5-year survival rates despite chemotherapy. A variety of guideline-recommended second-line therapies are available, but they frequently result in trial-and-error treatment. Alterations and adjustments are common in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. The drug response of 30 lesions obtained from 22 relapsed ovarian cancer patients to different chemotherapeutic and molecular agents was analyzed with the patient-derived ovarian-cancer spheroid model. The profile of druggable biomarkers was immunohistochemically assessed. The second-line combination therapy of carboplatin with gemcitabine was significantly superior to the combination of carboplatin with PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (p < 0.0001) or paclitaxel (p = 0.0007). Except for treosulfan, all nonplatinum treatments tested showed a lesser effect on tumor spheroids compared to that of platinum-based therapies. Treosulfan showed the highest efficacy of all nonplatinum agents, with significant advantage over vinorelbine (p < 0.0001) and topotecan (p < 0.0001), the next best agents. The comparative testing of a variety of treatment options in the ovarian-cancer spheroid model resulted in the identification of more effective regimens for 30% of patients compared to guideline-recommended therapies. Recurrent cancers obtained from different patients revealed profound interpatient heterogeneity in the expression pattern of druggable protein biomarkers. In contrast, different lesions obtained from the same patient revealed a similar drug response and biomarker expression profile. Biological heterogeneity observed in recurrent ovarian cancers might explain the strong differences in the clinical drug response of these patients. Preclinical drug testing and biomarker profiling in the ovarian-cancer spheroid model might help in optimizing treatment management for individual patients.

High Dual Expression of the Biomarkers CD44v6/α2ß1 and CD44v6/PD-L1 Indicate Early Recurrence after Colorectal Hepatic Metastasectomy.

Considering the biology of CRC, distant metastases might support the identification of high-risk patients for early recurrence and targeted therapy. Expression of a panel of druggable, metastasis-related biomarkers was immunohistochemically analyzed in 53 liver (LM) and 15 lung metastases (LuM) and correlated with survival. Differential expression between LM and LuM was observed for the growth factor receptors IGF1R (LuM 92.3% vs. LM 75.8%, p = 0.013), EGFR (LuM 68% vs. LM 41.5%, p = 0.004), the cell adhesion molecules CD44v6 (LuM 55.7% vs. LM 34.9%, p = 0.019) and α2ß1 (LuM 88.3% vs. LM 58.5%, p = 0.001) and the check point molecule PD-L1 (LuM 6.1% vs. LM 3.3%, p = 0.005). Contrary, expression of HGFR, Hsp90, Muc1, Her2/neu, ERα and PR was comparable in LuM and LM. In the LM cohort (n = 52), a high CD44v6 expression was identified as an independent factor of poor prognosis (PFS: HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.18-4.78, p = 0.016). High co-expression of CD44v6/α2ß1 (HR 4.14, 95% CI 1.65-10.38, p = 0.002) and CD44v6/PD-L1 (HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.21-6.85, p = 0.017) indicated early recurrence after hepatectomy, in a substantial number of patients (CD44v6/α2ß1: 11 (21.15%) patients; CD44v6/PD-L1: 12 (23.1%) patients). Dual expression of druggable protein biomarkers may refine prognostic prediction and stratify high-risk patients for new therapeutic concepts, depending on the metastatic location.

Perception of journal club seminars by medical doctoral students: results from five years of evaluation.

Objectives: A journal club is one of the well-established and popular methods of post-graduate education. In this work, we were interested to understand how the participants perceive journal club as a whole and how they evaluate their personal process of acquiring new scientific knowledge and development of soft-skills as an indispensable prerequisite of the lifelong learning. Project description: This study is a survey analysis examining perception of journal club sessions by post-graduate medical students. A checklist for journal club preparation as well as a questionnaire for evaluation of the journal club session by participants has been developed to determine if the journal club had met its aims. Data were collected by summing up all answers to each question of the questionnaire for each session. Qualitative data from a five-year evaluation period were compiled and analyzed. Results: The journal club checklist served as a guideline for the preparation of a journal club session as well as an evaluation questionnaire containing 24 items. Our work presents evidence that journal club seminars are well perceived by participants. Furthermore, a high percentage of participants deemed the working atmosphere to be constructive and found it worthwhile to participate in the sessions. The topics of the presentations have been positively evaluated, however only a minority of participants found that the topics of the journal club was related to their own specific research topic. Concerning the distribution of the journal article, we could show that distributing the paper one week before the journal club event provided sufficient time for preparation. Our evaluation revealed that two-thirds of the participants found discussions during journal club sessions rich and productive. The motivation to think more critically increased during journal club sessions. From our work, it is evident that the participants perceived the speakers´ soft-skills to have improved with the practice. Finally, we show a clear trend of improved perception of the value of journal club sessions from beginning to the end of the evaluation time. Conclusion: Based on the analyzed evaluations, we can conclude that journal club events are highly valued by participants and could be a good option for the development of certain soft-skills.

Dificuldades vivenciadas na atenção básica pela equipe multiprofissional de saúde no atendimento ao usuário queimado / Difficulties experienced by multiprofessional health teams in providing primary care for burn victims / Dificultades vividas en la atención básica por el equipo multiprofesional de salud en la atención al usuario quemado

Objetivo: identificar as dificuldades vivenciadas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde pela equipe multiprofissional no atendimento ao usuário queimado. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo, realizado com 14 profissionais atuantes em três unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados ocorreu em junho de 2018, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram tratados por análise temática. Resultados: os multiprofissionais relataram que consideram sua formação insuficiente e que se sentem despreparados para o primeiro atendimento e manejo, repercutindo em estresse e ansiedade, quando surgem queimaduras mais específicas. Identificaram-se relato de discordâncias nas condutas adotadas e a ausência de um protocolo para o manejo apropriado. Pontuaram que a estrutura física e insumos são inadequados. Conclusão: diante das dificuldades vivenciadas para o atendimento ao queimado, é necessário capacitação profissional e um olhar mais próximo pela gestão, para investir em recursos físicos, materiais e protocolos que possibilitem esse atendimento.

Objective: to identify difficulties experienced in Basic Health Units by multiprofessional teams providing care for burn patients. Method: in this qualitative, descriptive study with 14 health personnel working in three basic health units in southern Rio Grande do Sul state, data were collected in June 2018 by semi-structured interview, and treated by thematic analysis. Results: the multiprofessionals reported that they considered their training insufficient and that they felt unprepared to provide first care and management when more specific burns presented, which was reflected in stress and anxiety. There were reports of divergences in procedures adopted and no protocol for appropriate burn management was in place. They pointed out that the physical structure and materials were unsuitable. Conclusion: the difficulties experienced in providing care to burn victims pose a need for training, and closer attention by management with a view to investing in physical resources, materials and protocols to enable this service.

Objetivo: identificar las dificultades vividas en las Unidades Básicas de Salud por el equipo multiprofesional en la atención al usuario quemado. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, realizado junto a 14 profesionales que trabajan en tres unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Rio Grande do Sul. La recolección de los datos se realizó en junio de 2018, mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron tratados por análisis temático. Resultados: los multiprofesionales refirieron que consideraron su formación insuficiente y que no se sentían preparados para el primer cuidado y manejo, lo que reflejaba en estrés y ansiedad, cuando surgían quemaduras más específicas. Se identificaron diferencias en las conductas adoptadas y ausencia de un protocolo para el manejo adecuados. Apuntaron que la estructura física y los insumos son inadecuados. Conclusión: ante las dificultades vividas en la atención de personas quemadas, hace falta una formación profesional y una mirada más cercana por parte de la gestión, en el sentido de invertir en recursos físicos, materiales y protocolos que hagan posible esa atención.

Dificuldades vivenciadas na atenção básica pela equipe multiprofissional de saúde no atendimento ao usuário queimado / Dificultades vividas en la atención básica por el equipo multiprofesional de salud en la atención al usuario quemado / Difficulties experienced by multiprofessional health teams in providing primary care for burn victims

RESUMO Objetivo identificar as dificuldades vivenciadas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde pela equipe multiprofissional no atendimento ao usuário queimado. Método estudo qualitativo, descritivo, realizado com 14 profissionais atuantes em três unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados ocorreu em junho de 2018, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram tratados por análise temática. Resultados os multiprofissionais relataram que consideram sua formação insuficiente e que se sentem despreparados para o primeiro atendimento e manejo, repercutindo em estresse e ansiedade, quando surgem queimaduras mais específicas. Identificaram-se relato de discordâncias nas condutas adotadas e a ausência de um protocolo para o manejo apropriado. Pontuaram que a estrutura física e insumos são inadequados. Conclusão diante das dificuldades vivenciadas para o atendimento ao queimado, é necessário capacitação profissional e um olhar mais próximo pela gestão, para investir em recursos físicos, materiais e protocolos que possibilitem esse atendimento.

RESUMEN Objetivo identificar las dificultades vividas en las Unidades Básicas de Salud por el equipo multiprofesional en la atención al usuario quemado. Método estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, realizado junto a 14 profesionales que trabajan en tres unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Rio Grande do Sul. La recolección de los datos se realizó en junio de 2018, mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron tratados por análisis temático. Resultados los multiprofesionales refirieron que consideraron su formación insuficiente y que no se sentían preparados para el primer cuidado y manejo, lo que reflejaba en estrés y ansiedad, cuando surgían quemaduras más específicas. Se identificaron diferencias en las conductas adoptadas y ausencia de un protocolo para el manejo adecuados. Apuntaron que la estructura física y los insumos son inadecuados. Conclusión ante las dificultades vividas en la atención de personas quemadas, hace falta una formación profesional y una mirada más cercana por parte de la gestión, en el sentido de invertir en recursos físicos, materiales y protocolos que hagan posible esa atención.

ABSTRACT Objective to identify difficulties experienced in Basic Health Units by multiprofessional teams providing care for burn patients. Method in this qualitative, descriptive study with 14 health personnel working in three basic health units in southern Rio Grande do Sul state, data were collected in June 2018 by semi-structured interview, and treated by thematic analysis. Results the multiprofessionals reported that they considered their training insufficient and that they felt unprepared to provide first care and management when more specific burns presented, which was reflected in stress and anxiety. There were reports of divergences in procedures adopted and no protocol for appropriate burn management was in place. They pointed out that the physical structure and materials were unsuitable. Conclusion the difficulties experienced in providing care to burn victims pose a need for training, and closer attention by management with a view to investing in physical resources, materials and protocols to enable this service.

Integrin α2ß1 Represents a Prognostic and Predictive Biomarker in Primary Ovarian Cancer.

Currently, the same first-line chemotherapy is administered to almost all patients suffering from primary ovarian cancer. The high recurrence rate emphasizes the need for precise drug treatment in primary ovarian cancer. Being crucial in ovarian cancer progression and chemotherapeutic resistance, integrins became promising therapeutic targets. To evaluate its prognostic and predictive value, in the present study, the expression of integrin α2ß1 was analyzed immunohistochemically and correlated with the survival data and other therapy-relevant biomarkers. The significant correlation of a high α2ß1-expression with the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα; p = 0.035) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR; p = 0.027) was observed. In addition, high α2ß1-expression was significantly associated with a low number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD3 intratumoral, p = 0.017; CD3 stromal, p = 0.035; PD-1 intratumoral, p = 0.002; PD-1 stromal, p = 0.049) and the lack of PD-L1 expression (p = 0.005). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with a high expression of integrin α2ß1 revealed a significant shorter progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.035) and platinum-free interval (PFI, p = 0.034). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, integrin α2ß1 was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (p = 0.021) and PFI (p = 0.020). Dual expression of integrin α2ß1 and the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR; PFS/PFI, p = 0.004) and CD44v6 (PFS, p = 0.000; PFI, p = 0.001; overall survival [OS], p = 0.025) impaired survival. Integrin α2ß1 was established as a prognostic and predictive marker in primary ovarian cancer with the potential to stratify patients for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and to design new targeted treatment strategies.

Kidney disease and hemodialysis: identification of blood biomarkers to detect heart failure and kidney failure / Enfermedad renal y hemodiálisis: identificación de biomarcadores sanguíneos para detectar insuficiencia cardíaca e insuficiencia renal

Abstract Objectives: to identify valid blood biomarkers to detect heart failure and kidney failure associated with kidney disease and hemodialysis Methods: systematic literature review conducted in August 2018 in the following: Web Of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cinahal, Cochrane, Science Direct and Lilacs. The guiding question was: "What are the blood biomarkers used to detect heart failure and kidney failure?" A total of537 publications were found, 94 of these appeared more than once, 383 were excluded after reading titles and abstracts, 32 were excluded after reading the full texts, and 10 were excluded in the quantitative and qualitative synthesis. Results: 18 papers compose the final sample and report laboratory and imaging tests, instruments to assess the risk of kidney and heart failure, and also clinical management of the progression of kidney and heart failure. All the studies correlated risk of mortality and death outcome. Conclusion: laboratory tests are important to identifying kidney and heart failure and need to be used to improve clinical management of the hemodialysis treatment of people with chronic kidney disease in order to improve quality of life and life expectancy.

O processo de adoecer do paciente com câncer em cuidado paliativo / The process of getting sick of cancer patients in palliative care / El proceso de endulzar a pacientes con cáncer en cuidados paliativos

Objetivo: Compreender como o paciente oncológico em cuidado paliativo vivencia o processo de adoecimento. Método: O estudo é uma avaliação qualitativa de caráter exploratória descritiva, foi realizado no Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, em Florianópolis, de outubro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018. Participaram 10 pacientes internados na unidade de cuidados paliativos. Foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo de Bardin e constituídas três categorias temáticas. Foram respeitados os preceitos éticos de pesquisa. Resultados: pesquisados tinham mediana de 57 anos, ensino fundamental completo, eram viúvos (40%) e casados (30%). Os pacientes oncológicos precisam ser compreendidos em sua integralidade. Foi evidenciado que as crenças ajudam a enfrentar a doença. Cada indivíduo expressou uma forma diferenciada de enfrentar o câncer. Conclusão: É fundamental a comunicação efetiva com o paciente sobre seu real estado de saúde. Considera-se necessárias pesquisas futuras que abordem a temática tratada neste estudo, afim de melhorar os conhecimentos sobre o tema.(AU)

Objective: To understand how the oncology patient in palliative care experiences or becomes ill. Method: The study is a qualitative assessment of the exploratory descriptive character, carried out at the Oncological Research Center, in Florianópolis, from October 2017 to February 2018. Participated 10 patients admitted to palliative care units. A Bardin content analysis was used and three thematic categories were constituted. The ethical precepts of the research were respected. Results: surveyed had a median of 57 years, complete elementary school, were widowed (40%) and married (30%). Cancer patients need to be fully understood. It was evidenced as the victims of a disease attack. Each individual expresses a different way to fight cancer. Conclusion: Effective communication with patients about their real health status is essential. Consider the following future research that addresses the theme addressed in this study, to improve knowledge on the topic.(AU)

Objetivo: comprender cómo el paciente de oncología en cuidados paliativos experimenta el proceso de la enfermedad. Metodología: El estudio es una evaluación descriptiva cualitativa y exploratoria, realizada en el Centro de Investigación Oncológica, en Florianópolis, de octubre de 2017 a febrero de 2018. Participaron 10 pacientes ingresados en la unidad de cuidados paliativos. Se utiliza el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Se respetaron los preceptos de la investigación ética. Resultados: los pacientes con cáncer deben entenderse completamente. Se ha demostrado que las criaturas ayudan a enfrentar la enfermedad. Cada individuo expresa una forma diferente de tratar el cáncer. Conclusión: se cree que la comunicación efectiva con el paciente acerca de su estado de salud esencial real. La investigación futura se considera necesaria para abordar el tema abordado en este estudio, con el fin de mejorar el conocimiento sobre el tema.(AU)

Relationship between quality of life, self-esteem and depression in people after kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the relationship between health-related quality of life with depression and self-esteem of people after kidney transplantation. METHOD: a cross-sectional study of 47 outpatients from October 2016 to February 2017. The following tools were applied: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation were used. RESULTS: women had lower scores for health-related quality of life. Young adults, people with up to one and a half years of transplantation and those who had dialysis for more than one year had higher scores. CONCLUSION: the health-related quality of life of people with chronic kidney disease after transplantation ranged from good to excellent. The presence of depression was not identified. The relationship of data indicates that the higher the quality of life, the better the self-esteem assessment.

A blinded clinical study using a subepidermal moisture biocapacitance measurement device for early detection of pressure injuries.

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of subepidermal moisture (SEM), a biomarker employed for early detection of pressure injuries (PI), compared to the "Gold Standard" of clinical skin and tissue assessment (STA), and to characterize the timing of SEM changes relative to the diagnosis of a PI. This blinded, longitudinal, prospective clinical study enrolled 189 patients (n = 182 in intent-to-treat [ITT]) at acute and post-acute sites (9 USA, 3 UK). Data were collected from patients' heels and sacrums using a biocapacitance measurement device beginning at admission and continuing for a minimum of 6 days to: (a) the patient developing a PI, (b) discharge from care, or (c) a maximum of 21 days. Standard of care clinical interventions prevailed, uninterrupted. Principal investigators oversaw the study at each site. Blinded Generalists gathered SEM data, and blinded Specialists diagnosed the presence or absence of PIs. Of the ITT population, 26.4% developed a PI during the study; 66.7% classified as Stage 1 injuries, 23% deep tissue injuries, the remaining being Stage 2 or Unstageable. Sensitivity was 87.5% (95% CI: 74.8%-95.3%) and specificity was 32.9% (95% CI: 28.3%-37.8%). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.6713 (95% CI 0.5969-0.7457, P < .001). SEM changes were observed 4.7 (± 2.4 days) earlier than diagnosis of a PI via STA alone. Latency between the SEM biomarker and later onset of a PI, in combination with standard of care interventions administered to at-risk patients, may have confounded specificity. Aggregate SEM sensitivity and specificity and 67.13% AUC exceeded that of clinical judgment alone. While acknowledging specificity limitations, these data suggest that SEM biocapacitance measures can complement STAs, facilitate earlier identification of the risk of specific anatomies developing PIs, and inform earlier anatomy-specific intervention decisions than STAs alone. Future work should include cost-consequence analyses of SEM informed interventions.

Relationship between quality of life, self-esteem and depression in people after kidney transplantation / Relación entre calidad de vida, autoestima y depresión en personas después de trasplante de riñón / Relação entre qualidade de vida, autoestima e depressão em pessoas após transplante renal

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the relationship between health-related quality of life with depression and self-esteem of people after kidney transplantation. Method: a cross-sectional study of 47 outpatients from October 2016 to February 2017. The following tools were applied: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation were used. Results: women had lower scores for health-related quality of life. Young adults, people with up to one and a half years of transplantation and those who had dialysis for more than one year had higher scores. Conclusion: the health-related quality of life of people with chronic kidney disease after transplantation ranged from good to excellent. The presence of depression was not identified. The relationship of data indicates that the higher the quality of life, the better the self-esteem assessment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre calidad de vida relacionada con salud, con depresión y autoestima en personas después del trasplante de riñón. Método: estudio transversal de 47 personas en seguimiento ambulatorio de octubre de 2016 a febrero de 2017. Se aplicaron los instrumentos: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Inventario de Depresión de Beck e Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg. Utilizó estadística descriptiva y correlación de Spearman. Resultados: mujeres obtuvieron puntuaciones más bajas en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Los adultos, las personas con hasta un año y medio de trasplante y las que se sometieron a diálisis durante más de un año obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas. Conclusión: calidad de vida relacionada con la salud después del trasplante varió de buena a excelente. La relación de los datos indica que cuanto mayor sea la calidad de vida, mejor será la evaluación de la autoestima.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar relação entre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde com depressão e autoestima em pessoas após transplante renal. Método: estudo transversal, com 47 pessoas em acompanhamento ambulatorial, de outubro de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. Foram aplicados os instrumentos: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Inventário de Depressão de Beck e Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg. Foi utilizada estatística descritiva e correlação de Spearman. Resultados: mulheres apresentaram pontuações mais baixas para qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Adultos jovens, pessoas com até um ano e meio de transplante e as que realizaram diálise por mais de um ano apresentaram pontuações mais altas. Conclusão: a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pessoas com doença renal crônica após o transplante variou de boa a excelente. Não se identificou a presença de depressão. A relação dos dados indica que quanto maior a qualidade de vida, melhor avaliação de autoestima.

Gestão de custos assistenciais em operadoras de planos de saúde: interface com auditoria do cuidado / Management of assistance costs in health plan operators: interface with audit of care / Gestión de costos de asistencia en operadores del plan de salud: interfaz con la auditoría de cuidado

Objetivo: este estudo buscou identificar estratégias utilizadas na Gestão de Custos Assistenciais com interface na Auditoria do Cuidado. Método: trata-se de pesquisa de cunho qualitativo do tipo revisão integrativa da literatura. Foi realizada busca em bases de dados da área da saúde: SciELO, Pubmed, LILACS e Ibecs. O período de publicação compreendeu os últimos cinco anos, artigos disponíveis online e em língua portuguesa, inglês ou espanhola. Foram selecionados 11 artigos. Resultados: a análise dos dados teve como base o proposto pela pesquisa qualitativa em saúde, conforme Minayo. Uma categoria temática intitulada: 'Gestão de custos assistenciais e a interface com auditoria do cuidado'. Conclusões: o enfermeiro é o profissional que pode realizar a auditoria voltada a qualidade do cuidado, gerenciando os custos relacionados ao mesmo. Quando associado a tecnologias, protocolos, instrumentos avaliativos, a auditoria do cuidado se mostra mais efetiva, sendo estas as principais estratégias para a gestão de custos assistenciais com interface direta na auditoria do cuidado.(AU)

Objective: this study sought to identify strategies used in the Management of Assistance Costs with an interface in the Care Audit. Method: this is a qualitative research of the type of integrative literature review. A search was carried out in health databases: SciELO, Pubmed, LILACS and Ibecs. The publication period included the last five years, articles available online and in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Eleven articles were selected. Results: the data analysis was based on that proposed by qualitative health research, according to Minayo. A thematic category entitled: 'Care cost management and the interface with care audit'. Conclusions: the nurse is the professional who can perform the audit focused on the quality of care, managing the costs related to it. When associated with technologies, protocols, evaluation instruments, the audit of care is more effective, these being the main strategies for the management of care costs with a direct interface in the audit of care.(AU)

Objetivo: este estudio buscó identificar estrategias utilizadas en la Gestión de Costos de Asistencia con una interfaz en la Auditoría de Atención. Método: se trata de una investigación cualitativa del tipo de revisión bibliográfica integradora. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos de salud: SciELO, Pubmed, LILACS e Ibecs. El período de publicación incluyó los últimos cinco años, artículos disponibles en línea y en portugués, inglés o español. Once artículos fueron seleccionados. Resultados: el análisis de datos se basó en lo propuesto por la investigación cualitativa en salud, según Minayo. Una categoría temática titulada: "Gestión de costos de atención y la interfaz con la auditoría de atención". Conclusiones: la enfermera es el profesional que puede realizar la auditoría centrada en la calidad de la atención, gestionando los costos relacionados con ella. Cuando se asocia con tecnologías, protocolos, instrumentos de evaluación, la auditoría de atención es más efectiva, siendo estas las estrategias principales para la gestión de los costos de atención con una interfaz directa en la auditoría de atención.(AU)

Immune Heterogeneity Between Primary Tumors and Corresponding Metastatic Lesions and Response to Platinum Therapy in Primary Ovarian Cancer.

CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes are well known prognostic markers in primary ovarian cancer. In contrast, the predictive value of the immune infiltrate concerning treatment response and the involvement of immune heterogeneity between primary and metastatic lesions are poorly understood. In this study, the immune infiltrate of 49 primary tumors and 38 corresponding lesions in the omentum (n = 23) and the peritoneum (n = 15) was immunohistochemically analyzed and correlated with clinicopathological factors and platinum-sensitivity. Immune heterogeneity was observed between paired primary and metastatic lesions for all immune cell phenotypes. The stromal immune infiltrate was higher in the omental lesions than in the primary tumors, which was reflected by CD45 (p=0.007), CD3 (p=0.005), CD8 (p=0.012), and PD-1 (programmed cell-death protein 1) (p=0.013). A higher stromal infiltrate of both CD45+ and CD3+ cells in the omental lesions was associated with the detection of lymph node metastasis (CD45, p=0.018; CD3, p=0.037). Platinum-sensitive ovarian cancers revealed a higher intratumoral CD8+ infiltrate in the peritoneal lesions compared to the primary tumors (p=0.045). In contrast, higher counts of stromal PD-1+ cells in the peritoneal lesions have been associated with reduced platinum-sensitivity (p=0.045). Immune heterogeneity was associated with platinum response and might represent a selection marker for personalized therapy.

Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Neutrophils on Survival of Patients with Upfront Resection of Pancreatic Cancer.

In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the tumor microenvironment consists of cellular and stromal components that influence prognosis. Hence, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may predict prognosis more precisely than conventional staging systems. Studies on the impact of TILs are heterogeneous and further research is needed. Therefore, this study aims to point out the importance of peritumoral TILs, tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs), and immune subtype classification in PDAC. Material from 57 patients was analyzed with immunohistochemistry performed for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD66b, α-sma, and collagen. Hot spots with peritumoral TILs and TINs were quantified according to the QTiS algorithm and the distance of TILs hot spots to the tumor front was measured. Results were correlated with overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). High densities of peritumoral hot spots with CD3⁺, CD8⁺, and CD20⁺ TILs correlated significantly with improved OS and PFS. Combined immune cell subtypes predicted improved OS and PFS. High infiltration of CD3⁺ TILs predicted progression after 12 months. The location of TILs' hot spots and their distance to the tumor front did not correlate with patient survival. Peritumoral TILs and the composition of the stroma predict OS and PFS in PDAC.

O enfermeiro e o exercício da advocacia do paciente: reflexão teórica / El enfermero y el ejercicio de abogacía del paciente: reflexión teórica / Nurses and patient advocacy: a theoretical reflection

RESUMO OBJETIVO: o presente estudo buscou tecer reflexão acerca da atuação do enfermeiro no exercício da advocacia ao paciente frente à atual conjuntura de serviços de saúde no Brasil. Para o profissional de Enfermagem a advocacia em saúde ainda está sendo acrescida como função, a fim de promover e defender os interesses e o bem-estar do paciente, assegurando que ele detenha o conhecimento dos seus direitos e acesso às informações, melhorando a sua saúde. Discutir sobre as dificuldades e desafios éticos da profissão do enfermeiro, sobretudo a atividade de advogar pelo usuário, deveria ser intrínseco às práticas diárias de saúde realizadas, principalmente durante a formação acadêmica. É possível concluir que a Enfermagem tem um caminho a percorrer no que concerne à advocacia do paciente, para que futuramente possa alicerçar essa atividade à sua prática diária.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: el estudio ha buscado hilar reflexiones sobre la actuación del enfermero que ejerce la abogacía del paciente ante la actual coyuntura de los servicios de salud de Brasil. Para el profesional de enfermería la abogacía en salud todavía se está incrementando como función con miras a promover y defender los intereses y el bienestar del paciente, garantizándole el conocimiento de sus derechos y acceso a la información, mejorando su salud. Discutir sobre las dificultades y retos éticos de la profesión del enfermero y, sobre todo, el ejercicio de abogacía del paciente, debería ser algo intrínseco a las prácticas diarias de salud, principalmente durante la formación académica. Se concluye que Enfermería tiene por delante mucho para recorrer en lo que se refiere a la abogacía del paciente para que, en el futuro, pueda consolidarse en la práctica diaria.

ABSTRACT This study's objective was to present a reflection upon the role of nurses as patient advocates, considering the current context of health services in Brazil. The role of a patient advocate has been added to the practice of nurses in order to promote and defend the interests and wellbeing of patients, ensuring patients are aware of their rights and have access to information to improve their health. A discussion regarding the difficulties and ethical challenges nurses face, especially when advocating for patients, should be intrinsic to daily health practice and especially during academic training. The conclusion is that the nursing field has a long way forward in terms of patient advocacy, so that in the future, this activity will be based on daily practice.

Avaliação de esperança e resiliência em pessoas em tratamento hemodialítico / Evaluation of hope and resilience in people in hemodialytic treatment

Objetivo: avaliar a esperança manifestada em pessoas em tratamentohemodialítico e sua relação com a resiliência. Método: estudo transversal, em duas unidadesde hemodiálise da região metropolitana de Florianópolis. Participaram 60 pessoas de janeiro amarço de 2017. Utilizado instrumento de caracterização, Escala de Esperança de Herthadaptada e validada para a língua portuguesa, Escala de Resiliência de Connor – Davidson.Análise descritiva e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: correlação moderadasignificativa e positiva entre esperança e resiliência (r: 0,470; p<0,01). Sexo feminino comvalores médios maiores para esperança e resiliência (M: 44,72; DP: 3,23) e (M: 84,44; DP:10,66). Os que se encontravam em lista de espera para o transplante obtiveram menorespontuações para esperança (M:42,75; DP: 4,76) e para resiliência (M:79,33; DP: 10,54).Conclusão: as pessoas em tratamento hemodialítico apresentam disposição à esperança eresiliência, o que sugere melhor adaptação ao tratamento.

Aim: to evaluate the hope manifested by people undergoing hemodialysis andits relation with resilience. Method: cross-sectional study, in two hemodialysis units of themetropolitan region of Florianópolis. Sixty people participated in the study, from January toMarch 2017. Herth's Hope Scale, adapted and validated for the portuguese language andConnor - Davidson Resilience Scale were used as characterization instruments. Spearman'sdescriptive analysis and correlation coefficient. Results: moderate and positive correlation between hope and resilience (r: 0.470; p <0.01). Females with higher mean values for hopeand resilience (M: 44;72; SD: 3,23) and (M: 84,44, SD: 10,66). Those on the waiting list fortransplantation obtained lower scores for hope (M: 42,75; SD: 4,76) and for resilience (M:79,33; SD: 10,54). Conclusion: people on hemodialysis have a disposition to hope andresilience, which suggests a better adaptation to treatment.

Objetivo: evaluar la esperanza revelada en personas en tratamientohemodialítico y su relación con la resiliencia. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en dosunidades de hemodiálisis de la región metropolitana de Florianópolis. Participaron 60personas entre enero y marzo de 2017. El instrumento de caracterización fue Herth EsperanzaEscala, adaptado y validado para el idioma portugués, Connor - Davidson Resiliencia Escala.Análisis descriptivo y coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: correlaciónmoderada significativa y positiva entre esperanza y resiliencia (r: 0,470; p<0,01). El sexofemenino con valores medios mayores para la esperanza y la resiliencia (M: 44,72; DP: 3,23) y(M: 84,44; DP: 10,66). Los que se encontraban en lista de espera para el trasplante obtuvieronmenores puntuaciones para la esperanza (M: 42,75; DP: 4,76) y para resiliencia (M: 79,33;DP: 10,54). Conclusión: las personas en tratamiento hemodialítico presentan predisposición ala esperanza y a la resiliencia, lo que sugiere mejor adaptación al tratamiento.

Perivascular Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Scoring for Prognosis of Resected Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

Liver resection is a curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are important players in predicting HCC recurrence. However, the invasive margin could not be confirmed as relevant for HCC. The migration of immune cells into HCC may originate from intratumoral vessels. No previous study has examined perivascular (PV) infiltration. Tumors from 60 patients were examined. Immunohistochemistry was performed against CD3, CD8, CD20, and CD66b. TILs were counted in the PV regions using an algorithm for quantification of the tumor immune stroma (QTiS). The results were correlated with overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), clinical parameters, and laboratory values. PV infiltration of TILs was predominant in resected HCC. Higher PV infiltration of CD3⁺ (p = 0.016) and CD8⁺ (p = 0.028) independently predicted better OS and DFS, respectively. CD20⁺ showed a trend towards better DFS (p = 0.076). Scoring of CD3⁺, CD8⁺, and CD20⁺ independently predicted OS and DFS (p < 0.01). The amount of perivascular-infiltrating CD3⁺ cells is an independent predictor of better OS, and CD8⁺ cells independently predict prolonged DFS. Our novel perivascular infiltration scoring (PVIS) can independently predict both DFS and OS in resected HCC patients.