Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America.

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe.En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales.Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación.El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC.Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinhados com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais.Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação.O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colaboradores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America / Colaborar para tener éxito: la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil en América Latina / Colaboração para o sucesso: a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil na América Latina

[ABSTRACT]. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to deter- mine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

[RESUMEN]. La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe. En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales. Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación. El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

[RESUMO]. A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC. Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinha- dos com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais. Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação. O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colabora- dores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

Complete genome analysis of Tequatrovirus ufvareg1, a Tequatrovirus species inhibiting Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Introduction: Bacteriophages infecting human pathogens have been considered potential biocontrol agents, and studying their genetic content is essential to their safe use in the food industry. Tequatrovirus ufvareg1 is a bacteriophage named UFV-AREG1, isolated from cowshed wastewater and previously tested for its ability to inhibit Escherichia coli O157:H7. Methods: T. ufvareg1 was previously isolated using E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) as a bacterial host. The same strain was used for bacteriophage propagation and the one-step growth curve. The genome of the T. ufvareg1 was sequenced using 305 Illumina HiSeq, and the genome comparison was calculated by VIRIDIC and VIPTree. Results: Here, we characterize its genome and compare it to other Tequatrovirus. T. ufvareg1 virions have an icosahedral head (114 x 86 nm) and a contracted tail (117 x 23 nm), with a latent period of 25 min, and an average burst size was 18 phage particles per infected E. coli cell. The genome of the bacteriophage T. ufvareg1 contains 268 coding DNA sequences (CDS) and ten tRNA genes distributed in both negative and positive strains. T. ufvareg1 genome also contains 40 promoters on its regulatory regions and two rho-independent terminators. T. ufvareg1 shares an average intergenomic similarity (VIRIDC) of 88.77% and an average genomic similarity score (VipTree) of 88.91% with eight four reference genomes for Tequatrovirus available in the NCBI RefSeq database. The pan-genomic analysis confirmed the high conservation of Tequatrovirus genomes. Among all CDS annotated in the T. ufvareg1 genome, there are 123 core genes, 38 softcore genes, 94 shell genes, and 13 cloud genes. None of 268 CDS was classified as being exclusive of T. ufvareg1. Conclusion: The results in this paper, combined with other previously published findings, indicate that T. ufvareg1 bacteriophage is a potential candidate for food protection against E. coli O157:H7 in foods.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America / Colaborar para tener éxito: la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil en América Latina / Colaboração para o sucesso: a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil na América Latina

ABSTRACT The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

RESUMEN La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe. En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales. Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación. El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

RESUMO A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC. Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinhados com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais. Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação. O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colaboradores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in labial mucosa: Report of a rare case in a pediatric patient.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a malignant neoplasm of soft tissue, which occurs mainly in extremities. In this study, we described a rare case of LGFMS arising in the labial mucosa, in a 7-year-old male patient, who presented a painless multilobulated growth with an evolution time of 12 months. An incisional biopsy was performed and microscopic examination revealed a proliferation of bland regular spindle cells in an alternating myxoid and hyalinized stroma. The tumor cells showed a strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for MUC4 and low cell proliferation index measured by Ki-67 antibody. The diagnosis of LGFMS was established and the patient was referred for surgical treatment at a pediatric oncology hospital.

Clinical manifestations of head and neck cancer in pediatric patients, an analysis of 253 cases in a single Brazilian center

Background: Pediatric head and neck cancer (PHNC) is rare and its nonspecific clinical manifestations may often lead to delayed diagnosis. We aimed to describe the signs, symptoms, and clinicopathological characteristics of PHNC. Material and Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all PHNC cases diagnosed from 1986 to 2016 affecting patients aged 19-years and younger from a tertiary referral center in Brazil. Demographic variables, anatomical site of primary tumors, histopathological diagnoses, signs and symptoms, and patterns of misdiagnosis were collected and interpreted by statistical and descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 253 PHNC cases were included. The mean age was 9.3 years and male patients were more frequently affected (60.9%). Burkitt lymphoma (23.7%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (15.8%), and rhabdomyosarcoma (15.4%) were the most common cancer types. The nasopharynx (28.9%), cervical/lymph node region (25.3%), and craniofacial bones (8.3%) were the predominant anatomical sites. Tumor/swelling (68.4%), was the clinical finding often presented. The univariable analysis showed association between tumor histology and clinical variables such as sex (p=0.022), age (p<0.0001), anatomical location (p<0.0001) tumor/swelling (p=0.034), pain (p=0.031), systemic/general manifestations (p=0.004), nasal/breathing alterations (p=0.012), orbital/ocular alterations (p<0.0001). Misdiagnosis such as tonsillitis, otitis, and abscess were frequent. Conclusions: Although the clinical findings of PHNC are often unspecific, this study provided signs and symptoms with significant correlations between tumor histology. The suspicion of malignancy should be considered when the main signs and symptoms reported here appear and persist, in order to conduct a timely diagnosis.(AU)

Induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: incidence and risk factors for bloodstream infections.

Among the treatment-related acute toxic effects, risks for bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with several variables. The authors carried out a retrospective cohort study with 259 children and adolescents with ALL, treated with the GBTLI-LLA 2009 protocol, in order to assess the incidence of BSIs in the induction phase; to determine the risk factors for these BSIs; and to identify the related microorganisms and sensitivity profile of the microorganisms related to these infections. BSIs were documented in 19.3% of patients. The isolated microorganisms were 39 Gram-negative bacteria, 21 Gram-positive bacteria, and four fungi. There was a statistically significant risk of BSI between the variables: protocol for T-line-derived leukemia (Derived T Protocol) (p = 0.020), oral manifestations (p = 0.015), central venous catheter (p = 0.008), and bladder catheter (p = 0.004). BSI is a frequent event in ALL patients during the induction phase. The identification of these factors can allow the elaboration and improvement of strategies for the intensification of supportive care, prevention, and rapid treatment of infections.

Burkitt lymphoma of the head and neck: An international collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with three variants (endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated), presenting with specific epidemiological and clinical features. Burkitt lymphoma affects the head and neck region (BLHN) in approximately 10% of cases. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative analysis of the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of BLHN diagnosed in patients from Africa, Guatemala, and Brazil. METHODS: Cases diagnosed as BLHN were collected from the files of six oral pathology laboratory services (Brazil, South Africa, and Guatemala) and one Brazilian pediatric oncology hospital from 1986 to 2020. Clinicopathological and IHC data, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status by in situ hybridization data for each case were reviewed and described. RESULTS: Of the 52 cases, BLHN was predominant in pediatric patients [43 (82.69%)] and males [43 (82.69%)], with a mean age of 11.26 ± 9.68 years (range, 1-39 years). Neck and cervical lymph nodes [14 (26.92%)], and involvement of both maxilla and mandible [8 (15.38%)], were the most common anatomical sites. Clinically, tumor/swelling [40 (31.25%)], cervical lymphadenopathy [14 (10.94%)], pain [12 (9.38%)], and bone destruction [12 (9.38%)] were frequent findings. All cases showed typical morphological characteristics of BL. IHC profiles included positivity for CD20 [52 (100%)], CD10 [38 (79.17%)], Bcl6 [29 (87.88%)], and c-Myc protein [18 (81.82%)]. EBV was positive in 18 cases (62.07%). The Ki-67 index ranged from 90 to 100%. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathological and EBV profile of BLHN in South African, Guatemalan, and Brazilian patients is similar.

Tongue carcinoma as a secondary malignancy in a 17-year-old leukemia survivor: A case report.

Pediatric hematologic malignancies present an elevated survival rate, and these survivors may experience long-term complications, including secondary malignancies. This case describes a 17-year-old female patient previously treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, T2N0M0) of the lateral border of the tongue diagnosed during dental follow-up 2 years and 9 months after the conclusion of ALL therapy (GBTLILLA99 protocol). The patient underwent exclusive surgical resection for the tongue SCC and is free of disease 11 years after the surgery. The current case report highlights the importance of monitoring the oral health of childhood cancer survivors. As part of a multidisciplinary team, our directives include counseling to avoid carcinogenic exposures.

Encapsulation in alginate-polymers improves stability and allows controlled release of the UFV-AREG1 bacteriophage.

The bacteriophage UFV-AREG1 was used as a model organism to evaluate the encapsulation via extrusion using different hydrocolloids. Pure alginate [0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% (m/v)] and mixtures of alginate [0.75% or 1.0% (m/v)] with carrageenan [1.25% (m/v)], chitosan [0.5% (m/v)], or whey protein [1.5% (m/v)] were used to produce bacteriophage-loaded beads. The encapsulating solutions presented flow behavior of non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids and the concentration of hydrocolloid did not influence (p > 0.05) the morphology of the beads, except for alginate-chitosan solutions, which presented the higher flow consistency index (K) and the lower flow behavior index (n). The encapsulation efficiency was about 99% and the confocal photomicrography of the encapsulated bacteriophages labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate showed homogenous distribution of the viral particles within the beads. The phages remained viable in the beads of alginate-whey protein even when submitted to pH 2.5 for 2 h. Beads incubated directly in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) resulted in a minimal of 50% release of the UFV-AREG1 phages after 5 min, even when previously submitted to the simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.5). Encapsulation enabled phages to remain viable under refrigeration for five months. Encapsulated UFV-AREG1 phages were sensitive to dehydration, suggesting the need for protective agents. In this study, for the first-time bacteriophages were encapsulated in alginate-carrageenan beads, as well as alginate-chitosan as a bead-forming hydrocolloid. In addition, a novel procedure for encapsulating bacteriophages in alginate-whey protein was proposed. The assembled system showed efficiency in the encapsulation of UFV-AREG1 bacteriophages using different hydrocolloids and has potential to be used for the entrapment of a variety of bioactive compounds.

Clinicopathological analysis and survival outcomes of primary salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland tumors are a diverse group of uncommon neoplasms that are rare in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological profile and survival outcomes of pediatric patients affected by salivary gland tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus databases, and grey literature. The risk of bias was available in all papers included. RESULTS: A total of 2,830 articles were initially retrieved with 54 remaining for data extraction, resulting in 2,937 cases. This comprised forty-five case series' and nine cohort studies. These tumors were slightly more prevalent in females (57.4%). The patients' age ranged from 0.3 to 19 years old, with a mean age of 13.3 years. Parotid was the most affected site (81.9%), and 99.2% of cases clinically exhibited a swelling. Presence of pain/tenderness was reported in 13.5% of the cases, with an average duration of 12.6 months for the appearance of symptoms. Most of the reported cases were malignant tumors (75.4%), with mucoepidermoid carcinoma the most common tumor of all tumors (44.8%), followed by pleomorphic adenoma (24.1%). Surgery alone was the leading treatment choice in 74.9% cases, and the 5-year overall survival rate of patients was 93.1%. Patients with symptoms (P = .001), local recurrence (P < .001), metastasis (P < .001), and those not undergoing surgery or surgery combined with radiotherapy (P < .001) showed lower survival rates. CONCLUSION: The pediatric patients present a high frequency of malignant salivary neoplasms and a high overall survival rate.

Global frequency and distribution of head and neck cancer in pediatrics, a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Incidence and mortality rates of childhood cancer represent a global public health issue, however, the worldwide prevalence of head and neck cancer in pediatric patients (HNCPP) is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the frequency and distribution of HNCPP worldwide. METHODS: A specific search strategy was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE to include studies based on hospital records, national cancer registries, and pathology files. Studies quality was assessed using the risk of bias checklist of the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal. RESULTS: Nineteen publications (15,970 cases) were included. Global frequency ranged from 0.25 % to 15 %. Male patients older than 10 years of age were most affected by lymphomas, followed by carcinomas and sarcomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, thyroid carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were the main histopathological subtypes. Neck/lymph nodes were anatomical hotspots. CONCLUSIONS: This HNCPP global overview may guide secondary prevention strategies and future etiological studies.

Oral and maxillofacial cancer in pediatric patients: 30 years experience from a Brazilian reference center.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the relative frequency, demographic distribution and clinicopathological features of pediatric oral and maxillofacial cancer (POMC). METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all cancer cases diagnosed from 1986 to 2016 affecting patients aged 19 years and younger. Demographic variables, anatomical site, and histopathological diagnoses were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-five (0.77%) POMCs were found among 7181 pediatric malignancies. Mean age at diagnosis was 8 years and patients aged 5-9 years presented the higher prevalence of malignant tumors (40%). White male patients were more frequently affected (78.18% and 65.45%, respectively). The most common cancer type was lymphomas (52.73%) followed by sarcomas (27.27%) and carcinomas (20%). Burkitt lymphoma (32.73%), rhabdomyosarcoma (14.55%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (9.09%), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (9.09%) were the most common histopathological diagnoses. The main affected anatomical site was the oropharynx (38.18%), followed by salivary glands (30.91%), maxillofacial bone (20%), and oral cavity (10.91%). CONCLUSION: POMC has a low incidence; however, highly aggressive tumors, such as lymphomas and sarcomas, are common in this scenario. A better knowledge about the clinicopathological distribution of POMC may contribute to early diagnosis and improve survival rates.

Adherence to dental treatment reduces oral complications related to cancer treatment in pediatric and adolescent patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the association between adherence to dental treatment and (1) oral complications and (2) clinical and sociodemographic aspects of pediatric and adolescent patients with cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with a sample of 147 children and adolescents who underwent cancer treatment of solid tumors or lymphomas was carried out. The patients were divided into three groups according to previously established criteria. Sociodemographic aspects and oncological, dental, and oral complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 6.7 ± 6.09 years; 57.1% were males and 42.9% were females. Of the 147 patients, 37.41% had full adherence, 33.3% had partial adherence, and 29.3% had non-adherence to the proposed dental treatment. A statistically significant association between oral complications and adherence to dental treatment (p = 0.006) could be observed. The presence of caries lesions at the initial oral examination presented a statistically significant association with adherence to dental treatment (p = 0.004). Children with caries lesions at the initial dental examination had an 88% higher risk of developing oral complications compared with those without caries (RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.01-3.49). After adjustments for age and the presence of caries lesions at the initial examination, adherence to dental treatment remained the only independent risk factor for oral complications (adjusted RR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.17-5.57). CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that non-adherence to dental treatment was associated with higher incidence of oral complications and it is a risk factor for these complications. The presence of caries lesions at the initial oral examination was associated with non-adherence to dental treatment.

Chloride and sodium ion concentrations in saliva and sweat as a method to diagnose cystic fibrosis / Dosagem da concentração dos íons cloreto e sódio na saliva e no suor para o reconhecimento de pacientes com fibrose cística

Abstract Objective: Cystic fibrosis diagnosis is dependent on the chloride ion concentration in the sweat test (≥ 60 mEq/mL - recognized as the gold standard indicator for cystic fibrosis diagnosis). Moreover, the salivary glands express the CFTR protein in the same manner as sweat glands. Given this context, the objective was to verify the correlation of saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration, and between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration, in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy control subjects, as a tool for cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Methods: There were 160 subjects enrolled: 57/160 (35.70%) patients with cystic fibrosis and two known CFTR mutations and 103/160 (64.40%) healthy controls subjects. Saliva ion concentration was analyzed by ABL 835 Radiometer® equipment and, sweat chloride concentration and sweat sodium concentration, respectively, by manual titration using the mercurimetric procedure of Schales & Schales and flame photometry. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-squared test, the Mann -Whitney test, and Spearman's correlation. Alpha = 0.05. Results: Patients with cystic fibrosis showed higher values of sweat chloride concentration, sweat sodium concentration, saliva chloride concentration, and saliva sodium concentration than healthy controls subjects (p-value < 0.001). The correlation between saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho (correlation coefficient) = 0.475 (95% CI = 0.346 to 0.587). Also, the correlation between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho = 0.306 (95% CI = 0.158 to 0.440). Conclusions: Saliva chloride concentration and saliva sodium concentration are candidates to be used in cystic fibrosis diagnosis, mainly in cases where it is difficult to achieve the correct sweat amount, and/or CFTR mutation screening is difficult, and/or reference methods for sweat test are unavailable to implement or are not easily accessible by the general population.

Resumo Objetivo: O diagnóstico da fibrose cística depende do valor da concentração de íons de cloreto no teste do suor (≥ 60 mEq/mL - reconhecido como o indicador-padrão para o diagnóstico da doença). Além disso, as glândulas salivares expressam a proteína RTFC igualmente às glândulas sudoríparas. Nesse contexto, nosso objetivo foi verificar a correlação da concentração de cloreto na saliva e a concentração de cloreto no suor e entre a concentração de sódio na saliva e a concentração de sódio no suor em pacientes com fibrose cística e indivíduos controles saudáveis, como uma ferramenta para diagnóstico de fibrose cística. Métodos: Contamos com a participação de 160 indivíduos [57/160 (35,70%) com fibrose cística e duas mutações no gene RTFC conhecidas e 103/160 (64,40%) indivíduos controles saudáveis]. A concentração de íons na saliva foi analisada pelo equipamento ABL 835 da Radiometer® e a concentração de cloreto no suor e sódio no suor, respectivamente, por titulação manual utilizando o método mercurimétrico de Schales & Schales e fotometria de chama. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste qui-quadrado, pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e pela correlação de Spearman. Alpha = 0,05. Resultados: Os pacientes com fibrose cística apresentaram maiores valores na concentração de cloreto no suor, concentração de sódio no suor, concentração de cloreto na saliva e concentração de sódio na saliva do que os indivíduos-controle saudáveis (valor de p < 0,001). A correlação entre as concentrações de cloreto na saliva e cloreto no suor mostrou Rho de Spearman (coeficiente de correlação) positivo = 0,475 (IC de 95% = 0,346 a 0,587). Além disso, a correlação entre concentração de sódio na saliva e concentração de sódio no suor mostrou Rho de Spearman positivo = 0,306 (IC de 95% = 0,158 a 0,440). Conclusões: A concentração de cloreto na saliva e a concentração de sódio na saliva são candidatas a ser usadas como diagnóstico de fibrose cística, principalmente em casos em que é difícil atingir a quantidade correta de suor, e/ou o exame da mutação RTFC é difícil e/ou o método de referência para o teste do suor não se encontra disponível ou não é de fácil acesso ao público em geral.

Hidrogeis de polivinil-álcool (PVA) contendo o bacteriófago UFV-AREG1 para aplicação como curativo adesivo para a indústria de alimentos / Polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) hydrogel containing the UFV-AREG1 bacteriophagus for application as a curative adhesive for the food industry

Infecções cutâneas obtidas por cortes nas mãos de manipuladores podem gerar contaminação nos alimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi incorporar o bacteriófago UFV-AREG1 em hidrogel de álcool poli(vinílico) – PVA, aplicando-o futuramente como curativo adesivo. Foi adicionado 1,0 mL de solução do fago no PVA e seco em estufa por 48 h. Após, os hidrogeis foram submetidos a testes de Intumescimento, Espectroscopia no infravermelho (FTIR) e efeito antimicrobiano sobre E. coli O157:H7. O intumescimento do PVA-fago foi maior que o PVA-controle (p<0,05). A área de inibição do PVA-fago foi de 3,715 cm2 contra 2,916 cm2 do controle. As análises do FTIR mostraram um pico para o PVA-fago não encontrado no PVA-controle. Foi possível incorporar o bacteriófago em hidrogel de PVA e avaliar sua liberação para posterior aplicação como curativo adesivo.

Chloride and sodium ion concentrations in saliva and sweat as a method to diagnose cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cystic fibrosis diagnosis is dependent on the chloride ion concentration in the sweat test (≥60mEq/mL - recognized as the gold standard indicator for cystic fibrosis diagnosis). Moreover, the salivary glands express the CFTR protein in the same manner as sweat glands. Given this context, the objective was to verify the correlation of saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration, and between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration, in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy control subjects, as a tool for cystic fibrosis diagnosis. METHODS: There were 160 subjects enrolled: 57/160 (35.70%) patients with cystic fibrosis and two known CFTR mutations and 103/160 (64.40%) healthy controls subjects. Saliva ion concentration was analyzed by ABL 835 Radiometer® equipment and, sweat chloride concentration and sweat sodium concentration, respectively, by manual titration using the mercurimetric procedure of Schales & Schales and flame photometry. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-squared test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's correlation. Alpha=0.05. RESULTS: Patients with cystic fibrosis showed higher values of sweat chloride concentration, sweat sodium concentration, saliva chloride concentration, and saliva sodium concentration than healthy controls subjects (p-value<0.001). The correlation between saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho (correlation coefficient)=0.475 (95% CI=0.346 to 0.587). Also, the correlation between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho=0.306 (95% CI=0.158 to 0.440). CONCLUSIONS: Saliva chloride concentration and saliva sodium concentration are candidates to be used in cystic fibrosis diagnosis, mainly in cases where it is difficult to achieve the correct sweat amount, and/or CFTR mutation screening is difficult, and/or reference methods for sweat test are unavailable to implement or are not easily accessible by the general population.

Demographic and clinicopathologic distribution of head and neck malignant tumors in pediatric patients from a Brazilian population: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pediatric head and neck cancer (PHNC) is increasing worldwide, especially when compared with childhood cancer in general. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the demographic profile of such patients across the globe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe demographic, topographic, and histopathological features of PHNC patients from a single Brazilian institution. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all cancer cases diagnosed from 1986 to 2016 affecting patients aged 19 years and younger. The demographic variables (age, gender, race), topographic aspects of primary tumors, and histopathological diagnoses were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-seven (5.11%) head and neck malignant tumors were found among 7181 pediatric cancers diagnosed in this period. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.35 years with male (65.67%) predominance. Patients between the age group of 10-14 years presented the higher prevalence of malignant tumors. In terms of race, 73.02% of the patients were white and 9.54% were black. The main affected anatomic site was the neck and lymph nodes (41.42%), followed by nasopharynx (22.89%) and thyroid gland (6.54%). The most common cancer type was lymphoma (52.86%), followed by carcinoma (22.89%), and sarcoma (19.07%). Burkitt lymphoma, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma were the most common histopathological diagnoses (16.62%, 13.08%, 12.81%, and 12.81%, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study originally demonstrated that lymphomas may be more frequent than carcinomas and sarcomas in Brazilian PHNC patients.

Oral health in patients with cystic fibrosis

The oral health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is not well studied. Aim: In this context, we describe the frequency of dental problems and performed the description of plaque index and gingival index in patients with CF. Methods: We performed a descriptive study about oral health enrolling 94 patients with CF. Results: The CF diagnosis was done considering the sweat test with chloride values ≥ 60 mmol/L. The permanent dentition was predominant in 57/94 (60.64%) patients with CF ­ 28/57 (49.12%) caries, 57/57 (100%) filled teeth and 1/57 (1.75%) missing tooth. Deciduous teeth occurred in 37/94 (39.36%) patients with CF ­ 22/37 (59.46%) carious, 29/37 (78.38%) exfoliated teeth, 20/37 (54.05%) filled teeth. Also, the plaque index and gingival index had scored less than one in many cases (≥ 50% of the cases). Conclusions: Patients with CF showed oral health problems with prevalence comparable to that of the normal population and low values in the plaque index and gingival index

Evaluation of microencapsulation of the UFV-AREG1 bacteriophage in alginate-Ca microcapsules using microfluidic devices.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the emergence of resistant microorganisms have become a major challenge for the food industry. The purpose of this work was to microencapsulate the bacteriophage UFV-AREG1 in a calcium alginate matrix using microfluidic devices and to study the viability and efficiency of retention. The microcapsules were added to gel of propylene glycol for use as an antimicrobial in the food industry. The technique showed the number of the phage encapsulation, yielding drops with an average 100-250µm of diameter, 82.1±2% retention efficiency and stability in the gel matrix for 21days. The gel added to the microencapsulated phage showed efficiency (not detectable on the surface) in reducing bacterial contamination on the surface at a similar level to antimicrobial chemicals (alcohol 70%). Therefore, it was possible to microencapsulate bacteriophages in alginate-Ca and apply the microcapsules in gels for use as sanitizers in the food industry.