Astenopia em docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Asthenopia in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas astenópicos e fatores sociodemográficos, hábitos comportamentais e clínicos nos docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal que avaliou a ocorrência de astenopia em 104 docentes. Questionários de sintomatologia visual validados foram adaptados para a coleta de dados. Houve comparação dos docentes quanto à ocorrência ou não de sintomas astenópicos, bem como foi aplicada regressão logística binária, para aferir a associação com variáveis independentes (p<0,05). Resultados: Houve maior aparecimento de sintomas astenópicos durante o período pandêmico, em que o tempo de exposição a telas parece ter sido o fator mais determinante. Além disso, os indivíduos com tempo de tela superior a 5 horas diárias, que faziam uso de telas para o lazer e usavam colírio/lubrificantes apresentaram significativamente maior chance de estar no grupo com sintomas astenópicos. Conclusão: Foi identificada associação significativa entre a ocorrência de sintomas astenópicos e o uso de telas durante o período pandêmico, principalmente nos grupos com maior duração do tempo de tela. O estudo chama atenção para a saúde ocular de docentes universitários em ensino remoto, além de suscitar novos estudos para investigação desse quadro em distintos ambientes escolares.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess asthenopic symptoms and sociodemographic factors, behavioral and clinical aspects in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study evaluating asthenopia in 104 lecturers. Some validated visual symptom questionnaires were adapted for data collection. Lecturers were compared regarding the occurrence or not of asthenopic symptoms, and binary logistic regression was applied to measure the association with independent variables (p<0.05). Results: Asthenopic symptoms occurred more often during the pandemic, when exposure to screens was a determinant factor. The individuals with screen time longer than five hours a day, who used screens for leisure, and who used eye drops/lubricants were significantly more likely to be in the group with asthenopic symptoms. Conclusion: A significant association was identified in occurrence of asthenopic symptoms and screen use during the pandemic period, especially in groups with longer screen time. The study draws attention to the eye health of college lecturers in distance learning, and the need for further research on this situation in different school environments.

Consumo de Estimulantes Cerebrais por Estudantes em Instituições de Ensino de Montes Claros/MG / Consumption of Brain Stimulants by Students in Montes Claros/MG

Resumo: Introdução: A entrada dos jovens na universidade gera uma mudança de ambiente e costumes, tornando-se um período de grande vulnerabilidade para o uso de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o uso de substâncias psicoativas por estudantes de graduação e pré-vestibulandos, de Montes Claros-MG. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal, que avaliou 348 estudantes, em instituições de ensino pré-vestibular (52 estudantes) e superior (98 de Engenharia Civil, 68 de Medicina e 130 de Direito), da cidade de Montes Claros, em Minas Gerais, analisando fatores associados ao uso de psicoestimulantes. Para a obtenção dos dados, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado e validado de autopreenchimento. Obtiveram-se informações sobre o uso de metilfenidato (Ritalina®), cafeína, pó de guaraná, modafinila, piracetam, energético, anfetamina e ecstasy. Resultados: Dos 348 estudantes entrevistados, cerca de 53,7% faziam uso de algum psicoestimulante. Houve um maior uso de substâncias psicoativas nos participantes do grupo do pré-vestibular (75%) em relação ao ensino superior (50%). Observou-se uma maior prevalência do uso atual de cafeína (63,5%) e de pó de guaraná (11,5%) entre os estudantes de pré-vestibular, e de ecstasy (1,7%) e cloridrato de metilfenidato (1,9%) entre os estudantes de ensino superior. A redução do sono (64,9%) foi o efeito mais percebido pelos usuários de estimulantes cerebrais do ensino superior, seguido de melhora na concentração (48%), no bem-estar (45,3%) e no raciocínio (38,5%), redução da fadiga (33,1%), melhora na memória (23,6%) e redução do estresse (23%). Entretanto, nos estudantes do pré-vestibular apenas a melhora no raciocínio (43,6%) e a redução do estresse (23%) obtiveram relevância significativa. Conclusões: Foi possível observar uma maior prevalência do uso de psicoestimulantes nos pré-vestibulandos em relação ao grupo dos universitários. Entre as áreas do ensino superior, não foram encontradas diferenças quanto ao uso dos estimulantes cerebrais pesquisados. É preciso destacar os malefícios do uso de psicoestimulantes em longo prazo, sobretudo a dependência e a tolerância química. Em função disso, o apoio familiar e o psicopedagógico são indispensáveis para prevenir e tratar as consequências do uso desmedido de psicoestimulantes.

Abstract: Introduction: When young people enter the university, it generates a change of environment and customs, thus becoming a period of great vulnerability for the use of psychoactive substances. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of psychoactive substances in undergraduate and pre-college students, in Montes Claros-MG, associating the epidemiological profile, the frequency of use among the groups and describe the main benefits and side effects of the used substances. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out, which evaluated 348 students in pre-college (52 students) and higher education institutions (98 Civil Engineering, 68 Medical and 130 Law students), in the city of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, analyzing factors associated with the use of psychostimulants. To obtain the data, a standardized and validated self-filling questionnaire was used. Information on the use of Methylphenidate (Ritalin®), Caffeine, Guarana Powder, Modafinil, Piracetam, Energy drinks, Amphetamine and Ecstasy were obtained. Results: Of the 348 students interviewed, about 53.7% used some type of psychostimulant. There was a greater use of psychoactive substances among the participants of the pre-college group (75%) in relation to those of the higher education group (50%). There was a higher prevalence of current use of caffeine (63.5%) and guarana powder (11.5%) among pre-university students, Ecstasy (1.7%) and Ritalin (1.9%) among students of higher education institutions. The reduction of sleep (64.9%) was the most perceived effect by the users of brain stimulants in higher education, followed by improvement in concentration (48%), wellness (45.3%), reasoning (38.5%), fatigue reduction (33.1%), memory improvement (23.6%) and stress reduction (23%). However, among the pre-college students only the improvement in reasoning (43.6%) and stress reduction (23%) obtained significant relevance. Conclusion: It was possible to observe a higher prevalence of the use of psychostimulants among the pre-college students in relation to the group of university students. Among the areas of higher education, no differences were found regarding the use of the assessed brain stimulants. It is necessary to highlight the harmful effects of the use of psychostimulants in the long term, especially dependence and chemical tolerance. As a result, family and psycho-pedagogical support are indispensable to prevent and treat the consequences of the excessive use of psychostimulants.

Transtorno depressivo maior em idosos não institucionalizados atendi-dos em um centro de referência / Major depressive disorder in non-institutionalized elderly persons at a reference center

Introdução: A depressão exerce um impacto importante na qualidade de vida dos idosos, sendo imprescindível a compreensão dos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da doença, para que profissionais de saúde atuem no planejamento e implementação de ações direcionadas à promoção de saúde desse público. Objetivo:Analisar a prevalência de transtorno depressivo maior em idosos atendidos em um centro de referência do norte de Minas Gerais, avaliando associações com fatores de risco sociodemográficos. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal e documental, a partir de 3362 prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Centro de Referência em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período entre janeiro de 2008 e dezembro de 2011. Para análise do quadro de depressão, foram utilizados dados do diagnóstico a partir do DSM-IV. Foram realizados testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para determinar fatores sociodemográficos associados àocorrência de depressão. Resultados:Odiagnóstico de transtorno depressivo maior esteve presente na maioria dos idosos (56,8%). Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significativa na presença de transtorno depressivo maior em idosos do sexo feminino (p<0,001), não casados (p<0,001) e não alfabetizados (p<0,002). Não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis idade e presença de transtorno depressivo maior nos idosos estudados (p=0,599). Conclusão:Aalta prevalência do transtorno depressivo maior nos idosos desta pesquisa, bem como a identificação dos fatores associados chama atenção para necessidade de políticas de atenção voltadas para prevenção e detecção precoce do transtorno depressivo maior, de forma a atender a suas demandas e proporcionar uma longevidade com qualidade de vida.

Introduction: Depression has an important impact on thequality of life of older people. It is imperative to understand the risk factors to the development of the disease. This understanding is critical to health professionals,once they have to plan and implement actions aimed at health promotion for that population. Objective: Analyze the prevalence of major depressive disorder in older peopleattending a reference center in the North of Minas Gerais State, in order to establish associations among the disorder andsociodemographic risk factors.Material andMethods:We conducted a cross-sectionaland documentary study from 3362 records of patients treated at a Reference Center in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil from January 2008 to December 2011. For depression condition analysis, we used the categorical classification of mental disorders (DSM-IV). We used Fisher's exact test and chi-square test to determine sociodemographic factors associated with depression.Results: The majority of older people (56.8%) were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A statistically significant association was found between major depressive disorder and female (p <0.001), unmarried (p<0.001) and non-literate (p<0.002)older people. There was no statistically significant relation between age and the presence of major depressive disorder (p=0.599).Conclusion: The high prevalence of major depressive disorder found among older people, as well as the identification of associated factors, draws attention to the need for attention policies aimed at prevention and early detection of major depressive disorder in order to meet their demands and provide longevity with quality of life.

Estresse em Estudantes de Cursos Preparatórios e de Graduação em Medicina / Stress among Pre-University and Undergraduate Medical Students

RESUMO Há anos, o estresse vem sendo reconhecido como importante influenciador no desempenho profissional, acadêmico e na saúde das pessoas. Muitas vezes, o período que antecede o ingresso na universidade é reconhecido como um momento causador de ansiedade, estresse e até depressão. As causas relacionadas a tal desconforto nesse período são diversas, como, por exemplo, a pressão para o sucesso no exame, a interferência familiar e a concorrência. Além disso, o curso de Medicina é visto como um dos mais difíceis e trabalhosos, pois exige dedicação, esforço, sacrifício e resistência física e emocional dos alunos. Tendo em vista os fatores estressores na vida estudantil, este trabalho buscou avaliar a presença de sintomas de estresse entre pré-vestibulandos e acadêmicos de Medicina na cidade de Montes Claros (MG) por meio da aplicação de formulários que investigam fatores sociodemográficos e as fases do estresse (Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse para Adultos de Lipp). Mediante análise estatística, verificou-se que estudantes de pré-vestibular do sexo feminino (p<0,001) e aqueles com mais de três anos de curso (p= 0,012) e com presença de cefaleia (p=0.010) apresentaram-se em fases avançadas do estresse. Nos estudantes do curso médico, apenas a associação significativa entre presença de transtornos de humor e níveis de exaustão foi observada (p=0,023). Índices de resistência e exaustão significativamente maiores nos estudantes do pré-vestibular foram observados quando comparados aos dos acadêmicos de Medicina (p<0,001). É prudente, portanto, questionar a adequação de um sistema competitivo e estressante ao qual o jovem tem que se submeter pelo simples desejo de estudar. Ressalta-se-se, então, a necessidade de o jovem ter a habilidade de lidar com o estresse e a ansiedade, elemento fundamental para o sucesso no vestibular de Medicina. Além disso, verifica-se a necessidade de acompanhamento psicológico dos estudantes de Medicina e de cursos preparatórios a fim de evitar a instalação de comorbidades estressoras que afetem o desempenho escolar e profissional.

ABSTRACT For years stress has been recognized as a major influence on professional and academic performance and on people's health. The period leading up to university admission is commonly recognized as a time that causes anxiety, stress and even depression. The causes related to such discomfort in this period are diverse, such as the pressure for success in the exam, family interference and competition. Besides, the medical course is seen as one of the most difficult and laborious because it requires dedication, effort, sacrifice and physical and emotional endurance of the students. Taking into consideration the stressors in student life, this research aimed to evaluate the presence of symptoms of stress among pre-school students and medical students in the city of Montes Claros (MG), by means of questionnaire forms investigating socio demographic factors and phases of stress (Inventory of Symptoms of Stress for Adults of Lipp). It was found from the statistical analysis that female pre-university students (p<0.001), and those with more than three years of study(p=0.012) and presenting headaches (p=0.010) displayed advanced stages of stress. Among the medical students, significant association was only observed between the presence of mood disorders and stress levels (p=0.023). Significantly higher resistance and depletion rates among pre-university students were detected when compared to medical students(p<0.001). It is prudent, therefore, to question the appropriateness of a competitive and stressful system to which young people is submitted for the simple aim of studying. It is necessary to emphasize the need for the young person to have the ability to deal with stress and anxiety, a fundamental element for success in the medical exam. There is, therefore, the need for psychological counseling of medical and preparatory course students in order to prevent the installation of stressing comorbidities that affect school and work performance.

Perfil nutricional de idosos e sua associação com fatores cognitivos e sociodemográficos / Nutritional profile of elderly and its association with cognitive and sociodemographic factors

Objetivo: verificar associações do estado nutricional com fatores sociodemográficos e estado cognitivo de uma população de idosos não institucionalizados. Método: estudo documental, analítico e transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, com 856 idosos. Os dados sociodemográficos, e da avaliação nutricional e cognitiva foram obtidos de prontuários clínicos. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados por meio do software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.18.0 para Windows® e apresentados em tabelas. Resultados: o perfil nutricional dos idosos foi caracterizado pela alta prevalência de sobrepeso. Mulheres apresentaram maior frequência de sobrepeso. A alfabetização associou-se ao sobrepeso, e sua ausência, ao baixo peso. Idosos com idade mais avançada apresentaram maior prevalência de baixo peso, e menor de sobrepeso. Conclusão: idosos com problemas cognitivos apresentaram maior prevalência de baixo peso, enquanto o sobrepeso esteve relacionado com a ausência de prejuízo cognitivo.

Sobrepeso e obesidade entre crianças em idade escolar / Overweight and obesity between children at school

Introdução: A obesidade e o sobrepeso são definidos como acúmulo anormal de gordura corporal. O sobrepeso na idade infantil pode trazer sérias implicações para a saúde, desde maior probabilidade de obesidade na vida adulta, incapacidade e ate mortes prematuras. Objetivo: verificar a ocorrência de sobrepeso e obesidade infantil entre crianças em idade escolar. Sujeitos e Métodos: Estudo de caráter transversal, analítico e quantitativo, com coleta de dados realizada em abril e maio de 2016 em duas escolas da rede privada de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. A amostra foi composta por 246 crianças matriculadas do primeiro ao sexto ano do ensino fundamental com idade de 6 a 12 anos. Foram coletadas variáveis antropométricas considerando-se o peso e a altura e, a partir desses, foi calculado o Índice de Massa Corporal, sendo utilizada a classificação do Escore Z. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente, comparando-se a classificação do Escore Z por gênero e idade. Resultados: Da amostra obtida (n=246), 142 (57,7%) crianças pertenciam ao sexo feminino e 104 (42,3%), ao masculino, das quais 37 e 31, respectivamente, estavam acima do peso. Dentre as 110 crianças com idades entre 6 e 10 anos, 26 (23,6%) apresentaram-se acima do peso. Na faixa etária de 10 a 12 anos, a maioria das crianças estavam eutróficas (64,7%). Conclusão: Ainda que a maioria do universo avaliado tenha sido composta por eutrofismo, é perceptível a relevante taxa de sobrepeso/obesidade entre essas crianças. O reconhecimento dos fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento desse acúmulo de gordura nas crianças possibilita intervir precocemente, evitando suas repercussões a curto e longo prazo (AU)

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are defined as abnormal accumulation of body fat. Being overweight at child age can have serious health implications, ranging from greater likelihood of obesity and incapacity in adult life to premature deaths. Objective: to verify the occurrence of overweight and childhood obesity among school-aged children. Subjects and Methods: Cross - sectional, analytical and quantitative study, with data collection conducted in April and May of 2016 in two private schools in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. The sample consisted of 246 children enrolled from the first to sixth year of elementary education aged 6 to 12 years. Anthropometric variables were collected considering weight and height, and from these, the Body Mass Index was calculated, using the Z score. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed, comparing the Z score By gender and age Results: From the sample obtained (n = 246), 142 (57.7%) children were females and 104 (42.3%) were males, of whom 37 and 31, respectively, were overweight. Among the 110 children aged 6 to 10 years, 26 (23.6%) were overweight. In the age group of 10 to 12 years, the majority of the children were eutrophic (64.7%). Conclusion: Although the majority of the evaluated universe was composed by eutrophism, the relevant rate of overweight / obesity among these children is perceptible. The recognition of the factors related to the development of this accumulation of fat in children makes it possible to intervene early, avoiding its repercussions in the short and long term (AU)

High expression of S100A4 and endoglin is associated with metastatic disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The presence of cervical metastasis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates in individuals with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). S100A4, a pleiotropic EF-hand calcium-binding protein, is expressed in various normal and cancer cell types. During cancer progression, molecular disturbances in S100A4 can modulate the activity and expression of pre-metastatic and metastatic genes. In this study, we investigated the association between S100A4 methylation status and protein expression as well as the expression of the S100A4 related-proteins annexin A2 (ANXA2), matrix metallopeptidase-9, and endoglin, for metastasis and other clinicopathological parameters in HNSCC. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of metastatic and non-metastatic HNSCC and matched cervical lymph node (LN) samples (metastatic LN = mLN, non-metastatic = nmLN, and control LN (lymphadenitis) = cLN) were submitted for methylation specific-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that S100A4 methylation status failed to demonstrate association with cervical metastasis and other clinicopathological factors related to HNSCC. HNSCC samples from patients that presented with metastatic disease showed high S100A4 and endoglin expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, molecular disturbances in S100A4 and endoglin expression might regulate the formation of cervical metastasis in HNSCC.

Low expression of MSH2 DNA repair protein is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the expression of the MSH2 DNA repair protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in order to analyze its association with clinicopathologic factors and overall survival of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data and primary lesions of HNSSC were collected from 55 patients who underwent surgical resection with postoperative radiotherapy in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2000 and 2008. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed to analyze MSH2 protein expression. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed no significant correlation or association between MSH2 expression and clinicopathologic parameters by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Patients with locoregional metastatic disease (OR=4.949, p<0.001) and lower MSH2 immunohistochemical expressions (OR=2.943, p=0.032) presented poorer survival for HNSCC by Cox regression models. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that lower MSH2 expression might contribute to a higher clinic aggressiveness of HNSCC by promoting an unfavorable outcome.

Low expression of MSH2 DNA repair protein is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the expression of the MSH2 DNA repair protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in order to analyze its association with clinicopathologic factors and overall survival of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data and primary lesions of HNSSC were collected from 55 patients who underwent surgical resection with postoperative radiotherapy in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2000 and 2008. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed to analyze MSH2 protein expression. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed no significant correlation or association between MSH2 expression and clinicopathologic parameters by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Patients with locoregional metastatic disease (OR=4.949, p<0.001) and lower MSH2 immunohistochemical expressions (OR=2.943, p=0.032) presented poorer survival for HNSCC by Cox regression models. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that lower MSH2 expression might contribute to a higher clinic aggressiveness of HNSCC by promoting an unfavorable outcome. .

Immunohistochemical profile of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins in tegumentary leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. Our study can provide more knowledge about angiogenic and hypoxic events in leishmaniasis. We attempted to verify whether the HIF-1 α protein expression may be associated to VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 in leishmanial lesions. OBJECTIVES: Besides understanding the pathway, we performed the correlation of VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins. METHODS: In this study, we gathered 54 paraffin blocks taken from skin lesions in patients from northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, with confirmed diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of the proteins. The expression of HIF-1α was categorized into two groups according to the median: HIF-1 α lower and HIF-1 α higher. RESULTS: We observed increase of VEGFR2 and MMP9 protein expressions in HIF-1 α higher group of epithelial cells. Spearman analyses in epithelial cells showed correlation between VEGF-A and MMP9, VEGFR2 and MMP9 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: HIF-1 α higher group showed increase of VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins. In epithelial cells, VEGF-A was correlated to MMP9 protein. Furthermore, considering leukocyte cells, VEGFR2 was negatively correlated to MMP9 protein levels. This pathway possibly prepares the cells for a higher activity in a hypoxic or an angiogenic microenvironment. Other in vitro and in vivo studies may clarify the activation mechanism and the response from the proteins HIF-1 α, VEGFR2 and MMP-9 in tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Immunohistochemical profile of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins in tegumentary leishmaniasis / Estudo da expressão imunohistoquímica das proteínas HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGFR2 e MMP9 em leishmaniose tegumentar americana

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. Our study can provide more knowledge about angiogenic and hypoxic events in leishmaniasis. We attempted to verify whether the HIF-1 α protein expression may be associated to VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 in leishmanial lesions. OBJECTIVES: Besides understanding the pathway, we performed the correlation of VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins. METHODS: In this study, we gathered 54 paraffin blocks taken from skin lesions in patients from northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, with confirmed diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of the proteins. The expression of HIF-1α was categorized into two groups according to the median: HIF-1 α lower and HIF-1 α higher. RESULTS: We observed increase of VEGFR2 and MMP9 protein expressions in HIF-1 α higher group of epithelial cells. Spearman analyses in epithelial cells showed correlation between VEGF-A and MMP9, VEGFR2 and MMP9 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: HIF-1 α higher group showed increase of VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins. In epithelial cells, VEGF-A was correlated to MMP9 protein. Furthermore, considering leukocyte cells, VEGFR2 was negatively correlated to MMP9 protein levels. This pathway possibly prepares the cells for a higher activity in a hypoxic or an angiogenic microenvironment. Other in vitro and in vivo studies may clarify the activation mechanism and the response from the proteins HIF-1 α, VEGFR2 and MMP-9 in tegumentary leishmaniasis.

FUNDAMENTOS: A leishmaniose é uma das mais importantes doenças infecciosas em todo o mundo. Em leishmaniose, tem sido sugerido que muitas características da lesão está associado a eventos de hipóxia, podendo este ter um papel fundamental na evolução da doença. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo pode fornecer dados acerca do fenômeno hipóxia e da angiogênese em leishmaniose tegumentar americana. Buscou-se verificar se a expressão da proteína HIF-1 α associa-se à expressão das proteínas VEGF-A, VEGFR2 e MMP9 em lesões de Leishmania sp. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram utilizados 54 blocos de parafina de lesões de leishmaniose tegumentar americana de pacientes do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com diagnóstico confirmado de leishmaniose tegumentar americana. A técnica de imunohistoquimica foi utilizada para avaliação da expressão das proteínas. A expressão da HIF-1α foi categorizada em dois grupos de acordo com a mediana: HIF-1 α abaixo e HIF-1 α acima da mediana. RESULTADOS: Observamos aumento das expressões das proteínas VEGFR2 e MMP9 no grupo HIF-1 α acima da mediana. A análise de Spearman demonstrou correlação entre as proteínas VEGF-A e MMP9, VEGFR2 e MMP9. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados aqui apresentados indicam uma alta expressão da proteína HIF-1 α em LTA. O grupo HIF-1α acima da mediana apresentou maior expressão das proteínas VEGFR2 e MMP9. Foi demonstrada correlação entre as proteínas VEGF-A e MMP9, VEGFR2 e MMP9. Outros estudos in vitro e in vivo devem ser realizados a fim de esclarecer o mecanismo de ativação e resposta das proteínas HIF-1 α, VEGFR2 e MMP-9 em leishmaniose tegumentar americana.

Impact of the epithelial dysplasia grading and Ki67 proliferation index in the adjacent non-malignant mucosa on recurrence and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between several different aspects of disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): morphological grading, Ki67 proliferation index (PI), invasive front, adjacent non-malignant mucosa (ANMM), recurrence and overall survival of the patients. Sixty-four fully reviewed and followed-up patients with primary HNSCC were matched according to recurrence of the lesion and placed in one of two groups of 32 cases. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the clinicopathological parameters between both groups of patients. Association between Ki67 PI and clinicopathological parameters was also analyzed through chi-square and Fisher's exact tests with the binary logistic regression model used as a multivariate analysis. In addition, survival analysis was also performed. Our results showed that high-risk dysplasia in ANMM and high Ki67 PI in ANMM of HNSCC exhibited a higher risk of tumor recurrence. Survival analysis showed that T3/T4 tumor sizes and high Ki67 PI were significantly associated with an increase in the risk of death in multivariate analysis. Our results revealed that high-risk dysplasia and high Ki67 PI of the ANMM are parameters which are indicative of tumor recurrence. Furthermore, T3/T4 tumor sizes and high Ki67 PI in the invasive front appear to be important prognostic tools for HNSCC.

Analysis of p16(CDKN2A) methylation and HPV-16 infection in oral mucosal dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between p16(CDKN2A) methylation and epithelial dysplasia (ED). We also evaluated the expressions of proteins related to methylation (DNMT3B and DNMT1). Finally, we tested whether HPV-16/18 or the dmt3b (C46359T) polymorphism is associated with p16(CDKN2A) methylation status. METHODS: To test the hypothesis, a case-control study with 72 (control, n = 24; ED, n = 48) tissue samples from subjects was performed. Methylation-specific PCR, RFLP, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate p16(CDKN2A) methylation status, dmt3b (C46359T) genotyping, and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS: The methylation of p16(CDKN2A) and HPV-16 was associated with ED gradation (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). In addition, most HPV-16-positive samples (77.8%) exhibited p16(CDKN2A) methylation; however, changes in DNMT3B and DNMT1 protein levels were not observed in HPV-positive samples. Neither HPV-18 nor the dmt3b polymorphism was associated with p16(CDKN2A) methylation. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between the presence of HPV-16 in ED and the occurrence of p16(CDKN2A) methylation. Both variables are also associated with ED development, but further studies are necessary to clarify if they operate independently and if they have any impact on OD malignization.

DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphisms and immunoexpression of DNMT3b and DNMT1 proteins in oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphism and immunoexpression of DNMT3b and DNMT1 in oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to a control group. METHODS: We aimed to investigate the DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphism and immunoexpression of DNMT3b and DNMT1 in OLP (n = 32), comparing it with oral mucosa (control; n = 24). The DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphism was analyzed using the RFLP-PCR and DNMT1, and DNMT3a proteins were identified using immunohistochemistry. We also compared the DNMT3B expression in OLP and oral inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (OIFH), another oral inflammatory disease. Differences between the groups were determined by specific statistical analyses. RESULTS: The CT genotype of DNMT3B was associated with OLP development (p = 0.012). Increased expression of DNMT3B and DNMT1 was observed in OLP compared to the control group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.001, respectively). A significant increase in DNMT3B protein levels was observed in the genotype CT in DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphisms (p = 0.045). No DNMT3B expression differences between OLP and OIFH were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the DNMT3B (C46359T) polymorphism is associated with OLP development. Furthermore, increased expression of the enzyme DNMT3B, an epigenetic-associated protein, is present in OLP.