Impacts of Sociodemographic Factors, Screening, and Organization of Health Services on Breast Cancer Mortality in Brazil: An Ecological Study of 20 Years.

Background: Breast cancer mortality is increasing in Brazil. This study examines the impact of sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and primary healthcare (PHC) on breast cancer mortality. Methods: An ecological study analyzed secondary data of women diagnosed with breast cancer who died between 2000 and 2019. Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC were examined in relation to breast cancer mortality. Statistical analyses included normality tests, Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, age-period-cohort analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Mortality rates were higher in the southeast (15.77) and south (15.97) regions compared to the north (5.07) (p < 0.0001). Survival rates were longer in the southeast (70.3 ± 0.05) and south (70.6 ± 0.09) than in the north (63.98 ± 0.053) (p ≤ 0.001). Mortality increased with age after 32 years (p ≤ 0.001). Brown and indigenous women had lower mortality and survival rates. Increased coverage of PHC, ultrasound, and biopsy did not reduce mortality. However, improved cytopathologic analysis led to a decrease in mortality. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC are specific predictors of breast cancer mortality in Brazil.

Aspects of Sexuality in Quilombola Communities' Young Adults in Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Quilombola communities are descended from African slaves who escaped in resistance to imperial rule in Brazil. Today, these communities suffer from inadequate health care and health promotion programs due to socioeconomic, geographic, and political factors. This generates greater vulnerability among these groups because they have limited information about prevention to improve their quality of life. This research aimed to analyze the sexuality of young quilombola adults and the impact on their quality of life through an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study with descriptive and inferential analyses. Our study is the first to address these issues among quilombolas in the Eastern Amazon region. The participants were 79 individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 to 35 years, belonging to seven communities in the state of Pará. The questionnaires were designed to assess sexual behavior and satisfaction, values and beliefs about sexuality, prejudice regarding sexual and gender diversity, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about maternity, and quality of life. Women reported greater sexual dissatisfaction and lower quality of life than men. Men reported no dysfunctions; however, they were highly prejudiced towards sexual and gender diversity. Low education negatively impacts the health of quilombola populations, as knowledge about STIs and values and beliefs influence sexual behavior, exposing individuals to diseases. The research also confirms that, both among quilombolas and other groups, factors such as sexual satisfaction, values and beliefs about reproduction, and affectivity directly influence the quality of life.

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-refractory acute graft-vs.-host disease (SR-aGVHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a dismal prognosis and for which there is no consensus-based second-line therapy. Ruxolitinib is not easily accessible in many countries. A possible therapy is the administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 52 patients with severe SR-aGVHD were treated with MSCs from umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) in nine institutions. RESULTS: The median (range) age was 12.5 (0.3-65) years and the mean ± SD dose (×106/kg) was 4.73 ± 1.3 per infusion (median of four infusions). Overall (OR) and complete response (CR) rates on day 28 were 63.5% and 36.6%, respectively. Children (n = 35) had better OR (71.5% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.12), CR (48.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.03), overall survival (p = 0.0006), and relapse-free survival (p = 0.0014) than adults (n = 17). Acute adverse events (all of them mild or moderate) were detected in 32.7% of patients, with no significant difference in children and adult groups (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: UC-MSCs are a feasible alternative therapy for SR-aGVHD, especially in children. The safety profile is favorable.

Assessment of oral health condition in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health condition and dental treatments performed in patients in pre-allogeneic HCT. Method: The records of patients treated during 2018 at a Brazilian HCT service were reviewed. The following oral health data were obtained: 1. Decayed, missing and filled teeth / correlated index for primary dentition (DMFT/dmft); 2. Quality of oral hygiene and 3. Dental pathologies: 3.1 Periodontal infectious focus, 3.2 Endodontic infectious focus and 3.3 Carie incidence. All dental procedures performed were surveyed. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 28.42 (±16.37), 20 male (60%) and 13 female. The average DMFT/dmft found in this study was 10.24 (± 8.37), similar to the index found in the population in southeastern Brazil. The younger study population presented a DMFT/dmft considered high, when compared to the general population. A total of 27.2% of the patients had active caries lesions, 33.3%, foci of periodontal infection, 15.1%, endodontic infectious focus and 40%, poor oral hygiene. Almost half of the patients (48.4%) had to undergo dental intervention, 24.2% needing periodontal scaling, 21.2%, fillings and 12.1%, tooth extractions. Conclusion: We conclude that the studied population had an important incidence of dental pathologies and infectious conditions that could complicate throughout HCT, especially in younger patients, therefore presenting a high demand for dental treatment in the pre-HCT. Studies that assess the impact of dental conditioning on the outcomes of HCT with an emphasis on dental infectious complications, days of hospitalization and survival are necessary."

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation resets T- and B-cell compartments in sickle cell disease patients.

Objectives: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only currently available curative treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, we comprehensively evaluated the reconstitution of T- and B-cell compartments in 29 SCD patients treated with allo-HSCT and how it correlated with the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). Methods: T-cell neogenesis was assessed by quantification of signal-joint and ß-chain TCR excision circles. B-cell neogenesis was evaluated by quantification of signal-joint and coding-joint K-chain recombination excision circles. T- and B-cell peripheral subset numbers were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Before allo-HSCT (baseline), T-cell neogenesis was normal in SCD patients compared with age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Following allo-HSCT, T-cell neogenesis declined but was fully restored to healthy control levels at one year post-transplantation. Peripheral T-cell subset counts were fully restored only at 24 months post-transplantation. Occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) transiently affected T- and B-cell neogenesis and overall reconstitution of T- and B-cell peripheral subsets. B-cell neogenesis was significantly higher in SCD patients at baseline than in healthy controls, remaining high throughout the follow-up after allo-HSCT. Notably, after transplantation SCD patients showed increased frequencies of IL-10-producing B-regulatory cells and IgM+ memory B-cell subsets compared with baseline levels and with healthy controls. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the T- and B-cell compartments were normally reconstituted in SCD patients after allo-HSCT. In addition, the increase of IL-10-producing B-regulatory cells may contribute to improve immune regulation and homeostasis after transplantation.

Assessment of oral health condition in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The optimization of oral health before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is important for preventing infectious complications during treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health condition and dental treatments performed in patients in pre-allogeneic HCT. METHOD: The records of patients treated during 2018 at a Brazilian HCT service were reviewed. The following oral health data were obtained: 1. Decayed, missing and filled teeth / correlated index for primary dentition (DMFT/dmft); 2. Quality of oral hygiene and 3. Dental pathologies: 3.1 Periodontal infectious focus, 3.2 Endodontic infectious focus and 3.3 Carie incidence. All dental procedures performed were surveyed. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 28.42 (±16.37), 20 male (60%) and 13 female. The average DMFT/dmft found in this study was 10.24 (± 8.37), similar to the index found in the population in southeastern Brazil. The younger study population presented a DMFT/dmft considered high, when compared to the general population. A total of 27.2% of the patients had active caries lesions, 33.3%, foci of periodontal infection, 15.1%, endodontic infectious focus and 40%, poor oral hygiene. Almost half of the patients (48.4%) had to undergo dental intervention, 24.2% needing periodontal scaling, 21.2%, fillings and 12.1%, tooth extractions. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the studied population had an important incidence of dental pathologies and infectious conditions that could complicate throughout HCT, especially in younger patients, therefore presenting a high demand for dental treatment in the pre-HCT. Studies that assess the impact of dental conditioning on the outcomes of HCT with an emphasis on dental infectious complications, days of hospitalization and survival are necessary."

Long-Term Effects of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Systemic Inflammation in Sickle Cell Disease Patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only currently available curative treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). However, the effects of HSCT on SCD pathophysiology are poorly elucidated. Here, we assessed red blood cell (RBC) adhesiveness, intensity of hemolysis, vascular tone markers and systemic inflammation, in SCD patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. Thirty-two SCD patients were evaluated before and on long-term follow-up after HSCT. Overall survival was 94% with no severe (grade III-IV) graft-vs-host disease and a 22% rejection rate (graft failure). Hematological parameters, reticulocyte counts, and levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), endothelin-1 and VCAM-1 normalized in SCD patients post-HSCT. Expression of adhesion molecules on reticulocytes and RBC was lower in patients with sustained engraftment. Levels of IL-18, IL-15 and LDH were higher in patients that developed graft failure. Increased levels of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly TNF-α, were found in SCD patients long-term after transplantation. SCD patients with sustained engraftment after allo-HSCT showed decreased reticulocyte counts and adhesiveness, diminished hemolysis, and lower levels of vascular tonus markers. Nevertheless, systemic inflammation persists for at least five years after transplantation, indicating that allo-HSCT does not equally affect all aspects of SCD pathophysiology.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reverses white matter injury measured by diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) in sickle cell disease patients.

Brain injury in sickle cell disease (SCD) comprises a wide spectrum of neurological damage. Neurocognitive deficits have been described even without established neurological lesions. DTI is a rapid, noninvasive, and non-contrast method that enables detection of normal-appearing white matter lesions not detected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of the study was to evaluate if stem cell transplantation can revert white matter lesions in patients with SCD. Twenty-eight SCD patients were evaluated with MRI and DTI before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), compared with 26 healthy controls (HC). DTI metrics included fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial (RD), and axial (AD) diffusivity maps, global efficiency, path length, and clustering coefficients. Compared to HC, SCD patients had a lower FA (p = 0.0086) before HSCT. After HSCT, FA increased and was not different from healthy controls (p = 0.1769). Mean MD, RD, and AD decreased after HSCT (p = 0.0049; p = 0.0029; p = 0.0408, respectively). We confirm previous data of white matter lesions in SCD and present evidence that HSCT promotes recovery of brain injury with potential improvement of brain structural connectivity.

Teorias científicas de saúde no cuidado ao paciente oncológico: revisão integrativa / Teorías científicas de la salud en la atención al paciente oncológico: una revisión integrativa / Scientific healthcare theories in oncological patient care: an integrative review

Objetivo: Analisar o uso das teorias de saúde no cuidado a pacientes oncológicos, destacando os principais eixos na assistência de enfermagem oncológica. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada, por meio das bases de dados LILACS, PUBMED e MEDLINE, totalizando 16 publicações. Resultados: Após a análise, foi possível destacar 4 eixos principais na assistência de enfermagem oncológica: câncer, enfermagem e cuidado fundamentado em teorias; o autocuidado e o paciente oncológico; processo de ação, reação e interação na enfermagem; outras formas de cuidar. Conclusão: É necessário o avanço da ciência no campo da enfermagem oncológica e suas interações com as teorias científicas. O aprofundamento do conhecimento mostrará o caminho para um cuidado qualificado e orientado à oncologia. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the use of health theories in the care of cancer patients, highlighting the main axes in oncology nursing care. Method: This is an integrative literature review carried out using the LILACS, PUBMED and MEDLINE databases, totaling 16 publications. Results: After analysis, it was possible to highlight 4 main axes in oncology nursing care: cancer, nursing and care based on theories; self-care and cancer patients; action, reaction and interaction process in nursing; other ways of caring. Conclusion: It is necessary to advance science in the field of oncology nursing and its interactions with scientific theories. The deepening of knowledge will show the way to qualified care and oriented to oncology(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el uso de las teorías de la salud en la atención de pacientes con cáncer, destacando los ejes principales en la atención de enfermería oncológica. Método: esta es una revisión de literatura integradora realizada utilizando las bases de datos LILACS, PUBMED y MEDLINE, con un total de 16 publicaciones. Resultados: después del análisis, fue posible destacar 4 ejes principales en la atención de enfermería oncológica: cáncer, enfermería y atención basada en teorías; autocuidado y pacientes con cáncer; proceso de acción, reacción e interacción en enfermería; otras formas de cuidar. Conclusión: es necesario avanzar en la ciencia en el campo de la enfermería oncológica y sus interacciones con las teorías científicas. La profundización del conocimiento mostrará el camino hacia la atención de calidad y orientada a la oncología(AU)

Mortality from cervical cancer in Brazil: an ecological epidemiologic study of a 22-year analysis.

Mortality data obtained from the mortality information system (SIM) identified a total of 103,094 women with cervical cancer in Brazil. However, associations between mortality and sociodemographic variables in these patients are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the sociodemographic factors (geographic region, age, race and marital status) that predict cervical cancer mortality in Brazil between 1996 and 2017. A descriptive, analytic and retrospective study was carried out using secondary data on deaths from cervical cancer recorded in the SIM-DATASUS. Deaths reported between 1996 and 2017 in the health information system and classified by the International Classification of Diseases-10 were included. Sociodemographic factors (geographic regions, age, sex and race) were subjected to inferential analysis for a relation with mortality. Mortality increases during the aging process after the third decade of life. However, single women who die are usually diagnosed with cancer in the early stage of the disease. The mortality rate is higher in Black women and women living in the North, South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Yellow women have a lower mortality in the country. Besides, each region has specific characteristics in relation to race and marital status. White women who died had some form of stable union during life, whereas the other races were more associated with single marital status. Thus, the sociodemographic factors that predict mortality in women with cervical cancer in Brazil were identified and can be used to guide the public health policies.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Adults.

The nutritional status of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplant is considered an independent risk factor, which may influence on quality of life and tolerance to the proposed treatment. The impairment of nutritional status during hematopoietic stem cell transplant occurs mainly due to the adverse effects resulting from conditioning to which the patient is subjected. Therefore, adequate nutritional evaluation and follow-up during hematopoietic stem cell transplant are essential. To emphasize the importance of nutritional status and body composition during treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to the nutritional assessment of the patient, the Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Adults was prepared, aiming to standardize and update Nutritional Therapy in this area. Dietitians, nutrition physicians and hematologists from 15 Brazilian centers thar are references in hematopoietic stem cell transplant took part.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Functional Outcomes of Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate if autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) influences the functional status of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. METHODS: From 2014 to 2018, a cohort of 27 SSc patients was assessed before, and at 6 and 12 months after AHSCT for modified Rodnan's skin score (mRSS), mouth opening, hand grip strength, range of motion (ROM), functional ability of upper limbs (DASH questionnaire and Cochin hand function scale-CHFS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). Linear regression models with random effects and Spearman's test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At 6 and 12 months after AHSCT, respectively, we observed significant improvement of mRSS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01), mouth opening (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01), hand function (DASH, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01; CHFS, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01; strength, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01), physical capacity (6MWT, p = 0.02 and p = 0.03) and physical (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01) and mental (ns and p = 0.02) component scores of SF-36. At 12 months after AHSCT, ROM measurements improved (p < 0.05) in five out of six evaluated joints in both hands, compared to baseline. Correlation was significant between physical capacity and quality of life (R = 0.62; p < 0.01), between DASH and quality of life (R = -0.48; p = 0.03), and between skin involvement and wrist ROM measures (dominant hand, R = -0.65, p < 0.01; non-dominant hand, R = -0.59; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: AHSCT enhances the functional status of SSc patients in the first year of follow-up, significantly improving hand function, physical capacity and quality of life. These results are interpreted as positive outcomes of AHSCT for SSc.

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY / A influência da fisioterapia na qualidade de vida de mulheres após o tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama

Objective: To evaluate the impact of physical therapy on the quality of life of patients after breast cancer surgery. Methods: We included 16 female patients who underwent breast cancer surgery in this clinical, longitudinal, prospective, and convenience sample study. The patients underwent a mastectomy or a quadrantectomy through an axillary approach and were evaluated before and after 20 sessions of physical therapy. Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30) and the Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ BR-23) questionnaire. For the statistical analysis, we used the Shapiro-Wilk test to evaluate the distribution of quality of life data. The data from before and after physical therapy was compared through the Wilcoxon test. Results: After participating in physical therapy, there was a significant improvement in physical function (p=0.023), cognitive function (p=0.033), social function (p=0.013), pain (p=0.025), fatigue (p=0.001), financial difficulty (p=0.007), and body image (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the data presented in this study, we suggest that a physiotherapeutic approach positively impacts the quality of life of patients after breast cancer surgery.

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da fisioterapia na qualidade de vida de pacientes após o tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama. Metodologia: Neste estudo clínico, longitudinal, prospectivo e de amostra por conveniência foram incluídas 16 pacientes que realizaram tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama, submetidas à mastectomia ou quadrantectomia, associada à abordagem axilar. Elas foram avaliadas antes e depois de 20 sessões de fisioterapia. A qualidade de vida foi examinada pelos questionários European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30) e Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ BR-23). Para análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste de Shapiro-Wilk, para avaliação da distribuição dos dados sobre a qualidade de vida, sendo estes comparados antes e depois da fisioterapia por meio do teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Após a intervenção fisioterapêutica, houve melhora significativa em relação à qualidade de vida na função física (p=0,023), função cognitiva (p=0,033), função social (p=0,013), dor (p=0,025), fadiga (p=0,001), dificuldade financeira (p=0,007) e imagem corporal (p<0,001). Conclusão: De acordo com os dados apresentados no estudo, pode-se sugerir que a abordagem fisioterapêutica influencia positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes após o tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama.

Prolonged viremia in dengue virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and patients with hematological malignancies.

Fever, skin rash, headache, and thrombocytopenia are considered hallmarks of dengue infection. However, these symptoms are frequently observed in infectious and non-infectious complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and oncohematological patients. Thus, laboratory confirmation of dengue is relevant for prompt intervention and proper management of dengue in endemic and non-endemic regions. Because no prospective study of dengue has been conducted in these populations, the actual morbidity and mortality of dengue is unknown. In the present series, we describe five cases of dengue in patients living in endemic areas, emphasizing the prolonged course of the disease and the occurrence of prolonged viremia.

Allogenic bone narrow transplantation in sickle-cell diseases.

Sickle-cell diseases are the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Improvement in survival has been seen in the last decades with the introduction of careful screening and prevention of complications and the introduction of hydroxyurea. Stem-cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for these patients and has been indicated for patients with neurological events, repeated vaso-occlusive crisis, any organ damage or presence of red blood cell antibodies. Related bone-marrow or cord-blood transplant has shown an overall survival of more than 90% with a disease-free survival of 90% in 1,000 patients transplanted in the last decades. The use of unrelated donors unfortunately has not shown the same good results, but better typing methods and improved support may improve the outcome with this source of stem cells in the future. In Brazil, only recently stem cell transplant from related donors has been included in the procedures performed in the public health system. The use of related bone marrow or cord blood and a myeloablative conditioning regimen are considered standard of care for patients with sickle-cell diseases. Transplants with non-myeloablative regimens, unrelated donors or haploidentical donors should be performed only in controlled clinical trials.

Allogenic bone narrow transplantation in sickle-cell diseases / Transplante alogênico de medula óssea em doenças falciformes

SUMMARY Sickle-cell diseases are the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Improvement in survival has been seen in the last decades with the introduction of careful screening and prevention of complications and the introduction of hydroxyurea. Stem-cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for these patients and has been indicated for patients with neurological events, repeated vaso-occlusive crisis, any organ damage or presence of red blood cell antibodies. Related bone-marrow or cord-blood transplant has shown an overall survival of more than 90% with a disease-free survival of 90% in 1,000 patients transplanted in the last decades. The use of unrelated donors unfortunately has not shown the same good results, but better typing methods and improved support may improve the outcome with this source of stem cells in the future. In Brazil, only recently stem cell transplant from related donors has been included in the procedures performed in the public health system. The use of related bone marrow or cord blood and a myeloablative conditioning regimen are considered standard of care for patients with sickle-cell diseases. Transplants with non-myeloablative regimens, unrelated donors or haploidentical donors should be performed only in controlled clinical trials.

RESUMO As doenças falciformes são as hemoglobinopatias mais frequentes mundialmente. Nas últimas décadas vivenciamos melhora na sobrevida de portadores destas patologias com a introdução de medidas preventivas e o uso precoce da hidroxiurea. O transplante de medula óssea alogênico (alo TMO) é a única opção terapêutica curativa para as hemoglobinopatias. O mesmo tem sido indicado para pacientes com complicações neurológicas, crises vasoclusivas repetidas, alguma lesão orgânica e alosensibilizados. O uso de doadores relacionados de medula óssea ou cordão umbilical mostrou em 1000 procedimentos realizados sobrevida global de 95% e sobrevida livre de ventos de 90%. O uso de doadores não aparentados não mostrou resultados tão expressivos, mas no futuro métodos melhores de tipagem de HLA e de medidas de suporte podem melhorar estes resultados. No Brasil apenas recentemente o alo TMO foi incluído no âmbito do sistema único de saúde (SUS) como opção terapêutica para portadores de doenças falciformes. O uso de doadores aparentados de MO ou de SCU com regime mieloablativo é considerado hoje tratamento estabelecido, sendo que o uso de doadores alternativos não aparentados ou haploidenticos e o uso de transplante com regime não mieloablativo deve ser considerado apenas em estudos clínicos.

Features of the female prostate according to age: an autopsy study / Características da próstata feminina de acordo com a idade: um estudo de autópsia

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The prostate gland plays an important role in male and female reproductive system. Data on this organ have not been fully explored in women since its first description, probably because it is considered a vestigial gland. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the morphology of the female prostate with age in autopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two female cadavers, 31 adults and one newborn, underwent dissection of the region corresponding to the prostate for histological analysis. The urethral region was divided into three portions: proximal, median, and distal. All the glands present in the samples were counted. Clinical data were collected, including age and previous diagnosis of menopause. RESULTS: There were no macroscopically visible prostate. Morphological analyses showed glands surrounding the urethra with a stratified epithelium, ranging from squamous to columnar types, with prevalence of basophilic cells and some presenting with secretion inside. A significant correlation with prostate tissue was found between the median and the proximal urethra, as well as between the median and distal urethra, suggesting that when the glandular structures increase in the median region, there is also an increase in the anterior and distal structures. Moreover, a prevalence of the glands in the median urethra was observed in post-menopausal women. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the number of female prostate glands increases after menopause, with proliferative spread and growth of the median portion to the proximal and distal portions.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A próstata é uma glândula com papel importante no sistema reprodutor masculino e feminino. Dados sobre esse órgão não foram completamente explorados em mulheres desde a sua primeira descrição, provavelmente por ser considerada uma glândula vestigial. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a morfologia da próstata feminina com a idade em autópsias. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois cadáveres do sexo feminino, sendo 31 adultos e um recém-nascido, tiveram sua região correspondente à próstata dissecada e avaliada por meio de histologia. A região uretral foi dividida em três partes: anterior, mediana e distal. As glândulas presentes nas amostras foram contadas. Dados clínicos foram coletados, incluindo idade e diagnóstico prévio de menopausa. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas próstatas macroscopicamente. Análises morfológicas mostraram glândulas ao redor da uretra com epitélio estratificado, variando do tipo escamoso a colunar, com predomínio de células basófilas e algumas apresentando secreção em seu interior. Correlação significativa com tecido prostático foi detectada entre a uretra mediana e a proximal, assim como entre as uretras mediana e distal, sugerindo que quando as estruturas glandulares aumentam na região mediana, há também aumento nas estruturas anterior e distal. Além disso, o predomínio das glândulas na uretra mediana foi observado em mulheres pós-menopausa. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que o número de glândulas prostáticas femininas aumenta após a menopausa, com disseminação e crescimento da região mediana para a proximal e distal.

Orientação nutricional de crianças e adolescentes e os novos padrões de consumo: propagandas, embalagens e rótulos: [revisão] / Nutritional guidance for children and adolescents and the new consumption patterns: advertising, packaging and labeling: [revision]

OBJETIVO: Compilar e debater conhecimentos sobre os rótulos, as embalagens e a divulgação e promoção de alimentos processados que progressivamente passam a compor a dieta da população infanto-juvenil. FONTES DE DADOS: Artigos nos bancos de dados eletrônicos, Medline e SciELO nos últimos dez anos, nas línguas portuguesa e inglesa, utilizando os descritores "criança", "marketing", "hábitos alimentares", "televisão", "educação em Saúde". Também foram consultados livros, textos recentes e artigos considerados relevantes para realização dessa revisão. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O artigo discute o marketing de alimentos, segundo os tópicos: propagandas, embalagens e rótulos. Quanto à publicidade televisiva, foi abordada sua influência na formação dos hábitos alimentares infanto-juvenis, a qualidade nutricional dos alimentos veiculados e as alternativas para que pais e educadores possam lidar com os novos padrões de consumo. Além disso, debateram-se as embalagens enquanto meios de comunicação entre fabricante e consumidor. Sobre os rótulos, foram abordadas as novas regras da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária a respeito da Rotulagem Nutricional Obrigatória, bem como a importância da leitura adequada para a adoção de escolhas alimentares saudáveis. CONCLUSÕES: Espera-se que este artigo seja instrumento de atualização dos profissionais da Saúde, proporcionando atuação mais incisiva no processo de educação em saúde e nutrição. Torna-se urgente a adoção de práticas preventivas com esclarecimento aos pais e familiares cujos filhos participam ativamente da sociedade de consumo, visando minimizar os efeitos deletérios da ingestão rotineira de alimentos obesogênicos.

OBJECTIVE: To debate knowledge on labeling, packaging, releases and promotion of processed foods that have been included progressively in the diets of children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: On-line articles from Medline and SciELO database published over the last ten years in Portuguese and English using the keywords "child", "marketing", "eating habits", "television", "health education". Also, books, recent texts and articles considered relevant for the present review were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The present article discusses the food marketing according to propaganda, packaging and labeling. This review also approaches the influence of TV advertising on building of children and adolescents' eating habits; the nutrition quality of advertised foods and alternatives that parents and teachers could use to deal with these new patterns of consumption. Additionally, it is discussed packaging as a communication tool between manufacturer and consumer. Regarding labeling, the "Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária" (Anvisa) new rules on Regulatory Nutritional Labeling as well as the importance of proper label reading for healthy choices are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The present article is intended to be a tool for updating health professionals and encouraging them to act more effectively in health education and nutrition. It is urgent to adopt prevention practices enlightening parents and relatives whose children actively participate in the consumption society in order to minimize the harmful effects of the obesogenic foods routine ingestion.