Antioxidant Activity of Dictyotales from Tropical Reefs of Brazil.

Macroalgae produce a large range of primary and secondary metabolites with ecological and economical importance. Studies on antioxidants from marine algae have increased notably, focusing on searching new sources of natural compounds for different applications, in which tropical species have been shown to have high potential, often improved by stressful environmental conditions during the tide cycle with periods of emersion and submersion. Therefore, in order to characterize the antioxidant activity and relate it to local environmental tide exposure, three species of brown marine algae, Canistrocarpus cervicornis, Dictyopteris delicatula, and Lobophora variegata from two beaches on the northeast coast of Brazil were studied. Dichloromethane:methanol (DCM:M) and aqueous extracts were tested for ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) antioxidant assays and total phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts of C. cervicornis showed up to 10 times major antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds than DCM:M extracts. Different characteristic of antioxidant activity were identified among the beaches, species, and extracts, in which aqueous extracts from C. cervicornis and L. variegata showed the most promising matrices for future prospection of natural antioxidants.

Halimeda jolyana (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) presents higher vulnerability to metal pollution at its lower temperature limits of distribution.

Seaweeds living at their temperature limits of distribution are naturally exposed to physiological stressors, facing additional stress when exposed to coastal pollution. The physiological responses of seaweeds to environmental conditions combining natural and anthropogenic stressors provide important information on their vulnerability. We assessed the physiological effects and ultrastructural alterations of trace metals enrichment at concentrations observed in polluted regions within the temperature ranges of distribution of the endemic seaweed Halimeda jolyana, an important component of tropical southwestern Atlantic reefs. Biomass yield and photosynthetic performance declined substantially in samples exposed to metal, although photosynthesis recovered partially at the highest temperature when metal enrichment was ceased. Metal enrichment caused substantial ultrastructural alterations to chloroplasts regardless of temperatures. The lack of photosynthetic recovery at the lower temperatures indicates a higher vulnerability of the species at its temperature limits of distribution in the southwestern Atlantic.

Entre políticas (EPS - Educação Permanente em Saúde e PNH - Política Nacional de Humanização): por um modo de formar no/para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / In-between policies (CEH - Continuing Education in Health and NHP - Humanization National Policy): Towards a way to educate in/ for the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) / Entre políticas (EPS - Educación Permanente en Salud y PNH - Política Nacional de Humanización): por una manera de formar en el/para el Sistema Brasileño de Salud (SUS)

Situando-nos no cruzamento entre as áreas da saúde e educação, propomos refletir sobre formação no/para o SUS a partir de nossas experiências junto à Rede Cegonha, no Ministério da Saúde, especificamente no acompanhamento da implantação dos Centros de apoio ao desenvolvimento de boas práticas na gestão e atenção obstétrica e neonatal. Entendendo o campo da saúde como um território de ensino (formatações pedagógico-corporais) e de aprendizagens (experimentação de formas singulares de práticas de saúde), pensamos que a qualificação do cuidado em saúde (nesse caso particular, de mulheres e crianças) passa pela experimentação de um referencial ético-político-pedagógico que se desdobra em diretrizes formativas cuja potência parece se situar na gestação de um certo modo de fazer-saber-produzir formação no SUS que se tece na indissociabilidade entre trabalho-formação-intervenção-gestão.

We aim to reflect on the education in/for the SUS, as we stand at the crossroads between the health and education fields. In order to do so, we follow our own experiences with “Rede Cegonha” (Maternal care program called Stork Network), in the Ministry of Health, especially when it comes to monitoring the implementation of Support Centers for the Development of Good Practices in Management and in Obstetric and Neonatal Care. We think that health care improvement (in this particular case, for women and children) depends on experiencing an ethical-political-pedagogical framework, since we understand the health field as a teaching (pedagogic-body format) and learning field (experimentation of singular forms of health practices). Such framework unfolds into educational guidelines whose potential seems to lie on developmental way to make, know and produce education within SUS, and it means having work-education-intervention-management all together as inseparable actions.

Al situarnos en el cruce entre las áreas de salud y educación, proponemos reflexionar sobre la formación en el/para el SUS (Sistema Brasileño de Salud) a partir de nuestras experiencias junto a la Red Cigüeña, en el Ministerio de la Salud, específicamente en el acompañamiento de la implantación de los Centros de Apoyo al Desarrollo de Buenas Prácticas en la Gestión y Atención Obstétrica y Neonatal. Al comprender el campo de la salud como un territorio de enseñanza (formateos pedagógico corporales) y de aprendizajes (experimentación de formas singulares de prácticas de salud), pensamos que la calificación del cuidado en salud (en este caso particular, de mujeres y niños) pasa por la experimentación de un referencial ético, político y pedagógico que se desdobla en directrices formativas cuya potencia parece situarse en la gestación de un cierto modo de hacer-saber-producir formación en el SUS que se teje a partir de la indisociabilidad entre trabajo, formación, intervención y gestión.

Effects of Ocean Acidification and Temperature Increases on the Photosynthesis of Tropical Reef Calcified Macroalgae.

Climate change is a global phenomenon that is considered an important threat to marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification and increased seawater temperatures are among the consequences of this phenomenon. The comprehension of the effects of these alterations on marine organisms, in particular on calcified macroalgae, is still modest despite its great importance. There are evidences that macroalgae inhabiting highly variable environments are relatively resilient to such changes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate experimentally the effects of CO2-driven ocean acidification and temperature rises on the photosynthesis of calcified macroalgae inhabiting the intertidal region, a highly variable environment. The experiments were performed in a reef mesocosm in a tropical region on the Brazilian coast, using three species of frondose calcifying macroalgae (Halimeda cuneata, Padina gymnospora, and Tricleocarpa cylindrica) and crustose coralline algae. The acidification experiment consisted of three treatments with pH levels below those occurring in the region (-0.3, -0.6, -0.9). For the temperature experiment, three temperature levels above those occurring naturally in the region (+1, +2, +4°C) were determined. The results of the acidification experiment indicate an increase on the optimum quantum yield by T. cylindrica and a decline of this parameter by coralline algae, although both only occurred at the extreme acidification treatment (-0.9). The energy dissipation mechanisms of these algae were also altered at this extreme condition. Significant effects of the temperature experiment were limited to an enhancement of the photosynthetic performance by H. cuneata although only at a modest temperature increase (+1°C). In general, the results indicate a possible photosynthetic adaptation and/or acclimation of the studied macroalgae to the expected future ocean acidification and temperature rises, as separate factors. Such relative resilience may be a result of the highly variable environment they inhabit.

Coastal urbanization leads to remarkable seaweed species loss and community shifts along the SW Atlantic.

Coastal urbanization is rapidly expanding worldwide while its impacts on seaweed communities remain poorly understood. We assessed the impact of urbanization along an extensive latitudinal gradient encompassing three phycogeographical regions in the SW Atlantic. Human population density, number of dwellings, and terrestrial vegetation cover were determined for each survey area and correlated with diversity indices calculated from seaweed percent cover data. Urban areas had significantly lower calcareous algal cover (-38%), and there was significantly less carbonate in the sediment off urban areas than off reference areas. Seaweed richness averaged 26% less in urban areas than in areas with higher vegetation cover. We observed a remarkable decline in Phaeophyceae and a substantial increase of Chlorophyta in urban areas across a wide latitudinal gradient. Our data show that coastal urbanization is causing substantial loss of seaweed biodiversity in the SW Atlantic, and is considerably changing seaweed assemblages.

Associação multivariada entre alterações citológicas do colo uterino e comportamento de risco em mulheres profissionais do sexo / Multivariate association between the cervix cytological abnormalities and the risk behavior female sex workers

Neste trabalho foram identificadas as associações multivariadas entre as alterações citológicas (AC) do colo uterino e o comportamento de risco das profissionais do sexo (PS) atendidas no Centro de Referência em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva (CRESSER) – Sumaré, SP. Das 90 PS participantes, foram coletados dados sociocomportamentais por meio de questionário e amostras cérvico-vaginais para realização do exame de Papanicolaou. Para o teste estatístico foi utilizada a Análise Hierárquica de Agrupamentos (AHA). AC foram detectadas em 33 PS (36,7 por cento), sendo 18 (20,0 por cento) atipias de significado indeterminado possivelmente não neoplásica (ASC-US), quatro (4,4 por cento) atipias de significado indeterminado sem excluir lesão de alto grau (ASC-H), sete (7,8 por cento) lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau (LSIL) e quatro (4,4 por cento) lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (HSIL). Comparando os dados das PS com citologia normal e alterada, houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas quanto ao tabagismo, início da atividade sexual, relações com pessoas do mesmo sexo e detecção de Gardnerella vaginalis. AHA classificou as PS em quatro grupos distintos, em que as PS com idade média superior apresentaram maior proporção de DST, HIV, AC e pouco uso do preservativo. As PS com menor idade média mostraram menor frequência de AC, DST, atividade sexual precoce e HIV negativo.

Avaliação do desempenho da mistura verniz/xilol na diafanização de lâminas de citopatologia coradas com a técnica de Papanicolaou / Valuation of performance of solution varnish/xylene in the diaphanization of citopatology slides stained with Papanicolaou's technique

Introdução: O xilol é necessário para a diafanização de amostras citopatológicas. Pode trazer problemas de ordem ocupacional, proteção ao meio ambiente e de custos. Objetivo:Avaliar o desempenho de várias concentrações da mistura verniz/xilol em relação à diafanização e conservação em amostras de citologia coradas com a técnica dePapanicolaou (CP). Material e métodos: Foram avaliadas 75 lâminas de raspado bucal (RB) e 8.773 esfregaços cérvico-vaginais (CV). As lâminas foram coradas pela CP, com a retirada das etapas de álcool/xilol e xilol e foram secas à temperatura ambiente porvinte minutos antes da montagem com lamínula. A montagem foi realizada com soluções de verniz/xilol de concentrações 75/25%, 70/30%, 60/40%, 50/50% e 40/60%. As lâminas foram distribuídas de forma aleatória aos profissionais para avaliação da técnica, sendo conceituadas como boas, regulares ou ruins e reavaliadas após nove meses dearquivamento. A concentração de verniz/xilol que apresentou melhor qualidade final nas lâminas de RB foi aplicada também nos CV. Resultados: A concentração de 75/25% deverniz/xilol apresentou melhor desempenho para as duas situações, em RB e CV. Após nove meses, a qualidade foi mantida. Conclusão: A concentração de 75/25% apresentou melhor resultado.

Análise das discordâncias diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos do Programa de Monitoramento Externo de Qualidade no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2000-2010 / Analysis of the diagnostic disagreements in cytopathologic exams from the External Quality Assurance Program in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2000-2010

Introdução: O Programa de Monitoramento Externo de Qualidade (MEQ) dos exames citopatológicos cervicovaginais realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS ) foi proposto pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS) para melhorar o desempenho dos laboratórios de citologia da Rede Pública de Saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar as discordâncias diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicovaginais submetidos à revisão pelo Programa de MEQ do Estado de São Paulo, no período de 2000 a 2010. Método: Avaliação comparativa retrospectiva dos diagnósticos emitidos pelos lab-SUS e dos diagnósticos de revisão dos exames citopatológicos cervicovaginais. Resultados: Das 123.002 amostras revisadas,16.581 (13,48%) apresentaram discordância diagnóstica, sendo que, em 14.313 (11,64%) casos, houve divergência entre a conduta adotada e a preconizada pelo Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA). Foram considerados exames falso-positivos 2.530 (2,06%) e falso-negativos 2.154 (1,75%). A sensibilidade foi de 92,02% e especificidade de 96,49%. Houve concordância boa entre os diagnósticos originais e de revisão (kappa=0,77).Conclusão: Além do conjunto de atividades básicas propostas pelo MS, o MEQ do Estado de São Paulo destaca asações educativas implementadas, adotadas para promover a educação continuada no sentido da uniformização de critérios citomorfológicos e a consequente redução dos resultados falso-negativos e falso-positivos

[Critical evaluation of the diagnostic nomenclatures of cervical cytopathological exams used in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)]. / Avaliação crítica das nomenclaturas diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais utilizadas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

PURPOSE: to identify the nomenclature for reporting cervical cytological diagnoses used by laboratories which render services to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and which participate in External Quality Monitoring (MEQ). To evaluate the information acquired from gynecologists of the SUS regarding the various diagnostic classifications that they receive in the cervical cytology diagnostic reports. METHODS: we evaluated 94 cytology reports issued by laboratories which participate in the MEQ in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and 126 questionnaires applied to gynecologists who work for the SUS. RESULTS: out of the 94 laboratories, 81 (86.2%) use one diagnostic classification: 79 (97.6%) use the Brazilian Nomenclature for Cytological Reports (NBLC), 1 (1.2%) uses the Papanicolaou classification and 1 (1.2%) uses the Richart diagnostic classification. Of the 13 (13.8%) laboratories that use more than one classification, 5 use 2 types and 8 use 3 to 4 types, with 9 including the Papanicolau diagnostic classification. The study showed that 52 (55.3%) laboratories presented more than one descriptive diagnosis in the same report. Out of the 126 gynecologists who filled out a questionnaire evaluating the cytopathology reports, 78 (61.9 %) stated that they received laboratory reports with only one diagnostic classification, 48 (38.1%) received reports with more than one classification and 2 received reports with all 4 classifications. Among the 93 (73.8%) gynecologists who prefer only one classification, 56 (60.2%) claimed that the NBLC contributes to clinical practice, 13 (14.0%) opted for the Richart classification, 8 (8.6%) for the Reagan classification and 16 (17.2%) for the Papanicolaou classification. Out of 33 (26.2%) gynecologists who prefer more than one classification, 5 opted for the 4 classifications. CONCLUSIONS: these data suggest that there is still resistance on the part of pathologists about using the official nomenclature in cytology reports for SUS. There is discrepancy between the information that gynecologists would like to see in the reports and the information provided by the pathologists. Greater efforts should be made to stimulate the use of the official nomenclature.

Avaliação crítica das nomenclaturas diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais utilizadas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / Critical evaluation of the diagnostic nomenclatures of cervical cytopathological exams used in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

OBJETIVO: identificar as nomenclaturas diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais utilizadas pelos laboratórios que atendem o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e participantes do Monitoramento Externo de Qualidade (MEQ). Avaliar as informações adquiridas de profissionais ginecologistas que atuam no SUS sobre os tipos de classificação diagnóstica que recebem nos laudos citopatológicos cervicais. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 94 laudos citopatológicos liberados pelos laboratórios participantes do MEQ no Estado de São Paulo e 126 questionários aplicados aos ginecologistas que atenderam o SUS. RESULTADOS: dos 94 laboratórios, 81 (86,2 por cento) utilizam uma única nomenclatura diagnóstica: 79 (97,6 por cento) utilizam a Nomenclatura Brasileira para Laudos Citopatológicos (NBLC), 1 (1,2 por cento) utiliza a classificação de Papanicolaou e 1 (1,2 por cento) utiliza a de Richart. Dos 13 (13,8 por cento) laboratórios que utilizam mais de uma nomenclatura, 5 apresentam 2 tipos, e 8, de 3 a 4, 9 dos quais incluem a classificação de Papanicolaou. O estudo demonstrou que 52 (55,3 por cento) laboratórios apresentaram mais de um diagnóstico descritivo num mesmo laudo. Dos 126 ginecologistas que responderam ao questionário de avaliação dos laudos citopatológicos, 78 (61,9 por cento) disseram receber laudos dos laboratórios com apenas uma classificação diagnóstica, 48 (38,1 por cento), laudos com mais de uma classificação, e 2 receberam as 4 classificações. Entre os 93 (73,8 por cento) ginecologistas que preferem uma classificação, 56 (60,2 por cento) alegaram que a NBLC contribui para a conduta clínica, 13 (14,0 por cento) optaram pela nomenclatura de Richart, 8 (8,6 por cento), de Reagan e 16 (17,2 por cento), a de Papanicolaou. De 33 (26,2 por cento) ginecologistas que preferem mais de uma nomenclatura, 5 optaram pelas 4 classificações...

PURPOSE: to identify the nomenclature for reporting cervical cytological diagnoses used by laboratories which render services to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and which participate in External Quality Monitoring (MEQ). To evaluate the information acquired from gynecologists of the SUS regarding the various diagnostic classifications that they receive in the cervical cytology diagnostic reports. METHODS: we evaluated 94 cytology reports issued by laboratories which participate in the MEQ in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and 126 questionnaires applied to gynecologists who work for the SUS. RESULTS: out of the 94 laboratories, 81 (86.2 percent) use one diagnostic classification: 79 (97.6 percent) use the Brazilian Nomenclature for Cytological Reports (NBLC), 1 (1.2 percent) uses the Papanicolaou classification and 1 (1.2 percent) uses the Richart diagnostic classification. Of the 13 (13.8 percent) laboratories that use more than one classification, 5 use 2 types and 8 use 3 to 4 types, with 9 including the Papanicolau diagnostic classification. The study showed that 52 (55.3 percent) laboratories presented more than one descriptive diagnosis in the same report. Out of the 126 gynecologists who filled out a questionnaire evaluating the cytopathology reports, 78 (61.9 percent) stated that they received laboratory reports with only one diagnostic classification, 48 (38.1 percent) received reports with more than one classification and 2 received reports with all 4 classifications. Among the 93 (73.8 percent) gynecologists who prefer only one classification, 56 (60.2 percent) claimed that the NBLC contributes to clinical practice, 13 (14.0 percent) opted for the Richart classification, 8 (8.6 percent) for the Reagan classification and 16 (17.2 percent) for the Papanicolaou classification. Out of 33 (26.2 percent) gynecologists who prefer more than one classification, 5 opted for the 4 classifications...

Simultaneous Chlamydia trachomatis and HPV infection in pregnant women.

Pregnancy is associated with HPV infection and with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection mostly due to the natural immunosuppression. In addition, pregnancy associated to CT infection can lead to adverse conditions to the woman and fetus, and CT is also believed to be a co-factor in human immunodeficiency virus infection and HPV-induced cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to establish the odds ratios (OR) of CT infection in to HPV-infected pregnant women and vice versa of women stratified by age (<25 years) and marital status. This work is part of a national multicentric transversal study carried out in six Brazilian cities supported by the Ministry of Health of Federal Government of Brazil in 2003. Cervical scrapes of 371 pregnant women were sampled. We performed a hybrid capture-2 technique to diagnose these samples on HPV and CT infection, and the women responded a questionnaire. Significant association was observed between nonstable marital status and hr-HPV infection [OR = 2.61 (1.38-4.97) P = 0.003)], and age <25 years old [OR = 2.26 (1.09-4.71) P = 0.029]. Nonstable marital status was also associated with lr-HPV infection [OR = 2.67 (1.59-4.50) P < 0.001), and age <25 years old [OR = 2.55 (1.51-4.32) P < 0.001). Fifty of the 371 pregnant women were infected with hr-HPV (13.5%) and 111 (30.0%) were infected with lr-HPV. The coinfections of HPV and CT were found in 31 women, that is, 8.36% of the pregnant women (P < 0.001). The high rate of simultaneous CT and HPV infection in pregnant women favors the recommendation to screen pregnant women for both CT and HPV.

Analysis of human kallikrein 7 expression as a potential biomarker in cervical neoplasia.

Overexpression of kallikrein 7, a proteolytic enzyme important for epithelial cell shedding, may be causally involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in tumor metastasis and invasion. In this study, we have evaluated hK7 (human kallikrein 7) protein levels by immunohistochemistry in 367 cervical histological samples including 35 cases of cervicitis, 31 low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 51 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (H-SIL), 197 squamous cervical carcinomas (SCC) and 53 cervical adenocarcinomas. We have observed that hK7 staining increased with the severity of cervical disease. Intense hK7 staining was found in 15.2% of cervicitis samples, in contrast to 55% of H-SIL and 68% of SCC. Moreover, 92.5% of adenocarcinomas also exhibited intense hK7 staining. Differences in the expression of hK7 could potentially be used as a biomarker for the characterization of different stages of cervical disease.

Ações judiciais e demandas administrativas na garantia do direito de acesso a medicamentos em Florianópolis-SC / Legalactions and administrative demands related to the guarantee of the right to drugs access in the city of Florianópolis-SC

O estudo objetivou analisar as solicitações de medicamentos por usuários individuais, de 2003 a 2006, no município de Florianópolis. Foram analisadas 2.426 autorizações para fornecimento de 5.645 medicamentos e 5.283 produtos correlatos na Secretaria de Saúde e na Secretaria da Criança, Adolescente, Idoso, Família e Desenvolvimento Social (SMDS) e na Associação Florianopolitana de Voluntários, considerando os tipos de medicamentos solicitados, valores empregados e características dos solicitantes. A Secretaria de Saúde recebeu, em comparação à SMDS e à Associação Florianopolitana de Voluntários, o maior número de solicitações em todos os anos e as autorizações de compra não apresentavam todos os dados sobre as solicitações, sendo que, o principal tipo de demanda atendido foi via decisão judicial. Na SMDS, a principal demanda era interna. A classe de medicamentos mais solicitada, via mandado judicial ou não, foi a dos que atuam no Sistema Nervoso, sendo Carbamazepina o principal medicamento, enquanto o medicamento Pimecrolimo, por via dermatológica, foi o mais solicitado e o que representou maior custo. Os medicamentos estavam prescritos, em sua maioria, pelo nome comercial e 32 por cento constavam de programas de fornecimento de medicamentos padronizados pelo SUS. Conclui-se que o fornecimento de medicamentos por compra direta não está adequadamente inserido na gestão da assistência farmacêutica municipal, desrespeitando a Política Nacional de Medicamentos.

Monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 are associated with CD147 in cervical carcinoma.

Due to the highly glycolytic metabolism of solid tumours, there is an increased acid production, however, cells are able to maintain physiological pH through plasma membrane efflux of the accumulating protons. Acid efflux through MCTs (monocarboxylate transporters) constitutes one of the most important mechanisms involved in tumour intracellular pH maintenance. Still, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these proteins are not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate the association between CD147 (MCT1 and MCT4 chaperone) and MCT expression in cervical cancer lesions and the clinico-pathological significance of CD147 expression, alone and in combination with MCTs. The series included 83 biopsy samples of precursor lesions and surgical specimens of 126 invasive carcinomas. Analysis of CD147 expression was performed by immunohistochemistry. CD147 expression was higher in squamous and adenocarcinoma tissues than in the non-neoplastic counterparts and, importantly, both MCT1 and MCT4 were more frequently expressed in CD147 positive cases. Additionally, co-expression of CD147 with MCT1 was associated with lymph-node and/or distant metastases in adenocarcinomas. Our results show a close association between CD147 and MCT1 and MCT4 expressions in human cervical cancer and provided evidence for a prognostic value of CD147 and MCT1 co-expression.

Estudo retrospectivo dos diagnósticos cito-histopatológicos nas atipias de significado indeterminado / Retrospective study on cyto-histological diagnoses in the atypical squamous cells of undertermined signifance

No presente estudo foi avaliada a história de realização dos exames citológicos (EC) prévios e posteriores com diagnóstico citológico de células escamosas atípicas (ASC) e sua correlação com os resultados de exames de biópsias. Para tanto, foi realizado o estudo retrospectivo, de 60 casos de EC cérvico-vaginais com diagnóstico de ASC e biópsias correlatas, os exames prévios e posteriores de ASC e a periodicidade de exames realizados. Das 60 análises selecionadas, 57 apresentaram diagnóstico citológico anterior de ASC-US (possivelmente não neoplásico), 30 (52,6%) foram negativos no exame de biópsia, 16 (28,1%) de NIC 1, 11 (19,3%) com diagnósticos discrepantes acima de 2 graus; 3 (100%) casos de ASC-H (não se pode afastar lesão de alto grau) foram NIC 1 na biópsia. Dentre os 60 casos, 44 (73,3%) que tiveram exames anteriores, 14 (23,3%) eram positivos; 53 (88,3%) que fizeram EC posteriores à biópsia, 10 (16,7%) eram positivos. Quanto à periodicidade dos exames, 26 (43,3%) realizaram o exame com intervalo de até 1 ano, 29 (48,3%) de 1 a 3 anos, 1 (1,7%) em intervalo maior que 3 anos. De acordo com os achados observados neste estudo, os diagnósticos citológicos de ASC, quando comparado com os exames da biópsia, estavam mais frequentemente associados às alterações morfológicas reacionais. Estes dados mostram o valioso papel da correlação cito- histológica, uma vez que a execução apenas do seguimento citológico pode ser insuficiente para obter o diagnóstico morfológico. É salientada, ainda, a necessidade de efetuar o exame de acompanhamento de seis em seis meses, para realizar o controle evolutivo dessas atipias, bem como para auxiliar na conduta terapêutica das pacientes.

Frequência de diagnóstico de lesões do colo uterino por faixa etária em mulheres atendidas no Programa de Rastreamento Viva Mulher no período de 2004 a 2008 / Review on the occurrence of uterine cervix lesions according to age group among women enrolled in the Viva Mulher – Prevention Program during the period from 2004 to 2008

No presente estudo foi realizado o levantamento retrospectivo de diagnóstico citopatológico das lesões pré-neoplásicas e neoplásicas pela método de Papanicolaou e sua distribuição por faixa etária das mulheres atendidas no período de 2003 a 2008. Das 222.024 amostras analisadas, 3.674 (1,65%) foram classificadas como insatisfatórias, 206.439 (92,98%) foram negativas e 11.911 (5,36%) apresentaram algum tipo de atipias nucleares. Dentre as alterações epiteliais atípicas, 6.437 (54,04%) foram de ASC-US e 210 (1,76%) de ASC-H; 3.264 (27,40%) de LSIL; 1.279 (10,74%) de HSIL; 131 (1,10%) de SCC; 552 (4,63%) por AGC-US e 23 (0,19%) de AGC-H; 7 (0,06%) de AIS e 8 (0,07%) de ADENOCA. Quanto à ocorrência e distribuição dos diagnósticos de lesões intraepiteliais escamosas e glandulares, de acordo com a faixa etária em intervalos de 5 anos, foi observada maior frequência de diagnóstico de LSIL entre as mulheres mais jovens (15-25 anos) e os diagnósticos de ASC-US, ASC-H, AGC-US, HSIL, SCC e ADENOCA nas mulheres >50 anos de idade. As alterações glandulares, como AGC-H e AIS, ocorreram em mulheres na faixa etária entre 30-34 e 45-49 anos. Foram detectados dois (0,16%) casos de HSIL em pacientes <14 anos e em 51 (3,99%) pacientes na faixa entre 15-19 anos. Os dados da presente avaliação enfatiza a importância de campanhas orientativas, rastreamento e seguimento das pacientes para garantir a melhoria e a efetividade dos programas de prevenção.

Increasing expression of monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 along progression to invasive cervical carcinoma.

Solid tumor cells are known to be highly glycolytic and, to prevent apoptosis by cellular acidosis, cells increase proton efflux through pH regulators, such as monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). However, the role of these membrane proteins in solid tumor development and survival is not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate the expression of the MCT isoforms 1, 2, and 4 in a large series of cervical lesions (neoplastic and non-neoplastic) and assess its clinical-pathologic significance. The series analyzed included 29 chronic cervicitis, 30 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 32 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 49 squamous cell carcinomas, 51 adenocarcinomas, and 30 adenosquamous carcinomas of the uterine cervix. Analysis of the expression of MCT isoforms 1, 2, and 4 was performed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Immunoreactions were evaluated both qualitatively and semiquantitatively. We found a significant increase in MCT expression from preinvasive to invasive squamous lesions and from normal glandular epithelium to adenocarcinomas. This is the first study evaluating the significance of MCT expression in lesions of the uterine cervix, including invasive carcinomas, and the results found herein led us to believe that these membrane proteins are involved in the progression to invasiveness in uterine cervix carcinoma.

Campanha de prevenção de câncer cervical: estudos no Instituto Adolfo Lutz mostram a necessidade de avaliação na faixa etária / Cervical cancer screening programs: study at Instituto Adolfo Lutz show a necessity of an age-group evaluation

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a faixa etária das mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo, que apresentaram lesão intraepitelial de alto grau e neoplasia cervical, e, também, avaliar se a faixa etária preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde em campanhas de rastreamento é adequada. Foram analisados os resultados de 30.910 amostras cérvico-vaginais colhidas e analisadas pelo Método de Papanicolaou. Das 14.779 amostras cérvico-vaginais de mulheres da faixa etária <34 anos, 841 (5,7%)apresentaram alterações epiteliais atípicas (AEA); destas, em 74 (8,8%) o diagnóstico foi de lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (HSIL), 38 (4,5%) de células escamosas atípicas em que não pode excluir lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (ASC-H) e em 369 (43,9%) houve ocorrência de lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau(LSIL). Entre as amostras cérvico-vaginais de 9.710 mulheres da faixa etária de 35-49 anos, 442 (4,6%) foram diagnosticadas como AEA, destas, 41 (9,3%) eram HSIL, 29 (6,3%) ASC-H, 94 (21,2%) de LSIL e 2 (0,5%)carcinomas. Das 6.421 amostras cérvico-vaginais de mulheres da faixa etária >50 anos 327(5,1%) foram diagnosticados como AEA; destas, 35 (10,7%) apresentaram HSIL, 23 (7,0%) ASC-H, 26 (8,0%) LSIL, e 8(2,4%) carcinomas. Os achados mostram que há necessidade de especial atenção às mulheres jovens e adolescentes nos Programas de Rastreamento para Prevenção de Câncer Cervical.

Lymphatic vessel density and epithelial D2-40 immunoreactivity in pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the uterine cervix.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the significance of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in pre-malignant lesions and carcinomas of the uterine cervix and to evaluate the prognostic value of lymphatic invasion and D2-40 positivity in tumor cells in the three histological types of invasive lesions. The correlation of LVD, lymphatic invasion and D2-40 positivity in tumor cells with EGFR and COX-2 expressions was also evaluated. METHODS: We studied 50 cervicitis, 50 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (CIN1), 51 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) (CIN2/CIN3), 49 invasive squamous cells carcinomas (SCC), 43 adenocarcinomas (AC) and 30 adenosquamous cells carcinomas (ASC). The immunoreaction assay was performed using the monoclonal antibody D2-40. RESULTS: Significant differences in LVD were found among all categories of pre-invasive and invasive lesions (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). LVD in invasive lesions was significantly greater than in pre-invasive lesions (p<0.001) and no significant association was found between LVD in invasive lesions and both lymph node invasion and/or metastasis. D2-40 positivity in tumor cells was associated with a better prognosis in ASC cases. EGFR and COX-2 expressions in invasive lesions were not associated with LVD; however, they correlated with both lymphatic invasion and D2-40 positivity in tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic neovascularization begins early in intraepithelial lesions and continues to increase towards malignancy. Both lymphatic invasion and decrease in D2-40 expression in tumor cells appear to have a prognostic value.

The association of p16(INK4A) and fragile histidine triad gene expression and cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was intended to assess the association between immunohistochemical analysis of p16 and fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and the presence of precancerous cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women seen at Pérola Byington Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil, with histologically confirmed cervicitis (n = 31), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 (n = 30), CIN 2,3 (n = 30), and cervical cancer (n = 7) had also cervical material collected for liquid-based cytology, human papillomavirus Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) test, and p16 and FHIT immunohistochemical reactions. RESULTS: p16 and FHIT reactions were scored as the following: <1%, 1% to 5%, >5% to 25%, and >25%. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to select p16 and FHIT score cutoffs for further categorical analyses. All but one of the 37 CIN 2,3/cancer cases had a p16 score of greater than 1% to 5%. Among the 61 cervicitis/CIN 1 cases, 46 (75%) had a p16 score lower than 1% to 5%. In contrast, no association of FHIT expression and severity of cervical lesions could be demonstrated in this data set. Receiver operating curve analyses suggested the score of 1% to 5% for p16 as the cutoff that best discriminates CIN 2,3/cancer from cervicitis/CIN 1. No cutoff for FHIT scores could be suggested with data set. CONCLUSIONS: p16, but not FHIT expression, has the potential to be used as complementary diagnostic tool to investigate human papillomavirus-induced cervical lesions, if these results are confirmed in larger studies.