Core Needle Biopsy Accuracy for Androgen Receptor Expression in Invasive Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) biomarkers, such as hormone receptors expression, are crucial to guide therapy in BC patients. Antiandrogens have been studied in BC; however, limited data are available on androgen receptor (AR) expression test methodology. We aim to report the core needle biopsy (CNB) accuracy for AR expression in BC. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage I-III invasive BC from a single institution were included. Androgen receptor expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using 1 and 10% cutoff and the AR expression in surgical specimens (SS) was the gold standard. Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the intraprocedural agreement. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included, with a mean age of 61 years old and 84% were Luminal A or B tumors. The prevalence of AR expression in all BC samples was 87.5% using a cutoff ≥ 10% in SS. With a cutoff value ≥ 1%, CNB had an accuracy of 95.8% (Kappa value = 0.645; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.272-1.000; p < 0.001) and 86.1% (Kappa value = 0.365; 95% CI: 0.052-0.679; p < 0.001) when ≥ 10% cutoff was used for AR positivity. Androgen receptor expression in CNB (cutoff ≥ 1%) had a sensitivity of 98.5%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 97.0%, and a negative predictive value of 76.9% in the detection of AR expression in SS. CONCLUSION: Core needle biopsy has good accuracy in evaluating AR expression in BC. The accuracy of CNB decreases with higher cutoff values for AR positivity.

OBJETIVO: Biomarcadores, como a expressão de receptores hormonais, são cruciais para guiar a terapia de pacientes com câncer de mama. Apesar de ter sido estudado, poucos dados estão disponíveis sobre o método de testagem. Buscamos avaliar a precisão da biópsia com agulha de grande calibre (CNB, na sigla em inglês) para a expressão de receptores androgênicos (AR, na sigla em inglês) no câncer de mama. MéTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes de uma única instituição diagnosticados com câncer de mama invasivo estágio I-III. A expressão de AR foi avaliada por imunohistoquímica, com valores de cutoff de 1 e 10%. A expressão de AR em espécimes cirúrgicos foi o padrão ouro. O coeficiente Kappa foi usado para avaliar a concordância entre procedimentos. RESULTADOS: Foi incluído um total de 72 pacientes, com idade média de 61 anos; 84% eram tumores luminais A ou B. A prevalência da expressão de AR em todas as amostras foi de 87.5%, com cutoff ≥ 10%. Com um valor de cutoff ≥ 1%, a CNB teve precisão de 95.8% (Kappa = 0.64; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0.272­1.000; p < 0.001) e 86.1% (Kappa = 0.365; CI95%: 0.052­0.679]; p < 0.001) quando um cutoff ≥ 10% foi usado para AR positivo. A expressão de AR na CNB (cutoff ≥ 1%) teve a sensibilidade de 98.5%, especificidade de 60%, valor preditivo positivo de 97.0% e valor preditivo negativo de 76.9% na detecção. CONCLUSãO: |Biópsia com agulha de grande calibre tem uma boa precisão em avaliar a expressão de AR no câncer de mama. A precisão do método cai com valores elevados de cutoff para AR positivo.

Core Needle Biopsy Accuracy for Androgen Receptor Expression in Invasive Breast Cancer / Precisão da biópsia com agulha de grande calibre para expressão de receptores androgênicos no câncer de mama invasivo

Abstract Objective Breast cancer (BC) biomarkers, such as hormone receptors expression, are crucial to guide therapy in BC patients. Antiandrogens have been studied in BC; however, limited data are available on androgen receptor (AR) expression test methodology. We aim to report the core needle biopsy (CNB) accuracy for AR expression in BC. Methods Patients diagnosed with stage I-III invasive BC from a single institution were included. Androgen receptor expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using 1 and 10% cutoff and the AR expression in surgical specimens (SS) was the gold standard. Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the intraprocedural agreement. Results A total of 72 patients were included, with a mean age of 61 years old and 84% were Luminal A or B tumors. The prevalence of AR expression in all BC samples was 87.5% using a cutoff ≥ 10% in SS. With a cutoff value ≥ 1%, CNB had an accuracy of 95.8% (Kappa value = 0.645; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.272-1.000; p< 0.001) and 86.1% (Kappa value = 0.365; 95% CI: 0.052-0.679; p< 0.001) when ≥ 10% cutoff was used for AR positivity. Androgen receptor expression in CNB (cutoff ≥ 1%) had a sensitivity of 98.5%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 97.0%, and a negative predictive value of 76.9% in the detection of AR expression in SS. Conclusion Core needle biopsy has good accuracy in evaluating AR expression in BC. The accuracy of CNB decreases with higher cutoff values for AR positivity.

Resumo Objetivo Biomarcadores, como a expressão de receptores hormonais, são cruciais para guiar a terapia de pacientes com câncer de mama. Apesar de ter sido estudado, poucos dados estão disponíveis sobre o método de testagem. Buscamos avaliar a precisão da biópsia com agulha de grande calibre (CNB, na sigla em inglês) para a expressão de receptores androgênicos (AR, na sigla em inglês) no câncer de mama. Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes de uma única instituição diagnosticados com câncer de mama invasivo estágio I-III. A expressão de AR foi avaliada por imunohistoquímica, com valores de cutoff de 1 e 10%. A expressão de AR em espécimes cirúrgicos foi o padrão ouro. O coeficiente Kappa foi usado para avaliar a concordância entre procedimentos. Resultados Foi incluído um total de 72 pacientes, com idade média de 61 anos; 84% eram tumores luminais A ou B. A prevalência da expressão de AR em todas as amostras foi de 87.5%, com cutoff ≥ 10%. Com um valor de cutoff ≥ 1%, a CNB teve precisão de 95.8% (Kappa = 0.64; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0.272-1.000; p< 0.001) e 86.1% (Kappa = 0.365; CI95%: 0.052-0.679]; p< 0.001) quando um cutoff ≥ 10% foi usado para AR positivo. A expressão de AR na CNB (cutoff ≥ 1%) teve a sensibilidade de 98.5%, especificidade de 60%, valor preditivo positivo de 97.0% e valor preditivo negativo de 76.9% na detecção. Conclusão -Biópsia com agulha de grande calibre tem uma boa precisão em avaliar a expressão de AR no câncer de mama. A precisão do método cai com valores elevados de cutoff para AR positivo.

Molecular Biomarkers Predict Pathological Complete Response of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: Review.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is often used to treat locally advanced disease for tumor downstaging, thus improving the chances of breast-conserving surgery. From the NAC response, it is possible to obtain prognostic information as patients may reach a pathological complete response (pCR). Those who do might have significant advantages in terms of survival rates. Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease that requires personalized treatment strategies. The development of targeted therapies depends on identifying biomarkers that can be used to assess treatment efficacy as well as the discovery of new and more accurate therapeutic agents. With the development of new "OMICS" technologies, i.e., genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, among others, the discovery of new biomarkers is increasingly being used in the context of clinical practice, bringing us closer to personalized management of BC treatment. The aim of this review is to compile the main biomarkers that predict pCR in BC after NAC.

Lung cancer: changes in histology, gender, and age over the last 30 years in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in tumor histology, gender and age among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with lung resection. The histology of lung cancer has changed in developed countries, and there is still little information available on the topic for developing countries. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 1,030 patients with NSCLC treated with lung resection between 1986 and 2015 at a university hospital in southern Brazil. Differences in histology, stage, and type of surgery were analyzed by gender and for three periods (1986-1995, 1996-2005, and 2006-2015). RESULTS: Most (64.5%) of the patients were males, and the main histological types were squamous cell carcinoma (in 40.6%) and adenocarcinoma (in 44.5%). The mean age at surgery during the first period was 56.4 years for women and 58.9 years for men, compared with 62.2 for women and 64.6 for men in the third period (p < 0.001). The proportion of females increased from 26.6% in the first period to 44.1% in the third. From the first to the third period, the proportion of patients with squamous cell carcinoma decreased from 49.6% to 34.8% overall (p < 0.001), decreasing to an even greater degree (from 38.9% to 23.2%) among men. Among the NSCLC patients in our sample, females with adenocarcinoma accounted for 11.9% in the first period and 24.0% in the third period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As has been seen in developed countries, the rates of lung cancer in females in southern Brazil have been rising over the last three decades, although they have yet to surpass those observed for males in the region. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma has decreased in males, approaching adenocarcinoma rates, whereas adenocarcinoma has significantly increased among women.

Assessment of HER-2 status in invasive breast cancer in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the frequency of HER-2-positive breast cancer in Brazil. METHOD: In this prospective observational study, we first ascertained the HER-2 status of invasive breast cancer specimens by automated immunohistochemistry (IHC). For specimens classified as 2+ by IHC, we performed in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: From February, 2011 to December, 2012, 1,495 breast specimens were registered, and 1,310 samples collected at 24 centers were analyzed. Median patient age was 54 years, and the majority of samples were obtained from segmental (46.9%) or radical mastectomy (34.4%). The predominant histological type was invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (85%), 64.3% had tubule formation (grade 3), and estrogen/progesterone receptors (ER/PR) were positive in 77.4/67.8% of the specimens analyzed, respectively. Using IHC, we found a negative HER-2 status (0 or 1+) in 72.2% of specimens, and 3+ in 18.5%; the 9.3% scored as 2+ were further analyzed by ISH, of which 15.7% were positive (thus, 20.0% of samples were HER-2- -positive by either method). We found no association between HER-2 scores and menopausal status or histological type. Tumors classified as 3+ came from younger patients, and had higher histological grade and less frequent expression of ER/PR. In the North region of Brazil, 34.7% of samples were 3+, with lower frequencies in the other four regions of the country. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide estimates for the frequency of HER-2 positivity in Brazil and raise the hypothesis that biological differences may underlie the different distribution of breast-cancer phenotypes among different Brazilian regions.

Evaluation of the effect of four final irrigation protocols on root canal dentin components by polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of four endodontic chelating agents, followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), as final irrigation regimens on organic and inorganic components of human root dentin. Sixty mandibular incisors were prepared and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): QMiX, 1% peracetic acid (PA), 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid (CA), 2.5% NaOCl (solution control) and distilled water (DW-negative control). After irrigation with the chelating agents, a final flush was performed with 2.5% NaOCl. The specimens were split longitudinally in halves; one was designated for organic component analysis by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and the other for inorganic structure analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scores data obtained in the PLM analysis were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis' test, followed by Dunn's test (p < .05). SEM findings were presented descriptively. NaOCl and DW groups showed uniformity in the fibrillar network and smear layer obliterating the dentinal tubules, while CA group presented alteration in organic and inorganic components of dentin. EDTA group did not show differences from others in the organic component, but altered the inorganic structure. QMiX and PA groups did not cause a significant morphological alteration in collagen and removed the smear layer without inorganic structure modification. As final irrigation, QMiX and PA solutions, followed by 2.5% NaOCl, showed better behavior than the other chelating agents tested, preserving organic and inorganic components of human root dentin.

Lung cancer: changes in histology, gender, and age over the last 30 years in Brazil / Câncer de pulmão: mudanças na histologia, sexo e idade nos últimos 30 anos no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the trends in tumor histology, gender and age among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with lung resection. The histology of lung cancer has changed in developed countries, and there is still little information available on the topic for developing countries. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 1,030 patients with NSCLC treated with lung resection between 1986 and 2015 at a university hospital in southern Brazil. Differences in histology, stage, and type of surgery were analyzed by gender and for three periods (1986-1995, 1996-2005, and 2006-2015). Results: Most (64.5%) of the patients were males, and the main histological types were squamous cell carcinoma (in 40.6%) and adenocarcinoma (in 44.5%). The mean age at surgery during the first period was 56.4 years for women and 58.9 years for men, compared with 62.2 for women and 64.6 for men in the third period (p < 0.001). The proportion of females increased from 26.6% in the first period to 44.1% in the third. From the first to the third period, the proportion of patients with squamous cell carcinoma decreased from 49.6% to 34.8% overall (p < 0.001), decreasing to an even greater degree (from 38.9% to 23.2%) among men. Among the NSCLC patients in our sample, females with adenocarcinoma accounted for 11.9% in the first period and 24.0% in the third period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As has been seen in developed countries, the rates of lung cancer in females in southern Brazil have been rising over the last three decades, although they have yet to surpass those observed for males in the region. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma has decreased in males, approaching adenocarcinoma rates, whereas adenocarcinoma has significantly increased among women.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as tendências da histologia do tumor, do gênero e da idade em pacientes com câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas (CPCNP) tratados com ressecção pulmonar. A histologia do câncer de pulmão mudou em países desenvolvidos, e ainda há pouca informação disponível sobre o tema em países em desenvolvimento. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 1.030 pacientes com CPCNP tratados através de ressecção pulmonar entre 1986 e 2015 em um hospital universitário no sul do Brasil. As diferenças em histologia, estádio e tipo de cirurgia foram analisadas por gênero e em três períodos (1986-1995, 1996-2005 e 2006-2015). Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes (64,5%) era do sexo masculino, e os principais tipos histológicos foram carcinoma de células escamosas (40,6%) e adenocarcinoma (44,5%). A média de idade à cirurgia durante o primeiro período foi de 56,4 anos para mulheres e de 58,9 anos para homens, enquanto essa foi de 62,2 para mulheres e 64,6 para homens no terceiro período (p < 0,001). A proporção de mulheres aumentou de 26,6% no primeiro período para 44,1% no terceiro. Do primeiro ao terceiro período, a proporção de pacientes com carcinoma de células escamosas diminuiu de 49,6% para 34,8% no total (p < 0,001), diminuindo para um grau ainda maior (de 38,9% para 23,2%) entre os homens. Entre os pacientes com CPCNP em nossa amostra, mulheres com adenocarcinoma representaram 11,9% no primeiro período e 24,0% no terceiro período (p < 0,001). Conclusões: Como se observa em países desenvolvidos, as taxas de câncer de pulmão em mulheres no sul do Brasil têm aumentado nas últimas três décadas, embora ainda não tenham superado as observadas em homens na região. Entre homens no sul do Brasil, a incidência de carcinoma de células escamosas diminuiu, aproximando-se a de adenocarcinoma. A incidência de adenocarcinoma entre mulheres no sul do Brasil aumentou significativamente.

Assessment of HER-2 status in invasive breast cancer in Brazil / Avaliação de HER-2 no câncer de mama invasivo no Brasil

Summary Objective: To characterize the frequency of HER-2-positive breast cancer in Brazil. Method: In this prospective observational study, we first ascertained the HER-2 status of invasive breast cancer specimens by automated immunohistochemistry (IHC). For specimens classified as 2+ by IHC, we performed in situ hybridization (ISH). Results: From February, 2011 to December, 2012, 1,495 breast specimens were registered, and 1,310 samples collected at 24 centers were analyzed. Median patient age was 54 years, and the majority of samples were obtained from segmental (46.9%) or radical mastectomy (34.4%). The predominant histological type was invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (85%), 64.3% had tubule formation (grade 3), and estrogen/progesterone receptors (ER/PR) were positive in 77.4/67.8% of the specimens analyzed, respectively. Using IHC, we found a negative HER-2 status (0 or 1+) in 72.2% of specimens, and 3+ in 18.5%; the 9.3% scored as 2+ were further analyzed by ISH, of which 15.7% were positive (thus, 20.0% of samples were HER-2- -positive by either method). We found no association between HER-2 scores and menopausal status or histological type. Tumors classified as 3+ came from younger patients, and had higher histological grade and less frequent expression of ER/PR. In the North region of Brazil, 34.7% of samples were 3+, with lower frequencies in the other four regions of the country. Conclusion: Our findings provide estimates for the frequency of HER-2 positivity in Brazil and raise the hypothesis that biological differences may underlie the different distribution of breast-cancer phenotypes among different Brazilian regions.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a frequência de câncer de mama positivo para HER-2 no Brasil. Método: Neste estudo observacional e prospectivo, verificamos o escore de HER-2 de espécimes de câncer de mama invasivo por imuno-histoquímica automatizada (IHQ). Para amostras classificadas como 2+ por IHQ, fizemos hibridização in situ (HIS). Resultados: De fevereiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2012, 1.495 espécimes de mama foram registrados, e 1.310 amostras coletadas por 24 centros foram analisadas. A idade mediana das pacientes foi 54 anos, e a maioria das amostras foram obtidas a partir de mastectomia segmentar (46,9%) ou radical (34,4%). O tipo histológico predominante foi o carcinoma invasivo da mama, sem tipo especial (85%); 64,3% tinham formação de túbulos (grau 3); e os receptores de estrógeno (RE)/progesterona (RP) foram positivos em 77,4%/67,8% das amostras analisadas. Por IHQ, encontramos HER-2 negativo (0 ou 1+) em 72,2% das amostras, e 3+ em 18,5%; os 9,3% de casos classificados como 2+ foram analisados por HIS, e 15,7% deles foram positivos (assim, 20,0% das amostras foram positivas para HER-2 por qualquer método). Não encontramos associação entre escores de HER-2 e estado menopausal ou tipo histológico. Tumores classificados como 3+ vieram de pacientes mais jovens, tinham maior grau histológico e foi menos frequente a expressão de RE/RP. Na região Norte do Brasil, 34,7% das amostras foram 3+, com frequências mais baixas nas outras quatro regiões do país. Conclusão: Nossos resultados permitem estimar a frequência de positividade do HER-2 no Brasil, gerando a hipótese de que pode haver diferenças biológicas subjacentes à distribuição dos fenótipos de câncer de mama entre as diferentes regiões brasileiras.

Effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness reduction and erosion of root canal dentin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness reduction and erosion of root canal dentin. Sixty root canals from mandibular incisors were instrumented and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the irrigant used: QMiX, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid (CA), 1% peracetic acid (PA), 2.5% NaOCl (solution control), and distilled water (negative control). The chelating solutions were used to irrigate the canal followed by 2.5% NaOCl as a final flush. After the irrigation protocols, all specimens were rinsed with 10 mL of distilled water to remove any residue of the chemical solutions. Before and after the final irrigation protocols, dentin microhardness was measured with a Knoop indenter. Three indentations were made at 100 µm and 500 µm from the root canal lumen. Afterwards, the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopic analysis and the amount of dentin erosion was examined. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the results with a significance level set at 5%. At 100 µm, all protocols significantly reduced dentin microhardness (p < .05), while at 500 µm, this effect was detected only in the EDTA and QMiX groups (p < .05). CA was the irrigant that caused more extensive erosion in dentinal tubules, followed by PA and EDTA. QMiX opened dentinal tubules, but did not cause dentin erosion. Results suggest that QMiX and 17% EDTA reduced dentin microhardness at a greater depth. Additionally, QMiX did not cause dentin erosion.

Pindborg tumor in the distal femur.

To describe a case of possible diagnosis of Pindborg tumor on the distal femur. A 32-years-old female patient, a native of Bolivia, resident in Brazil, arrived to this service for tumor research in the right femur. After biopsies and resection of the lesion, the case was referred to analysis and consultancy in the United States. In a report of review by the Pathology Laboratory, it was characterized the histological appearance and immunohistochemical profile were characteristic of Pindborg tumor. Currently, the patient is being followed-up at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of this institution, and presents a good evolution. This study presents the case of a patient with a rare tumor that was investigated for an extensive period and through many tests. Pindborg tumor was suggested as a diagnostic hypothesis due to the characteristics and behavior of the neoplastic lesion. Although this lesion is more commonly observed in odontology, the neoplasia was compatible with the diagnosis. Therefore, despite the fact that this tumor has benign characteristics, long-term monitoring is necessary, given the high rate of tumor recurrence.

Descrever um caso de possível diagnóstico tumor de Pindborg em fêmur distal.A paciente de 32 anos, natural da Bolívia, residente no Brasil, veio a esse serviço para investigação de massa tumoral em fêmur direito. Após feitura de biópsias e ressecção da lesão, o caso foi encaminhado para análise e consultoria nos Estados Unidos. Em laudo de revisão do Laboratório de Patologia, foi caracterizado que o aspecto histológico e o perfil imuno-histoquímico eram característicos de tumor de Pindborg. Atualmente, a paciente é acompanhada no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da nossa instituição e apresenta boa evolução. O relato descreve o caso de uma paciente com uma neoplasia rara que foi investigada por muito tempo e com auxílio de muitos exames. O tumor de Pindborg foi sugerido com hipótese diagnóstica devido às características e ao comportamento neoplásico da lesão. A despeito de ser uma lesão mais comumente observada no âmbito odontológico, a neoplasia da paciente mostrou-se compatível com o diagnóstico. Assim, mesmo se tratando de um tumor com características benignas, há a necessidade de acompanhamento por longo tempo, haja vista o alto grau de recorrência do tumor.

Aspectos epidemiológicos dos condrossarcomas: experiência do Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS, Porto Alegre / Epidemiological aspects of chondrosarcomas: the experience of the orthopedy and traumatology service of the São Lucas Hospital of PUCRS, Porto Alegre

Introdução: Condrossarcomas correspondem a 18% das tumorações ósseas malignas e podem apresentar comportamento agressivo, além de um mau prognóstico. Uma avaliação atualizada quanto às suas características e uma revisão da literatura que aborda o assunto são de grande valia. Este trabalho visa demonstrar o padrão epidemiológico e fisiopatológico dos casos de condrossarcoma envolvidos. Métodos: Foram incluídos 32 pacientes diagnosticados e acompanhados no Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS entre 2004 e 2015 e que tiveram seus prontuários revisados. Resultados: Com discreta prevalência entre as mulheres (59,3% dos casos), obteve-se média etária geral de 53,5 anos de idade. Uma fração de 37,5% dos pacientes apresentou metástases, cujo local de acometimento principal foi o pulmão. Quanto ao sítio primário, Ilíaco e ossos longos foram os mais envolvidos. Em comparação com estudos epidemiológicos realizados em outros países, os resultados aqui presentes obtiveram sincronia em alguns quesitos, como idade, local de manifestação primária ou do sítio de metástase. Já quanto ao gênero dos pacientes envolvidos e às características histológicas, algumas divergências foram detectadas. Conclusões: Ao avaliar condrossarcomas, o perfil populacional da região avaliada deve ser levado em consideração, gerando variações nos levantamentos epidemiológicos obtidos (AU)

Introduction: Chondrosarcomas correspond to 18% of malignant bone tumors and may present aggressive behavior in addition to a poor prognosis. An up-to-date assessment of their characteristics and a review of the literature that deals with the subject are valuable. This work aims to demonstrate the epidemiological and pathophysiological pattern of the cases of chondrosarcoma involved. Methods: Thirty-two patients diagnosed and followed up at the São Lucas Hospital of PUCRS between 2004 and 2015 were included and their records were reviewed. Results: With a slight prevalence among women (59.3% of the cases), the mean age was 53.5 years old. A fraction of 37.5% of the patients had metastases, whose main site affected was the lung. As for the primary site, the iliac and long bones were the most involved. Compared with epidemiological studies conducted in other countries, the results reported here were synchronized in some aspects, such as age, place of primary manifestation or site of metastasis. However, regarding the gender of the patients involved and the histological characteristics, some divergences were detected. Conclusions: When assessing chondrosarcomas, the population profile of the evaluated region should be taken into account, generating variations in the epidemiological surveys obtained (AU)

Pindborg tumor in the distal femur / Tumor de Pindborg em fêmur distal

ABSTRACT To describe a case of possible diagnosis of Pindborg tumor on the distal femur. A 32-years-old female patient, a native of Bolivia, resident in Brazil, arrived to this service for tumor research in the right femur. After biopsies and resection of the lesion, the case was referred to analysis and consultancy in the United States. In a report of review by the Pathology Laboratory, it was characterized the histological appearance and immunohistochemical profile were characteristic of Pindborg tumor. Currently, the patient is being followed-up at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of this institution, and presents a good evolution. This study presents the case of a patient with a rare tumor that was investigated for an extensive period and through many tests. Pindborg tumor was suggested as a diagnostic hypothesis due to the characteristics and behavior of the neoplastic lesion. Although this lesion is more commonly observed in odontology, the neoplasia was compatible with the diagnosis. Therefore, despite the fact that this tumor has benign characteristics, long-term monitoring is necessary, given the high rate of tumor recurrence.

RESUMO Descrever um caso de possível diagnóstico tumor de Pindborg em fêmur distal. A paciente de 32 anos, natural da Bolívia, residente no Brasil, veio a esse serviço para investigação de massa tumoral em fêmur direito. Após feitura de biópsias e ressecção da lesão, o caso foi encaminhado para análise e consultoria nos Estados Unidos. Em laudo de revisão do Laboratório de Patologia, foi caracterizado que o aspecto histológico e o perfil imuno-histoquímico eram característicos de tumor de Pindborg. Atualmente, a paciente é acompanhada no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da nossa instituição e apresenta boa evolução. O relato descreve o caso de uma paciente com uma neoplasia rara que foi investigada por muito tempo e com auxílio de muitos exames. O tumor de Pindborg foi sugerido com hipótese diagnóstica devido às características e ao comportamento neoplásico da lesão. A despeito de ser uma lesão mais comumente observada no âmbito odontológico, a neoplasia da paciente mostrou-se compatível com o diagnóstico. Assim, mesmo se tratando de um tumor com características benignas, há a necessidade de acompanhamento por longo tempo, haja vista o alto grau de recorrência do tumor.

Effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness reduction and erosion of root canal dentin

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness reduction and erosion of root canal dentin. Sixty root canals from mandibular incisors were instrumented and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the irrigant used: QMiX, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid (CA), 1% peracetic acid (PA), 2.5% NaOCl (solution control), and distilled water (negative control). The chelating solutions were used to irrigate the canal followed by 2.5% NaOCl as a final flush. After the irrigation protocols, all specimens were rinsed with 10 mL of distilled water to remove any residue of the chemical solutions. Before and after the final irrigation protocols, dentin microhardness was measured with a Knoop indenter. Three indentations were made at 100 µm and 500 µm from the root canal lumen. Afterwards, the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopic analysis and the amount of dentin erosion was examined. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the results with a significance level set at 5%. At 100 µm, all protocols significantly reduced dentin microhardness (p < .05), while at 500 µm, this effect was detected only in the EDTA and QMiX groups (p < .05). CA was the irrigant that caused more extensive erosion in dentinal tubules, followed by PA and EDTA. QMiX opened dentinal tubules, but did not cause dentin erosion. Results suggest that QMiX and 17% EDTA reduced dentin microhardness at a greater depth. Additionally, QMiX did not cause dentin erosion.

Increased tissue factor expression is an independent predictor of mortality in clear cell carcinoma of the kidney.

PURPOSE: Increased expression of tissue factor (TF), a primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, has been associated with a worse prognosis in a variety of solid tumors. We report for the first time the correlation of the immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor with clinical and pathological outcomes in clear cell carcinomas of the kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor was evaluated in 58 paraffin-embedded samples of clear cell carcinomas of the kidney treated at the same university hospital, that was correlated with clinical and pathological variables and with overall survival. RESULTS: high intensity tissue factor expression (TF area > 10 µ m2) was observed in 22.4% of the tumors (13 patients), and was an important predictor of overall mortality, both in univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Median overall survival for both groups was 66 months; 78.2 months for patients in the group of lower TF expression and 27.5 months for patients in the group of higher TF expression (log rank p < 0.001). The hazard ratio for mortality was 9.7 (CI 3.7-25.6) for tumors with increased TF expression. CONCLUSIONS: Increased immunohistochemical expression of TF was an important independent predictor of mortality in a contemporary cohort of patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. Further studies are necessary to define the role of TF in clinical practice.

Increased Tissue Factor Expression is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney

Purpose Increased expression of tissue factor (TF), a primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, has been associated with a worse prognosis in a variety of solid tumors. We report for the first time the correlation of the immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor with clinical and pathological outcomes in clear cell carcinomas of the kidney. Materials and Methods immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor was evaluated in 58 paraffin-embedded samples of clear cell carcinomas of the kidney treated at the same university hospital, that was correlated with clinical and pathological variables and with overall survival. Results high intensity tissue factor expression (TF area > 10µm2) was observed in 22.4% of the tumors (13 patients), and was an important predictor of overall mortality, both in univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Median overall survival for both groups was 66 months; 78.2 months for patients in the group of lower TF expression and 27.5 months for patients in the group of higher TF expression (log rank p < 0.001). The hazard ratio for mortality was 9.7 (CI 3.7-25.6) for tumors with increased TF expression. Conclusions Increased immunohistochemical expression of TF was an important independent predictor of mortality in a contemporary cohort of patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. Further studies are necessary to define the role of TF in clinical practice. .

Avaliação da aplicação tópica de ácido linoleico em retalhos cutâneos randomizados em ratos / Evaluation of topic linoleic acid application on random-pattern skin flaps in rats

Concern about the viability of skin flaps, especially those of random pattern, has been the subject of several studies in plastic surgery. The limiting factar of these flaps is the unpredictability of its microvasculature, which could lead to partial or complete necrosis of the flap. This study tested the role of topical use of linoleic acid on the survival of random skin flaps. This study tested the role of topical use of linoleic acid on the survivl of random slin flap. This a polyunsaturated fatty acid, which in wound healing studies showed to act by mediating the inflammatory response, and decreasing the production of nitric oxide, accelerating the repair process. Objective: The aim of this project was to evaluate morphometric and histologically the improvement on skin flaps survival in rats treated with topical linoleic acid. Method: 24 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 3 groups, the control group or Glycerin (GG, n = 8), Dersani® group (GD, n =8) and Linoleic Acid group (GL, n = 8). Under general anesthesia, a cranial base modified McFarlane random skin flap was elevated in dorsal region of the rats. Results: The mean percentage of necrosis area among the groups was: GG - 44.49%, GD - GL and 44.72% - 44.20%. It showed no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05). Histological analysis has also not found differences in the degree of necrosis or inflammation. Conclusion: In this study, topical application of LA showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05) on improving the survival area of random skin flap in rats...

A preocupação com a viabilidade de retalhos cutâneos, especialmente os randomizados, tem sido motivo de diversas pesquisas na cirurgia plástica. O fator limitante para a utilização desses retalhos é a imprevisibilidade de sua vascularização distal, o que poderá resultar em necrose parcial ou completa do retalho. Neste estudo, foi testado o uso tópico do ácido linoleico na melhoria da sobrevivência dos retalhos de pele. Este é um ácido graxo poli-insaturado, que em estudos sobre cicatrização de feridas mostrou atuar na mediação da resposta inflamatória e na diminuição da produção de óxido nítrico, acelerando o processo de reparo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar morfométrica e histologicamente o aumento da viabilidade de retalhos cutâneos randomizados em ratos, tratados com uso tópico do ácido linoleico. Método: Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar machos divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo Controle ou Glicerina (GG, n = 8]. grupo Dersani® (GD, n = 8) e grupo Ácido Linoleico (GL, n = 8). Sob anestesia geral, foi elevado um retalho randômico modificado de McFarlane na região dorsal dos ratos. Resultados: A média da porcentagem da área de necrose dos retalhos foi: GG -44,49%, GD - 44,72% e GL - 44,20%. Estas não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significativas (P>0,05). A análise histológica não evidenciou diferenças significativas no grau de necrose ou processo inflamatório. Conclusão: Neste estudo, a aplicação tópica do AL não apresentou diferenças estatísticas significativas em aumentar a área de viabilidade do retalho cutâneo randomizado em ratos...

Reconstrução de couro cabeludo após ressecção de condrossarcoma mesenquimal local / Scalp reconstruction after local mesenchymal chondrosarcoma resection

O condrossarcoma mesenquimal é uma variante rara de condrossarcoma, que raramente atinge os tecidos extraósseos. Este tipo de tumor normalmente ocorre em adultos jovens, sendo altamente agressivo, e tende a apresentar recorrência tardia e metástases a distância. No exame histológico, caracteriza-se por apresentar abundantes células mesenquimais indiferenciadas entre ilhas de células cartilaginosas bem diferenciadas. O tratamento cirúrgico com ressecção completa do tumor é o tratamento padrão para o condrossarcoma mesenquimal. Apresentamos aqui o caso de uma paciente de 56 anos que apresentava um condrossarcoma mesenquimal de grandes proporções na região do couro cabeludo. O diagnóstico da lesão foi tardio e, após o estadiamento da mesma, a paciente foi submetida a ressecção total da neoplasia e reconstrução com retalho de rotação extenso de couro cabeludo e enxertia de pele parcial. No presente estudo, pode-se concluir que ainda não há um tratamento realmente efetivo para o condrossarcoma mesenquimal avançado

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare variant of chondrosarcoma, which rarely reaches the extra-osseous tissues. This type of tumor usually occurs in young adults and is highly aggressive, tending to present late recurrence and distant metastases. On histological examination it is characterized by abundant undifferentiated mesenchymal cells between islands of well differentiated cartilage cells. Surgical treatment with complete surgical resection is the standard treatment for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Here we present the case of a 56-year-old female patient who had a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of great proportions in the region of the scalp. The diagnosis was late and after the staging of it, the patient underwent total resection of the tumor and reconstruction with extensive rotation flap of scalp and partial skin graft. In this study we can conclude that as yet there is no really effective treatment for advanced mesenchymal chondrosarcoma

Ambiente colaborativo para formação de pessoal em medicina nuclear / Collaborative environment for nuclear medicine training

OBJETIVO: Validar a proposta do desenvolvimento de um ambiente colaborativo virtual para formação de pessoal em medicina nuclear. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: No desenvolvimento inicial do ambiente foram levantadas as premissas, restrições e funcionalidades que deveriam ser oferecidas aos profissionais da área. O protótipo foi desenvolvido no ambiente Moodle, incluindo funcionalidades de armazenamento de dados e interação. Um estudo piloto de interação no ambiente foi realizado com uma amostra de profissionais especialistas em medicina nuclear. Análises quantitativas e de conteúdo foram realizadas a partir de um questionário semiestruturado de opinião dos usuários. RESULTADOS: A proposta do ambiente colaborativo foi validada por uma comunidade de profissionais que atuam nesta área e considerada relevante visando a auxiliar na formação de pessoal. Sugestões de melhorias e novas funcionalidades foram indicadas. Observou-se a necessidade de estabelecer um programa de formação dos moderadores no ambiente, visto que são necessárias características de interação distintas do ensino presencial. CONCLUSÃO: O ambiente colaborativo poderá permitir a troca de experiências e a discussão de casos entre profissionais localizados em instituições de diferentes regiões do País, possibilitando uma aproximação e colaboração entre esses profissionais. Assim, o ambiente pode contribuir para formação inicial e continuada de profissionais que atuam em medicina nuclear.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the proposal for development of a virtual collaborative environment for training of nuclear medicine personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Organizational assumptions, constraints and functionalities that should be offered to the professionals in this field were raised early in the development of the environment. The prototype was developed in the Moodle environment, including data storage and interaction functionalities. A pilot interaction study was developed with a sample of specialists in nuclear medicine. Users' opinions collected by means of semi-structured questionnaire were submitted to quantitative and content analysis. RESULTS: The proposal of a collaborative environment was validated by a community of nuclear medicine professionals and considered as an aid in the training in this field. Suggestions for improvements and new functionalities were made. There is a need to establish a program for education of moderators specifically for this environment, considering the different interaction characteristics as the online and conventional teaching methods are compared. CONCLUSION: The collaborative environment will allow the exchange of experiences and case discussions among professionals from institutions located in different regions all over the country, enhancing the collaboration among them. Thus, the environment can contribute in the early and continued education of nuclear medicine professionals.

Como a educação a distância pode contribuir para uma prática integral em saúde? / How can distance education contribute to comprehensive health practice?

As exigências sociopolíticas atuais quanto à formação e ao perfil do profissional de saúde se ampliam para além da capacitação técnico-científica, requerendo profissionais capazes de um atendimento integral em equipe interdisciplinar/multiprofissional. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi, através da Educação a Distância, baseada em método fundamentado na teoria construtivista, promover cenários de interação visando à construção de uma prática/pensamento integral em saúde, com a participação de seis graduandos de Medicina e nove profissionais da saúde. Foi utilizado o Teleduc, um ambiente de aprendizagem a distância. O modelo de estudo foi definido como um estudo de caso, e a análise se baseou nas interações dos alunos, na participação nos fóruns de discussão, nas edições dos exercícios individuais e dos portfólios de grupo. O procedimento mostrou-se um valioso promotor de interação em saúde, possibilitando desequilíbrios, reflexões, postura cooperativa e mudanças de conduta, com geração de conhecimento integral em saúde. A análise evidenciou que, para construir relações de cooperação no virtual, são necessários elementos que otimizem as interações, conferindo qualidade pedagógica e proporcionando um contexto favorável, a fim de prolongar o aprendizado rumo a uma prática transformadora.

Current social and political demands on health professionals' training and profile have expanded beyond technical and scientific training, requiring professionals capable of providing comprehensive care in an interdisciplinary and multiprofissional team. In this context, this study's aim was to focus on Distance Education, based on a method with its foundations in constructivist theory, to promote interaction scenarios to construct comprehensive practice and thought in health. Six undergraduate medical students and nine health professionals participated. The study used Teleduc, a distance learning environment. The study model was defined as a case study, and the analysis was based on students' interactions, participation in the discussion forums, editions of individual exercises, and group portfolios. The procedure proved to be a valuable promoter of health interaction, allowing imbalances, reflections, a cooperative stance, and changes of conduct, with the generation of comprehensive health knowledge. The analysis further allowed demonstrating that in order to build cooperative relations in the virtual environment, elements are needed that optimize interaction, providing a pedagogical quality and a favorable context in order to prolong learning towards a transformative practice.

Acurácia dos achados mamográficos do câncer de mama: correlação da classificação BI-RADS e achados histológicos / Accuracy of mammographic findings in breast cancer: correlation between BI-RADS classification and histological findings

OBJETIVO: A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia da classificação BI-RADS® na mamografia. Os pontos secundários foram descrever a frequência de apresentação dos diferentes achados mamográficos e avaliar a concordância entre observadores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os exames de 115 pacientes, encaminhados para core biopsy, foram reavaliados independentemente por dois médicos especialistas, cegados, utilizando a recomendação do BI-RADS. Posteriormente, os exames foram comparados com a histologia. A acurácia da classificação BI-RADS na mamografia foi avaliada. A concordância entre os médicos foi calculada pela estatística kappa (κ) de Cohen e as diferenças nos grupos de comparação foram analisadas com teste qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Esta pesquisa demonstrou que a acurácia mamográfica oscilou de 75 por cento a 62 por cento na diferenciação entre lesões benignas de malignas com o uso do BI-RADS. Houve importante concordância na descrição das margens dos nódulos (κ= 0,66). Baixa concordância foi identificada na descrição dos contornos (formas) dos nódulos (κ= 0,40) e na descrição das calcificações, tanto em relação à sua distribuição (κ= 0,24) como também em relação à morfologia (κ= 0,36). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou que o método é acurado na diferenciação de lesões benignas de malignas. A concordância foi fraca na análise das calcificações quanto a morfologia e distribuição, no entanto, identificou-se elevação progressiva dos valores preditivos positivos nas subcategorias 4.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at evaluating the BI-RADS® classification accuracy in mammography. Additionally, the frequency of different findings was described and the interobserver agreement was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic images of 115 patients were independently and blindly reviewed by two specialists in compliance with BI-RADS recommendations, and later compared with histological data. The BI-RADS accuracy in mammography was evaluated. The interobserver agreement was analyzed with the Cohen's kappa (κ) test, and the differences between groups were evaluated with the chi-squared test. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that the mammographic accuracy ranged from 75 percent to 62 percent in the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions with the utilization of the BI-RADS classification. Statistically significant interobserver agreement was observed in the description of masses margins (κ= 0.66). A low agreement rate was identified in the description of masses borders (shape) (κ= 0.40) and calcifications, both in relation to their distribution (κ= 0.24) and morphology (κ= 0.36). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the BI-RADS accuracy in the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. The interobserver agreement was poor in the analysis of calcifications morphology and distribution, but a progressive increase in the positive predictive values was observed in the subcategory 4.