Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a expressão local e sistêmica dos fatores ligados à via de ativação do interferon alfa (IFN-α) em diferentes graus de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) e câncer cervical (CA) Métodos Foram avaliados 128 pacientes com NIC I, NIC II, NIC III e CA. A técnica de reação de cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR, na sigla em inglês) foi realizada para avaliar a expressão gênica do receptor de interferon (IFNR) 1, IFNR2, IFN-α, 2′-5′- oligoadenilato sintetase (2′5′OAS), supressor de sinalização de citocina (SOCS)1, SOCS3, transdutor de sinal e ativador de transcrição 1 (STAT1) e fator regulador de interferon 9 (IRF9) das 128 biópsias. Das 128 amostras, 46 foram avaliadas por citometria de fluxo para IFNAR1, IFNAR2, STAT1, IRF7 e IFN-α em células de sangue periférico. Resultados Pacientes com NIC II e III (63 amostras) tiveram baixa expressão local de IFNR1 mas não de IFNR2. Pacientes com algum grau de lesão apresentaram alta expressão de SOCS1 e SOCS3. Sistemicamente, os pacientes com NIC II e III (20 amostras) tiveram um aumento significativo de IFNR1, IFNR2, STAT1, IRF7 e IFN-α em linfócitos T auxiliares, citotóxicos e monócitos. Conclusão Pacientes com lesões de alto grau apresentam expressão sistêmica aumentada de IFN-α e suas vias de ativação em linfócitos T auxiliares e citotóxicos, bem como em monócitos, devido à exacerbação da resposta imune nesses pacientes. Este fenômeno não é acompanhado pela resolução da lesão devido a um defeito na via de ativação do IFN-α que é revelado pela baixa expressão local de IFNR1 e alta expressão local de SOCS1 e SOCS3.

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the local and systemic expression of the factors linked to the interferon alpha (IFN-α) activation pathway in different degrees of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. Methods A total of 128 patients with CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and cervical cancer was evaluated. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to evaluate the gene expression of IFNR1, IFNR2, IFN-α, oligoadenylate synthase (2’5′OAS), cytokine signal suppressor 1 (SOCS) 1, SOCS3, signal transducer and transcription activator 1 (STAT1), and IRF9 from 128 biopsies. A total of 46 out of 128 samples were evaluated by flow cytometry for IFNAR1, IFNAR2, STAT1, IRF7 and IFN-α in peripheral blood cells. Results Patients with CIN II and III (63 samples) had a low local expression of IFNR1, but not IFNR2. Patients with some degree of injury showed high expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3. Systemically, patients with CIN II and III (20 samples) had a significant increase in IFNR1, IFNR2, STAT1, IRF7, and IFN-α in helper, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and in monocytes. Conclusion Patients with high-grade lesions have increased systemic expression of IFN-α and its activation pathways in helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, as well as in monocytes due to an exacerbation of the immune response in these patients. This phenomenon is not accompanied by resolution of the lesion due to a defect in the IFN-α activation pathway that revealed by low local IFNAR1 expression and high local expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3.

Resumo Introdução A rinossinusite crônica, atualmente, é classificada em dois tipos: Rinossinusite Crônica sem Pólipos Nasais (RSCsPN) e Rinossinusite Crônica com Pólipos Nasais (RSCcPN). No Ocidente, cerca de 80% dos casos de RSCcPN caracterizam-se por um infiltrado celular predominantemente eosinofílico e um padrão de citocinas Th2. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do Interferon-alpha nos níveis de citocinas do sobrenadante de culturas celulares de pólipos nasais eosinofílicos. Método Foram feitas culturas celulares a partir de amostras de tecido polipoide nasal coletadas de 13 pacientes com RSCcPN eosinofílica. Os pólipos eram considerados eosinofílicos segundo exame histopatológico. As culturas celulares foram estimuladas com 3000 UI de IFN-α. Antes e após tal estímulo, foram avaliadas, no sobrenadante das culturas celulares, as concentrações do Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), do Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e das Interleucinas (IL) 2, 4, 6 e 10, usou-se o Cytometric Bead Array. Resultados Foram incluídas no estudo amostras celulares dos pólipos nasais eosinofílicos de 13 pacientes. Vinte e quatro horas após o estímulo com IFN-α, os sobrenadantes das culturas dos pólipos nasais eosinofílicos apresentaram, de forma significante, diminuição da concentração de IL-4 e aumento das concentrações de IFN-γ, IL-10 e IL-6, em relação ao controle. Não houve diferença significante nas concentrações de TNF-α e IL-2. Conclusão Demonstramos que o IFN-α, in vitro, altera o padrão de citocinas nas culturas celulares de pólipos nasais eosinofílicos. A análise do conjunto dessas alterações sugere que o IFN-α promove, nas culturas celulares, um rebalanceamento dos perfis inflamatórios, favorece a expressão de citocinas Th1 e regulatórias, em detrimento de citocinas do padrão Th2.

Abstract Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis is currently classified into two types: chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In the West, approximately 80% of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps cases are characterized by a predominantly eosinophilic cell infiltrate and a Th2 cytokine pattern. Objective To evaluate the effect of Interferon-α on cytokine levels of the eosinophilic nasal polyp cell culture supernatant. Methods Cell cultures were performed based on nasal polypoid tissue samples collected from 13 patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Polyps were considered eosinophilic according to the histopathological examination. Cell cultures were stimulated with 3000 IU of interferon-α. Before and after the stimulus, concentrations of Interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor αand IL 2, 4, 6 and 10, using cytometric bead array, were assessed. Results Cell samples from eosinophilic nasal polyps from 13 patients were included in the study. Twenty-four hours after interferon-α stimulation, eosinophilic nasal polyp culture supernatants showed significantly decreased IL-4 concentrations and increase in interferon-γ, IL-10 and IL-6 concentrations compared to controls. There were no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor -α and IL-2 concentrations. Conclusion We demonstrated that interferon-α in vitro alters the pattern of cytokines in cell cultures of eosinophilic nasal polyps. Analysis of these alterations suggests that interferon-α promotes a rebalancing of inflammatory profiles in cell cultures, favoring the expression of Th1 and regulatory cytokines over Th2 cytokines.

Resumo Objetivo Esclarecer o possível papel antitumoral das células TDC γδ e TDC αβ em um modelo experimental de câncer de mama. Métodos Trinta baços de camundongos Balb/c analisados por citometria de fluxo, separados entre grupo controle (n=15) e o grupo tumoral induzido por 4T1 (n=15). Resultados Presença de 26,53% de TDC γδ nos camundongos do grupo controle (p<0,0001), proporção de TDC αβ menor em células esplênicas do que TDC γδ; no entanto, estes dois tipos de células são reduzidos emcondições tumorais (p<0,0001), e a proporção de citocinas IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 e IL-17 produzidas pelas célula TDC γδ foi maior do que as produzidas pelas células TDC αβ, mas foram diminuídas sob condições de resposta ao sistema imunológico relacionada ao tumor (p<0,0001). Conclusão Camundongos saudáveis induzidos ao tumor de mama 4T1 apresentaram TDC com repertório TCR γδ. Estas células expressam moléculas citotóxicas de linfócitos T, produzindo citocinas proinflamatórias anti-tumor.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the antitumoral role of γδ TDC cells and αβ TDC cells in an experimental model of breast cancer. Methods Thirty female Balb/c mice were divided into 2 groups: control group (n=15) and induced-4T1 group (n=15), in which the mice received 2 x 105 4T1 mammary tumor cell line. Following the 28-day experimental period, immune cells were collected from the spleen and analyzed by flow cytometry for comparison of αβ TDC (TCRαβ+ CD11c+MHCII+) and γδ TDC (TCRγδ+CD11c+MHCII+) cells regarding surface markers (CD4+ and C8+) and cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-17). Results A total of 26.53% of γδ TDC- control group (p<0.0001) - the proportion of αβ TDC was lower in splenic cells than γδ TDC; however, these 2 cell types were reduced in tumor conditions (p<0.0001), and the proportion of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-17 cytokines produced by γδ TDC was higher than those produced by αβ TDC, but it decreased under conditions of tumor-related immune system response (p<0.0001). Conclusion Healthy mice engrafted with malignant cells 4T1 breast tumor presented TDC with γδ TCR repertoire. These cells express cytotoxic molecules of lymphocytes T, producing anti-tumor proinflammatory cytokines.

Resumo O artigo analisa a influência da escolaridade do pai e da renda familiar nas chances de conclusão do ensino superior no Brasil, considerando as diferenças no retorno econômico dos cursos de graduação. Para realizar a análise, utilizamos microdados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (Enade) e calculamos modelos logísticos. Os resultados principais mostram que, no geral, ter pais com escolaridade mais alta aumenta as oportunidades de conclusão dos cursos. No entanto, no setor público, a escolaridade do pai não tem efeito sobre a probabilidade de concluir o ensino superior. Além disso, a escolaridade do pai exerce maior influência nas chances de conclusão dos cursos de alto retorno econômico. A renda familiar aumenta as probabilidades de conclusão do curso, tanto no setor público como no setor privado da educação. Também encontramos efeitos similares para a renda familiar, independente do retorno econômico dos cursos.

Abstract The article analyzes the impact of parental schooling and family income on students’ chances of obtaining a college degree, considering variation in the economic return of undergraduate degrees. We rely on data from National Student Performance Exam (Enade) to estimate logistic regression models. The results show that, in general, students with more educated parents have a greater likelihood of obtaining a degree. However, in public institutions, parental schooling has no effect on the odds of finishing tertiary education. Furthermore, parents’ schooling exerts greater influence on the odds of conclusion of those degrees providing greater economic rewards in the job market. Family income increases students’ chances of obtaining a degree in both private and public institutions. Also, we find that the effect of family income is the same, regardless of the economic returns of students’ degree.

Objetivo Foram estudados os efeitos da perda da função ovariana (ovariectomia) sobre músculo esquelético e os níveis de RNAm de IGF-1, atrogina-1, MuRF-1, e de miostatina em modelo experimental de artrite reumatóide em ratos. Métodos 24 ratos Wistar (9 semanas, 195,3±17,4 gramas) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: controle (CT-Sham, n = 6); artrite reumatóide (RA, n = 6); ovariectomia sem artrite reumatóide (OV; n = 6); ovariectomia com artrite reumatóide (RAOV; n = 6). Os procedimentos da ovariectomia (OV e RAOV) ou simulação da ovariectomia (CT-Shamou RA) foramrealizados aomesmo tempo, quinze dias antes da indução da artrite reumatóide. Os grupos RA e RAOV foramimunizados e, em seguida, foram injetados com Met-BSA na articulação tibiotársica. Após 15 dias das injeções intra-articulares, os animais foram eutanasiados. Foram avaliadas as manifestações externas da artrite reumatóide (perimetria articular), bem como o peso dos animais e a ingestão de alimentos ao longo do estudo. Além disso, as áreas de secção transversa (CSA) do músculo gastrocnêmio foram analisadas em 200 fibras (método H & E). No músculo gastrocnêmio, a expressão de RNAm foi analisada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real, seguido pelo método Livak (ΔΔCT). Resultados A artrite reumatoide reduziu a CSA das fibras do músculo gastrocnêmio. O grupo RAOV mostrou uma CSA menor nas fibras do músculo gastrocnêmio em comparação com os grupos RA e CT-Sham. O RNAm do IGF-1 do músculo esquelético aumentou nos ratos artríticos e ovariectomizados. O RNAm do IGF-1 foi maior nos grupos OV do que nos grupos RA e RAOV. A expressão de antrogina-1 também aumentou no músculo gastrocnêmio dos ratos artríticos e ovariectomizados. No entanto, o aumento do RNAm da atrogina-1 foi maior no grupo RAOV do que nos grupos RA e OV. O RNAm da MuRF-1 aumentou nos grupos OV e RAOV, mas não nos grupos RA e CT-Sham. Porém, o grupo RAOV apresentou maior expressão gênica de MuRF-1 do que o grupo OV. A expressão do gene da miostatina foi semelhante em todos os grupos. Conclusão A perda de função ovariana resulta em perda de músculo esquelético associado às ubiquitina-ligases atrogina-1 e MuRF-1 em ratos artríticos.

Objective We studied the effects of loss of ovarian function (ovariectomy) onmuscle mass of gastrocnemius and themRNA levels of IGF-1, atrogin-1, MuRF-1, andmyostatin in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Methods We randomly allocated 24 female Wistar rats (9 weeks, 195.3±17.4 grams) into four groups: control (CT-Sham; n = 6); rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 6); ovariectomy without rheumatoid arthritis (OV; n = 6); ovariectomy with rheumatoid arthritis (RAOV; n = 6). We performed the ovariectomy (OV and RAOV) or Sham (CTSham or RA) procedures at the same time, fifteen days before the rheumatoid arthritis induction. The RA and RAOV groups were immunized and then were injected with Met- BSA in the tibiotarsal joint. After 15 days of intra-articular injections the animals were euthanized. We evaluated the external manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (perimeter joint) as well as animal weight, and food intake throughout the study. We also analyzed the cross-sectional areas (CSA) of gastrocnemius muscle fibers in 200 fibers (H&E method). In the gastrocnemius muscle, we analyzed mRNA expression by quantitative real time PCR followed by the Livak method (ΔΔCT). Results The rheumatoid arthritis induced reduction in CSA of gastrocnemius muscle fibers. The RAOV group showed a lower CSA of gastrocnemius muscle fibers compared to RA and CT-Sham groups. Skeletal muscle IGF-1 mRNA increased in arthritics and ovariectomized rats. The increased IGF-1 mRNA was higher in OV groups than in the RA and RAOV groups. Antrogin-1 mRNA also increased in the gastrocnemius muscle of arthritic and ovariectomized rats. However, the increased atrogin-1 mRNA was higher in RAOV groups than in the RA and OV groups. Gastrocnemius muscle MuRF-1 mRNA increased in the OVand RAOVgroups, but not in the RA and Shamgroups. However, the RAOV group showed higher MuRF-1 mRNA than the OV group. The myostatin gene expression was similar in all groups. Conclusion Loss of ovarian function results in increased loss of skeletal musclerelated ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in arthritic rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 in women with clinical stage IB cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy as well as to establish a correlation between HPV type and cancer prognosis. METHODS: A single-center cohort study was conducted with 86 patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy for stage I cervical cancer. Prognostic factors and the presence of HPV 16 and 18 were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction assay. A univariate analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves was conducted to estimate survival. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV 16 in the study group was 65.3%, and the prevalence of HPV 18 was 33.3%. The prevalence of infection with both viruses was 26.9%. Overall survival at 5 years was 91% among women with HPV 18 and 96% among those without this virus type (p = 0.133). Among the women with HPV 16, the overall survival was 94%, whereas this rate was 96% among those without this virus type (p = 0.663). Disease-free survival was unaffected by the presence of HPV type 16 or 18. CONCLUSION: In the present study, despite the high prevalence of HPV types 16 and 18, the presence of these virus types did not affect the prognosis of patients with stage I cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar o desempenho do PCR para detecção de HPV 16/18 versus PCR sonda única para a detecção de HPV de alto risco, avaliar estes métodos na detecção de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) no seguimento de ASCUS, e comparar os custos de citologia, métodos de PCR, colposcopia e biópsia no Sistema Único de Saúde. Das 81 pacientes com ASCUS, 41 (50,6%) foram positivas para o HPV 16/18 PCR, e 47 (58,02%) foram positivas para PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco. O valor preditivo negativo foi de 93,75% para HPV 16/18 PCR e 100% para PCR sonda única em casos que evoluíram para NIC de alto grau. Os custos anuais encaminhando todas as pacientes com ASCUS para a colposcopia, encaminhando à colposcopia as pacientes com ASCUS e PCR positivo para HPV 16/18 e encaminhando à colposcopia aquelas pacientes com ASCUS e PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco positivo foram de R$2.144,52, R$6.307,44 e R$3.691,80, respectivamente. Considerando eventual redução dos custos para utilização em grandes quantidades, este método poderia ser realizado em ASCUS.

This study aimed to assess the performance of PCR as a means of detecting HPV 16/18 compared to the single probe-based PCR for detecting high-risk HPV, and evaluate these methods for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in follow-ups for ASCUS testing. It also compares the costs of cytology, PCR methods, colposcopy and biopsy in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Of the 81 patients with ASCUS, 41 (50.6%) tested positive for HPV 16/18 in PCR testing and 47 (58.02%) tested positive for high-risk HPV with single probe-based PCR testing. The negative predictive value was 93.75% for HPV 16/18 PCR and 100% for single probe-based PCR in cases that progressed to high-grade CIN. The annual costs of patient referral were the following: R$2,144.52 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology for colposcopy; R$6,307.44 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology and PCR positive for HPV 16/18 or colposcopy; R$3,691.80 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology with single probe-based PCR positive for high-risk HPV. Therefore, cost per user can be reduced by performing single probe-based PCR for high-risk HPV on patients with ASCUS.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar o desempenho do PCR para detecção de HPV 16/18 versus PCR sonda única para a detecção de HPV de alto risco, avaliar estes métodos na detecção de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) no seguimento de ASCUS, e comparar os custos de citologia, métodos de PCR, colposcopia e biópsia no Sistema Único de Saúde. Das 81 pacientes com ASCUS, 41 (50,6%) foram positivas para o HPV 16/18 PCR, e 47 (58,02%) foram positivas para PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco. O valor preditivo negativo foi de 93,75% para HPV 16/18 PCR e 100% para PCR sonda única em casos que evoluíram para NIC de alto grau. Os custos anuais encaminhando todas as pacientes com ASCUS para a colposcopia, encaminhando à colposcopia as pacientes com ASCUS e PCR positivo para HPV 16/18 e encaminhando à colposcopia aquelas pacientes com ASCUS e PCR sonda única para HPV de alto risco positivo foram de R$2.144,52, R$6.307,44 e R$3.691,80, respectivamente. Considerando eventual redução dos custos para utilização em grandes quantidades, este método poderia ser realizado em ASCUS.

This study aimed to assess the performance of PCR as a means of detecting HPV 16/18 compared to the single probe-based PCR for detecting high-risk HPV, and evaluate these methods for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in follow-ups for ASCUS testing. It also compares the costs of cytology, PCR methods, colposcopy and biopsy in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Of the 81 patients with ASCUS, 41 (50.6%) tested positive for HPV 16/18 in PCR testing and 47 (58.02%) tested positive for high-risk HPV with single probe-based PCR testing. The negative predictive value was 93.75% for HPV 16/18 PCR and 100% for single probe-based PCR in cases that progressed to high-grade CIN. The annual costs of patient referral were the following: R$2,144.52 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology for colposcopy; R$6,307.44 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology and PCR positive for HPV 16/18 or colposcopy; R$3,691.80 for referral of patients with ASCUS cytology with single probe-based PCR positive for high-risk HPV. Therefore, cost per user can be reduced by performing single probe-based PCR for high-risk HPV on patients with ASCUS.

OBJECTIVES: The current study sought to identify macroscopic placental changes associated with clinical conditions in women with or without diabetes and their newborns. METHODS: The study population consisted of 62 pregnant women clinically diagnosed with diabetes and 62 healthy women (control group). RESULTS: Among the subjects with diabetes, 43 women (69.3%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, 15 had diabetes mellitus I (24.2%), and four had diabetes mellitus II (6.5%). The mean age of the women studied was 28.5 ± 5.71 years, and the mean gestational age of the diabetic women was 38.51 weeks. Of the 62 placentas from diabetic pregnancies, 49 (79%) maternal surfaces and 59 (95.2%) fetal surfaces showed abnormalities, including calcium and fibrin deposits, placental infarction, hematoma, and fibrosis. A statistical association was found between newborn gender and fetal and maternal placental changes (p = 0.002). The mean weight of the newborns studied was 3,287 ± 563 g for women with diabetes mellitus, 3,205 ± 544 g for those with gestational diabetes mellitus, 3,563 ± 696 g forthose with diabetes mellitus II, and 3,095 ± 451 g forthose with diabetes mellitus I. CONCLUSIONS: Infarction, hematoma, calcification, and fibrin were found on the maternal and fetal placental surfaces in women with diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes and post-term infants had more calcium deposits on the maternal placental surface as compared to those with type I and type II diabetes.

A rotura da camada íntima que marca o início da dissecção aórtica se origina na maioria dos casos na aorta torácica, sendo rara a dissecção espontânea da aorta abdominal infra-renal. As três principais causas são: iatrogênica, traumática ou espontânea. A dor abdominal e a isquemia de membros são os sintomas mais comuns e um número significativo de pacientes e´ assintomatico. O diagnóstico tem sido feito através de métodos de imagem como ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada, ressonância nuclear magnética e angiografia aliados ao alto índice de suspeição. Relatamos os casos de duas pacientes que apresentaram dissecção de aorta abdominal infrarrenal com quadro de dor abdominal súbita, sem sinais de irritação peritoneal com pulsos presentes e simétricos ao exame físico que deram entrada no pronto socorro do Hospital e Maternidade Celso Pierro da PUC Campinas e que foram tratadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Vascular. As duas pacientes no momento do exame apresentavam-se hipertensas e ao ultrassom apresentavam alteração da conformidade da aorta abdominal que foram tratada s cirurgicamente. Uma paciente foi tratada cirurgicamente submetida a endarterectomia da placa dissecada da aorta abdominal infrarrenal de 2,2 cm de diâmetro e 2,0 cm de extensão. A outra paciente foi submetida a revascularização da aorta abdominal bi-iliaca com prótese de Dacron 16 × 8 mm por apresentar disseccao da aorta abdominal distal. As duas pacientes apresentaram boa evolução pos-operatoria tendo alta hospitalar em bom estado geral.

The rupture of the intimal layer marks the beginning of the aortic dissection, which usually happens in the thoracic aorta. The spontaneous dissection of the infrarenal aorta is rare. The main causes are: iatrogenic, traumatic and spontaneous. Abdominal pain and limb ischemia are the commonest symptoms, and some patients are asymptomatics. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound, computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and angiography, with a high suspicious index. We describe two cases of spontaneous rupture of the infrarenal aorta that were treated surgically. We report two cases of patients who were admitted to the emergency room of Celso Pierro Hospital with infrarenal abdominal aortic dissection and were treated by the vascular surgery group. They have presented sudden abdominal pain, no signs of peritoneal irritation and pulses were presents and simmetrics in physical examination The two patients during the examination were hypertensive and the ultrasound showed abnormal compliance of the abdominal aorta who were treated surgically. One patient was treated surgically with dissected plaque endarterectomy of infrarenal abdominal aorta of 2.2 cm in diameter and 2.0 cm in length. The other patient underwent revascularization of the abdominal aorta with bi-iliac Dacron graft 16 × 8 mm due to distal abdominal aortic dissection. Both patients had good postoperative evolution and they were discharged in good general condition.

As in humans, sub-clinical infection by arboviruses in domestic animals is common; however, its detection only occurs during epizootics and the silent circulation of some arboviruses may remain undetected. The objective of the present paper was to assess the current circulation of arboviruses in the Nhecolândia sub-region of South Pantanal, Brazil. Sera from a total of 135 horses, of which 75 were immunized with bivalent vaccine composed of inactive Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Western equine encephalitis virus(WEEV) and 60 were unvaccinated, were submitted to thorough viral isolation, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and neutralization tests for Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), EEEV, WEEV and Mayaro virus (MAYV). No virus was isolated and viral nucleic-acid detection by RT-PCR was also negative. Nevertheless, the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies in horses older than seven months was 43.7% for SLEV in equines regardless of vaccine status, and 36.4% for WEEV and 47.7% for EEEV in unvaccinated horses. There was no evidence of MAYV infections. The serologic evidence of circulation of arboviruses responsible for equine and human encephalitis, without recent official reports of clinical infections in the area, suggests that the Nhecolândia sub-region in South Pantanal is an important area for detection of silent activity of arboviruses in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Precancerous and cancerous cells can trigger an immune response that may limit tumor development and can be used as a prognostic marker. The aims of the present study were to quantify the presence of B and T lymphocytes, macrophages and cells expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cervical stroma of women with grade III cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III) or in the intratumoral and peritumoral tissue of women with stage I invasive carcinoma. METHODS: Cervical tissue specimens were obtained from 60 women (20 each from control tissues, CIN III and invasive carcinomas). The average ages in the control, CIN III and invasive groups were 43.9 (± 4.3), 35.5 (± 9.5), and 50 (± 11.2) years, respectively. The specimens were immunohistochemically labeled with antibodies to identify T lymphocytes (CD3), cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8), B lymphocytes (CD20), macrophages (CD68) and iNOS. We evaluated the markers in the stroma above the squamocolumnar junction (control), at the intraepithelial lesion (CIN cases), and in the nfiltrating tumor. Two independent observers performed the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages and iNOS were present more frequently (P<0.05) in the stroma of peritumoral invasive tumors compared to the controls and intratumoral invasive cancer samples. CD3+ and CD20+ lymphocytes were present more frequently in CIN III patients compared to samples from patients with intratumoral invasive cancer (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High numbers of T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and iNOS-expressing cells in the peritumoral stroma of the invasive tumors were observed. Cell migration appeared to be proportional to the progression of the lesion.

O artigo tem como objetivo discutir a transexualidade no contexto das políticas de saúde pública no Brasil. Para isto, num primeiro momento, problematiza-se a necessidade do diagnóstico de transtorno de identidade de gênero como condição de acesso ao tratamento na rede pública, buscando compreender de que forma se deu historicamente a patologização da transexualidade. Em seguida, analisa-se o debate sobre as políticas de saúde para transexuais, considerando o processo de legalização da cirurgia de transgenitalização no país, as resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina e os fóruns que se constituíram com representantes do Ministério da Saúde, profissionais da área e representantes do movimento social. Finalmente, tendo como referência trabalhos que se destacaram pela crítica à patologização da transexualidade nas áreas da saúde coletiva e das ciências sociais, pretende-se destacar a importância de compreendermos a diversidade de formas de subjetivação e de construção de gênero na transexualidade. Discute-se a questão da autonomia dos transexuais e sugerem-se políticas públicas que, embora sigam um protocolo de assistência, não tenham como única referência terapêutica a realização do diagnóstico e a cirurgia de transgenitalização.

The article aims to discuss transsexuality in the context of the Brazilian public health policies. Firstly, it questions the necessity of the diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder as a condition of access to treatment in the public health service, searching to understand the historical construction of transsexuality as a pathological phenomenon. After that, it analyzes the debate on public health policies for transsexuals, considering the process of legalization of the reassignment surgery in the country, the resolutions of the Federal Council of Medicine and the constitution of representative forums of the Health Ministry, as well as professionals of the area and representatives of the social movement. Finally, considering the references available that emphasizes the critics on the analysis of transsexuality as a pathological phenomenon in the areas of the Public Health and Social Sciences, it intends to emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity of subjectivity’s forms and gender’s construction considering transsexuality. In this context, it discusses the question of transsexuals’ autonomy and suggests public policies that, even following an assistance protocol, do not have as its only therapeutical reference the accomplishment of the diagnosis and the reassignment surgery.

O artigo tem como objetivo discutir a transexualidade no contexto das políticas de saúde pública no Brasil. Para isto, num primeiro momento, problematiza-se a necessidade do diagnóstico de transtorno de identidade de gênero como condição de acesso ao tratamento na rede pública, buscando compreender de que forma se deu historicamente a patologização da transexualidade. Em seguida, analisa-se o debate sobre as políticas de saúde para transexuais, considerando o processo de legalização da cirurgia de transgenitalização no país, as resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina e os fóruns que se constituíram com representantes do Ministério da Saúde, profissionais da área e representantes do movimento social. Finalmente, tendo como referência trabalhos que se destacaram pela crítica à patologização da transexualidade nas áreas da saúde coletiva e das ciências sociais, pretende-se destacar a importância de compreendermos a diversidade de formas de subjetivação e de construção de gênero na transexualidade. Discute-se a questão da autonomia dos transexuais e sugerem-se políticas públicas que, embora sigam um protocolo de assistência, não tenham como única referência terapêutica a realização do diagnóstico e a cirurgia de transgenitalização.

The article aims to discuss transsexuality in the context of the Brazilian public health policies. Firstly, it questions the necessity of the diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder as a condition of access to treatment in the public health service, searching to understand the historical construction of transsexuality as a pathological phenomenon. After that, it analyzes the debate on public health policies for transsexuals, considering the process of legalization of the reassignment surgery in the country, the resolutions of the Federal Council of Medicine and the constitution of representative forums of the Health Ministry, as well as professionals of the area and representatives of the social movement. Finally, considering the references available that emphasizes the critics on the analysis of transsexuality as a pathological phenomenon in the areas of the Public Health and Social Sciences, it intends to emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity of subjectivity’s forms and gender’s construction considering transsexuality. In this context, it discusses the question of transsexuals’ autonomy and suggests public policies that, even following an assistance protocol, do not have as its only therapeutical reference the accomplishment of the diagnosis and the reassignment surgery.

Tendo como referência um estudo sobre as práticas de saúde dos principais serviços que prestam assistência a usuários(as) transexuais no Brasil, este artigo discute os desafios para a gestão de políticas públicas para essa população, particularmente, a necessidade do diagnóstico de Transtorno de Identidade de Gênero como condição de acesso. Para iluminar o debate, realiza-se uma reflexão sobre gênero, tecnologia e saúde a partir das contribuições de Bernice Hausman e Joanne Meyerowitz sobre a constituição do fenômeno da transexualidade na metade do século passado. Destaca-se a importância da análise dos avanços da tecnologia médica e da influência da revolução dos costumes na problematização da imutabilidade do sexo e na construção da categoria de gênero como condição para compreender o motivo pelo qual a regulamentação do acesso à saúde para a modificação das características corporais do sexo ficou associada à definição da condição transexual. Por último, discute-se que se inicialmente a institucionalização da assistência a transexuais no Brasil esteve associada ao modelo estritamente biomédico, a noção de saúde integral deve promover uma abertura para as redescrições da experiência transexual numa articulação permanente entre os saberes biopolíticos dominantes e uma multiplicidade de saberes locais e minoritários.

Based on a study on health practices of the main services that assist transsexuals in Brazil, this paper discusses the challenges for public policies management for this population, particularly, the need for a Gender Identity Disorder diagnosis as condition to access. To light up this debate, there is a reflection on gender, technology and health, based on the contributions of Bernice Hausman and Joanne Meyerowitz on the constitution of the transsexuality phenomenon in mid 20th century. It highlights the importance of analyzing the progress of medical technology and the revolution of custom's influence on the debate on the immutability of the sex and on the construction of the gender category as condition to understand the reason why the regulation of health access for the modification of bodily sexual characteristics was associated with the definition of the transsexual condition. Then it argues that if firstly the institutionalization of assistance to transsexuals in Brazil was associated with the strictly biomedical model, the notion of integral health must promote an opening for the redescriptions of transsexual experience in a permanent articulation between the dominant biopolitical knowledge and the multiple local and minority's types of knowledge.