Tobacco and cancer: recent epidemiological evidence.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Global Health↗
Biomedical subjects
E Matos
Publications and source records attributed to E Matos.
Secretory breast carcinoma--case report and review of the medical literature.
Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is a rare type of invasive breast cancer. Since little is known about the biology of this rare tumour, it is useful to report every such case, in order to make as much information as possible available in the medical literature. We present the case of an 18-year-old woman with a SBC treated by mastectomy (Madden) and axillary node dissection (stage pT3N1M0) followed by chemotherapy (FEC regimen) and radiotherapy. The patient has meanwhile completed 4 years of follow-up with no evidence of recurrence. The authors review the literature and summarize relevant findings concerning definition, pathology, clinical picture, treatment, and follow-up.
Adolescent↗
Road traffic accidents and secondary victimisation: the role of law professionals.
AIMS: The purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the secondary victimization process related to the compensation procedures for physical injuries with regard to the role of law professionals. METHODS: Through the completion of an unsigned questionnaire, 81 victims of road traffic accidents reported their experience with the compensation process. The data obtained was submitted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Factors which trauma victims considered as aggravating to their sequelae and suffering were: the compensation procedures, especially in judicial proceedings; the length of the process--when it exceeds one year; and the attitude of law professionals towards them. DISCUSSION: An intervention in the compensation system, whereby procedures and law professionals' attitudes are reviewed, is required to circumvent the secondary victimization of road traffic accident victims.
Accidents, Traffic↗
Ultrastructural details of the xenoma of Loma myrophis (phylum Microsporidia) and extrusion of the polar tube during autoinfection.
Xenomas of the recently described new microsporidian species Loma myrophis parasitizing the gut tissue of the Amazonian fish Myrophis platyrhynchus (family Ophichthidae) were described by light- and transmission-electron microscopy. The xenoma consisted of a thin fibrillar wall that surrounded a hypertrophic host cell cytoplasm containing numerous microsporidian developmental stages and spores. Several spores showed different stages of natural extrusion of the polar tube. Numerous longitudinal and transverse sections of the extruded polar tubes were observed in developing life-cycle stages (spores excepted), the nucleus of hypertrophic host cell, the xenoma wall and surrounding fibroblasts. The extruded polar tubes were projected in all directions with no preferential orientation. These aspects suggested that autoinfection occurred within this xenoma.
Animals↗
Biflagellate spermatozoon structure of the hermaphrodite fish Satanoperca jurupari (Heckel, 1840) (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Amazon River.
The ultrastructural features of the sperm were studied in the hermaphroditic teleost Satanoperca jurupari HECKEL, 1840 from Amazon River. Spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm develop in the testicular cysts among the different oocyte stages. Different stages of early spermatocyte development, mainly the ones with synaptonemal complexes were often observed. The mature spermatozoa belong to the introsperm type, with a short head (approximately 3 microns long and 1.3 microns wide) without acrosome, short midpiece (approximately 1.2 microns long and 1.8 microns wide) containing several mitochondria surrounding two centrioles and forming a mitochondrial collar. They have two flagella (each approximately 15 microns long) each of which has a common 9 + 2 microtubular pattern. Each flagellum has two opposite lateral cytoplasmic extensions that begin about 3 microns the midpiece still close to the end piece of flagellum.
Animals↗
Ultrastructural aspects of the myxosporean Henneguya astyanax n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), a parasite of the Amazonian teleost Astyanax keithi (Characidae).
This study reports light and electron microscopical aspects of a myxosporean found in the gills of the freshwater teleost Astyanax keithi Géry, Planquete & Le Bail, 1996 (family Characidae), collected from the estuarine region of the Amazon River, near Belém, Brazil. The prevalence of infection was 23%. In interlamellar spaces of the gills, ellipsoidal whitish cyst-like plasmodia structures were present, which contained spores. The spores had a spermatozoa-like appearance (47.8 +/- 0.71 microm in total length) with a fusiform body (15.2 +/- 0.77 pm in length, 5.7 +/- 0.71 microm in width and 4.2 +/- 0.31 microm in thickness), and each of the 2 valves presented a tapering tail (32.6 +/- 1.11 microm in length). The valves surrounded a binucleate sporoplasm cell and 2 polar capsules (5.0 +/- 0.13 microm in length, 1.5 +/- 0.07 microm in width) that contained 8 to 9 coils of the polar filament. In the sporoplasm, several unique sporoplasmosomes were visible. A synoptic table of spore measurements of known Brazilian Henneguya species is presented. The spores differed from those of previously described species. Based on spore morphology, it is concluded that this species belongs to the family Myxobolidae, genus Henneguya, and that it constitutes a new species: H. astyanax n. sp.
Animals↗
Cancer incidence and mortality in Portugal.
In this paper, we present estimates of national cancer incidence in Portugal in 1996-1998, predictions for the year 2000, and interpret the recent cancer mortality trends in light of observations from epidemiological research and risk factor patterns. In Portugal, national mortality data from vital statistics are available from 1960, while cancer registration has been mandatory since 1988, when three regional cancer registries covering the mainland of the Portuguese Republic were set up. Up until now, however, none of these registries has been able to produce data with an acceptable completeness of registration--hence this study. Mortality data from Portugal for 1996-1998 and incidence data for 1990-1995 from Vila Nova de Gaia (RVNG) (the most complete of the Portuguese cancer registries), 14 Italian registries and nine Spanish registries were assembled to produce the best possible estimates of numbers of incident cases for each age group and gender. A total of 19,880 new cancer cases are estimated to have been diagnosed among men in the year 2000, and nearly 17,000 new cancer cases in women. The most common cancer among Portuguese men in 2000 is cancer of the colorectum (3173 new cases), followed by cancers of the prostate (2973), lung (2611), stomach (2206) and urinary bladder (1360). In women, breast cancer is the most common cancer (4358) followed by cancers of the colorectum (2541), stomach (1494) and corpus uteri (1083). The overall age-standardised cancer mortality rate for men in Portugal increased steeply (1.4% annually) during the period 1988-1998, with prostate cancer (3.6% annually), colon and rectum (3.3%) and lung (2.4%) mostly contributing. Among women, the overall cancer mortality rate was stable (a non-significant decrease of approximately 0.2% per year). These remarkable results, particularly in males, demonstrate the need for a comprehensive national programme against cancer. Since the increasing epidemic of lung cancer (in men), as well as other tobacco-related cancers, is observed in Portugal, the important component of such a programme should be a nationwide tobacco control programme. Improving accessibility to highly effective diagnostic and treatment procedures for cancer in general and colorectal and prostatic cancers in particular should be a priority in the fight against cancer.
Adolescent↗
Light and electron microscopic study of the myxosporean, Henneguya friderici n. sp. from the Amazonian teleostean fish, Leporinus friderici.
A new histozoic species of myxosporean was found to infect the gill filaments, gut, kidney and liver of the freshwater teleost Leporinus friderici, collected from the estuarine region of the Amazon, near the city of Belém, Brazil. The plasmodia show asynchronous development, at any one time composed of mature spores and all sporogonic stages. The ellipsoidal spore body, measuring 10.4 microm long and 5.7 microm wide, consists of 2 equal shell valves adhering together along the straight suture line. Each valve has a caudal process measuring 23.3 microm in length. There are 2 symmetric polar capsules, without intercapsular appendix, measuring 5.0 microm x 2.1 microm, and each has a polar filament with 7-8 coils. In general, ultrastructural details of sporoblast and spore development are in agreement with previously described myxosporeans. Some ultrastructural aspects such as cellular alterations of the pericyte in the different organs infected and characterization of the sporoplasmosomes during the sporoplasm maturation are described. This parasite was studied under light and electron microscope and compared with others species of the genus Henneguya, considering also host specificity. From our observations we propose the creation of a new species, Henneguya friderici n. sp.
Animals↗
Ultrastructural data on the spore of Myxobolus maculatus n. sp. (phylum Myxozoa), parasite from the Amazonian fish Metynnis maculatus (Teleostei).
Light and electron microscopy studies of a myxosporean, parasitic in the intertubular interstitial tissue of the kidney of the freshwater teleost fish Metynnis maculatus Kner, 1860 (Characidae) from the lower Amazon River (Brazil), are described. We observed polysporic histozoic plasmodia delimited by a double membrane and with several pinocytic channels and containing several life cycle stages, including mature spores. The spore body was of pyriform shape and was 21.0 microm long, 8.9 microm wide and 7.5 microm thick. Elongated-pyriform polar capsules were of equal size (12.7 x 3.2 microm) and contained a polar filament with 14 or 15 coils. The spore features fit those of the genus Myxobolus. Densification of the capsular primordium matrix, which increased in density from the inner core outwards, differentiating at the periphery into small microfilaments measuring 45 nm each, and tubuli arranged in aggregates and dispersed within the capsular matrix of the mature spores, are described. Based on the morphological differences and specificity of the host, we propose the creation of a new species named Myxobolus maculatus n. sp.
Animals↗
Risk factors for cutaneous melanoma: a case-control study in Argentina.
BACKGROUND: Although cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is still a relatively rare neoplasm, incidence rates are increasing in many white populations worldwide. A case-control study was performed in Argentina to estimate the risk factors for CMM. METHODS: The study group comprised 101 hospital cases with histologically verified melanoma and 246 controls, frequency matched by age, sex, and hospital. Individuals were interviewed about demographic and constitutional factors and sun exposure history. RESULTS: The following risk factors were significant in the logistic analysis: nevi on arms (odds ratio (OR) = 6.3 for 20 or more), skin phototype (OR = 4.1 for type l or ll), holidays spent at the beach (OR = 4 for more than 6 weeks lifelong), fair skin tone (OR = 3.4), light eye color (OR = 2.8), sunburn before the age of 15 years (OR = 2.4), and participation in outdoor sports (OR = 3.2 for more than 5790 h accumulated in a lifetime). Occupational sun exposure was not related to CMM risk. Educational level, hair color, and the presence of freckles were not independent risk factors for CMM. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors found for the studied population, with nearly 90% of the individuals born in Argentina and with nearly 50% with four southern European grandparents, were consistent with those described for other countries. This investigation has resulted in findings that may be of use in preparing actions to prevent CMM in Argentina; these should be directed at those individuals who present the above mentioned risk factors. These actions should include instructions to avoid excessive sun exposure, with the aim to reduce melanoma incidence.
Adult↗
Lung cancer and smoking: a case-control study in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The objective of this study was to examine the risks for lung cancer associated with lifestyle characteristics of smoking in a developing country where lung cancer is the first cause of mortality by cancer in men, tobacco propaganda is freely allowed, and there are no restrictions operating for smoking. The design was a case-control and hospital-based study. Two hundred men with lung cancer and 397 hospital controls were interviewed. Odds ratio (OR) for current smokers was 8.5, whereas former smokers displayed an OR of 5.3. The risk increased with duration of smoking and with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The attributable risk for smoking was 85%. Smokers of black tobacco and more than 24 cigarettes/day showed a risk of 12.9 regarding non-smokers, and of 15.5 for 40 or more years duration of smoking. The proportion of cases diagnosed as adenocarcinoma was higher than the proportion of squamous cell carcinoma.
Adult↗
Environmental and occupational cancer in Argentina: a case-control lung cancer study.
The main objective of this study was to analyze the risks for lung cancer associated with occupational exposures in a developing country where lung cancer is the first cause of mortality from cancer in men. The study involved 200 men with lung cancer and 397 hospital controls. The OR for current smokers was 8.5, whereas former smokers displayed an OR of 5.3. The fraction attributable to smoking was 85%. Statistically significant high ORs were observed for employment in the alcoholic beverages (4.5, 95% CI: 1.02-20.2), sawmills and wood mills (4.6, 95% CI:1.1-18.4), chemicals/plastics (1. 8, 95% CI:1.04-3.2), and pottery, glass, or mineral manufactures (3.4, 95% CI:1.1-10.6). Other high (but not statistically significant) risks were observed for employment in leather shoe industry and repair (2.1, 95% CI:0.8-5.4), rubber industries (3.4, 95% CI:0.9-12.4), metal workers, including welders (1.9, 95% CI:0.8-4.4), motor vehicle mechanics (2.0, 95% CI:0.9-4.2), workers in cleaning services (1.9, 95% CI: 0.8-4.5), and for workers in agriculture (2.4, 95% CI:0.9-6.0). Although some of the present results may be due to chance, most are consistent with those of previous investigations in other countries.
Adult↗
Some ultrastructural aspects of Henneguya striolata sp. nov. (Myxozoa, Myxosporea), a parasite of the Amazonian fish Serrasalmus striolatus.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytes isolated from nasal polyps.
We analyzed by flow cytometry the expression of IL-2 receptors (alpha subunit-CD25) and ICAM-1 adhesion molecules (CD54) on T cells and subsets (CD4, CD8) isolated from nasal polyp tissue in allergic and non-allergic patients. We found a significant increase in IL-2 receptor and ICAM-1 molecule expression on T cells isolated from nasal polyp tissue compared to peripheral blood lymphocytes. We also found a significantly increased expression of ICAM-1 molecules on CD8+ cells in non-allergic compared to allergic patients. The latter may reflect a difference in cytotoxic immune response between allergic and non-allergic patients, but the result should be confirmed in a more extensive study including cytokine and immunoglobulin analysis. We hope that it would enable us to obtain a deeper insight into the local immune events and further to clarify the etiology and pathogenesis of nasal polyps and their relation to allergy.
Aged↗
Assessing risk factors for chronic diseases.
A pilot survey of men aged 35 and over in Buenos Aires indicated that many had one or more risk factors for chronic diseases. A low response rate hampered the investigation: on average it proved necessary to visit several homes in order to obtain one interview. Furthermore, at the cost of US$ 10 incurred per interview, large prospective investigations would be precluded in most developing countries, but case-control studies assessing tobacco use and other risk factors retrospectively would be a good alternative.
Adult↗
Henneguya malabarica sp. nov. (Myxozoa, Myxobolidae) in the Amazonian fish Hoplias malabaricus.
Henneguya malabarica sp. nov. is described from the Amazonian teleost fish Hoplias malabaricus Boch, 1794, collected from the estuarine region of the Amazon river near Belém, Brazil. Plasmodia were represented by several vegetative nuclei, generative cells, and sporogony stages contained in cyst-like plasmodia. The spore body was ellipsoidal (12.6 microns in length and 4.8 x 3.6 microns in width) and each valve presented a tapering tail (17.1 microns in length). Thin valves surrounded the binucleate sporoplasm cell and two spherical polar capsules (3.7 x 1.8 microns) that contain five to six coils of the polar filament. The spore had an iodinophilous vacuole. The basal portion of the spore body of immature and mature spores and the whole surface of the tails were surrounded by a close homogeneous sheath. The prevalence of infection was 6.7% in the fish examined. The spores differed from those of previously described species of Henneguya in their shape, size, spore, and arrangement of the polar-filament coil. The taxonomic affinities of this parasite to other species are discussed.
Animals↗
Post-natal depression in an urban area of Portugal: comparison of childbearing women and matched controls.
The point prevalence of depression measured on one occasion between 2 and 5 months after childbirth was estimated to be 13.1% in 352 mothers living in urban Portugal; the criterion was a score of 13 or more on a translated version of the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS). More detailed comparisons were made between a subgroup of 118 mothers and 118 matched controls who had not borne a child in the previous 2 years. Post-natal women were twice as likely as non-childbearing controls to meet the EPDS criterion for depression In comparison with controls, they were also more severely depressed as judged by their total scores on another questionnaire, the Zung Scale. Comparisons of individual symptom scores (Zung Scale) showed that childbearing women, as a whole, reported more somatic symptoms than controls, but when only those women judged to be depressed or dysphoric by the EPDS were compared, this difference disappeared. Stepwise logistic analyses of symptoms contributing to the categorization of a 'case' of post-natal versus non-post- natal depression did not reveal any very clear divergences in self-reported psychopathology. In childbearing women, two factors were found significantly to contribute to higher depression scores; women with more children and those from lower socio-economic groups were most at risk.
Adult↗
Light and electron microscopic study of a myxosporean, Tetrauronema desaequalis n. sp. (fam. Tetrauronematidae), from an Amazonian fish.
Tetrauronema desaequalis n. sp. described from the bases of the ventral fins of the teleost Hoplias malabaricus Boch, 1794, was collected in an estuarine region of the Amazon river near Belem, Brazil. This myxosporean produces large cysts (1-2 mm in diameter) that represent plasmodia containing all life cycle stages, including spores. Spores averaged 22.5 microns in total length and possess 2 pairs of posterolateral unequal projections extending from beside the sutural ridges near the terminus of the shell valves. The spore body was ellipsoidal and laterally compressed. Spore bodies measured 13.6 microns in length, 6.5 microns in width, and 3.7 microns in thickness. The 4 projections averaged 13.0, 12.2, 7.2, and 5.1 microns in length. The ellipsoidal polar capsules (7.0 x 2.6 microns) possessed a polar filament with 9-11 turns.
Animals↗