Inflammatory biomarkers in sera of patients with intervertebral disc degeneration.

Objective: To evaluate intervertebral disc levels of inflammatory factor (interleukin 6) and proteinase activity (cathepsin B) in patients with a degenerative disease and serum levels of interleukin 6, serum cathepsin B activity and hyaluronic acid biomarkers.

Methods: We conducted immunohistochemistry studies of intervertebral discs to analyze interleukin 6 and cathepsin B levels of patients with degenerative disease and spine fracture (Control Group) and to measure hyaluronic acid, interleukin 6 and cathepsin B activity from sera of intervertebral disc degeneration patients, fracture patients, and healthy individuals.

Results: Interleukin 6 and cathepsin B seem to be related with physiopathology of intervertebral disc degeneration, since the levels of both were higher in discs of patients with intervertebral disc degeneration.

From one side to the other: what is essential? Perception of oncology patients and their caregivers in the beginning of oncology treatment and in palliative care.

Objective: To evaluate the perception of oncology patients and their caregivers upon diagnosis and beginning of the therapy and during palliative care.

Methods: A cross-sectional study at the oncology and palliative care outpatients clinics of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Clinical and demographic data from patients and their caregivers were collected and questionnaires regarding the elements considered important in relation to the treatment were applied.

Paullinia cupana for control of hot flashes in breast cancer patients: a pilot study.

Objective: To evaluated whether Paullinia cupana decrease number and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

Methods: This was a prospective phase II pilot study. We studied female breast cancer survivors who had completed the cancer treatment 3 months previously and who were experiencing at least 14 hot flashes per week.

Purified dry extract of Paullinia cupana (guaraná) (PC-18) for chemotherapy-related fatigue in patients with solid tumors: an early discontinuation study.

Purpose: Paullinia cupana (guaraná) is an Amazonian plant that has been previously shown to be effective in treating chemotherapy-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a purified dry extract of P. cupana (PC-18) in patients with various solid tumors treated with chemotherapy.

Expression of CK-19, galectin-3 and HBME-1 in the differentiation of thyroid lesions: systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis.

Background: To distinguish between malignant and benign lesions of the thyroid gland histological demonstration is often required since the fine-needle aspiration biopsy method applied pre-operatively has some limitations. In an attempt to improve diagnostic accuracy, markers using immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques have been studied, mainly cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), galectin-3 (Gal-3) and Hector Battifora mesothelial-1 (HBME-1). However, current results remain controversial.