The impact of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor C immunoexpression on the prognosis of penile carcinoma.

Purpose: We assessed the influence of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelium growth factor-C immunoexpression on groin metastasis and cancer survival, and their association with histological variables in patients with penile carcinoma.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated the histological and cyclooxygenase-2/vascular endothelium growth factor-C immunohistochemical profiles of patients with penile carcinoma treated at a single institution between 2001 and 2008. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the impact of histological and immunohistochemical markers on the risk of inguinal metastasis and on cancer survival.

Jones criteria and underdiagnosis of rheumatic fever.

Objective: The authors attempt to determine whether typical clinical and laboratory manifestations of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) are in accordance to what has been traditionally described and how useful the Jones criteria are for diagnosis.

Methods: Data from 81 cases of ARF were retrospectively collected.

Inclusion Criteria: 5 to 15 years of age and diagnosis of ARF confirmed by 2 or more rheumatologists, sustained for at least 6 months and two or more visits.

Noncompliance with tuberculosis treatment by patients at a tuberculosis and AIDS reference hospital in midwestern Brazil.

Introduction: In developing countries, there is little information about the risk factors that predict noncompliance with tuberculosis (TB) treatment in hospitals.

Objective: This study analyzes possible factors associated with noncompliance with TB treatment among patients treated at HAA.

Design: A retrospective cohort study was made including all patients who initiated TB treatment at HAA, from January to December 1998.