Microablative fractional radiofrequency for sexual dysfunction and vaginal Trophism: A randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency (MAFRF) as a possible option in treating vaginal atrophy.

Methods: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial with postmenopausal women diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. The treatment consisted of three sessions of MAFRF, compared to vaginal estrogen administration and an untreated control group.

Anal High-risk HPV and Liquid-based Cytology of Immunocompetent Brazilian Women with Genital High-risk HPV.

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of the occurrence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal anal cytology in immunocompetent women with and without HPV-induced genital lesions.

Methods:  This analytical cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between July 2017 and December 2018 in a specialized outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, CE. Fifty-seven immunocompetent women with and without genital intraepithelial lesions were assessed; they were divided into two groups: group 1 was comprised of women with HPV-associated genital lesions ( = 26), and group 2 was comprised of those without HPV-associated genital lesions ( = 31).

Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2020: infections causing vaginal discharge.

The topic of vaginal discharge is one of the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Health Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The chapter has been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects associated with vaginal discharge conditions, as well as guidance to health service managers and health professionals.

[Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections causing vaginal discharge].

The topic of vaginal discharge is one of the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The chapter has been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects related to vaginal discharge conditions, as well as guidelines for health service managers and health professionals about screening, diagnosing and treating these conditions, which are one of the main complaints among women seeking health services, and which may be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors.

Impact of microablative fractional radiofrequency on the vaginal health, microbiota, and cellularity of postmenopausal women.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microablative fractional radiofrequency (MAFRF) in the non-hormonal treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Methods: We examined the cases of 55 postmenopausal women before and after treatment with regard to their vaginal health index (VHI), vaginal microbiota, vaginal pH, and cell maturation. Three applications of MAFRF were performed in the vagina/vaginal introitus.

Management of Atypical Squamous Cell Cases: A Prospective Study of Women seen at a Private Health Service in Northeastern Brazil.

Objective:  To assess the management chosen by gynecologists after atypical squamous cells (ASCs) cytology results, and to evaluate the outcomes of these cases in Brazilian women.

Methods:  A prospective observational study evaluated the initial management offered by the gynecologist in the case of 2,458 ASCs cytology results collected between January of 2010 and July of 2016. The outcomes of the cytology, high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) test and histology were compared in two subgroups: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H).

Assessment of 100% Rapid Review as an Effective Tool for Internal Quality Control in Cytopathological Services.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 100% rapid review (100%-RR) as an effective tool for internal quality control (IQC) in gynecological cytopathology services.

Study Design: A total of 8,677 swabs were analyzed; the negative results were submitted to 100%-RR. Divergent cases were discussed in a consensus meeting to reach a conclusion on the final diagnosis.

High Risk HPV E6/E7 Oncoprotein Expression in Women with High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion.

Purpose: To correlate the expression of high-risk HPV E6 mRNA with pap smear, colposcopy, and biopsy results in women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on women referred for primary care services after cytological diagnosis of HSIL. We evaluated the expression of E6/E7 mRNA of HPV types 16,18,31,33, and 45 and correlated the results with those of Pap smear, colposcopy, and biopsy.

Physical activity and sexual function in middle-aged women.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between physical activity level and sexual function in middle-aged women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 370 middle-aged women (40-65 years old), treated at public health care facilities in a Brazilian city. A questionnaire was used containing enquiries on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short form, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Association of TP53 codon 72 and intron 3 16-bp Ins/Del polymorphisms with cervical cancer risk.

Cervical cancer incidence has grown worldwide, with it being a more significant problem in developing countries. Invasive squamous cell cervical cancers are preceded by a long phase of preinvasive disease, known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical cancer can develop when the virus takes advantage of any TP53 gene dysfunction of the host organism.

Short-term physical therapy treatment for female urinary incontinence: a quality of life evaluation.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread health condition and in some situations conservative treatment has been recommended. The aim of this study was to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after short-term physical therapy treatment.

Methods: We carried out a clinical trial involving 72 women who received an eight-session intervention based on pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and behavioral training.

Uterine cervical ectopy during reproductive age: cytological and microbiological findings.

Cervical ectopy is common in adolescents, pregnant women, and those taking high doses of estrogen-containing contraceptives. The majority of cases have spontaneous reversion, but some cases can be persistent. Studies suggested that the adequacy of a Pap smear could be affected and there is an increased risk cervical infections.

The prevalence of urogenital infections in pregnant women experiencing preterm and full-term labor.

Urogenital infections are extremely prevalent during pregnancy and are an important cause of premature labor. However, the prevalence of urogenital infections during childbirth is not well known. Objective.

Comparative incidence of cancer in HIV-AIDS patients and transplant recipients.

Background: Studies have found a relationship between decreased immunity and increased incidence of cancer.

Methods: A systematic review of observational studies evaluating the incidence of cancer in both organ recipients and people with HIV/AIDS compared with the general population. Eligible studies were searched up to March 2011 in the following databases: Pubmed, Embase, Scielo, Cancerlit and Google scholar.

Perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with chlamydial infection: a meta-analysis study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy on perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis in an electronic database and manual, combining high sensitivity specific descriptors seeking to answer the research objective. The articles considered to be of high methodological quality (score above 6 on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were assessed by meta-analysis.

Evaluation of sexual function in Brazilian women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and localized provoked vulvodynia.

Introduction: Recurrent vulvovaginitis is an important trigger for inflammatory processes that in many cases may result in vulvovaginal pain. Vulvodynia, a vulvar disorder, can also cause a lot of pain in the female genitals. The sexual function in women with vulvodynia or recurrent vulvovaginitis will possibly be negatively affected and therefore should be evaluated.

Behavioral and biological risks of women seeking HIV test in an anonymous testing center.

Unlabelled: Due to the high prevalence and morbidity sexually transmitted diseases are highly relevant to public health, especially for women.

Objectives: To determine and compare the behavioral and biological risks associated with human immunodeficiency virus acquisition.

Methods: A group of 253 women who voluntarily sought anonymous testing were interviewed to find out their behavioral risk.

HTLV-II in blood donors at the Blood Center Net of Ceará - HEMOCE.

Objective: To identify HTLV-II revalence in blood donors at the Blood Center Net of Ceará (Hemorrede do Ceará - HEMOCE) and epidemiological aspects of positive cases.

Methods: Cases considered positive were surveyed from data bases through the immunoenzymatic method ELISA and confirmed by Western Blot from 2001 to 2008. In this period, 679,610 blood samples from voluntary donors were tested.

[Association between high risk HPV viral load, p16ink4a expression and intra-epithelial cervical lesions].

Objective: To determine the (HR-HPV) high risk HPV viral load in squamous intra-epithelial lesions and association with p16INK4a expression.

Methods: A series of 109 cervical biopsies were studied (57 normal tissue, 26 low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions [LSIL] and 26 high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions [HSIL]). Detection of high risk HPV and viral load in cervical cells was made by molecular biology using hybrid capture 2nd generation collected before the biopsy.

Evaluation of hygienic douching on the vaginal microflora of female sex workers.

To determine the frequency of abnormal vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in female sex workers (FSW) and the association between douching and vaginal microflora imbalance, a cross-sectional study enrolled 94 users and 61 non-users of vaginal douching. The social-demographic and sexual profile of these women was obtained and their abnormal vaginal flora, BV, vaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis and cytolitic vaginosis on blinded samples were identified by Gram stain. A stepwise multivariate regression determined the risk of development of vaginal microflora imbalance.

Secretory immunoglobulin A: a protective factor in the genital mucosa.

The genital mechanisms of defense are not well understood and are therefore ignored during therapy. This fact results in a great number of cases of treatment failure. The mucosa is an important protective factor of the genital female system, through self-defense mechanisms, and secretor antibodies (immunoglobulin A).