Knowledge, Perceptions and Information about Hormone Therapy (HT) among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

BACKGROUND: The use of hormone therapy (HT) by menopausal women has declined since the Women's Health Initiative randomized trial (WHI) in 2002 demonstrated important harms associated with long-term use. However, how this information has influenced women's knowledge and attitudes is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions towards HT use, as well as specific concerns and information sources on HT since the WHI trial. METHOD/RESULTS: We did a systematic review to assess the attitudes and knowledge towards HT in women, and estimate the magnitude of the issue by pooling across the studies. Using meta-synthesis methods, we reviewed qualitative studies and surveys and performed content analysis on the study reports. We pooled quantitative studies using a random-effects meta-analysis. We analyzed 11 qualitative studies (n = 566) and 27 quantitative studies (n = 39251). Positive views on HT included climacteric symptom control, prevention of osteoporosis and a perceived improvement in quality of life. Negative factors reported included concerns about potential harmful effects, particularly cancer risks. Sources of information included health providers, media, and social contact. By applying a meta-synthesis approach we demonstrate that these findings are broadly applicable across large groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are clear hazards associated with long-term HT use, many women view HT favorably for climacteric symptom relief. Media, as a source of information, is often valued as equivalent to health providers

Telomerase promoter mutations in cancer: an emerging molecular biomarker?

João Vinagre, Vasco Pinto and Ricardo Celestino contributed equally to the manuscript.Cell immortalization has been considered for a long time as a classic hallmark of cancer cells. Besides telomerase reactivation, such immortalization could be due to telomere maintenance through the “alternative mechanism of telomere lengthening” (ALT) but the mechanisms underlying both forms of reactivation remained elusive. Mutations in the coding region of telomerase gene are very rare in the cancer setting, despite being associated with some degenerative diseases. Recently, mutations in telomerase (TERT) gene promoter were found in sporadic and familial melanoma and subsequently in several cancer models, notably in gliomas, thyroid cancer and bladder cancer. The importance of these findings has been reinforced by the association of TERT mutations in some cancer types with tumour aggressiveness and patient survival. In the first part of this review, we summarize the data on the biology of telomeres and telomerase, available methodological approaches and non-neoplastic diseases associated with telomere dysfunction. In the second part, we review the information on telomerase expression and genetic alterations in the most relevant types of cancer (skin, thyroid, bladder and central nervous system) on record, and discuss the value of telomerase as a new biomarker with impact on the prognosis and survival of the patients and as a putative therapeutic target

Perfil clínico, diagnósticos e cuidados de enfermagem para pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico, os diagnósticos e os cuidados de enfermagem estabelecidos para pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica.Método: Estudo transversal realizado em um hospital do Sul do Brasil, com amostra de 143 pacientes. Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente entre 2011-2012 no prontuário eletrônico dos pacientes, os quais foram analisados estatisticamente.Resultados: Identificaram-se pacientes femininas adultas (84%) com obesidade grau III (59,4%) e hipertensas (72%), com 35 diagnósticos de enfermagem, sendo os mais frequentes: Dor aguda (99,3%), Risco de lesão pelo posicionamento perioperatório (98,6%) e Integridade tissular prejudicada (93%). Dentre os cuidados de enfermagem prescritos, os mais utilizados foram: usar mecanismos de proteção no posicionamento cirúrgico do paciente, registrar a dor como 5° sinal vital e verificar sinais vitais. Foi observada associação entre a idade e as comorbidades.Conclusão: Os diagnósticos de enfermagem subsidiaram a prescrição de cuidados, possibilitando qualifi car a assistência de enfermagem.Palavras-chave: Cirurgia bariátrica. Diagnóstico de enfermagem. Cuidados de enfermagem

Gastroplastia como tratamento do diabete melito tipo 2 Gastroplasty as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus

RACIONAL: O diabete melito tipo 2 está, com certa frequência, associado à obesidade mórbida e pode ser prevenido, melhorado e até mesmo revertido com as diversas modalidades de operações bariátricas. OBJETIVOS: Comparar as glicemias séricas pré e pós-operatórias dos pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia com as técnicas de Capella e sleeve gástrico. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo e prospectivo com análises das glicemias séricas pré e pós-operatórias de pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia. RESULTADOS: Dos 83 pacientes analisados, 76 (91,5%) eram do sexo feminino. A idade variou de 21 a 64 anos, sendo 44 anos a idade média. Setenta e sete (92,7%) foram submetidos à gastroplastia (Capella) e seis (7,3%) à sleeve gástrico. A glicemia pré-operatória variou de 125 a 500 mg/dL caindo para a variação de 76 a 120 mg/dL no pós-operatório de três meses. Dos 77 pacientes que usavam tratamento medicamentoso para a diabete, 57 tomavam metformina de 850 a 3500 mg por dia, 18 glibenclamida de 5 a 10 mg por dia e 17 insulina. Após 3 meses da operação, 92,2% cessaram o uso de medicamentos para diabete e em 100% dos que permaneceram medicados houve redução de mais de 65% na dose do fármaco, sendo que nenhum permaneceu dependente de insulina no tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia bariátrica constitui-se em método eficaz para a melhora e até mesmo reversão do diabete melito tipo 2.<br>BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus type 2 is not infrequently associated with obesity and can be prevented, improved and even reversed with the different types of bariatric operations. AIM: To compare serum glucose levels on pre and post-operative periods in patients undergoing gastroplasty with Capella and gastric sleeve techniques. METHOD: A descriptive and prospective analysis of serum glucose levels was done on pre and post-operative patients undergoing these operations. RESULTS: Of the 83 patients analyzed, 76 (91.5%) were female. Ages ranged from 21 to 64 years, with average age of 44 years. Seventy-seven (92.7%) underwent gastroplasty (Capella) and six (7.3%) to gastric sleeve. The pre-operative blood glucose ranged from 125 to 500 mg / dL and dropped to 76 to 120 mg / dL in the post-operative period of three months. Of the 77 patients taking medication for diabetes, 57 had metformin 850 to 3500 mg daily, 18 glibenclamide 5 to 10 mg per day and 17 insulin. After three months of operation, 92.2% stopped using drugs for diabetes and 100% of those who remained medicated decreased from more than 65% the dose of the drug, and none remained dependent of insulin treatment. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is effective method to improve and even reverse type 2 diabetes mellitus