Macroprolactinemia - laboratory determination and its clinical significance

Since prolactin (PRL) (a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary) was first identificated, the existence of hyperprolactinemic syndrome has been recognized. Main symptoms are galactorrhea, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea and infertility in women and decreased libido and impotence in men. Macroprolactinemia reflects the predominance of circulating forms with reduced bioactivity not associated with typical clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia. It is identified by immunoassays commonly used in clinical practice, resulting in hyperprolactinemia. Polyetilenoglycol (PEG) is the most used method that removes PRL from serum. It is likely that the phenomenon of macroprolactinemia is consistently underestimated and unrecognized. Manufacturers of immunoassays for PRL have been slow to incorporate in the literature, validated protocols, and data related to the interference of PEG. From a clinical and biochemical point of view and, the main concern should be to avoid unnecessary investigation and treatment

Public health and epidemiology journals published in Brazil and other Portuguese speaking countries

It is well known that papers written in languages other than English have a great risk of being ignored simply because these languages are not accessible to the international scientific community. The objective of this paper is to facilitate the access to the public health and epidemiology literature available in Portuguese speaking countries. It was found that it is particularly concentrated in Brazil, with some few examples in Portugal and none in other Portuguese speaking countries. This literature is predominantly written in Portuguese, but also in other languages such as English or Spanish. The paper describes the several journals, as well as the bibliographic databases that index these journals and how to access them. Most journals provide open-access with direct links in the indexing databases. The importance of this scientific production for the development of epidemiology as a scientific discipline and as a basic discipline for public health practice is discussed. To marginalize these publications has implications for a more balanced knowledge and understanding of the health problems and their determinants at a world-wide level

Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Introduction. Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology. Case presentation. A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion. Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment. © 2009 Cabral et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd