Characterization of death from colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State/Legal Amazon/Brazil, 2000-2016

Background

Colorectal cancer has been one of the cancers that most contributed to mortality, in both sexes in the world. In Brazil, cancer is among the top five causes of death and colorectal cancer is ranked on the fifth position. Of the Federative Units belonging to the Legal Amazon, Mato Grosso stands out for the higher adjusted incidence of colorectal cancer for both sexes. Thus, the objective is to characterize deaths from colorectal cancer, according to sociodemographic variables in Mato Grosso from 2000 to 2016.

Methods

A descriptive study was carried out, using data from the Mortality Information System, made available by the Department of Health of the Mato Grosso State. Deaths of all ages were selected, whose basic cause was identified by the codes from the International Classification of Diseases: (C.18) colon cancer, (C.19) rectosigmoid junction cancer, (C.20) rectal cancer or (C.21) anus cancer.

Results

Between 2000 and 2016, 31,607 deaths from cancer were registered. Of these, 1,750 (5.6%) were due to colorectal cancer. An increased number of deaths was observed at the end of the period, with a variation from 46 deaths in 2000 from 173 in 2016. Highest frequency was verified in men (51.3%), people aged 60 years or older (59.7%), black (54.6%), married (52.3%) and those with primary education (55.2%). According to Brazilian occupation classification options or those answers filled out on the death certificate, highest frequency were for “Retired” (26.2%), “Housewife” (23.1%), Agricultural/Forestry and Fisheries” (11.3%) and “Production of Industrial Goods and Services” (10.3%).

Conclusions

This study evidenced the increased number of deaths due to colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State, and identified priority groups for interventions through public health policies which should include screening and early diagnosis to cope with the disease.

Key messages

Evidenced the increased number of deaths due to colorectal cancer in Mato Grosso State. Identified priority groups for interventions through public health policies.

Overview of HOMEChem: House Observations of Microbial and Environmental Chemistry

The House Observations of Microbial and Environmental Chemistry (HOMEChem) study is a collaborative field investigation designed to probe how everyday activities influence the emissions, chemical transformations and removal of trace gases and particles in indoor air. Sequential and layered experiments in a research house included cooking, cleaning, variable occupancy, and window-opening. This paper describes the overall design of HOMEChem and presents preliminary case studies investigating the concentrations of reactive trace gases, aerosol particles, and surface films. Cooking was a large source of VOCs, CO2, NOx, and particles. By number, cooking particles were predominantly in the ultrafine mode. Organic aerosol dominated the submicron mass, and, while variable between meals and throughout the cooking process, was dominated by components of hydrocarbon character and low oxygen content, similar to cooking oil. Air exchange in the house ensured that cooking particles were present for only short periods. During unoccupied background intervals, particle concentrations were lower indoors than outdoors. The cooling coils of the house ventilation system induced cyclic changes in water soluble gases. Even during unoccupied periods, concentrations of many organic trace gases were higher indoors than outdoors, consistent with housing materials being potential sources of these compounds to the outdoor environment. Organic material accumulated on indoor surfaces, and exhibited chemical signatures similar to indoor organic aerosol.

Modified atmosphere packaging of precooked vegetables: effect on physicochemical properties and sensory quality

This study aims at verifying the effect of three modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions, all with high CO2 and residual or low O2 contents (%O2/%CO2: 0/40; 2.5/40 and 2.5/60), on the quality preservation of several species of precooked vegetables (cabbage, carrots, green beans and bell peppers). The study was carried out for different storage periods (up to 28 days and 6 sampling periods). Physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, moisture and ash contents, antioxidant activity, colour, and texture), microbial growth, organoleptic properties and consumer acceptability were assessed. Concerning physicochemical parameters and microbial growth only slight changes without any consistent tendency were observed. This was also confirmed by the trained panel that could not discriminate samples with different storage times. Best preservation conditions were obtained with 0%O2/40%CO2, promoting a shelf life extension of almost 12 days more comparing to commercial conditions presently used.

Fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E, and β-carotene) contents from a Portuguese autochthonous cow breed--Minhota

In Portugal, commercial milk is obtained almost entirely from cows of the Holstein breed. However, other breeds may also show dairy aptitude, and produce milk of good quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the breed factor in the vitamin contents of milks from Holstein and the autochthonous Portuguese breed Minhota, as well as possible variations due to season. Milk samples were collected from 15 cows of each breed. Milk from Minhota cows showed higher contents of retinol, retinyl palmitate, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene. No differences were verified between breeds regarding vitamin D(3) content, but Holstein cows presented higher amounts of provitamin D(3). Seasonal variations were not observed for milk samples from Holsteins, and only a very small variation was observed for milk samples from Minhota cows, mainly in retinol, α-tocopherol, and provitamin D(3) levels. This study revealed that breed has a pronounced effect on milk fat-soluble vitamins, which is an important observation regarding future genetic selection plans. Also, the increased vitamin amounts found in milk from Minhota cows can be regarded as an important nutritional parameter that can potentiate the economical value of this breed.

Determinants of ochratoxin A exposure--a one year follow-up study of urine levels

Dietary exposure to the ochratoxin A (OTA) occurring in Portugal is characterized by a high frequency of contamination of the consumed foodstuffs, although at low levels. The exposure bears significance for the total food consumed, and not for a particular one. Biomonitoring studies are thus fundamental in simplifying the evaluation of exposure, with no need to examine the entire range of consumed foodstuffs. Biomonitoring studies further allow the identification of host factors as predictors of OTA exposure in epidemiologic studies, the results of which are merited for targeting intervention strategies by public health authorities and advising official regulatory decisions. Using a longitudinal approach, this study examined factors related to OTA exposure in the adult population over a one-year period. Anthropometric measures, season of the year and region were the selected factors correlated with OTA exposure biomarker. Urine samples from 95 inhabitants from six Portuguese main geographical areas were assayed through spectrofluorimetric detection. Exposure to OTA proved to markedly increase in winter, and gender differences were observed only in summer, which might be related to different dietary patterns not only between seasons, but also between genders. The same rationale may also serve the observed statistically significant differences between some regions. No other strong association upon the remaining determinants under testing was observed. These observations reinforce the need for OTA exposure evaluation, possibly specifically targeting the staple foods or dietary habits that sustain potential predictors or determinants of exposure.

Monitoring of ochratoxin A exposure of the Portuguese population through a nationwide urine survey--Winter 2007

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of fungi, such as Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillium spp., which has been found to have a wide number of potentially deadly toxic effects, and can enter the human organism through a variety of means. It then finds its way into the bloodstream and, after a lengthy process, is eventually excreted through the urine. It can thus be detected in its original form not only in blood samples but also in this biological medium. As such, and in an attempt to evaluate the exposure of the Portuguese population to this mycotoxin, morning urine samples were collected during the Winter of 2007, from each of five geographically distinct Portuguese locations--Bragança, Porto, Coimbra, Alentejo, and Algarve--and subjected to extraction by immunoaffinity columns and to OTA quantification through liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection. Prevalent incidence was higher than 95% with Coimbra being the exception (incidence of 73.3%). In nearly all locations, the OTA content of most samples was found to be above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.008 ng/ml. Indeed, excluding Coimbra, with an OTA content level of 0.014 ng/ml, all regions featured content values over 0.021 ng/ml.

Tocopherol and tocotrienol content of hazelnut cultivars grown in portugal

Hazelnuts from 19 cultivars collected during 3 consecutive-year crops, in 2 different geographical localities, for a total of 79 samples, were evaluated for their contents in tocopherols and tocotrienols by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a series arrangement of a diode array and a fluorescence detector. Seven compounds were identified and quantified. All samples presented alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta- tocopherols and beta-tocotrienol; alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols were detected in some of the studied samples. alpha-Tocopherol was the major compound in all samples, ranging from 105.9 to 226.8 mg/kg of hazelnut. Considering the generality of the obtained results, an identical qualitative and quantitative pattern was found, which can define a chemical fingerprint that may be helpful in the assessment of identity and quality of hazelnut oils. Statistical analyses were carried out in order to check for differences among cultivars, year crops, and geographical localities. Although some differences were observed when different-year crops and geographical localities were considered, neither of these factors seemed to produce considerable differences in terms of tocopherol and tocotrienol contents. Some minor differences were observed among cultivars.

Influence of Cultivar and Environmental Conditions on the Triacylglycerol Profile of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

The oil of several hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) samples was extracted and evaluated for their triacylglycerol (TAG) composition. Trials were conducted in two Portuguese localities (Vila Real and Felgueiras) during three consecutive years and involved a total of 19 cultivars. The samples were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection. Sample preparation was fast and simple, consisting only of the dissolution of the oil in acetone, homogenization, and filtration, allowing this technique to be suitable for routine analyses. All samples presented a similar qualitative profile composed of eleven compounds: LLL, OLL, PLL, OOL, POL, PPL, OOO, POO, PPO, SOO and PSO (P, palmitoyl; S, stearoyl; O, oleoyl; and L, linoleoyl). The main components were OOO, LOO, and POO, reflecting the high content of oleic acid in hazelnut oils. A total of 79 different samples were studied, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed. Significant differences were verified in canonical variate plots when cultivars were grouped by country of origin. In general, the American cultivars were richer in TAGs with saturated fatty acids moieties, and the group of French, German, and English cultivars was richer in TAGs containing linoleic acid moieties. Differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the TAG composition can be influenced by environmental factors.

Vitamin E composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.): a 3-year comparative study of different cultivars

The tocopherol and tocotrienol composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) was determined for nine cultivars (cvs. Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego). Walnuts were harvested over three consecutive years from two different geographical origins (Bragança and Coimbra, Portugal), for a total of 26 samples. The methodology employed was a normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a series arrangement of a diode array detector followed by a fluorescence detector, allowing the simultaneous analysis of all tocopherols and tocotrienols. The analyses showed that all samples presented a similar qualitative profile composed of five compounds: alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocotrienol. gamma-Tocopherol was the major compound in all samples, ranging from 172.6 to 262.0 mg/kg, followed by alpha- and delta-tocopherols, ranging from 8.7 to 16.6 mg/kg and from 8.2 to 16.9 mg/kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis of the data obtained showed the existence of significant differences in composition among cultivars. These differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the vitamin E composition was influenced by environmental factors.

Triacylglycerol composition of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars: characterization by HPLC-ELSD and chemometrics

A total of 26 walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples from 9 cultivars (Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego) harvested in the 2001, 2002, and 2003 crop years and grown in two geographical origins (Braganca and Coimbra, Portugal) were evaluated with regard to their triacylglycerol composition. The methodology employed was reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an evaporative light-scattering detector (RP-HPLC-ELSD) after extraction of the lipidic fraction of the nuts. Nine compounds were separated, identified, and quantified. All samples presented an identical qualitative profile composed by LLnLn, LLLn, LLL, OLLn, OLL, PLL, OOL, and PLO (P = palmitoyl; O = oleoyl; L = linoleoyl; Ln = linonenoyl). Trilinolein (LLL) was the major triglyceride, followed by dilinoeoyl-oleoyl-glycerol (OLL) and dilinoleoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol (LLLn), with mean values of 37.7, 18.5, and 18.4%, respectively. Significant differences in composition were found between cultivars, and these differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the triacylglycerol composition can be strongly influenced by environmental factors.

Free and conjugated biogenic amines in green and roasted coffee beans

This work reports the composition of arabica and robusta coffees in terms of biogenic amines. The analyses were conducted before and after acid hydrolysis with the aim of the determining both free and conjugated forms in green and roasted coffee beans. The amines (putrescine, cadaverine, serotonin, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine) were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) after derivatization with dansyl chloride. Multivariate analyses were applied in order to evaluate the possible use of these amines as chemical descriptors for arabica and robusta coffees. It was found that putrescine, the main biogenic amine present in the green beans, could be used in the discrimination of the referred species. There is also some evidence that these compounds can be used for discrimination between green coffees subjected to different postharvest processes and that tyramine can be considered a chemical marker for Angolan robustas. The variations in biogenic amine levels after roasts is also discussed, but the statistical significance for species discrimination is reduced.

Discrimination between arabica and robusta coffee species on the basis of their amino acid enantiomers

This work reports the results for the composition of robusta and arabica coffee species in terms of their amino acid enantiomers in the green and roasted states. The analyses were conducted for the free amino acids, as well as for the amino acids obtained after acid hydrolysis. The amino acids were extracted/hydrolyzed and isolated by SPE on strong cation exchange columns, derivatized to their N-ethoxycarbonylheptafluorobutyl esters, and analyzed by gas chromatography/FID on a Chirasil l-Val column. Multivariate analyses applied to the results showed that the free amino acids can be used as a tool for discrimination between coffee species, with a special reference to l-glutamic acid, l-tryptophan, and pipecolic acid. There is also some evidence that these compounds can be used for discrimination between green coffees subjected to different postharvest processes. It is also shown that the amino acid levels observed after acid hydrolysis can be used for the same purposes, although displaying less discriminatory power.

Sorption and desorption of the herbicide alachlor on humic acid fractions from two vermicomposts

The present study focuses on the analysis of two vermicomposts, that have been used as alternative sources of restitution of soil organic matter, as well as sources of nutrient replacements. For this purpose, two samples of vermicomposts from different Brazilian regions (São Carlos-SP and Londrina-PR) were characterized according to their humic acid content. Both samples had a pH value near 7.0, and the humic acids present showed high cationic exchange capacities and low values for the C/N ratios. The infrared spectra showed bands that suggested the presence of aliphatic and aromatic components bound to phenolic, carboxylic and amide groups. The effect of vermicompost added to soil on the application of alachlor was evaluated. Alachlor sorption, Freundlich isotherms and alachlor desorption curves in the soil matrix and the vermicompost/soil mixture matrix were determined.

Discriminate analysis of roasted coffee varieties for trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and caffeine content

Arabica and robusta roasted coffees from several geographical origins, in a total of 29 samples, were characterized for their contents in caffeine, trigonelline, and nicotinic acid by a recently developed HPLC/diode-array detector method. All samples were subjected to the same roasting procedure in order to eliminate the variations due to this process. Characterization was achieved by applying multivariate and nonparametric analysis to the chromatographic results. The two coffee varieties were clearly separated by their trigonelline and caffeine contents. Nicotinic acid could not be used as a variety discriminate factor. There was no association with the geographical origin of the samples.

Role of reinsertion of the lower eyelid retractor on involutional entropion

AIMS

To verify and evaluate the effect of reinsertion of the lower eyelid retractor aponeurosis to correct involutional entropion.

METHODS

The involutional entropion is one affection that occurs mainly in the lower eyelid of patients over 60 years old. The surgical techniques proposed to correct this condition are based on correction of horizontal laxity-the preseptal orbicularis muscle overrides the pretarsal muscle, and the reinsertion of the lower eyelid retractor aponeurosis. 30 patients clinically diagnosed with involutional entropion and randomly selected underwent reinsertion of the lower eyelid retractor aponeurosis to the tarsal plate, without horizontal shortening or resection of the skin or orbicularis muscle.

RESULTS

Good anatomical and functional correction was achieved in 96.6% of the patients and no recurrence was observed on 29 month follow up examination. The surgical result was very satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that this procedure is effective and has low recurrence rate, showing the important role of the reinsertion of the lower eyelid retractor aponeurosis in this surgical correction.

An improved surgical technique for pterygium excision with intraoperative application of mitomycin-C

A surgical technique was designed to improve safety after pterygium excision with intraoperative application of mitomycin-C (MMC). A limbic incision was performed in 40 eyes. The body of the pterygium was dissected from the episclera to allow its excision. Care was taken to avoid excessive delamination and cauterization of tissues. A 0.02% MMC solution was then applied. Only at the end of the surgery was the head of the pterygium dissected from the cornea. The 8-0 absorbable sutures were used to place both edges of the conjunctiva together to completely cover the area of bare sclera. After a mean follow-up time of 12 months, a recurrence rate of 5% was observed. No complications of therapy were observed. This is a logical alternative to other surgical techniques. However, randomized studies with more patients and longer follow-up are necessary to determine the potential of this procedure in improving the safety of pterygium excision with intraoperative MMC.

[Senile cataract: patient's characteristics and perceptions on a sight restoration communitary project]

A survey was conducted to identify some patient's characteristics and perceptions related to senile cataract and delivery of cataract care. The patients were diagnosed by means of ophthalmic examination carried out on a Rehabilitation of the Aged Campaign at the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School. A questionnaire was administered by interviewing 70 subjects, who presented the following characteristics: 32.86% were males and 67.14% were females; 42.86% with ages varying between 50 and 70 years; 67.14% took notice of campaign through TV; 60.00% underwent SUS previous ophthalmic evaluation; 72.86% presented low vision acuity on both eyes for a year or longer, (27.14% for 5 years or longer); 40.00% had previous surgery indication for a year or longer and 80.00% of the patients claimed declared financial reasons to explain their non-previous cataract surgery. We recommend eye health educational programs for prevention of blindness and sigh restoration.

[Perforating eye injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents: cases assisted during the year 1994]

A prospective study of 32 patients with perforating eye injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, 24.32% of the 131 cases of perforating injuries admitted at the University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital from January to december, 1994 was performed. Most of the accidents occurred at night (68.75%), and in urban areas (65.63%). There were more male victims (65.63%), mostly under 25 years of age (53.13%). None of the victims were using seat belts and those in the front seats were more vulnerable. Safety precautions should be effectively in use in order to reduce frequency and morbidity of these injuries.

[Perforating eye injuries in children]

The author studied 140 cases of perforating eye injury in children up to 15 years old admitted at the Clinic Hospital of the Medical College of the University of São Paulo (Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo) from January 1989 to December 1993. These cases represent 24.71% of the total of the perforating eye injuries seen during this period, showing a ratio of 76.42% of males, a ratio of 2/1 in the group from 0 to 6 years old, 7/1 in the group from 7 to 11 years old and a ratio of 3/1 in the group from 12 to 15 years old. The most common perforating eye injuries were due to sharp objects (54.71%), contusion (20%), explosions (7.85%) and flying objects (5.71%). The relation between the severity of the injury and the prognosis is emphasized. Safety precautions should be effective in order to reduce frequence and morbidity of these perforating ocular injuries.

Single intraoperative application versus postoperative mitomycin C eye drops in pterygium surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the minimum effective dosage, most effective route of administration and long-term effects of mitomycin C for prevention of recurrence after pterygium surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective, masked study, 227 patients undergoing surgery for primary pterygia were assigned randomly to five groups: group 1 received a single intraoperative application of 0.2 mg/ml mitomycin C for 3 minutes; group 2 received a single intraoperative application of 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin C for 3 minutes; group 3 received mitomycin C eye drops 0.2 mg/ml three times daily for 7 days; group 4 received mitomycin C eye drops 0.4 mg/ml three times daily for 14 days; group 5 acted as a control (surgery alone).

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up time of 28 months, recurrence rates of 6.66%, 4.08%, 4.26%, 4.44%, and 29.27%, respectively, were observed. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between groups receiving mitomycin C and the control (P < or = 0.001). There was no statistical difference among treated groups (P > or = 0.0681). No complications of therapy were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results support the efficacy and relative safety of a single, low-concentration, intraoperative application of mitomycin C in pterygium surgery together with the use of a conjunctival flap, avoiding excessive cauterization of the sclera and leaving bare sclera.

[Noninfectious bilateral corneal ulceration associated with Sjögren's syndrome: report of a case]

A case of noninfectious bilateral corneal ulceration in a 46 year old patient with Sjögren's syndrome is reported. The clinical evolution is commented and the available therapeutic measures for this complication are discussed.

[Pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila. Report of the 2d Brazilian case]

Os autores relatam um caso de pneumonia por Legionella pneumophila, diagnosticado pela primeira vez em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. A hipótese diagnóstica foi confirmada por imunofluorescência indireta nas amostras de soro do paciente enviadas ao C.D.C. (Atlanta — E.U.A.), com títulos de 1:128 na amostra da fase aguda e 1:512 na amostra da fase de convalescença.