RESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate some of the mechanisms involved in the activation of the immune system in patients with advanced-stage cancer (n = 7) who received an autologous dendritic cell vaccine. We examined the immune response mediated by macrophages (CD14+), natural killer cells (CD56+), and B lymphocytes (CD19+) by flow cytometry and assessed the expression of Th1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12), Th2 (IL-4), and Treg (TGF-ß) cytokines by flow cytometry and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The CD14+ TNF-α+ population was significantly increased (P < 0.04) when patients received the vaccine; IL-2 expression in both NK cells and in B lymphocytes was increased after a transient initial increase showed a nearly significant decrease (P < 0.07 and P < 0.06 respectively), whereas the CD19+ and CD56+ populations did not show significant changes. Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy led to increased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-12 and reduced secretion of TGF-ß. In conclusion, it is likely that the autologous dendritic cell vaccine stimulated the immune cells from the peripheral blood of patients with cancer and generally increased the production of Th1 cytokines, which are related to immunomodulatory responses against cancer.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of endocervical pH on vaginal pH, and also the changes in these pH values following hysterectomy and cold-knife conization. Vaginal pH is important for maintaining the equilibrium of the vaginal microflora. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two groups of women were studied: the first (n = 20, median age 45, range 33-50 years-old), before and after hysterectomy (without ovariectomy) for myomatosis; the second group (n = 18, median age 38.5, range 37-65 years-old), before and after cold-knife conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade II or III. Four samples (before and 90 days after surgery) were collected from the women by means of swabs: (1) anterior vaginal fornix, (2) posterior vaginal fornix, (3) posterior wall of lower vagina, and (4) endocervix (except in cases after hysterectomy). The pH was measured using a digital pHmeter (Sentron). RESULTS: We observed that endocervical pH was less acidic than were all the vaginal locations measured, before both surgeries. After both surgeries, all vaginal pH measurements were higher, but without reaching statistical significance. Endocervical pH correlated with vaginal pH. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that recent hysterectomy does not alter vaginal pH and that vaginal and endocervical pH values are related.
Assuntos
Colo do Útero/química , Conização , Criocirurgia , Endométrio/química , Histerectomia , Vagina/química , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Período Pós-Operatório , Cuidados Pré-Operatórios , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/patologia , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/cirurgia , Displasia do Colo do Útero/patologia , Displasia do Colo do Útero/cirurgiaRESUMO
INTRODUÇÄO: Testes de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio ainda säo pouco utilizados na rotina clínica audiológica e até mesmo em pesquisas. Por isso, muitas vezes, ao realizar esta avaliaçäo, o clínico näo possui parâmetros para interpretar ou classificar os resultados. OBJETIVO: Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo investigar a correlaçäo entre o limiar de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio (LRSS) e a média dos limiares tonais nas freqüências de 0,5, 1 e 2 kHz. MÉTODOS: Foram examinadas 200 orelhas de indivíduos normo-ouvintes, 50 homens e 50 mulheres (média 34,61 anos). Inicialmente, realizou-se anamnese, meatoscopia, audiometria tonal liminar e pesquisa do limiar de reconhecimento de fala e do índice percentual de reconhecimento de fala. Posteriormente, utilizando o teste Listas de Sentenças em Português, realizou-se a pesquisa dos LRSS. RESULTADOS: O LRSS médio obtido nas 200 orelhas examinadas foi 6,15 dBNA e a média dos limiares tonais para as freqüências de 0,5, 1 e 2 kHz foi de 8,55 dBNA. A análise estatística evidenciou correlaçäo significante entre as variáveis em estudo. CONCLUSÖES: A média dos limiares tonais nas freqüências de 0,5, 1 e 2 kHz pode ser usada como referência para a análise dos resultados obtidos na pesquisa do LRSS. Além disso, pode-se esperar que os valores dos LRSS sejam melhores que os valores obtidos a partir das médias dos limiares tonais, pois as sentenças fornecem pistas acústicas e lingüísticas com significado