BackgroundLeprosy is a chronic infectious disease endemic in some undeveloped areas, and still represents a public health problem in Brazil. Therefore, the control of this endemic disease depends necessarily on the institution of correct treatment and containment of treatment dropout. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of published studies on treatment dropout of leprosy.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of articles on treatment dropout of leprosy, published between january 2005 and april 2013, on MEDLINE and SciELO databases. The search was performed using the MeSH terms: “leprosy”; “patients dropouts” and the keywords: “leprosy, treatment” and “noncompliance, leprosy” in association, beside the equivalents in Portuguese.ResultsThere were originally 196 references. After analyzing the titles and abstracts of articles, 20 articles were obtained and included in the final sample.DiscussionLeprosy is a notifiable disease known as its disfiguring capability and the high rate of non-compliance to treatment. The low adhesion is responsible for the remaining potential sources of infection, irreversible complications, incomplete cure and, additionally, may lead to resistance to multiple drugs. Many factors are responsible for the interruption or dropout treatment: socioeconomic factors, education level, knowledge about the disease, lack of efficiency of health services, demographics, side effects of drugs, alcoholism, among others.ConclusionThe recent scientific literature about the subject diverge regarding the factors that most affect the dropout problem in treating leprosy patients. However, better integration between professionals and users, and greater commitment of the patient, are common points among the authors of the studies.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and the expression of p53, p16, E‐cadherin, COX‐2, MLH1, and MYC in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods One hundred OSCC specimens were submitted to in situ hybridization for HPV and EBV, and immunohistochemistry for detection of the human proteins. Results Thirty‐one cases showed HPV in tumor tissue. EBV was not detected in any case investigated. The HPV(+) group demonstrated an increase of staining scores for nuclear p16 (p = .047), cytoplasmic MYC (p = .002), while a decrease for nuclear MLH1 (p = .048), suggesting that HPV may upregulate the expression of the first two proteins and down‐regulate the latter. Conclusion Our findings reinforce the hypothesis of the HPV‐related oral carcinogenesis involving the expression of p16 and MYC, and MLH1 suppression. Exclusively cytoplasmic stainings for p16, MLH1, and MYC were also associated with more advanced tumors. Finally, in view of the lack of studies correlating the HPV or EBV infection to the expression of oncoproteins, more researches assessing a broader panel of markers and employing different approaches are still necessary in order to understand the role of these viruses as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of oral carcinomas.

Introdução: A visita domiciliar permite ao profissional de saúde romper com o modelo centrado na doença, voltando-se para uma abordagem centrada no indivíduo. No entanto, observa-se uma grande deficiência na organização e gestão destas, o que muitas vezes dificulta a priorização mais adequada destes pacientes. Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência de uma equipe ao utilizar uma nova ferramenta para avaliação e classificação de risco que visa otimizar a gestão da agenda das visitas domiciliares. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência de uma equipe de saúde da família, na periferia de uma capital no Nordeste do Brasil, que aplicou esta ferramenta aos pacientes de visita domiciliar entre os meses de junho e novembro de 2017. Resultados: Os dados coletados foram analisados, sendo possível classificar os pacientes quanto ao risco e vulnerabilidade. Esta ferramenta favoreceu o fortalecimento e estruturação do registro, planejamento, avaliação e monitoramento das visitas realizadas nos território. Além disso, deve ser ressaltada sua fácil aplicação e a reprodutibilidade em diferentes cenários da atenção primária. Conclusão: O uso de instrumentos adequados permite identificar pacientes em situação de risco e vulnerabilidade, além de possibilitar a organização da agenda, a identificação das necessidades das pessoas, o acompanhamento das doenças crônicas, propor estratégias, e planejar intervenções futuras.

In this Century Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the most common isolated cause of death in developed countries. Many studies have suggested that men with low testosterone levels present higher incidence of components of metabolic syndrome and are at a greater risk of developing CVD. Testosterone can affect the development of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. While this androgen seems to have a cardioprotective effect by benefiting endothelial function, inducing vasodilation, and reducing fat mass, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, it also appears to increase endothelin, thromboxane A2 and reactive oxygen species and renal smooth muscle cells. The relation between testosterone and coronary disease in men has been the focus of study of many authors. Most studies point to a neutral and/or protective effect of endogenous testosterone in male cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, many intervention studies have not been able to confirm this effect with testosterone therapy. More studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of testosterone in cardiovascular health and to evaluate androgen receptor polymorphisms and their physiological responses to testosterone.

Leprosy presents a varied clinical spectrum. Lucius phenomenon is a rare leprosy reaction characterized by erythematous, painful, slightly infiltrated macules and hemorrhagic bullae that progress to ulceration. This case report describes a patient whose diagnosis of leprosy occurred in the presence of Lucius phenomenon. Late diagnosis and delay in the implementation of specific therapy contributed to an unfavorable outcome, highlighting the importance of early identification and treatment of this disease, as well as its complications.