The teaching of anatomy during the Covid-19 pandemic / O ensino de anatomia durante a pandemia de Covid-19

Abstract: Introduction: Human Anatomy is an essential subject for medical education. In addition to the theoretical content, practice is an irreplaceable way of learning. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought up new challenges to the teaching of Anatomy. Therefore, new strategies were implemented aiming to adapt the medical curriculum. Experience report: At UNICAMP, Anatomy was taught virtually, through synchronous and asynchronous activities. For practical sessions, teachers and teaching assistants recorded lessons using real anatomical structures. The students had tutoring sessions with content review and quizzes. The anatomy final exams were taken on Google Forms. At the end of each semester, questionnaires were applied so that the students could evaluate the teaching tools. Discussion: The new method had both positive and negative aspects, but it was important to assure the maintenance of the teaching-learning process. All tools were approved by the students and the objectives of the course were achieved with no additional funding. Conclusion: This experience demonstrated that a teaching team consisting of teachers and monitors is of great value in the learning process. Furthermore, it showed that low-cost technology tools are helpful in overcoming adversities. Nevertheless, this model does not replace face-to-face teaching.

Resumo: Introdução: A anatomia humana é uma disciplina indispensável para a formação médica. Além do conteúdo teórico, sabe-se que o aprendizado por meio da prática é insubstituível. Entretanto, a pandemia de Covid-19 impôs desafios ao ensino de anatomia. Por isso, novas estratégias de ensino foram desenvolvidas para adaptar o currículo médico. Relato de experiência: Na Unicamp, o conteúdo de anatomia foi oferecido virtualmente por meio de atividades síncronas e assíncronas. Para as práticas, professores e monitores gravaram aulas com peças anatômicas verdadeiras. Os alunos também tiveram monitorias com revisão de conteúdo e quizzes. As provas finais foram feitas em formulários do Google Forms. Ao fim de cada semestre letivo, aplicaram-se questionários para que os estudantes avaliassem as novas ferramentas de ensino. Discussão: O novo método teve pontos positivos e negativos, mas foi importante para garantir a manutenção do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Todas as ferramentas foram aprovadas pelos alunos, e atingiram-se os objetivos do curso sem financiamento adicional. Conclusão: Essa experiência demonstrou que a união entre professores e monitores é de grande valia para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Além disso, revelou que ferramentas tecnológicas de baixo custo podem ser úteis nesse contexto. Entretanto, esse modelo não substitui o ensino presencial.

Potential therapeutic strategies for non - muscle invasive bladder cancer based on association of intravesical immunotherapy with P-MAPA and systemic administration of cisplatin and doxorubicin

ABSTRACT The present study describes the histopathological and molecular effects of P-MAPA (Protein aggregate magnesium-ammonium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride) intravesical immunotherapy combined with systemic doxorubicin or cisplatin for treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in an appropriate animal model. Our results showed an undifferentiated tumor, characterizing a tumor invading mucosa or submucosa of the bladder wall (pT1) and papillary carcinoma in situ (pTa) in the Cancer group. The histopathological changes were similar between the combined treatment with intravesical P-MAPA plus systemic Cisplatin and P-MAPA immunotherapy alone, showing decrease of urothelial neoplastic lesions progression and histopathological recovery in 80% of the animals. The animals treated systemically with cisplatin or doxorubicin singly, showed 100% of malignant lesions in the urinary bladder. Furthemore, the combined treatment with P-MAPA and Doxorubicin showed no decrease of urothelial neoplastic lesions progression and histopathological recovery. Furthermore, Akt, PI3K, NF-kB and VEGF protein levels were significantly lower in intravesical P-MAPA plus systemic cisplatin and in intravesical P-MAPA alone treatments than other groups. In contrast, PTEN protein levels were significantly higher in intravesical P-MAPA plus systemic cisplatin and in intravesical P-MAPA alone treatments. Thus, it could be concluded that combination of intravesical P-MAPA immunotherapy and systemic cisplatin in the NMIBC animal model was effective, well tolerated and showed no apparent signs of antagonism between the drugs. In addition, intravesical P-MAPA immunotherapy may be considered as a valuable option for treatment of BCG unresponsive patients that unmet the criteria for early cystectomy.

Host inflammatory response to polypropylene implants: insights from a quantitative immunohistochemical and birefringence analysis in a rat subcutaneous model

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe acute and sub acute aspects of histological and immunohistochemical response to PP implant in a rat subcutaneous model based on objective methods. Materials and Methods Thirty rats had a PP mesh subcutaneously implanted and the same dissection on the other side of abdomen but without mesh (sham). The animals were euthanized after 4 and 30 days. Six slides were prepared using the tissue removed: one stained with hematoxylin-eosin (inflammation assessment); one unstained (birefringence evaluation) and four slides for immunohistochemical processing: IL-1 and TNF-α (pro-inflammatory cytokines), MMP-2 (collagen metabolism) and CD-31 (angiogenesis). The area of inflammation, the birefringence index, the area of immunoreactivity and the number of vessels were objectively measured. Results A larger area of inflammatory reaction was observed in PP compared to sham on the 4th and on the 30th day (p=0.0002). After 4 days, PP presented higher TNF (p=0.0001) immunoreactivity than sham and no differences were observed in MMP-2 (p=0.06) and IL-1 (p=0.08). After 30 days, a reduction of IL-1 (p=0.010) and TNF (p=0.016) for PP and of IL-1 (p=0.010) for sham were observed. Moreover, area of MMP-2 immunoreactivity decreased over time for PP group (p=0.018). Birefringence index and vessel counting showed no differences between PP and sham (p=0.27 and p=0.58, respectively). Conclusions The implantation of monofilament and macroporous polypropylene in the subcutaneous of rats resulted in increased inflammatory activity and higher TNF production in the early post implant phase. After 30 days, PP has similar cytokines immunoreactivity, vessel density and extracellular matrix organization.

Characterization of reactive stroma in prostate cancer: involvement of growth factors, metalloproteinase matrix, sexual hormones receptors and prostatic stem cells

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objectives: Reactive Stroma (RStr) is observed in many human cancers and is related to carcinogenesis. The objectives of the present study were to stablish a relationship of the RStr microenvironment with prostate cancer (Pca) through a morphological and molecular characterization, and to identify a possible relationship between RStr with worse prognosis factors and occurrence of malignant prostatic stem cells. Materials and Methods: Forty prostatic samples were selected from men with Pca diagnosis submitted to radical prostatectomy; they were divided in two groups: Group-1 (n=20): samples without reactive stroma; Group-2 (n=20): samples of PCa with intense stroma reaction. Prostatic samples were evaluated for RStr intensity by Masson Trichromic stain and posteriorly submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis for antigens: α-actin, vimentin, IGF-1, MMP-2, FGF-2, C-Myc, PSCA, AR, Erα and ERβ. Results: Reactive stroma with intense desmoplastic reactivity was significantly more frequent in intermediate (Gleason 7, 3+4) and high grade tumors (Gleason 7, 4+3). The group with intense stromal reactivity showed significant higher levels of Vimentin, IGF-1, MMP-2, FGF-2, C-Myc, PSCA and ERα. Conclusions: It can be concluded that RStr may be a predictive marker of Pca progression, since it was associated with increase of growth factors, imbalance of androgen and estrogen receptors and presence of malign prostatic stem cells.

Anatomical features of the urethra and urinary bladder catheterization in female mice and rats. An essential translational tool / Características anatômicas da cateterização da uretra e bexiga de camundongos e ratos fêmeas. Instrumento essencial na pesquisa pré clínica

PURPOSE: To present fundamental anatomical aspects and technical skills necessary to urethra and urinary bladder catheterization in female mice and rats. METHODS: Urethral and bladder catheterization has been widely utilized for carcinogenesis and cancer research and still remains very useful in several applications: from toxicological purposes as well as inflammatory and infectious conditions to functional aspects as bladder dynamics and vesicoureteral reflux, among many others. RESULTS: Animal models are in the center of translational research and those involving rodents are the most important nowadays due to several advantages including human reproducibility, easy handling and low cost. CONCLUSIONS: Although technical and anatomical pearls for rodent urethral and bladder access are presented as tackles to the advancement of lower urinary tract preclinical investigation in a broaden sight, restriction to female animals hampers the male microenvironment, demanding future advances.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar aspectos anatômicos fundamentais e habilidades técnicas necessárias para cateterismo da uretra e bexiga em ratos e camundongos fêmeas. MÉTODOS: Cateterismo vesical tem sido amplamente utilizado na pesquisa do câncer e carcinogênese, além de várias outras aplicações, desde fins toxicológicos, condições inflamatórias e infecciosas até aspectos funcionais como a dinâmica vesical e refluxo vesico-ureteral, entre muitos outros. RESULTADOS: Os modelos animais estão no centro da investigação de translação e os roedores são os mais importantes devido a várias vantagens, incluindo reprodutibilidade humana, o fácil manuseio e baixo custo. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de permitir o desenvolvimento da investigação pré-clínica do trato urinário inferior, o modelo se restringe aos animais do sexo feminino, de modo que avanços futuros são necessários.

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma experimental models / Modelos experimentais de carcinoma urotelial do trato urinário superior

Cancer research on animals is an important complement to clinical investigations. Particularly, the use of animal models in researches on urinary tract cancer has a primary role in demonstrating that carcinogenesis is a multiple-stage process. These models are used to induce tumors in order to analyze the development of immunity, chemotherapy, and new techniques. This article discusses the role of animal models using rodents in urothelial carcinoma, the validity of animal models in carcinogen-induced tumors, the primary animal models available of transitional cell carcinoma and carcinoma of the upper urinary tract, and the advantages and disadvantages of the main experimental models in use.

A pesquisa do câncer em animais constitui importante complemento às investigações clínicas. Particularmente, a utilização de modelos animais na pesquisa do câncer do trato urinário tem papel primordial na demonstração de que a carcinogênese é um processo de múltiplos estágios. Esses modelos são usados para a indução de tumores, no desenvolvimento de imunoterapia, quimioterapia e de novas técnicas. O presente artigo discute o papel do modelo animal utilizando roedores no carcinoma urotelial, a validade dos modelos animais em tumores induzidos por carcinógenos, os principais modelos animais de carcinoma de células transicionais e do trato urinário superior disponíveis e as vantagens e desvantagens dos principais modelos experimentais.