How COVID-19 elucidated challenges in the pedagogy of physiotherapy entry-level education in Brazil and directions for their remediation with special attention to digital teaching and learning.

INTRODUCTION: As experienced physiotherapy educators in Brazil, we observed that COVID-19 elucidated challenges in the pedagogy of entry-level education overall, and directions for their remediation. In this commentary, we describe our observations with particular attention to the opportunity for digital and distance teaching and learning in Brazil's exemplary middle-income country. BODY: First, the legislation in Brazil around health professional education, specifically entry-level physiotherapy education, is described concerning distanced learning. Then, we contrast such education before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the aftermath of its peak. Our observations reinforce the need to preserve teaching and learning excellence in physiotherapy education with various approaches including distanced and digital learning; be aware of both advantages and disadvantages; and identify means of balancing these for optimal delivery and learner outcomes. Our collective experience and insights strongly support the need for change in the legislative document governing physiotherapy education in Brazil. CONCLUSION: We hope our experiences will enable other educators to evaluate their contexts, reflect on how best to deliver entry-level physiotherapy education in general and during a pandemic, and reinforce the essentiality of practical face-to-face classes in achieving physiotherapy competencies. Only in this way will global standards of practice be ensured, through quality professional education and the factors that inform and govern these.

Osteoarthritic Synovial Fluid and TGF-ß1 Induce Interleukin-18 in Articular Chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Synovial fluid (SF) plays an important role in the maintenance of articular cartilage. SF is a dynamic reservoir of proteins derived from cartilage and synovial tissue; thus, its composition may serve as a biomarker that reflects the health and pathophysiological condition of the joint. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the osteoarthritic synovial fluid (OASF) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) activity in articular chondrocytes catabolic and inflammatory responses. DESIGN: Chondrocytes were seeded at passage 2 and cultured for 72 hours under different conditions. Human chondrocytes were subjected to OASF while rat chondrocytes were subjected to either healthy synovial fluid (rSF) or TGF-ß1 and then assigned for cell viability analysis. In addition, the effects of OASF and TGF-ß1 on chondrocytes metalloprotease (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 and interleukin-18 (IL-18) expression were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, ELISA, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: SF from osteoarthritic patients significantly induced MMP-3, MMP-13, and IL-18 receptor expression in chondrocytes. To put in evidence the inflammatory activity of OASF, healthy chondrocytes from rat were cultured with TGF-ß1. In the presence of TGF-ß1 these cells started to express MMP-3, MMP-13, and IL-18 genes and attached to each other forming a chondrocyte aggregated structure. Healthy SF was able to maintain a typical monolayer of rounded chondrocytes with no inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: In summary, these observations demonstrated that TGF-ß1, one of the components of OASF, has a dual effect, acting in chondrocyte maintenance and also inducing inflammatory and catabolic properties of these cells.

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., and Leptospira spp. in Free-Ranging Six-Banded Armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) from Northeastern Brazil.

Antibodies to pathogens of public health importance were investigated in 33 free-ranging six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) from Brazil. The frequency of seropositive animals for Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., and Leptospira spp. were two, three, and two, respectively.

Avaliação de matrizes curriculares frente às DCN para os cursos de graduação em Odontologia / Evaluation of curriculum norms according to the National Curriculum Guidelines for graduate studies in Dentistry

O termo currículo refere-se ao percurso seguido pelo estudante em uma instituição de ensino superior desde o momento em que inicia seu processo de formação profissional até a graduação. As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para os cursos de graduação em Odontologia, instituídas pela Resolução CNE/CES 3, de 19 de fevereiro de 2002, definem os princípios, fundamentos, condições e procedimentos da formação de cirurgiões-dentistas, primando pela formação de um profissional integral. As Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) têm em mãos o desafio de construir projetos pedagógicos que operacionalizem esse conceito, de modo a atender as demandas da sociedade. Neste contexto, este estudo de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória objetivou analisar criticamente as matrizes curriculares de dois cursos de Odontologia, pertencentes a IES localizadas em regiões distintas do país. A metodologia utilizada considerou um modelo lógico para avaliação da formação do cirurgião-dentista com base nas DCN, proposto por Pessoa e Noro. Foram analisadas as dimensões referentes à integração entre os ciclos básico e profissionalizante, ao desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades desejáveis, a formação profissional, além do desenvolvimento do estágio curricular e atividades complementares. Foi verificado que as duas estruturas curriculares estão em consonância com os ideais preconizados pelas DCN, apesar de conterem pontos que não fortalecem a formação profissional do egresso. Observou-se que ambas as matrizes apresentam potencialidades e fragilidades, que inspiram discussões (AU).

The term "curriculum" refers to the program followed by students in an institution of higher learning from the moment they begin their course of professional training until graduation. The National Curricular Guidelines (NCG) for undergraduate studies in dentistry, instituted by Resolution CNE/CES 3, February 19, 2002, define the principles, basis, conditions and procedures for the training of fulltime professional dental surgeons. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) face the challenge of designing pedagogical projects that implement these concepts in order to meet the demands of society. In this context, the objective of this qualitative and exploratory study was to critically analyze the curricular matrices of two dentistry programs from HEIs located in distinct regions of Brazil. A logical model based on national curriculum guidelines (NCG) proposed by Pessoa and Noro was used to evaluate the formation of dental surgeons. This study analyzed the integration between basic and professional activities, the development of desirable competencies and abilities, and professional development beyond residency and complementary activities. It verified that the curriculum structures of the two institutions are in agreement with the ideals advocated by the NCG, in spite of containing aspects which do not strengthen the profession formation of graduates. It was observed that both models have strengths and weaknesses, which should elicit further discussions (AU).

An Optical Fiber Sensor and Its Application in UAVs for Current Measurements.

In this paper, we propose and experimentally investigate an optical sensor based on a novel combination of a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) with a permanent magnet to measure electrical current in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The proposed device uses a neodymium magnet attached to the grating structure, which suffers from an electromagnetic force produced when the current flows in the wire of the UAV engine. Therefore, it causes deformation on the sensor and thus, different shifts occur in the resonant bands of the transmission spectrum of the LPFG. Finally, the results show that it is possible to monitor electrical current throughout the entire operating range of the UAV engine from 0 A to 10 A in an effective and practical way with good linearity, reliability and response time, which are desirable characteristics in electrical current sensing.

Hipotermia no tratamento de hipertensão intracraniana refratária em pacientes com HSA grave, casos associados a vasoespasmo secundário / Hypothermia in the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension in patients with severe SAH, cases associated with secondary vasospasms

A hemorragia subaracnóidea (HAS) é uma doença grave na qual 10% dos pacientes podem apresentar morte súbita antes mesmode chegar ao hospital. Os pacientes apresentam um risco elevado de complicações secundárias, incluindo o vasoespasmo . Paravasoespasmo o refratário e, essencialmente, para o controle de PIC, a hipotermia pode ser utilizada de forma terapêutica.Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a influência da hipotermia terapêutica nas taxas de mortalidade de pacientes com HSA grave ecom pressão intracraniana elevada, apesar de melhor tratamento clínico implementado previamente. As temperaturas foramreduzidas utilizando colchão térmico para uma temperatura alvo de 33 -35o C.Cinco pacientes foram incluídos. Dois pacientes foram admitidos com um Hunt- Hess de 2, dois com Hunt Hess de 3 e um comHunt Hess de 4. O tempo médio de hipotermia terapêutica foi de 7,2 dias. Dois pacientes sobreviveram com uma escala de Rankinde 0, e três faleceram.Em nosso estudo observacional foi observada uma taxa de mortalidade de 180 dias de 40% , que aumentou para 60% emanálise de seis meses. Estudos recentes descrevem uma taxa de mortalidade de 90% em pacientes com HSA com Hipertensãointracraniana refratária. Acreditamos que a hipotermia pode seja o melhor método para ser utilizado na presente situação clínica.

Estudo comparativo da atividade antiinflamatória da laserterapia e do meloxicam / Comparative study of antiinflammatory activity of laser therapy and meloxicam

Este estudo experimental visa comparar os efeitos do meloxicam e da laserterapia sobre a inibição da permeabilidade vascular, induzida por histamina, na região dorsal dos animais. Foram utilizados 25 ratos wistar divididos em 5 grupos, contendo 5 animais cada e classificados da seguinte maneira: 1) grupo controle (solução fisiológica, i.p.); 2) Meloxicam 10 mg/kg, i.p.; 3) laser 30J/50mW; 4) laser 60J/50mW e 5) laser 120J/150mW. As aplicações do laser foram, em modo de varredura, distribuídas em quatro pontos no dorso dos animais. Estes foram tratados 20 minutos antes da injeção do corante por via i.v. Dez minutos após a última injeção do mesmo, o mediador foi aplicado por via intradérmica no dorso dos ratos. A quantidade de corante extravasado foi mensurada por medida espectrofotométrica, utilizando comprimento de onda de 620 nm. Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes T de student e ANOVA com p < 0,05. A inibição do processo inflamatório pelo meloxicam e Laser 30J apresentou valor percentual semelhante.

This experimental study aims to compare meloxicam’s effects and laserterapy on the inhibition of the vasculary permeable, induced by histamine, in the dorsal region of the animals. The sample was composed by 25 mice wistar divided into 5 groups, contained 5 animals and classified as following: 1) control group (physiologic solution, intraperitoneal); 2) meloxicam 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; 3) laser 30J/50mW; 4) laser 60J/50mW and 5) laser 120J/150mW. The application of the laser was distributed in four points in the back of the animals. They were treated 20 minutes before the injection of intravenous ink. Ten minutes after the last injection, the mediator was applied by intradermic in the back of the mice. The quantity of overflowed ink was measured by spectrophotometry using wavelength of 620 nm. The results were submitted to Student T test and ANOVA with p < 0.05. The inhibition of the inflammatory process by meloxicam and laser 30J presented similar percentile value.

Clusters of bell's palsy

The idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell's palsy installs abruptly or within a few hours, without any apparent cause. It corresponds to approximately 75 percent of all peripheral facial palsies. Three theories try to explaim its pathogenecity: vascular-ischemic, viral and auto-immune. We reviewed the records of the EMG Sector, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual (Säo Paulo, Brazil), from 1985 to 1995 and found 239 cases of Bell's palsy. Data were analysed according to age, gender, seasonal distribution of cases. There was a predominance of cases in the 31-60 age bracket (40.59 percent). The female gender was responsible to 70.71 percent of cases. There was a predominance of cases in winter (31.38 percent) and autumn (30.13 percent), which was statiscally significant. These findings let us to suppose that Bell's palsy predominates in females, in 41-60 years age bracket, and occurs predominantly in cold months. There are groups of clusters throughout temporal distribution of cases and cases are dependent on one each other or on factors affecting them all, which reinforces the infectious hypothesis (there is a rise in the incidence of viral upper respiratory tract infection during cold months).

Neurocysticercosis in Paraiba, Northeast Brazil: an endemic area?

Neurocysticercosis is the central nervous system infestation by Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of Taenia solium. It is related to poor hygiene habits and sanitation; although Northeast is poorest Region of Brazil, it has been always stated as a non-endemic area. After the installation of computed tomography (CT) service, the incidence of neurocysticercosis began to raise in neurology services in Campina Grande PB, a city where people from the interior Paraíba can find specialized medical facilities. We analyse 5,883 CT record of the TomoHPI Computed Tomography Service from August 1993 to December 1995, observing 1.02 per cent suggestive neurocysticercosis cases and classified them according to sex and age, procedence and socioeconomic condition. Distribution of cases according to age is homogeneous until the age of 50 (mean: 28.36 years old). Men and women are equally affected. Urban areas inhabitants represented 83.33 per cent. Residents of Campina Grande represented 48.33 per cent and 48.34 per cent were residents of cities around Campina Grande (until 50 Km around) and other cities of Paraíba State. Fifty-eight patients were dependent to public health care system. We conclude that neurocysticercosis seems to be endemic in Paraíba State, demanding a more detailed study to determine its incidence/prevalence.

Cerebral cysticercosis in Campina Grande, Paraíba - Northern Brazil: computerized tomography diagnosis importance

Neurocysticercosis is the infection of the central nervous system by the larval form of Taenia Solium, the Cysticercus cellulosae. We studied 4011 computerized tomographies perfomed in TomoHPI Radioimaging Service, Hospital Pedro I, Campina Grande PB, Northern Brazil, since its installation on August 1993 to July 1995. 41 patients were diagnosed as having Cysticercus cerebral infestation, corresponding to an incidence of 1.02 per cent. No cases were related in Campina Grande PB during 1991 according to hospitalizations under prospective payment rates. After this radioimaging service installation, we observed 1.86 cases per month. We conclude that Campina Grande has to be included as an endemic area of neurocysticercosis, needing health service measures to cease the cycle Taenia-Cysticercus, the only way to get rid of such a serious problem.

Isolated and painless (?) atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle: left handed versus right handed volleyball players

O nervo supraescapular se origina do tronco superior do plexo braquial ou, menos frequentemente, da raiz de C5. Percorre curto caminho e cruza a incisura supraescapular. Daí, o nervo supraescapular dá ramos para o músculo supraespinhoso e para as articulaçöes acromioclavicular e glenomeral. Entäo, cruza a borda lateral da espinha da escápula, passando através da chanfradura espinoglenóide e inervando o músculo infraespinhoso. Esses säo locais potenciais para lesäo do nervo supraescapular. Foram estudados três casos de compressäo do nervo supraescapular causando atrofia isolada do músculo infraespinhoso em jogadores de voleibol. É sugerida a hipótese de que a natureza do ataque, na qual o atleta usa o braço violentamente, mais do que no saque ou na recepçäo, seja a chave da patogênese da lesäo em jogadas de voleibol

Doenças do cérebro em Campina Grande, Paraíba: incidência / Brain diseases in Campina Grande, Paraíba

Neste artigo é mostrada a incidência das doenças do cérebro em Campina Grande utilizando como fontes os registros das internaçöes na rede hospitalar conveniada ao INAMPS. As afecçöes neurológicas foram classificadas de acordo com CID-9§ Revisäo DE 1975. Foi demostrado que 3,09 por cento das internaçöes tiveram como causa as doenças do cérebro, principalemtne as doenças cerebrovasculares. Evidenciou-se que Campina Grande está incluída na média nordestina da incidência das afecçöes do cérebro, que por diferença regionais, contrasta os resultados nacionais. Os distúrbios mentais näo puderam ser incluídos neste estudo por causa das dificuldades na obtençäo de dados. Foram eles classificados no grupo das demais doenças