The impact of an online course on agreement rates of the certainty of evidence assessment using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Approach: a before-and-after study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach is a systematic method for assessing the certainty of evidence (CoE) and strength of recommendations in health care. We aimed to verify the effects of an online-based GRADE course on multirater consistency in the evaluation of the CoE in systematic reviews (SRs) analysis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Sixty-five Brazilian methodologists and researchers participated in an online course over 8 weeks. Asynchronous lessons and weekly synchronous meetings addressed the GRADE system in the context of CoE assessment. We asked participants to evaluate the CoE of random SRs (two before and another two after the course). Analyzes focused on the multirater agreement with a standard response, in the interrater agreement, and before-after changes in the proportion of participants that rated down the domains. RESULTS: 48 individuals completed the course. Participants presented improvements in the raters' assessment of the CoE using the GRADE approach after the course. The multirater consistency of indirectness, imprecision, and the overall CoE increased after the course, as well as the agreement between raters and the standard response. Furthermore, interrater reliability increased for risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, publication bias, and overall CoE, indicating progress in between-raters consistency. After the course, approximately 78% of individuals rated down the overall CoE to a low/very low degree, and participants presented more explanations for the judgment of each domain. CONCLUSION: An online GRADE course improved the consistency and agreement of the CoE assessment by Brazilian researchers. Online training courses have the potential to improve skills in guideline methodology development.

Validation of the questionnaire of olfactory disorders (QOD) for the Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of olfactory disorders has increased in recent years, mainly related to COVID-19 infection. In Brazil, over 37 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported, and approximately 10 % of those cases continue to experience olfactory disorders for more than one month. Despite the significant negative impact on well-being, there is currently no validated instrument to assess how olfactory disorders impact the quality of life in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) for Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: The authors first performed translation, back-translation, expert review, pre-testing, psychometric evaluation and cultural adaptation of the English version of the questionnaire. To assure linguistic and conceptual equivalence of the translated questionnaire, 126 participants from two Brazilian states and varying degrees of olfactory loss answered the QOD and the World Health Organization Quality of Life bref (WHOQOL-bref) questionnaires. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®) was used to quantify the olfactory loss. Furthermore, to evaluate the reliability of the Portuguese version a test-retest was performed on a subgroup of patients. The authors observed a high Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.86) for internal consistency of the quality of Life (QOD-QOL) statements. FINDINGS: As expected, there was a negative correlation between QOD-QOL and UPSIT® (Spearman's ρ = -0.275, p = 0.002), since QOL score increases and UPSIT® score decreases with worsening of olfactory function. Correlations were moderate between QOD-QOL and WHOQOL-bref mean (Spearman's ρ = -0.374, p < 0.001) and weak to moderate between the QOD-QOL and Visual Analog Scale of the QOD regarding professional life, leisure, and private life (Spearman's ρ = -0.316, p = 0.000; Spearman's ρ = -0.293, p = 0.001; Spearman's ρ = -0.261, p = 0.004; respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the authors have demonstrated a high internal consistency and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the QOD for evaluating the quality of life in individuals with olfactory disorders.

Epidemiology, patient journey and unmet needs related to hemophilia in Brazil: a scoping review with evidence map.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil is one of the countries with the largest population of people with hemophilia (PwH) worldwide. In this scoping review, we aim to investigate the Brazilian context for hemophilia regarding three predefined concepts: (i) clinical-epidemiological profile, (ii) burden of disease and (iii) patient journey and unmet needs. METHODS: Three questions in each concept guided the screening of references retrieved by systematic searches carried out in MEDLINE, LILACS and the Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in Brazil from 2002 onwards were assessed for eligibility. MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-two studies were included. A total of 66 studies addressed the concept "Clinical-epidemiological profile", 31 investigated the concept of "Burden of disease" and 26 addressed the concept "Patient journey and unmet needs". Based on these studies, pain and arthropathy affect a substantial proportion of the PwH, with physical functioning, pain and school or work being the domains of quality of life with the greatest impact. About 43 % to 82.6 % of the PwH are unemployed. Rates of inhibitor development are highly variable across studies, especially in hemophilia A. Adherence to prophylactic treatment ranges from 25 % to 72 %. The annualized bleeding rate is estimated at 2.4 ± 4.1. The barriers to treatment identified include distance to reference centers, lack of coordination of specialized and emergency care and restricted access to rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Hemophilia poses a considerable burden on the PwH. Despite the available modalities of treatment, there are remaining unmet needs that should be addressed by researchers and policy makers in the future.

The II Brazilian Guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Joint Guidelines of the Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Médica Brasileira, Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular, Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia, Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia and Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia.

OBJECTIVE: To update the recommendations to support decisions regarding the pharmacological treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Brazil. METHODS: Experts, including representatives of the Ministry of Health and methodologists, created this guideline. The method used for the rapid development of guidelines was based on the adoption and/or adaptation of existing international guidelines (GRADE ADOLOPMENT) and supported by the e-COVID-19 RecMap platform. The quality of the evidence and the preparation of the recommendations followed the GRADE method. RESULTS: Twenty-one recommendations were generated, including strong recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in patients using supplemental oxygen and conditional recommendations for the use of tocilizumab and baricitinib for patients on supplemental oxygen or on noninvasive ventilation and anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolism. Due to suspension of use authorization, it was not possible to make recommendations regarding the use of casirivimab + imdevimab. Strong recommendations against the use of azithromycin in patients without suspected bacterial infection, hydroxychloroquine, convalescent plasma, colchicine, and lopinavir + ritonavir and conditional recommendations against the use of ivermectin and remdesivir were made. CONCLUSION: New recommendations for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were generated, such as those for tocilizumab and baricitinib. Corticosteroids and prophylaxis for thromboembolism are still recommended, the latter with conditional recommendation. Several drugs were considered ineffective and should not be used to provide the best treatment according to the principles of evidence-based medicine and to promote resource economy.

Critérios relacionados à alta hospitalar segura do recém-nascido: Uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Identificar os principais critérios evidenciados pela literatura científica envolvidos na alta hospitalar segura do recém-nascido. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada em dezembro de 2021 nas bases de dados Pubmed/ Medline, BVS, Scopus, Lilacs, utilizando-se os descritores "patient discharge summaries" OR "patient discharge" AND "newborn". O estudo foi fundamentado pelos procedimentos metodológicos PRISMA, foram adotados critérios de elegibilidade, critérios de inclusão: artigos disponíveis na íntegra, publicados nos últimos 5 anos, nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português que versassem sobre cuidados ao recém-nascido, alta hospitalar ou alta do paciente neonatal. E de exclusão: todos os artigos que não atendiam ao objetivo da pesquisa e ou não possuíam relação com o tema em estudo. Resultados: Dos 94 artigos identificados entre 2017 e 2021 foram incluídos 12 estudos, sendo a maioria do Brasil e de abordagem qualitativa. Foram estabelecidas três categorias temáticas de análise: 1) Parâmetros biofisiológicos; 2) Comunicação e orientação aos pais: fragilidades e potencialidades da família; e 3) Cuidados pós alta e seguimento de rede. Conclusão: De acordo com a bibliografia selecionada está concluído que a alta hospitalar segura de recém-nascidos requer atenção aos aspectos fisiológicos, de comunicação com a família e intersetorial para seguimento de rede.

Objetivo: Identificar los principales criterios evidenciados por la literatura científica involucrados en el alta hospitalaria segura del recién nacido. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, realizada en diciembre de 2021 en las bases de datos Pubmed/Medline, BVS, Scopus, Lilacs, utilizando los descriptores "patient high summaries" OR "patient high" AND "newborn". El estudio se basó en los procedimientos metodológicos PRISMA, se adoptaron criterios de elegibilidad y criterios de inclusión: artículos disponibles en su totalidad, publicados en los últimos 5 años, en inglés, español y portugués que versan sobre la atención del recién nacidos, el alta hospitalaria o el alta del paciente neonatal. Se excluyeron todos los artículos que no cumplieran con el objetivo de la investigación y/o no tuvieran relación con el tema en estudio. Resultados: De los 94 artículos identificados entre 2017 y 2021, se incluyeron 12 estudios, la mayoría de Brasil y con abordaje cualitativo. Se establecieron tres categorías temáticas de análisis: 1) Parámetros biofisiológicos 2) Comunicación y orientación a los padres: fragilidades y potencialidades de la familia y 3) Atención posterior al alta y seguimiento en red. Conclusión: Según a la bibliografía seleccionada, se concluye que el alta hospitalaria segura de los recién nacidos requiere atención a aspectos fisiológicos, de comunicación con la familia e intersectoriales para el seguimiento en red.

Objective: To identify the main criteria evidenced by the literature published on newborns' hospital discharge. Method: This is an integrative literature review, carried out in December 2021 in the PubMed/Medline, BVS, Scopus and LILACS databases, using the "patient discharge summaries" OR "patient discharge" AND "newborn" descriptors. The study was based on PRISMA methodological procedures, eligibility criteria were adopted, and the inclusion criteria were as follows: articles available in full, published in the last 5 years in English, Spanish and Portuguese and dealing with newborn care, hospital discharge or neonatal patient discharge. All articles that did not meet the research objective and/or were not related to the topic under study were excluded. Results: Of the 94 articles identified between 2017 and 2021, 12 studies were included, most from Brazil and with a qualitative approach. Three thematic analysis categories were established: 1) Biophysiological parameters; 2) Communication and guidelines for parents: weaknesses and strengths of the family; and 3) Post-discharge care: network follow-up. Conclusion: According to the selected bibliography, it is concluded that newborns' safe hospital discharge requires attention to the physiological, communication with the family and intersectoral aspects for network follow-up.

Innovative and disruptive technologies to prescribe, encourage, and evaluate physical exercise in healthy adults: a protocol of exploratory study followed by a noninferiority, investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. A significant contributing factor to this mortality is the lack of engagement in preventive activities. Consequently, strategies for enhancing adherence to and duration of physical activity (PA) have become pivotal. This project aims to create and validate innovative, disruptive, and secure technologies that ensure appropriate exercise intensity, bolster adherence to PA, and monitor health biomarker responses pre-, during, and post-physical activity. METHODS: This exploratory study, followed by a noninferiority, investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial, will be divided into three phases: (1) development and validation of a sensor for real-time biofeedback during a functional assessment test; (2) integration of biofeedback and gamification into an app for the structured prescription of physical training within a controlled setting; and (3) implementation of biofeedback and gamification into an app for the prescription and monitoring of physical training in an uncontrolled setting. Phase 1 entails a validation test of a biosensor-monitoring heart rate (HR) and steps-during a modified shuttle walk test. In phase 2, the biosensor interfaces with a gamified smartphone application. The training regimen spans 6 weeks, 5 days weekly, with each session lasting 60 min: a five-min warm-up involving stationary gait, followed by 50 min of training at the target HR on the step and concluding with a five-min cool-down at a stationary pace. After 6 weeks of training, a new functional capacity test is conducted. Phase 3 involves an investigator-blinded, randomized clinical trial to demonstrate noninferiority. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). IG participants practice exercise using the gamified application in an uncontrolled environment according to the prescribed method outlined in phase 2. CG participants receive PA practice guidelines exclusively. DISCUSSION: Anticipated outcomes include improved exercise adherence through the gamified application, better maintenance of prescribed exercise intensity, and enhanced health biomarkers. The results of this study will inform health-related decision-making. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol received approval from the Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (54,492,221.80000.5345) and has been registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC, RBR-359p69v).

The II Brazilian Guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Joint Guidelines of the Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Médica Brasileira, Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular, Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia, Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia and Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia / II Diretrizes Brasileiras para o tratamento farmacológico de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 Diretriz conjunta da Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Médica Brasileira, Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular, Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia, Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia

ABSTRACT Objective: To update the recommendations to support decisions regarding the pharmacological treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Brazil. Methods: Experts, including representatives of the Ministry of Health and methodologists, created this guideline. The method used for the rapid development of guidelines was based on the adoption and/or adaptation of existing international guidelines (GRADE ADOLOPMENT) and supported by the e-COVID-19 RecMap platform. The quality of the evidence and the preparation of the recommendations followed the GRADE method. Results: Twenty-one recommendations were generated, including strong recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in patients using supplemental oxygen and conditional recommendations for the use of tocilizumab and baricitinib for patients on supplemental oxygen or on noninvasive ventilation and anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolism. Due to suspension of use authorization, it was not possible to make recommendations regarding the use of casirivimab + imdevimab. Strong recommendations against the use of azithromycin in patients without suspected bacterial infection, hydroxychloroquine, convalescent plasma, colchicine, and lopinavir + ritonavir and conditional recommendations against the use of ivermectin and remdesivir were made. Conclusion: New recommendations for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were generated, such as those for tocilizumab and baricitinib. Corticosteroids and prophylaxis for thromboembolism are still recommended, the latter with conditional recommendation. Several drugs were considered ineffective and should not be used to provide the best treatment according to the principles of evidence-based medicine and to promote resource economy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Atualizar as recomendações para embasar as decisões para o tratamento farmacológico de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 no Brasil. Métodos: A elaboração desta diretriz foi feita por especialistas, incluindo representantes do Ministério da Saúde e metodologistas. O método utilizado para o desenvolvimento rápido de diretrizes baseou-se na adoção e/ou adaptação de diretrizes internacionais existentes (GRADE ADOLOPMENT) e contou com o apoio da plataforma e-COVID-19 RecMap. A qualidade das evidências e a elaboração das recomendações seguiram o método GRADE. Resultados: Chegaram-se a 21 recomendações, incluindo recomendações fortes quanto ao uso de corticosteroides em pacientes em uso de oxigênio suplementar e recomendações condicionais para o uso de tocilizumabe e baricitinibe, em pacientes com oxigênio suplementar ou ventilação não invasiva, e de anticoagulantes, para prevenção de tromboembolismo. Devido à suspensão da autorização de uso, não foi possível fazer recomendações para o tratamento com casirivimabe + imdevimabe. Foram feitas recomendações fortes contra o uso de azitromicina em pacientes sem suspeita de infecção bacteriana, hidroxicloroquina, plasma convalescente, colchicina e lopinavir + ritonavir, além de recomendações condicionais contra o uso de ivermectina e rendesivir. Conclusão: Foram criadas novas recomendações para o tratamento de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19, como as recomendações de tocilizumabe e baricitinibe. Ainda são recomendados corticosteroides e profilaxia contra tromboembolismo, esta em caráter condicional. Vários medicamentos foram considerados ineficazes e não devem ser usados, no intuito de proporcionar o melhor tratamento segundo os princípios da medicina baseada em evidências e promover a economia de recursos.

Use of coconut sugar as an alternative agent in osmotic dehydration of strawberries.

This study aimed to evaluate coconut sugar (CS) as an alternative osmotic agent to sucrose for the osmotic dehydration (OD) of strawberries. OD was performed by immersing strawberries cut into 13.6 ± 0.4 mm edge cubes in osmotic solutions of CS or sucrose, at two different concentrations (40% and 60%, w/w), with and without application of vacuum (AV) in the first 20 min of the process. The total OD time was 300 min. Evaluations of the kinetics of solid gain (SG), water loss (WL), and weight reduction (WR) were performed at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min. SG, WL, and WR increased over the OD time and showed values of up to 7.94%, 63.40%, and 55.94%, respectively. AV increased WL, WR, shrinkage, pH, and total color difference and decreased anthocyanin, ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The higher concentration led to higher SG, WL, WR, shrinkage, hardness, and lower moisture content, water activity, anthocyanin, AA, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The use of CS instead of sucrose had little influence on strawberry properties, except pH and color responses. The optimal treatment was using a 60% CS solution without AV, showing a very distinct color change, hardness increased by approximately 4.5 times and maintenance of acidity, anthocyanins, AA, total phenolics, and antioxidants of 38.0%, 39.6%, 11.8%, 30.0%, 31.1%, and 30.3%, respectively, compared to fresh strawberries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Osmotic dehydration of fruit is a process traditionally carried out using sucrose. However, increasing health concerns have made consumers seek alternative sugars to sucrose. The use of coconut sugar made it possible to produce osmo-dehydrated strawberries different from the traditional one, maintaining product quality and process efficiency.

BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 against symptomatic Omicron infection following a mass vaccination campaign in southern Brazil: A prospective test-negative design study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine against Omicron in Latin America is limited. We estimated BNT162b2 effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in Brazil when Omicron was predominant. METHODS: This prospective test-negative, case-control study was conducted in Toledo, Brazil, following a mass COVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2. Patients were included if they were aged ≥12 years, sought care for acute respiratory symptoms in the public health system between November 3, 2021 and June 20, 2022, and were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR. In the primary analysis, we determined the effectiveness of two doses of BNT162b2 against symptomatic COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 4,574 were enrolled; of these, 1,758 patients (586 cases and 1,172 controls) were included in the primary analysis. Mean age was 27.7 years, 53.8 % were women, and 90.1 % had a Charlson comorbidity index of zero. Omicron accounted for >97 % of all identified SARS-CoV-2 variants, with BA.1 and BA.2 accounting for 84.3 % and 12.6 %, respectively. Overall adjusted estimate of two-dose vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 was 46.7 % (95 %CI, 19.9 %-64.6 %) after a median time between the second dose and the beginning of COVID-19 symptoms of 94 days (IQR, 60-139 days). Effectiveness waned from 77.7 % at 7-29 days after receipt of a second dose to <30 % (non-significant) after ≥120 days. CONCLUSION: In a relatively young and healthy Brazilian population, two doses of BNT162b2 provided protection against symptomatic Omicron infection. However, this protection waned significantly over time, underscoring the need for boosting with variant-adapted vaccines in this population prior to waves of disease activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05052307 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05052307).

Composite resin reinforced with silk nanoparticles from Bombyx mori cocoon for dental applications.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical performance of Z350 resin composite modified with Bombyx mori cocoons silk nanoparticles for dental applications. Four experimental groups were analyzed G0% = Filtek Z350 resin composite (control); G1% = Filtek Z350 with 1% of silk nanoparticles; G3% = Filtek Z350 with 3% of silk nanoparticles; G5% = Filtek Z350 with 5% of silk nanoparticles. It was employed scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 3-point flexural strength test, Knoop hardness test, and surface roughness. From 3-point flexural strength tests the control group presented the best results G0% = 113.33 MPa (±23.73). The higher flexural modulus was shown by groups G3% = 29.150 GPa (±5.191) and G5% = 34.101 GPa (±7.940), which are statistically similar. The Knoop microhardness test has shown statistical difference only among the G3% group between the top 80.78 (± 3.00) and bottom 68.80 (±3.62) and no difference between the groups. The roughness test presented no statistical difference between the groups. The incorporation of silk nanoparticles reduced the flexural strength of Z350 resin composite. The surface roughness and microhardness tests showed no changes in any of the groups studied.

Composite resin reinforced with silk nanoparticles from Bombyx mori cocoon for dental applications

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical performance of Z350 resin composite modified with Bombyx mori cocoons silk nanoparticles for dental applications. Four experimental groups were analyzed G0% = Filtek Z350 resin composite (control); G1% = Filtek Z350 with 1% of silk nanoparticles; G3% = Filtek Z350 with 3% of silk nanoparticles; G5% = Filtek Z350 with 5% of silk nanoparticles. It was employed scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 3-point flexural strength test, Knoop hardness test, and surface roughness. From 3-point flexural strength tests the control group presented the best results G0% = 113.33 MPa (±23.73). The higher flexural modulus was shown by groups G3% = 29.150 GPa (±5.191) and G5% = 34.101 GPa (±7.940), which are statistically similar. The Knoop microhardness test has shown statistical difference only among the G3% group between the top 80.78 (± 3.00) and bottom 68.80 (±3.62) and no difference between the groups. The roughness test presented no statistical difference between the groups. The incorporation of silk nanoparticles reduced the flexural strength of Z350 resin composite. The surface roughness and microhardness tests showed no changes in any of the groups studied.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho mecânico da resina composta Z350 modificada com nanopartículas de seda Bombyx mori cocoons para aplicações odontológicas. Quatro grupos experimentais foram analisados: G0%) Resina Z350 apenas (grupo controle); G1%) Reforço com 1% de nanopartículas de seda; G3%) Reforço com 3% de nanopartículas de seda; e G5%) Reforço com 5% de nanopartículas de seda. Foi empregado microscopia eletrônica de varredura, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X, difração de raios X, teste de resistência à flexão de 3 pontos, teste de dureza Knoop e rugosidade superficial. Nos testes de resistência à flexão de 3 pontos o grupo controle apresentou melhores resultados G0% = 0.113 GPa (±0.024). O maior módulo de flexão foi demonstrado pelos grupos G3% = 29.151GPa (±5.191) e G5% = 34.102 GPa (±7.94), que são estatisticamente semelhantes. O teste de microdureza Knoop mostrou diferença estatística apenas entre o grupo G3% entre os 80.78 superiores (± 3.00) e os 68.80 inferiores (±3.62). Não há diferença entre os grupos. O teste de rugosidade não apresentou diferença estatística entre os grupos. A incorporação de nanopartículas de seda reduziu a resistência à flexão da resina composta Z350. Os testes de rugosidade superficial e microdureza não apresentaram alterações em nenhum dos grupos estudados.

Pedagogical concerns of physical therapist professors and their perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic / Preocupaciones pedagógicas del fisioterapeuta-profesor y sus percepciones sobre la pandemia del COVID-19 / Preocupações pedagógicas do fisioterapeuta professor e suas percepções sobre a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT In health professions education, professors usually face some difficulties and concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified these challenges, leading to changes in teaching methods and new concerns. This study aimed to identify undergraduate physical therapy professors' concerns (PC) about the learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical therapists who served as undergraduate physical therapy professors in Brazil answered a questionnaire on PC (Teacher Concerns Questionnaire - TCQ), a sociodemographic profile questionnaire, and an open-ended question on the perception of changes in PC during the pandemic. A total of 187 physical therapist professors completed the questionary and had moderate PC (TCQ 49.6±10.5), with no association with the stage of their teaching career, age, and length of professional training. Participants in continuing education activities had higher PC. Of the participants, 94.1% reported changes in PC resulting from the pandemic. Therefore, professors who participate in continuing education activities are more concerned about the impact of their practice than those who do not participate. At the same time, these concerns seem to have changed during the pandemic.

RESUMEN En la formación de los profesionales de la salud, los docentes suelen experimentar algunas dificultades y preocupaciones. La pandemia del COVID-19 intensificó aún más estos desafíos, por provocar cambios en los métodos de enseñanza, dando lugar a nuevas preocupaciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las preocupaciones de los profesores (PP) de los cursos de graduación en Fisioterapia respecto al ambiente de aprendizaje durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Se invitó a fisioterapeutas que actuaban como profesores en cursos de graduación en Fisioterapia en Brasil a responder un cuestionario sobre las PP (Teacher Concerns Questionnaire, TCQ), sobre el perfil sociodemográfico y la percepción de cambios en PP en relación con la pandemia. Participaron 187 fisioterapeutas profesores que presentaron PP moderadas (TCQ: 49,6±10,5), sin asociación con la etapa de la carrera docente, la edad y el tiempo de formación profesional. Los participantes en actividades de formación continuada en la docencia tuvieron una PP más alta. El 94,1% de los participantes informaron cambios en PP resultantes de la pandemia. Se concluye que los profesores que participan en actividades de formación continuada están más preocupados por el impacto de su práctica. A la vez, estas preocupaciones parecen haber cambiado durante la pandemia.

RESUMO Na formação dos profissionais de saúde, os professores geralmente vivenciam algumas dificuldades e preocupações. A pandemia de COVID-19 amplificou ainda mais esses desafios, acarretando mudanças nos métodos de ensino e gerando novas preocupações. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar quais são as preocupações dos professores (PPs) dos cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia com relação ao ambiente de aprendizagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Fisioterapeutas que atuavam como docentes em cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia no Brasil foram convidados a responder a um questionário de sobre as PPs (Teacher Concerns Questionnaire - TCQ), sobre perfil sociodemográfico e sobre a percepção de mudanças nas PPs devido à pandemia. Participaram 187 fisioterapeutas professores que apresentaram PP moderada (TCQ: 49,6±10,5), sem associação com a fase da carreira docente, a idade ou o tempo de formação. Aqueles que participam de atividades de formação continuada em docência apresentaram maior PP. Alterações nas PPs decorrentes da pandemia foram relatadas por 94,1% dos participantes. Conclui-se que os professores que participam de atividades de formação continuada se preocupam mais com o impacto de sua prática do que os que não participam. Ao mesmo tempo, essas preocupações parecem ter mudado durante a pandemia.

Tratamento de manifestação bucal exacerbada da doença de mão, pé e boca com apdt / Exacerbated oral manifestations of hand, foot and mouth disease: case report / Manifestaciones orales exacerbadas de la enfermedad de manos, pies y boca: reporte de un caso

Introdução: A doença da mão, pé e boca (DMPB) é uma infecção viral contagiosa que afeta principalmente crianças, mas também pode afetar adultos. É causada por diferentes tipos de enterovírus, sendo o CV-A16 e o EV-A71 os mais comuns. A transmissão ocorre pelo contato direto com fluidos corporais infectados ou por meio de objetos contaminados. Apresenta sintomas como febre, dor de garganta, falta de apetite e erupções cutâneas nas mãos, pés e boca. Embora a maioria dos casos seja leve e resolva- se espontaneamente, complicações graves, incluindo problemas neurológicos, podem ocorrer. O diagnóstico geralmente é clínico, com base nos sintomas e nas características das lesões. O tratamento é sintomático, com o uso de analgésicos e antitérmicos para aliviar a dor e a febre. No caso de lesões bucais graves a terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) em combinação com a fotobiomodulação com laser de baixa potência tem sido utilizada como uma abordagem promissora. A aPDT é capaz de eliminar microrganismos, incluindo vírus, independentemente de sua resistência aos antimicrobianos, e a fotobiomodulação auxilia na modulação da resposta inflamatória, alívio da dor e na cicatrização. Os lasers de baixa potência são a fonte de luz mais adequada para a fotoinativação viral, devido à sua interação precisa com o fotossensibilizante e a capacidade de fornecer a energia necessária para o efeito virucida. Metodologia: Relato de caso qualitativo e descritivo. Objetivo: Este relato de caso tem como objetivo descrever o tratamento de lesões bucais graves da DMPB combinando aPDT e fotobiomodulação com laser de baixa potência. Resultados: O tratamento mostrou resultados promissores no alívio dos sintomas e na melhora do quadro clínico. Conclusão: Mesmo em manifestações exacerbadas da doença de mão, pé e boca, podemos notar melhoras significativas nas lesões bucais após a aPDT com azul de metileno em combinação com a fotobiomodulação com laser de baixa potência.

Introduction: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects children, but can also affect adults. It is caused by different types of enterovirus, with CV-A16 and EV-A71 being the most common. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids or through contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, lack of appetite and rashes on the hands, feet and mouth. Although most cases are mild and resolve spontaneously, serious complications, including neurological problems, can occur. Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the symptoms and characteristics of the lesions. Treatment is symptomatic, with the use of analgesics and antipyretics to relieve pain and fever. In the case of severe mouth lesions, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in combination with low-power laser photobiomodulation has been used as a promising approach. aPDT is capable of eliminating microorganisms, including viruses, regardless of their resistance to antimicrobials, and photobiomodulation helps to modulate the inflammatory response, relieve pain and promote healing. Low-power lasers are the most suitable light source for viral photoinactivation, due to their precise interaction with the photosensitizer and their ability to provide the necessary energy for the virucidal effect. Methodology: Qualitative and descriptive case report. Objetive: This case report aims to describe the treatment of severe oral lesions of BPPD by combining aPDT and low-power laser photobiomodulation. Results: The treatment showed promising results in relieving symptoms and improving the clinical picture. Conclusion: Even in exacerbated manifestations of hand, foot and mouth disease, we can see significant improvements in mouth lesions after aPDT with methylene blue in combination with low-power laser photobiomodulation.

Introducción: La enfermedad de manos, pies y boca (EMPB) es una infección vírica contagiosa que afecta principalmente a los niños, aunque también puede afectar a los adultos. Está causada por diferentes tipos de enterovirus, siendo el CV-A16 y el EV-A71 los más comunes. La transmisión se produce por contacto directo con fluidos corporales infectados o a través de objetos contaminados. Los síntomas incluyen fiebre, dolor de garganta, falta de apetito y erupciones en manos, pies y boca. Aunque la mayoría de los casos son leves y se resuelven espontáneamente, pueden producirse complicaciones graves, incluidos problemas neurológicos. El diagnóstico suele ser clínico, basado en los síntomas y las características de las lesiones. El tratamiento es sintomático, con el uso de analgésicos y antipiréticos para aliviar el dolor y la fiebre. En el caso de lesiones bucales graves, la terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana (aPDT) en combinación con la fotobiomodulación láser de baja potencia se ha utilizado como un enfoque prometedor. La aPDT es capaz de eliminar los microorganismos, incluidos los virus, independientemente de su resistencia a los antimicrobianos, y la fotobiomodulación ayuda a modular la respuesta inflamatoria, aliviar el dolor y favorecer la cicatrización. Los láseres de baja potencia son la fuente de luz más adecuada para la fotoinactivación viral, debido a su interacción precisa con el fotosensibilizador y a su capacidad para proporcionar la energía necesaria para el efecto virucida. Metodología: Caso clínico cualitativo y descriptivo. Objetivo: Este caso clínico pretende describir el tratamiento de lesiones orales severas de BPPD mediante la combinación de aPDT y fotobiomodulación con láser de baja potencia. Resultados: El tratamiento mostró resultados prometedores en el alivio de los síntomas y la mejora del cuadro clínico. Conclusión: Incluso en las manifestaciones exacerbadas de la enfermedad de manos, pies y boca, podemos observar mejoras significativas en las lesiones bucales tras la aPDT con azul de metileno en combinación con fotobiomodulación con láser de baja potencia.

Manifestação atípica do herpes zóster em boca: relato de caso / Atypical manifestation of herpes zoster in the mouth: case report / Manifestación atípica de herpes zoster en boca: reporte de caso

O herpes-zóster é uma infecção viral causada pela reativação do vírus da varicela-zóster (VZV) sendo os ramos do nervo trigêmeo afetados em até 20% dos casos. Apresenta-se comumente com dor em queimação e caracteristicamente, o zoster se manifesta como uma erupção vesicular unilateral que aparece na face, cabeça, tronco e até mesmo nas extremidades, variando de lesão leve e de rápida cicatrização à lesões graves e extensas com duração de semanas. Embora se reconheça que o zoster pode ocorrer sem exantema, classicamente apresenta-se como dermátomo unilateral, doloroso e/ou pruriginoso. A terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) tem sido indicada como uma modalidade promissora no tratamento de potenciais lesões infecciosas. Neste trabalho será relatado o caso clínico de um paciente diagnosticado com herpes zóster com manifestação atípica e que recebeu tratamento medicamentoso convencional associado à aPDT.

Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), with the branches of the trigeminal nerve affected in up to 20% of cases. It commonly presents with burning pain and characteristically, zoster manifests as a unilateral vesicular eruption appearing on the face, head, trunk, and even the extremities, ranging from a mild, rapidly healing lesion to severe, extensive lesions lasting up to weeks. Although it is recognized that zoster can occur without rash, it classically presents as a unilateral, painful and/or pruritic dermatome. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been indicated as a promising modality in the treatment of potential infectious lesions. In this work, the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with herpes zoster with atypical manifestation and who received conventional drug treatment associated with aPDT will be reported.

El herpes zóster es una infección vírica provocada por la reactivación del virus de la varicela zóster (VZV), con afectación de las ramas del nervio trigémino hasta en un 20% de los casos. Comúnmente se presenta con dolor ardiente y característicamente, el zoster se manifiesta como una erupción vesicular unilateral que aparece en la cara, la cabeza, el tronco e incluso las extremidades, que van desde una lesión leve que cura rápidamente hasta lesiones graves y extensas que duran semanas. Aunque se reconoce que el herpes zoster puede ocurrir sin exantema, clásicamente se presenta como un dermatoma unilateral, doloroso y/o pruriginoso. La terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana (aPDT) se ha indicado como una modalidad prometedora en el tratamiento de posibles lesiones infecciosas. En este trabajo se reportará el caso clínico de un paciente diagnosticado de herpes zoster con manifestación atípica y que recibió tratamiento farmacológico convencional asociado a TFPa.

Physical activity pattern of patients with interstitial lung disease compared to patients with COPD: A propensity-matched study.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is reduced in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence about the PA pattern of patients with ILD is scarce. If PA of patients with ILD would be comparable to COPD, it is tempting to speculate that existing interventions focusing on enhancing PA could be as effective in ILD as already shown in COPD. Therefore, we aimed to compare PA and the correlates with PA in matched patients with ILD, COPD, and healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ILD (n = 45), COPD (n = 45) and healthy subjects (n = 30) were propensity matched. PA level, pattern, and PA correlations with lung function and physical performance (6-minute walking distance and quadriceps force) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Daily number of steps was similar in both patient groups (mean±SE: 5631±459 for ILD, 5544±547 for COPD, p = 0.900), but significantly lower compared to healthy subjects (10031±536, p<0.001 for both). Mean intensity of PA tended to be lower in the ILD group (mean±SE metabolic equivalents of task per day: 1.41±0.04) compared to COPD (1.52±0.05, p = 0.074) and healthy individuals (1.67±0.04, p<0.001). The pattern of PA over one day was found to be similar between the three groups. Lastly, the correlation between PA and 6-minute walking distance was significantly weaker in patients with ILD compared to patients with COPD (respectively r = 0.348 and r = 0.739; p<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: For a given functional reserve, patients with ILD perform an equal amount of steps but perform PA at lower intensity compared to patients with COPD. Both groups are less active compared to healthy control subjects. Functional exercise capacity was shown to be only moderately related to PA. This can potentially influence the effectiveness of PA interventions that can be expected.

BNT162b2 against COVID-19 in Brazil using a test-negative design: Study protocol and statistical analysis plan.

INTRODUCTION: Real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are needed to validate evidence from randomized clinical trials. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate, in a real-world setting in Brazil, the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 against symptomatic COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications across diverse populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A test-negative case-control study with follow-up of cases is currently being conducted in Toledo, a city in southern Brazil, following a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign with BNT162b2. The study is being conducted among patients aged 12 years or older seeking care in the public health system with acute respiratory symptoms and tested for SARS-CoV-2 on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cases are RT-PCR positive and controls RT-PCR negative. Test-positive cases are prospectively followed through structured telephone interviews performed at 15 days post-enrollment, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Baseline demographic, clinical, and vaccination data are being collected by means of structured interviews and medical registry records reviews at the time of enrollment. All RT-PCR-positive samples are screened for mutations to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the research ethics committee of all participant sites. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRAIL REGISTRATION: Clinicatrials.gov: NCT05052307.

Enhancing glass ionomer cement features by using the calcium phosphate nanocomposite

Abstract This study showed the synthesis of Glass ionomer cements (GIC) modified with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nCaP). The nCaP/GIC were submitted to mechanical compression and diametral tensile tests. The biocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cytotoxicity and cell viability tests were performed on the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)2,5-diphenyl- tetrazolium-bromide assay and LIVE/DEAD assays. Statistically significant differences were observed for mechanical properties (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.001), nCaP/GIC showed higher resistance to compression and diametral traction. The SEM analyses revealed a uniform distribution nCaP in the ionomer matrix. The EDX and XRD results indicated that hydroxyapatite and calcium β-triphosphate phases. The FTIR spectra revealed the asymmetric band of ν3PO43- between 1100-1030cm-1 and the vibration band associated with ν1PO43- in 963cm-1 associated with nCaP. The nCaP/GIC presented response to adequate cell viability and non-cytotoxic behavior. Therefore, the new nCaP/GIC composite showed great mechanical properties, non-cytotoxic behavior, and adequate response to cell viability with promising dental applications.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta a síntese de cimentos de ionômero de vidro (GIC) modificados com nanopartículas de fosfato de cálcio (nCaP). Os nCaP / GIC foram submetidos a ensaios mecânicos de compressão e tração diametral. Os biocompósitos foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios-X (EDX), difração de raios-X (XRD) e espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Os testes de citotoxicidade e viabilidade celular foram realizados em células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea humana usando um ensaio de 3- (4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il) 2,5-difeniltetrazólio-brometo e ensaios LIVE / DEAD. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram observadas para as propriedades mecânicas (Kruskal-Wallis, p <0,001), nCaP / GIC apresentou maior resistência à compressão e tração diametral. As análises de SEM revelaram uma distribuição uniforme de nCaP na matriz do ionômero. Os resultados de EDX e DRX indicaram fases de hidroxiapatita e β-trifosfato de cálcio. Os espectros de FTIR revelaram a banda assimétrica de ν3PO4 3- entre 1100-1030cm-1 e a banda de vibração associada a ν1PO4 3- em 963cm-1 associada a nCaP. O nCaP / GIC apresentou resposta adequada à viabilidade celular e comportamento não citotóxico. Portanto, o novo compósito nCaP / GIC apresentou ótimas propriedades mecânicas, comportamento não citotóxico e resposta adequada à viabilidade celular com promissoras aplicações odontológicas.

Encapsulation of phenolic and antioxidant compounds from spent coffee grounds using spray-drying and freeze-drying and characterization of dried powders.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a coproduct that causes environmental impacts worldwide. Thus, consciously reusing the SCG is an eminent need. This work aimed to encapsulate phenolic compounds and antioxidants obtained from SCG extracts through spray- and freeze-drying techniques using different isolated and combined wall materials. The dried powders produced were evaluated for moisture content, water activity, bulk density, hygroscopicity, color, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, and the results were compared. The results showed that all evaluated treatments resulted in a powdered product with low values of bulk density, moisture and water activity, especially for freeze-drying. The freeze-dried product also showed higher hygroscopicity. Regarding the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, both drying methods showed high levels of these compounds in the dried product and good encapsulation efficiency, reaching 83.43%. In most cases, spray-drying and freeze-drying did not differ statistically (p > 0.05) in relation to bioactive compound content and encapsulation efficiency. In relation to wall materials, albumin showed the worst performance in the retention of bioactive compounds. On the other hand, pure gum arabic combined with maltodextrin led to better preservation of these compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Spent coffee grounds are a coproduct generated in large quantities in the world. The encapsulation of phenolic and antioxidant compounds protects and enables their application in different food matrices. Therefore, the evaluation of different encapsulation methods and wall materials is important to define good process conditions.

Biomechanics of internal connection in mandibular implant-supported prosthesis under effect of loadings and number of implants: A 3D finite element analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The success of bone-implant prostheses depends on several factors, among them an adequate distribution and passive adaptation of occlusal loading. OBJECTIVE: this study evaluated the stress distribution in mandibular implant-supported prosthesis with internal connection morse taper interface, under effect of number of implants (4 or 5) and loadings (bilateral 100 N, bilateral 300 N). MATERIALS AND METHODS: the virtual models were subjected to analysis by 3D finite element method, across four experimental conditions. RESULTS: The stress values were evenly distributed to the peri-implant bone and implants in all simulated conditions. Stress values did not increase in the same proportion as the increase in the applied load (from 100 to 300 N). The stress value was 1.1 times higher on the implants and nearly doubled (1.5-2 times) on the peri-implant bone. CONCLUSION: For mandibular implant-supported prosthesis, the morse taper interface is strongly recommended, with similar mechanical demand for four and five implants in both loading conditions. Five implants offered no additional benefit over four implants. The commercial pure titanium frameworks presented stress values close to the yield strength of the metal, especially at the intersection with the cantilever.

Enhancing glass ionomer cement features by using the calcium phosphate nanocomposite.

This study showed the synthesis of Glass ionomer cements (GIC) modified with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nCaP). The nCaP/GIC were submitted to mechanical compression and diametral tensile tests. The biocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cytotoxicity and cell viability tests were performed on the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)2,5-diphenyl- tetrazolium-bromide assay and LIVE/DEAD assays. Statistically significant differences were observed for mechanical properties (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.001), nCaP/GIC showed higher resistance to compression and diametral traction. The SEM analyses revealed a uniform distribution nCaP in the ionomer matrix. The EDX and XRD results indicated that hydroxyapatite and calcium ß-triphosphate phases. The FTIR spectra revealed the asymmetric band of ν3PO43- between 1100-1030cm-1 and the vibration band associated with ν1PO43- in 963cm-1 associated with nCaP. The nCaP/GIC presented response to adequate cell viability and non-cytotoxic behavior. Therefore, the new nCaP/GIC composite showed great mechanical properties, non-cytotoxic behavior, and adequate response to cell viability with promising dental applications.