Low-cost cold porcelain anatomical models: An affordable complementary teaching tool.

BACKGROUND: Human cadavers are an important component of anatomy education; however, they have limitations. In this scenario, alternative artificial models emerge to complement teaching and enable learning in environments with scarce resources. The following study aims to demonstrate the elaboration of handmade cold porcelain models and their acceptance by medical students in a Brazilian university. APPROACH: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 70 first-year medical students using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The students' evaluation was analysed through an online questionnaire with a Likert scale and an open-ended question. The present study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. Five models were produced with cold porcelain and resin. EVALUATION: Qualitative evaluation highlighted the ease and practicality of the models. Students agree with the idea that the use of cadavers and handmade anatomical pieces contribute to their learning, that the handmade models are very similar to the human body, and they strongly agree that the use of both made it easier to understand the content. However, they also see the models as complementary materials, disagreeing with the idea that they are the best or the only ways to teach. In the word cloud, the words "unreal" and "complement" are often highlighted converging to the idea that was also observed in the quantitative analysis that handmade models are a complementary teaching tool. IMPLICATIONS: Cold porcelain handmade models enable the democratisation of anatomy teaching; hence, they are low-cost, easy to access, and allow the reproducibility of anatomical structures by each student. Anatomical models that emerge, such as handmade models, are an important complement to anatomy education and a solution for places with scarce resources.

Morphological variations on vital systems in a conjoined twin.

Conjoined twins (CTs), popularly referred to as Siamese twins, are a rare anomaly due to monochorionic and monoamniotic twin pregnancies. Dicephalus dibrachius dipus, a type of parapagus conjoined twin which is characterized by possessing two arms, two legs, a single trunk and two heads, epidemiologically, is an even rarer occurrence of CTs. In this article, a rare, well-preserved anatomical specimen of a dicephalus dibrachius dipus conjoined twin is presented. This study was conducted in a specimen which is part of the collection of the Embryology Museum of the institution by donation and approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC). The female conjoined twins were born at full-term by cesarean section in the 1970s and died hours after birth. A thorough anatomical description was made through observational analysis, computed tomography and 3D reconstructed images. Major abnormalities were observed in the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. The internal anatomy exhibited a heart with three atria, two ventricles, two aortic arches, two pulmonary arteries, one innominate venous trunk and a respiratory system with two tracheas and four lungs. No other report was similar to our three atria heart description. This article provides a thorough anatomical description of all systems, which is valuable information for further studies on CTs.

Ligas acadêmicas em saúde: uma revisão sistemática e proposta de checklist norteador de novos estudos / Academic leagues in health: a systematic review and proposed checklist to guide new studies

Resumo Introdução: As ligas acadêmicas (LA) são grupos organizados sem fins lucrativos que seguem os princípios do trinômio universitário (ensino, pesquisa e extensão) por discentes e profissionais orientadores, historicamente presentes em faculdades de Medicina, mas também difundidas em diversos cursos de saúde. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre as LA é limitado. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre as LA de saúde no Brasil, analisar o perfil demográfico e atuação delas no país, e propor concomitantemente um checklist norteador para a redação de relatos de experiência sobre a temática. Método: O estudo consiste em uma revisão sistemática que adotou as orientações do PRISMA e utilizou como banco de dados a BVS e Medline. Realizaram-se a descrição de detalhes das LA, a evolução histórica, o perfil demográfico e a avaliação bibliométrica dos dados obtidos. Além disso, elaborou-se um checklist (Crelas) para orientar novos relatos de experiência de LA. Resultado: Foram selecionados 2.064 estudos, e incluíram-se 74 artigos em 20 anos de análise (2003-2022). O perfil das LA em saúde se alterou com o passar dos anos, chegando ao modelo atual pautado no tripé de atividades. Ainda assim, as LA são heterogêneas no país, concentradas em algumas regiões, especialmente no Sudeste. Ademais, observaram-se uma heterogeneidade dos estudos, ausência de uma revista central e carência de estudos quantitativos uni/multicêntricos que avaliassem o impacto das LA na formação dos estudantes. Conclusão: Ainda são necessários novos estudos sobre essa temática com o propósito de esclarecer a lacuna acerca das atividades desenvolvidas e seus impactos acadêmicos e sociais.

Abstract Introduction: Academic Leagues (ALs) are not-for-profit groups commonly organized by graduate students and advisors in Brazilian universities, that follow the principles of the academic triad (teaching, research, and service). Historically found in medical schools, they have also been widespread in several health courses. However, knowledge about ALs is limited. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review on academic health leagues in Brazil, analyze the demographic profile and performance of ALs in Brazil, proposing concomitantly a checklist guide for the writing of experience reports on the subject. Methods: The study consists of a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and using the BVS Health and Medline databases. Details of ALs, their historical evolution, demographic profile, and bibliometric evaluation of the obtained data were described. In addition, a checklist was developed to guide new reports on AL experiences. Results: A total of 2,064 studies were selected, with 74 articles included in 20 years of analysis (2003-2022). The profile of health ALs has changed over the years, reaching the current model based on the triad of activities. However, ALs are heterogeneous in Brazil, concentrated in some regions, especially in the Southeast. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the studies, absence of a central scientific journal, and lack of quantitative uni/multicentric studies that assess the impact of ALs on student education were observed. Conclusion: New studies within this theme are still necessary to clarify the activities developed and their academic and social impacts.

Anatomia além do laboratório: a história de uma liga acadêmica de anatomia geral / Anatomy beyond the laboratory: the history of an academic league of general anatomy

Introdução: Ligas acadêmicas buscam ampliar a formação médica dos acadêmicos. Representam entidades com autonomia perante a faculdade, desenvolvidas por discentes e supervisionadas por docentes, apoiadas no tripé ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Objetivos: Relatar a experiência de um grupo de estudos em anatomia; descrever a fundação de uma liga acadêmica, elucidando os diversos aspectos que envolveram esse processo, a experiência dos membros, os impasses e os benefícios; ressaltar os trabalhos, principalmente no âmbito científico, desenvolvidos desde sua fundação, em 2019, até 2022; ampliar as informações na literatura sobre o trabalho desenvolvido pelas ligas e exemplificar atividades que tiveram êxito. Método: Estudo descritivo. Em 2018, alunos do primeiro ano do curso de medicina criaram um grupo de estudos de anatomia, buscando aprimoramento técnico-científico. Com a ajuda do docente da disciplina e, em 2019, fundaram a Liga Acadêmica de Anatomia Geral, no Centro Universitário Padre Albino. Resultados: A liga tem possibilitado uma conexão próxima entre os estudantes e a comunidade local, acadêmica e científica. Tornou-se referência na faculdade a partir do suporte à iniciação científica envolvendo alunos desde o primeiro semestre da graduação, com a realização de 11 projetos de pesquisa até agosto de 2022. Conclusão: Ligas acadêmicas de anatomia permitem a intersecção de diversas especialidades médicas, promovendo a especialização precoce e o aperfeiçoando do conhecimento generalista

Introduction: Academic leagues seek to expand the medical training of academics. They represent entities with autonomy before the faculty, developed by students and supervised by teachers, based on the tripod of teaching, research and extension. Objectives: Report the experience of an anatomy study group; describe the founding of an academic league, elucidating the various aspects that involved this process, the members' experience, the impasses and the benefits; highlight the work, mainly in the scientific field, developed since its foundation, in 2019, until 2022; expand information in the literature about the work carried out by the leagues and exemplify activities that were successful. Method: Descriptive study. In 2018, first-year medical students created an anatomy study group, seeking technical-scientific improvement. With the help of the subject teacher and, in 2019, they founded the General Anatomy Academic League, at the Padre Albino University Center. Results: The league has enabled a close connection between students and the local academic and scientific community. It became a reference in the faculty by supporting scientific initiation involving students from the first semester of graduation, with the completion of 11 research projects until August 2022. Conclusion: Anatomy academic leagues allow the intersection of different medical specialties, promoting early specialization and the improvement of generalist knowledge.

Artéria vertebral esquerda anômala ­ relato de caso / Anomalous left vertebral artery ­ case report

Introdução: Os procedimentos cirúrgicos e radiológicos das regiões do tórax e pescoço são frequentes e a identificação precoce de variantes do arco da aorta e especificamente da artéria vertebral ajudam a identificar possíveis obstáculos nesses procedimentos, antes que se tornem um problema. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de variação da artéria vertebral esquerda. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo de um relato de caso sobre artéria vertebral anômala identificada por meio de uma dissecção de rotina. Resultados: Durante o procedimento se observou que o arco da artéria aorta apresentava um ramo arterial emergindo entre a artéria carótida comum esquerda e a artéria subclávia esquerda. Posteriormente, avançando a dissecção para a região cervical, identificou-se que o ramo variável do arco aórtico se tratava da artéria vertebral esquerda, confirmando seu trajeto pelo forame do processo transverso das vértebras cervicais. Conclusão: Dessa forma, torna-se importante apresentar o presente relato de caso da artéria vertebral anômala, bem como discutir as possíveis implicações cirúrgicas, hemodinâmicas e radiológicas do achado. É fundamental o conhecimento das variações anatômicas da artéria vertebral, as quais, possuem relevância cirúrgica, radiológica e hemodinâmica, já que processos patológicos podem ser observados ou negligenciados por métodos de imagem. Assim, podem-se evitar eventuais lesões iatrogênicas baseadas no conhecimento prévio dessa variação

Introduction: Surgical and radiological procedures of the thorax and neck regions are frequent and early identification of variants of the aortic arch and specifically the vertebral artery help to identify possible obstacles in these procedures, before they become a problem. Objective: To report a case of variation of the left vertebral artery. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study of a case report on anomalous vertebral artery identified by routine dissection. Results: During the procedure it was observed that the arch of the aortic artery had an arterial branch emerging between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. Subsequently, advancing the dissection to the cervical region, it was identified that the variable branch of the aortic arch was the left vertebral artery, confirming its path through the foramen of the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae. Conclusion: Thus, it is important to present the present case report of the anomalous vertebral artery, as well as to discuss the possible surgical, hemodynamic and radiological implications of the finding. It is essential to know the anatomical variations of the vertebral artery, which have surgical, radiological and hemodynamic relevance, since pathological processes can be observed or neglected by imaging methods. Thus, one can avoid eventual iatrogenic lesions based on prior knowledge of this variation.

Introducción: Los procedimientos quirúrgicos y radiológicos en las regiones de tórax y cuello son frecuentes y la identificación temprana de variantes del arco aórtico y específicamente de la arteria vertebral ayuda a identificar posibles obstáculos en estos procedimientos, antes de que se conviertan en un problema. Objetivo: Reportar un caso de variación de la arteria vertebral izquierda. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de un reporte de caso sobre una arteria vertebral anómala identificada a través de una disección de rutina. Resultados: Durante el procedimiento se observó que el arco aórtico presentaba una rama arterial que emergía entre la arteria carótida común izquierda y la arteria subclavia izquierda. Posteriormente, avanzando la disección a la región cervical, se identificó que la rama variable del arco aórtico era la arteria vertebral izquierda, confirmándose su trayecto por el foramen de la apófisis transversa de las vértebras cervicales. Conclusión: Por lo tanto, es importante presentar el presente caso clínico de arteria vertebral anómala, así como discutir las posibles implicaciones quirúrgicas, hemodinámicas y radiológicas del hallazgo. Es fundamental conocer las variaciones anatómicas de la arteria vertebral, las cuales tienen relevancia quirúrgica, radiológica y hemodinámica, ya que los procesos patológicos pueden ser observados o despreciados por métodos de imagen. Así, se pueden evitar posibles lesiones iatrogénicas en base al conocimiento previo de esta variación

Congenital morphological patterns of myocardial bridges.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridging (MB) is a coronary anomaly in which a segment of the coronary artery is overlapped by a layer of myocardial tissue. Nowadays, there is no scientific agreement on if the MB are congenital or acquired or on the factors that determine their presence and/or absence. OBJECTIVE: This study is performed to analyze the anatomical characteristics of adult and children's hearts regarding the shape of the left coronary artery branching, presence of pre-bridge arterial branch, coronary dominance and its correlations to MB formation. METHODS: We analyzed 240 adults heart specimens and 63 children's specimens. The frequency of the myocardial bridges (MB) occurrence was performed through observational study of the anatomical specimens. The shape of the left coronary artery (LCA) branching, presence of pre-bridge arterial branch (PBB) and coronary dominance was determined superficial dissection of the epicardial adipose tissue and careful evaluation of the hearts. RESULTS: A relation between the trifurcated pattern of the LCA and the presence of MB (P<0.0001, odds ratio=3.74) was found in adults heart and in children's hearts (P=0.003, odds ratio=16.0), as well as a relation between the presence of PBB and the presence of MB in adult hearts (P<0.0001) and children's hearts (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest for the first time that the myocardial bridges are related to the presence of trifurcation of the left coronary artery and the pre-bridge arterial branch in adult and children's hearts.

Anomalous drainage of the right gonadal vein.

The present research aims to present and describe an unusual and rare anatomical variation in relation to the drainage of the right gonadal vein. This anatomical knowledge is crucial as it assists in the work of surgeons and health professionals in general. The dissection occurred in the anterior wall of the abdomen and, through observational analysis, an anatomical variation was found in the drainage of the right gonadal vein in a human cadaver, obtained by anonymous donation, male gender and without predetermined clinical characteristics, ethnicity, and age, belonging to the Padre Albino University Center collection. This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under protocol 12923919.8.0000.5430. The drainage of right gonadal vein is this variant occurs anastomosed with an innominate venous trunk that empties into the inferior vena cava. Furthermore, the presence of an accessory right renal vein is also noticed, which anastomoses with the innominate venous trunk and with the right renal vein, through a vein suggestively called interrenal, differing from the anatomical normality described in the literature. This variation is supposed to occur due to flaws in the development of the embryo, which generate venous changes in the origins of the right gonadal vein. Acknowledging the existence of it is relevant when performing surgical procedures in the region, as it differs from the most frequent anatomy found in the human population. The rare drainage of the right gonadal vein through an innominate trunk to the inferior vena cava and its importance is highlighted in this article.

Expectativas discentes quanto ao conhecimento teórico-prático oferecido pela liga de endocrinologia e diabetologia / Student expectations regarding the theoretical-practical knowledge offered by the league of endocrinology and diabetology / Expectativas de los estudiantes en relación con los conocimientos teórico-prácticos que ofrece la liga de endocrinología y diabetología

Introdução: As ligas acadêmicas são fundamentais para a formação generalista de discentes de medicina, além de permitirem o contato prévio com conteúdo teórico-prático de determinadas especialidades médicas. Objetivo: Identificar a avaliação e a expectativa dos discentes acerca do trabalho da liga acadêmica de Diabetologia e Endocrinologia da Faculdade de Medicina de Catanduva, e estabelecer novas ideias para os próximos diretores que visem melhorias para o ensino de temas relacionados à essa especialidade na área de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e avaliativo, desenvolvido por meio de questionário on-line. Resultados: Foram obtidas 27 respostas de alunos e ex-alunos de ligas acadêmicas, com idade entre 18 e 24 anos, de ambos os sexos. Resultados: De modo geral, foi demonstrado o interesse em aprender e aprofundar conhecimentos sobre hormônios e o funcionamento do organismo humano. Sobre "o que acharam do aprendizado teórico oferecido pela liga de endocrinologia durante o ano em que participaram", 77,8% responderam que foi "bom", 22,2% "regular" e nenhuma resposta para o quesito "ruim". Em relação ao aprendizado prático, a maioria, sendo 85,2%, respondeu que foi "bom", 14,8% "regular" e nenhuma resposta para a alternativa "ruim". Em sua maioria, as respostas foram positivas quanto à participação das ligas nos ambulatórios de especialidades. Assim, pode-se concluir que a liga acadêmica contribui para o aprofundamento e contato com várias especialidades, auxiliando na formação médica. Conclusão: As ligas acadêmicas se caracterizam por canais que possibilitam oferecer e estimular o desenvolvimento de conhecimentos teórico-práticos sobre diferentes temas, melhorar a comunicação e a interrelação com as diferentes equipes, pacientes e a comunidade, além de auxiliarem os graduandos a obterem uma visão mais ampla do processo saúde-doença.

Introduction: Academic leagues are of fundamental importance for the generalist training of medical students, in addition to allowing prior contact with theoretical and practical content of certain medical specialties. Objective: To identify the evaluation and expectation of students about the work of the academic league of Diabetology and Endocrinology of theFaculty of Medicine of Catanduva, and establish new ideas for the next directors aimed at improving the teaching of topics related to this specialty in the area of teaching, research and extension. Method: This is a descriptive and evaluative study, developed through an online questionnaire. Results: We obtained 27 responses from students and alumni of academic leagues, aged between 18 and 24 years, of both sexes. Results: In general, the interest in learning and deepening knowledge about hormones and the functioning of the human body was demonstrated. About 'what they thought of the theoretical learning offered by the endocrinology league during the year in which they participated', 77.8% answered that it was good``, 22.2% regular`` and no response to the bad``. In relation to practical learning, the majority, being 85.2%, answered that it was good``, 14.8% regular`` and no response to the bad```. Most of the responses were positive regarding the participation of the leagues in the specialty outpatient clinics. Thus, It can be concluded that the academic league contributes to the deepening and contact with various specialties, assisting in medical training. Conclusion: Academic leagues are characterized by channels that make it possible to offer and stimulate the development of theoreticalto improve communication and interrelationship with different teams, patients and the community, as well as helping the undergraduates to obtain a broader view of the health-disease process.

Introducción: Las ligas académicas son fundamentales para la formación general de los estudiantes de medicina, además de permitir un contacto previo con contenidos teóricos y prácticos de determinadas especialidades médicas. Objetivo: Identificar la evaluación y expectativas de los estudiantes sobre el trabajo de la liga académica de Diabetología y Endocrinología de la Faculdade de Medicina de Catanduva, y establecer nuevas ideas para los próximos directores que apunten a mejorar la enseñanza de temas afines a esta especialidad en el área de docencia, investigación y extensión. Método: Este es un estudio descriptivo y evaluativo, desarrollado a través de un cuestionario en línea. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 27 respuestas de alumnos y ex alumnos de ligas académicas, con edades entre 18 y 24 años, de ambos os sexos. Resultados: En general se demostró interés por aprender y profundizar conocimientos sobre las hormonas y el funcionamiento del organismo humano. En cuanto a "lo que les pareció el aprendizaje teórico que les ofreció la liga de endocrinología durante el año que participaron", el 77,8% respondió que fue "bueno", el 22,2% "regular" y no respondió a la pregunta "malo" . En cuanto al aprendizaje práctico, la mayoría, el 85,2%, respondió que era "bueno", el 14,8% "regular" y ninguna respuesta para la alternativa "malo". La mayoría de las respuestas fueron positivas en cuanto a la participación de las ligas en las consultas externas de especialidades. Así, se puede concluir que la liga académica contribuye a la profundización y contacto con diversas especialidades, auxiliando en la formación médica. Conclusión: Las ligas académicas se caracterizan por tener canales que permiten ofrecer y fomentar el desarrollo de conocimientos teórico-prácticos sobre diferentes temas, mejorar la comunicación e interrelación con los diferentes equipos, pacientes y la comunidad, además de ayudar a los estudiantes de pregrado a obtener una visión más amplia. alcance del proceso salud-enfermedad.

Perspectiva da doação voluntária de corpos para utilização no ensino de anatomia: consciência social, disposição e fatores associados / Perspective of voluntary donation of bodies for use in teaching anatomy: Social awareness, disposition and associated factors

Objetivo Apesar da importância de se estudar anatomia humana em peças cadavéricas, a captação de corpos para tais fi ns apresenta-se baixa em todo o mundo. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo objetivou verifi car o conhecimento e a perspectiva dos indivíduos em doar o corpo cadavérico para fi ns educacionais. Adicionalmente, objetivou-se conhecer os fatores socioculturais que infl uenciam a doação voluntária do corpo cadavérico. Métodos Para a coleta dos dados, foram aplicados cem questionários em indivíduos adultos, com idade entre 18 e 70 anos, de ambos os sexos e residentes na cidade de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Os resultados mostraram que 65% dos entrevistados conheciam a possibilidade de doação do corpo cadavérico; entretanto, 95% não sabiam quais eram os procedimentos necessários para tanto. No mais, 25% dos entrevistados responderam que tinham disponibilidade de doar, observando-se uma associação estatística entre o grau de escolaridade (nível superior) e a disponibilidade de doação (p=0,003). Conclusão Conclui-se que os voluntários entrevistados apresentam baixa aptidão em doar o próprio corpo cadavérico. Além disso, evidenciou-se que os voluntários não sabem quais são os procedimentos exigidos para uma possível doação. Adicionalmente, conclui-se que o nível de escolaridade está diretamente relacionado à disponibilidade de doação.

Objective Despite the importance of studying human anatomy in cadaveric parts, the capture of cadaveric bodies for such purposes is low throughout the world. The present study aimed to verify the knowledge and perspective of individuals in donating their cadaveric body for educational purposes. Additionally, we aimed at understanding the sociocultural factors that influence the voluntary donation of the cadaveric body. Methods For the data collection process, 100 questionnaires were applied to adult individuals, aged 18 to 70 years, of both genders and residents of the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Results The results showed that 65% of the interviewees were aware of the possibility of cadaveric body donation; however, 95% did not know what procedures were necessary for donation. Besides, 25% of the respondents said they were willing to donate. Among them, there was a statistical association between the level of schooling (higher level) and donation willingness (p=0.003). Conclusion It is concluded that the volunteers interviewed have low ability to donate their own cadaveric body. In addition, it was shown that volunteers do not know what procedures are required for a potential donation. It was found that the level of schooling is directly associated with the availability of donation.

Checking the shape and lobation of the right atrial appendage in view of their clinical relevance.

Clinically, anatomy of the appendage of the atrium is associated with atrial fibrillation, with the shape and lobation of the appendage having been used to stratify the risk of thromboembolic events. The aim of this study was to examine the age-dependent change in the shape and lobation of the right atrial appendage. A cross-sectional evaluation of the heart of 172 adults and 61 children, fixed in 4% formalin solution was performed. The morphology of the atrial appendage was assessed based on its shape and number of lobes. The following shapes of the appendage were identified: horse head, parrot beak, anvil, sailboat, and undefined. Using the horse head shape as a reference, the risk for a thromboembolic event was higher for anvil, sailboat and undefined shapes of the appendage (p < 0.001). The number of lobes ranged between 1 and 6 in adults, and 1 and 5 in children. The number of lobes for each shape was equivalent between adults and children (p > 0.05). Our analysis indicated that the number of lobes and the distribution of shapes of the atrial appendage remained unchanged throughout life. The risk for a thromboembolic event increased with the morphological complexity of the appendage (anvil, sailboat, and undefined), with 21% of adult hearts being prone to intra-atrial thrombosis in cases of fibrillation.

Low-level laser therapy stimulates tissue repair and reduces the extracellular matrix degradation in rats with induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint.

The objective of this study was to characterize morphological and biochemistry action of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups with 12 animals each: (AG) group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ and (LG) group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ and treated with LLLT (830 nm, 30 mW, 3 J/cm(2)). Right TMJs in the AG group were used as noninjected control group (CG). Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of 50 µl Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and LLLT began 1 week after arthritis induction. Histopathological analysis was performed using sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Toluidine Blue, and picrosirius. Biochemical analysis was determined by the total concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t tests, with p < 0.05. Compared to AG, LG had minor histopathological changes in the TMJ, smaller thickness of the articular disc in the anterior (p < 0.0001), middle (p < 0.0001) and posterior regions (p < 0.0001), high birefringence of collagen fibers in the anterior (p < 0.0001), middle (p < 0.0001) and posterior regions (p < 0.0001) on the articular disc, and statistically lower activity of MMP-2 latent (p < 0.0001), MMP-2 active (P = 0.02), MMP-9 latent (p < 0.0001), and MMP-9 active (p < 0.0001). These results suggest that LLLT can increase the remodeling and enhancing tissue repair in TMJ with induced arthritis.

Joint immobilization: effects on muscular tissue of obese and malnourished mice / Imobilização articular: efeitos sobre o tecido muscular de camundongos obesos e desnutridos

Abstract Although it is a widely used resource for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, immobilization causes deleterious effects in muscle tissue after a short period of time. This study aimed to evaluate the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles of obese and protein malnourished animals under joint immobilization condition. Overall, 28 adult male mice were used (C57 / BL6), being divided into four groups (N = 7): Control Group (CG), Immobilized Control Group (ICG), Immobilized Obese Group (IOG) and Immobilized Malnourished Group (IMG). The immobilization protocol was performed by the use of adhesive tape and plaster. The conditions and obesity and protein malnutrition have been developed through the ingestion of diets specific for each group of animals. The histomorphometric analysis of muscles evaluated area and the diameter of muscle fibers. All immobilized groups showed reduction in the area and diameter of muscle fibers when compared to GC. Comparisons among immobilized groups showed that the area and diameter of muscle fibers of IOG and IMG were lower than ICG. The immobilization protocol caused reduction in muscle trophism in animals, and obese and malnourished animals suffered high losses under condition of muscle atrophy.

Resumo Embora seja um recurso muito utilizado para tratamento de lesões musculoesqueléticas, a imobilização causa efeitos deletérios no tecido muscular após curto período de tempo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os músculos gastrocnêmio e tibial anterior de animais obesos e desnutridos proteicamente sob a condição de imobilização articular. Foram utilizados 28 camundongos (C57/BL6) machos adultos, distribuídos em quatro grupos (N=7): Grupo controle (GC), Grupo Controle Imobilizado (GCI), Grupo Obeso imobilizado (GOI) e Grupo Desnutrido Imobilizado (GDI). O protocolo de imobilização foi realizado por meio da utilização de tiras de esparadrapo e faixa gessada. As condições de obesidade e desnutrição proteica foram desenvolvidas por meio da ingestão de dietas específicas para cada grupo de animais. A análise histomorfométrica dos músculos avaliou a área e o diâmetro das fibras musculares. Todos os grupos imobilizados apresentaram redução na área e no diâmetro das fibras musculares quando comparados ao GC. As comparações entre os grupos imobilizados mostraram que os valores do diâmetro e área de fibras dos grupos GOI e GDI foram menores do que o GCI. O protocolo de imobilização provocou redução do trofismo muscular nos animais estudados e os animais obesos e desnutridos sofreram prejuízo elevado na condição de atrofia muscular.

Effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid on induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in rats.

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) has been used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, but controversial results have been described. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and biochemical actions of HMWHA on induced arthritis of the TMJ. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used, and arthritis of the TMJ was induced through an intra-articular injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) (50 µl). One week after arthritis induction, the animals were treated with HMWHA (once per week for three weeks). Histological analyses were performed using sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue and Picrosirius. Were also performed histomorphometric analysis and birefringence of collagenous fibers (polarization microscopy). Biochemical analyses of TMJ tissues were carried out through measurements of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and zymography for evaluation of metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and unpaired t-test, with a 5% significance level. HMWHA reduced histologic changes and thickness of the articular disc, led to a greater arrangement of collagenous fibers, lower concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and lower activity in all isoforms of MMP-2 and -9 in TMJs with induced arthritis. These findings suggest that HMWHA may exert a protective effect on the TMJ.

Fotopolimerizaçäo: principais variáveis clínicas que podem interferir no processo / Light curing: main clinical variables that can interfere with the process

Este trabalho propôs-se a discutir as principais variáveis que podem interferir no processo de fotopolimerizaçäo por luz visível, com o objetivo de alertar os cirurgiöes-dentistas para a necessidade de um constante controle clínico, näo só pela observaçäo da técnica incremental, mas, principalmente, através da monitoraçäo da quantidade de energia luminosa empregada no processo de fotopolimerizaçäo. Nesse contexto, foi realizado um experimento em que se avaliou a interferência da distância da fonte de luz e da cor e espessura de incrementos de uma resina composta fotopolimerizável na quantidade de energia luminosa disponível para o processo de polimerizaçäo. Pôde-se comprovar, por um lado, a grande relevância dos citados fatores e, por outro, o seu fácil controle clínico