Upper motor neuron signs in primary lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The frequency and distribution of upper motor neuron (UMN) signs in primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are unknown. We aimed to study the spectrum of UMN signs in PLS and compare it with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the frequency of different UMN signs, including hyperreflexia (limbs and jaw), limb and tongue spasticity, Babinski, and Hoffman signs, in PLS patients at first observation and compared this respect to onset region and symptom duration. We also compared PLS versus HSP patients. RESULTS: We included 34 PLS and 20 HSP patients, with a median symptom duration at first visit of 3.0 (interquartile range, IQR = 4.0) and 19.0 (IQR = 22.0) years, respectively. In PLS patients, hyperreflexia of upper (UL) (88.2%) and lower (LL) (91.2%) limbs, and LL spasticity (79.4%) were the most common findings. Spasticity of LL was significantly (p = .012) more frequent in LL-spinal onset subgroup, tongue spasticity in bulbar-onset subgroup (p = .021), and Hoffman sign in UL-spinal onset subgroup (p = .024). The PLS subgroup with shorter disease duration had a higher frequency of abnormal jaw jerk reflex (p = .037). Compared with HSP, PLS patients had a higher frequency of UL hyperreflexia (88.2% vs. 42.1%, p < .001) and UL spasticity (44.1% vs. 0.0%, p < .001). Asymmetric distribution of UMN signs was present in PLS and not in HSP. DISCUSSION: In PLS, UL UMN signs are nearly always present and UMN sign distribution appears to be associated with onset region. At first observation, bulbar involvement, asymmetrical distribution of UMN signs and UL spasticity may indicate PLS versus HSP.

Gender Disparities in the Academic Performance of Neurology Residents in Portugal.

Implicit bias has been linked to gender disparities in medical careers, impacting not only access to leadership positions but also early career opportunities. We aimed to evaluate if there were differences in the assessment of Neurology residents according to gender. We collected publicly available grades and rankings of two major evaluations that residents are submitted to, one at the beginning and another at the end of the neurology residency program, the National Board Exam and neurology examination, respectively. The National Board Examination is a multiple-choice gender-blinded evaluation, while the neurology examination is an oral gender-unblinded evaluation. We found that 36.5% of women and 21.6% of men were in the first quartile of the National Board Examination ranking, which reflects a similar representation among top classifications when assessed through a gender-blinded examination. On the other hand, the percentage of men who were in the top classification of NE, a gender-unblinded evaluation, was more than twice as high compared to women (37.8% vs 18.3%, p < 0.05). The findings of the present study may imply that there could be a disparity in women's career progression among neurology residents in Portugal, although the recruitment seems balanced between genders.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in adults.

Difficult airway management represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report with updated recommendations for the management of difficult airway in adults. These recommendations were developed based on the consensus of a group of expert anesthesiologists, aiming to provide strategies for managing difficulties during tracheal intubation. They are based on evidence published in international guidelines and opinions of experts. The report underlines the essential steps for proper difficult airway management, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and maintaining arterial oxygenation. Additional strategies for using advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices, are discussed. The report considers recent advances in understanding crisis management, and the implementation seeks to further patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. The recommendations are outlined to be uncomplicated and easy to implement. The report underscores the importance of ongoing education, training in realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest technologies available.

Body Adiposity Index (BAI) as a predictor of body fat in an oldest old and independent Brazilian elderly cohort.

Background: Anthropometry and body mass index (BMI) do not assess body composition or its distribution in older adults; thus, individuals may have different fat percentages but similar BMI values. The body adiposity index (BAI) was recently proposed as a feasible and inexpensive method for estimating the percentage of body fat based on measurements of hip circumference and height. Objectives: The present study evaluated whether BAI and BMI are useful alternatives to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is rarely used in clinical practice, for predicting body fat in independent long-lived older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used DXA to calculate the percentage of body fat, which was compared with BAI and BMI values. We performed Pearson correlation analyses and used Cronbach's alpha, described by Bland and Altman, to compare the reliability between the indexes. Results: Among 157 evaluated individuals (73.2% women, mean age 87 years, ± 3.57), men had a lower percentage of total fat, as assessed by DXA, and lower BAI indices than women. The correlation between BAI and DXA was moderate (r = 0.59 for men and r = 0.67 for women, p < 0.001). We confirmed the reliability based on Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.67 in men and 0.77 in women. We also observed that the BAI was strongly positively correlated with BMI in both men and women. Conclusion: The BAI, used in combination with BMI, can be an alternative to DXA for the assessment of body fat in the oldest old in clinical practice, mainly women, and can be used to add information to BMI.

Relationship of protein, calcium and vitamin D consumption with body composition and fractures in oldest-old independent people.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Some studies state that the protein intake has a protective effect against bone mass loss, while others show that the combination of low calcium intake and high protein consumption increases the risk of fractures. Perhaps this phenomenon is also altered by the consumption of vitamin D after the age 80 years. This study aimed to identify if there is an association of protein, calcium and vitamin D intake with body composition and fractures in community dwelling 80 years or older independent people. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational analytic study. We invited community dwelling 80 years or older independent people, with chronic diseases under control, according to the scientific guidelines. The food intake was obtained through a one-day food record (FR) and Avanutri software (4.1 version) was used to calculate the intake of total calories, calcium, protein, and other food nutrients. The body composition and bone densitometry were evaluated by whole-body Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The morphometric vertebral fractures were assessed through conventional X-ray of the vertebral, level T4 to L4, on side face position - semi quantitative technique. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine 80 years or older independent people, mean age 87.0 ± 3.9 years old were studied. The mean calcium intake was 834.6 ± 374.7 mg/day and vitamin D was 6.1 ± 24.3 µg/day, in both cases they were complemented by supplements to reach the recommendations. The mean protein intake was 72.9 ± 26.8 g/day, we found that 48.4% had low muscle mass; there was a frequency of 45.3% of osteoporosis; and vertebral fractures in 24.7% of them. The estimates of the logistic regression model with the outcome variable obesity and low muscle mass with reference to "low muscle mass" showed that the 80 years or older independent people who have a fracture are more likely to be obese with low muscle mass compared to those with only low muscle mass. CONCLUSION: In the studied population of 80 years or older independent people, we observed that among all the nutrients studied, only dietary protein per g/kg/day was associated with body composition and bone mineral density, but not with fracture, although the elderly who have fracture are more likely to be obese with low muscle mass compared to those not obese with low muscle mass. More studies about nutrients intakes and its relationship with muscle and bone health in this population is necessary.

Adjunctive Statin Therapy in Patients with Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of adjunctive statin therapy in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains uncertain. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to late April 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing statin versus no statin use in patients hospitalized with Covid-19. We pooled risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) applying a random-effects model. R version 4.3.1 was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: We included 7 RCTs comprising 4,262 patients, of whom 2,645 (62%) were randomized to receive statin therapy. Compared with no statin, statin use significantly reduced case-fatality rate (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.98; I2 = 0%). In a time-to-event analysis, we found similar results (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75-0.99; I2 = 0%). Statin use also significantly reduced World Health Organization (WHO) scale at 14 days (mean difference -0.27; 95% CI -0.54 to -0.01; I2 = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in length of hospital stay, elevation of liver enzymes, and C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients hospitalized with Covid-19, statins significantly reduced case-fatality rate and WHO scale score. REGISTRATION: A prospective register was recorded in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the number CRD42023479007.

Detection of Arsenophonus in Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) populations in Brazil.

Eucalyptus is the most intensively managed tree genus in the world. Different factors, including damage by insect pests, affect its growth and productivity. Among these pests is Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an exotic insect of Australian origin. The evolutionary success of this insect depends on symbiotic associations with microorganisms. The influence of these microorganisms on insect pests and their natural enemies is important for integrated management tactics. Within this context, this work aimed to detect Arsenophonus in populations of G. brimblecombei in Brazil. Eucalyptus branches infested with G. brimblecombei nymphs were collected in commercial eucalyptus plantations in six Brazilian states. Specimens of this pest were sampled soon after emergence and frozen for molecular analysis. The genomic DNA of G. brimblecombei adults from each population was extracted and used to detect the endosymbiont Arsenophonus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers that target its 23 S rRNA gene. This endosymbiont was identified in all of the studied G. brimblecombei populations. This is the first report on the association between Arsenophonus and G. brimblecombei in Brazil.

Vitamin A Nutritional Status and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

The role of vitamin A in the pathophysiological context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a current challenge, given the major impact of COVID-19 on morbidity and mortality and the importance of retinol in pulmonary and immunomodulatory functions. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between vitamin A nutritional status and clinical outcomes in people with COVID-19. The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were used to search for observational studies that assessed retinol levels in hospitalized individuals with COVID-19, following the PRISMA recommendations. A total of 1,912 articles were identified and seven met the inclusion criteria. Four studies showed borderline or deficient retinol blood levels (retinol <0.20 mg/L or <0.70 mol/L) in people with COVID-19, associated with worsened clinical outcomes. In the other three studies lower mean values of this vitamin were identified in COVID-19 symptomatic groups compared to asymptomatic or convalescent groups that showed worse clinical outcomes. The results suggest a possible association between retinol and COVID-19 outcomes. However, there is a clear need to develop clinical trials to elucidate the role of vitamin A in the pathophysiological process of COVID-19.

A cisheteronormatividade e a diversidade dos arranjos familiares: considerações à Terapia de Família Sistêmica / Cisheteronormativity and the diversity of family arrangements: considerations for Systemic Family Therapy / Cisheteronormatividad y diversidad de arreglos familiares: consideraciones para la Terapia de Família Sistêmica

INTRODUÇÃO: Neste artigo, buscamos articular questões referentes à Terapia de Família Sistêmica (TFS), estudos de sexualidade e gênero, perspectiva decolonial e interseccionalidade. Expomos como podemos pensar a partir destas problematizações as experiências familiares de pessoas que se situam no avesso ou nas margens da cisheteronormatividade e discutir sobre a diversidade que compõe a família, para além de uma visão restritiva deste termo. OBJETIVO: Fazer uma crítica construtiva à TFS, apontando o apagamento que esta disciplina possui em relação às vivências de pessoas LGBTQIAP+ (lésbicas, gays, transexuais e travestis, queer, intersexo, assexuais, pansexuais e demais orientações sexuais e identidades de gênero). METODOLOGIA: O artigo possui caráter ensaístico e sustentado em um material empírico oriundo de entrevistas de caráter biográfico/trajetórias de vida. Propomos aqui a perspectiva queer e decolonial, aliada à interseccionalidade como estratégia de análise de histórias de vida a fim de compreender os arranjos familiares de mulheres lésbicas, bissexuais e pansexuais. RESULTADOS: As entrevistadas demonstraram múltiplas realidades, baseando-se tanto em vivências de violência quanto de aceitação em suas famílias de origem, focando suas jornadas na construção de laços de apoio com suas famílias escolhidas, criando relações de irmandade entre amigas. CONCLUSÕES: A TFS poderia ampliar seu olhar e escrita sobre a população LGBTQIAP+, utilizando-se da decolonialidade/perspectiva queer e interseccionalidade como potente guia de análise das relações familiares, visto que as histórias de vida dessas mulheres concentram-se em lidar com discriminações e desafios associados aos seus diversos marcadores sociais da diferença.

INTRODUCTION: In this essay, the following themes will be analyzed: Systemic Family Therapy (SFT), sexuality and gender studies, women, and intersectionality. We expose how these themes combine in the family experiences of people who are on the other side or the margins of cisheteronormativity and discuss the diversity that makes up the family, beyond a restrictive view of this term. OBJECTIVE: Make a constructive criticism of TFS, pointing out the erasure that this discipline has in relation to the experiences of LGBTQIAP+ people (lesbians, gays, transsexuals and transvestites, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other sexual orientations and gender identities). We propose intersectionality as a strategy for analyzing life stories to understand the family arrangements of lesbian, bisexual and pansexuals women. METHODOLOGY: This essay is based on empirical material from biographical interviews/life trajectories. We propose here intersectionality as a strategy for analyzing life stories to understand the family arrangements of lesbian, bisexual and pansexual women. RESULTS: The interviewees demonstrated multiple realities, based on both experiences of violence and acceptance in their families of origin. And focusing their journeys on building supportive bonds with their chosen families, creating sisterhood relationships between friends. CONCLUSIONS: TFS could broaden its view and writing about the LGBTQIAP+ population, using intersectionality as a powerful guide for analyzing family relationships. Since these women's life stories focus on dealing with discrimination and challenges associated with their various social markers of difference.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En este artículo se analizan los siguientes temas: Terapia Familiar Sistémica (TFS), estudios de sexualidad y género, mujer e interseccionalidad. Exponemos cómo estos temas se conjugan en las experiencias familiares de personas que están del otro lado o en los márgenes de la cisheteronormatividad y discutimos la diversidad que conforma la familia, más allá de una visión restrictiva de este término. OBJETIVO: Hacer una crítica constructiva a TFS, señalando la borradura que tiene esta disciplina en relación a las vivencias de las personas LGBTQIAP+ (lesbianas, gays, transexuales y travestidos, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual y otras orientaciones sexuales e identidades de género). METODOLOGÍA: El artículo tiene carácter ensayístico y se basa en material empírico de entrevistas de carácter biográfico/trayectorias de vida. Proponemos aquí la interseccionalidad como estrategia de análisis de las historias de vida para comprender los arreglos familiares de mujeres lesbianas, bisexuales y pansexuales. RESULTADOS: Los entrevistados evidenciaron múltiples realidades, basadas tanto en experiencias de violencia como de aceptación en sus familias de origen. Y enfocando sus viajes en construir lazos de apoyo con sus familias elegidas, creando relaciones de hermandad entre amigos. CONCLUSIONES: TFS podría ampliar su visión y escritura sobre la población LGBTQIAP+, utilizando la interseccionalidad como una poderosa guía para analizar las relaciones familiares. Dado que las historias de vida de estas mujeres se centran en lidiar con la discriminación y los desafíos asociados con sus diversos marcadores sociales de diferencia.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in adults

Abstract Difficult airway management represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report with updated recommendations for the management of difficult airway in adults. These recommendations were developed based on the consensus of a group of expert anesthesiologists, aiming to provide strategies for managing difficulties during tracheal intubation. They are based on evidence published in international guidelines and opinions of experts. The report underlines the essential steps for proper difficult airway management, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and maintaining arterial oxygenation. Additional strategies for using advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices, are discussed. The report considers recent advances in understanding crisis management, and the implementation seeks to further patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. The recommendations are outlined to be uncomplicated and easy to implement. The report underscores the importance of ongoing education, training in realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest technologies available.

Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho (QVT) e sintomas osteomusculares em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Quality of Work Life (QWL) and the musculoskeletal symptoms in Community Health Workers

INTRODUÇÃO: O Agente Comunitário em Saúde, em seu ambiente de trabalho, lida com vários desafios, tais como: as inúmeras tarefas, a exigência de produtividade, a falta de recursos, os conflitos interpessoais e as condições salariais inadequadas, implicando assim em sobrecarga física e mental, aspectos que podem repercutir na qualidade de vida e no aparecimento de distúrbios osteomusculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho (QVT) e a presença dos sintomas osteomusculares dos Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com amostragem por conveniência, cujos participantes foram os ACS atuantes nas Unidades de Saúde da Família do Segundo Distrito Sanitário de Saúde em Maceió - Alagoas. Coletou-se os dados por meio dos seguintes instrumentos: questionário sociodemográficos; questionário de avaliação da qualidade de vida no trabalho (QWLQ-bref); e o questionário de sintomas osteomusculares (QNSO). RESULTADOS: Participaram 38 ACS, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (86,8%). Obtiveram um escore médio de QVT de 59,84, o que representa uma posição de satisfação. Já na análise por domínios, o pessoal, psicológico e físico também se encontram na faixa de satisfação, exceto o domínio profissional com escore de 53,44, classificado como neutro. Em relação aos sintomas osteomusculares, o pescoço (55,3%) e a coluna lombar (47,4%) foram as regiões mais acometidas nos últimos 12 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo, sinalizam a necessidade de adoção de melhorias nas condições de trabalho, tanto no sentido de repensar as questões que repercutem na QVT quanto no manejo dos problemas musculoesqueléticos.

INTRODUCTION: The Community Health Agent, in their work environment, deals with several challenges, such as the numerous tasks, the demand for productivity, the lack of resources, interpersonal conflicts and inadequate salary conditions, thus implying physical and mental overload; aspects that can affect the quality of life and the onset of musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the Quality of Life at Work (QWL) and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in Community Health Agents (CHA). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, with convenience sampling, in which the participants were the CHA servers working in the Family Health Units of the Second Health Health District in Maceió - Alagoas. Data were collected using the following instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire; a quality of work life assessment questionnaire (QWLQ-bref); and the musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire (QNSO). RESULTS: Thirty-eight CHAs participated, most of them female (86.8%). It was obtained an average QWL score of 59.84, which represents a satisfactory position. In the analysis by domains, the personal, psychological and physical are also in the range of satisfaction, except for the professional domain with a score of 53.44, classified as neutral. Regarding musculoskeletal symptoms, the neck (55.3%) and lumbar spine (47.4%) were the most affected regions in the last 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the need to adopt improvements in working conditions, both in the sense of rethinking the issues that affect QWL, as well as in the management of musculoskeletal problems.

Voltage-gated sodium channels gene expression in Burning Mouth Syndrome: a case-control study

Abstract Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition characterized by painful symptoms of the oral mucosa, despite the absence of any clinical signs. Its etiology is unknown, and there is still no effective treatment to date. Current evidence has shown neuropathic impairment in BMS patients. Neuropathic pain can be related to the dysfunction of voltage-gated sodium channels, considering that these receptors regulate the induction of action potentials in nociceptive neurons. This study evaluated the gene expression of voltage-gated sodium channels Na v 1.7, Na v 1.8 and Na v 1.9 in these patients. The gene expressions of these channels were assessed by real time RT-PCR analysis of fresh-frozen tongue biopsies in a case-control study composed of 12 patients with BMS, and 5 healthy control patients, proportionally matched by sex and age, and analyzed using the 2^(-Delta Delta CT) method. There was no statistically significant difference between the analyzed groups, despite the increase in Na v 1.7 (fold-change = 3.13, p = 0.52) and decrease in Na v 1.9 (fold-change = 0.45, p = 0.36) gene expression in the BMS group. The Na v 1.8 gene was not expressed in any of the samples analyzed. Although the gene expression in the voltage-gated sodium channels in BMS under study seems to be comparable with that of the normal oral mucosa, the functionality of these channels in BMS has not yet been identified, thus suggesting that further research is needed to better understand these voltage-gated sodium channels.

Análise do impacto econômico do absenteísmo em um hospital público durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Analysis of the economic impact of absenteeism in a public hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Com a pandemia da COVID-19, uma grande quantidade dos profissionais da saúde adoeceu e se afastou do trabalho. Este estudo objetivou estimar o custo desses afastamentos em um hospital público brasileiro e ajudou a identificar as falhas nos processos de trabalho que levaram ao absenteísmo. É uma avaliação econômica parcial, descritiva, retrospectiva, quantitativa, com dados coletados de prontuários médicos, sobre os custos diretos dos afastamentos. A amostra foi de 793 servidores e 2.166 registros de atestados médicos, de março a dezembro de 2020. Observou-se que: o custo total dos afastamentos foi de R$ 2.603.017,95. As doenças virais representaram o maior custo, seguidas dos problemas relacionados à saúde mental. Os técnicos de enfermagem foram os profissionais que causaram o maior impacto nos afastamentos (27,21%). Portanto, a pesquisa gerou indicadores importantes para nortear os gestores na alocação de recursos e na tomada de decisões durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of healthcare professionals became ill and were away from work. This study aimed to estimate the cost of these absences in a Brazilian public hospital and helped to identify the flaws in work processes that led to absenteeism. It is a partial, descriptive, retrospective, quantitative economic evaluation, with data collected from medical records, on the direct costs of sick leave. The sample consisted of 793 employees and 2.166 medical certificate records, from March to December 2020. It was observed that: the total cost of leaves was R$ 2.603.017,95. Viral diseases represented the highest cost, followed by problems related to mental health. Nursing technicians were the professionals who caused the greatest impact on sick leave (27.21%). Therefore, the research generated important indicators to guide managers in resource allocation and decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a classical case report / Síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal: relato de caso clássico

ABSTRACT The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome constitutes a rare manifestation characterized by a triad of signs and symptoms: recurrent orofacial edema, fissured tongue, and recurrent facial paralysis. The difficulty in diagnosing Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is that orofacial edema is common to various diseases besides the lack of awareness of the syndrome by health professionals and the frequent metachronous manifestation of its symptomatology. The aim of this report is to present a classical case of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and its clinical and therapeutic approach. A patient who sought for assistance at the Stomatology Clinic presented a synchronous manifestation of the triad: a left lip and cheek nonpitting edema accompanied by facial paralysis on the same side and fissured tongue. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome was diagnosed due to the presence of the triad of signs and symptoms after initially ruling out Crohn's disease, Sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis due to a lack of intestinal or respiratory complaints and absence of other clinical evidence. The treatment administered was steroids, the most common treatment with a satisfied prognosis we found in the literature for Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome patients. We recommend its implementation intralesional injections of betamethasone dipropionate as after four infiltrations the edema subsided by 80% with no further relapses within one-year follow-up.

RESUMO A síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal constitui uma manifestação rara caracterizada por uma tríade de sinais e sintomas: edema orofacial recorrente, língua fissurada e paralisia facial recorrente. A dificuldade no diagnóstico da síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal é que o edema orofacial é comum a diversas doenças, além do desconhecimento da síndrome pelos profissionais de saúde e da frequente manifestação metacrônica de sua sintomatologia. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar um caso clássico de síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal e sua abordagem clínica e terapêutica. Paciente procurou atendimento no Ambulatório de Estomatologia apresentando manifestação sincrônica da tríade: edema não depressível em lábio e bochecha esquerdos acompanhado de paralisia facial do mesmo lado e língua fissurada. A síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal foi diagnosticada devido à presença da tríade de sinais e sintomas após a exclusão inicial de doença de Crohn, sarcoidose e tuberculose por ausência de queixas intestinais ou respiratórias e ausência de outras evidências clínicas. O tratamento administrado foi o esteroide, sendo o tratamento mais comum com prognóstico satisfatório que encontramos na literatura para pacientes com SRM. Recomendamos a aplicação de injeções intralesionais de dipropionato de betametasona, pois após quatro infiltrações o edema cedeu em 80% sem novas recidivas em um ano de seguimento.

Inclusion of men in health services and educational activities: the fathers' perceptions / Inclusión de los hombres en servicios de salud y actividades educativas: percepción de los padres / Inclusão de homens em serviços de saúde e atividades educativas: percepção dos pais

ABSTRACT Objective: To learn about the perception of fathers regarding their inclusion in health services and/or educational activities. Method: Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study addressing 22 fathers participating in a group of pregnant women in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: The following categories emerged from the participants' reports: fathers' perceptions regarding their presence in health services and fathers' perceptions regarding their participation in the group of pregnant women. Additionally, they provided contributions and suggestions regarding their experiences with the group's meetings. Conclusion: The participants felt excluded from the services, which shows that health intervention strategies need to be (re)constructed to implement actions that include fathers as active participants in care, so they recognize the importance of their role in healthy human development.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer la percepción del padre sobre su inclusión en los servicios de salud y/o actividades educativas. Método: Estudio cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo, realizado con 22 padres participantes de un grupo de gestantes, en la ciudad de Rio Grande/RS. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y analizados mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: De los discursos de los participantes surgieron las siguientes categorías: percepción de los padres sobre su presencia en los servicios de salud; percepción de los padres sobre su participación en el grupo de gestantes y aportes y sugerencias a través de sus experiencias en la participación en los encuentros. Conclusión: Los participantes se sintieron excluidos de los servicios, lo que demuestra que las estrategias de intervención en salud necesitan ser (re)construidas, con el objetivo de implementar acciones que incluyan al padre como participante activo en el cuidado, reconociendo su relevancia para el desarrollo humano saludable.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção dos pais sobre a sua inclusão nos serviços de saúde e/ou em atividades educativas. Método: Estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, realizado com 22 pais participantes de um grupo de gestantes, no município do Rio Grande/RS. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevista semiestruturada e analisados pela técnica da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: A partir dos discursos dos participantes emergiram as categorias: percepção dos pais sobre sua inserção nos serviços de saúde; percepção dos pais frente sua participação no grupo de gestantes. Conclusão: Participantes sentiram-se excluídos dos serviços, demonstrando que estratégias de intervenção em saúde precisam ser (re)construídas, visando implementar ações que insiram os pais como participantes ativos no cuidado, reconhecendo sua relevância para o desenvolvimento humano saudável.

Diminuição dos Níveis Séricos do Receptor Solúvel da Oncostatina M (sOSMR) e Glicoproteína 130 (sgp130) em Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana / Decreased Serum Levels of Soluble Oncostatin M Receptor (sOSMR) and Glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento A oncostatina M (OSM) é uma citocina pleiotrópica que, após lesão arterial, demonstra ser expressa rapidamente. Objetivos Correlacionar os níveis séricos da OSM, do receptor solúvel de oncostatina M (sOSMR) e da fração solúvel de glicoproteína 130 (sgp130) em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) a parâmetros clínicos. Métodos Os níveis de sOSMR e sgp130 foram avaliados por ELISA, enquanto os de OSM foram avaliados por Western Blot, em pacientes com SCC (n=100), pacientes com SCA (n=70) e 64 voluntários do grupo de controle sem manifestações clínicas da doença. Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Pacientes com DAC exibiram níveis significativamente mais baixos de sOSMR e sgp130 e níveis mais altos de OSM em comparação ao grupo de controle (ambos p <0,0001). A análise clínica mostrou níveis mais baixos de sOSMR em homens ([OR] = 2,05, p = 0,026), jovens (OR = 1,68, p = 0,0272), hipertensos (OR = 2,19, p = 0,041), fumantes (OR = 2,19, p = 0,017), pacientes que não apresentavam dislipidemia (OR = 2,32, p = 0,013), pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM] (OR = 3,01, p = 0,001) e pacientes não tratados com estatina (OR = 1,95, p = 0,031), antiplaquetário (OR = 2,46, p = 0,005), inibidores dos canais de cálcio (OR = 3,15, p = 0,028) e antidiabéticos (OR = 2,97, p = 0,005). Os níveis de sOSMR também foram correlacionados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos na análise multivariada. Conclusões Nossos dados sugerem que o aumento dos níveis séricos de OSM e a diminuição dos níveis de sOSMR e sGP130 em pacientes com injúria cardíaca podem desempenhar um papel importante no mecanismo fisiopatológico da doença. Além disso, níveis mais baixos de sOSMR foram associados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos.

Abstract Background Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine which, after arterial injury, has proven to be to be rapidly expressed. Objectives To correlate the serum levels of OSM, soluble OSM receptor (sOSMR), and soluble fraction of glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with clinical parameters. Methods Levels of sOSMR and sgp130 were evaluated by ELISA and OSM by Western Blot, in patients with CCS (n=100), patients with ACS (n=70), and 64 control volunteers without clinical manifestations of the disease. P-values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results CAD patients exhibited significantly lower levels of sOSMR and sgp130 and higher levels of OSM when compared to the controls (both p < 0.0001). Clinical analysis displayed, lower levels of sOSMR in men ([OR] = 2.05, p = 0.026), youth (OR = 1.68, p = 0.0272), hypertensives (OR = 2.19, p = 0.041), smokers (OR = 2.19, p = 0.017), patients that did not present dyslipidemia (OR = 2.32, p = 0.013), patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] (OR = 3.01, p = 0.001) and patients not treated with statin (OR = 1.95, p = 0.031), antiplatelet agent (OR = 2.46, p = 0.005), inhibitors of calcium channels (OR = 3.15, p = 0.028), and antidiabetic drugs (OR = 2.97, p = 0.005). The levels of sOSMR were also correlated with gender, age, hypertension, and use of medications in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data suggest that the enhanced serum levels of OSM, and decreased levels of sOSMR and sGP130 in patients with cardiac injury may play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism of the disease. Furthermore, lower levels of sOSMR were associated with gender, age, hypertension, and the use of medications.

Percepção pública da ciência em tempos de pandemia: algumas questões / Public perception of science in times of pandemic: some questions

Nesta nota de conjuntura, destaca-se um pouco do histórico das pesquisas de percepção pública da ciência no Brasil e no mundo, como forma de dar subsídios a uma reflexão sobre o cenário atual, após o início da pandemia de covid-19. São ressaltados os indicadores que tais pesquisas conseguem elucidar e os possíveis impactos da pandemia nos mesmos, trazendo alguns dados mais recentes. Ademais, a conjuntura exige que se faça uma ponderação sobre o contexto de desinformação, pós-verdade e infodemia que estamos vivenciando, exacerbado pelo contexto de crise política no Brasil. Em especial, as críticas à mídia tradicional e à própria ciência precisam ser levadas em consideração quando se trata da 'politização da pandemia' e do combate às narrativas travado no país, mas não apenas aqui. Busca-se, assim, refletir sobre os possíveis caminhos da percepção pública que os brasileiros têm da ciência, após todas as mudanças causadas pela pandemia.

Percepção pública da ciência em tempos de pandemia: algumas questões / Public perception of science in times of pandemic: some questions / Percepción pública de la ciencia en tiempos de pandemia: algunas preguntas

Nesta nota de conjuntura, destaca-se um pouco do histórico das pesquisas de percepção pública da ci-ência no Brasil e no mundo, como forma de dar subsídios a uma reflexão sobre o cenário atual, após o início da pandemia de covid-19. São ressaltados os indicadores que tais pesquisas conseguem elucidar e os possíveis impactos da pandemia nos mesmos, trazendo alguns dados mais recentes. Ademais, a conjuntura exige que se faça uma ponderação sobre o contexto de desinformação, pós-verdade e info-demia que estamos vivenciando, exacerbado pelo contexto de crise política no Brasil. Em especial, as críticas à mídia tradicional e à própria ciência precisam ser levadas em consideração quando se trata da 'politização da pandemia' e do combate às narrativas travado no país, mas não apenas aqui. Busca-se, assim, refletir sobre os possíveis caminhos da percepção pública que os brasileiros têm da ciência, após todas as mudanças causadas pela pandemia

In this conjuncture note, we highlight some of public perception of science's history in Brazil and in the world, as a way of providing subsidies for a reflection on the current scenario, after the start of the covid-19 pandemic. We present the indicators that such research can elucidate and the possible impacts of the pandemic on these indicators, bringing some recent data. Furthermore, the conjuncture requires that we consider the context of disinformation, post-truth and infodemic that we are experiencing, exacerbated by the context of Brazilian political crisis. In particular, criticisms of traditional media and science itself need to be taken into account when it comes to the 'politicization of the pandemic' and the fight against narratives waged in the country, but not just here. Thus, we seek to reflect on possible paths of public perception of science by Brazilians after all the changes caused by the pandemic

En esta nota de coyuntura, se destaca un poco del histórico de las investigaciones sobre la percepción pública de la ciencia en Brasil y en el mundo, como una forma de subsidiar una reflexión sobre el escenario actual, después del inicio de la pandemia de covid-19. Se señalan los indicadores que pueden dilucidar y los impactos de la pandemia en ellos, trayendo algunos datos más recientes. Además, la coyuntura requiere que se haga una reflexión sobre el contexto de desinformación, posverdad e infodemia que estamos viviendo, exacerbado por el contexto de crisis política en Brasil. En particular, las críticas a los medios tradicionales y a la propia ciencia deben tenerse en cuenta cuando se trata de la 'politización de la pandemia' y la lucha contra las narrativas que se ocurre en el país, pero no solo aquí. Así, buscamos reflexionar sobre los posi-bles caminos de percepción pública que los brasileños tienen de la ciencia, después de todos los cambios provocados por la pandemia

Controvérsia científica no jornalismo: uma análise sobre a cobertura da pílula do câncer / Scientific controversy in journalism: an analysis of the coverage of the cancer pill

Este artigo analisa a controvérsia científica relativa ao uso da fosfoetanolamina sintética no tratamento de câncer, que ganhou destaque em 2015 e 2016. Por meio de uma análise de conteúdo quantitativa, examinamos 231 textos publicados nos jornais Folha de S. Paulo e O Estado de S. Paulo sobre a chamada "pílula do câncer". Verificamos que, apesar da cobertura ter se concentrado nas seções de saúde, a abordagem do tema não se limitou a aspectos científicos. Houve destaque para o enfoque político-jurídico e ético-moral, explicitando que a ciência possui desdobramentos que extrapolam o âmbito acadêmico. Várias fontes e vozes foram consultadas, o que refletiu em diferentes posicionamentos e atores sociais.