Learning challenges in Physical Therapy, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, and Occupational Therapy undergraduate programs during the COVID-19 pandemic / Desafios de aprendizagem nos cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia e Terapia Ocupacional durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose COVID-19 posed numerous challenges to educational programs that had to quickly adapt to remote online learning (ROL) to ensure the continuity of health professional training over the pandemic. We aimed to assess the students' and professors' perceptions of the teaching-learning process in the Physical Therapy, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, and Occupational Therapy undergraduate programs at a Brazilian public university. Methods We used an electronic self-reported questionnaire with multiple-choice questions on a Likert scale ranged 1-5; higher the score, higher the level of agreement/importance/satisfaction. Results Most of undergraduate students and teachers had previous experience using information and communication technologies, and 85% stated their preference for in-person learning. Students expressed their appreciation for more active learning methodologies with clear objectives, accessible content, and visualization of abstract concepts. Regarding benefits and barriers, some similar perceptions were observed between students and teachers with ROL favoring time management, benefits in the teaching-learning process, satisfaction and motivation with the course content, and low attendance rates to general academic activities due to absent or poor access to technological resources. Conclusion ROL is an alternative learning mode when the in-person classes cannot be carried out, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. ROL is believed to be unfit to replace in-person learning, although it can complement the traditional classroom-based education in a hybrid model, respecting the nature of each program in the field of health that requires in-person practical training.

RESUMO Objetivo O COVID-19 impôs inúmeros desafios aos programas educacionais que tiveram que se adaptar rapidamente ao aprendizado remoto on-line (ARO) para garantir a continuidade da formação dos profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a percepção de alunos e professores sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem dos cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia e Terapia Ocupacional de uma universidade pública brasileira. Métodos Foi utilizado um questionário eletrônico autoaplicável com questões de múltipla escolha em escala Likert de 1 a 5; quanto maior a pontuação, maior o nível de concordância/importância/satisfação. Resultados A maioria dos alunos de graduação e professores tinha experiência anterior no uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação, e 85% afirmaram preferir o ensino presencial. Os alunos expressaram preferência por metodologias de aprendizagem mais ativas, com objetivos claros, conteúdo acessível e visualização de conceitos abstratos. Em relação aos benefícios e barreiras, algumas percepções semelhantes foram observadas entre alunos e professores com ARO favorecendo a gestão do tempo, benefícios no processo ensino-aprendizagem, satisfação e motivação com o conteúdo do curso e baixa frequência às atividades acadêmicas gerais por ausência ou dificuldade de acesso aos recursos tecnológicos. Conclusão O ARO pode ser uma modalidade alternativa de aprendizado quando as aulas presenciais não podem ser realizadas, como no caso da pandemia do COVID-19. Porém, o ARO é inadequado para substituir a aprendizagem presencial, embora possa complementar a educação presencial tradicional em um modelo híbrido, respeitando a natureza de cada programa na área da saúde que exige formação prática presencial.

Home-based training program in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: a randomized pilot study

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effects of home-and center-based exercise training programs on functional capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, daily physical activity level, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) over a 12-week period. METHODS: This study included 23 patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction 31±6%) randomized to a home-based (n=11) or center-based (n=12) program. Patients underwent 12 weeks of aerobic training (60%-70% heart rate reserve): walking for the home-based and supervised cycling for the center-based group, both combined with resistance training (50% of 1 maximum repetition). At baseline and after 12 weeks of training, we assessed cardiopulmonary test variables, 6-min walk test distance (6 MWD), steps/day with accelerometry, and QoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire). Maximal inspiratory pressure and handgrip strength were measured at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of training. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03615157. RESULTS: There were no adverse events during training in either group. The home- and center-based training groups obtained similar improvements in peak oxygen uptake, maximal ventilation, and 6 MWD. However, there were significant between-group differences: center-based training was more effective in improving maximal inspiratory pressure (p=0.042), number of steps/day (p=0.001), and QoL (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Home-based training is safe and can be an alternative to improve the exercise capacity of patients with stable CHF. However, center-based training was superior in improving inspiratory muscle strength, QoL, and daily physical activity.

Smoking load reduction is insufcient to downregulate miR­301b, a lung cancer promoter

Abstract Several circulating miRNAs identified in the plasma of smokers have been implicated as promoters of nasopharyngeal and lung carcinoma. To investigate the plasma profile of miRNAs in subjects who reduces the number of smoked cigarettes and who quit after six months. We accompanied 28 individuals enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Program over 6 months. At Baseline, clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, and smoking history were similar among subjects. After 6 months, two groups were defined: who successfully quitted smoking (named "quitters", n = 18, mean age 57 years, 11 male) and who reduced the number of cigarettes smoked (20­90%) but failed to quit smoking (named "smokers", n = 10, mean age 52 years, 3 male). No significant clinical changes were observed between groups at baseline and after a 6-month period, however, quitters showed significant downregulations in seven miRNAs at baseline: miR-17 (− 2.90-fold, p = 0.029), miR-20a (− 3.80-fold, p = 0.021); miR-20b (− 4.71-fold, p = 0.027); miR-30a (− 3.95-fold, p = 0.024); miR-93 (− 3.63-fold, p = 0.022); miR-125a (− 1.70-fold, p = 0.038); and miR-195 (− 5.37-fold, p = 0.002), and after a 6-month period in 6 miRNAs: miR-17 (− 5.30-fold, p = 0.012), miR-20a (− 2.04-fold, p = 0.017), miR-20b (− 5.44-fold, p = 0.017), miR-93 (− 4.00-fold, p = 0.041), miR-101 (− 4.82-fold, p = 0.047) and miR-125b (− 3.65-fold, p = 0.025). Using time comparisons, only quitters had significant downregulation in miR-301b (− 2.29-fold, p = 0.038) after 6-month. Reductions in the number of smoked cigarettes was insufficient to change the plasma profile of miRNA after 6 months. Only quitting smoking (100% reduction) significantly downregulated miR-301b related to hypoxic conditions, promotion of cell proliferation, decreases in apoptosis, cancer development, and progression as increases in radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance.

Efeitos do tabagismo e da cessação do tabagismo sobre os mecanismos de defesa das vias aéreas e expressão de MIRnas em sangue periférico de humanos / Effects of smoking and smoking cessation on defense mechanisms of the airways and expression of mirnas in human peripheral blood

OBJETIVO: Investigar o perfil de miRNAs em indivíduos participantes de um grupo de cessação ao tabagismo. MÉTODOS: Caracterizamos os mecanismos de defesa das vias aéreas por meio do transporte mucociliar (TMC) e avaliamos a expressão de miRNAs no plasma de indivíduos que participaram do Grupo de Cessação ao Tabagismo do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia (n=28, idade média 56 anos), após seis meses eles foram divididos em 2 grupos: aqueles que obtiveram sucesso na cessação (Cessadores, n=18, idade média 57 anos, 11 homens) e aqueles que reduziram a exposição ao cigarro (20-90%) porém continuaram fumando (Tabagistas, n=10, três homens). RESULTADOS: Na avaliação basal, as características clínicas, co-morbidades, histórico de tabagismo e carga tabágica foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Observamos que os tabagistas apresentaram TMC prolongado e que a cessação do tabagismo induziu à normalização do TMC. Comparando os Cessadores com os Tabagistas, sete miRNAs foram regulados negativamente: miR-17 (-2. 90-fold, p=0. 029), miR-20a (-3. 80-fold, p=0. 021); miR-20b (-4. 71-fold (p=0. 027); miR-30a (-3. 95-fold, p=0. 024); miR-93 (-3. 63-fold, p=0. 022); miR-125a (-1. 70-fold, p=0. 038); and miR-195 (-5. 37-fold, p=0. 002). Após seis meses, seis miRNAs foram diferentemente expressos com regulação negativa nos Cessadores em relação aos Tabagistas: miR-17 (-5. 30-x, p=0. 012), miR-20a (-2. 04f-x, p=0. 017), miR-20b (-5. 44-x, p=0. 017), miR-93 (-4. 00-x, p=0. 041), miR-101 (-4. 82-x, p=0. 047) e miR-125b (-3. 65-x, p=0. 025). Entretanto, somente o grupo de Cessadores apresentou após 6 meses, regulação negativa significantdo miR-301b (-2. 29-x, p=0. 038). CONCLUSÃO: Muitos MiRNAs que foram identificados no plasma de tabagistas têm sido associados ao desenvolvimento de carcinoma na sofaríngeo e câncer de pulmão. A redução da carga tabágica não foi suficiente para alterar esse perfil de expressão dos miRNAs. Somente a cessação do tabagismo promoveu regulação negativa do miR-301b que está relacionado com condições de hipóxia, de promoção da proliferação celular, da inibição do apoptose e aumento da resistência à quimioterapia. Descritores: microRNAs; Fumar; Abandono do hábito de fumar; Neoplasias pulmonares; Inflamação; Biomarcadores.

Risk factors for inspiratory muscle weakness in chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure is commonly associated with inspiratory muscle weakness. However, few studies have investigated the risk factors for inspiratory muscle weakness in individuals with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction (left-ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40%). METHODS: Seventy subjects were recruited in a cardiac center. We assessed clinical parameters, smoking history, peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, echocardiographic variables, and brain natriuretic peptide. The subjects were classified with inspiratory muscle weakness when the maximum inspiratory pressure was <70% of predicted values. RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects (51%) had inspiratory muscle weakness. The subjects with inspiratory muscle weakness and the subjects with no inspiratory muscle weakness were similar in age, sex, body mass index, medication use, and physical activity. However, the subjects with inspiratory muscle weakness had lower LVEF (P = .003), systolic blood pressure (P = .01), diastolic blood pressure (P = .042), quadriceps muscle strength (P = .02), lung function (P = .035), increased brain natriuretic peptide (P = .02), smoking history (P = .01), and pulmonary hypertension incidence (P = .03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found a lower LVEF, increased smoking history, and lower systolic blood pressure as significant independent predictors for inspiratory muscle weakness. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of lower LVEF, lower systolic blood pressure, and smoking history predicted inspiratory muscle weakness. Patients with suspected inspiratory muscle weakness should be examined and, if inspiratory muscle weakness exists, then inspiratory muscle training should be provided. Reducing inspiratory muscle weakness has the potential to improve many of the deleterious effects of chronic heart failure. (AU)

Efeitos de um programa de treinamento domiciliar sobre a capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica / Effects of a home training program on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure

INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento físico melhora a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica (IC). Entretanto, devido à baixa disponibilidade de centros de reabilitação cardíaca e limitações pessoais (custos de transporte, tempo, preferências), a inclusão e a adesão ao treinamento físico supervisionado são baixas, sendo proposto o treinamento domiciliar como alternativa. OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos de dois programas de treinamento: um domiciliar e um supervisionado ao longo de 12 semanas sobre a capacidade funcional, atividade física diária e qualidade de vida em pacientes com IC. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 23 pacientes com IC (classe funcional NYHA II e III, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ≤40%) randomizados em Grupo Domiciliar (GD, n=11) ou Grupo Supervisionado (GS, n=12). Os pacientes realizaram, ao longo de 12 semanas exercícios aeróbios (60-70% da frequência cardíaca de reserva): caminhada para o GD e cicloergômetro para o GS combinados a exercícios resistidos (50% de uma repetição máxima). As variáveis-desfecho foram: pico de consumo de oxigênio e ventilação máxima do teste cardiopulmonar, distância percorrida no teste da caminhada de seis minutos, força muscular do quadríceps, pressão inspiratória máxima, número de passos/dia e qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: Após 12 semanas,GD e GS apresentaram aumentos significantes (p=0,025) no pico de consumo de oxigênio (0,8 e 3,7 ml/kg/min, respectivamente), na ventilação máxima (11,5 e 15,6 l/min, respectivamente), na distância percorrida (40 e 25 m, respectivamente), na porcentagem de força muscular do quadríceps (21% e 11%, respectivamente) e na qualidade de vida avaliada por meio do questionário Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (1 e 13, respectivamente), sem diferenças entre GD e GS. Entretanto, o GS mostrou melhora na força muscular inspiratória (p=0,042), aumento no número de passos/dia (p=0,001) e no componente de saúde mental do questionário SF-36 (p=0,001) superior ao GD. CONCLUSÕES: O treinamento domiciliar pode ser uma alternativa ao treinamento supervisionado para melhorar a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida em pacientes com IC. Além desses benefícios, o treinamento supervisionado foi superior em aumentar a força muscular inspiratória, o número de passos/dia e melhorar os aspectos de saúde mental em pacientes com IC. (AU)

Is there any benefit using low-intensity inspiratory and peripheral muscle training in heart failure? A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Inspiratory and peripheral muscle training improves muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). However, studies investigating different workloads for these exercise modalities are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of low and moderate intensities on muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.METHODS:Thirty-five patients with stable HF (aged >18 years, NYHA II/III, LVEF <40%) were randomized to: non-exercise control group (n = 9), low-intensity training group (LIPRT, n = 13, 15% maximal inspiratory workload, and 0.5 kg of peripheral muscle workload) or moderate-intensity training group (MIPRT, n = 13, 30% maximal inspiratory workload and 50% of one maximum repetition of peripheral muscle workload). The outcomes were: respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, exercise tolerance by the 6-minute walk test, symptoms based on the NYHA functional class, and quality of life using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire...

The effects of smoking and smoking cessation on nasal mucociliary clearance, mucus properties and inflammation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess nasal mucociliary clearance, mucus properties and inflammation in smokers and subjects enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Program (referred to as quitters). METHOD: A total of 33 subjects with a median (IQR) smoking history of 34 (20-58) pack years were examined for nasal mucociliary clearance using a saccharine transit test, mucus properties using contact angle and sneeze clearability tests, and quantification of inflammatory and epithelial cells, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in nasal lavage fluid. Twenty quitters (mean age: 51 years, 9 male) were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months after smoking cessation, and 13 smokers (mean age: 52 years, 6 male) were assessed at baseline and after 12 months. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02136550. RESULTS: Smokers and quitters showed similar demographic characteristics and morbidities. At baseline, all subjects showed impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (mean 17.6 min), although 63% and 85% of the quitters demonstrated significant nasal mucociliary clearance improvement at 1 month and 12 months, respectively. At 12 months, quitters also showed mucus sneeze clearability improvement (∼26%), an increased number of macrophages (2-fold) and no changes in mucus contact angle or cytokine concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study showed that smoking cessation induced early improvements in nasal mucociliary clearance independent of mucus properties and inflammation. Changes in mucus properties were observed after only 12 months of smoking cessation.

Reproducibility for heart rate variability analysis during 6-Min walk test in patients with heart failure and agreement between devices

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a useful method to assess abnormal functioning in the autonomic nervous system and to predict cardiac events in patients with heart failure (HF). HRV measurements with heart rate monitors have been validated with an electrocardiograph in healthy subjects but not in patients with HF. We explored the reproducibility of HRV in two consecutive six-minute walk tests (6MW), 60-minute apart, using a heart rate monitor (PolarS810i) and a portable electrocardiograph (called Holter) in 50 HF patients (mean age 59 years, NYHA II, left ventricular ejection fraction ~35%). The reproducibility for each device was analysed using a paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Additionally, we assessed the agreement between the two devices based on the HRV indices at rest, during the 6MW and during recovery using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), 95% confidence intervals and Bland-Altman plots. The test-retest for the HRV analyses was reproducible using Holter and PolarS810i at rest but not during recovery. In the second 6MW, patients showed significant increases in rMSSD and walking distance. The PolarS810i measurements had remarkably high concordance correlation [0.86

pH in exhaled breath condensate and nasal lavage as a biomarker of air pollution-related inflammation in street traffic-controllers and office-workers

OBJECTIVE: To utilize low-cost and simple methods to assess airway and lung inflammation biomarkers related to air pollution. METHODS: A total of 87 male, non-smoking, healthy subjects working as street traffic-controllers or office-workers were examined to determine carbon monoxide in exhaled breath and to measure the pH in nasal lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate. Air pollution exposure was measured by particulate matter concentration, and data were obtained from fixed monitoring stations (8-h work intervals per day, during the 5 consecutive days prior to the study). RESULTS: Exhaled carbon monoxide was two-fold greater in traffic-controllers than in office-workers. The mean pH values were 8.12 in exhaled breath condensate and 7.99 in nasal lavage fluid in office-workers; these values were lower in traffic-controllers (7.80 and 7.30, respectively). Both groups presented similar cytokines concentrations in both substrates, however, IL-1β and IL-8 were elevated in nasal lavage fluid compared with exhaled breath condensate. The particulate matter concentration was greater at the workplace of traffic-controllers compared with that of office-workers. CONCLUSION: The pH values of nasal lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate are important, robust, easy to measure and reproducible biomarkers that can be used to monitor occupational exposure to air pollution. Additionally, traffic-controllers are at an increased risk of airway and lung inflammation during their occupational activities compared with office-workers. .

Effects of different peep levels on mesenteric leukocyte-endothelial interactions in rats during mechanical ventilation

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves oxygenation and treats acute pulmonary failure. However, increased intrathoracic pressure may cause regional blood flow alterations that may contribute to mesenteric ischemia and gastrointestinal failure. We investigated the effects of different PEEP levels on mesenteric leukocyte-endothelial interactions. METHODS: Forty-four male Wistar rats were initially anesthetized (Pentobarbital I.P. 50mg/kg) and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 1) NAIVE (only anesthesia; n=9), 2) PEEP 0 (PEEP of 0 cmH2O, n=13), 3) PEEP 5 (PEEP of 5 cmH2O, n=12), and 4) PEEP 10 (PEEP of 10 cmH2O, n=13). Positive end expiratory pressure groups were tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, respiratory rate of 70 rpm, and inspired oxygen fraction of 1. Animals were maintained under isoflurane anesthesia. After two hours, laparotomy was performed, and leukocyte-endothelial interactions were evaluated by intravital microscopy. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in mean arterial blood pressure among groups during the study. Tracheal peak pressure was smaller in PEEP 5 compared with PEEP 0 and PEEP 10 groups (11, 15, and 16 cmH2O, respectively; p<0.05). After two hours of MV, there were no differences among NAIVE, PEEP 0 and PEEP 5 groups in the number of rollers (118±9,127±14 and 147±26 cells/10minutes, respectively), adherent leukocytes (3±1,3±1 and 4±2 cells/100µm venule length, respectively), and migrated leukocytes (2±1,2±1 and 2±1 cells/5,000µm², respectively) at the mesentery. However, the PEEP 10 group exhibited an increase in the number of rolling, adherent and migrated leukocytes (188±15 cells / 10 min, 8±1 cells / 100 µm and 12±1 cells / 5,000 µm², respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High intrathoracic pressure was harmful to mesenteric microcirculation in the experimental model of rats with normal lungs and ...

Cirurgia cardíaca infantil em hospital geral: procedimentos e resultados em 5 anos de experiência / Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in a General Hospital. Procedures and Results in 5 Years Experience

Objetivo - Estabelecer rotina para cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica em hospital geral, visando diminuiçäo dos riscos, maior certeza diagnóstica, uma abordagem mais precisa e conseqüente melhoria dos resultados. Métodos - Trezentos e noventa crianças portadoras de cardiopatias congênitas foram submetidas a correçäo cirúrgica em período de 5 anos. Entre os procedimentos habituais enfatizam-se o diagnóstico näo invasivo, a internaçäo conjunta com a mäe, a reduçäo do período de hospitalizaçäo, os cuidados com a coleta e preservaçäo do sangue, bem como a preferência pelo sangue fresco, as técnicas de monitorizaçäo, anestesia, circulaçäo extra-corpórea e proteçäo miocárdica, cuidados com a estética das incisöes em pacientes do sexo feminino e cuidados pós-operatórios. Resultados - Evidenciou-se um alto índice de extubaçäo precoce, com diminuiçäo significativa das complicaçöes pulmonares secundárias à ventilaçäo mecânica prolongada. As complicaçöes pós-operatórias como instabilidade hemodinâmica, arritmias bem como sangramento aumentado, näo foram, freqüentes. Os baixos índices de mortalidade e o curto período de internaçäo hospitalar confirmaram os bons resultados. Conclusäo - A elaboraçäo de rotina para cirurgia cardíaca peiátrica, com eliminaçäo ou minimizaçäo dos riscos inerentes a cada etapa, possibilitou uma melhoria progressiva dos resultados cirúrgicos

Purpose - To establish the routines for pediatric cardiac surgery in a general hospital, with a view to acurate diagnostic, a more precise intervention, a reduction of the risks and consequently an improvement of the results. Methods - Three hundred and ninety surgeries were carried out in children with congenital heart disease. The method use highlighted noninvasive diagnosis, joint lodging, reduced period of hospitalization, care with the collection and preservation of blood, as well as the preference for fresh blood, techniques of monitoring, anesthesia, cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial protection, concern with aesthetic incision for female patients and postoperative critical care. Results - A high rate of early extubation was observed, with a signifcant reduction of the pulmonary complications resulting from prolonged mechanical ventilation. Low haemodynamic instability, arrhythmia and postoperative bleeding rates were uncommon. The low mortality rate and the average hospitalization period confirmed the good results. Conclusion - With the establishment of routines for pediatric cardiac surgery, we observed a progressive improvement of the results, with low rates of morbidity and mortality in a general hospital