Acceptance of Behavior Guidance Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry Between American and Colombian Parents.

Purpose: To compare the degree of acceptance of behavior guidance techniques (BGT) in pediatric dentistry between American and Colombian parents. Methods: American parents (n=150) and Colombian parents (n=150) of children between three and 12 years of age undergoing pediatric dental treatment participated in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Parents viewed a video depicting 10 BGTs approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and rated their acceptance on a visual analog scale. Differences in the degree of acceptance were analyzed using quantile regression analysis. The level of significance was set at five percent. Results: American parents generally demonstrated higher median acceptance scores across various BGTs compared to Colombian parents (P<0.05). American parents exhibited higher acceptance levels of tell-show-do, voice control, non-verbal communication, positive reinforcement, distraction, presence/absence of parents and nitrous oxide, with statistically significant differences noted. American parents also displayed higher acceptance scores for advanced techniques such as protective stabilization, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Conclusion: American parents consistently exhibited higher acceptance BGTs, suggesting variations in cultural attitudes toward pediatric dental care between the two groups.

Validation of a New Duplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis DNA Detection in Ocular Swab Samples.

Trachoma is the world-leading infectious cause of preventable blindness and is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. In developing countries, diagnosis is usually based on clinical evaluation. Serological-based tests are cheaper than molecular-based ones, but the latter are more sensitive and specific. The present study developed a new duplex qPCR which concomitantly detects the C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid and the human 18S rRNA gene, with an LOD95% for C. trachomatis DNA of 13.04 genome equivalents per reaction. The new qPCR was tested using 50 samples from an endemic area and 12 from a non-endemic area that were previously characterized using direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and clinical evaluation. Among the 50 endemic samples, 3 were found to be positive by clinical evaluation (6%), 18 were found to be positive by DFA (36%), and 48 were found to be positive by qPCR (96%). Next, the new duplex qPCR was validated using 50 samples previously characterized by qPCR. Validation was carried out on a benchtop instrument (ABI7500) or on a portable point-of-care instrument (Q3-Plus), showing 95% specificity and 100% sensitivity. The ubiquitous presence of C. trachomatis DNA in samples from the endemic region confirms that constant monitoring is of paramount importance for the effective measurement of the elimination of trachoma. The newly developed duplex qPCR presented in this study, along with its validation in a portable qPCR system, constitutes important tools toward achieving this goal.

Development of undergraduate students' diagnostic accuracy for the classification of molar incisor hypomineralization.

INTRODUCTION: One of the major difficulties with respect to molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is its classification and differentiation from other enamel development defects (EDDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in dental students to classify MIH as well as its differentiation from other EDDs by combining conventional theoretical classes and e-learning-assisted pre-clinical practices. METHODS: In this one-group pre-test and post-test study, 59 second-year students assessed 115 validated photographs using the MIH Index on the Moodle learning platform. This index assesses the clinical features and extent of MIH, differentiating it from other EDDs. Students received automatic feedback after the pre-test. Two weeks later, students re-evaluated the same photographs. Both pairwise accuracy and overall diagnostic accuracy were estimated and compared for pre- and post-testing, with the area under the curve AUC, along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: The lowest diagnostic accuracy was for the ability to discriminate between white or cream-coloured demarcated opacities and hypomineralization-type defect that is not MIH. The overall pre-test accuracy was AUC = 0.83 and increased significantly post-test to AUC = 0.99 (p < .001). The overall accuracy to discriminate the extent of the lesion also increased significantly post-test (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic skills to classify MIH can be developed by combining conventional theoretical classes and e-learning-assisted pre-clinical practices.

Characterization of enamel developmental defects in patients with orofacial clefts and their relationship to surgical procedures.

AIMS: This study aimed to characterize the prevalence of development defects of enamel (DDE) in patients with cleft based on the cleft phenotype and explore the relationship between surgical procedures and different types of DDE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 290 standardized orthodontic documentation and medical records from a reference hospital were evaluated, which treated patients with: cleft lip (CL), cleft lip with alveolar bone involvement (CLa), cleft lip and palate (CLP), cleft palate (CP), cleft median (CM), and considering laterality as unilateral or bilateral. DDE was assessed using the Ghanim Index (2015). Information on surgical intervention periods was obtained from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using prevalence ratio (PR) for DDE comparisons between cleft phenotypes and surgical procedures. RESULTS: The prevalence of DDE was 77.2%. Demarcated hypomineralization was associated with CP and CLP, while hypoplasia was associated with CLa, especially when bilateral. Hypoplasia was also associated with the labial adhesion surgery. CONCLUSION: Demarcated hypomineralization was the most common DDE in this population, and the cleft phenotype influenced the type of DDE manifested. The lip adhesion surgery increased the chances of hypoplasia manifestation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The type of DDE in patients with cleft depends on the cleft phenotype. Understanding this susceptibility enables the multidisciplinary team to monitor dental development, thus allowing early diagnosis and timely referral to the pediatric dentist and better prognoses.

Aspects of Sexuality in Quilombola Communities' Young Adults in Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Quilombola communities are descended from African slaves who escaped in resistance to imperial rule in Brazil. Today, these communities suffer from inadequate health care and health promotion programs due to socioeconomic, geographic, and political factors. This generates greater vulnerability among these groups because they have limited information about prevention to improve their quality of life. This research aimed to analyze the sexuality of young quilombola adults and the impact on their quality of life through an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study with descriptive and inferential analyses. Our study is the first to address these issues among quilombolas in the Eastern Amazon region. The participants were 79 individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 to 35 years, belonging to seven communities in the state of Pará. The questionnaires were designed to assess sexual behavior and satisfaction, values and beliefs about sexuality, prejudice regarding sexual and gender diversity, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about maternity, and quality of life. Women reported greater sexual dissatisfaction and lower quality of life than men. Men reported no dysfunctions; however, they were highly prejudiced towards sexual and gender diversity. Low education negatively impacts the health of quilombola populations, as knowledge about STIs and values and beliefs influence sexual behavior, exposing individuals to diseases. The research also confirms that, both among quilombolas and other groups, factors such as sexual satisfaction, values and beliefs about reproduction, and affectivity directly influence the quality of life.

Amazon Amandaba-Prevalence, Risk Factors and Self-Care Perception Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is a gradual loss of protective sensation in the skin and the function of the foot joints, increasing the risk of injury as the disease progresses. The objective of this study was to verify whether socioeconomic factors, health risk factors, and self-care are associated with DPN. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional with 228 individuals of ≥30 years in Family Health Strategies in a city in the eastern Amazon, in northern Brazil, using questionnaires containing socioeconomic information, clinical and laboratory parameters, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. RESULTS: The prevalence of DPN was 66.6%. The presence of neuropathy is associated with male gender, dyslipidemia, and increased microalbuminuria. Logistic regression analysis revealed male subjects' increased BMI and altered HDL levels were associated with DPN. CONCLUSIONS: In men with altered BMI, and dysregulation in biochemical parameters, neuropathy is more prevalent.

Amazon Amandaba-Sociodemographic Factors, Health Literacy, Biochemical Parameters and Self-Care as Predictors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) and its domains (functional, critical, and communicative) appear to be related to self-care adherence in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). This study aimed to verify if sociodemographic variables are predictors of HL, if HL and the sociodemographic factors affect biochemical parameters together, and if HL domains are predictors of self-care in DM2. METHODS: We used the baseline assessment data from 199 participants ≥ 30 years in the project, "Amandaba na Amazônia: Culture Circles as a Strategy to Encourage Self-care for DM in Primary Health Care," which took place in November and December 2021. RESULTS: In the HL predictor analysis, women (p = 0.024) and higher education (p = 0.005) were predictors of better functional HL. The predictors of biochemical parameters were: glycated hemoglobin control with low critical HL (p = 0.008); total cholesterol control with female sex (p = 0.004), and low critical HL (p = 0.024); low-density lipoprotein control with female sex (p = 0.027), and low critical HL (p = 0.007); high-density lipoprotein control with female sex (p = 0.001); triglyceride control with low Functional HL (p = 0.039); high levels of microalbuminuria with female sex (p = 0.014). A low critical HL was a predictor of a lower specific diet (p = 0.002) and a low total HL of low medication care (p = 0.027) in analyses of HL domains as predictors of self-care. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors can be used to predict HL, and HL can predict biochemical parameters and self-care.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in adolescents and adults and its association with facial profile and occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To date, there are no data available in the scientific literature about the diagnosis of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in adults. We aimed to assess the MIH prevalence and clinical characteristics in adolescents and adults and its association with facial profile and occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, permanent teeth were evaluated in 275 patients between the ages of 12 and 49 at a dental clinic, using intraoral photographs. A calibrated examiner classified enamel hypomineralization using the MIH index. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, Fisher's tests, and ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: MIH was observed in 12.73% of all patients. The most commonly affected teeth were permanent molars, while incisors, premolars, and canines were less affected. MIH usually appears as demarcated opacities, with less than one-third of the tooth affected. There was no association between severe defects and facial profile and occlusion, but rather with the higher age of the participants. CONCLUSION: Enamel hypomineralization mainly affects the first and second permanent molars, but it could also be observed in the third molars, although it is not associated with the orthodontic characteristics investigated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first study to highlight the prevalence of MIH in adults. This result showed the importance of other specialists beyond Pediatric Dentistry in the diagnosis of this defect. In addition, hypomineralization of other permanent teeth (canines, premolars, and second molars) has been described previously in other studies, but this is the first to identify MIH in third molars.

Association between hypomineralization of deciduous and molar incisor hypomineralization and dental caries.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the severity of hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM), molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and dental caries in children. 450 children between the ages of 6 and 7 years were included in this cross-sectional study. A calibrated examiner classified the enamel hypomineralizations and dental caries lesions using the MIH and HSPM and the Nyvad criteria, respectively. The primary outcome was the severity of MIH according to the severity of HSPM. Statistical analysis was performed using the generalized linear model and ordinal logistic regression. The prevalence of concomitant MIH and HSPM was 26% sex and age adjusted. Mild enamel defects were more frequent than severe enamel defects. An association was found between the severity of MIH and HSPM, both for mild defects (OR=87.54; 95%CI: 55.87, 137.17) and severe defects (OR=82.15; 95%CI: 45.72, 147.61). The severity of hypomineralization in permanent molars was associated with the activity of dental caries lesions (OR=29.85; 95%CI: 12.95, 68.83). To conclude, there is a strong association between the severity of HSPM and MIH, which is more significant in the presence of active dental caries lesions.

Association between hypomineralization of deciduous and molar incisor hypomineralization and dental caries

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the association between the severity of hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM), molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and dental caries in children. 450 children between the ages of 6 and 7 years were included in this cross-sectional study. A calibrated examiner classified the enamel hypomineralizations and dental caries lesions using the MIH and HSPM and the Nyvad criteria, respectively. The primary outcome was the severity of MIH according to the severity of HSPM. Statistical analysis was performed using the generalized linear model and ordinal logistic regression. The prevalence of concomitant MIH and HSPM was 26% sex and age adjusted. Mild enamel defects were more frequent than severe enamel defects. An association was found between the severity of MIH and HSPM, both for mild defects (OR=87.54; 95%CI: 55.87, 137.17) and severe defects (OR=82.15; 95%CI: 45.72, 147.61). The severity of hypomineralization in permanent molars was associated with the activity of dental caries lesions (OR=29.85; 95%CI: 12.95, 68.83). To conclude, there is a strong association between the severity of HSPM and MIH, which is more significant in the presence of active dental caries lesions.

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a associação entre a severidade da Hipomineralização de Segundos Molares decíduos (HSMD), da Hipomineralização de Molares e Incisivos (HMI) e cárie dentária em crianças. Neste estudo transversal foram incluídas 450 crianças entre 6 e 7 anos de idade. Um examinador calibrado classificou as hipomineralizações e lesões de cárie dentária utilizando o índice da HMI/HMD e o critério Nyvad, respectivamente. O desfecho primário foi a severidade da HMI de acordo com a severidade da HSMD. As análises estatísticas foram realizas usando o modelo linear generalizado e regressão logística ordinal. A prevalencia concomitante da HMI e HMSD foi de 26 % ajustada por sexo e idade. Defeitos leves foram mais frequentes que os defeitos severos. Foi encontrada a associação entre a severidade da HMI e da HSMD para defeitos leves (OR=87.54; IC95%: 55.87, 137.17) e severos (OR=82.15; IC95%: 45.72, 147.61). A severidade da hipomineralização em molares permamentes foi associada a atividade da lesão de cárie dentária (OR=29.85; IC95%: 12.95, 68.83). Conclui-se que existe uma forte associação entre a severidade da HSMD e da HMI, a qual foi mais significante na presença lesões ativas de cárie.

Association Between Frequency and Severity of Dental Fluorosis and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the frequency and severity of dental fluorosis (DF) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in a fluoridated salt region. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we evaluated the buccal, occlusal/incisal, and palatal/lingual surfaces of first permanent molars and permanent incisors of 453 patients aged 13-16 years through intraoral standardized photographs. Two standardized examiners evaluated DF and MIH independently, utilizing the Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) index and the MIH index. The statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear model and logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and dental caries experience. RESULTS: The MIH frequency at the surface level was lower in the presence of DF (PR= 0.03; P= 0.00, 95% CI: 0.01-0.08). At the surface level, MIH severity was lower among those presenting mild DF (aOR= 0.02; 95% IC: 0.01-0.07). Regarding severe DF, we found no significant difference in MIH severity (P= 0.174). CONCLUSION: MIH frequency and severity tend to be lower in the presence of DF.

Forecasting the seasonal dynamics of Trichoplusia ni (Lep.: Noctuidae) on three Brassica crops through neural networks.

The cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lep.: Noctuidae), is a destructive pest of Brassica crops. Their larvae defoliate plants, leading to reduced crop yield. Understanding and modeling pest seasonal dynamics is central to management programs because it allows one to set up sampling and control efforts. This study aimed to train, with field-collected data, artificial neural networks (ANN) for T. ni forecasting on Brassica crops. ANNs were used due to their suitability to fit complex models with multiple predictors. Three weather variables (air temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity lagged at different intervals from the day of pest assessment) and three host plants (broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) along with another plant-related variable (days after transplanting) were used as input variables to build ANNs with different topologies. Two outputs (T. ni eggs or larvae) were tested to verify which one would yield more precise models. ANNs forecasting T. ni eggs performed better, based on Pearson's correlation (rv) of observed with fitted values. The winning ANN (rv = 0.706) had weather data lagged by 15 days, 2 neurons in the hidden layer, hyperbolic tangent as the activation function, and resilient propagation as the learning algorithm. Broccoli and cauliflower were the hosts with major contributions for T. ni occurrence. Rainfall was the primary environmental predictor and affected T. ni negatively. Therefore, the winning ANN may be used to forecast T. ni egg densities 15 days in advance, allowing for timely management of this pest.

Mucoadhesive controlled-release formulations containing morin for the control of oral biofilms.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of morin on polymicrobial biofilms and its cytotoxicity in controlled-release films and tablets based on gellan gum. Polymicrobial biofilms were formed from saliva for 48 h under an intermittent exposure regime to 1% sucrose and in contact with films or tablets of gellan gum containing 2 mg of morin each. Acidogenicity, bacterial viability, dry weight and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides from biofilms were evaluated. The cytotoxicity of morin was evaluated in oral keratinocytes. Morin released from the systems reduced the viability of all the microbial groups evaluated, as well as the dry weight and insoluble polysaccharide concentration in the matrix and promoted the control of acidogenicity when compared with the control group without the substance. Morin was cytotoxic only at the highest concentration evaluated. In conclusion, morin is an effective agent and shows antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against polymicrobial biofilms.

Survival of stainless-steel crowns and composite resin restorations in molars affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus on the superiority of any material for the restorative treatment of molars affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). AIM: To evaluate the survival of restorations with stainless-steel crown (SSC) or composite resin (CR) in first permanent molars affected by MIH for 24 months. DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, 61 CR and 54 SSC restorations placed on molars affected by MIH of patients, aged between 7 and 10, that were treated and overseen at a university dental clinic in the period of 2017-2020 were evaluated. The primary outcome was the failure-free survival time. Parametric survival models were used for data censored by interval, and the comparison between SSC and CR was performed using the hazard ratio function with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The survival of SSC and CR restorations after 24 months was 94.4% and 49.2%, respectively. This difference was influenced by the presence of previous restoration (aHR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.2-9.4) and cusp involvement (aHR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.5-11.2). CONCLUSION: In molars with MIH and the need for restorative treatment, SSC had a significantly higher survival rate than CR over 24 months.

Does molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) affect only permanent first molars and incisors? New observations on permanent second molars.

BACKGROUND: The second permanent molar plays an important role when considering extraction of first permanent molars severely affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). AIM: To assess the association between MIH and enamel hypomineralization of the second permanent molars in terms of presence and severity. DESIGN: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, permanent teeth were evaluated in 453 patients between the ages of 13 and 16 at a dental clinic, using intraoral photographs. A calibrated examiner classified enamel hypomineralization using the MIH index and dental caries experience using the DMFT and DMFS indices. Statistical analyses were performed using a linear generalized model and ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: The most commonly affected teeth by enamel hypomineralization were permanent molars, whereas incisors, premolars, and canines were less affected. The presence of severe defects in the first permanent molars was associated with mild defects in the second permanent molars (OR = 4.01; 95% CI: 2.50-7.77). Enamel hypomineralization was associated with increased caries experience (PR = 5.54; 95% CI: 3.81-9.06). CONCLUSION: Enamel hypomineralization mainly affects the first and second permanent molars. Mild defects in the second permanent molars tend to be more frequent in patients with severe MIH in the first permanent molars. The presence of enamel hypomineralization was associated with higher dental caries experience.

Expressões da violência de gênero vivenciadas por terapeutas ocupacionais: narrativas e ações de enfrentamento no cotidiano / Expressions of gender violence experienced by occupational therapists: narratives and coping actions in everyday life

Resumo A estrutura social patriarcal produz e sustenta violências cotidianas individuais e coletivas. Baseamo-nos na ideia de "corpos/experiências", como pulsão vital para o existir, compreendendo o corpo-terapia ocupacional, profissão predominantemente feminina, para retratar as violências de gênero. O objetivo foi compreender as percepções de terapeutas ocupacionais, atuantes do campo da saúde, sobre violências de gênero em seus cotidianos, por meio da cartografia como dispositivo metodológico. Foram analisadas 67 respostas de terapeutas ocupacionais dentre 1018 respondentes de questionário remoto produzido pelo coletivo Adelaides em pesquisa sobre experiências de violência de gênero no Brasil vivenciadas por mulheres do campo da saúde coletiva. Com questões narrativas e de múltipla escolha, o questionário foi distribuído em três seções: dados socioeconômicos; atuação profissional e acadêmica; experiências envolvendo machismo e violência, e em ações de enfrentamento. Os dados numéricos foram analisados com estatística simples e os qualitativos baseadas na técnica analítica da tradução das narrativas. Os resultados indicam que 91% das participantes sofreram violências por ser mulher nos espaços cotidianos do domicílio, de estudo, trabalho e/ou ambientes públicos. As formas de enfrentamento utilizadas foram organizadas em quatro ações: formar e pesquisar, politizar, romper e cuidar. Concluímos que o cotidiano se apresenta como um espaço-tempo potencial das expressões, visíveis e invisíveis, da ação humana, que podem se manifestar por ações violentas, assim como por ações de enfrentamento, assumindo aspectos de reprodução ou transformação das relações estabelecidas como as embebidas na cultura da violência a que as mulheres estão submetidas.

Abstract The patriarchal social structure produces and sustains individual and collective violence every day. We are based on the idea of ​​"bodies/experiences", as a vital drive for existence, comprising occupational body-therapy, a predominantly female profession, to portray gender violence. The objective was to understand the perceptions of occupational therapists working in the health field about gender violence in their daily lives, through cartography as a methodological device. We analyzed 67 responses from occupational therapists among 1018 respondents to a remote questionnaire produced by the Adelaides collective in a research on experiences of gender violence in Brazil experienced by women in the field of public health. With narrative and multiple-choice questions, the questionnaire was divided into three sections: socioeconomic data; professional and academic performance; experiences involving machismo and violence, and in coping actions. Numerical data were analyzed using simple statistics and qualitative data based on the analytical technique of narrative translation. The results indicate that 91% of the participants suffered violence for being a woman in the daily spaces of the home, study, work and/or public environments. The coping ways used were organized into four actions: training and research, politicizing, breaking away and caring. We conclude that everyday life presents itself as a potential space-time of expressions, visible and invisible, of human action, which can be manifested by violent actions, as well as by confrontational actions, assuming aspects of reproduction or transformation of established relationships such as those embedded in in the culture of violence to which women are subjected.

O telemonitoramento como estratégia de intervenção da terapia ocupacional com crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista no contexto pandêmico / Telemonitoring as a strategy for the intervention of occupational therapy of children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders in the pandemic context

Resumo Introdução A terapia ocupacional tem atuado na perspectiva do cotidiano dos sujeitos e de seus modos de viver, tendo em vista as transformações, impactos e consequências geradas pela pandemia da COVID-19. Dentre as possibilidades de atuação do terapeuta ocupacional, tem-se o telemonitoramento. Objetivo Relatar a experiência de um projeto de extensão universitária no que tange ao telemonitoramento de crianças e adolescentes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) e suas famílias. Método A equipe do projeto é composta por uma docente do departamento de terapia ocupacional e alunas de pós-graduação e graduação. Foi realizado um levantamento das demandas e interesses das famílias, sendo posteriormente selecionados treze crianças e dois adolescentes para as ações de telemonitoramento. Resultados As intervenções visaram à organização do cotidiano, rotina e orientação familiar. Aponta-se que o cuidado ofertado não se restringiu ao núcleo familiar, de forma que também foi realizado acompanhamento regular e apoio às equipes escolares. Conclusão O telemonitoramento possibilitou a continuidade do cuidado, promovendo o acolhimento, escuta qualificada e orientação, com base no que tem sido proposto pelas diretrizes de cuidado e políticas públicas.

Abstract Introduction Occupational Therapy has acted from the perspective of the subjects' daily lives and their ways of living, given the transformations, impacts, and consequences generated by the pandemic of COVID-19. Among the possibilities of work of the occupational therapist, there is telemonitoring. Objective To report an experience of a university extension project regarding the telemonitoring of children and adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Method The project team is composed of a teacher from Occupational Therapy Department, and graduate and undergraduate students. A survey of the demands and interests of the families was carried out, and thirteen children and two teenagers were subsequently selected for telemonitoring actions. Results The interventions are aimed at an organization of daily life, routine, and family orientation. It is pointed out that the care offered was not restricted to the family nucleus, so regular monitoring and support for school teams were also carried out. Conclusion Telemonitoring enabled the continuity of care, as well as support for the care network, promoting a welcoming, qualified listening and guidance, based on what has been proposed by the care guidelines and public policies.

Modified Hall technique for severely hypomineralized molars. Report of cases / Técnica de Hall modificada para molares severamente hipomineralizados. Reporte de casos / Técnica de Hall modificada para molares severamente hipomineralizados. Relato de caso

Abstract This article reviews the indications, objectives and step by step process of the Modified Hall Technique in the management of primary and permanent molars affected by severe enamel hypomineralization. Scientific based biological principles are discussed in order to provide relevant clinical information for Pediatric and General dentists in order to provide support for the safe use the technique in clinical practice.

Resumen En este artículo se revisan las indicaciones, objetivos y proceso paso a paso de la Técnica de Hall Modificada en el manejo de molares primarios y permanentes afectados por hipomineralización severa del esmalte. Los principios biológicos basados en la evidencia se discuten con el fin de proporcionar información clínica relevante para los odontólogos pediátricos y generales con el fin de proporcionar apoyo para el uso seguro de la técnica en la práctica clínica.

Resumo Neste artigo foram revisadas as indicações, objetivos e o passo a passo da Técnica de Hall Modificada para o manejo de molares decíduos e permanentes afetados pela hipomineralização severa do esmalte. Os princípios biológicos baseados na evidência são discutidos com o objetivo de proporcionar informações clínicas relevantes para odontopediatras e clínicos gerais, a fim de lhes fornecer apoio para o uso seguro da técnica na prática clínica.

Ready-to-use qPCR for detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis or Trypanosoma cruzi in food matrices.

Foodborne outbreaks caused by parasites have long been a public health issue. Among the available contamination detection methods, qPCR is one of the most sensitive and specific. However, it can be cumbersome and error-prone, if used by unexperienced users. Moreover, qPCR reagents usually require freezer temperatures for transportation and storage. We present a gelified reaction format that allows the reagents to be stored at 2-8 °C for up to 90 days without losing performance. The gelification process eliminates most operator mistakes during reaction setup, and renders the qPCR plates ready-to-use. The new reaction makeup was evaluated using artificially contaminated samples of distinct food matrices for sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. Samples consisted of cilantro leaves and raspberry fruits spiked with Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts, as well as açai pulp and sugarcane juice tainted with Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. No significant difference between the gelified and the non-gelified qPCR was found. Our results suggest that gelifying the assay may help to achieve more reproducible qPCR data across laboratories, thus supporting surveillance actions. (170 words).